Mussorgsky, Ravel and Debussy

On this CD:

1. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Promenade
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

2. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Promenade
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

3. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Promenade
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

4. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano The Gnome
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

5. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano The Gnome
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

6. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano The Gnome
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

7. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Promenade
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

8. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Promenade
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

9. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Promenade
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

10. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano The Old Castle
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

11. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano The Old Castle
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

12. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano The Old Castle
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

13. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Promenade
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

14. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Promenade
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

15. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Promenade
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

16. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Tuileries
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

17. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Tuileries
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

18. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Tuileries
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

19. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Bydlo
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

20. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Bydlo
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

21. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Bydlo
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

22. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Promenade
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

23. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Promenade
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

24. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Promenade
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

25. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

26. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

27. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

28. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Samuel Goldenberg & Schmuyle
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

29. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Samuel Goldenberg & Schmuyle
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

30. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Samuel Goldenberg & Schmuyle
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

31. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Limoges - The Market
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

32. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Limoges - The Market
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

33. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Limoges - The Market
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

34. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Catacombs (Sepulchrum Romanum)
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

35. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Catacombs (Sepulchrum Romanum)
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

36. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Catacombs (Sepulchrum Romanum)
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

37. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Con Mortuis In Lingua Mortua
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

38. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Con Mortuis In Lingua Mortua
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

39. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano Con Mortuis In Lingua Mortua
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

40. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano The Hut on Fowl's Legs
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

41. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano The Hut on Fowl's Legs
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

42. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano The Hut on Fowl's Legs
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

43. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano The Great Gate at Kiev
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

44. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano The Great Gate at Kiev
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

45. Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano The Great Gate at Kiev
Composed by Modest Mussorgsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

46. Boléro, ballet for orchestra (or piano)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

47. Boléro, ballet for orchestra (or piano)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

48. Boléro, ballet for orchestra (or piano)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

49. Daphnis et Chloé, suite No. 2 for orchestra Lever Du Jour/Daybreak
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

50. Daphnis et Chloé, suite No. 2 for orchestra Suite No 2 Lever Du Jour
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

51. Daphnis et Chloé, suite No. 2 for orchestra Lever Du Jour/Daybreak
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

52. Daphnis et Chloé, suite No. 2 for orchestra Pantomime
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

53. Daphnis et Chloé, suite No. 2 for orchestra Suite No 2 Pantomime
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

54. Daphnis et Chloé, suite No. 2 for orchestra Pantomime
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

55. Daphnis et Chloé, suite No. 2 for orchestra Danse Générale
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

56. Daphnis et Chloé, suite No. 2 for orchestra Suite No 2 Danse Générale
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

57. Daphnis et Chloé, suite No. 2 for orchestra Danse Générale
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

58. Pour le piano, suite for piano, L. 95 No 2, Sarabande (arr. for orchestra)
Composed by Claude Debussy
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

59. Pour le piano, suite for piano, L. 95 No 2, Sarabande
Composed by Claude Debussy
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

60. La valse, poème choréographique for orchestra (or piano)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

61. Pour le piano, suite for piano, L. 95 No 2, Sarabande (arr. for orchestra)
Composed by Claude Debussy
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

62. La valse, poème choréographique for orchestra (or piano)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

63. La valse, poème choréographique for orchestra (or piano)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

Album Description

Music can be both calming and relaxing, or invigorating and passionate...this phenomenal 20-CD set is definitely the latter. This amazing collection brings together for the first time the most passionate music of all time, from Ravel's Bolero, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Wagner's Magic Fire Music to Ravel's La Valse, Orff 's Carmina Burana and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. This is a must have collection for every passionate music lover.

Customer Reviews:

A good gift for novice.......2007-05-12

This was a good gift for somebody learning about Classical music in Japan.

Average customer rating:

Love the soprano sax
Incredibly Musical Peformance
Just a small point of rectifition
What am I missing?
Beautiful!!

