Grieg: Piano Music, Vol. 11

On this CD:

1. Sigurd Jorsalfar, incidental music, Op. 22 Unspecified excerpts (3)
Composed by Edvard Grieg
Performed by Einar Steen-Noekleberg

2. Peer Gynt Suite for orchestra (or piano or piano, 4 hands) No. 1, Op. 46
Composed by Edvard Grieg
Performed by Einar Steen-Noekleberg

3. Peer Gynt Suite for orchestra (or piano or piano, 4 hands) No. 2, Op. 55
Composed by Edvard Grieg
Performed by Einar Steen-Noekleberg

4. Olav Trygvason, opera, Op. 50 (incomplete) Two unspecified excerpts
Composed by Edvard Grieg
Performed by Einar Steen-Noekleberg
Conducted by Stefan Schioll

5. Bergliot, melodrama for speaker & orchestra, Op. 42 Excerpts
Composed by Edvard Grieg
Performed by Einar Steen-Noekleberg

Tracks:

Air 'On The String' - Philippe Saisse
Ave Maria - Paul McCandless
Arioso - Tracy Silverman
Nocturne - Steve Erquiaga
Sarabande - Paul Schwartz
Intermezzo No.6 - David Benoit
Adagio - Brian Dunning
Adagio - Patrick O'Hearn
Prelude In C-Sharp Minor - Edgar Meyer
Adagio - Richard Schonherz
Adagio For Strings - Philip Aaberg
Largo - Tim Story

Amazon.com

Adagio follows in the rosin-dusted footsteps of The Impressionists, A Different Mozart, and A Different Prelude. As with those releases, it was produced by Dawn Atkinson and features many of the same artists. The results are as varied as the musicians. Violinist Tracy Silverman cuts one of his patented echo-delayed pizzicato violin arrangements of a Bach arioso, while Patrick O'Hearn drapes a somber keyboard shroud around the Adagio from Rodrigo's Fantasy for a Gentleman. Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning find the Celtic air in the Adagio from Handel's Sonata in G, while Philip Aaberg discovers infinity between the notes of Barber's ubiquitous Adagio for Strings. He stretches the melody across his piano in finely drawn lines, subtlety filled out with synthesizer undertones. Subtlety is a casualty on Philipe Saisse's bongos, bells, and synth arrangement of Bach's Air on a G String. It's also sacrificed in a corny confection of Handel's Sarabande by Paul Schwartz. His ham-fisted electronic keyboards would've sounded dated even before Switched-On Bach. But Adagio features plenty of musicians who are willing to surrender themselves to their elegiac themes, including guitarist Steve Erquiaga, Mike Marshall, and Edgar Meyers. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Simply Gorgeous !.......2003-10-05

This is the first Windham Hill compilation I've purchased in a long, long time, and I am thrilled with the music.
The artistry is stunning, the artists bring themselves to the music while at the same time maintaining the integrity of the original piece.
My favorite is Grieg's Nocturne, arranged and performed by Steve Erquiaga. I have been in love with his music from the moment
I heard his CD "Cafe Paradiso" (Imaginary road Records). It is absolutely stunning!
When I saw that he was on "Adagio" I went for it. I'm so happy that I did ...
Other hightlights for me are Philip Aaberg's "Adagio for Strings", Tracy Silverman's "Arioso" ..... they're all beautiful.
Thank You for this wonderful music.

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

Mill. Classical review
classical music for the unitiated
Some little gems there that I had forgotten!
A very helpful collection
Excellent!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

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

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
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Rendezvous of Angels - Concert Collection [20 CD Set]

ASIN: B00000K1C9
Release Date: 1999-08-24

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.

Average customer rating:

Canadian Brass is COOL!
Bold and Brassy
The Comical Yet Excellent Recording
Canadian Brass Strikes Again!
great!

Bolero & Other Blockbusters

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

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Go For Baroque! - The Canadian Brass
Best of the Canadian Brass
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ASIN: B000003FVD
Release Date: 1995-06-13

Tracks:

2001 Theme
Concerto For Two Trumpets: Allegro
Sarabande
Bolero
Turkish March
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Rondeau
Music From The Royal Fireworks
Lord Nelson Mass: Gloria
Xerxes: Largo
Minute Waltz
Toreador Song
Sonata No.11: Turkish Rondo
Cor Royale
Sleeping Beauty: Overture
Nutcracker: Waltz Of The Flowers
La Gioconda: Dance Of The Hours
The Glow-Worm
Peer Gynt: In The Hall Of The Mountain King
Gaite Parisienne: Can-Can
Jerusalem
La Virgen de la Macarena
Aida: Grand March
Guadeamus Igitur
Overture To H.M.S. Pinafore
Golyardes' Grounde
Farewell Anthem

Customer Reviews:

Canadian Brass is COOL!.......2007-04-11

Brass virtuosos offer familiar pieces in refreshing way. Great listening!

Bold and Brassy.......2006-05-10

You either like the sound of brass instruments or you don't. I do. I especially like them in the hands of competent musicians playing tunes I like (mostly), I like this album.

