Symphony 3 in E Flat Major / Manfred Overture

On this CD:

1. Manfred, overture & incidental music, Op. 115 Overture
Composed by Robert Schumann
Performed by Basel Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Mario Venzago

2. Konzertstück for 4 horns & orchestra in F major, Op. 86 Lebhaft
Composed by Robert Schumann
Performed by Basel Symphony Orchestra with Paolo Bordoni
Conducted by Mario Venzago

3. Konzertstück for 4 horns & orchestra in F major, Op. 86 Romanze, Ziemlich langsam, doch nicht schleppend
Composed by Robert Schumann
Performed by Basel Symphony Orchestra with Paolo Bordoni
Conducted by Mario Venzago

4. Konzertstück for 4 horns & orchestra in F major, Op. 86 Sehr lebhaft
Composed by Robert Schumann
Performed by Basel Symphony Orchestra with Paolo Bordoni
Conducted by Mario Venzago

5. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ("Rhenish"), Op. 97 Lebhaft
Composed by Robert Schumann
Performed by Basel Symphony Orchestra with Paolo Bordoni
Conducted by Mario Venzago

6. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ("Rhenish"), Op. 97 Scherzo. Mässig
Composed by Robert Schumann
Performed by Basel Symphony Orchestra with Paolo Bordoni
Conducted by Mario Venzago

7. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ("Rhenish"), Op. 97 Nicht schnell
Composed by Robert Schumann
Performed by Basel Symphony Orchestra with Paolo Bordoni
Conducted by Mario Venzago

8. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ("Rhenish"), Op. 97 Feierlich
Composed by Robert Schumann
Performed by Basel Symphony Orchestra with Paolo Bordoni
Conducted by Mario Venzago

9. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ("Rhenish"), Op. 97 Lebhaft
Composed by Robert Schumann
Performed by Basel Symphony Orchestra with Paolo Bordoni
Conducted by Mario Venzago

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
Violin Concerto - second movement
The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Swan Lake - Waltz
Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
Hungarian Dance No.5
Lullaby
Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
Die Fledermaus - Overture
Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
AnnenPolka, Op. 117
Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
Don Juan, Op. 20
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
Angelus
Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
Les Préludes
Boléro
Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
La Valse
Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
Humoresque, Op. 101
Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
Carneval Overture, Op. 92
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
Nordic Melody Op. 63
Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
Frühlingsgruss
Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
Manfred Overture, Op. 115
Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
Die Rose stand im Tau
Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

Schumann: Symphonies 1-4; Manfred Overture

Average customer rating:

Definitive
Schumann shines
Armchair or Open Windows
More a warning than a review
Strong Historical Performance, Interpretation

Schumann: Symphonies 1-4; Manfred Overture
Robert Schumann , George Szell , and Cleveland Orchestra
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Dvorak: Symphony No7;Symphony No8;Symphony No9
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 1-6
Grieg, Schumann: Piano Concertos
Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 92, 94 & 96
EMI Great Recordings of Century - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4/Klemperer

ASIN: B0000029PC
Release Date: 1996-10-01

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 in 3-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish': I. Lebhaft
Symphony No. 3 in 3-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish': II. Scherzo: Sehr Massig
Symphony No. 3 in 3-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish': III. Nicht Schnell
Symphony No. 3 in 3-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish': IV. Feierlich
Symphony No. 3 in 3-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish': V. Lebhaft
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: I. Ziemlich langsam-Lebhaft
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: II. Romanze: Ziemlich langsam
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: III. Scherzo: Lebhaft-Trio
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: IV. Langsam-Lebhaft
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: 'Manfred' Overture, Op. 115

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In B-Flat Major, Op. 38 'Spring': I. Andante un poco maestoso-Allegro molto vivace
Symphony No. 1 In B-Flat Major, Op. 38 'Spring': II. Larghetto
Symphony No. 1 In B-Flat Major, Op. 38 'Spring': III. Scherzo: Molto vivace-Trio I: Molto piu vivace-Trio II
Symphony No. 1 In B-Flat Major, Op. 38 'Spring': IV. Allegro animato e grazioso
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, Op. 61: I. Sostenuto assai-Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, Op. 61: II. Scherzo: Allegro vivace-Trio I-Trio II
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, Op. 61: III. Adagio expressivo
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, Op. 61: IV. Allegro molto vivace

Amazon.com

George Szell was on record as saying that he believed there was no reason the Schumann symphonies shouldn't be "as popular as Tchaikovsky." When they're played like this, it's hard to disagree. Schumann is one of those composers that every conductor does, but that few do really well. Part of the problem stems from the monochrome orchestration. Szell makes minor adjustments for the sake of clarity, but otherwise leaves it up to his superb orchestra to achieve the proper balances. And despite the usual extraordinary discipline that he imposes on his players, he's not afraid to let the music's Romantic temper burst out now and again in a surge of energy. With excellently remastered sound, this set is certainly one for the record books. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Definitive.......2007-05-17

These definitive recordings show an unusually warm George Szell--not the cold hearted tyrant of legend--working out with the astonishingly polished Cleveland Orchestra. And for once the remastered Columbia/Sony sonics are deep and full and without high end distortion, faithfully reproducing the silky string sound of Severance Hall. These are essential recordings that confirmed Schumann's place as a major symphonist.

Schumann shines.......2007-05-13

This recording has opened up an appreciation of Schumann that I did not have before. Powerful and expressive performance by Szell.

