Finlandia

Track Listings

1. Konzert Fur Violine Und Orchester D-Moll Op.47 1-3

2. Tapiola Op.112 (4)

3. Finlandia Op.26 (5)

Finlandia, Music, Sibelius, Classical, Classical Music

Free
Average customer rating:

HEAVENLY

Sweetest voices ever!

Awesome

Soothing and thought provoking

Pure Crystal

Free
Chris Dodd , Fiona Pears , Anthony Chadney , Ben Crawley , Christopher Robson , and Raoul Platt
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Luminosa

Visions

Libera

Angel Voices

Angel Voices 3

ASIN: B0002RUAAQ
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

I Am The Day
Stay With Me
Voca Me
A Song Of Enchantment
Ave Verum
Do Not Stand At My Grave
When A Knight
A New Heaven
I Vow To Thee My Country
Lament
Twilight
Be Still My Soul
Adoramus

Amazon.com

English composer Robert Prizeman has taken a conventional English boy's choir--usually a haven for sweet songs and ecclesiastical renderings--and made them contemporary without selling out any of their intrinsic charm. Their stacked choral voices and lead sopranos, dressed up with electronica rhythms, synthesizers, and strings still sound like they could be coming from the church balcony, even while they exude an Enya-like appeal. While there are adaptations of Gregorian chants and Sibelius hymns, most of the songs are Prizeman originals based on those styles, with texts often drawn from Latin Liturgy. Except for the chilled romanticism of "Stay With Me," and the rhythm driven "Adoramus," whose chorus sounds like a Harry Potter incantation, few of the songs on Free have the anthemic pop appeal of "Salva Me" or "Vespera" from previous albums. Instead, Prizeman has opted for a more serene sound on Free, even with their first video from the disc, the yearning "I Am the Day." Some of it, like Prizeman's setting of a Walter de la Mare poem on "A Song of Enchantment," gets lugubrious. But most of Free floats on gentle soprano breezes, intrinsically innocent, even if the boys might be smoking cigarettes behind the altar. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

HEAVENLY.......2007-06-19

This cd is like listening to a heavenly choir. "Free" is an awesome audio experience. It can turn a stressful day into a calm evening.

Sweetest voices ever!.......2007-06-16

I happened across this CD at Borders and was able to listen to it! One of the sweetest and heavenly CDs ever! I bought two: one for myself and one as a gift.

Awesome.......2007-01-04

I never knew that young boys could have such wonderful voices, almost angelic. The music is very relaxing and haunting at times, but that's what makes it a good album to hear to. The harmonies were so beautiful. To all choir fans, this is a must-have album.

Soothing and thought provoking.......2006-02-23

Libera is an amazing group of boys and Robert Prizeman really knows how to put everything together. My favorite songs on "Free" are Voca Me, Stay With Me, Adoramus, I Am the Day and Twilight. Each time I listen to this disc, another song seems to start growing on me. This was my first Libera CD (I have since bought Luminosa, Libera and Visions) and at first I liked the faster more upbeat songs but as time went on I started to really love the softer ones like Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep (beautifully done by Ben Crawley and Joseph Platt). The soloists are lovely with clear and pure voices, and the chorus just swells with harmonies. This is choir music for people who hate choir music.

Pure Crystal.......2006-02-20

Like Luminosa, this is incredible. I can only compare it to the beautiful, pristine, classical pieces of antiquity, such as Vivaldi's Spring and Bach's many ethereal melodies. It's beautiful.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful
A few bright spots, but also some disappointments
This CD Deserves SIX Stars!
every good adjective
Fabulous!

Peace Like a River
James Lucas , Janice Kapp Perry , John Rutter , Jean Sibelius , John Tavener , American Traditional , English Traditional , Spiritual Traditional , Mack Wilberg , Craig D. Jessop , Clay Christiansen , John Longhurst , Richard L. Elliott , Daron Bradford , and Meredith Campbell
Manufacturer: Mormon Tabernacle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Consider the Lilies
Love Is Spoken Here
America's Choir
Choose Something Like a Star
Mormon Tabernacle Choir: The Sound of Glory-Battle Hymn of the Republic

ASIN: B00020H9W0
Release Date: 2004-06-22

Tracks:

Sweet Peace
Be Still, My Soul
Peace Like a River
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Lord Is My Shepherd
This Is My Father's World
Wayfarin' Stranger
Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Deep River
Lamb
Child's Prayer
It Is Well With My Soul
Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep
Gaelic Blessing
Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends
Come, Let Us Anew

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-06-14

This CD is a must have for any Mormon Tabernacle Choir fans. The music is very reverent and gentle, and should also appeal to those not from the LDS church, seeing as how most of the music is common to the wider Christian community. This CD is a fantastic addition to any music collection.