It's a hodgepodge of mostly very short pieces and not all of them are "classical" although that is the main thrust of the work. Intermixed with Handel's MUSIC FROM THE ROYAL FIREWORKS and Ravel's BOLERO you will find such pieces as the CAN-CAN or GLOWWORM. It's all very enjoyable.

The Comical Yet Excellent Recording.......2004-09-15

This CD absolutely shows the absolute talent in the absolute Canadian Brass. These short little songs might be abused, but they showed the great skills the players had. The tuba was heard clearly in one of the song's end. Trombone had a lot of solo that showed hard technique, and the trumpets are surprisingly outstanding! The French horn might not be heard quite easily, but it was played fantastically good.
Great recording for sure, all famous songs, and some great classical ballads.

Canadian Brass Strikes Again!.......2000-06-01

This is a fun cd to listen to. The recording is very clear and crisp, each instrument shines. Also, the cover photo is comical. I have several other Canadian Brass recordings and I think they are all interesting. A truly talented band of skillful musicians.

great!.......1999-08-31

This is a truly splendid CD. Each song is wonderfully played and Arranged. In turkish rondo, the french horn player and the trumpets do a great job. And in Sarbande by Handel, and Bolero by Ravel, htey do even better! Two big thumbs up!

Average customer rating:

In Utero: Music for My Baby, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004U0B1
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

String Quartet In G Minor: III. Andantino, Doucement Expressif - Borodin String Quartet
The Four Seasons, 'Spring': Il Largo E Pianissimo Sempre - Christopher Warren-Green
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: Aquarium - The Nash Ensemble
Apres Un Reve, Op.7 No.1 'Romain Bussine' - Roger Vignoles
Simple Symphony: Sentimental Sarbande - Iona Brown
Avodah - Trio Avodah
Romeo And Juliet: Romeo At Friar Laurence's - Libor Pesek
Lachrymae, Pavan For Viols - Fretwork
Serenade For Wind Instruments, K.388: II. Andante - HARMONIEMUSIK OF LONDON
Ma Mere L'Oye: Le Jardin Feerique - Jean-Bernard Pommier
Marchenbilder For Viola & Piano, Op.113: IV. Langsam, Mit Melancholischem Ausdruck - Leif Ove Andsnes
Adagio For Strings - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Heart's Wounds - Jonathan Rees
Suite No.3 In D Major, BWV 1068: Aria - English Chamber Orchestra
Blumine - Bamberger Symphoniker

The Most Beautiful Melodies of Classical Music, Vol. 1-10 (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

The Most Beautiful Melodies of Classical Music, Vol. 1-10 (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Septets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Romance of the Violin

ASIN: B00000G1JO
Release Date: 2000-07-07

Tracks:

The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 1 In E Major 'Spring,' I. Allegro
Overture No. 3 BWV 1068: Air
Water Music: Alla Hornpipe
Orpheus and Eurrdice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Piano Sonata In A Major K. 331: Alla turca
Symphonie No. 3: Allegretto
String Serenade: Waltz
Foreign Countries And People op. 15 No. 1
Flute Concerto No. 1 In G Major, K. 313: Rondo. Tempo di Minuett
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Minor Op. 21: Larghetto
Quintet In A Major 'Trout': Theme & Variations
Waltz In A Flat Major
Impromptu In G Flat Major D 899,3
Sinfonia concertante In E Flat Major K 364: Presto

Tracks:

Voices Of Spring Waltz Op. 410
Serenade Op. 3 No. 5
Songs Without Words In E Major Op. 19,1
Horn Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major K. 447: Allegro
Fausts Verdammnis: Dances Of The Sylphes
Flute Concerto In G minor
Salomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Piano Concerto No. 23 In A Major K 488: Andante
Holberg Suite Op. 40: Prelude
Carmen: Intermezzo
String Serenade op. 22: Tempo di valse
Impromptu In B Flat Major D 935 No. 3
I Love You Op. 5 No. 3
Roses From The South, Waltz Op. 388

Tracks:

Peer Gynt: Morning
The Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarole
Melody In F, Op. 3 Nr. 1
The Nutcracker: Waltz Of The Flowers
Standchen
Etude In G Sharp Minor 'La Campanella'
Peer Gynt: Anitras Dance
Moment Musical D 780 No. 3
Canon In D
Overture No. 2: Menuet & Badinerie
Piano Concerto No. 21 In C Major: Andante
Carmen: Seguedille
'Songs without Words': The Venetian Gondola
Eugen Onegin: Waltz
Romance For Violin And Orchestra In G major Op. 26

Tracks:

Die Fledermaus: Overture
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Waltz No. 1 Op. 18 In E flat major 'Grande Valse brillante'
Lullaby
L'Arlesienne: Intermezzo
The Seasons Op. 37b: Barcarole
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Fairies' March
Clarinet Concerto In A Major K 622: Adagio
The Sleeping Beauty: Waltz
La Traviata: Prelude
Carmen, Suite No. 2: Chanson du Toreador
Happy Farmer
Menuet
On The Beautiful Blue Danube, Waltz Op. 314

