Granados: Goyescas, Suite for Piano

On this CD:

1. Goyescas (Guys in Love), 6 pieces in 2 books for piano, H. 64
Composed by Enrique Granados
Performed by Eric Parkin

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Sometimes music lovers get to thinking that Alicia de Larrocha is the only pianist worth hearing in music like this. She is wonderful, but there is room for other worthwhile interpretations and this is one of them. Eric Parkin, most of whose recordings have been English music, proves to be a wonderful Granados player. He has the massive technical requirements well under control, and his playing is so languorous and downright sexy that it leaves a lasting impression. Recorded in superbly resonant and realistic sound, this is one of the greatest recordings of Spanish piano music ever made by someone other than de Larrocha. --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

II: Andante - Stephen Hough
I: Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Dame Moura Lympany
Nocturne No. 2 In E Flat - John Ogdon
Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
II: Adagio - Cecile Ousset
Tango - Dame Moura Lympany
Liebestraum No. 3 In A Flat - John Ogdon
Waltz No. 9 In A Flat - Dmitri Alexeev
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - Cecile Ousset
Traumerei - Dame Moura Lympany
La Maja Y El Ruisenor - Magda Tagliaferro
Nocturne No. 5 In F-sharp Minor - Maurizio Pollini
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
Fur Elise - Dame Moura Lympany
Etude In E 'Tristesse' - John Ogdon
Fruhlingslied - Daniel Adni
II: Andante - Dmitri Alexeev

Tracks:

II: Adagio Cantabile - Walter Gieseking
II: Romanze - Annie Fischer
Aria - Maria Tipo
II: Romance (Larghetto) - Garrick Ohlsson
Granada - Gonzalo Soriano
Waltz No. 15 In A Flat - Maura Lympany
II: Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
An Den Fruhling - Daniel Adni
Nocturne No. 10 In A Flat - Daniel Adni
II: Adagio Un Poco Mosso - Walter Gieseking
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin - Dame Moura Lympany
Cancons I Dansas No. 1 - Gonzalo Soriano
II: Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
Prelude No. 15 In D Flat 'Raindrop' - Dmitri Alexeev
Gnossienne No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
Berceuse - Jean-Philippe Collard
Minuet In G - Dame Moura Lympany
Berceuse In D Flat - Peter Donohoe

Customer Reviews:

something to have.......2007-03-14

These CD's are filled with all the awesome relaxing songs for the evening when you need it. It is just one of those must have items in your CD collection.

Excellent Music.......2007-02-19

This album was a "try and see" purchase but I love it. It makes great dinner music, great music to drift off to sleep with, or just nice background filler during social events needing a softer tone. It is not all solo piano music if that s what you are after; the other instruments blend very well however and don't challenge the piano playing. It is a piano album after all!

buy now.......2006-09-01

Want to know why I think the piano is the best musical instrument ever invented? Because no matter how the piano is played, it will always sound good. Whether the music is fast, slow, quiet or loud, it ALWAYS delivers with an appealing sound. This is something you need to buy.

Lovely.......2006-02-22

This is a beautiful calming cd. The playing is excellent and the pieces are well chosen.

Aesthetically Pleasing.......2005-09-14

I simply love piano music. If you're looking to relax, enjoy a peaceful time, then you must check out this album. If you truly enjoy piano music, this album is by far one of the best you can purchase.

As it says....it is the "Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever..." Well, I haven't listened to all piano albums in the world, but I don't need to, this one is just perfect for me, and I think you will agree!

I would say the pianists' are extremely accomplished. At times, I would admit-it's a bit 'spine tingling'!

Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso

Average customer rating:

Excellent recording
Highly Recommended!
Amazing
A gentleman musical agreement!
Extreme virtuosity

Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso
Johann Sebastian Bach , François Couperin , Gabriel Fauré , Isaac Albeniz , Anonymous , Francisco Tarrega (y Eixea) , Silvius Leopold Weiss , Claude Debussy , Maurice Ravel , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Gordon Young , Georg Philipp Telemann , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Manuel de Falla , Manuel Ponce , Enrique Granados , Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco , Andrew York , Fernando Sor , Gaspar Sanz , Joaquin Rodrigo , and Christopher Parkening
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002RTR
Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

Fugue From Violin Sonata No. 1, BWV 1001 - J S Bach
Estudio brillante
Etude No. 1 In E Minor
Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Leyenda
Romance
Rumores de la Caleta
Capricho Arabe
Cantata 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 1
Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 6
Cantata 140: Sleepers Awake
Prelude, Fugue, And Allegro: Allegro
Cantata 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
Les Barricades mysterieuses
Preambulo & Allegro vivo: Preambulo And Allegro vivo
Passacaglia
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
Gymnopedie No. 1
Empress Of The Pagodas
Afro-Cuban Lullaby

Tracks:

Fourth Lute Suite: Praludium
Fairest Lord Jesus
Praise Ye The Lord, K. 339
Simple Gifts
Hymn Of Christian Joy
Cantata 29: We Thank Thee, Lord
Cantata 156: Arioso
Cantata 99: What God Hath Done
Canon
Dolly Suite: Berceuse
La Vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
Terezinha De Jesus
Prelude (In The Baroque Style)
Goyescas: Intermezzo
Prelude & Fugue No. 4 In E: Fugue
Evening Dance
Variations On A Theme Of Mozart
Canarlos
La Maja de Goya
El Noi de la Mare
Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio - J. Rodrigo

Customer Reviews:

Excellent recording.......2007-05-12

If you are a fan of classical guitar than this is a must own set. I enjoy every moment.

