Brahms: Sonatas for Cello and Piano
On this CD:
1. Sonata for Cello & Piano No. 1 in E minor, Op. 38
Composed by Johannes Brahms
Performed by Emanuel Ax, Yo-Yo Ma
2. Sonata for Cello & Piano No. 2 in F major, Op. 99
Composed by Johannes Brahms
Performed by Emanuel Ax, Yo-Yo Ma
Brahms: Sonatas for Cello and Piano, Music, Yo-Yo Ma, Johannes Brahms, Emanuel Ax, Cello with Keyboard, Chamber, Classical, Classical Music
Average customer rating:
- a beautiful expression of a musical dialogue in the great Romantic fashion...
- Good, but not great.
- Beautiful, just beautiful!
- THIS ONE WILL GROW ON YOU
- When the Rich Russian Sound Meets the Soulful German....
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Brahms: The Cello Sonatas
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Similar Items:
- Rostropovich, Master Cellist
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ASIN: B000001G4M
Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- Sonate fur Klavier und Violoncello e-moll Op. 38: 1. Allegro non troppo
- Sonate fur Klavier und Violoncello e-moll Op. 38: 2. Allegretto quasi Menuetto
- Sonate fur Klavier und Violoncello e-moll Op. 38: 3. Allegro
- Sonate fur Klavier und Violoncello F-dur Op. 99: 1. Allegro vivace
- Sonate fur Klavier und Violoncello F-dur Op. 99: 2. Adagio affettuoso
- Sonate fur Klavier und Violoncello F-dur Op. 99: 3. Allegro passionato
- Sonate fur Klavier und Violoncello F-dur Op. 99: 4. Allegro molto
Customer Reviews:
a beautiful expression of a musical dialogue in the great Romantic fashion..........2007-05-20
Two of classical musics most remarkable artists meet at the full blossoming of thier careers: Mstislav Rostropovich who plays out the sadness of these pieces in his natural Russian style, and Rudolf Serkin who plays flawlessly.
These sonatas for cello and piano make for a beautiful expression of a musical dialogue in the great Romantic fashion, and I am not even a very big fan of Brahms.
Good, but not great........2005-01-22
While this recording is performed well, after listening to Jacqueline Dupré's rendition of this piece it is hard to rate this performance with the full five stars. Dupré takes the music to another level with even richer tones and smoother legatos. Another difference when comparing these two recordings is the coordination between the cellist and the accompanist. Dupré played with her husband, the pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim. Those two connect at a much deeper level than the pair in Rostropovich's recording, who at times are clearly not together. However, this review is by no means intended as an affront on Rostropovich's clearly masterful abilities as a cellist. It is just that in the comparison of the two recordings, I feel that Ms. Dupré's passionate and more liberal style of play better suits this particular piece.
Beautiful, just beautiful!.......2004-01-16
I have never cared much for Brahm's music. Yet, I play this cd over and over again. The music is glorious and because of this recording, I have started to sample more of his works. This is a cd truly worth owning.
THIS ONE WILL GROW ON YOU.......2003-08-15
The balance is not quite right, with the cello too prominent, but once I got used to that the performances started to take me over. Here we have two of the greatest classical interpreters of their time taking us into the special world of Brahms, and they had me thinking about the composer in a way I have not done in years. Most books and articles I have read about him have a lot to say about Beethoven, but I really doubt whether Brahms's music would have been much different if Beethoven had never lived. Both consciously and by instinct, Brahms was the guardian of the great German musical tradition embodied above all in Bach -- a tradition where pure 'absolute' music expressed itself through an intellectual apparatus of polyphonic and structural devices. Since Bach's time Haydn and Mozart had perfected for instrumental music a compositional system usually called the 'sonata' style. Beethoven had naturally picked this up, but what he forced on to it was a special dimension of highly personalised expression, and it is precisely this way of treating it that Brahms turned his back on. With him we are back, in his own deeply original way, to music using the composer to express ITself.