A few bright spots, but also some disappointments.......2007-01-19

It Is Well With My Soul is one of my favorite-favorites and that is the main reason why I bought the CD; it turned out to be a huge let down on this album, they rearranged it so much that I almost didn't recognize it. Be Still My Soul is another reason why I bought it and it's good, but not great. Swing Low Sweet Chariot is where it starts to get good. The last two songs "Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends"
and "Come, Let Us Anew" are very good reasons to buy this CD, they each have truely powerful passages and make the CD worth having. The Mormon Tabernacle Choirs 2006 release entitled Then Sings My Soul is by far the best that I've heard from them.

This CD Deserves SIX Stars!.......2005-11-05

However, the rating scale has a limit of five. I own over 700 CDs of virtually every type of music. Peace Like A River belongs in a class by itself! I've never written a review before but, after listening to this STUNNING performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I feel compelled to share my praise with that of the five other reviewers. If I were limited to one word, I would use the word "SUPERB" to describe this beautiful and moving CD. SIX stars for Peace Like a River! BRAVO!!!

every good adjective .......2005-08-06

This album is all beauty and solace. The singing is pristine, the arrangements lush and often stirring--never saccharine. As with the previous reviewer, my first listing of "Peace Like a River" brought me to tears (especially "Peace Like a River," the sopranos in "Swing Low," and the bagpipes in "Thou Gracious God"). Buy this one.

Fabulous!.......2005-05-29

The perfect recording to help you recover from a long, hard day. Showcasing the MTC's "new" sound in contemporary choral arrangements with its own orchestra and conductor, "Peace Like a River" brought tears to my eyes in selection after selection during my first listen -- and I'm not normally an emotional person! The title song together with "Deep River," "Swing Low" and "Be Still My Soul" are alone worth the cost of the recording. Get this one!

Average customer rating:

A Fine Bargain!
life is beautiful. loud. multifaceted,nuanced and cheap.
My first classical music

Sibelius: Finlandia/Tone Poems.

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Chopin: Preludes & Nocturnes

ASIN: B00004TV9I
Release Date: 2000-06-27

Tracks:

Finlandia, Op. 26
The Swan of Tuonela, Op.22 No. 2
Lemminkainen's Return, Op. 22 No. 4
Valse Triste, Op. 44
The Oceanides, Op. 73 - Helenski Philharmonia Orchestra
Tapiola, Op.112

Customer Reviews:

A Fine Bargain!.......2007-03-27

A marvelously performed and warmly recorded compilation of favorite Sibelius tone poems from one of the late 20th Century's foremost conductors of Sibelius...and it's dirt cheap! I can no more adequately describe the Romantic "chilly warmth" of this dramatic music than I could live above the Arctic Circle; there's no other music quite like it. It took me until I lived over twenty years in Northern Michigan to warm up to it, then its appeal became obvious -- go figure.

life is beautiful. loud. multifaceted,nuanced and cheap........2001-10-09

its the last thing to consider in buying music, really but look at how much sellers want for this CD. Then consider the conductor Paavo Berglund, a man with an ear for detail. His almost consistently perfect sense of timing and balance bring you the best tapiola I've heard, compared with Karajan, Davis, Jaarvi, Beecham, et al. phantasmagorical. crank your bass up for the swan (track 2), you'll find the neighborhood flora leaning towards the house in a reverie of past-life deja vu. Its full-on romanticism, no worries about period shmeriod, proper this or that.just SOUND. If passion and tumult are the hallmarks of these craggy pieces, we are incredibly well served by the Philharmonia (mostly here) upon pressing play. modern life has its quirks.

My first classical music.......2000-08-03

This is probaly the first real introduction to classical music I've had outside the usual Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Bach. I've fallen in love with the drama that plays through the tracks on this album. The music moves through countless moods. Definately worth your time!

Average customer rating:

Movie Themes CD
"three decades of film composers ~ Simply The Best"

Simply the Best Movie Themes

Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001CNRL6
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

Theme From Mission Impossible - Schifrin
Theme From Gladiator - Zimmer
Hedwig's Theme - Williams
Harry's Wondrous World - Williams
Allegro Moderato - Symphony No. 8 'Unfinished' - Schubert
Suite From Shakespeare In Love - Warbeck
Out Of Africa - Barry
Requiem, Rex Tremendae - Mozart
Prelude In E Minor, Op. 28, No. 4 - Chopin
Suite No. 3 In D, Air On The G String - J.S. Bach
I Will Always Love You - Parton
Symphony No. 40, Molto Allegro - Mozart
Finlandia - Sibelius
My Heart Will Go On - Horner

Tracks:

Theme From Lord Of The Rings - Shore
Overture To All That Jazz - Kander & Ebb
'Trout' Quintet, Theme, Andantino And Variations - Schubert
Prelude No. 15 In D-Flat - Chopin
Windmills Of Your Mind - LeGrand
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You - KAMEN
Theme From Schindler's List - Williams
Also Sprach Zarathustra, Excerpt - Strauss
Symphony No. 3, Lento Cantabile - Semplice - Gorecki
Die Walkure, Ride Of The Valkyries - Wagner
Goldberg Variations, Aria Da Capo - J.S. Bach
Theme From License To Kill - KAMEN
Sonata No. 8, Op. 13, 'Pathetique,' Andante Cantabile - Beethoven
Die Another Day - Arnold
Symphony No. 9, Ode To Joy, Excerpt - Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

Movie Themes CD.......2007-03-10

Very nice CD with beautiful music from past movies. Very relaxing music to listen to.