Romances for Saxophone

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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

Creation
Music for Saxophone & Orchestra
Eternal
Braggtown
Ballades for Saxophone and Orchestra

ASIN: B0000026EH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

L'Isle Joyeuse
Pavane
Arabesque No. 1
Vocalise
Pastorale
Emmanuel
Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5
Gymnopedie No. 3
Prelude
Piece en forme de Habanera
Sicilienne
Serenata
The Old Castle

Customer Reviews:

Love the soprano sax.......2007-05-18

If you don't already love the soprano sax, this should do it for you.

Incredibly Musical Peformance.......2006-03-20

In my opinion, this is one of the best Classical CDs ever produced. I listen to it often and I am amazed at what an incredibly MUSICAL performance Branford Marsalis had. If you like saxaphone, I think you will love it. If you don't, I think you will still find it valuable because the technique, the phrasing are quintissential.

Just a small point of rectifition.......2004-12-28

None of the works presented here precede the invention of the saxophone. Please look this up. You will find the saxophone invented around 1840, yes early romantic. And in addition, I believe many of the composers here used the saxophone at least once in their music. This is certainly true of Stravinsky, Debussy, Ravel and Villa-Lobos. (Villa-Lobos used the saxophone in at least 40 works!)

What am I missing?.......2003-12-19

I think it is very admirable that Marsalis has attempted to produce a classical CD, however, this is not the sublime, masterpiece that so many previous reviewers have labelled it. His tone is particularly unstable, and not very even, his soprano playing is miles better than his alto however. This is a real shame, as the primary solo instrument in the saxophone family is the alto, anyone beginning study in classical saxophone would need to get this sorted first. His tuning is barely acceptable, but only for a jazzo, he would be shot if he played so out for a real saxophone teacher. Please have a listen to some real repertoire for saxophone, played by a real player, such as Bornkamp, Rousseau, Delangle, Fourmeau, Michat, Londeix, etc. This is a good INTRODUCTION to classical music, if for the first time, but please don't accept this as being the be all and end all of classical music, and of saxophone.

Beautiful!!.......2003-03-17

I hae been a fan of Branford Marsalis for a while, but I had no idea that he had created a classical album. All of the songs are beautifully rendered. This CD is a treasure at any price.

The Fantastic Leopold Stokowski: Transcriptions For Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Magical and Majestic...
A MUST HAVE!!! Buy two you might ware this CD out.

The Fantastic Leopold Stokowski: Transcriptions For Orchestra

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Bach - Stokowski
Stokowski's Symphonic Bach, Vol. 2
Stokowski's Symphonic Bach
Stokowski's Symphonic Baroque
Symphonic Spectacular

ASIN: B000003CZD
Release Date: 2002-07-23

Tracks:

Toccata & Fugue In D minor
Menuet
'Little' Fugue In G Minor
Adagio Sostenuto
Hungarian Dance No. 6
Clair De Lune
F-Dieu A Slle
La Cathale Engloutie
Prelude In C Sharp Minor
Night On Bald Mountain
The Great Gate Of Kiev

Customer Reviews:

Magical and Majestic..........2004-12-30

Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops take a break from their usual contemporary program; to perform this eclectic selection of transcriptions by the flamboyant Leopold Stokowski. The novice wouldn't have known that Stokowski got his start in 1909 with the Cincinnati Symphony. I guess they are paying homage to him with this album. Where other discs usually concentrate on just Bach or baroque items; this disc offers orchestrations from Boccherini to Rachmaninoff. The digital recording is fine and detailed complementing the instrumentation. Though purists find Stokowski's meddling offensive, his transcriptions can make classical music more approachable to new ears. Kunzel kind of gives us his version of Stokowki's greatest hits, showing serious affection for the music. You get "Toccata and Fugue"
to start it off, and a very different "Great Gate of Kiev", less congested in orchestration than the Ravel, to end it. Most of the pieces have bombastic finales, which include heavy brass and percussion and even carillons ring out. A very likable program that won't fade with repeated listening. Add a star if your not aware that Stokowki's own recordings of these pieces are still available.