I seem to find that Brahms gets more instinctive understanding from performers than Beethoven does, and I believe quite simply that that is because he understands himself better than Beethoven does himself. Teetering on the verge of incoherence at times was all part of Beethoven's unique greatness, and it is not disrespectful -- quite the reverse -- to say so. I have heard far more good performances than bad ones of these two wonderful sonatas, and the special meaning these particular accounts have for me is not something that I felt at first hearing. When a pianist of very special and unusual gifts is aged 80 or so and has retained his technique and evenness of touch, when he has spent a lifetime developing an austere and uncompromising vision of the instrumental music that we normally think of as being the 'greatest', when he studies completely afresh the works he is to perform with the greatest cellist of the next generation, there is a good chance we are going to get something very special, and I do not believe I am imagining it. This is a totally unique artistic combination offering a very special -- not eccentric in any way but still very special -- insight into a composer that many of us know by heart without really getting our minds round the phenomenon he represents. This record is a milestone in my musical pilgrimage and maybe it will be in yours.
When the Rich Russian Sound Meets the Soulful German...........2001-04-11
From the very first note of the e minor sonata, one can notice how perfectly the warmth and control in Rostropovich's sound match the cogitating works of Brahms. In such maturiy and wisdom gained over many a decade, there are things to learn from this recording. The full and rich, yet sensitive tone draws the listener through every movement with assuarance and thrill, and the complete control -- especially apparent in the unhurried tempi -- of both of these maestros should be especially admired. Of course, control and maturity do not mean lack of passion and vigour by any means; the series of robust broken chords of the first movement of the E minor sonata, and the passionate third movement of the F major sonata are no less powerful than any younger perfomers' recordings, if not greater. This is a recording to be enjoyed and studied by all.
Average customer rating:
- indulgent but intimate..............
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Brahms: Cello Sonatas
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
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ASIN: B0001O3Y8K
Release Date: 2004-04-06 |
Tracks:
- I: Allegro Non Troppo
- II: Allegretto Quasi Menuetto & Trio
- III: Allegro - Piu Presto
- I: Allegro Vivace
- II: Adagio Affettuoso
- III: Allegro Passionato
- IV: Allegro Molto - Piu Presto
Customer Reviews:
indulgent but intimate.....................2006-12-03
But for the artists allowing themselves changes in tempo from one movement to the next, I tend to believe this recording would rate as the definitive interpretation. It depends on what one tolerates as artistic licence. I have the original LP, and the microphone placement and simple mixing of the day has resulted in warm and detailed Cello reproduction. The playing is accurate and engaging, and it is evident the two artists are very much in accord as regards their preferred rendition.The alternative, earlier 1955 Fournier recording apparently suffers from restricted frequency response. I have not heard the Rostropovich recording.
Average customer rating:
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Brahms: Cello Sonatas
Brahms , Yo-Yo Ma , and Emanuel Ax
Manufacturer: RCA
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ASIN: B0001TSWLE
Release Date: 2004-04-20 |
Tracks:
- Allegro Non Troppo
- Allegretto Quasi Menuetto
- Allegro
- Allegro Vivace
- Adagio Affettuoso
- Allegro Passionato
- Allegro Molto
Customer Reviews:
Amazing.......2005-03-24
Some people may say Yo-Yo Ma is overrated, unprofessional, and most of his fame is due to his name. I, sadly, used to be a believer in this notion, but I realized that I was terribly wrong. Yo-Yo Ma played a concert on TV along with Itzhak Perlman, and it was one of the most professional displays of musicianship I have ever seen. Every note and every gesture seemed deeply inspired, and he seemed to have a very firm grasp on what the music was about. This CD is no exception. Every song is wonderfully performed, and the sound quality is great.