"three decades of film composers ~ Simply The Best".......2004-03-06

Rhino Movie Music presents "Simply The Best Movie Themes", featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and other various artists ~ within the realm of the following composers David Arnold, John Barry, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Wendy Carlos, Fred Ebb, James Horner, James Newton Howard, Michael Kamen, John Kander, Michel Legrand, Alex North, Basil Poledouris, Howard Shore, Wladyslaw Szpilman, Stephen Warbeck, John Williams and Hans Zimmer ~ each composer has created one or more of the scores in this twenty nine classic line up.

Film scores covering over three decades with "2001:SPACE ODYSSEY", "A CLOCKWORK ORANGE", "APOCALYPSE NOW", "THE BODYGUARD(I Will Always Love You)", "CHICAGO(Overture to All That Jazz), "DIE ANOTHER DAY", "EYES WIDE SHUT", "FEARLESS", "GLADIATOR(Theme)", "HANNIBAL", "HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE(Hedwig's Theme)", "HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE(Harry's Wondrous World)", "THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER", "JURASSIC PARK:THE LOST WORLD", "LICENSE TO KILL, "LIVING DAYLIGHTS", "THE LORD OF THE RINGS(Theme)", "MINORITY REPORT", "MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (Theme)", "OUT OF AFRICA", "THE PIANIST", "ROBIN HOOD, PRINCE OF THIEVES", "SCHINDLER'S LIST", "SE7EN", "SHADOWLANDS", "SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE", "THE SIXTH SENSE", "THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR"and "TITANIC(My Heart Will Go On)" ~ a mixture of original compositions and classics of the old masters. Loaded with not just themes, but full of orchestral arrangements that are fresh and rewarding ~ sure to bring back those special moments from the film.

The presentation is superb with every cue inclusive with spectacular performances from suspense, romance and adventure all rolled into a two disc package. Rhino must be commended on doing such a great job and doing it well. Most serious "film-score-buffs" will welcome this compilation, has many cues available all under one banner ~ Rhino Records...gotta love it!

Customer Reviews:

Must buy.......2006-05-16

Superlative seven-CDS hyper-bargain bid from BMG can't never beat that!!Over-all an allround best buy If you snooze you lose

Simply great Sibelius.......2006-05-15

At less than 20GBP, this set offers a most excellent initiation to the world of Johan Sibelius s'masterly work. A nice collection, that includes the symphonies (1--7) with important compositions such as the ever fascinating Kulervo and myriads of "TonePoems". The L.S.O play together with dedication, the sound and direction by sir Colin Davis increase the impression of greatness in the music. I was a little skeptical of the new Davis Kulervo "live", of which I prefer this one on rca, but been of course amazed by the L.S.O.Live powerful versions of symphonies 3 & 7. Otherwise, I generally love this uniformly excellent set, even more so than the earlier cycle in Boston of which I still like, above all, symphonies 5&6. Here, with this rca set, the "highlights" are to be found in symphonies 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6, as well as in a bracing and quite dramatic Kulervo. Among the poems, En Saga and Pohjola really shine along with a wonderful Suite Karelia. Of course everything is not perfection, but who will pretend to be anyway? I recommend highly this important box set, even more than the competitive 5CD Naxos however very good it is. Davis is a master Sibelian, no doubt about that. Kind regards. m.vuriling

Splendid Performances from LSO and Sir Colin Davis.......2004-12-31

This 7 CD set includes all of Sir Colin Davis' second Sibelius symphony cycle recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra in the 1990's, along with almost all of Sibelius' other major orchestral works, most notably his tone poems (Some of these were recorded as recently as 2000 or 2001.). These are impressive, vibrant performances replete with exquisite playing by the London Symphony Orchestra. Critics have praised Davis' first Sibelius symphony cycle with the Boston Symphony Orchestra as among the best; without question, his second symphony cycle is not only just as fine, but comes with better quality digital sound (However, with respect to sound, the best Sibelius symphony cycle that he's recorded may be the recent one with the LSO Live CD label.). I especially enjoyed the recordings of Sibelius' 2nd, 5th and 7th symphonies, and the tone poem En Saga, but all of Sibelius' works in this CD set are quite fine. Those interested in hearing music made by Sir Colin Davis, widely regarded as our foremost interpreter of Sibelius, with one of the world's greatest orchestras, the London Symphony Orchestra, will not be disappointed with this CD set.

Stand Ye Steady: Songs of Courage & Inspiration

Average customer rating:

bowersreview
USMA Glee Club scores a real hit
Reverent, Full of Love
Good CD
A real disappointment...