A MUST HAVE!!! Buy two you might ware this CD out........1999-06-12

Arranged by the greatest, conducted by one of the greatest, and performed by the best you could not ask for anything more. These performances will inspire forever. Five stars do not do this music compilation justice!

Average customer rating:

Electronic Classics
Tomita, Will You Enjoy His Splendor?
Complete list of Tomita's classical albums...
A millenium must-have.
Cleverly-synthesized, familiar classical tunes

Tomita's Greatest Hits CD

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Debussy: Snowflakes Are Dancing, Prelude, etc / Tomita
The Tomita Planets
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition
Kosmos
Different Dimensions: Anthology

ASIN: B000003EO5
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Also Sprach Zarathustra: Fanfare
Grand Canyon Suite: On The Trail
The Pachelbel Canon
Syncopated Clock
Bolero
'Star Wars' Main Title
Suite Bergamasque: Clair De Lune
Close Encounters Of The Third Kind
Symphony No. 5: 2nd Movement: Allegro Marcato
Children's Corner: Golliwog's Cakewalk
Firebird Suite: Infernal Dance Of King Kastchei
Hora Staccato
The Planets: Mars, The Bringer Of War
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Great Gate Of Kiev

Customer Reviews:

Electronic Classics.......2006-12-03

As far as I know, Isao Tomita is not an original artist in the sense that he composes new works. He is, however, an original artist who puts a new spin on existing compositions and reinterprets them in a new and, mostly, delightful way.

The selection on this album come right out of a "pops" concert given by any symphony orchestra but they are not performed my symphonic orchestras. They are performed electronically by Tomita. This results in some parts being more emphasized than one would expect to hear in a concert hall. It is a new experience.

This work is new and different in its presentation. It is quite enjoyable.

Tomita, Will You Enjoy His Splendor?.......2004-01-08

If you've never heard any Tomita then answer these questions:

1. Do you have a taste for classical music?
Good, you should know some of these peices, and be able to enjoy them.

2. Do you enjoy odd music, peices that are unique?
I personally don't have a taste for synth. But Tomita is very unique and is very enjoyable to listen to.

3. Do you hate pop music?
This shows your intellegence level. Like pop music? Then you are just another sheep and should NOT buy this album. Dislike pop music? You sir or madame may just show a ray of intellegence and should consider this.

This is a nice addition to your collection if you are a serious musician or student of music, (and I don't mean high school band class, I mean like music theory).

Enjoy the sonic explorations into the mind of Tomita.

Complete list of Tomita's classical albums..........2002-03-05

5 stars for the music, but why do all the Tomita compilation CDs have almost the same tracks with so much available?

A big box set of every classical Tomita album would be even better. Most of the CDs out of print for years are absolutely fantastic. Four of his albums would fit two on one CD. Here's the complete list...

Snowflakes Are Dancing 1974 (11 Debussy pieces) The newly remastered CD is an audiophile recording, adds Prelude To The Afternoon of a Faun and is available for a good price.

Pictures At An Exhibition 1975 (Mussorgsky)

Firebird 1976 (Stravinsky: Firebird. Debussy: Prelude To The Afternoon of A Faun. Mussorgsky: Night On Bald Mountain)

The Planets 1976 (Holst)

Kosmos 1978 (Star Wars Title. Space Fantasy- R. Strauss: 2001 Title, Wagner: Ride of The Valkyries and Tannhauser Overture. Honnegar: Pacific 231. Ives: Unanswered Question. Rodrigo: Aranjuez. Grieg: Solveig's Song. Dinicu-Heifetz: Hora Staccato. Bach-Tomita: The Sea Named Solaris)

The Bermuda Triangle 1979 (Sibelius: Valse Triste. And excerpts from... Williams: Close Encounters. Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Scythian Suite, Symphonies 5 and 6, Violin Concerto 1. My favorite electronic CD.)