Average customer rating:
- Brahms, Ma, Ax - A Warm Camaraderie
- For the performance.... AND sound
- A genuinely musical partnership
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Brahms: Sonatas for Cello and Piano
Manufacturer: Sony
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ASIN: B0000027VY
Release Date: 1992-10-06 |
Tracks:
- Sonata For Cello And Piano In E Minor, Op. 38: I. Allegro non troppo
- Sonata For Cello And Piano In E Minor, Op. 38: II. Allegretto quasi Menuetto - Trio
- Sonata For Cello And Piano In E Minor, Op. 38: III. Allegro
- Sonata For Cello And Piano In F Major, Op. 99: I. Allegro vivace
- Sonata For Cello And Piano In F Major, Op. 99: II. Adagio affettuoso
- Sonata For Cello And Piano In F Major, Op. 99: III. Allegro passionato - Trio
- Sonata For Cello And Piano In F Major, Op. 99: IV. Allegro molto
- Sonata For Violin (Cello) And Piano In D Minor, Op. 108: I. Allegro
- Sonata For Violin (Cello) And Piano In D Minor, Op. 108: II. Adagio
- Sonata For Violin (Cello) And Piano In D Minor, Op. 108: III. Un poco presto e con sentimento
- Sonata For Violin (Cello) And Piano In D Minor, Op. 108: IV. Presto agitato
Customer Reviews:
Brahms, Ma, Ax - A Warm Camaraderie.......2006-06-19
Many place Brahm's Cello Sonatas as his most personal music while others feel that Brahms is best in the bigger works. The two sonatas of cello and piano - E minor, Op. 38, F major, Op. 99, and and for violin and piano D minor, Op. 108 - cover the course of Brahms' musical career and the variations in his approach to melody, but all three of the works are some of the more introspective, radiantly beautiful works from his chamber pieces.
Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax have performed together and have been close musical comrades for many years so it comes as no surprise that their collaboration is as glued as any other duo work. They seem to sense each other's presence in a most respectful and admiring way. The result is Brahms played with not only technical finesse but with the love that comes from such superb collaboration. Ma's lush cello tone is matched by Ax's subtle phrasing. This is a recital to cherish. Grady Harp, June 06
For the performance.... AND sound.......2003-09-07
I have both the RCA and this Sony recording of the cello sonatas by Brahms. Not easy for me to decide. Both are very good. I took some time comparing the performance and sound of each sonata (as well as each movement). They come VERY close. Sorta like the 2000 presedential election recount in Florida (which is why I call it "The Recount State" : ) [I'm not going to say what political party I support]). Anyway, I've read one review that says the RCA is better. Well, after carefully comparing the two CDs, my preference is the Sony. Not because of the 20-bit digital recording, but the performance is slightly better. As for the price, if you want to save money, I think you could get the RCA recording. It's up to you.
A genuinely musical partnership.......2001-02-24
The Amazon.com customer reviews of the Ma/Ax recording of the two cello sonatas for RCA were generally positive, though this eminent duo did seem to leave room for improvement. I have not heard the RCA recording but this Sony remake avoids the problems that plagues the earlier disc. Nowhere do I find Ax "dull" or either artist mechanical. Both are highly sensitive to the introspective nature of the music. There is an ingenuousness, a sense of spontaneous give and take here that makes one forget the star calibre of the players. Excellent recording balance, too. As a worthwhile bonus, the two include their transcription for cello of Brahms' D minor violin sonata. It certainly is an interesting version even if it does not replace the violin version.