Stand Ye Steady: Songs of Courage & Inspiration

Manufacturer: Curtain Call Prod
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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We Were Soldiers

ASIN: B000ATQYVU
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Tracks:

Men Of Freedom
The Longest Day
Into The Fire
Rise Up, O Men Of God
On Great Lone Hills
Lest We Forget
Mansions Of The Lord (Interlude)
Mansions Of The Lord
Jerusalem
Via Dolorosa
Non Nobis
The Star-Spangled Banner
Take Me Home (With I Am A Soldier)
America (My Country 'Tis Of Thee)
Men Of Freedom
This Christmastide

Customer Reviews:

bowersreview.......2007-01-04

Exceptional CD. Inspirational and motivational. Highy recommend this for anyone seeking great quality music.

USMA Glee Club scores a real hit.......2006-11-14

This album is awe-inspiring. I bought the album after hearing an out take from "Men of Freedom", the tune is from an old Welsh battle song. You will recognize the tune if you saw Zulu Dawn with Michael Caine. Many of the other songs are equally powerful and mesmerizing. The only songs I didn't like were when the Glee club used guest soloists. They were less impressive and, in my opinion, took away from the strength of the group.

I liked the multiple verses sung from America, I wished they would have given the Star Spangled Banner the same treatment. The Mansions of the Lord is powerful and supremely reverent, as is Rise Up. I would dearly like to hear more from this talented group of soldiers.

Reverent, Full of Love.......2006-09-26

When I saw and heard this music broadcast Veteran's Day on TBN and my friends serving in our Armed Forces in Iraq saw it broadcast on Armed Forces Network, I was so happy to find the stereo CD and companion Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound DVD on Amazon. I cannot stop listening to it! The 60 minute musical program, reminiscent of the great concept albums of years ago, is one of the most reverent, intelligent and passionate portrayals of America's character ever produced. It contains many styles of choral music - all superbly performed by the world famous Cadet Glee Club of West Point arrayed in breathtaking formation on the altar of the massive 100 year old Cadet Chapel. There are richly textured vocal a capella songs such as "Rise Up O Men of God", "Manisons of the Lord", one of the most popular new hymns written, and "America (My Country `Tis of Thee)". Your buttons will burst with pride when you hear the brand new song "Men of Freedom" introduced by a single Cadet then followed by a cascade of additional voices building to a unified and thunderous declaration of defiant freedom in a style reminiscent of the great Welsh Male Choirs. Four songs highlight the power and majesty of the largest church organ in the world. You'll have to fight the urge to stand at attention when you hear and feel its power kick in on "Lest We Forget", "On Great Lone Hills", "Jerusalem" and "This Christmastide". The musical variety is further enhanced by the addition of brass and percussion for the rousing marches, "The Longest Day" and "Non Nobis". When was the last time you heard these two songs - one by world famous singer, songwriter and teen idol, Paul Anka and the other a medieval celebration of thanksgiving sung in Latin! The rich background vocals of the Cadet Glee Club musically frame two songs that underpin the message of this album - Bravery and Sacrifice. "Into the Fire" by NYPD's Daniel Rodriguez made me want to immediately rise up and rush to anyone's aid and when he holds that note at the end - wow! Tony Award Winner Lea Salonga's performance of the classic Christian hit, "Via Dolorosa", (one of the top 50 Christian songs of all time), is "The Passion of the Christ" embodied in a 5 minute song. You will alternate between tears and goose bumps. Her performance of the Spanish stanza will overwhelm you. Finally, Irish song writing master, Phil Coulter's wistful "Take Me Home" is accompanied by beautiful piano and guitar and introduced by a new poem entitled "I Am A Soldier" that is sobering reminder of the oath our soldiers swear to and the actions they are bound to take. God bless them!

A great bonus of the CD and DVD is that they both include a stylish lyric booklet as well as commentary by the producer on why he chose each song.

On the back cover of the CD and DVD cases is the statement that this production was created to honor the men and women of our Armed Forces, past and present, and the great values of America that they defend. This it surely does!! Also, it states that the producer is contributing a portion of his wholesale proceeds from its sale to organizations assisting our wounded soldiers. Bravo, Mr. Coppi.

Good CD.......2006-07-19

Wonderful songs and wonderful renditions of the songs. I must say, though, that the numbers would have been better if they were performed with more "ooomph" (for instance, "The Star Spangled Banner" could have been sung with more power and the arrangement could have used more creativity). The wisest decision on this CD was the inclusion of the numbers from Ms. Lea Salonga (whose hauntingly beautiful voice is able to effectively draw listeners in) and Daniel Rodriguez, one of America's newest tenors. Overall a good CD.

A real disappointment..........2006-06-10

I was so excited to stumble upon this album when a local music store was going out of business and selling CD's at great discounts. I love Glee Club music, I love patriotic music, and I love cathedral/chapel accoustics. Unfortunately, this album did not live up to its billing.

My primary complaints with this recording are twofold: the overuse of unison singing and the unnecessary inclusion of guest soloists. The beauty of glee club music is the rich chords, which are thankfully heard in many songs. To my dismay, though, there are many songs that mostly or entirely omit the beautiful harmonies that make glee clubs great.