Armchair or Open Windows.......2006-10-25

Brian Knox (review entered below) makes some interesting points about these famed recordings. Szell has a great (and altogether deserved) reputation as a conductor of classical directness and integrity. But - and there is a but with these great recordings - these recordings are not altogether as satisfying as their almost legendary reputation might suggest. There is an unexpected 'plushiness' to Szell's balances that mutes and dulls the edge of these genuinely exciting symphonies. There is just a little too much of the armchair and too little of the open-window.

This is a consequence of Szell's (wholly legitimate) view of these symphonies and their sound-world, of his revisions to the scores and of the recorded balances. Christoph von Dohnanyi (still with the great Cleveland Orchestra) lets far more sunlight and fresh-air onto the scene. So too does Klemperer - a fantastic but rare set (marred a little by his ponderous view of the 2nd symphony). David Zinman with the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich is bright, buoyant and wonderfully alive (an outstanding version of the 2nd symphony).

But the real point is that these symphonies are superb works and any of these sets would provide much enjoyment.

More a warning than a review.......2006-02-26

Fantastic set, one of my favorite of a huge pile--the one I seem to go back to most frequently.

If you buy this and the CDs are in non-removable cardboard sleeves inside the packaging (they should be), CAREFULLY take the discs out and put them in jewel cases for the remainder of their (or your) lives. The idiotically designed packaging actually scratches up the discs--primarily the second one (the glued inside (!!) seam rubs up against the surface). I'm meticulous with my CD handling and discovered, to my horror, that this has happened with nearly every set I own in this series!

I've encountered worse elsewhere--trendy avant-garde labels are the worst, they might as well package CDs in sandpaper or include a crowbar [If the moron who designed the breathtakingly idiotic packaging for the KAIROS Morton Feldman disc ever reads this, be warned, I will track you down someday and ruin your career as a designer]; it's amazing that at this late date in the evolution of the CD packaging designers still haven't developed the right sensitivities or simply yielded wholly to the imperfect but better-than-anything-else stock jewel box. Why that ingenius package that would actually automatically lift and free the disc when opened never caught on (despite the added 10 cent per unit cost, that I, for one, would gladly have absorbed) is anybody's guess.

[Post note: Amazing, I publish this solely to cue people that there's a problem with the packaging on this and I get a "not helpful" vote! What a putz!]

Strong Historical Performance, Interpretation.......2005-10-18

As anyone acquainted with "the Trio of German Romantics" (Clara and Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms) will know, Robert Schumann's orchestrations are often criticized as greatly inferior to his compositions' other attributes, as well as sub-par with regard to other composers' orchestrations. Gustav Mahler, for example, in attempting to revive Robert Schumann's symphonies, went so far as to essentially re-orchestrate the whole of the four symphonies, he thought the original orchestration so horrendous. Many have followed in this path of adding or taking away from Robert Schumann's orchestrations to popularize his symphonies.

George Szell, who conducts this recording, criticizes such revisions (in the front cover) as "adulterating the character of these works by wrapping them in a meretricious garb of sound alien to their nature." Szell, at home with both the Cleveland Orchestra and Robert Schumann's Symphonies, however, adds some notes and changes of his own atop of Schumann's original scores, though he classifies his alterations as "guided by conscience and taste". According to the front cover, Szell's changes, developed over his years performing the four symphonies, consist of "eliminating doublings, adding or changing notes to clarify themes, adjusting harmonics", as well as the obligatory adjustment of timpani notes (since Schumann wrote for his timpani some dissonant tones, due to the primitive nature of timpani tuning at the time).

Szell's changes to Schumann's orchestration, allegedly in "conscience and taste", are greatly indicative of how Szell views Schumann historically. Szell systematically limits the symphonies' orchestrations to trends likely observed close after "the end" of the Classical period. In Szell's performance the upper strings are the supremely dominant source of melody, as Szell seems to restrain the highly-apt brass section of the Cleveland Orchestra (except, in some cases, the horns) to a role of, largely, dramatic emphasis. Grossly lopsided or unbalanced orchestration, or anything too prominently featuring winds is avoided by Szell, and the full string section is never far from the forefront of the music. Still, Szell often allows the Cleveland Orchestra's lower strings and woodwinds the freedom and spotlight more often the convention in later Romantic works: Szell acknowledges that Schumann's works are after Beethoven's death. All of this through only a relatively small amount of changes to key areas of the music.

Robert Schumann's occasionally underappreciated Symphony no. 3 in Eb ("Rhenish"), can be our case study of Szell's balance between Beethoven's/Mozart's classical refinement and restraint in orchestration and a Brahms's/Bruckner's overt expression and use of orchestra players more equally. In the first movement, for example, horns and the more piercing woodwinds are still allowed the prominence Schumann originally placed them in, but Szell seems to have instructed the players to hold back, both in volume and robustness of expression. On the other hand, Szell summons goose bumps to the back of a Brahms fan, with the two phrases which are almost verbatim from Brahms's Third symphony (at about 7:00 minutes in this recording): Szell makes certain the Orchestra plays with a firm evocation of "Frei aber Froh".