Tracks:

A Little Night Music K 525: Allegro
Sonata No. 2 In E Major BWV 1031: Siciliano
Op. 11 No. 5: Menuet
Songs Without Words: Duetto
The Nutcracker: Dance of the Toy Flutes
Fruhlingslied (Spring Song)
Waldszenen: Abschied
Mandolin Concerto: Allegro
Music For The Royal Fireworks: La paix: Largo alla Siciliana
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3: Allegro
Waltz In B Minor Op. 69 No. 2
Romance Op. 5
Impromptu In A Flat Major D 935 Nr. 2
Tales from the Vienna Woods, Waltz Op. 325

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Humoresque Op. 101
Sleeping Beautiful: Panorama
Impromptu In E Flat Major, D899 No. 2
Melancholy
Waltz Op. 54,1
Nocturne In B Major Op. 9 No. 3
Caro mio ben
PARTITA IN D FLAT MAJOR: Pastorale
An den Fruhling
The Sleeping Beauty: Pas de quatre, Adagio
Rosamunde - Ballet In G Major
Piano Concerto No. 3 In C Minor Op. 37: Largo
Emperor Waltz, op. 437

Tracks:

Harp Concerto In B Flat Major: Andante allegro
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Adagio
Flute Concerto In F Major, Op. 10 'La Tempesta di Mare': Presto
Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor Op. 13 'Pathetique': Adagio cantabile
Horn Concerto In E Flat Major K 495: Rondo. Allegro vivace
Poeme Op. 41 No. 6
Wilhelm Tell: Soldier's Dance
Liebestraum No. 3 In A flat Major
Violin Romance No. 2
Flute Concerto In E Minor: Rondo
Intermezzo In E Flat Major Op. 117,1
Carmen: Habenera
Symphony No. 3 'Scottish': Vivace non troppo
Vienna Bonbons: Waltz Op. 307

Tracks:

Symphony No. 40 In G Minor K. 550: Molto Allegro
Preghiera - Mozarianna Suite: Ave Verum
Arietta Op. 12,1
Concerto BWV 1056: Arioso
The Four Seasons: Concerto Nr. 3 Autumn: Allegro
Des Abends (Evening)
Holberg Suite Op. 40: Gavotte
Melancholy Galliard
Flute Concerto No. 2 In D Major K. 314: Rondo. Allegretto
Spinning Song
Orchestral Suite No. 3: Valse Melancolique
Flute Quartet K. 285a: Tempo di Minuetto
Moment Musical In A Flat Major, D 780 No. 2
Piano Concerto No. 9 In E Flat Major K 271 'Jeunehomme': Rondo - Presto

Tracks:

String Serenade: Moderato
Traumerei Op. 15
Ave Maria
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major: Allegro
Minuet In D Minor
Suite No. 1: Marche Miniature
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Notturno
Mazurka In D Major Op. 33 No. 2
Divertimento K 251: Andantino
On Wings Of A Song
Carmen: Nocturne
Melody
Sonata In C Major BWV 1033: Allegro
Symphony No. 1 In G Minor 'Winter Dreams': Adagio cantabile
Sound Of The Spheres, Waltz Op. 235

Tracks:

The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture
Sonata In C sharp Minor Op. 27,2 'Moonlight Sonata': Adagio sostenuto
German Dance No. 1
Nocturne In C Sharp Minor Op.posth.
Haffner Serenade: Minuet
Septet In E Flat Major Op. 20: Tempo di Minuetto
Symphony No. 4 Italian: Andante con moto
Prelude In D Flat Major Op. 28, No. 15 'Rain Drops'
'3 Small Pieces': Impromptu
'The Nutcracker': March
Romance In E Flat Major Op. 44
Piano Sonata No. 16 In C Major 'Sonata facile': Allegro
'The Nutcracker': Scene No. 10
Enjoy Your Life Waltz, Op. 340

The Instruments of Classical Music, Vol. 7: The Piano

Average customer rating:

soul-touching piano pieces
Amazing calssical review

The Instruments of Classical Music, Vol. 7: The Piano

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

The Instruments of Classical Music, Vol. 5: The Violin
The Instruments of Classical Music, Vol. 1: The Flute
The Instruments of Classical Music, Vol. 6: The Cello
The Instruments of Classical Music, Vol. 8: The Organ
The Instruments of Classical Music, Vol. 2: The Oboe

ASIN: B000001VMO
Release Date: 1990-06-04

Tracks:

Rustle Of Spring
Fur Elise
Piano Concerto No.21 in C, K 467- Elvira Madigan: Andante
Nocturne In B, Op. 9 No. 3
Piano Concerto No. 17 in G, K435: Allegretto
No. 2 from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12: Aufschwung
Piano Concerto No. 1: Allegro non troppo
Rhapsody In Blue
Piano Sonata In A, K 331: Rondo Alla Turca
Impromptu In A Flat, D 899 No. 4
Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 'Moonlight': Adagio sostenuto
3rd Movement from Pno Con in A minor, Op.16: Allegro molto e marcato

Customer Reviews:

soul-touching piano pieces.......2003-07-08

for a non-classically minded music aficionado like myself, this is a beautiful introduction to the magic of the keys.
after getting initially smitten with the more popular pieces of
Beethoven and Mozart, I had the chance to experience the beauty and power of Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Schubert and Grieg.
The magic ride begins with the first piece by Sinding (whom I had
never heard of), and stays till the end.