Highly Recommended!.......2006-12-23

I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves music--period! Christopher Parkening is unquestionably one of the greatest classical guitarists of all-time. He embodies personal excellence like no other and is a brilliant artist. This CD is a must-have for any classical enthusiast. My favorite pieces include: Tárrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra," "Romance," Bach's "Prelude No. 6," and Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez." There are other versions of these pieces as well, but I always prefer Parkening's renditions, as they are oh so extraordinary--especially the recording of Aranjuez!! Other guitarists never seem to capture the essence of Rodrigo's musical masterpiece (e.g., Göran Söllescher in "Mad About Guitars"). But Parkening did! And the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was a perfect accompaniment.

This CD is definitely worth buying. Included is a CD booklet, which illustrates the history of Parkening's illustrious career, interesting tidbits about all 25 recorded pieces, and several photos of his early life to his "breathtaking performance" at Rodrigo's 90th birthday celebration at the Royal Festival Hall in London, 1992.

Amazing.......2006-05-08

I am not going to go into great detail. I am working on a degree in classical guitar and I can say this is something to strive for. His musical interpretation of the peices represented here are some of the best I've heard. His tone,color, and phrasing is incredible.

A gentleman musical agreement! .......2006-03-16

In guitar ` s playing there have been many renowned performers, gifted of exuberant technique. But curiously the Apollonian playing is not by itself strictly enough. The guitar is the instrument which is closer to heart as any other one. It demands from you passion and sentiment. There have been three well known guitarists, one of them from England and the other one from Spain and the third one from Japan whose sensibility was totally absent in their performances.

But fortunately for us, there have been notable interpreters that have been maintained a desired balance and contrast between brain and heart, achieving great distinction and total acknowledgement around the world. I would name seven primordial names along the instrument `s story. First of all: the mythic soloist Andres Segovia, Regino Sainz de la Maza, John Williams, Alirio Diaz, Manuel Berrueco, Siegfried Behrend and Christopher Parkening, among the most representative ones of a great list.

Christopher Parkening `s career has made a brilliant colorist, an impeccable and sensitive interpreter of this well reduced repertoire. His profound artistic conviction and convincing phrasing has been a perpetual motive of constant invitations and presentations around the world.

Extreme virtuosity.......2005-09-25

CP has become my chief inspiration to improve as a classical guitarist. His performances here are, without exception, phenomenal. He makes the most difficult pieces sound effortless. I prefer CP over John Williams because, while Williams is also unquestionably a master, he sounds a bit robotic to me at times. CP, on the other hand, never sacrifices musicality to precision. He sublimely maintains both.

Average customer rating:

Alicia is Excellent, but Marylene Dosse is the world's master of Granados!
Her most celebrated and reminded album!
The CD I couldn't live without
The Queen of Spanish Music
Best CD I own

Albéniz: Iberia; Granados: Goyescas

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Favourite Spanish Encores
Granados: Goyescas No1-6; Valses poéticos H147

ASIN: B0000042DE
Release Date: 1997-06-10

Tracks:

Iberia: I. Evocacion
Iberia: II. El puerto
Iberia: III. El Corpus Christi en Sevilla
Iberia: IV. Rondena
Iberia: V. Almeria
Iberia: VI. Triana
Iberia: VII. El Albaicin
Iberia: VIII. El polo
Iberia: IX. Lavapies
Iberia: X. Malaga

Tracks:

Iberia: XI. Jerez
Iberia: XII. Eritana
Navarra
Goyescas: Part 1 - I. Los requiebros
Goyescas: II. Coloquio en la reja
Goyescas: III. El fandango de candil
Goyescas: IV. Quejas, o La maja y el ruise or
Goyescas: Part 2 - V. El amor y la muerte
Goyescas: VI. Ep logo, o Serenata del espectro

Customer Reviews:

Alicia is Excellent, but Marylene Dosse is the world's master of Granados!.......2006-05-02

Alicia is a wonderful pianist, and I enjoy her renditions of Granados. Her performance of the Goyescas on this CD is world-class. However, I wanted to make you aware of a little-known Franco-American pianist, Marylene Dosse, who has won awards for her complete recordings of Granados's music. It's a little hard to find, a four-CD set. Her playing of the Goyescas is truly magical--well beyond even what Alicia is capable of. Dosse is the grandmaster of Granados and all Spanish classical piano music! What separates her is her absolute clarity and control of tone, and her ability to maintain a driving rhythm regardless of the complexity. Other pianists playing the same passages (including Alicia in certain passages of the Goyescas), will slow down, losing some of the song's vitality. Another distinction: some pianists impress by their virtuosity: Marylene Dosse by her expression. You will be deeply touched, listening to her Goyescas!