Bolero 1980 (Ravel: Daphis and Chloe. Pavane for A Dead Princess. Bolero. Mother Goose Suite)

The Grand Canyon 1982 (Grofe)

Canon of The Three Stars 1984 (Pachelbel: Canon. Rachmaninoff: Vocalise. Albinoni: Adagio. Bach: Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring. 4 pieces from Villa Lobos: Bachianis Brasileiras 2, 4, and 7)

Live At Linz, Austria 1985 (With speakers on both sides of the Danube River and live soloists. Includes 7 pieces from previous albums plus Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring. Japanese Traditional: Cranes In Their Nest. Vaughn Williams: The Lark Ascending. Wagner: Tristan Und Isolde-Liebestod. Beethoven: Ode To Joy with full Choir.)

Live In New York 1988 (Includes 7 pieces from previous albums plus Dukas: Fanfare. Mahler: Symphony 3 in D Minor - 5th Movement. Traditional: Chinese War Lord Going Home. Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue. Fisher-Dvorak: Goin' Home. My favorite live concert CDs.)

A millenium must-have........1999-11-05

This is the true reason God invented the CD player. Ravel's "Bolero" and Holst's "Bringer of War" are standouts, in my opinion. If Mr. Tomita is still living, perhaps, he can grace us with Camille Saint-Saens' "Organ Symphony" or "The Carnival of the Animals" electronically interpreted.

Cleverly-synthesized, familiar classical tunes.......1998-11-02

I use this CD with elementary school children. It's classical music with an electronic twist--fun, sometimes surprising, and well-done!

Average customer rating:

If stranded on an island and had one disc...
Truly inspired collection
Encore! Encore!
Encore! Encore!
Surprised and ... inspired

Classical Dreams: Music to Inspire

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | 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

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Cathedral Dreams: Music to Inspire
Williams: The Five Sacred Trees (Bassoon Concerto) / Takemitsu: Tree Line / Hovhaness: Symphony No. s, Op. 132 "Mysterious Mountain" / Picker: Old and Lost Rivers
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
Modern Times

ASIN: B00005Q467
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Antiphon: Ecce Annuntio Vobis - Dominique Vellard
Symphony No. 5: Adagietto - Jukka-Pekka Saraste
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Paul Tortelier
Pavane - Paul Tortelier
The Planets: Venus - Sir Charles Mackerras
Old And Lost Rivers - Christoph Eschenbach
Prld To The Afternoon Of A Faun - Dmitri Kitaenko
Summer Pastorale - Jesus Lopez-Cobos
Masques Et Bergamasques: Pastorale - Jean-Bernard Pommier
Summa - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Old Castle - Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wounded Heart - Jonathan Rees
Ser in e: Larghetto - Andrew Litton

Tracks:

Apollon Musagete: The Birth Of Apollo - Jukka-Pekka Saraste
Adagio for Strings - City Of London Sinfonia
The Swan Of Tuonela - Paavo Jarvi
Enigma Vars: Nimrod - RPO/Andrew Litton
Petite Ste: En Bateau (Orch. Busser) - Jean-Bernard Pommier
Holberg Ste: Air - Jonathan Rees
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Christopher Warren-Green
Gymnopedie No. 3 - Paul Tortelier
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - Jukka-Pekka Saraste
The Last Spring - Jonathan Rees
Thais: Meditation (From Thais) - Paul Tortelier
Vocalise - Andrew Litton
Mother Goose: The Fairy Garden - Dmitri Kitaenko
Antiphon: Ecce Annuntio Vobis - Dominique Vellard

Customer Reviews:

If stranded on an island and had one disc..........2006-01-23

I'd be tempted to make this the one, and I own over 2,000. I agree with what has been said above, but have a few thoughts of my own. I live near a major city with a known orchestra. Why are classical audienced declining? Maybe they're overplaying hackneyed works, and not playing some neglected masterpieces. In this double album there are some well known works, but some exquisite finds, like Picker's Old and Lost Rivers, Honegger's Pastorale, Arvo Part's Summa (!!!). Most highly recommended, with a good bottle of red wine.

Truly inspired collection.......2004-12-07

I came upon this compilation while researching a somewhat obscure piece called "Summer Pastorale", which is contained in the collection. One look at the play list and I was sold - here were most of my favorite tone poems, adagios, and assorted short works, all on one CD (OK, two CD's...)