Amazing calssical review.......2000-08-13

As a lover of piano this cd has everything I was looking for performed to a perfection. Even people that dont appreciate the piano or classics have stopped what they where doing to listen with me. I also found the quality of the sound to be excellent and reccommend it highly

The Complete Recordings of Maud Powell, Vol. 2

Average customer rating:

The Complete Recordings of Maud Powell, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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Similar Items:

The Complete Recordings of Maud Powell, Vol. 1

ASIN: B00005QIS2
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

Bach: Sonata No. 3 in E major: Mvt. II, Allegro
Bach: Sonata No. 3 in E major: Mvt. IV, Allegro
Handel: Xerxes: Largo
Mozart: Divertimento No. 17 in D major: Minuet
Boccherini-Powell: Quintet in E, Op. 13 No. 5: Tempo di Minuetto
Martini-Powell: Plaisir d'amour
Vieuxtemps: Bouquet americain, Op. 33: St. Patrick's Day
Vieuxtemps: Bouquet americain, Op. 33: Polonaise, Op. 38
Wienawski: Violin Concerto No. 2 in D major, Op. 22: Mvt. II, Romance
Wienawski: Violin Concerto No. 2 in D major, Op. 22: Capriccio Valse,
Schubert: Ave Maria
Schubert: Rosamunde, Op. 26: Entr'acte III in B flat
Raff: Cavatina, Op. 85 No. 3
Zarzycki: Mazurka, Op. 26
Schumann: Kinderszenen, Op. 15: Traumerci
Grieg-Marcosson: To Spring
Leybach: Fifth Nocturne, Op. 52
Offenbach: Les Contes d'Hoffman: Barcarolle
Ogarew: Caprice, Op. 51 No. 2
Chopin-MacMillen: The Maiden's Wish
Massanet: Les Erinnyes: No. 3, Invocation (Elegie)
Poldini-Hartman: Poupee, valsante
Cadman: Little Firefly

Average customer rating:

Very nice collection of classical music
Beautiful
If you're after a range of classical style, this is a must.
Excellent compliation

Harmony

Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004BYYQ
Release Date: 2000-02-01

Tracks:

The Four Seasons - Concerto No. 1 'Spring': III. Allegro
Adagio
Bolero
Fur Elise (Lettre A Elise)
Serenade In G 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik', K525: I. Allegro
Canon
Suite No. 3 In D, BWV 1068: Air
Jazz Suite No. 2: Valse 2
Morning
Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Sharp Minor 'Moonlight', Op. 27 No. 2: Adagio Sostenuto
Gymnopedie No. 1
Clair De Lune
La Moldau
Flute And Harp Concerto In C, K.299: II: Andantino
Ave Maria, D839
My Heart Will Go On - James Horner
Liebestrom No. 3 In A Flat - Liszt, Franz

Tracks:

Adagio - Barber, Samuel
Cantata No. 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Jean-Sebastien Bach
An Die Schonen Blauen Donau Walzer, Op. 314 (extract) - Johann Strauss
Piano Concerto No. 21 In C 'Elvira Madigan', K467: II: Andante - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Nocture No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 9 No.2 - Frederic Chopin_
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor ' New World' Op. 95: II. Largo (Opening) - Anton Dvorak
Cello Suite No. 1 In G, BWV 1007: I: Prelude - Jean-Sebastien Bach
Ave Maria
Keyboard Suite No. 11 In D Minor: Sarabande - Georg Friedrich Haendel
Concierto de Aranjuez: II: Adagio (Opening) - Joaquin Rodrigo
Pavane - Gabriel Faure
Carnaval Des Animaux: The Swan (Le Cygne)
Clarinet Concerto In A, K. 622: II: Adagio - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Prince Igor: Danses Polovtsiennes
Traumerei - Robert Schumann
Schindler's List (Theme) - John Williams
Requiem in D minor, K.626: Lacrimosa - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Sir John In Love: Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Vaughan Williams, Ralph
Time To Say Goodbye

Customer Reviews:

Very nice collection of classical music.......2004-09-09

This is the best CD set of the world's most beautiful classical melodies ever written. Some are very relaxing, while others are so emotional (and beautiful) they make the listener fight back tears. There is not a song on either CD that I do not like. The selections on the second CD are very moving, especially Barber's Adagio for Strings, and John Williams' theme from "Schindler's List". One thing I really like about this collection is the variety of music selected. The music spans from the baroque period to the present day (with a nice arrangement of the theme song from "Titanic". Please do not hesitate upon buying this 2-CD set. You be so glad you did!