Her most celebrated and reminded album!.......2005-08-21

Published in 1906-1909 this is the undeniable composer's masterpiece Iberia exhibits in various degrees all the characteristics of Albeniz's art. The music itself has multiple hues, due its implicit expressive richness, density and kaleidoscopic tunes. Its twelve pieces -distributed in four volumes- are all based on Spanish scenes and landscapes.

Evocación is one the most beloved pieces of the first volume and nobody has been able to reach the Spanish ardor as William Kapell did it. Corpus en Sevilla accuses Liszt's Hungarian rhapsodies influence.

In the second volume are worth to mention both works: Ondeña and Almería are written in free variation form. The third volume is the most perplexing of the set.

Finally the last volume keeps for you the most mature of the set : Jerez, Eritaña and Málaga conform among others a true compilation of the cream of the cream Spanish music ever written.

In Granados ' Goyescas we perceieve La Rocha in very good shape, with a convincing digitation, involvement and sublime rapture requested By Granados.

The CD I couldn't live without.......2005-06-10

The title for my review may sound hyperbolic, but of my entire collection, this is the one. I purchased this CD knowing Alicia de Larrocha's playing from two concerts I had seen, one at the tender age of six and another in my teenage years, at which point I was fascinated with the music of Joaquin Turina. A bit of research on the Albeniz work she performed at that later concert, "La Vega," led me to the name of Iberia. The pairing of Iberia and Goyescas certainly represents one of the most ambitious 2-cd collections of piano music I know, and Ms. de Larrocha not only manages the enormous technical challenges of Albeniz's greatest work, parts of which he himself nearly destroyed as unplayable (Lavapiés, CD1, track 9, according to a biography.) Her interpretation sparkles from the first muted bars of "Evocación" to the last triumphant chords of "Eritaña", as she shows us the rich colors of this music without ever seeming to get bogged down in a mire of notes. I am not sure which deserves greater admiration - Albeniz's compositional genius or de Larrocha's interpretative flair, so I will say that they are inextricable parts of a glorious whole. Admittedly, on first listen, I thought "What's the big deal with Iberia?" Four or five years later, it is still an album I pull out to listen to - in its entirety. Save 85 minutes sometime to listen to all of Alicia's Iberia, but be warned that this can be a pleasantly addictive habit. For the curious, Albeniz's suite was organized into four books of three pieces each - the first two books were written for Blanche Selva and the last two for the more technically gifted Catalan pianist Joaquin Malats. The recording engineers should have left more time to marvel at the achievement of "Eritaña," Debussy's favorite in the collection - Albeniz felt compelled to draw lines between the staves in the score merely to allow the pianist to follow his melodic line through this piece, but as a listener, just sit back and marvel at what one of the greatest living pianists brings to this work.

Regarding "Goyescas," I can't say I know as much, but its lush, rich texture and its careful building upon themes sprinkled throughout the work (unlike separate movements of Iberia) make for a beautiful complement to Iberia. Granados, born seven years after Albeniz and one of his closest friends, wrote one of the most important piano pieces of the twentieth century in "Quejas, o la maja y el ruiseñor" (Laments, or Beauty and the Nightingale), the high point of the Goyescas collection for me. The third piece in Goyescas is a delight as well, and the power and beauty that de Larrocha brings to this entire work is tremendous.

To summarize: Run, don't walk, to buy this CD, one of the greatest in the annals of recorded classical piano.

The Queen of Spanish Music.......2005-02-04

The music of Albeniz and Granados is so good that one wonders why many pianists seem to regard it as mere salon music. I suppose that it has too much color, rhythmn and sheer gorgeousness to be considered truly serious. These composers had the good fortune to be the inheritors of a popular musical tradition that goes back a thousand years and encompasses Byzantines, Moors and Gypsies, among others. Alicia De Laroccha's only rival in this repertoire was Esteban Sanchez. Her playing is nearly perfect. Long may she flourish.

Best CD I own.......2001-07-10

It's kind of weird, my being an 18 year old, to say a classical piano cd is my favorite. But, I'm a classical pianist, and a huge fan of Albeniz (and spanish music in general) and this is the best performance of these two incredible works you will find. Alicia de Larrocha makes this seem easy, never repetitive, and her technique is amazing without losing any of the expressiveness needed to play this music. Wow.

Average customer rating:

Worth Getting Just For the Granados Spanish Dance Alone
Together, first time
Masters
Very excellent CD.