The "Rhenish" Adagio, too, is balanced between Classical taste and Romantic expression. The woodwinds beneath the melody are performed softly and the effect is touching, but the notes are not as moody as they might be in, say, a Debussy piece. Altogether, the effect of this more rigid approach to emotion is much the same as one would expect in a German Classicist: rather than focus on raw, untamed sentiment, the listener is brought to bear with a more cerebral, rational display of themes, variation, etc. This can be good and bad, of course, depending on how you listen to Classical music, and what you think of Robert Schumann, personally. Often, in Beethoven's symphonies, it is important that the listener does not become too enraptured in the momentary experience, for soon he will be removed from that moment and placed further ahead in the developing storyline. Likewise Szell's aversion to blatantly "romantic" Romanticism allows us to see the broader picture of Schumann's music which is a prize in and of itself, though it might be recognized only by a relatively small cognoscente. If you'd rather hear rubato themes and highly expressive notes, this may be a long performance for you, as moments of pure passion are few and far between.

These symphonies and overture are performed almost entirely mistake free, by a world caliber Cleveland Orchestra, well-versed in the ways of its long-time captain (at that time, at least), George Szell. Szell's "taste and conscience", as well as his love for Schumann (through his dedication to both historical accuracy and modern-day attractiveness) shine through this collection expertly, assigning Schumann's symphonic works into the modern Classical listener's repertoire with surprising force.

This collection is not a "must buy". However this set may well be the best performance and direction of the several moderate, historically-minded interpretations of Robert Schumann's symphonies out there. And such historically-minded recordings are the types of recordings you'll want before getting into any radical alteration of Schumann's (such as Mahler's versions). As an introduction to Robert "Schumann: beyond the song", this CD set comes highly recommended. Very highly.

Average customer rating:

Uneven quality but great value
A superb collection of Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Octets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLJ2
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Uneven quality but great value.......2007-04-30

Brilliant Classics has found a niche with their extremely low-price multi-disc collections of the work of a single composer or performer. The Bach, Mozart and Chopin Complete Editions are legitimately considered to be artistic and economical triumphs. But the Masterworks series are more uneven. Currently available from Amazon France at about a buck per CD, they're still a bargain for those interested in quickly building a music library. But it's worth keeping a few things in mind. Unlike the Bach and Mozart Editions, these are not always historically informed performances. In this Mendelssohn set, the Hanover Band puts in a cameo (in Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), but most of the ensembles use modern instruments, techniques and proportions. This doesn't always work out, as in the case of the ponderously heavy recordings of the String Symphonies by an apparently full complement of Gewandhausorchester Leipzig strings (Mendelssohn likely wrote these early works for a much smaller group). The caliber of the performances varies too, ranging from good to poor, and from marquis musicians such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau to a few Dutch who-dats. The chamber musicians generally acquit themselves well (though the Octet recording is marred by an engineering flaw in the last movement, distortion, at least on my copy). But the symphonies suffer from some substandard performances, such as the Italian Symphony's live recording with not only audience noise but also ensemble flaws such as a distracting clarinet squeak in the first movement's recapitulation. Another strike is the lack of program notes. Brilliant's Complete Editions provide a booklet or CD-ROM with program notes, but here you'll need to do your own research.

Despite these shortcomings, this set is still good value (at least at Amazon France's current price of 31 Euros). And it's a fine way to become acquainted with Mendelssohn's music.

A superb collection of Mendelssohn.......2007-03-24

Let me preface this by saying that most of these works were not new to me - I own many other Mendelssohn CDs and have enjoyed his compositions for some time now. Also, this set is available much cheaper elsewhere, particularly from European retailers.
The symphonies are well-performed. 'Reformation' is an inspired live recording. The 12 string symphonies, written in Mendelssohn's youth, are also included. The concertos are exceptional - the violin concerto is as good as you'll find anywhere. The oratorios Elijah and Paulus are included, as well as the complete chamber works and a diverse assortment of choral works. The last few discs include the Lied ohne worte, the epic organ sonatas, and excellent renditions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Fingal's Cave. While there are a few sketchy performances in the choral and chamber works, the performances and recordings are generally very solid, and the body of work couldn't be better.

Tchaikovsky Symphonic Poems / Manfred Symphony

Average customer rating:

This is it. Really!
One of the greatest achievements in the Tchaikovsky discography--Not to be missed
A Superb Bargain
An Outstanding Collection

Tchaikovsky Symphonic Poems / Manfred Symphony
Tchaikovsky , Russian National Orchestra , and Pletnev
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Tchaikovsky: Complete Suites for Orchestra
Sibelius: Tone Poems
Dvorak: Symphonic Poems
Mussorsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, Night on the Bare Mountain
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No 5

ASIN: B0001ZWGIS
Release Date: 2004-06-15

Customer Reviews:

This is it. Really!.......2007-05-18

Everything said by the reviewers below is true.

This is the greatest, most magnificent rendition of these pieces, ever. And I've heard dozens of interpretations on record, from Bernstein on down (or on up).

Nothing but color, excitement, electricity, philosophical wisdom, perfect musical judgment, and delicious playing is heard for about 4 hours on these 3 discs. Gorgeous. When the "1812" ended (the last track on the last disc), I felt tears coming into my eyes - a reaction more to the culmination of the whole set than to the roaring cannons. By the way, the explosions are vivid in this old warhorse.

Pletnev puts Muti to shame in the Manfred - and gives Jansons a cruel run for his money, and is better recorded than Jansons, to boot.

I love this profoundly. If you're looking for these pieces, this is the one. Really.

One of the greatest achievements in the Tchaikovsky discography--Not to be missed.......2006-11-19

This is an inexpensive issue of phenomenal interpretations, electric when necessary, always on target.