Beautiful.......2003-05-24

I especially loved this Cd since I am only a beginning classical music fan. I bought it mainly for relaxation and it sure has met up to all of my expectations. I have fallen in love with the Prince Igor piece. So many songs on this CD are so beautiful that they have made me curious to buy CD's by their artists so I can hear what other wonders have been created. This is my favorite CD of all time.

If you're after a range of classical style, this is a must........2002-08-02

I tend to be a light classical listener. That is to say, I find myself often worn out by the second part of a masterwork. This compilation keeps me interested the entire time with its ranging style selections carefully placed to evoke the broadest of emotional responses. I found myself wishing for more after the 2 1/2 hours it took the two CDs to finish.

If you're like me, and tend to enjoy a changing theme, pace and rhythm when listening to music, I think you'll find this work a welcome addition to your classical collection. On a bias note, track 10 on disk 1 (Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor ("Moonlight"), Op. 27/2 Adagio sostenuto) is one of my favorite recordings of this piece, so I cant help but recommend it ;)

Excellent compliation.......2000-09-24

Unlike some classical cds, this one contains full length selections, covering a wide range of composers from Bach to a couple of tastefully done popular selections. The recordings were full and expressive, the audio quality excellent. In a sense it is a varation on the 'greatest hits' theme with pieces like Faure's "Pavane," but it does contain some nice surprises, such as Shostakovitch's "Jazz Suite" and Rodrigo's "Concerto de Aranjuez." Excelent cd overall, and a good, pleasing listen

Average customer rating:

Stunning. . . .
PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST
A world-changing musician
CZIFFRA - A Keyboard Phenomenon

Les introuvables de Cziffra

Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bourees | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Galops | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Liszt: Works For Piano
Rendez-vous de Senlis
Georges Cziffra Plays Chopin, Liszt & Franck (EMI Classic Archive)
Chopin: uvres pour piano
Liszt: Transcendental Studies; Mephisto Waltz No. 1

ASIN: B000002SBW
Release Date: 2002-08-12

Tracks:

La Campanella, Grande Etude De Paganini No. 3
Nocturne No. 3 In A Flat Major, Reve D'Amour
Mephisto Valse (D'Apres Le Faust De Lenau)
Les Jeux D'Eau A La Villa D'Este
Valse Oubliee No. 1
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Valse Impromptu
La Ronde Des Lutins, Etude De Concert No. 2
Grand Galop Chromatique
Apres Une Lecture Du Dante, Fantasie Quasi Sonata (Extrait From 'Les Annees De Pelerinage')

Tracks:

Polonaise D'Eugene Oneguine (Tchaikovsky)
Rigoletto, Paraphrase De Concert (Verdi)
Tarentelle De Bravoure Sur Des Theme De 'La Muette De Portici' (Auber)
Valse De Faust (Gounod)
Improvisation Sur Les Themes De Guillaume Tell (Rossini)
Valse Triste (Vecsey)
Tritsch Tratsch Polka (Johann Strauss)
Le Beau Danube Bleu, Paraphrase (Johann Strauss)
Danse Hongroise No. 5 (Brahms)
Fantaisie Roumaine (Improvisation Dans Le Style Tzigane)
Le Vol Du Bourdon (Rimsky-Korsakov)

Tracks:

Islamey, Fantaisie Orientale
Toccata In C Major, Op. 7
Andante Et Rondo Capriccioso In E Major, Op. 14
Rondo In E Flat Major, Op. 11
Polonaise In C Major, Op. 89
Rondo A Capriccio In G Major, Op. 129
Andantino In B Minor
Bourree In E Flat Major
Sonata In C Major, K159
Le Tic Toc Choc ,Ou Les Maillotins
Les Barricades Mysterieuses
L'Anguille
La Bandoline
Les Petits Moulins A Vent
Les Folies Francaises Ou Les Dominos
La Poule
Le Rappel Des Oiseaux
Gavotte En Rondeau

Tracks:

Variations In C Major, Sur 'God Save The King', WoO 78
12 Variations In A Major, Sur Un Theme Russe (Wranitzky), WoO 71
32 Variations In C Minor, WoO 80
Fantaisie In F Minor, Op. 49
Book 1 - Variations Sur Un Theme De Paganini, Op. 35
Book 2 - Variations Sur Un Theme De Paganini, Op. 35

Tracks:

I. Grave - Allegro Molto E Con Brio, Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13
II. Adagio Cantabile, Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13
III. Rondo, Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13
I. Allegro - Sonata No. 10 In G Major, Op. 14
II. Andante - Sonata No. 10 In G Major, Op. 14
III. Scherzo -Allegro Assai - Sonata No. 10 In G Major, Op. 14
I. Andante Con Variazioni - Sonata No. 12 In A Flat Major, Op. 26
II. Scherzo (Allegro Molto) - Sonata No. 12 In A Flat Major, Op. 26
III. Marcia Funebre (Andante Maestoso) - Sonata No. 12 In A Flat Major, Op. 26
IV. Allegro - Sonata No. 12 In A Flat Major, Op. 26
I. Andante - Allegro -Allegro Molto Vivace - Sonata No. 13 In E Flat Major, Op. 27
II. Adagio Con Espressione - Sonata No. 13 In E Flat Major, Op. 27
III. Allegro Vivace - Sonata No. 13 In E Flat Major, Op. 27