Another gem here that I had never heard before is Pick's "Old and Lost Rivers". Ravel's final movement from Mother Goose is one of his best orchestrations and at the top of my 'A' list.

About the only pieces I missed here were Debussy's Engulfed Cathedral and Respighi's fourth church window, St. Gregory the Great. Perhaps they would be a bit too dramatic for this collection, though.

The only shortcoming of this collection is the lack of liner notes, but this is a minor issue. The music is superb.

Encore! Encore!.......2004-06-17

Like a few other reviewers here, I purchased this disc for Tobias Picker's "Old and Lost Rivers." But from the Gregorian chants that open this two-CD set to the closing strains of Ravel's "Mother Goose: The Fairy Garden," I was absolutely captivated by the beauty and cohesiveness of this compilation. Producer Robert Laporta has created a disc that passes muster with neophytes and long time classical music lovers alike. I humbly suggest -- make that BEG -- that Virgin Classics turn "Classical Dreams" into a series. I would love to hear a second volume featuring such favorites as the BBC Symphony Orchestra's interpretation of Delius' "On Hearing the 1st Cuckoo In Spring," the Royal Philharmonic's version of Vaughan Williams' "Fantastia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" and the London Symphony's recording of Vaughan Williams' "Symphony No. 3 Pastoral" (Andre Previn conducting both Vaughan Williams' selections). By far, this is the finest classical collection I have yet heard. Encore!

Encore! Encore!.......2004-06-17

Like a few other reviewers here, I purchased this disc for Tobias Picker's miraculous (and criminally underrated) "Old and Lost Rivers." But from the Gregorian chants that open this two-CD set to the closing strains of Ravel's "Mother Goose: The Fairy Garden," I was absolutely captivated by the beauty and cohesiveness of this compilation. Producer Robert Laporta has created a disc both neophytes and long time classical music lovers can approve of. I humbly suggest that Virgin Classics turn Classical Dreams into a series. I would love to hear a second volume featuring such favorites as the BBC Symphony Orchestra's interpretation of Delius' "On Hearing the 1st Cuckoo In Spring," the Royal Philharmonic's version of Vaughan Williams' "Fantastia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" and the London Symphony's recording of Vaughan Williams' "Symphony No. 3 Pastoral" (Andre Previn conducting both Vaughan Williams' selections). By far, this is the finest classical compilation I have yet heard. Encore!

Surprised and ... inspired.......2002-05-10

What a pleasant surprise this double CD turned out to be. I bought it used just for Picker's gorgeous and poetic "Old and Lost Rivers" but fell in love with the whole thing. I'm not usully one for "Best Of ---" or themed classical collections, but this one's in a class by itself. The selections are unusual and achingly lovely in themselves and as a whole. This is my new favorite disk. It's a relaxation or concentration tool... hell, it's a companion - it goes wherever my laptop and headphones go. You get over two hours of gorgeous and lyrical - never mushy, sentimental or tired - classical music, the perfect backdrop for everything from dinner dates to writing code. This CD has added sustained moments of beauty and poise to a busy life - which is more than I could have asked for!

Ravel: Bolero; Debussy, Mussorgsky / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Every Track a Winner
A top performance
There are better recordings of Pictures
Disappointing, but...
Three of Von Karajan's finest directions

Ravel: Bolero; Debussy, Mussorgsky / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GQH
Release Date: 1996-02-13

Tracks:

La Mer - Trois esquisses symphoniques: 1. De l'aube a midi sur la mer - Tres lent
La Mer - Trois esquisses symphoniques: 2. Jeux de vagues. Allegro
La Mer - Trois esquisses symphoniques: 3. Dialogue du vent et de la mer. Anime et tumultueux
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Promenade
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Gnomus
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Promenade
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Il vecchio castello
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Promenade
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Tuileries
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Bydlo
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Promenade
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Ballet des petits poussins dans leurs coques
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Samuel Goldenburg und Schmuyle
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Limoges: Le marche
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Catacombae: Sepulchrum Romanum
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Cum Mortuis in lingua mortua
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: La cabane de Baba Yaga sur des pattes de poule
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: La grande porte de Kiev
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

Every Track a Winner.......2007-04-20

It is interesting that the Austrian Karajan and his German Berlin Phil. Orch. was so competent in the French and Russian repitiore. In all Karajan's programing of more "serious" and more Teutonic works by Beethoven, Brahms ect.; it is ironic that Ravel's "Bolero" is Karajan at his best-this rendition is very intense and at once very passionate. Likewise, Mussorgsky/Ravel's "Pictures at an Exhibition" is also very vivid and sonorous.