Together/Julian Bream & John Williams

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ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003FDM
Release Date: 1993-05-25

Tracks:

Suite For Two Guitars: Corant I
Suite For Two Guitars: Alman
Suite For Two Guitars: Corant II
Duo In G, Op. 34: Largo
Duo In G, Op. 34: Rondo
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Cantabile
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Theme and Variations
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Waltz
Cantos de Espana, Op. 232, No. 4: Cordoba
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La vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
Pavane For A Dead Princess
Dolly, Op. 56: Berceuse
Dolly, Op. 56: Mi-a-ou
Dolly, Op. 56: Dolly's Garden
Dolly, Op. 56: Kitty-Valse
Dolly, Op. 56: Tendresse
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Customer Reviews:

Worth Getting Just For the Granados Spanish Dance Alone.......2006-02-12

Both Julian Bream and John Williams have been two of my favorites when it comes to classical guitar. Having them together on the same album, playing some of my favorite music is more than a treat; it is pure joy.

What I love is the fact that even though both are masters in their own rights, they were able to blend together their individual styles into an ensemble to create a set of moods which enhances the musical experience. All are wonderful, but they saved the best for last, the hauntingly beautiful Spanish Dance No. 2 of Granados. This is music that will have you stopping what you are doing just to listen to it. (If you are listening to this in the car, pull over please!) Although I have heard this piece before done by other greats, in the hands of Bream and Williams, it has been raised to heavenly heights, leaving the listener in a state between tears and great joy.

In summary, if you wish to own just one guitar album in your collection, this would be the one. My greatest regret is that I never had the pleasure of hearing either of them live on stage. The next best thing is this album.

Together, first time.......2002-07-22

Two of the classical guitar's brightest masters together for traditional as well as transcribed works from a number of different composers. Either of the guitarists at their peak (this was recorded in '71 and '78) would have been good enough to amaze you if you are a follower of the guitar and its traditional music, both of them together is something that must be heard. The recording is excellent (ADD - remastered, I believe, in '93) and the selection of music plays to their strengths as individual musicians. To hear these two rivals play together at the same time is enlightening. Essential.

Masters.......1999-06-09

Whoever would like to study or interest in classical guitar must listen to this record. They are the greatest masters.

ALGIN EROZAN

Very excellent CD........1999-04-27

I have heard this CD before, and ordered it from Amazon.com last Wednesday, Overnight shipping. This is Monday night, and it hasn't even shipped yet. Great CD, but go somewhere to buy it if you want it this century!

Average customer rating:

Brilliant music by great musicians
The Royal Family of Spanish Guitar
Spanish classical guitar
Sumptuous performances!
LOS ROMEROS TO PERFORM WITH THE EDISON SYMPHONY AT THE STATE THEATRE IN NJ

The Royal Family of the Spanish Guitar
Isaac Albeniz , Enrique Granados , Federico Moreno Torroba , Anonymous , Fernando Sor , Celedonio Romero , Francisco Tarrega , Robert de Visee , Luys de Narvaez , Vincenzo Galilei , Luis de Milan , Johann Sebastian Bach , John Dowland , Jean-Philippe Rameau , Gaspar Sanz , Harold Lawrence , The Romeros , Pepe Romero , Angel Romero , and Celin Romero
Manufacturer: Philips
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Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000057NF
Release Date: 1997-05-13

Tracks:

Trad. Spanish Folk Melody: Sevillanas
Intermezo from Goyescas
Llamada
Sevilla From Suite Espanola
Obbligato on Etude in B Minor
Noche en Malaga
Lagrima (Preludio)
Romantic Prelude
Allegretto From Sonatina In A Major
Prelude No. 3 In A Minor
Suite In D Minor
Cuatro diferencias sobre
Suite Of Six Dances
Three Pavanas
Minuet
Bourree
Gavotte
King Of Denmark's Galliard
Gavotte en rondeau
Espanoleta

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant music by great musicians.......2007-05-09

I got this for my mother for her birthday, and she was thrilled. I listened to it with her, and it's simply delicious music. I recommend this to everyone who enjoys the guitar, Spanish music, and classical music.

The Royal Family of Spanish Guitar.......2007-05-07

Superb. There is just nothing more to say.

Spanish classical guitar.......2007-04-23

If you are in the mood for some beautiful Spanish guitar music than this disc will fill that void. The Romeros have been recording elegant music for years as the gift of guitar playing has been passed down generations. What is especially nice about this disc is that it features a variety of composers major works. The Romeros interpret Issac Albeniz, Enrique Granados, Federico Torroba, Villa-Lobos and Bach amongst many others. Curiously enough, the works of Rodrigo are misssing. To avoid confusion in your buying this disc it is important to note that all the Romeros do not play guitar together on this disc. There is the occasional duet and group performance on guitar but for the most part these are individual solos. The solo guitar of each Romero is enough to capture your attention but it is important to note that Celedonio Romero dominates this disc. The inclosed booklet is very informative and educational regarding the history of each composition; it is nice reading material while you are listening to these early music time pieces. Although the individual pieces are composed by different people there is a flow to the music. This is great music to relax the mind to , perfect for reading or participating in some quite endevor. Recommended for Spanish classical guitar aficionados.