Tracks:

Preambule Carnaval Op9
Pierrot Carnaval Op9
Arlequin Carnaval Op9
Valse Noble Carnaval Op9
Eusebius Carnaval Op9
Florestan Carnaval Op9
Coquette Carnaval Op9
Replique Carnaval Op9
Papillons Carnaval Op9
A.S.C.H., S.C.H.A., Lettres Dansantes Carnaval Op9
Chiarina Carnaval Op9
Chopin Carnaval Op9
Estrella Carnaval Op9
Reconnaissance Carnaval Op9
Pantalon Et Colombine Carnaval Op9
Valse Allemande - Intermezzo: Paganinni Carnaval Op9
Aveu Carnaval Op9
Promenade Carnaval Op9
Pause Carnaval Op9
Danse Des Davidsbundler Contre Les Philistins Carnaval Op9
I. Des Abends Fantasiestucke Op12
II. Aufschwung Fantasiestucke Op12
III. Warum? Fantasiestucke Op12
IV. Grillen Fantasiestucke Op12
V. In Der Nacht Fantasiestucke Op12
VI. Fabel Fantasiestucke Op12
VII. Traumeswirren Fantasiestucke Op12
VIII. Ende Vom Lied Fantasiestucke Op12
I. Allegro - Carnaval De Vienne, Op. 26
II. Romanze - Carnaval De Vienne, Op. 26
III. Scherzino - Carnaval De Vienne, Op. 26
IV. Intermezzo - Carnaval De Vienne, Op. 26
V. Final - Carnaval De Vienne, Op. 26

Tracks:

Fantaisie Hongroise In F Major For Piano And Orchestra
Totentanz, Paraphrase Sur Le 'Dies Irae' Pour Piano Et Orchestre
Variations Symphoniques Pour Piano Et Orchestre
I. Allegro Molto Moderato - Concerto For Piano And Orchestra In A Minor, Op. 16
II. Adagio - Concerto For Piano And Orchestra In A Minor, Op. 16
III. Allegro Moderato Molto E Marcato - Andante Maestoso - Concerto For Piano And Orchestra In A Minor, Op. 16

Tracks:

I. Adagio Sostenuto Assai - Concerto No. 2 For Piano And Orchestra In A Major
II. Allegro Agitato Assai - Concerto No. 2 For Piano And Orchestra In A Major
III. Allegro Moderato - Concerto No. 2 For Piano And Orchestra In A Major
IV. Allegro Deciso - Concerto No. 2 For Piano And Orchestra In A Major
V. Marziale, Un Poco Meno Allegro - Concerto No. 2 For Piano And Orchestra In A Major
VI. Allegro Animato - Concerto No. 2 For Piano And Orchestra In A Major
I. Allegro Maestoso - Concerto No. 1 For Piano And Orchestra In E Flat Major
II. Quasi Adagio - Concerto No. 1 For Piano And Orchestra In E Flat Major
III. Allegretto Vivace - Allegro Animato - Concerto No. 1 For Piano And Orchestra In E Flat Major
IV. Allegro Marziale Animato - Concerto No. 1 For Piano And Orchestra In E Flat Major
I. Allegro Non Troppo E Molto Maestoso - Allegro Con Spirito - Concerto No. 1 For Piano And Orchestra In B Flat Minor, Op. 23
II. Andante Semplice - Prestissimo - Tempo 1 - Concerto No. 1 For Piano And Orchestra In B Flat Minor, Op. 23
III. Allegro Con Fuoco - Concerto No. 1 For Piano And Orchestra In B Flat Minor, Op. 23

Customer Reviews:

Stunning. . . . .......2007-01-10

I bought this set with some trepidation, since I didn't know what to expect from Cziffra's playing of composers other than Liszt. I had only heard him in his mercurially brilliant Lisztian incarnation, and didn't know how he would do with a less flamboyant style.
I have been very pleasantly surprised, especially at his Beethoven and his Schumann. I found that he kept the spontaneity of his Lisztian interpretations, but channelled it chronologically into insightful and spontaneous Beethoven interpretations, while respecting most of the rules and performance practices of the Classic era.
His Schumann was mercurial and spontaneous in a Romantic fashion, also, and - of course - brilliantly digitally played. As to the Liszt, it's par excellence; I've never heard that music played with such spontaneity and
digital fluency.
The sound quality is surprisingly good, altho somewhat uneven. I highly recommend this set to anyone who loves great piano-playing. My favorite pianist is still Richter, but Cziffra takes first prize in his Liszt, and runs a close second with other composers' music.

PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST.......2006-10-15

The eight discs making up this set are invaluable to anyone interested in this extraordinary musician and pianist. His career was cut tragically short, and while it lasted he was most in demand to display his astounding technique in Liszt. He did it because he could. Not being enormously attracted to Liszt I was slow in coming to know Cziffra, but when I did what struck me forcibly was that the picture I had been given of him was seriously misleading. Any suggestion that he was a wilful virtuoso who turned the standard classics into something of his own is 180 degrees wide of the mark, and this selection enables us to hear what his playing was really like in music ranging from Lully and Couperin to the late 19th century, taking in on the way Rameau, Scarlatti, C P E Bach, Beethoven, Hummel, Chopin, Mendelssohn and Schumann. Liszt is here in the shape of the two concertos, the Totentanz and the Hungarian Fantasy plus some solos, my collection of least favourite romantic concertos is enhanced with his renderings of the Grieg and Tchaikovsky, but relief from these is provided with Franck's symphonic variations. Among the non-Liszt solo pieces we are given a number usually thought to call for exceptional virtuosity, namely Schumann's toccata, Mendelssohn's rondo capriccioso and Brahms's Paganini variations. Balakirev's Islamey is here too, but in a version of Cziffra's own, and so are some of his own virtuoso arrangements including one of the Flight of the Bumblebee as well as four similar efforts from Liszt.

Cziffra himself didn't aid popular comprehension by saying that he couldn't play Beethoven. I already owned his Waldstein, but here we have four more sonatas plus some smaller pieces, all early works. If I have a fault to find with his Waldstein it's that it is rather understated. What I don't fault at all is his sense of Beethoven's idiom, and the only flash of Cziffra's phenomenal technique comes where there can be no objection in the up-and-down octaves near the end. These are normally played glissando, because to finger them in strict time is impossible, allegedly. Even Horowitz can't do that - but Cziffra can. This really sums up his way of doing things - the technique is exercised strictly when needed, and then not in a showy way unless the sense of the music demands that. Try the Mendelssohn rondo here - light-fingered in the main rondo theme, relaxed in the episodes - then hear Serkin on Aura in his 1957 recital in Lugano, high-tension and full-speed-ahead. Serkin brought the audience to its feet, Cziffra is simply enjoying the piece, and very Mendelssohnian he sounds. Or again the Schumann toccata. Richter won raptures from the critics for his handling of the rat-tat fortissimo chords near the end while making no concessions to the tempo. He does that no better than Cziffra, if as well. The difference is that Richter `makes more' of the supposedly virtuoso sequences earlier. Now how about Cziffra's Beethoven here? It is natural, idiomatic and kept within a certain volume-level. There is no showing off let alone messing around. If Cziffra recalls anyone it is Kempff, and these performances would be safe models for teachers. In Schumann it's the same story. Not everyone could play Traumeswirren like this, and here and there the finger-work had me rubbing my eyes, but I keep sensing that Cziffra is not even aware that he's doing anything exceptional. The idiom is dead right, the rubato is natural, the lyricism is spontaneous if less `warm' than some, the sense of the overall structure is effortless - and I could say all that about Chopin's F minor fantasy too.

I can't avoid Liszt, but some comparisons are interesting. This high-powered Totentanz has been rightly praised, but both in this work and in the first concerto I feel that Michelangeli beats Cziffra at what is supposedly Cziffra's own game. I hear Michelangeli as Cziffra's solitary equal as a technician, but in second-rate music like this spontaneity and dexterity are trumped by an above-it-all Olympian aloofness, and Cziffra undoubtedly does not take the ultra-care that Michelangeli takes over perfect evenness of touch, sublime poise in the rhythm and super-perfection in the trills. (In the matter of trills, you can hear what Cziffra can do when he puts his mind to it in the fiendish 4th variation in book 1 of Brahms's Paganinis). In the 2nd concerto Cziffra is the best I have yet heard. In sheer technical address neither he nor anyone surpasses Richter, but where I like Cziffra better is in an aspect of his playing that gets too little attention, namely his natural and unaffected lyricism. In the Hungarian Fantasy, the Liszt solos and the various arrangements I imagine Cziffra is unsurpassed and unsurpassable, not that I propose to research that matter much.

The Grieg and Tchaikovsky concertos are here too. Cziffra adopts moderate tempi in the outer movements of the Grieg as the composer directs. The first movement of the Tchaikovsky is done as I like it, insofar as I like it at all. The introduction is taken fast, rather as Horowitz and Toscanini take it although I miss Toscanini's direction. The last movement however is taken at a very moderate pace, with the excitement saved for the end. Later performances are of some French music. In these pieces, as in the Scarlatti sonata, I wouldn't say that Cziffra stands out particularly - with one telling exception, Couperin's Barricades Mysterieuses, atmospheric and bewitching. Was this what they told you to expect from Cziffra?