"Pictures at an Exhibition" was one of my first introductions to "Classical" music when I was a teenager. It is an outstanding work, that captures the mysterious and very Russian essence of Mussorgsky; but also displays Ravel's orchestral mastery and French sensibility.

Debussy's "La Mer" is a musical portrait of the sea. It creates a mood, more than it delivers a melody; and Karajan and the Berlin Phil. and the "German/Romantic treatment" actually works quite well in giving "La Mer" sweep and power.

Comparison for "Bolero": Bernstein
Comparison for "Pictures": Bernstein; Szell
Comparison for "La Mer": Munch; Boulez/Cleveland Orch.

A top performance.......2001-02-06

This has long been one of my favourite performances of "Pictures". The sound quality from the early 60s recording is very good indeed. I find the pacing to be just right for this extraordinary work. I have listened to a number of versions over the years, including more recent recordings - including the Sinopoli version on DG, and a London Symphony version, as well as a few others that I have forgotten - none of them made my spine tingle like this one has. (The Ashkenazy version is a worthy complement to this version). The Bolero on this disc is also excellent. This is an excellent value CD.

There are better recordings of Pictures.......2001-01-01

I bought this CD thinking, "Hey, it's the Berlin Phil, it's got to be amazing." Well, it wasn't. If you're looking for "La Mer" or "Bolero", BUY this CD. They are magnificent and hypnotic, demonstrating what the orchestra and its conductor are really capable of. That is why this CD gets 4 stars.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for "Pictures", look elsewhere. The Chicago Symphony under Reiner is the best recording I have found. Next to that, this version just doesn't compare. First of all, the opening Promenade has an uneven sound quality. It almost sounds like the trumpets are switching off on the solo. Not only that, but the trumpet seems to have an unusual buzz in his sound. It's really not pleasant to listen to. This is compounded by Karajan's slow tempos - the opening "Promenade" isn't too bad, but the others just drag. "Gnomus" is played brilliantly in places, but it lacks the twisting, wicked sound of the violins found in the CSO under Reiner. "The Old Castle", however, is one of the CD's strongest tracks. In "Samuel Goldenberg", I was once again displeased with the trumpet. He needs to get control of his tonguing and let some sound out. I know the solo is high and difficult and staccato - I play trumpet myself - but it just sounds ugly. The notes are spit out with little attention to quality and a few bobbles. "Limoges", "Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks", and "Tuileries" all lacked the playfulness found with the CSO, while "Baba Yaga" just was not vicious enough for my tastes. "The Great Gate" some of you may really enjoy. It is more calm and less brassy than the CSO version. However, the trumpet is yet again a problem. Either he's shaking and having trouble controlling the notes, or he's putting way too much vibrato in where it's not needed or wanted.

Most of the problems I have with this "Pictures" are interpretational - the BPO does overall play quite well. Some of you will disagree with my notion of how the suite should sound and for you, this might be an excellent recording. I, however, don't like this version very much. I enjoy much more the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Reiner, and also Ashkenazy's piano and orchestral versions.