As for the guest soloists, I don't understand why a singing group which obviously has many wonderful voices would bring in outsiders for an album like this. Actually, I do know why they would do it, and it's obviously a marketing thing that has financial implications. As reasonable as this may seem, it just cheapens the experience for me. Another great feature of glee clubs (and college choirs more generally) is the lack of polished, perfect, professional singers. There is something raw, authentic, and refreshing about a bunch of college kids singing together. Why bring in random people with no particular connection to the group?

To be fair, "Rise Up, O Men of God" and "Mansions of the Lord" are fantastic. I'll continue to play this album to listen to those songs. However, much of the remainder is somewhat forgettable.

Average customer rating:

Wide Dynamic Range
Very satisfied with Karajan's interpretation of "Peer Gynt" Suites 1&2
POWERFUL WORKS; GREAT PERFORMANCES
Like you are in the concert hall!
HERBERT von KARAJAN PULLS IT OFF AGAIN, AS USUAL!

Grieg: Peer Gynt Suites/ Holberg Suite

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GJV
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 Op. 46: Morning Mood
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 Op. 46: Aase's Death
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 Op. 46: Anitra's Dance
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 Op. 46: In the Hall of the Mountain King
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2 op. 55: The Abduction of the Bride
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2 op. 55: Arabian Dance
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2 op. 55: Peer Gynt's Return Home
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2 op. 55: ibid. Solveig's Song
From Holberg's Time, Op. 40: Praludium: Allegro Vivace
From Holberg's Time, Op. 40: Sarabande: Andante
From Holberg's Time, Op. 40: Gavotte: Allegretto, Musette: Un poco mosso- Gavotte
From Holberg's Time, Op. 40: Air: Andante religioso
From Holberg's Time, Op. 40: Rigaudon: Allegro con brio
Valse Triste: Lento
The Swan of Tuonela
Finlandia

Customer Reviews:

Wide Dynamic Range.......2007-07-02

I'm no music expert but, to be positive, this CD has very dramatic and rich sound. While the performance is outstanding (more expressive than a tape that I'm replacing) I ventured to write this review to say that the dynamic range seems very wide. I have a difficult time adjusting the volume to a comfortable level, I'm either turning it up for the pianissimo sections or down for forte. Too bad CD players don't come with a compressor-limiter dial. I have this problem on a few other classical CDs and it makes it hard to enjoy the music unless I'm in front of the stereo in a quiet room. For some reason, when you're in the concert hall it's easy to hear that lone flute, for example, but not necessarily so on a CD. I have a similar problem on the Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream / Branagh, McNair, Kirchschlager; Abbado, on Sony but this one isn't that bad by comparison. However, I find this particular CD hard to listen to in the car or at work.

Very satisfied with Karajan's interpretation of "Peer Gynt" Suites 1&2.......2007-05-31

I had heard, through Classical 102.1 (KDFC-FM), one part of the entire "Peer Gynt" Suites, namely "In The Hall of The Moutain King". I was curious about the entire Suites to consider buying the entire album. I enjoy listening to Karajan's interpretation of both "Peer Gynt" Suites. He paid very good attention to tempi, and the playing sounds superb.

POWERFUL WORKS; GREAT PERFORMANCES.......2007-03-16

I have long been fond of both composers, but have not always been pleased with the performances of their works available on CD. I have an old London Phase Four on vinyl that I enjoyed a great deal. Other offerings of Peer Gynt just do not provide the same level of satisfaction.

This CD however, offers wonderful performances by the Berliner Philharmonic, led by Herbert von Karajan. The audio quality is wonderful and is, in my opinion, superior to more recent recordings. One of my favorite selections is the performance of "Finlandia," which evokes the emotion inherent in the piece. I must say that Deutsche Grammophon has rarely disappointed me; even if one does not like a particular composer or performance, the presentations are always top-notch and the accompanying notes are always informative.

Like you are in the concert hall!.......2007-01-16

The CD takes me back to the days I used to watch the live concert on PBS. Couldn't ask for better!!!

HERBERT von KARAJAN PULLS IT OFF AGAIN, AS USUAL!.......2005-12-25

What makes this CD so great is how the Berlin Philharmonic performs Sibelius's Finlandia. Karajan is suscessful in making every single member of that orchestra (with extra gredit given to the woodwinds and brass) perform that piece in such a spellbinding fashion.
The Peer Gynt and Holdberg suites are also excellent sounding in this CD, but it is Finlandia that is the highlight.