Mikhail Pletnev began his career as a pianist, but when the USSR finally collapsed he took up conducting, piecing together his own orchestra of virtuoso players from the shambles. He made these recordings for Deutsche Grammaphon over a four year period; Manfred and the Tempest in 1993, the rest during two months in 1996. (I wonder what I was doing during those days.) The recorded sound is excellent--perhaps a little recessed here and there in Marche slave, but it is nothing to quibble over. The DG engineers do Pletnev proud, giving him the big Tchaikovsky sound without being terribly bombastic. And while we are on the topic of the bombastic...

Fatum is and excellent, neglected work. Many complain of its awkward form and bombastic nature, but I find little trace of this. Perhaps it is my love of Tchaikovsky's music in general that renders this music so delightful to me--perhaps it is Pletnev. He also does well in the other three little known works, namely The Voyevoda, The Festival Overture on the Danish National Anthem, and The Overture in F major (inaccurately described as Op. 67 on the case, that number belongs to Hamlet). Give these works time and they shall become nearly as much of a joy to listen to as Romeo and Juliet. The middle section of The Voyevoda is taken at a deliciously slow pace, allowing Tchaikovsky's beautiful writing to sing out in full. No complaints about the other two either.

Now to discuss the more popular works, many of which are still unjustly neglected. The Tempest comes to mind. It is my favorite piece of any sort that I have come across, period. Romeo and Juliet is sited in the Penguin Guide as one of the best in existence. The same guide states that the present recordings of Francesca da Rimini and Hamlet are very much in the same league as Stokowski's famous account. The introduction of Capriccio italien may be on the slow side, but Pletnev makes up for it with plenty of verve later on. 1812 Overture is also pleasantly executed.

Tchaikovsky's Manfred Symphony is simply not played enough. But here it is, coupled with a near complete program of Tchaikovsky Symphonic Poems at bargain price. The interpretation is nothing to scoff at either ("one of his finest Tchaikovsky records." Penguin Guide). I have heard complaints about the rubato, but do not see anything wrong with a few small tempo changes--and they are small. This account is among the best, about as excellent as Jansons' fabulous recording.

The packaging is good, the notes sparse, but if you want to know more about these works, the internet is more than willing to oblige.

Overall, this is indeed the best, a must for any admirer of the music or the performers (I am an admirer of both). If you desire but a single disc collection, Berstein's mid-price Sony recording is quite good, if you don't mind an analogue recording. Dorati's Double Decca is also fine, if a little lacking when compared to Berstein or Pletnev. I own another recording of all but two of the works in this trio set, and I prefer Pletnev in most every case. In other words, Pletnev is the way to go.

A Superb Bargain.......2006-05-09

Here is the place to get your Tchaikovsky program-music fix. It's all here, from the well-known and well-loved to the obscure and rightly-so. Into that latter category falls "Fatum," one of the Russian's most fatuous and bombastic compositions but still worth a listen for the colors this master orchestrator can draw from the instruments. And DG's recording captures the all-important low end of the orchestral spectrum, including bass drum, thrillingly! Similarly, the "Manfred Symphony," though not as well known as it should be, is a marvelous piece of orchestration, from the delicate shimmer of the waterfall and its attendant Alpine fairy, which Tchaikovsky paints in what amounts to a scherzo, to the wild bacchanal of the finale, rounded out with one of his most beautifully serene passages. Riccardo Muti's white-hot reading of this work on EMI is my favorite, but Pletnev is not far behind, and he is accorded slightly finer sound.

Among the well-known and well-loved compositions, there are "Romeo and Juliet" and "Francesca da Rimini," both given bold and dramatic readings here. In "Francesca da Rimini," I find Pletnev's tendency to luxuriate over certain passages hinders the flow of the music; this seems a common failure among pianists turned conductor, such as Daniel Barenboim and Christoph Eschenbach. But the conclusion of the work is wildly exciting in Pletnev's reading, as is the battle music in "Romeo," and in this work Pletnev is refreshingly straightforward in his approach.

If you don't know "The Voyevoda," Pletnev's reading should make you an instant admirer. This odd, demonically driven piece is Tchaikovsky's last tone poem; note the use of the celesta, a brand-new instrument that Tchaikovsky introduced to the music world in his "Nutcracker" around the same time, 1890-91. "The Voyevoda" is another tragic love tale like "Romeo" and "Francesca," but it has a focus and singleness of purpose that are rare among Tchaikovsky's tone poems. "Hamlet," for instance, is one of those pieces that seem to ramble a bit--like "Fatum"--but Pletnev does as much as he can with it.

In those great old chestnuts "Marche Slav" and the "1812 Overture," Pletnev and his forces really deliver. True, these pieces almost play themselves, but the performances here sound especially idiomatic, full of Russian melancholy at the opening, Russian fire at the close.

The only omission I can think of is Tchaikovsky's early "The Storm," not to be confused with "The Tempest," which DG does include in this box set. If you want "The Storm," there is a nice recording from Naxos with Antoni Wit; it includes a sympathetic if slightly understated performance of the Fifth Symphony. But "The Tempest" is a more striking work, with a very dramatic opening and some thrilling tone painting in the pages that portray the eponymous tempest. Pletnev and his orchestra do it to a T. As with the "Manfred Symphony" and "The Voyevoda," I believe this is underrated Tchaikovsky and am glad Pletnev does it such justice.