Average customer rating:
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The Art of Ruggiero Ricci
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ASIN: B0001NPTX4
Release Date: 2005-10-18 |
Average customer rating:
- Like the Brahms, Avoid the Chopin and Franck
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Brahms, Chopin & Franck: Cello Sonatas
Johannes Brahms , Fryderyk Chopin , Cesar Franck , Daniel Barenboim , and Jacqueline du Pre
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
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ASIN: B0002XV306
Release Date: 2005-02-15 |
Tracks:
- I. Allegro Non Troppo
- II. Allegretto Quasi Menuetto
- III. Allegro
- I. Allegro Vivace
- II. Adagio Affetuoso
- III. Allegro Passionato
- IV. Allegro Molto
Tracks:
- I. Allegro Moderato
- II. Scherzo (Allegro Con Brio)
- III. Largo
- IV. Finale (Allegro)
- I. Allegro Ben Moderato
- II. Allegro
- III. Recitativo - Fantasia (Ben Moderato - Molto Lento)
- IV. Allegretto Poco Mosso
Customer Reviews:
Like the Brahms, Avoid the Chopin and Franck.......2006-12-14
The Chopin and Franck recordings were made while Jacqueline duPre was ill and near the end of her life. As heroic as it may have been to make these recordings in that condition, the quality suffers. The Brahms sonatas are tighter; they have the usual Jacqueline duPre warmth to the sound, and they are much better. If it comes down to buying this album or one with just the Brahms, and there is a price reason to choose the Brahms, I'd pass on this one. But if you can get this compilation for the same price as just the Brahms sonatas, you might as well, unless you don't want any subpar recordings in your collection.
Average customer rating:
- Preferable to Serkin / Rostropovich & Ax / Ma
- Get Mercury Living Presence Before Its Dead
- so talented!
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Brahms, Mendelssohn: Cello Sonatas
Manufacturer: Philips
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ASIN: B0000057N8
Release Date: 1996-08-13 |
Tracks:
- Sonatas For Cello And Piano: No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 38: 1. Allegro non troppo
- Sonatas For Cello And Piano: No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 38: 2. Allegretto quasi Menuetto
- Sonatas For Cello And Piano: No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 38: 3. Allegro
- No. 2 In F Major, Op. 99: 1. Allegro vivace
- No. 2 In F Major, Op. 99: 2. Adagio affetuoso
- No. 2 In F Major, Op. 99: 3. Allegro passionato
- No. 2 In F Major, Op. 99: 4. Allegro molto
- Sonata No. 2 In D Major, Op. 58: 1. Allegro assai vivace
- Sonata No. 2 In D Major, Op. 58: 2. Allegretto scherzando
- Sonata No. 2 In D Major, Op. 58: 3. Adagio
- Sonata No. 2 In D Major, Op. 58: 4. Molto allegro e vivace
Customer Reviews:
Preferable to Serkin / Rostropovich & Ax / Ma.......2006-03-19
The Brahms cello sonatas are favorites of mine. I've owned this recording, the Ma / Ax version on Sony, and the Rostropovich / Serkin version on DG. This version by Starker and Sebok takes the cake. I think Ma's playing is so refined that it can become precious. Rostropovich strikes me as being the opposite: very big and brash and overly macho. The sound quality on the DG recording is also a bit strident. Starker is somewhere in the middle, and I like that. He is probably closer to Ma, but there's a sort of honesty and straighforwardness in Starker that appeals to me more than Ma's refinement or Rostro's brashness. The Mercury sound is also top drawer. The piano is slightly recessed relative to the cello, but the effect is never distracting or unpleasing. The Sony sound is better than the DG, and maybe even slightly preferable to the Mercury. None of the pianists made enough of an impression on me to really comment confidently about their differences. Anyway, I don't think you can go wrong with this disc.
Get Mercury Living Presence Before Its Dead.......2003-07-12
When I first started collecting classical CDs, I only had a few Mercury Living Presence (MLP) titles. In my quest to get the absolute best, or at least a definitive recording, of the major works of the standard repertoire, MLP discs rarely topped the critics' lists. In fact, only three MLP recordings have been earmarked as "Essential Recordings" by amazon -- Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, Byron Janis performing Rachmaninov's 2nd & 3rd Piano Concertos, and Yehudi Menuhin performing Bartok's 2nd Violin Concerto, all three with Antal Dorati as conductor. It is also safe to say that three other titles are equally essential for their historical value alone. They are Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake by Dorati (the first recording of the complete ballet), Janis performing Liszt's Piano Concertos (the first recordings made in the Soviet Union by American technicians, musical staff and equipment), and Kubelik's Chicago Symphony performance of Pictures at an Exhibition (one of, if not the single best mono recording ever, and the one that led the New York Times critic to coin the phrase "Living Presence," from which the label named its series). But how does a CD line go from having a half-dozen must have recordings, to being this reviewer's all-time favorite classical label?