Sibelius: Complete Symphonies; Violin Concerto; Finlandia

Average customer rating:

5 Stars for the Symphonies and Finlandia!
As usual, it's mainly a matter of taste.

Sibelius: Complete Symphonies; Violin Concerto; Finlandia

Manufacturer: Ondine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Mahler: Symphonies 1-10; Das Lied von der Erde
Sibelius: The Symphonies / Blomstedt
Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in c minor [Hybrid SACD]
Mahler: Symphony No. 5
Sibelius: Symphony No. 2

ASIN: B000CQNVSU
Release Date: 2006-03-21

Tracks:

Andante, Ma Non Troppo - Allegro Energico
Andante (Ma Non Troppo Lento)
Scherzo. Allegro
Finale (Quasi Una Fantasia). Andante - Allegro Molto
Symphony No.7 In C Major, Op.105
Finlandia, Op.26 No.7

Tracks:

Allegretto
Tempo Andante, Ma Rubato
Vivacissimo
Finale. Allegro Moderato
Allegro Molto Moderato
Allegretto Moderato
Poco Vivace
Allegro Molto

Tracks:

Allegro Moderato
Andantino Con Moto, Quasi Allegretto
Moderato-Allegro (Ma Non Tanto)
Tempo Molto Moderato-Allegro Moderato (Ma Poco A Poco Stretto)
Andante Mosso, Quasi Allegretto
Allegro Molto

Tracks:

Tempo Molto Moderato, Quasi Adagio
Allegro Molto Vivace
Il Tempo Largo
Allegro
Allegro Moderato
Adagio Di Molto
Allegro, Ma Non Tanto

Customer Reviews:

5 Stars for the Symphonies and Finlandia!.......2007-06-12

If you have loved the Sibelius Symphonies as I have and have been searching for the one set to buy, this is that set. A Finnish conductor and orchestra make it all the better. The recorded sound is amazingingly clear and deep. The performances are rich, detailed and have a great urgency to them. There is I would say a tension to the performaces and excitement and more warmth than so much of the "icy" Sibelius that is out there on CD. The second is taken at a slower pace than some, but at no expense of structure. The first is my personal favorite in the set. Many conductors I think treat this as an early "romantic" Sibelius work (as though it is not "real" Sibelius) and it often comes off rather Tchaikovsky-ish. Not so here as here it definately sounds like Sibelius. I was also very impressed with the 7th, which despite its short length comes off as having great size and breadth, feeling more like a symphony at the length of a tone poem. My only gripe is the recording of the Sibelius violin concerto, which is simply not worthy of the rest of the set. Fortunately there are many good recordings of that concerto available.

The version of Finlandia in this set features chorus with it and it is sublime. A great bonus with the 7 symphonies.

As usual, it's mainly a matter of taste........2006-07-06

Segerstam's Sibelius will probably appeal more to those who appreciate a somewhat rounded, relatively slower paced, more richly textured quality. The possible downside to this may include tendencies toward woolliness or congestion, languidness and atmospheric humidity. In other words, if you like tauter, cleaner lines, a more vivid and energetic pace and a cooler interpretive style, then Segerstam may not be your man. There's no doubt he can be quite musically expressive, but the issue is in what way[s] ? One of the chief considerations with Sibelius is atmosphere. Aside from nature's colors playing a vital role, grandeur or an epic quality frequently demands representation. While Segerstam is capable of projecting a swelling sense of intensity when called for, I feel he doesn't reveal enough in the way of that Sibelian attribute of loftiness. However, the Sixth Symphony's recipe calls for a somewhat different set of ingredients. Though there are still aspects of the usual mystery and grandness, more flowing textures and some lighter considerations significantly come into play. Segerstam deals with these things in a most disarming way by bringing warmly expressive detail to what is often referred to as a wintry toned work. I do not rate him as highly however in the other symphonies...In the First, my main criticisms are along aesthetic grounds---his characterization of particular phrases, the prominence given to certain instrumental sections over others and some pauses that are too long...The popular Second Symphony is the kind of piece that runs the risk of being twisted and pulled excessively by some conductors. The worst case I'm familiar with is Thomas Schippers' New York Philharmonic account from the 1960s. Segerstam does not go that far, though I'm still not especially enamoured with his reading. Moreover, he does not entirely avoid some congestion. I also do not respond well to some of his heavier accents. My disappointment with his conception of the Fifth Symphony is based on similar grounds...I rate Segerstam's Third Symphony performance as being next best after his Sixth. It is nicely tuneful, although the final minutes of the last movement would have benefitted from a little more textural clarification...The conductor's perspective on the Seventh Symphony misses a taut, vivid quality. Musical lines could be cleaner. There's not much of that epic presence either...Finally, in the Fourth Symphony, Segerstam is appropriately dark and moody, but there has to be more evidence of life's vital signs. I find his pace too slow and his musical outline a bit spongy. Among other Fourths I have heard, Collins and Maazel are the best at grabbing my attention and keeping it throughout...As for Finlandia, it begins in fairly routine fashion though near the close there is a nice contribution from the Male Polytech Choir; however, they and Segerstam never really bring the piece to inspired heights...In the Violin Concerto the conductor's mostly plodding pace carries all the way to the end. Though technically fine, violinist Pekka Kuusisto doesn't project much personality. There seems to be little range or depth of feeling in his rendition.