DG provides big, sumptuous sound in all these works, really underscoring the drama inherent in Pletnev's readings. In fact, these are some of the best sounding discs I've heard of Tchaikovsky's music. So for lovers of Tchaikovsky's music and for sound buffs alike, this is indeed a great bargain.

An Outstanding Collection.......2004-11-06

The 3 CDs in this set are available separately from Deutsche Gramophone but the set is such a good buy that if you don't have any of the Pletnev/Russian National Orchestra series buy this set.

The performances come from 1994, 1997 and 1998. Each CD is generously filled (total timing: 237 minutes) with the third topping at 80:40. This is a fairly comprehensive survey of Tchaikovsky's shorter orchestral works. An exception is The Storm op. 76 (a work dating to 1864 but not performed and published until after the composer's death) but the omission is made up for with the obscure Overture in F major and the Festive Overture on the Danish National Anthem. The collection includes excellent performances of such staples as Romeo and Juliet, Francesca da Rimini, Marche slav, the 1812 Overture, Hamlet and Capriccio Italien.

Among the less familiar works there is an excellent recording of The Tempest and the works published following the death of Tchaikovsky: Fate op. 77 and Voyewoda op. 78. Fate has an interesting history. It was written in 1869, to no specific program, when Tchaikovsky was writing music under the tutelage of Milly Balakirev. The work was performed only twice, and when Balakirev made a critical comment Tchaikovsky withdrew the work and destroyed the score. Fate was assembled after his death and published.

The Manfred Symphony is also seldom performed and recorded and receives a great performance here. Mr. Pletnev takes a fast tempo at times. I think the conclusion of the first movement would have a more dramatic character if, like Andrew Litton and the Bournemouth, would have given more space to the music. Despite this small complaint, the symphony is beautifully played and the recording is nicely balanced, as are the other works.

This set is an excellent value, and even if you have some of the music recorded here you will want to have these superb performances. There is a booklet accompanying the set but it is only a brief survey of Tchaikovsky's music, as one would expect from a reduced price set.

Tchaikovsky: Complete Symphonies, Overtures

Average customer rating:

Careful - Misprinted copies!
Do not buy it.
Bargain price, but is this a bargain?
what a bargain!!

Tchaikovsky: Complete Symphonies, Overtures
Maurice Abravanel
Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Shostakovich: The String Quartets
Beethoven Collection: Symphonies Nos. 1-9, Complete Recording (Box Set)

ASIN: B00005QKFQ
Release Date: 2001-10-16

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 17: Andante sostenuto; Allegro vivo
Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 17: Andantino marziale
Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 17: Allegro molto vivace
Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 17: Moderato assai
Symphony No. 5 in E, Op. 64: Andante; Allegro con anima
Symphony No. 5 in E, Op. 64: Andante cantabile, con alcuna licenza
Symphony No. 5 in E, Op. 64: Valse: Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 5 in E, Op. 64: Andante maestoso; Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Manfred, Symphony in Four Tableux after the Dramatic Poem of Byron, Op. 58: Lento Lugubre: Moderato con moto: Andante
Manfred, Symphony in Four Tableux after the Dramatic Poem of Byron, Op. 58: Vivace con spirito
Manfred, Symphony in Four Tableux after the Dramatic Poem of Byron, Op. 58: andante con moto
Manfred, Symphony in Four Tableux after the Dramatic Poem of Byron, Op. 58: Allegro con fuoco
Marche Slave, Op. 31
Ouverture Solennelle, Op. 49

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74: Adagio; allegro non troppo
Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74: Allegro con grazia
Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74: Allegro molto vivace
Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74: Adagio lamentoso
Symphony No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 11: Allegro tranquillo
Symphony No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 11: Adagio cantabile ma non tanto
Symphony No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 11: Allegro scherzando giocoso

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 11: Andante lugubre; Allegro maestoso
Symphony No. 3 in D, Op. 29: Moderato assai; Allegro brillante
Symphony No. 3 in D, Op. 29: Allegro moderato e semplice
Symphony No. 3 in D, Op. 29: Andante elegiaco
Symphony No. 3 in D, Op. 29: Scherzo
Symphony No. 3 in D, Op. 29: Allegro con fuoco
Francesca da Rimini, Symphonic Fantasia after Dante, Op. 32

Tracks:

Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36: Andante sostenuto; Moderato con anima
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36: Andantino in modo di canzona
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36: Scherzo: Allegro
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36: Finale: Allegro con fuoco
Hamlet, Overture-Fantasy after Shakespeare, Op. 67a
"Romeo & Juliet," Overture Fantasy after Shakespeare

Customer Reviews:

Careful - Misprinted copies!.......2006-03-27

As others have said in their reviews, the Utah Symphony Orchestra does a good job, but does not overwhelm the listener with passion. Overall, a good buy to get all the symphonies in one collection.

HOWEVER, it seems that at least one release of this set contains a misprint where Disc 1 is actually another artist and genre altogether! My disc 1 is some sort of Gospel CD, and even looking it up in the CCDB database didn't turn up the artist or title. Perhaps Amazon will replace your copy if you have one of the misprints, but VOXBOX will NOT. So buy with care.

Do not buy it........2006-02-03

Not Even a recording of Tchaikovsky's Symphonies. This is really music you would here at a july 4th celebration.