Sumptuous performances!.......2006-03-16

Since their early years this curious ensemble has detached due their impeccable phrasing, sublime expression and admirable phrasing. (We should remind the case of the Abreu brothers in the Seventies as other emblematic example of familiar ensembles) This special circumstance has allowed them to achieve a very high place in guitar' s world.

Their elegant refinement is not wrangled with the sensitive and required mood. They have maintained the perfect balance, becoming an obligated reference every time they release a new album in the market.

His Rodrigo's performances possess that verve so characteristic of the great interpreters. Listening pieces as Madrigal Concerto, the original Concerto for three guitars and the unbeatable performance of Fandango.

This album contains some of the most representative miniaturist pieces of the Spanish repertoire.

So please, don' t think it over and acquire this album that will reward you every time you listen it.

LOS ROMEROS TO PERFORM WITH THE EDISON SYMPHONY AT THE STATE THEATRE IN NJ.......2005-12-29

THIS IS A GREAT CD! COME SEE THE LOS ROMEROS THE ROYAL FAMILY OF THE GUITAR PERFORM LIVE WITH THE EDISON SYMPHONY ON FEBRUARY 19, 2006, AT THE STATE THEATRE IN NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 2:00 P.M.

FOR TICKETS: www.edisonsymphony.com and www.statetheatrenj.org

More Of The Most Relaxing Classical Music In The Universe

Average customer rating:

Better than most
Wonderful Music

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Ludwig van Beethoven , Eugene-Auguste Ysaye , Johann Sebastian Bach , Jean Sibelius , Sergey Prokofiev , Jules Massenet , Anonymous , Fryderyk Chopin , Giacomo Puccini , Robert Schumann , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Kazuo Yamada , Claude Debussy , Felix Mendelssohn , Carl Maria von Weber , Enrique Granados , Gustav Holst , and Various Artists
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Release Date: 2003-08-12

Tracks:

RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto #2, Adagio
VERDI Preludio
PAGANINI "Introduzione e tema con variazioni"
BRAHMS Sonata for two pianos, Andante
MOZART Adagio in E Major
BEETHOVEN "Pathetique" Sonata, Adagio
YSAYE Sonate #2, "Malinconia"
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VERDI "Quando le sere al placido" (When the Evening Becomes Peaceful)
BACH Orchestral Suite #2
SIBELIUS The Swan of Tuonela
PROKOFIEV Romeo and Juliet
MASSENET Meditation from "Tha
RACHMANINOFF Prelude

Tracks:

TRADITIONAL Catalonian Folk Song
CHOPIN Piano Concerto #1, Larghetto
PUCCINI "Crisantemi" (Chrysanthemums)
SCHUMANN "Traumerei" (Dreaming)
TCHAIKOVSKY Swan Lake (excerpt)
K. YAMADA ''Chugoku-Chiho No Komoriuta" Lullaby
DEBUSSY "En Bateau" (By Boat)
BEETHOVEN Symphony #6 "Pastoral", Andante
MENDELSSOHN Songs Without Words
WEBER Introduction, theme and variations
GRANADOS "Goyescas" (Sketches on the works of Goya)
TCHAIKOVSKY Nocturne in F
HOLST The Planets, "Neptune"

Customer Reviews:

Better than most.......2007-02-08

This is a good mixture of elevator music, and some soft relaxing melodies.

Wonderful Music.......2007-01-18

Wonderful music for your listening pleasure. Very relaxing and soothing. Nothing beats classical music.

Average customer rating:

Stunning Goldberg Aria
Great CD
Piano Perfection!
A Classic in Every Sense!
How disappointing

50 Most Loved Piano Classics

Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!
Piano Classics: Popular Works for Solo Piano
25 Piano Favorites

ASIN: B000AHJ7SY
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

'Aria' - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
'Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring' - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude No.1 In C Major, BWV 846 - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Minuet In G Major From Anna Magdalena Notebook - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude No.22 In B-Flat Minor, BWV 891 - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
'Siciliano' - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
III. 'Rondo Alla Turca' - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
I. Allegro - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Fantasy In D Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
II. Adagio Cantabile - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
I. Adagio Sostenuto - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Fur Elise - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
II. Minuet - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Impromptu Op.90 No.3 In G-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Moment Musicaux No.3 In F Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Fruhlingslied (Spring Song) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Venetian Gondola - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics

Tracks:

Waltz Op.64 No.1 In D-Flat Major Minute Waltz - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude Op.28 No.15 Raindrop Prelude In D-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Nocturne Op.9 No.1 In B-Flat Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Etude Op.10 No.12 Revolutionary - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Nocturne Op.27 No.2 In D-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
GRand Valse Brilliante Op.18 In E-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Nocturne Op.9 No.2 In E-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Etude Op.10 No.3 In E Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude Op.28 No.20 In C Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude Op.28 No.4 In E Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Waltz Op.69 No.1 In A-Flat Major Farewell Waltz - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Kindererszenen (Scenes From Childhood) Op.15 No.7: Traumerei (Dreaming) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Fantasiestucke (Fantasy Pieces) Op.12 No.1: Des Abends (In The Evening) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Widmung (Dedication) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Consolation No.3 In D-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Aria - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics

Tracks:

Hungarian Dance No.5 In F-Sharp Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Intermezzo Op.118 No.2 In A Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Waltz Op.39 No.15 In A-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
June - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Berceuse - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Tango - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Granada - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
To A Wild Rose - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Clair DE Lune - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Golliwogg's Cake Walk - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Arabesque No.I - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Gymnopedie No.I - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
The Maiden And The Nightengale - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Prelude Op.3 No.2 In C-Sharp Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Prelude Op.23 No.5 Ini G Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
I. Pavane - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs

Customer Reviews:

Stunning Goldberg Aria.......2006-02-21

Who is the performer of that amazing recording of the Goldberg Aria??!?! It must be Gould.

Great CD.......2006-01-29

Nice set of songs. I enjoyed it a lot, I see no reason why anyone wouldn't like this CD set.

Piano Perfection!.......2005-10-16

Saw it on TV and thought the music was beautiful, but forgot to write the information down... but managed to buy it online (now I see it frequently at the music stores)and I absolutely love this album -- all my favorite pieces! (I'm not big on writing comments or reviews, but was compelled by the artistry and passion I heard throughout this CD!)

A Classic in Every Sense!.......2005-10-12

I overheard some people at the record store talking about this album - one guy was actually a piano teacher and couldn't stop raving about it. I bought the album on his recommendation and couldn't be happier - it's stunningly beautiful. Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata is haunting and Chopin's "Minute Waltz" is spectacular in its precision and speed! This will make a great stocking stuffer at Christmas for my friends (... I'm getting them now cause I've gone to a couple places and they're out of stock). If you're into piano, this is truly a classic!

How disappointing.......2005-10-08

I was watching t.v. one Saturday and saw the ad for this CD. It promised that all pieces were "presented in their entirety." Hmmm, well sure if by "entirety" you mean only one movement of a particular piece. But if you are expecting, oh say, all three movements of Moonlight Sonata, then you'll be disappointed.

As for the pieces themselves, I was not impressed with the quality. I don't know whether that is a problem with the production process or the particular performers used. I was not moved by the performance of a single piece--and with 50 of the most loved piano classics, I epxected at least one to make me go "wow." I'm still waiting.

Finally, anytime you produce a CD and call it "The 50 Most Loved" anything, you are opening yourself up for criticism of the works selected. Where's the Rach 3? Mozart gets short shiff. I loved that Chopin's "Raindrops" was included but where was the "Heroic Polanaise"? The "Libestraume"? "Rhapsody in Blue"?

So, incomplete works, poor tone/lack of richness and depth in sound and questionable selection of "most loved" pieces. I'd save my money if I were you.

Average customer rating:

Isabel's voice is enchanting!
A real diamond!
Amazing amazing stuff
Fascinating Program Beautifully Performed

Isabel Bayrakdarian ~ Azulão
Manuel de Falla , Enrique Granados , Carlos Guastavino , Xavier Montsalvatge , Fernando J. Obradors , Jaime Ovalle , Joaquin Rodrigo , Catalan Traditional , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Isabel Bayrakdarian , and Jamie Parker
Manufacturer: Musica Viva
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Isabel Bayrakdarian ~ Joyous Light
Isabel Bayrakdarian ~ Pauline Viardot-Garcia (Lieder, Chancon, Canzoni, Mazurkas)
Isabel Bayrakdarian ~ Cleopatra
Songs Of Spain / De Los Angeles, et al
Mozart: Arie e Duetti

ASIN: B0000DFZY4
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

El Majo Discreto
El Majo Timido
El Tra La La Y El Punteado
La Maja De Goya
La Maja Y El Ruisenor
Song Of The Birds
La Rosa Y El Sauce
Con Que La Lavare?
Vos me Matasteis
De Donde Venis, Amore?
De Los Alamos Vengo, Madre
El Vito
Al Amor
Corazon, Porque Pasais?
La Mi Sola, Laureola
Del Cabello Mas Sutil
Chiquitita La Novia
El Pano Moruno
Asturiana
Cancion
Nana
Jota
Polo
Cancion De Cuna Para Dormir A Un Negrito
Aria (Cantilena)
Dance/Danse (Martel)
Azulao

Album Description

Following on the enormous success of her first recording for CBC RECORDS - Joyous Light (CBC SMCD 5215) - the stunning young Canadian lyric soprano ISABEL BAYRAKDARIAN turns her attention to the seductive colours and rhythms of Spain and Latin America. The centre piece of this recording is the vocal evergreen, Bachianas Brasileiras # 5 for soprano and eight cellos by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. After winning the Metropolitan Opera National Auditions in 1997, Isabel (who is of Armenian descent) has gone on to make debuts with such international companies as the Metropolitan Opera (New York), Lyric Opera of Chicago, Paris Opera and La Scala (Milan), Semperoper (Dresden) and the Canadian Opera Company (Toronto).