Here are my favorite choices for these pieces, not necessarily in order of preference: Sym.1--Maazel/Vienna Philharmonic, Collins/London Symphony ( All of Collins' Sibelius readings are in mono.) and Stokowski/National Philharmonic; Sym.2--Ormandy/Philadelphia Orchestra ( Columbia/Sony ), Collins and Ashkenazy/Philharmonia Orchestra ; Sym.3--Kamu/Helsinki Radio Symphony, Collins and Segerstam/Helsinki Philharmonic; Sym.4--Maazel/Vienna and Collins; Sym.5--Bernstein/New York Philharmonic, Barbirolli/Halle Orchestra, Collins and Ashkenazy; Sym.6--Vanska, Collins, Saraste/Finnish Radio, Karajan/BerlinPhiharmonic on EMI, Ashkenazy and Segerstam/Helsinki Phil.; Sym.7--Maazel/Vienna, Collins and Vanska; It is quite obvious that I think very highly of Anthony Collins' interpretations. His commanding dynamics, emotional sensitivity and attention to color and detail affirm a level of quality that is consistently excellent. Finlandia--Ormandy/Philadelphia ( with Mormon Tabernacle Choir ), Collins and Ashkenazy; Violin Concerto--Oistrakh/Ormandy and Heifetz/Hendl. Incidentally, the recorded sound on Segerstam's Ondine set is very fine.

Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites

Average customer rating:

Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites

Manufacturer: Castle Pulse
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Favourite Welsh Choirs
Land of Song Welsh Choral Classics
Welsh Choirs: Wonderful Welsh Choirs
Bryn Terfel - We'll Keep a Welcome
Traditional Songs of Wales

ASIN: B0009SOFXG
Release Date: 2005-08-01

Tracks:

Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (CWM Rhondda) - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Land of My Fathers - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Dies Irae
Men of Harlech
You'll Never Walk Alone
Cadwyn O Emyn Donau Cymreig: Joanna (Trad./Elfion Wyn)/Crugybar (Trad.
Old Folks at Home
Il Liza Jane
Faust/Soldier's Chorus - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Vergine Degli Angeli
Ballard of Rourke's Drift - Cwt-Y-Collen Choir
My Hero
God Bless the Prince of Wales - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
German Mass/Gloria
German Mass/Sanctus
Misbles/Master of the House/On My Own/Drink with Me/Empty Chairs at
All Through the Night - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Arwelfa
Invictus
Softly as I Leave You

Tracks:

Diolch l'R L
Hine E Hine (Maori Lullaby)
Pererin Wyf (Amazing Grace)
Tribute to the USA: America the Beautiful (Ward/Bates)/God Bless ...
Memories of Martha
I Lombardi/The Crusaders' Chorus - Treorchy Male Choir
Myfanwy - Treorchy Male Choir
Tales of Hoffman/Barcarolle
Creation's Hymn
In the Spirit!
Shall We Gather at the River
Nos a Bore
Very Best Time of Year
Soon Ah Will Be Done
Thanks Be to God
Flower That Shattered the Stone
Rhys - Treorchy Male Choir
Where Shall I Be?
Bywyd y Bugail
Lord's Prayer

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Pearl Fishers/Divine Brahma
She Was Beautiful (Cavatina) - Treorchy Male Choir
Cymru Fach
Nidaros
Jacob's Ladder - Treorchy Male Choir
Watching the Wheat
Pan Ddaw y Saint (When the Saints Go Marching In)
Misbles/Stars
Rachie
Pirates of Penzance/With Cat-Like Tread - Treorchy Male Choir
There Is a Balm in Gilead
Rise Up Shepherd and Foller
My Lord, What a Mornin'
Bryn Myrddin
Jesus Christ Superstar/Medley: Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna/The Last
Finnish Forest (Suomen Salossa)
Nabucco/The Glory of Israel
Ride the Chariot
Tydi a Roddaist - Treorchy Male Choir

Tracks:

Y Nefoedd
Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
Morte Christe (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
By Babylon's Wave
I'm Gonna Sing
Where Could I Go But to the Lord?
Holy City - Treorchy Male Choir
Mefistofele: Ave Signor, Degli Angeli
Senzenina (Zulu Chant)
That's All I Want from You
Deep Harmony - Treorchy Male Choir
Give Me Jesus
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
My Wish for You
Jeptha/Waft Her Angels
Mose in Egitto/Prayer
Be Still My Soul (Finlandia Hymn)
God's Choir in the Sky
Floral Dance - Treorchy Male Choir
Smilin' Through

Tracks:

Calon Lan
True Love
Mor Fawr Wyt Ti (How Great Thou Art)
Aberystwyth
Comrades in Arms
Cats/Memory
They Led My Lord Away
State Fair/It's a Grand Night for Singing
When I Fall in Love
Let's Face the Music and Dance
Windmills of Your Mind
How Soon
Non Nobis Domine
Rhythm of Life
Kalinka
Sound an Alarm
Neapolitan Trilogy: It's Now or Never (Di Capua/Schroeder/Gold)/Mo ...
Turandot/Nessun Dorma
Christus Redemptor
Ann Evening's Pastorale

Album Details

Choirs Include the Morriston Orpheus Choir, the Pontadrddulais Male Voice Choir, the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, the Cwrt-y-gollen Choir, the Treorchy Male Choir and the Lucknow Male Voice Choir.