Bargain price, but is this a bargain?.......2005-11-19

Maurice Abravanel and the Utah Symphony made a number of fine recordings for Vox, Vanguard, and Westminster in the 1960s and 1970s, especially of Milhaud, Harris, Copland and other 20th century composers. Abravanel, who became conductor of the Utah Symphony in the late 1940s, is credited as having raised the musicians' standard of playing, and getting the orchestra increased recognition through new recordings released during the early stereo era (late 1950s on).

The Utah Symphony plays well enough, but they do not have the power of the Philadelphia Orchestra under Ormandy, the Cleveland Orchestra under Szell, the Chicago Symphony under Reiner, in other words, of the major American orchestras. They are professional and more than competant, but do not have the lush string tone for Tchaikovsky's great moments. Therefore, you may find this wanting a bit for power in climaxes, and the louder parts of slow movements. When stacked against the best recordings of the Tchaikovsky Symphonies, Abravanel comes up short, sounding bland and unexciting.

However, there are some good recordings in this collection. Abravanel's Tchaikovsky Symphonies 1 and 2 are better than many recordings of these works, but there are exposed violin parts in Symphony 1: IV which are scratchy and out of tune. These parts are HARD to play, however, but the Utah Symphony doesn't have the precision of the Boston Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas (DG) or the Berlin Philharmonic under Karajan (DG), for example. Abravenel's Symphony 3 is also better than some, but not the best: dry acoustics make this rather lackluster sounding. Better for Symphony 3 is the Polish National Orchestra/Antoni Wit (Naxos).

Symphony 4 sounds good to me, but is a little light: it could use more power in the stormy pages of I, and the furious swirling passages of IV. For Symphonies 5 and 6, the competition is tough: lots of very fine recordings, so they suffer a little in comparison. 5 is especially dry; 6 fares better than 5, but neither can compare to Ormandy (Sony), Bernstein (Sony), or Wit (Naxos).

MANFRED is better than some, but again inferior to the best: Muti (EMI), Previn (EMI) or Markevitch/LSO (Philips). 1812 and Marche Slave are both excellent, Francesca less so - the lush string sound thing again.

So is this a bargain? For about $15.00, you get 7 major works and a bunch of discmates, but if you already have the great recordings listed above, you don't need this. I tend to go at the Tchaikovsky Symphonies disc by disc: Tilson Thomas/Boston (Symphony 1, DG); Markevitch/London Symphony (2, Philips);
Wit/Polish National (3, Naxos); Ormandy/Philadelphia(4, Sony);
Wit/Polish National (5, Naxos); Ormandy (6, Sony) are all suggested alternatives, but there are certainly many other excellent ones.

what a bargain!!.......2003-12-13

this collection is worth buying if only for the price--FIVE CDs for the price of one! for someone seeking an inexpensive way to explore the symphonic works of tchaikovsky this set is hard to beat. it is true that the perfomances are not at the same level of say bernstein and the NY philharmonic, they are admirably performed. personal favorites are symphonies 4,5 and 6. the utah symphony brings out the meaning and emotion of these masterworks of romanticism, particularly the muted sentiment of no. 6. the famous scherzo of no. 4 comes across with playful bounce you would expect. there are disappointments. the 1812 overture is okay, but lacks the punch of other performances, particularly the timeless one from nearly fifty years ago on the mercury label. the marche slave is a bit humdrum. but again, at this price for this much music, the flaws can be overlooked. highly recommended for beginning collectors on budget!

Average customer rating:

Best of Schumann

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

The Best of Haydn
The Best of Mendelssohn
Best of Schubert
The Best of Brahms
The Best of Liszt

ASIN: B0000014HD
Release Date: 1997-09-11

Tracks:

manfred, Op 115 - overture
kinderszenen, Op. 15 - traumerei (Dreaming)
Piano quintet In E Flat Major, Op.44 - scherzo : molto vivace - trio 1 - trio 2 - l'istesso tempo
fantasiestuke, Op. 73 - zart und mit ausdruck
Piano concerto In A Minor, Op. 54 - allegro affettuoso
carnaval Op. 9 - marche des davidsbundler cotre les philistins
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 97, 'rhenish' - scherzo: sehr massig
waldeszenen, Op. 82 - Bird As prophet
Symphony No.1 In B Flat Major, Op. 38, 'Spring' - Andante un poco maestoso - allegro molto vivace

Average customer rating:

Classical Highlights: Schumann

Manufacturer: St. Clair Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000CDLC1
Release Date: 2003-09-16

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor: Allegro Affettuoso
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor Intermezzo: Andante ...
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor: Allegro Vivace
Carneval
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): From Foreign Lands and People
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): Perfect Happiness
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): Important Event
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): Ride of the Rocking Horse
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): Almost Too Serious
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): Bogeyman's Coming
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): Child Falling Asleep
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): Hark! The Poet Speaks
Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra in a Minor: Nicht Zu Schnell
Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra in a Minor: Langsam
Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra in a Minor: Sehr Lebhaft
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor: Introduction
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor: Allegro
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor Romance
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor: Scherzo
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor: Finale
FantasiestFantasy Pieces) For Clarinet and Piano, Pt. 1
FantasiestFantasy Pieces) For Clarinet and Piano, Pt. 2
FantasiestFantasy Pieces) For Clarinet and Piano, Pt. 3
Waltz "Bunte Bler"
Waltz "Albumbler"