The answer: consistently magical performances, captured in brilliant golden-age stereo sound, that offer a slightly different take on your typical interpretation of the great works. While MLP titles may not offer the best standard account of a work, they always surprise you and open you up to all the possibilities that the music has to offer. For example, this performance of Brahms' Cello Sonatas by Starker and Sebok may not be the consensus first choice recording -- for most that would probably be the Du Pre/Barenboim, or one of the two Ma/Ax recordings -- but I constantly come back to this disc for a different perspective, and its vibrancy and splendor never disappoint me. Maybe that is why collectors prize these recordings, because they are a breath of fresh air in a homogenized world of listening. Of course, collectors love a challenge too, and MLP CDs are becoming increasingly hard to find. It has taken years for me to finally find all of the MLP CDs released to date, and unfortunately I don't think there will be any new releases forthcoming. So collectors, and even those who aspire to be, should pick up as many Mercury Living Presence discs as possible now, before they all die.
so talented!.......2003-05-25
this is one of the best albums that i have heard on brahms over any other recordings of the prominent cellists
Average customer rating:
- A clarinetist reviews
- Pretty Bland...
- Best interpretation!
- Interpretations Lacking in Depth
|
Brahms: Clarinet Sonatas and Trio
Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
All Works by Brahms
| Brahms, Johannes
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Similar Items:
- Brahms: Clarinet Quintet, Op.115, String Quartet, Op.51,2
- Jonathan Cohler: The Clarinet Alone
- Weber: Clarinet Works
- French Portraits
- Brahms: Clarinet Sonata In E Flat/Clarinet Sonata In F/Schumann: Fantasiestücke,Op.73
ASIN: B00000J7VL
Release Date: 1999-05-18 |
Tracks:
- Trio, Op.114: I. Allegro
- Trio, Op.114: II. Adagio
- Trio, Op.114: III. Andante Grazioso
- Trio, Op.114: IV. Allegro
- Son No.1 in f, Op.120, No.1: I. Allegro Appasssionato
- Son No.1 in f, Op.120, No.1: II. Andante Un Poco Adagio
- Son No.1 in f, Op.120, No.1: III. Allegretto Grazioso
- Son No.1 in f, Op.120, No.1: IV. Vivace
- Son No.2 in E flat, Op.120, No.2: I. Allegro Amabile
- Son No.2 in E flat, Op.120, No.2: II. Allegro Appassionato
- Son No.2 in E flat, Op.120, No.2: III. Andante Con Moto-Allegro
Customer Reviews:
A clarinetist reviews.......2005-03-25
Karl Leister is a clarinetist's clarinetist- and this is some of his best playing. His playing is not only a great example of the German clarinet sound but also the clarinet sound in general-a warm, dark, pure sound. Although Stoltzman is an innovator and a one-of-a-kind musician, Leister on the other hand is someone who exemplifies a "school" of clarinet playing- one that other people can follow and work with and produce their own unique sound within a certain framework (In no way would I elect Stoltzman as a representative of the "American" school of playing- most American clarinetists in fact do not sound like him). It is this reason why I would chose, as a clarinetist and musician, a Leister interpretation over a Stoltzman interpretation any day. For those who complain that this type of playing lacks emotion and passion I would say stick around and keep listening- your tastes may change!
Pretty Bland..........2004-09-05
Last time I checked, the "european style" (whatever that means... I don't believe there is a universal european style anymore than you could say that Harold Wright and Richard Stotlzman playing in the universal "american style") didn't constitue playing with little phrasing, expression, or emotion. And that, for the most part, is how Leister plays these Brahms. As a previous reviewer stated, his playing is technically superb, so you can't fault him for this. His versions just aren't that interesting. You can find a lot worse out there, but this CD isn't going to blow you away either.