Disappointing, but..........2000-11-01

Herbert von Karajan always played "impressionist" music in a strange way. At a glance, Debussy should be his favourite composer, because his music requires beautiful sound, and Karajan's sound is as beautiful as sound gets. Unfortunately, Herbie is often tempted to look for spectacularity where you shouldn't find it; so "La Mer" sounds much more like Berlioz than Debussy. The "Pictures" are much better, but they fall short from being completely convincing; even though the Berliners play at their best, there's something missing; you can't feel the mysterious sadness of the Old Castle, nor the excitement of the Limoges market, nor the impressive sense of "spleen" that makes the Catacombs so great. The only conductor - after Toscanini - who made the Pictures sound really good is probably Sinopoli, in his DG recording with the NYP. Fortunately, Karajan's Bolero is a pure beauty: nobody ever found a more ideal way to play the "crescendo continuo". If you love Bolero as much as I do, you can forgive Karajan and buy this CD in spite of its disappointing overall quality.

Three of Von Karajan's finest directions.......2000-07-11

The three performances in this CD will help immortalize perhaps the greatest director of the twentieth century: Herbert von Karajan. Karajan's control of Debussy's La Mer (The Sea) leaves you breathless, as it transports you directly to the big blue. Mussorgky's Pictures at an Exhibition, is another excellent example of not only Karajan's genius, but also of the richness of sound and musical textures that the Berliner Philarmoniker (Berlin Philharmonic) is capable. But what really makes this CD worth, is Karajan's direction of Ravel's Bolero, a magnificent, hypnotic composition lasting more than 16 minutes of pulsating musical beauty. If you want to know why von Karajan is considered one of the best orchestral directors, this CD will answer all those questions and eliminate all doubts.

Classical Music Start-Up Kit, Vol. 2: 1825-1945

Average customer rating:

Classical Music Start-Up Kit, Vol. 2: 1825-1945

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005YCX6
Release Date: 1996-01-04

Tracks:

Scherzo - Jeno Jando
Waltz In C# Minor - Peter Nagy
Song Without Words, Op.102, No.5 - Peter Nagy
'The Fountains Of The Villa D'Este' - Jeno Jando
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Adoration Of The Earth (Finale) - Alexander Rahbari
March From Love For Three Oranges Suite, Op.33: March - Andrew Mogrelia
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Finale - Alexander Rahbari

Ravel: Bolero; Debussy: Sarabande; Danse; Mussorgsky: Pictures At An Exhibition [Australia]

Average customer rating:

3 for Effort

Ravel: Bolero; Debussy: Sarabande; Danse; Mussorgsky: Pictures At An Exhibition [Australia]
Chailly , and Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007WW2JI
Release Date: 2005-05-24

Tracks:

Bolero
Sarabande (Orch. Ravel)
Danse (Orhc. Ravel)
Pictures At An Exhibition (Orch. Ravel)

Album Description

Australian pressing features 13 total tracks. Decca. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

3 for Effort.......2006-01-01

Its Chailly in his early days trying to get the Concertgebouw in shape from the long tenure of a previous conductor.
Chailly in his Messiaen, Schonberg is outstanding.
Here he does not have it together. Much better Mussorgsky out there.
3 Stars, save your money.

Average customer rating:

Orchestral Trumpet Player's Bible:
Essential Recording for Any Trumpet Player
Most Excellent
Awesome!
Excellent for aspiring trumpet players, otherwise...

Orchestral Excerpts For Trumpet

Manufacturer: Summit(Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000038JG
Release Date: 1995-02-07

Tracks:

Trumpet concerto: Brandenburg Concerto No.2 - Trumpet Concerto
Petrouchka
Pictures at an Exhibition
Leonore Nos. 3&2
Ein Heldenleben
Symphony No.5
Scheherazade
Don Juan
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American In Paris
Magnificat

Customer Reviews:

Orchestral Trumpet Player's Bible:.......2003-05-08

I carry this recording around with me in my case, and listen to it before auditions, concerts, rehearsals, etc. It's simply how the excerpts (along with trumpet playing in general) should sound. Smith's virtuostic playing, coupled with his vast orchestral experience, really teach the parts. All trumpet players, top to bottom, have something to learn from this CD--and while the entire work (with orchestra) and part should be studied (Smith actually recommends this), it is still very useful to hear one of the finest players on earth performing just the trumpet part.