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 in B Flat Major "Spring": Andante un Poco Maestoso, ...
Symphony No. 1 in B Flat Major "Spring": Larghetto, Attaca
Symphony No. 1 in B Flat Major "Spring": Scherzo - Molto Vivace
Symphony No. 1 in B Flat Major "Spring": Allegro Animato E Grazioso
Manfred Overture
Hermann und Dorothea Overture
Trio for Violin, Violoncello and Piano No. 2 in F Major: Sehr Lebhaft
Trio for Violin, Violoncello and Piano No. 2 in F Major Mit ...
Trio for Violin, Violoncello and Piano No. 2 in F Major in ...
Trio for Violin, Violoncello and Piano No. 2 in F Major: Nicht Zu ...
Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major "Rhenish": Illegro
Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major "Rhenish": Scherzo
Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major "Rhenish" Intermezzo
Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major "Rhenish": Andante
Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major "Rhenish": Finale
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Melodie (Melody)
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Soldatenmarsch ...
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Trerliedchen ...
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Ein Choral (A Chorale)
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Stn (Little Piece)
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Armes Waisenkind (Poor ...)
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Jrliedchen ...
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Wilder Reiter (Wild ...)
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Volksliedchen (Little Folk
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Frcher Landmann ...

Beethoven: Symphony No. 3; Schumann: Manfred /Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra * Giulini

Average customer rating:

Giulini in his late style--wise, slow, expressive
What the Hell is This? Way off Base, Way, Way off...
Question:
Flamboyant Rhenish!
boring

Beethoven: Symphony No. 3; Schumann: Manfred /Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra * Giulini

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 3 / Michelangeli, Giulini
Bruckner: Symphonie No. 9

ASIN: B000001GQW
Release Date: 1996-09-17

Tracks:

Symphonie Nr. 3 Es-dur Op. 55 'Eroica': Allegro con brio
Symphonie Nr. 3 Es-dur Op. 55 'Eroica': Marcia funebre. Adagio assai
Symphonie Nr. 3 Es-dur Op. 55 'Eroica': Scherzo. Allegro vivace
Symphonie Nr. 3 Es-dur Op. 55 'Eroica': Finale. Allegro molto
'Manfred' - Ouverture Op. 115

Customer Reviews:

Giulini in his late style--wise, slow, expressive.......2006-09-26

If you want an ultra-dynamic or fervent reading of the Eroica, Giulini's 1979 version from Los Angeles won't satisfy--at 20 min., the first movement is considerably slower than the norm, even for the era before period style sped things up. But there's not a boring note here. Giulini imparts expressivity to this music in such a way that you believe in his viewpoint, which is romantic, inward and personal. The LA Phil, who adored him, are right in step, and DG's recording has a ful, warm bloom about it.

For its air of hushed awe, I can't think of another Eroica quite like this one. Soon Giulini's conducting would become so slow that he ws communicating basically with himself. I consider this to be late-period Giulini at its wisest even though he lived another 24 years. The Manfres over., which is in the same style, comes from 1982 and was recorded digitally.

What the Hell is This? Way off Base, Way, Way off..........2006-01-08

I just got done reviewing Giulini's majestic version of Beethoven's 5th symphony and Schumann's 3rd symphony, coupled together on one CD, played by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. That's practically the same recipe for this CD here, Beethoven and Schumann, Giulini and the LAPO. So what's wrong here? This record stems from the late 70's when Giulini was just taking over the LAPO and raising them to an internationally renowned orchestral powerhouse. His performance of Beethoven's Eroica has the orchestra playing beautifully but it's Giulini's interpretation that's off the wall, exceptionally so in the first movement. There are expansive performances and then there are slow, bored to death performances. Guess which one Giulini falls into? You're right, he's the slow, bores me to death type here. The Eroica first movement takes 14-15 minutes to get through typically. If you take the exposition repeat, you should get 17-18 minutes. Period instrument speed freaks can through it with the exposition repeat in 15-16 minutes. Very fast. Guess how long it takes Giulini to get through it? Give up? How about 20 minutes, 34 seconds?! My God, he's slow! Beyond the slowness, it just doesn't have much power and this symphony is all about heroism, power, drama, all that good stuff. Giulini brings out some details but looses the overall picture. His later movements are not as bad but all of them are very boring. The funeral march lacks emotional gravity, it just slacks through. The scherzo is dull and lifeless and the finale plods and plods with no end.

The Schumann Manfred Overture isn't so hot either, I've heard much more propulsive recordings that beat Giulini easily. So really, I don't get it, why does Giulini give such a great performance of Beethoven's 5th ( get that later CD, please!) and such a terrible performance of Beethoven's 3rd? Oh well, it's a shame.

For the Eroica, go to Karajan in 1962 or the last digital version, ( Karajan Gold ), from the 1980's, which is just amazing. Klemperer's 1961 record is also monumental, ( if you like slow tempos ). There is also Szell with the Cleveland Orchestra and Furtwangler's wartime version with the Berlin Philharmonic, ( greatness personified ), so why would you want this Giulini version, other than for some variety? You should buy it only if you have at least 5 other, better Eroicas already in your collection.

Question:.......2005-07-04

Whose orchestration of Schumann's Manfred is used in and what is the year of this recording?

Flamboyant Rhenish!.......2004-06-21

Schumann 's Third Symphony is filled with Dionsyian elegance.Giulini gives an arresting reading of this one.
I don't know about another version above this one.