The Trio is pretty well done, though it is stylistic pretty reserved as well. This is such a beautiful, well written composition however, that even a blander performance is still satisfying for me.
I personally recommend Stoltzman's Brahms and the Brahms Trio by Stoltzman/Ma/Ax. To again concur with another poster, Stoltzman's version of these three pieces are indeed the polar opposite of Leister's. I personally like to error on the side of too much passion rather than too little, so Stoltzman's is still my personal favorite.
All that being said, the CD isn't completely worthless. Leister's sound is flawless and very pleasing, and any clarinetist would certainly benefit from hearing his example. Also, many performers (at least those I've met) are intimidated by the "towering" works on the clarinet rep (the Brahms Sonatas certainly being two). If nothing else, Leister's playing might serve as a cautionary tale that less isn't always more... = )
Best interpretation!.......2001-08-26
No showy movements that are popular among American clarinettists. If you prefer Americanized Brahms, this disc is obviously not recommendable, but you like genuine Brahms in the European style, this is one of the best CDs which I have ever heard.
Interpretations Lacking in Depth.......2001-07-23
In Karl Leister we have the polar opposite of Richard Stoltzman. Stoltzman's phrasing is unenduringly cloying. Leister's will cure insomnia. Leister is an expert clarinetist. (How else could he have been first desk of the Berlin Philharmonic?) However, when he plays solo and chamber repertoire, he demonstrates little zest or imagination. The late works of Brahms call for a penetrating musicianship that is lacking in these interpretations.
Average customer rating:
- A "must have" for all bassists
- A "must have" for all bassists
|
Double Bass Portraits
Manufacturer: Klavier
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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| Bartók, Béla
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| Bloch, Ernest
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| Schumann, Robert
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ASIN: B000031VTI
Release Date: 1999-11-23 |
Tracks:
- Boccherini: Sonata in A
- Boccherini: Sonata in A
- Bloch: Meditation Hebraique
- Schumann: FantasiestOp. 73
- Bartok: Romanian Dances, Sz. 56
- Bartok: Romanian Dances, Sz. 56
- Bartok: Romanian Dances, Sz. 56
- Bartok: Romanian Dances, Sz. 56
- Bartok: Romanian Dances, Sz. 56
- Brahms: Sonatensatz, Op. Posth.
- Haydn: Divertimento in D (arr. Piatiagorsky)
- Haydn: Divertimento in D (arr. Piatiagorsky)
- Haydn: Divertimento in D (arr. Piatiagorsky)
- Faure: Elegie, Op. 24
- Monti: Czardas
Customer Reviews:
A "must have" for all bassists.......2000-08-11
This splendid recording by Mr. Bradetich exhibits a fine example of the virtuosity and refinement in the technique of today's bassists. This extremely enjoyable recording of Mr. Bradetich's transcriptions for bass showcase his very natural musical ability through a variety of styles. The tone, the phrasing, the depth, it's all there and more! This is a very nice collection of pieces for the double bass recorded with precision and clarity. I hope that all bassists will add this c.d. to their library! As for Mr. Bradetich, I can't wait for the next album!
A "must have" for all bassists.......2000-08-11
This splendid recording by Mr. Bradetich exhibits a fine example of the virtuosity and refinement in the technique of today's bassists. This extremely enjoyable recording of Mr. Bradetich's transcriptions for bass showcase his very natural musical ability through a variety of styles. The tone, the phrasing, the depth, it's all there and more! This is a very nice collection of pieces for the double bass recorded with precision and clarity. I hope that all bassists will add this c.d. to their library! As for Mr. Bradetich, I can't wait for the next album!