He was a natural, a child of the gods. The near-unbelievable technique was an important part of his gift, but what I prize most is his lyric manner - simple, innocent and clear-eyed. His actual touch is not one that you could identify within seconds, as you could identify that of Horowitz, Serkin, Richter or Michelangeli, but it is utterly free from affectation. The better you know him, the more you will love him.

A world-changing musician.......2006-01-30

I've not a lot to add to Alan Thorpe's review except to say that to be young when Cziffra burst upon the world in 1956 after he left Hungary & started playing in western Europe was sheer intoxication--and it wasn't all Liszt either! Like Richter, who appeared at the same time, he played Schumann in a way that opened up entire new fields of tonal & interpretive possibility. I must say, too, that from the start, I admired his Beethoven--I like lyrically played Beethoven! Why shouldn't Beethoven sing as well as growl? He did write some lovely songs, after all. Cziffra's versions of Op.13, Op.14/2 & Op.26 on this set are very satisfying--I just wish they had managed to include a recording of his version of the Waldstein, too.

CZIFFRA - A Keyboard Phenomenon.......2001-05-26

Issued in 1991 by EMI France to celebrate Cziffra's 70th birthday this 8 CD boxed set is a bargain. The first CD is all Liszt and contains some of the most spellbinding playing you are ever likely to hear. Fire and brimstone reign as Cziffra tears up the keyboard in the Dante Sonata's demonic moments; surely a whiff of sulphur as he spontaneously combusts during the Mephisto-Valse; the Rhapsodie espagnole and Grand Galop chromatique {see him sweat playing this on Philip's `Great Pianists of the 20th Century video.}. As a contrast, be seduced by his heart-melting rendering of the third Liebestraume; the caprice of the Valse-Impromptu; and have the waters of `Les Jeux d'eau a la Villa d'Este' ever cascaded so onomatopoeically and with such a transcendental variety of touch and nuance. More diablerie follows on disc 2 with transcriptions by Liszt and those {in} famous ones by Cziffra himself. I have never heard a more demonic Gounod/Liszt ` Valse de Faust'; Auber/Liszt `Tarantelle de bravura'; or Tchaikovsky/Liszt Polonaise from `Eugene Onegin'; as for Cziffra's playing of his own transcriptions and paraphrases, especially the Strauss `Tritsch-tratsch polka' and Rimsky-Korsakov `Flight of the Bumble-bee; well, they are in a class of their own. Both Katsaris and Volodos recorded the latter pieces but I'm afraid they cannot compare with Cziffra's sheer electricity and panache. You will now need an ice pack as disc 3 opens with Balakirev's Islamey which starts steadily enough compared to say Simon Barere's famous account {now on APR} but increases in excitement as Cziffra adds all kind of gypsy embellishments as he builds to a fiery conclusion. Excitement is also the key to the next piece; Schumann's Toccata, which Cziffra plays with effortless abandonment and joie de vivre as he also does Mendelssohn's Rondo Capriccioso. Cziffra loved to play Baroque music and the rest of this disc is taken up by mainly short but characterful pieces by Couperin, Lully, Rameau and Krebs. Many were recorded in the 1980s and sound better if played back at a reduced volume level as they were obviously too closely miked. Cziffra once said that he couldn't play Beethoven so preferred to leave it to others who could. He did record a number of sonatas and this selection includes very fine accounts of the `Pathetique'; No. 13 in E flat Op27/1 {companion to the `Moonlight'};and Op. 26 in A flat. He brings a full cantabile to the latter works opening movt. and to the Adagio of the `Pathetique'. Elsewhere he plays with refinement and elegance; everything is in the best possible taste and there is nothing to offend, but those who like their Beethoven a bit more rough and gruff could be a bit disappointed as they might also be with Cziffra's Brahm's Paganini Variations which are technically stunning but find Cziffra musically out of sorts. The Schumann disc finds him on top form. Like many great artists Cziffra loved to play Schumann and he was equally at home with Eusebius { the dreamer} as he was with Florestan { the impetuous side of his character} and this is self evident in his brilliantly characterful accounts of Carnaval, Fantasiestücke, and Carnaval de Vienne - the latter piece highly praised by Cortot after he heard Cziffra during a Paris radio broadcast in the late 1950s. Discs 7 and 8 are all concertante works and show Cziffra at the very height of his stupendous powers. Again Cziffra has his demon up in the most astounding Liszt Totentanz ever recorded; a Hungarian Fantasy with all the improvisational colours of a band of gypsy fiddlers and an ideally recreative performance of the second concerto to make all others sound four-square . To cap this there is a fabulous Grieg concerto in which Cziffra dares to improvise the end of the Lisztian style cadenza; a meltingly beautiful slow movt with an excitingly brilliant finale. Last but certainly not the least, a very poetic reading of Franck's Symphonic Variations and a Tchaikovsky first concerto which combines thrilling virtuosity with all those individual touches that only a genuinely recreative artist can bring to such a familiar masterpiece. This collection is a splendid tribute to one of histories greatest pianists - an artist who knew the authentic meaning of ` bravura'.