Customer Reviews:

Isabel's voice is enchanting!.......2006-10-12

I had never heard of Isabel Bayrakdarian before. I was looking for a copy of Obradors' "Chiquitita la Novia" and happened to come upon this cd. Am I glad I bought it, in fact, I'm wearing it out. Her voice is like a bright
sunlight. Her interpretations are exquisite. My favorite on the recording is Granados' "La Maja y el Ruisenor".
Brava Isabel!

A real diamond!.......2006-04-13

I heard this voice first time on CBC Radio - from a concert in Toronto. It was magical! Soon after, I had a chance to listen to her in recital and this was an EVENT! Over two thousand people in the concert hall were holding their breath for two hours and it seemed that the hall itself became small and cozy. It was indeed a contact soul to soul.
Isabel has a rare talent that combines beautiful tone, clarity and unbelievable fluidity of her voice, intelligent thinking, good sensitive heart and generous nature. You believe every intonation, every nuance. She is always authentic, always noble and her expressivity is never forced, emotions are never overacted.
This CD captures well her magic voice. And God, she is amazing in pianissimos! That's why to me, the Lullaby by Xavier Montsalvatge with its softness and warmth is the highlight of this recording.

Amazing amazing stuff.......2004-10-07

The only reason I didn't give this disc five stars is because I'm not too crazy about Grandos' "Tonadillas." They aren't bad, but they're an incredibly weak opening group and the piano is a bit bouncy and boppy when compared to the more somber numbers on this disc with the cello ensemble.

I first fell in love with Bayrakdarian's voice on the CD "Joyous Light," a collection of Armenian liturgical music arranged for soprano and orchestra (some of it just solo voice.) This disc intrigued me because of her incredible voice and the somewhat off the beaten path repertoire & instrumentation (soprano, piano & cello ensemble!?!) I was happy to see a young, amazing talent NOT do a disc of Italian or German arias. Her CDs definately seem to explore the lesser known repertoire and that's to be commended, because we get to hear a stellar voice bring some real gems to light. Interesting that soprano's solo disc includes an instrumental piece, but it fits in nicely and is certainly appreciated by this listener.

The first two of the Rodrigo madrigales are arrestingly beautiful. The disc as a whole is sublime. She's definately one to watch. I can't think of another soprano I'd rather hear these days than Bayrakdarian. I'm flying back to my hometown next year to her in concert. It's months & months away and I can't think of another performance anytime soon that I'm looking this forward to.

Fascinating Program Beautifully Performed.......2003-11-21

There's been a lot of buzz lately about a young soprano just emerging up in Canada, a striking-looking young woman still in her twenties, winner of the Met Auditions, who has a burgeoning career in opera and recital. Her name is Isabel Bayrakdarian, member of an Armenian family who immigrated to Canada in 1989. She apparently had a nice untrained voice but didn't begin training professionally until 1993; meanwhile she had gotten a degree in biomedical engineering. But only four years later she won the Met Auditions and a couple of years later recorded a CD of seemingly esoteric Armenian songs that became a runaway best-seller in Canada. She made her Metropolitan début in 2002 in the role of Catherine in William Bolcom's 'A View from the Bridge.' This CD is a recording of a program that had been presented on CBC Radio and featuring pianist James Parker, himself a virtuoso with a solo career, and ten Toronto cellists led by cello soloist and Canadian Symphony principal, Bryan Epperson. And all of it in music by Hispanic composers.

First, the program is well-constructed, alternating vocal/piano music with vocal/cello ensemble music, with cello ensemble music. Timbres are changed often enough that one's ear does not tire. Second, every bit of the program is superbly performed. Pride of place must be given to Miss Bayrakdarian, whose voice is crystalline and yet imbued with a womanly sensuality that well serves the alternately sultry and kittenish Spanish music present here. She sings Granados's delicious 'Four Tonadillas' with the kind of charm that I thought only a native Spaniard could bring to it. She negotiates the agréments and their subtle alterations of intonation so typical of Spanish singing with complete mastery. Late in the program she performs, with the cello ensemble, the ever-popular Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 as well as I've ever heard it. She also inhabits the sung version of Granados's 'La Maja y el Ruiseñor' ('The Maiden and the Nightingale') arranged for the opera he made from his piano suite 'Goyescas.'

The cello group plays Pablo Casals's arrangement of the Catalan Christmas carol, 'El Cant dels Ocells' ('The Song of the Birds'). And they lend a hand in Joaquin Rodrigo's 'Cuatro madrigales amatorios' ('Four Love Madrigals'), with cello ensemble accompaniment arranged (as in others here recorded) by Peter Tiefenbach. I particularly liked the interplay of teasing soprano and sporty cellos in 'Vos me matásteis' ('I die for love of you'), the second of this set, which is then followed by a bang-up performance of the familiar, catchy 'De los álamos vengo, madre' ('I've been down by the poplars, mother').