Average customer rating:
- A Viola Master In His Prime
- Heartrending
|
William Primrose Collection Vol.2
Manufacturer: Doremi Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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Primrose, William
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Similar Items:
- William Primrose Collection, Vol.1
- William Primrose Collection, Vol. 3
- William Primrose Collection Vol. 4
- Handel: Concerto in B/Walton: Viola Concerto/Williams: Flos Campi/Bach: Komm/Schubert: Litanei/Dvorak: Humoresque/Nev
- The Early Recordings, Violin and Viola
ASIN: B00004KD3Q
Release Date: 2000-03-14 |
Tracks:
- Son in f, Op.120 No.1: I. Allegro Appassionata - William Primrose/William Kapell
- Son in f, Op.120 No.1: II. Andante Un Poco Adagio - William Primrose/William Kapell
- Son in f, Op.120 No.1: III. Allegretto Grazioso - William Primrose/William Kapell
- Son in f, Op.120 No.1: IV. Vivace - William Primrose/William Kapell
- Son in E flat, Op.120 No.1: I. Allegro Amabile - William Primrose/Gerald Moore
- Son in E flat, Op.120 No.1: II. Allegro Appassionato - William Primrose/Gerald Moore
- Son in E flat, Op.120 No.1: III. Andante Con Moto - William Primrose/Gerald Moore
- Son No.6 in A: I. Adagio Molto - William Primrose/Joseph Kahn
- Son No.6 in A: III. Allegro Moderato - William Primrose/Joseph Kahn
- Concert Hall Recordings: Armed Forces Radio Service: Caprice No.24 - William Primrose
- Concert Hall Recordings: Armed Forces Radio Service: Policinelle - William Primrose
- Concert Hall Recordings: Armed Forces Radio Service: I Dream Of Jeannie With The Light-Brown Hair - William Primrose
- Concert Hall Recordings: Armed Forces Radio Service: Andante Cantabile Op.11 - William Primrose
Customer Reviews:
A Viola Master In His Prime.......2005-05-01
William Primrose (1904-1982) was arguably the greatest of all violists. These recordings demonstrate that his virtuosity went hand in hand with supreme musicianship. The major items here are the two Brahms Sonatas, originally written for clarinet but later arranged by the composer for viola and piano. #1 (recorded 1946) is with pianist William Kapell, while #2 (recorded 1937) is with Gerald Moore. The transfers here are superior to Pearl's (both sonatas) and RCA's Kapell Edition (#1 only). I prefer these bolder performances to Primrose's later accounts with Rudolf Firkusny (Angel).
In #1 the tragically short-lived Kapell is a superb partner in a reading that is more dynamic and dramatic than any other I've heard. The sound here is warm and full. Moore is a fine accompanist in #2, which suffers a bit from its older sound.
The Boccherini Sonata #6 (1939, with Joseph Kahn) is a lovely work, and it's performed with great sensitivity and noble tone. The four encore items (from wartime Armed forces radio broadcasts) are delightful: a dazzling Paganini Caprice, Kreisler's Policinelle, an arrangement of Tchaikovsky's Andante Cantabile, and a gorgeously schmalzy rendition of Foster's "I dream of Jeannie with the light-brown hair."
I'm keeping this CD and weeding my other versions.
Highly recommended.
Heartrending.......2004-03-27
As a player and passionate fan of the viola, I can personally say that these are the most gorgeous pieces for solo viola I've heard. Wiliam Primrose is the king of the viola- his instrument sings like only a viola can on these recordings. If you love the rich, mellow sound of a viola, or are wondering what on earth a viola is, I highly recommend this recording. Either way, you won't be disappointed.
Music Review:
- Brahms: Sonatas, Op. 78 & Op. 108/Beethoven: Sonata, Op. 30
- Brian Bevelander, Leslie Bassett: Chamber Music
- British Chamber Music for Clarinet and Strings
- British Choral Music
- British Song
- Britten - War Requiem / L. Russell · T. Randle · M. Volle · BBC Scottish · M. Brabbins
- Bush: Relinquishment/Nocturne/Lyric Interlude/Voices Of The Prophets/English Suite
- Domenico Belli: Il nuovo stile
- Environs
- Fade
Music Review
music review
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