Essential Recording for Any Trumpet Player.......2001-05-24

If any principal orchestral trumpet player has succeeded Adolph Herseth as the "state of the art," the probable consensus among his peers would be Philip Smith of the New York Philharmonic. His virtually flawless technique, gourgeous sound, rarified musicianship and exceptional leadership make him virtually unique in his field, and his more than 20 years with the Philharmonic (plus his early years with the Chicago Symphony) have firmly established him as one of the greats in the history of orchestral brass performance.

Measured simply as a documentation of his skills, this recording would be an extraordinary document - the playing throughout is stupendous. But this is much more than that; Mr. Smith proves to be as articulate (mild "New Yoahk" accent and all) as he is talented, and his performance suggestions are truly helpful, even for those of us without his superhuman abilities. The recorded sound is superb, and overall this is a joy to listen to at every level. I recommend it without reservation for any trumpet player aspiring to a higher level of musicianship and performance - and if you play it at full volume shortly after your warmup, your neighbors will be very impressed.

Most Excellent.......1999-12-13

As a trumpet player, I must say that Phil Smith's comments during each track are immensely beneficial. His thoughts have produced profound understanding in my trumpet playing, and despite the fact that this CD is intended as a grouping of Phil Smith's insights into common Orchestral Excerpts and his following demonstration, I have countless times listened out of pure enjoyment than to gain expert insight. His tone is the most beautiful I have ever heard, and it shows on this CD. I recommend this particularly for any aspiring trumpet student.

Awesome!.......1999-10-25

The previous reviewer of this CD missed the point of the CD. Lets say your working on the Carmern Prelude or Stravinsky Pétrouchka you buy this CD, and learn how Philip Smith (one of the greatest symphonic trumpet players in the world) would interpret and play it. Thats why its entitled Orchestra Trumpet Excerpts.

Excellent for aspiring trumpet players, otherwise..........1999-05-31

This CD would be excellent for aspiring orchestral trumpeters and soloists; although Philip Smith conveys his expertise exceptionally well, this short snips of music on this CD are no substitute for the actual full-orchestra recordings.

Leonard Pennario: The Early Years 1950-1958

Average customer rating:

Fabulous re-mastered mono sound!
...if for the 72 minutes of Chopin alone, a must have

Leonard Pennario: The Early Years 1950-1958

Manufacturer: MSR Classics Archive
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000JCEB1I
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Product Description

A Limited Edition collection of the great recordings of American pianist Leonard Pennario. Taken from his earliest Capitol Classics catalogue, all recordings have been digitally remastered from original sources. All recordings are first time on CD.

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous re-mastered mono sound!.......2007-07-03

Back in the 50s we had many of these on LP. Great to find them again!
Why not a successor set of the concerto recordings?

...if for the 72 minutes of Chopin alone, a must have.......2006-11-13

MSR have used the original Masters of the actual recording sessions for their superb remastering of the performances on these discs, bringing out a richness and depth of tonality and `presence' seldom heard in monophonic recordings. In fact, using a DVD/CD player through a surround sound home cinema system, with the music hovering above the speakers, I was oblivious to the fact it was mono. Perhaps it was some close proximity of the microphone when recording, but there is an intimacy in the listening experience, as if Pennario has pulled up a chair to your living room piano (albeit a Steinway!), and we are privy.

From more than 66 albums and CDs, Pennario fans have long known. To a new generation becoming acquainted with his artistry: a reviewer of his 1952 UK debut wrote, (with to my mind typical British reserve and understatement), "Nobody plays better than Pennario". His staggering technical virtuosity underpins his interpretation of every work, from the supreme nostalgic lyricism of the complete Chopin Waltzes, the lyrical dynamism of the Heroic Polonaise, (both included in this set), or as in other CD releases, the ominous, brooding dynamism of his Tchaikovsky No.1, and the downright seamy raunchiness of his definitive Rhapsody in Blue.

To date, there has been a paucity of commercial release of his solo piano repertoire on CD. These discs provide a sample of his repertoire of Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, Debussy, Ravel and more. Hopefully this 4 disc set heralds that further releases can be eagerly anticipated.

Music Review:

Music Review

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