Fernando Obradors wrote wonderful songs that occasionally get sung by non-Spanish singers--I remember once being entranced by Elly Ameling singing the set recorded here by Bayrakdarian with superb assistance from pianist Parker, 'Canciones clásicas españolas' ('Classic Spanish Songs'). And I must say that at times I hear a hint of Ameling in Bayrakdarian's voice, something I call 'a smile in the voice.' This set is followed by an expert arrangmement, this time by Claude Kenneson, of Manuel de Falla's 'Suite populaire espagnole' that employs the cello ensemble (with some melting solo work by Epperson, their leader) playing three all-instrumental pieces and then accompanying Bayrakdarian in three of the six songs.

The CD is rounded out by Xavier Montsalatge's Lullaby from 'Cinco canciones negras,' the aforementioned Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5, and then the song that gives this album its title, Jayme Ovalle's 'Azulão' ('Bluebird'). The latter uses all the forces available here--soprano, pianist, cellists--in a haunting lament: 'Go bluebird, bluebird, companion of mine, go! Go see my faithless love.'

I cannot praise this issue highly enough. Ms Bayradkarian's voice is world-class and she sings with great musicality and feeling. Her accompanists are flawless. The recorded sound is quite good. The unattributed notes are very helpful. There are full translations of all the sung texts.

TT=76:14

Tracks:

Toccata In C: Adagio
Melody, Op.3, No.1, In F
Moment Musical
Nocturne, Op.9, No.2 In E-Flat
Goyescas: Intermezzo
Apr?s un r?ve, Op.7, No.1
Spanish Dance
Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
Vito (Spanish Dance, Op.54, No.5)
Jocelyn: Berceuse
Gavotte tendre
Prelude, Op.28, No.15
Mazurka, Op.11, No.3
Tannher: Lied an den Abendstern
Serenata napoletana, Op.24, No.2
Die Meistersinger: Preislied
Chanson villageoise, Op.62, No.2
Abendlied, Op.85, No.12
Petite Suite: Menuet
Romance, Op.35
English Suite No.6: Gavotte I: Musette

Amazon.com

These early electrical recordings show a very different Pablo Casals from the grunting old man most people remember. At the height of his technical and musical powers, he plays these mostly charming little encores and transcriptions with exquisite musicianship and breathtaking technical command that remains outstanding today. Whether you want to hear Chopin piano pieces or Wagner arias played on the cello is another issue; there is very little real cello music on this disc. But for what is here, one could hardly imagine better performances. The transfers are outstandingly lifelike, the program very generous (76:19), the price reasonable. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Pablo Casals: Early Recrdings, a defective product.......2007-03-09

The Pablo Casals: Early Recordings 1925-1928 is a fine recording with a production defect. The playing is obviously great but near the end of the CD numerous tracks are missing. I returned the CD and was sent a replacement that had the same defect indicating that there was a production error.

It is good!!.......2005-10-09

I can't buy it in the Austerlia,and it is a good recording. I like it.

Amazing touch of personality.......2005-01-25

This album is perhaps one of my favorite. It features Pablo playing some very romantic and melancholic songs from various composers. It also features Pablo's amazing technique and his capacity of interpretation which gies beyond just reading and playing musical notes.
But also, the fact that this album was recorded so long ago, the original format was gramophone, I think it gives this album very important historical value, the background noise never interrupts the musics, but help listeners to get involved and place himself in the timeline.

Outstanding.......2003-10-20

funny, I hear plenty of "real" music coming from this CD ;)

amazing Casals.......2002-04-07

This recording is for anyone who has dismissed Casals as an ancient cellist who never truly mastered the technique of the instrument. These works are all admittedly light fluff, but Casals is truly dazzling, as both a technical virtuoso and a true musician. This is worth owning if you're a cellist or a Casals fan, but the low quality of the actual compositions should keep everyone else away.

Average customer rating:

A Great cd!

Virtuoso Cello Encores

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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

4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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

Romantic Music for Cello & Orchestra
Kodály: Music for Cello
Dohnanyi: Sonata for cello in Bfm; Konzertstück in D
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Kodály: Music for Cello, Volume 2

ASIN: B000BK53GK
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Tracks:

Dance Of The Green Devil
Fantasy On Little Russian Songs
Serenade, Op.54, No.2
Air From Suite No.3 In D, BWV 1068
Standchen (Serenade)
Die Biene (The Bee)
Intermezzo From Goyescas
Tarantella From The Gadfly, Op.97
Habanera
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
Allegro Spiritoso
Cantilena, Op.48, No.24
Boulevard De Garavan
Danse Bohemienne, Op.28
Vocalise, Op.34, No.14
Short Story

Customer Reviews:

A Great cd!.......2006-12-15

I love it. To me, every note of this sounds gorgeous. There is a really wide variety of songs. Every track is like the title says, a "virtuoso cello encore". Her playing is very expressive and beautiful but also has a flawless, effortless quality. This CD is over 75 minutes long and was recorded in only a couple days. Her concerts must be amazing.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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