You'll be shocked by the living joy this work will raise in you , thanks to this master of the batoon.

The Eroica is conventional. You'll find better readings in the market, but Schumann is the winner.

boring.......2004-04-25

giulini is lyrical, introspective, maybe too self-indulgent. to my ears, the music doesn't sing. try fricsay if you like slow tempos. his reading is much more interesting.

The Life and Works of Ludwig van Beethoven

Average customer rating:

The Life and Works of Ludwig van Beethoven

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Septets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Life & Works of Bach
Life & Works
The Life and Works of Frédéric Chopin
Brahms: Life & Works
The Life and Works of Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky

ASIN: B00005MKG4
Release Date: 2001-07-17

Tracks:

Childhood And Youth - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Symphony No.7 in A (Finale) - Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia/Bela Drahos
Hammerklavier Sonata, Op.106 (Exc.) - Jeno Jando
Beethoven As A Pianist - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Sonata in C, Op.2 No.3 (Finale) - Jeno Jando
Beethoven As Pianist - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
German Dance, WoO 8, No.4 - Capella Istropolitana/Oliver Dohnanyi
Beethoven's Vienna - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Sextet in E Flat, Op.81b (First Movement) - Life And Works: Ludwig Van Beethoven
Beethoven As Friend, Pupil And Artist - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Trio in c, Op.1 No.1 (Finale) - Stuttgart Piano Trio
Piano Concerto No.2 in B flat (Finale) - Stevan Vladar
The Onset Of Deafness - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Appassionata Sonata (Finale) - Jeno Jando

Tracks:

The Crest Of The Wave - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Septet in B flat (Scherzo) - Life And Works: Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonata Pathetique, Op.13 (Exc.) - Jeno Jando
Beethoven In Love - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Piano Sonata in C Sharp Minor, Op.27, No.2 (Exc.) - Jeno Jando
A Winning Streak - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Symphony No.2 in D, Finale (Exc.) - Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia/Bela Drahos
Beethoven in Crisis: The Heiligenstadt Testament - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Eroica Symphony: Funeral March (Exc.) - Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia/Bela Drahos
Beethoven And Heroism - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Eroica Symphony, Finale (Exc.) - Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia/Bela Drahos
Beethoven The Revolutionary - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Razumovsky Quartet No.1, pp. 59 No.1, Adagio (Exc.) - Kodaly Quartet
Beethoven And Women - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Violin Concerto in D, Op.61, First Movement (Exc.) - Takako Nishizaki
Beethoven And Performer - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Emperor Concerto, Finale (Complete) - Stefan Vladar

Tracks:

Beethoven And Suffering - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Coriolan Overture - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Beethoven And Fate - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Fifth Symphony, First Movement (Complete) - Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia/Bela Drahos
Fifth Symphony, Finale (Exc.) - Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia/Bela Drahos
Beethoven And The Transcendence Of Suffering - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Seventh Symphony, First Movement (Exc.) - Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia/Bela Drahos
Beethoven, Goethe And Self-Pity - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Beethoven On His Method Of Composing - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Beethoven And Unrequited Love - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Serioso Quartet, Op.95, First Movement - Kodaly Quartet
The Immortal Beloved - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Violin Sonata in G, Op.96, First Movement - Takako Nishizaki/Jeno Jando
To The Brink Of Suicide - And Beyond - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck J
Battle Symphony (Exc.) - Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia/Bela Drahos
Prisoner's Chorus from Fidelio - Life And Works: Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Archduke Trio - Jeno Jando/Takako Nishizaki/Csaba Onczay
Beethoven 'Kidnaps' Karl - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Beethoven's Manner & Appearance - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Pastoral Symphony (Exc.) - Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia/Bela Drahos
Beethoven As A 'Parent' - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Piano Sonata No.32, Op.111 - Jeno Jando
Beethoven And Friendship - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
His Attitudes To Publication - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Beethoven As Conductor - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Ninth Symphony (Scherzo) (Exc.) - Hasmik Papian/Ruxandra Donose/Manfred Fink/Claudio Otelli/Nicholas Esterhazy Chorus
His Final Works - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
String Quartet in B flat, Op.130 ('Cavatina') - Kodaly Quartet
Beethoven's Death - Jeremy Siepmann/Bob Peck
Music: Ninth Symphony (Exc.) - Hasmik Papian/Ruxandra Donose/Manfred Fink/Claudio Otelli/Nicolaus Esterhazy Chorus

Amazon.com

This set is a fine introduction to Beethoven for a certain class of listeners. It is much too long, detailed, and serious for children. It is not for advanced musicologists, either. Author-narrator Jeremy Siepmann avoids musical analysis altogether, concentrating instead on biographical material about Beethoven and his friends and providing historical and social background. Siepmann's text is absorbing and is frequently illustrated with substantial music examples (usually complete movements) from the Naxos catalog. Unfortunately, the first such example (from the Seventh Symphony) sounds regrettably mushy, but otherwise, the performances are consistently rewarding. If Naxos has put together this set, with its very large booklet, partly to promote its catalog of Beethoven recordings, the company may well find listeners attracted by the examples offered. The complete reproduction of the spoken text seems like a waste of space and paper, but the remaining material in the booklet is intelligently written and useful. Even people generally familiar with Beethoven are sure to find something new and interesting here. --Leslie Gerber

Average customer rating:

The 20th Century Maestros (Box Set)

Manufacturer: History
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music