Sibelius: Finlandia; En Saga; Valse triste; Karelia Suite; The Swan of Tuonela

Average customer rating:

Is this the greatest Sibelius recording ever?

Sibelius: Finlandia; En Saga; Valse triste; Karelia Suite; The Swan of Tuonela

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Jean Sibelius: Symphonies No. 4-7, Tapiola etc.
Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 5 (The Karajan Collection)
Sibelius: Symphony No. 2
Beethoven, Sibelius: Violin Concertos
Bruckner: Symphony No. 7

ASIN: B000AQACWU
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

En Saga Op.9
The Swan Of Tuonela
I: Intermezo
II: Ballade
III: Alla Marcia
Finlandia Op.26
Valse Triste Op.44
Tapiola Op.112

Customer Reviews:

Is this the greatest Sibelius recording ever?.......2005-12-14

Is this the greatest Sibelius recording ever?

It may well be.

This particular CD combines Karajan's 1976 analog recordings of four Sibelius tone poems with his 1981 digital recordings of Valse Triste and the Op 11 Karelia Suite. The analog material - Finlandia, The Swan of Tuonela, En Saga and Tapiola - have always been demonstration-quality recordings. This particular CD marks the SEVENTH time I've purchased these recordings: first in their initial USA Angel LP & cassette issues, then as a British LP import, next as a German LP import, again in their initial EMI Studio CD release, once more in their second EMI CD release, and now in their almost-always-better-sounding Great Recordings of the Century series (there are exceptions to that particular rule, BTW).

Why all the copies? Simple: I was constantly seeking out a version that did full justice to the sound that one could tell was inscribed on the original tapes, and I think that finally, finally EMI have got it just about right.

First off, these recordings are very lifelike. They very much represent the Berlin Phil under Karajan that I heard in live performances at Carnegie Hall. And - except for a few intonation problems here and there that were previously buried in various degrees of sonic mush - the execution of the BPO is near immaculate (no clams in the brass!), matching American orchestras in their typical note-perfect playing.

The recorded ambience is also very easy on the ear, but - and this is a big but - the listening perspective on these recordings has now been shifted forward from second row orchestra to the conductor's podium. What I mean by that is that there is much more clarity and transparency in the orchestra than I recall from previous issues (it also helps if you listen to the CD at a slightly boosted volume level). It's a bit like the difference one gets when auditioning a recording on headphones rather than through speakers (in fact, I could swear that I can now hear Karajan - or someone - humming at certain points or urging on the orchestra).

There has also been a re-sequencing of the tracks themselves. Previous issues all opened with Karajan's massive version of Finlandia - an opening track that was sure to grab a listener by the gonads and pull him into the recording. This time around the CD opens with En Saga with Finlandia buried down the track listing. If you've never heard this disc and want to hear what it's all about, you'll play Finlandia first, trust me!

On the subject of this recording of Finlandia, it surely gains from Karajan opting for doubled winds who maintain their sound and texture over the massive strings and brass (augmented by VERY present timpani). Here, Karajan and the BPO launch what has to have set the all-time record for gravitas in Finlandia openings. This is slow, ballsy and brilliant. I can think of no greater compliment to give both Karajan and his orchestra than to say that they here play Finlandia as if it were the most important piece of music ever composed by anyone, ever.

The same "greatest piece ever" philosophy also inhabits the other works on this CD. The Swan, in particular, is hauntingly beautiful, no more so than in the huge string phrases that take over before the English horn's final, plaintive utterances. This is music making on such a high level that one might miss it for the emotional involvement of all concerned. You may find yourself - as did I - immediately replaying this track just to convince yourself that it really was that good.

Likewise, Karajan's 1981 Valse triste surpasses his previous efforts (not to mention those of most others). This is a slow but enervated version of a piece that I just never tire of hearing. However, I will say that the digital sound is slightly less fulsome than that captured on the analog tracks. The Karelia Suite is also of digital origin and reflects the same caveat, though this is picking nits - the recordings are all fabulous.

The real revelation on the disc is Tapiola. Karajan recorded it a few times, and I find this one to be his best if not THE best recording of the piece ever made. If you want to know what the term "heavy classic" means, seek no further. It was once opined that Sibelius' fame could have rested on Tapiola alone, and it may well be that Tapiola recordings may come down to this one and this one alone. It is just that impressive as a recording and as an interpretation.

Seventeen years after his death, it's becoming quite clear to me that Karajan went through something of a golden age in the 1970s. His recordings from that period - particularly his EMI recordings - showcase an orchestra and conductor at the absolute summit of their powers, fully in tune with each other and the music at hand. These Sibelius recordings rank with the very best from that period and are well deserving of the Great Recordings of the Century moniker.

I'd urge you to purchase this disc before EMI consigns this issue to deletion status.

It simply doesn't get any better.

Music Review: