Complete Organ Music 1

On this CD:

1. Fantasie for organ No.1, AWV59
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

2. Fantasie for organ No.2, AWV91
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

3. Le Jardin Suspendu for organ, AWV63
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

4. Danses (2) à Agni Yavishta for organ, AWV61 Première Danse
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

5. Danses (2) à Agni Yavishta for organ, AWV61 Deuxième Danse
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

6. Climat, for organ, AWV 64
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

7. Lamento for organ, AWV 10
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

8. Fantasmagorie for organ, AWV73
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

9. Chant donné for organ, AWV 33
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

10. Choral Cistercien for organ, AWV 62
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

11. Variations on Lucis Creator for organ, AWV 29
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

12. Postlude pour l'Office de Complines for organ, Op. 21 (AWV 13)
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

13. Intermezzos for organ
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

14. Suite for organ, Op.48 Introduction et variations
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

15. Suite for organ, Op.48 Scherzo
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

16. Suite for organ, Op.48 Choral
Composed by Jehan Ariste Alain
Performed by Yves Rechsteiner

Tracks:

Three Lute Dances: Prelude: Courante
Sonata In E-Flat: Prelude: Adagio
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G: Prelude: Allegro
Water Music: Prelude: Suite No. 1- Air
Processional: Trumpet Voluntary (The Prince Of Denmark's March)
Te Deum: Processional: Prelude
Processional: Canon In D
Processional: Trumpet Tune
Lohengrin: Processional: 'Wedding March'
Cantata 147: Ceremony: 'Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring'
The Four Seasons: Ceremony: 'Spring' - Allegro
Ceremony: 'Ave Maria'
Five Mystical Songs: Ceremony: 'The Call'
Ceremony: 'Sheep May Safely Graze'
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Recessional: 'Wedding March'
Solomon: Recessional: 'Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheeba'
Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F: Recessional: First Movement
Organ Symphony No. 5: Recessional: Toccata

Customer Reviews:

Middle of the road wedding music.......2007-01-20

I bought this cd because I had everything in my wedding planned to the last tiny detail except the ceremony music. All the songs on the cd are nice traditional wedding songs. I did not use any of the music from the cd, but I am glad I bought it because it helped me realize that traditional wedding music was not what I wanted. All and all a nice classical music cd but not for brides who really want a personal ceremony. BTW I went with Enya and Lorena McKennitt.

just what I was looking for.......2007-01-10

We wanted traditional wedding music and found it in this CD. I'm no music expert, but the arrangements and performances seemed fine. I would definitely recommend this CD for any bride looking for a concise collection of traditional wedding pieces.

Most Chosen Selections.......2006-03-13

As a wedding officiant, my wife and I are often asked to assist the couple with other services for their ceremony, such as music. For this, we have a very large selection in our music library to choose from. We have put together a catalog of cd's that we loan out to the couple for their review, and most often, their selections come from BRIDE'S GUIDE TO WEDDING MUSIC.

If you're planning a traditional or formal wedding on a budget, this cd has it all. There are even two selections of Wagner's "Wedding March" to choose from. Only two of the selections have vocals, the rest are all extraordinary instrumental selections.

Often, even around the house or in my car, I find myself listening to this cd. The music is soothing, refreshing, uplifting and most enjoyable. I recommend this cd over all other wedding music cd's.

Another Great Reference CD.......2006-01-09

This is a great compilation, CD, along with Bride's Guide to Wedding Music Volume 2, to use as a reference for some of the more popular wedding songs; just about everything on here is standard fare for weddings. All of the musicians are generally superb, and the sound quality is very good. However, this is most useful if you are playing the CD at your wedding, or using it as a reference CD to talk over potential music selections with an organist, a string quartet, etc. Like my review for Volume 2, I only gave it four stars based on practicality, not on quality. If it were just quality, I would give it five stars. I purchased this CD since I am in the process of making my own wedding CD (I am a professional, freelance violinist), and this was nice to listen to, even just as background music for dinner. BTW: beware of reviewers who don't use their names, especially "A music fan." This is most likely the producer of the "Wedding Traditions" CD and he slanders other CDs so his will look better. You'd think that in the wedding music business people would have better ethics, but unfortunately, that's not always the case. The best advice I can give, as a classical musician myself, if to take time to listen to the sound clips, and if possible, try to find them on iTunes where they might sound higher quality. This is the only real way of knowing whether the CD is right for you.

A Nice CD.......2005-12-30

This is a very nice CD.
Our daughter used some of the songs on this CD
and some of the songs that are on the
"Classical Wedding Traditions" CD for the wedding.
She also used many of the songs on the
"New Wedding Traditions Volume I" CD
Amazon is a great place to find good wedding music

Average customer rating:

GORGEOUS!
Wonderful intro To MEHDl ...
great
The Complete Wedding Album
Almost the compete wedding album

The Complete Wedding Album

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | 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

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Classical Wedding
25 Wedding Favorites
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music
A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day
Classical Wedding Traditions

ASIN: B000006ONZ
Release Date: 1998-04-28

Tracks:

Rigaudon - Empire Brass
Sinfonia - Michael Murray
Toccata - Michael Murray
Wedding March - Michael Murray
The Prince Of Denmark's March - Michael Murray
Trumpet Tune In D Major - Michael Murray
Te Deum - Michael Murray
Ave Maria - Michael Murray
Canon In D Major - Yolanda Kondonassis
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Yolanda Kondonassis
Prelude No. 1 In C Major - Yolanda Kondonassis
Entrance Of The Queen Of Sheba - Keith Clark
Air - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
Hornpipe - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
Rondeau - Empire Brass
Unchained Melody - Erich Kunzel
Through The Eyes Of Love - William Tritt
Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet - William Tritt
The Wedding Song (There Is Love - Danny Donnelly
Dodi Li - Shira Kammen

Tracks:

Rondeau - Michael Murray
Sheep May Safely Graze - Michael Murray
Ave Maria - Michael Murray
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Michael Chertock
Clair De Lune - Michael Chertock
Adagio Sostenuto - Michael Chertock
Largo - Angel Romero
Largo - Larry Cooperman
Largo - Keith Clark
Allegro - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Adagio In G Minor For Strings - Keith Clark
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Leonard Slatkin
Adagio For Strings - Erich Kunzel
'Treulich Gefuart,' Bridal Chorus - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Wedding March - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

GORGEOUS!.......2007-06-13

I wish this CD had been around when I was planning my wedding as it would have been great for helping the bride to select music! Still, it's wonderful to listen to now.

Wonderful intro To MEHDl ..........2006-06-08

I've always enjoyed Great Wedding music and this album is no exception, but while reading some of the customer recommendations posted on this site I discovered a group by the name of MEHDl (pronounced medie). After an online search I found their site (S00THINGMUSIC,C0M) and listened to the samples...
I was instantly blown away by the quality of this music and so I gave it a try and now that I have listened to these CDs several times I really must say that although I'm still a Tomaso Albinoni fan of, I find MEHDl to be a great addition to this CD. I had them both in my multi-disc CD player during the wedding and love the way they compliment each other. I highly recommend that you give this artist a try or atleast just go listen to the samples, I have a feeling you'll be glad you did.

great.......2006-02-19

Highly recommended. Even has suggestions for pre-ceremony, processional, ceremony, and recessional inside. 2 different versions of Midsummer Night's Dream march included - one with trumpet and organ and one with a full orchestra. Lots of great selections, well recorded.

The Complete Wedding Album.......2005-08-05

This album has a lot of great wedding music. It had all of the songs I was looking for. There also is great background music for the ceremony. Glad I purchased it

Almost the compete wedding album.......2004-05-07

I used this cd to help me plan which songs I wanted to use for each part of the wedding. This cd helps you suggest the placement for the prelude, processional, ceremony and recessional. The cd mainly has classical songs, but it does have a few of "today's" songs. There could have been a few more songs they could have added. But overall, its a good cd.

Average customer rating:

Excellent!

The Story of Bach

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

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Inventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Story of Mozart
The Story of Beethoven
The Story Of Handel
The Story of Tchaikovsky
Story Of Chopin In Words And Music

ASIN: B000001KCL
Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major, S. 1049 (Allegro)
Gabrieli: In Decachordo Psalterio
Chorale Prelude: Wachet Auf (Sleepers, Awake), S. 645
Violin Concerto No. 2 In E Major, S. 1042 (Allegro)
Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, S. 565
Mass In B Minor, S. 232 (Et Resurrexit) (And He Has Risen)
Two-Part Invention No. 14 In B Flat Major, S. 785
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In D Major, S. 1050 (Allegro)
Cantata No. 57, S. 57 (1740): Selig Ist Der Mann (Blessed Is The Man)
Italian Concerto In F Major, S. 971 (Allegro)
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F Major, S. 1047 (Allegro Assai)
Well-Tempered Clavier Book 1, S. 846 (Prelude No. 1 In C Major)
St. Matthew Passion, S. 244 (Chorale)
Concerto For Two Violins In D Minor, S. 1043 (Allegro)
Passacaglia And Fugue In C Minor, S. 582
St. Matthew Passion, S. 244 (Chorale)
Cantata No. 211 (1732) 'Coffee Cantata' S. 211 (Baritone Solo)
St. John Passion, S. 245 (I Follow Thee Also, My Saviour, With Gladness)
Magnificat In D Major, S. 243 (Chorus)
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G Major, S. 1048, (Allegro - Complete)
Vivace; Largo Ma Non Tanto: Allegro - Dieter Vorholz
Allegro - Dieter Vorholz
Adagio; Allegro Assai - Dieter Vorholz

Customer Reviews:

Excellent!.......2006-07-01

We are using this series of CDs in our homeschool music program - they are fantastic! We especially love this one about Bach - what an awesome man! The story of his life is told in a way that is very interesting and holds the children's attention while also using various pieces of his music in the narration. It is done VERY well! My children are gaining a tremendous amount of knowlege and appreciation for music through this CD and so are my husband and I!

Amadeus: The Complete Original Soundtrack Recording

Average customer rating:

"Genius"
A true celebration of Mozart's music
This needs to have a 10 star rating!
Top-Chart Album of the 80's That Made Classical Music Sell !!
Amadeus

Amadeus: The Complete Original Soundtrack Recording

Manufacturer: Fantasy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

1980s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Soundtracks | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Amadeus - Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Immortal Beloved / Sir Georg Solti (film 1994)
Amadeus: More Music From The Original Soundtrack Of The Film Amadeus
Mozart: Requiem / McNair, Watkinson, Araiza, Lloyd; Marriner
Immortal Beloved

ASIN: B000000XBV
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, (1st Movement)
Stabat Mater; Quando Corpus Morietur And Amen
Bubak And Hungaricus
Serenade For Winds, (3rd Movment)
The Abduction From The Seraglio, (Turkish...)
The Abduction From The Seraglio (Chorus Of...)
Caro Mio Bene
Mass In C Minor
Concerto For Flute And Harp, (2nd Movement)
Concerto For Two Pianos, (3rd Movement)

Tracks:

Symphony No. 29 In A, (1st Movemnet, Allegro Mod.)
Piano Concerto In E Flat, (3rd Movement)
The Marriage Of Figaro, Act III, Ecco La Marcia
The Marriage Of Figaro, Act IV, Ah Tutti Contenti
Axur, Finale
Piano Concerto In D Minor, (1st Movement)
Zaide; Aria, Rhue Sanft
Don Giovanni, Act II, Commendatore Scene
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Serenade, (1st Movement)

Tracks:

Symphonie Concertante, (1st Movement)
Masonic Funeral Music
The Magic Flute, Overture
The Magic Flute, Aria (No. 14), Queen Of The Night
Six German Dances
Introitus, (Orchestral Introduction)
Dies Irae
Rex Tremendae Majestatis
Confutatis
Lacrymosa
Piano Concerto In D Minor, (2nd Movement) Romanza

Amazon.com

Director Milos Forman's rewarding 1984 film adaptation of playwright Peter Shaffer's Tony-winning play won no fewer than 10 Academy Awards (including Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Director); only Wolfgang himself (and his filmic counterpart, Tom Hulce) seemed to get overlooked by the Academy. This expanded three-disc set contains all of Sir Neville Marriner's crisp, accurate readings of the excerpted Mozart symphonies, concertos, serenades, and operas (including marvelous portions of The Abduction of Seraglio, Don Giovanni, and The Magic Flute) used in the film. The success of Amadeus spurred a long-overdue renaissance of interest in classical music, and one would be hard-pressed to find a richer, more concise introduction to the intoxicating music and frustrating bundle of moral contradictions that was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

"Genius".......2007-02-02

This is a GREAT CD! It has wonderful music from the movie "Amadaeus" which is the BEST movie ever! This music is so fine that it lifts your heart into happiness when you listen to it. You can just tell immediately that this is "the voice of God". And for one man to make such wonderful music in a flash, its just pure genius.

Thanks to the wonderful music that a talented man has brought to us.

A true celebration of Mozart's music.......2006-10-22

I think it was at age 12 when I first saw Amadeus, and I remember immediately asking for a recording of the Requiem (a bit of sombre for a 12-year old I know, but just to demonstrate the impact of the piece..), but I think it wasn't until the third time that I saw the film (at age 30, if you were wondering) that something hit me; It's hard to say why only now (maturity?), since I've always loved Mozart's music and have already owned several recordings of the Requiem, Bohm's 35-41 symphonies and Arthur Grumiaux's wonderful violin concertos with the Sinfonia Concertante. But appreciating the movie as an adult was a different experience, recognizing what a fabulous work Marriner and his Academy have done by delivering so successfully what Mozart was all about. I think that the brilliance of this recording is that it succeeds in providing Mozart's essence through emphasis on the hidden gems of his music, while avoiding being another banal "Greatest Hits" compilation; and sewing together such a diverse array of pieces so gracefully into one recording is not a trivial task, but in Marriner's case it seems completely flawless - because what holds all the pieces here together is what this music is all about - grace, beauty, humor and love.

This needs to have a 10 star rating!.......2006-01-20

There are many great composers, but Wolfie's music is just incredible. There are a few of his operas that I don't care for but most of it is pure bliss to listen to. Do yourself a huge favor and purchase this CD or the gold extended version. You won't be sorry-unless you don't have any taste. In which case, there is nothing the rest of us can do to help you. But the local pharmacist might. . .

Top-Chart Album of the 80's That Made Classical Music Sell !!.......2005-07-31

In 1984, Milos Forman's film Amadeus, based on the hit Broadway play by Peter Schaffer, made it to the big screen with resounding success nationwide. When the soundtrack was released, it was a top seller and even found itself selling as much as such popular 80's artists as Madonna. The music from this well-made film, mostly Mozart but used some Classical-Era works by Salieri, Pergolesi and Salieri- hooked young people into classical music when they might have otherwise never given it a chance.

In the film, Mozart's music is used for dramatic effect and for ambiance. Vienna in the 1780's was the home of a blooming musical scene that would later see the likes of Beethoven. This musical kingdom is well captured in the soundtrack, which features tantalizing excerpts from Mozart's most illustrious works. The film opens to the frenzied, dark strains of the 1st movement of the 25th Symphony, as a crazed Salieri is taken from his home to a mental asylum after an attempted suicide. It goes on to use the religious music of Pergolesi Ave Verum and Amen - boys chorus as Salieri contemplates a life of chastity and dedication to music if God grants him talent. Then we leave Salieri's world of spirituality and desire for fame when we are introduced to the young Mozart. The Serenade for Winds "Gran Partita" is heard - an oboe, clarinets, "like a rusty squeezebox" and fills the air with sublime serenity. This coming from a composer who began his career at the age of 4 who was already trained in piano and violin, and who in his teens composed symphonies and operas. Salieri's works are no longer heard as Mozart's brilliant music takes over the score. We hear breathaking slices of his famous operas in chronologically composed order- the German opera Abduction From The Seraglio which was composed for the soprano Katerina Cavalieri (who has a fling wit Mozart and whom Salieri desired for himself), Figaro's Wedding and Finale from Le Nozze Di Figaro and the dramatic Commandatore Dinner Scene from Don Giovanni, and lastly the Queen of the Night Aria and Papageno's Aria from his enchanting and spiritual work The Magic Flute. Further to these famous works, which also include the Piano Concerto in D No. 20- which prefigured Romantic piano concertos of Beethoven flair, and the Eine Kleine Nachtmusiz which is Mozart's most famous tune and signature theme, we are treated to rare works in Mozart's ouevre. This includes the Masonic Funeral March, a funeral piece Mozart wrote for his fellow Masons. Divertimenti is heard in a latter scene in which Mozart's wife Constanza escapes her woes with Mozart and indulges in a spa. Chamber works, the heartwarming Flute concerto and even the rare Salieri opera Axur (then considered the greatest opera ever made, according to Emperor Joseph) all make up for a great recording album. This album now exists in extended form for the Bicentennial. The movie is a perfect companion to this album.

Amadeus.......2005-07-29

Any lover of Mozart or the film Amadeus, REALLY needs to have this in their collection. It has some of the most beautiful music and Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is wonderful!

Average customer rating:

Superb Performance and musical Work
A nice set at a nice price!

Complete Organ Concertos
Handel , Preston , Pinnock , and English Concert
Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Handel - Concerti grossi, op. 6 / AAM · Manze
Bach: Concertos
Jirí Antonín Benda: Sinfonias Nos. 1-6
Manfredini: CONCERTI GROSSI OP. 3 Nos. 1-12
Muffat: Concerti Grossi, Nos. 1-6

ASIN: B000065TV0
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Customer Reviews:

Superb Performance and musical Work.......2007-05-19

G.F. Haendel is mostly known for his masterly written great vocal works, his instrumental work being less known for the wider public, except for Music for Royal Fireworks and Water Music. Though not an expert on classical music, I think this trio would give almost every listener a sheer joy (I, Personally, enjoy listening to all 3 cd's one by one, when I have the time), for one gets a great performance, as he would usually do when it comes to the English Concert, of all of Haendel's Organ Concertos for a great price (about 7$ a disc).

A nice set at a nice price!.......2007-01-16

Prior to this 3-CD set, I had owned an old LP recording of the complete Handel Organ Concerti. What a treat this performance is! I'm a fan of the English Consort with Trevor Pinnock, so I wasn't surprised that I enjoyed this recording.

These are fun pieces that any baroque lover would enjoy.

A 3-CD set for under $25 was quite a bargain.

Average customer rating:

Took a nap during labor
Awesome!
Induces great relaxation, pair with noise-cancelling headphones and sleep on plane.
Recommended for first rate relaxation and sleep!
Worth the listen

Brainwave Symphony

Manufacturer: Relaxation
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Brainwave Suite
Theta Meditation System: Let Go of Stress, Renew Your Spirit, Gain Insight, and Intuition
Creative Mind System
Awakened Mind System 2.0
Brainwave Journey

ASIN: B00009L4UI
Release Date: 2003-06-03

Tracks:

Violin Concerto In A Minor, BWV 1041, Andante
Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor, BWV 1043, Largo Ma Non Tanto
Sinfonia Decima A 7 For 2 Trumpets and Strings, Op. 3, Adagio, Grave, Adagio
Cello Concerto In C, Adagio
Cello Concerto In D, Op. 101, Adagio
String Symphony No. 4, Andante
Capriol Suite Pieds-En-Lair
Violin Concerto No. 4 In D, K. 218 Andante Cantabile
Concerto In F Major, F VII 2, RV. 455, Grave
Concerto In A Minor, F VII 5, RV. 461 Larghetto
Symphony No. 6 In F Major Op. 68, 'Pastoral' Szene Am Bach/Scene By The Brook, Andante Molto Mosso

Tracks:

Concerto In D For 2 Trumpets, Strings, And Continuo
Sonata In D For 2 Trumpets, Strings, And Continuo
Violin Concerto In A Minor, BWV 104 First Movement
Cello Concerto In C, Moderato
Oboe Concerto In B-Flat, Op. 7, No. 6 Allegros I & II
Oboe Concerto In D Major, Op. 7, No. 6 Allegros I & II
Oboe Concerto In D Major, F VII 10 RV. 453 Allegro, Largo, Allegro
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor, K. 550 Andante
Basset Clarinet Concerto In A, K. 622 Allegro

Tracks:

The Planets Suite: Venus, Bringer Of Peace
The Planets Suite, Neptune, The Mystic
Adagio For Strings
Adagio In G Minor
Symphony No. 4 In C Minor, Andante
Symphony No. 5 In B-Flat Major, Andante
Violin Concerto In E Minor, Andante
Lady Radnor's Suite, Slow Minuet
Sospiri, Op. 70
Suite For String Orchestra, Nocturne
Marche Funevre, Lento, Excerpt
Calm Sea & Prosperous Voyage Op. 27

Tracks:

Fantasia On A Theme By Tomas Tallis
Lark Ascending
Eclogue For Piano And Strings
Clair De Lune
Clarinet Concerto, Adagio
Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10, Adagio
Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10, Chant

Album Description

BRAINWAVE SYMPHONY combines carefully selected music from the baroque, classical, romantic, impressionistic, and twentieth-century eras with breakthrough audio technology to give you the best of classical wisdom and modern science.

We all experience many states of consciousness, from ordinary waking and sleeping states to extraordinary states in which we are more at peace, particularly aware, or unusually creative. Each state has a unique pattern of brainwaves that can be mapped and measured. Brainwave Symphony uses of inaudible pulses of sound, based on these brain maps, to trigger your brain to produce the state you want to experience.

Combining this powerful new recording process with carefully selected works of Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Bach, and other masters offers a beautiful and unique listening experience as well as a powerful tool for personal transformation.

Orchestrate Your State of Mind

CD1 Alpha Relax & Let Go Alert Meditation, Tranquillity, and Active Relaxation. Mozart, Bach, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Warlock, Vivaldi, Bononcini, and Beethoven

CD2 Beta Energize & Focus Heightened Focus, Enhanced Energy, and Peak Performance. Mozart, Bach, Alberti, Haydn, Albinoni, and Vivaldi

CD3 Delta Unwind & Sleep Deep Relaxation, Rejuvenation, and Restful Sleep Holst, Barber, Albinoni, Parry, Elgar, Bridge, Mendelssohn, and Chopin

CD4 Theta Meditate & Create Deep Meditation, Heightened Intuition and Enhanced Creativity.

Williams, Finzi, Debussy and Britten

All brainwave frequencies were scored by Dr. Jeffrey Thompson whose innovative work, based on over 20 years of clinical research, is used by healthcare professionals in 26 countries. Dr. Thompson is currently on the faculty of, and has research and clinical offices at, the California Institute for Human Science.

Music was selected and sequenced by Pat Moffitt Cook, M.M., Ph.Dc., AMI Fellow, a pioneer in the use of music in health care. Pat is the founder and director of the Open Ear Center for Music in Healthcare and Education, where she trains professionals, musicians, and laypeople in the use of healing music.

Customer Reviews:

Took a nap during labor.......2007-01-16

I used the first CD in this collection (Alpha) to assist me during the labor and delivery of our daughter. I put it on our ipod and listened to it over and over during the labor process. I actually managed a light nap during active labor and had very little pain throughout the process. It that doesn't tell you that it keeps you relaxed and able to meditate, I don't know whatelse might convince you. The recording is great, the music lovely, and it does what it claims to do. I highly recommend it!

Awesome!.......2006-03-17

These really work! Ever wonder why listening to classical music may make you more up-tight than relaxing you? Here's the reason...

Induces great relaxation, pair with noise-cancelling headphones and sleep on plane........2005-12-30

So far I have only really used the relaxation CD, which works amazingly well. I have been flying more red-eyes lately in part because I know I can sleep on the plane from as soon as I get on. However, I have always slept pretty well on airplanes!

I keep forgetting to try out the rest of the CD collection.

Recommended for first rate relaxation and sleep!.......2005-06-06

These cds sound like simple classical music, but they do indeed assist you to enter different states of mind. For best effect, wear stereo headphones. But even without, you will find it easier to relax, sleep and meditate. If you don't like classical, the Brainwaves Suite has a new age/environmental sound.

Worth the listen.......2004-10-17

My curiousity was well rewarded when I first listened to these four CDs. The symphonic music is seamlessly recorded, accented with tone notations that are easy on the ear and peaceful on the mind. This set is at the office, on the iPod and the home computer, and loaned to others on a regular basis. They have flavored prayer services and supported pastoral conversations. Make good presents, too. Worried about subliminal suggestion? Well, if clearer thinking and thoughtful reflection is subliminal thinking, then you will get the message each time you listen to these recordings. Other recordings by Dr. Thompson deliver just as these do.

Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies & Tone Poems

Average customer rating:

5 stars for the syms
Beautiful and comprehensive compilation of Sibelius works
excellent collection
A must for Sibelius lovers
A terrific and near-perfect set

Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies & Tone Poems

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bruckner: The Complete Symphonies
Strauss: Orchestral Works
Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works
Liszt: Works for Piano and Orchestra
Symphonies 1-3 / Piano Concerto 1-4 / Isle of Dead

ASIN: B00005MIZT
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

I: Andante, Ma Non Troppo - Allegro Energico
II: Andante (Ma Non Troppo Lento)
III: Scherzo: Allegro
IV: Finale (Quasi Una Fantasia): Andante - Allegro Molto
I: Allegretto
II: Tempo Andante, Ma Rubato
III: Vivacissimo - Lento E Suave - Tempo Primo - Largamente -
IV: Finale: Allegro Moderato

Tracks:

I: Allegro Moderato
II: Andantino Con Moto, Quasi Allegretto
III: Moderato - Allegro (Ma Non Tanto)
I: Tempo Molto Moderato, Quasi Adagio
II: Allegro Molto Vivace - Doppio Piu Lento
III: Il Tempo Largo
IV: Allegro

Tracks:

I: Tempo Molto Moderato - Largamente - Allegro Moderato
II: Andante Mosso, Quasi Allegretto
III: Allegretto Molto - Un Pochettino Largamente
I: Allegro Molto Moderato
II: Allegretto Moderato - Poco Con Moto
III: Poco Vivace
IV: Allegro Molto - Allegro Assai - Doppio Piu Lento

Tracks:

Adagio -
Un Pochettino Meno Adagio - Vivacissimo -
Poco Rallentando Al Adagio - Allegro Molto Moderato - Allegro Moderato - Vivace -
Presto - Adagio - Largamente Molto - Affettuoso
Cantata: Oma Maa, Op.92: 'Our Own Land'
Tulen Synty, Op.32: The Origin Of Fire

Tracks:

I: Introductione: Allegro Moderato
II: Kullervo's Youth: Grave
III: Kullervo And His Sister: Allegro Vivace
IV: Kullervo Goes To Battle: Alla Marcia
V: Kullervo's Death: Andante

Tracks:

The Oceanides, Op.73
I: Intermezzo
III: Alla Marcia
I: All'overtura: Grave - Allegro/II: Scena: Tempo Di Menuetto - Allegro Moderato/III: Festivo: Tempo Di Bolero
Tapiola, Op.112
Finlandia, Op.26
Serenade No.1 in D, Op.69a
Serenade No.2 in g, Op.69b (Lento Assai)

Tracks:

Luonnotar, Op.70
Pohjola's Daughter, Op.49
En Saga, Op.9
I. Nocturne
II. Elegie
III. Musette
IV. Serenade
V. Ballade
The Bard, Op.64

Tracks:

Spring Song, Op.16
III. The Swan Of Tuonela
IV. Lemminkainen's Return
I. At The Castle Gate
II. Melisande
IIa. By The Seashore
III. A Spring In The Park
IV. The Three Blind Sisters
V. Pastorale
VI. Melisande At The Spinning-wheel
VII. Entr'acte
VIII. The Death Of Of Melisande
Valse Triste
Scene With Cranes
II. The Harp
III. The Maidens With Roses
IV. Listen, The Robin Sings
VI. Swanwhite And The Prince

Customer Reviews:

5 stars for the syms.......2006-03-18

with the Helsinki
3 Stars for the Bourgemouth on the poems.
But truth be told, no matter how EMPHATIC statements that his syms are not programmatic, that is fall into a logical step by step order, they are just that, very predictible.
I've given these syms 30 yrs, and lately I've lost interest.
While Schonberg, Berg, Webern, Varese were scoring creative new atonal/poloytonal works of new genius, here was Sibelius struggling with old forms, that fail to deliver anything really new. And he knew it, and bothered him to no end.
I feel there is way too much Beethoven/Bruckner(I like neither) influence in the syms for me to become a fan of the syms. I like the 1st sym "somewhat" that is I never listen to it, and small parts of the 4-7 syms. But I'm afraid I only like Sibelius pre 1905, the Kullervo, VC, tone poems. Here is where the genius of Sibelius truly lies.
The syms long ago held some interest, but lately i've moved on to Schnittke and Pettersson.
I also much prefer Vaughan Wialliams syms to all of Sibelius.
Sibelius was a genius in his element, that of representing the folk ideas of his land. His syms are like a string of ideas that lack the connective passages. IOW the whole is less than the few interesting parts.

Beautiful and comprehensive compilation of Sibelius works.......2005-09-29

For me, this has been the year of Sibelius. Previously, I had listened to (and enjoyed) Finlandia. I also had a couple of the symphonies but hadn't listened too them but once or twice. After listening to Finlandia again, I decided to seek out more SIbelius to sample. After some searching through reviews, I settled upon this compilation of works because it offered a large variety of Sibelius and seemed to be well-received. I have been very happy with this purchase! Not only have I spent countless hours listening to each of the 8 disks in this set, the enjoyment of the music has led me to many other wonderful performances of Sibelius by other worthy conductors such as Ashkenazy and Vanska. Still, this boxed set will always be fondly remembered as the one that introduced me to the wonders of so many of these pieces.

I was immediately captured by the haunting clarinet solo that begins the first symphony. All of the symphonies, performed by the Helsinki Orchestra, are recorded in very clear digital sound -- so the solo and the pecussion accompanyment were perfectly captured. I was hooked by the first symphony, but all of the symphonies are presented clearly and with outstanding interpretations. The Helsinki Philharmonic has always had a strong affiliation with Sibelius's music, and Paavo Berglund is a renowned Sibelius conductor who has recorded three separate symphony cycles (once with the Bournemouth Symphony orchestra, the 2nd time with these recordings, and a third time with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe). The commitment felt by the conductor and orchestra comes through in these performances.

In addition to the complete symphony cycle, there are a number of other treasures. A fine version of Finlandia is accompanied by a number of truly delightful tone poems such as Tapiola, the haunting Swan of Tuonela and Lemminkainen's Return (from the Lemminkainen Suite). These tone poems were inspired by the Finnish Kalevala. Other tone poems such as the Oceanides and Spring Song were inspired by Sibelius's love of nature. All receive strong performances by Berglund conducting the Bournemouth Symphony (in analog sound that is still quite good). The violin serenades (especially no. 2) were unexpected delights. The version of Kullervo is magnificent, as is the singing in Luonnotar and Oma maa. This set is a treasure trove of Sibelius treats!

excellent collection.......2004-06-28

This box set includes Sibelius' all symphonies, with Kullervo and his almost complete tone poems. The Symphonies are performed by Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Kullervo and tone poems with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. All of them conducted by Paavo Berglund, who always a champion on performer of Sibelius.

Even so there are his incidental musics: Pelleas et Melisande, Swanwhite, Kuolema and King Christian II.
Especially Pelleas and Kuolema (which includes ever famous Valse triste) are the most beautifuls. Pelleas et Melisande is a very impressive music, and the best "Pelleas" music with Debussy's Pelleas (opera).

Kullervo is symphony-cantata for two soloists, men-chorus and orchestra, which be constitued in 5 movements, comparable in artistically with Mahler's 2nd Symphony "Resurrection". Especially the last movement "Kullervo's Death" is very effective, pathetique.

And one more a vocal work, a tone poem for soprano and orchestra: Lounnutar. This is based on Kalevala again, and Luonnotar is creator of nature in this poem. It is a very radical work, like his darkful 4th Symphony and The Bard. I think, The Bard is one of the best works of the composer, with it's harmonis, dark colours, contemplative mood. Still, this was written in tragic E-flat minor. It is based on a mythologic creature which plays an harp, like lyre in Greek mythology. And in the last minutes there is a dramatic climax and then music slowly fades out.

And there is the best Tapiola recording, I've ever heard (with Petri Sakari's version at Naxos). This is based on Kalevala, again. Tapio is the name of the forest god, according story. There are very impressive contrasts between hypnotic, a little hesitated, light colours and dramatic darkful colours. The orchestration is marvellous again. Especially, in last minutes there is a terrific storm scene and it's very spine chilling. Climaxes (which played by brass) are very powerful...

This is a very good addition to collectors of Sibelius fans and any classical music lovers. Highly recommended.

A must for Sibelius lovers.......2003-01-07

Jean Sibelius is one of those composers who I feel that even on his off days he did well. While I certainly can't say I enjoy all of his music enough to buy (Sacaramouche for instance), most of his music is highly pleasureful. All of the pieces on this set, conducted by Paavo Berglund, save maybe one or two, are part of the later catagory.

This set consists of most of Sibelius's major orchestral music, with the notible exceptions of Night Ride and Subrise, the first two sections of the Lemmenkainen Suite, and the Violin Concerto. It also contains such rarities as Origin of Fire, Our Own Land, and excepts from Swan White.

Berglund, I believe, was the first to fully record a complete cycle of Sibelius symphonies. The recordings here are not from his first set (which I have not heard), but the second cycle recorded in the mid-80s. The symphonies and two canatas mentioned above are recorded in digital, while the rest is analog. It's all in very good sound, though not perfect. That they wanted to keep the D and A recodings on seperate discs is the only possible reason I can see for why they left out the Violin Concerto (there's plenty of room on disc 4).

Now of course, contents are one thing, but what really matters is performance. And suffice it to say, they for the most part shine. This has easily the finest Symphony 1 I've heard, and the finale of Symphony 5 (truly one of the greatest works of the 20th century) shines with brillance. Symphony 3 makes its mark nicely, and Symphony 2, while perhaps a bit on the fast side, is certainly up to par. The only disappointment is Symphony 7, which falls totally flat compared to Davis/BSO.

The two cantatas are wonderful rarities, but its disc 5 where the choral aspect is full played out -- Kullervo. If you've never heard this piece, it's a 75 minute long programatic symphony (to use to term losely) with many ups and downs. This was the first ever recording, and most say it hasn't been topped.

The final three discs contain shorter works. Especially noteable are the absolutely beautiful Serenade #2 for Violin and Orchestra, the hauntingly lovely Luonnotar, a very rousing version of Lemminkainen's Return, and a passionate Pelleas and Mellsande.

Of course, it's almost impossible to have this big a set without some disapointments. Beyond the aformentioned Symphony 7, there's also not overly convincing Finlandia, and a WAY too slow Karelia Intermezzo. Thankfully, the rest of the set makes up for it. It's a great deal at only about $7 a disc retail, and if you're like me, on you'll keep coming back to.

A terrific and near-perfect set.......2002-04-05

This release couples Berglund's classic Bournemouth recordings of the Kullervo Symphony and a host of tone poems with his most recent cycle of the Symphonies.

The Bournemouth recordings are legendary, especially the Kullervo, which belongs in every classical music library. There is a real warmth to these readings, which charms me into letting the minor flaws in playing pass. The sound is pretty good, though slightly muddy at times (particularly in Tapiola), and the selections have been excellently remastered.

The Symphonies, recorded with the Helsinki Philharmonic in superb digital sound, are a real peak in the discography. Berglund doesn't play his Sibelius lukewarm; his readings are sharp, neo-classical and very powerful. You won't confuse these recordings with those of Colin Davis to be sure. Very comparable to Maazel's earlier readings with the Vienna Philharmonic, but with less over-dramatization. His First, Second, Third, Sixth and Seventh are as good as any, and his reading of the Fourth, while rather bleak for my taste (I like the idea of some kind of softening at the end) is a coherent vision, almost harsh in it's execution.

I really like Maazel's Pittsburgh Fifth, and Berglund's recording in no way comes close to Maazel's splendor or power as a total conception. But, Berglund's middle movement is the best I've heard by far; the obsessively repeated melody seems to weave in and out of the orchestral fabric very seductively. Berglund's knack for architecture is spot on here.

Tracks:

Con in a, Op.16: 1. Allegro Molto Moderato - Lilya Zilberstein
Con in a, Op.16: 2. Adagio - Attacca - Lilya Zilberstein
Con in a, Op.16: 3. Allegro Moderato E Marcato - Quasi Presto - Andante Maestoso - Lilya Zilberstein
In Autumn, Op.11 - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Symphonic Dances, Op.64: 1. Allegro Moderato E Marcato - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Symphonic Dances, Op.64: 2. Allegretto Grazioso - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Symphonic Dances, Op.64: 3. Allegro Giocoso - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Symphonic Dances, Op.64: 4. Andante - Allegro Molto E Risoluto - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi

Tracks:

From Holberg's Time, Op.40: 1. Prld: Allegro Vivace - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
From Holberg's Time, Op.40: 2. Sarabande: Andante - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
From Holberg's Time, Op.40: 3. Gavotte: Allegretto - Musette: Un Poco Mosso - Gavotte - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
From Holberg's Time, Op.40: 4. Air: Andante Religioso - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
From Holberg's Time, Op.40: 5. Rigaudon: Allegro Con Brio - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Two Elegiac Melodies, Op.34: 1. The Wounded Heart: Allegretto Espressivo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Two Elegiac Melodies, Op.34: 2. Last Spring: Andante - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Two Melodies, Op.53: 1. Norwegian: Allegro Risoluto - Poco Tranquillo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Two Melodies, Op.53: 2. The First Meeting: Lento - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Two Nordic Melodies, Op.63: 1. In Folk Style: Andante - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Two Nordic Melodies, Op.63: 2. Cow-Call: Andantino/Peasant Dance: Allegro Molto Vivace - Allegro... - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Two Lyric Pieces, Op.68: 1. Evening In The Mountains: Andantino - Marten Larsson
Two Lyric Pieces, Op.68: 2. At The Cradle: Allegretto Con Moto - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Lyric Ste, Op.54: 1. Shepherd Boy: Andantino Espressivo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Lyric Ste, Op.54: 2. Bell-Ringing: Andante - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Lyric Ste, Op.54: 3. Norwegian March: Allegretto Marcato - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Lyric Ste, Op.54: 4. Notturno: Andante - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Lyric Ste, Op.54: 5. March Of The Trolls: Allegro Marcato - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi

Tracks:

Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.1. At The Wedding - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.2. Halling - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.3. Springar - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.4. The Abduction Of The Bride: Ingrid's Lament - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.5. Peer Gynt And The Herd-Girls - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.6. Peer Gynt And The Woman In Green - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.7. Peer Gynt: 'Great Folk May Be Known By The Mounts That They Ride' - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.8. In The Hall Of The Mountain King - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.9. Dance Of The Mountain King's Daughter - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.10. Peer Gynt Hunted By The Trolls - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.11. Peer Gynt And The Boyg/No.12. The Death Of Ase - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: Act III: Prld - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: Act III, Scene 4 - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.13. Morning Mood - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.14. The Thief And The Receiver - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.15. Arabian Dance - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.16. Anitra's Dance - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.17. Peer Gynt's Ser - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.18. Peer Gynt And Anitra - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.19. Solveig's Song - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.20. Peer Gynt At The Statue Of Memnon - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.21. Peer Gynt's Homecoming: Stormy Evening On The Sea - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.22. Shipwreck - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.23. Solveig Sings In The Hut - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...

Tracks:

Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.24. Night Scene - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.25. Whitsun Hymn: 'Blessed Morn' - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Peer Gynt, Op.23: No.26. Solveig's Cradle Song - Barbara Bonney/Urban Malmberg/Marianne Eklof/Carl Gustaf Holmgren/Maria Andersson/Monica Einarson...
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: Hornsignaler (Fanfares) - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.1. Act I: Prld - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.2. Borghild's Dream - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.3. The Matching Game - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.4. The Northland Folk - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.5. Homage March - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.6. Interlude I - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.7. Mellomspill II - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op.22: No.8. The King's Song - Kjell Magnus Sandve/Gosta Ohlin's Vox Ens/Gosta Ohlin/Pro Musica Chm Chor
Funeral March In Memory Of Rikard Nordraak: Lento - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Norwegian Dances, Op.35: 1. Allegro Marcato - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Norwegian Dances, Op.35: 2. Allegretto Tranquillo E Grazioso - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Norwegian Dances, Op.35: 3. Allegro Moderato Alla Marcia - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Norwegian Dances, Op.35: 4. Allegro Molto - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi

Tracks:

Sym in c: 1. Allegro Molto - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Sym in c: 2. Adagio Espressivo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Sym in c: 3. Intermezzo: Allegro Energico - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Sym in c: 4. Finale: Allegro Molto Vivace - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Land-sighting, Op.31 - Hakan Hagegard/Men's Voices Of The Gothenburg Sym Chor
Olav Trygvason, Op.50: Scene I: No.1. Skjult I De Mange Manende Navne/No.2. I, Som Op Af... - Hakan Hagegard/Gothenburg Sym Chor/Mats Nilsson/Randi Stene
Olav Trygvason, Op.50: Scene II: No.3. Ej Er Det Nok/No.4. Tak, At I Talte - Anne Gjevang/Gothenburg Sym Chor/Mats Nilsson/Hakan Hagegard
Olav Trygvason, Op.50: Scene III: No.5. Giv Alle Guder Gammens Og Glaedes-Skal/No.6. Alfer Og... - Gothenburg Sym Chor/Mats Nilsson

Tracks:

Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Poco Tranquillo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Tema. Andantino Espressivo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Poco Allegro, Ma Tranquillo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Energico - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Allegro Leggiero - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Poco Andante - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Maestoso - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Allegro Scherzando E Leggiero - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Andante - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Andante Molto Tranquillo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Presto - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Tempo Di Menuetto - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Allegro Marcato - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Tempo Di Valse - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Adagio Molto Espressivo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Finale. Allegro Molto Marcato - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Finale. Pomposo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Finale. Prestissimo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
Old Norwegian Melody With Vars, Op.51: Finale. Andante Molto Tranquillo - Gothenburg SO/Neeme Jarvi
The First Meeting - Barbara Bonney
From Monte Pincio - Hakan Hagegard
A Swan - Barbara Bonney
Spring - Barbara Bonney
Henrik Wergeland - Hakan Hagegard
The Mountain Thrall, Op.32 - Hakan Hagegard
Before A Southern Convent, Op.20 - Barbara Bonney/Randi Stene/Women's Voices Of The Gothenburg Sym Chor/Mats Nilsson
Bergliot, Op.42 - Rut Tellefsen

Customer Reviews:

It's all here.......2006-04-14

Norwegian-born Edvard Grieg has created many works for the orchestra, and this 6-CD box set contains almost all of them. Neeme Jarvi handles the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and the choirs very well. The sound is crystal clear and has the perfect digital sound for every CD player/stereo.

For the long works, the Piano Concerto is attention-grabbing and beautiful. The Symphonic Dances and the Norwegian Dances are lively and tremendously extraordinary. The lesser-known Symphony in C Minor should be more recognized, as it is as powerful as other symphonies, like Mahler's first and Beethoven's sixth. For the short works, In Autumn and Landkjenning can be best described as sheer masterpieces.

For Peer Gynt, it is good to hear the first digitally-recorded authentic version. The suite version is just not enough for that full listening experience. NOTE: if you want to buy a Peer Gynt that includes the complete dialogue, I would recommend conductor Ole Kristian Ruud's version with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra; the dialogue lengthens the 90-minute work by two hours.

To know the rest is to listen to them straight through. All the works in this box set (especially the Piano Concerto) should be a possession for all Grieg-lovers.

A+

An excellent box-set.......2003-08-30

This box-set a must have for any Grieg lovers.
Neeme Jarvi is very good.

In first CD, there is a powerful performance of Piano Concerto by Zilberstein.She is also great in F.Liszt recordings (at DG Classics). In second CD, works for string orchestra (including, famous Holberg Suite) to be found. And in 3rd and 4th CDs, marvellous recordins of Peer Gynt and Sigurd Jorsalfar (Sigurd, the Crusader)to be found.This works are the first recordings of complete score. Still, speakers to be present at Peer Gynt.And Funeral March for R. Nordraak is very influence in 4th CD.The wind ensemble of Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra is very good...

In 5th CD, there is an unknown work by Grieg: Symphony in C-minor. This work written in early period, but didn't perfomed often. Still, this work's name is "Forbidden Symphony"...And then, a majestic work "Land-Sighting" to be found. This is very successful choral work of composer and he written in a heavenly tone:E Major...And then, there is an unknown work again, an incomplete opera: "Olav Trygvason"... Grieg written this work on a libretto by his friend, Bjornson (a famous poet of Norway), but he could finish first act...

And in last CD, there are other vocal works, and his beatiful work: "Old Norwegian Melody with Variations". And then, 5 Songs to be found. This songs originally written for voice and piano (like other many songs) but he later orchestrated these works.And the first song "The First Meeting" was discovered in 80's and still, they used a new edition, published from new founded manuscript, so this is the first recording of Grieg's beatiful song.

In other words: this box-set is excellent and Highly recommended.

Wonderful recordings, slightly marred by lack of texts.......2003-04-09

Jarvi has been a fine advocate of Scandinavian music over the last 30 years. Even of those such as Grieg and Sibelius who you would think no longer needed advocacy. Most of these recordings were warmly welcomed on their releases and several won awards. And it's nothing but a pleasure to see them reappear again. The orchestral playing is sumptuous, but the real stand out is the singing of Barbara Bonney on several CDs.

This is now the fourth or fifth release for some of these CDs, first came the individual volumes, then the full price box, then releases on budget DG Classikon, and now a Collector's Edition box at half the price, but sadly minus the texts to CDs 2,3 and 6. This won't matter so much in the orchestral songs, CD6, where the texts to Bergtekne, Bergliot etc. are available in other releases or on the Lieder web page, but CDs 2 and 3 are currently the only complete recording of Peer Gynt and the sung or spoken texts are not available outside sheet music collections. Personally (as someone more interested in the vocal music than the orchestral) I would try and locate the original volumes, but at least DG has given those who don't feel the extra expense is justified a cheaper option.

Further recommendation: Anne Sofie von Otter's recording of the Haugtussa song cycle.

Widor: Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3
Average customer rating:

Emotional Paydirt

Emotional paydirt

Widor, Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3

Superb playing by Ben van Oosten

Ben van Oosten's Interpretation

Widor: Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3

Manufacturer: MD&G Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 1

Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 4

Widor: Organ Works Vol. 2

Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 5

Widor: Complete Organ Works Vol. 6

ASIN: B0000021G1
Release Date: 1995-11-14

Tracks:

Symphonie No 5 In F Minor Op 42-1: Allegro Vivace
Symphonie No 5 In F Minor Op 42-1: Allegro Cantabile
Symphonie No 5 In F Minor Op 42-1: Andantino Quasi Allegretto
Symphonie No 5 In F Minor Op 42-1: Adagio
Symphonie No 5 In F Minor Op 42-1: Toccata (Allegro)
Symphonie No 6 In G Minor Op 42-2: Allegro
Symphonie No 6 In G Minor Op 42-2: Allegro
Symphonie No 6 In G Minor Op 42-2: Intermezzo (Allegro)
Symphonie No 6 In G Minor Op 42-2: Cantibile
Symphonie No 6 In G Minor Op 42-2: Finale (Vivace)

Amazon.com

This third volume of the complete Widor organ music contains the Fifth and Sixth Symphonies--certainly the two most popular of Widor's organ compositions. In fact, in the concluding Toccata of the Fifth Symphony, we are dealing with the most popular single piece of organ music since the Toccata and Fugue in D minor of Bach. Academics love to sneer at Widor's Toccata as a tacky potboiler of a piece. It features an incredibly catchy tune that repeats itself to the point that you can't get it out of your head, and if it drives the official arbiters of taste insane, then that's their problem. The rest of us can simply enjoy it as the vivacious conclusion to a gorgeous piece of music. If you think that Widor is all flash, check out the haunting second movement. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Emotional Paydirt.......2003-07-30

We have finally arrived at the pinnacle of Widor's Romantic era, the period in which he composed Symphonies 4-8. The fifth is the most popular, due in large part to the grandeur of the opening. The sounds emanating from this instrument (similar to one used by Widor himself) are just incredible and exploit the new effects of the "French" organ perfectly.

But the Sixth Symphony has its many fans and is, in many ways, a superior work as a whole. The "breathing" from the pipes is particularly highlighted in this piece. The syncopation is just perfect. Some have opined that these piece seem a tad slow or leaden but van Oosten's interpretation is, I think, the correct one. Widor was aiming for denseness - not an ethereal lightness. One can easily grasp the overall sense of solemnity within these works that I am sure was the intent of the composer

Emotional paydirt.......2003-07-07

But the Sixth Symphony has its many fans and is, in many ways, a superior work as a whole. The "breathing" from the pipes is particularly highlighted in this piece. Some have opined that these piece seem a tad slow or leaden but van Oosten's interpretation is, I think, the correct one. Widor was aiming for denseness - not an ethereal lightness. One can easily grasp the overall sense of solemnity within these works that I am sure was the intent of Widor.

Widor, Complete Organ Works, Vol. 3.......2002-11-28

Those that know Widor's organ music will find this recording authentic because ... it was recorded on a Cavaille-Coll instrument - very much the same instrument that Widor himself played and composed for. Secondly, Van Oosten's registrations are accurate - choosing registrations simlar to those of Widor himself. If you like bright sounding organ registrations .... stick with the composers of the baroque period. Composers of the romantic literature period pursued color more than brightness. Lastly ...... his interpretations are accurate. What better combination can a Widor organ music fan ask for? An accomplished organist playing the complete cycle of Widor symphonies in an authentic way that pays value to the intent of the composer himself. If that's what you're after .... you will be pleased with Mr. Van Oosten.

Superb playing by Ben van Oosten.......2000-12-07

In my opinion, this is the current recording standard for Widor's organ works. Not only has Ben van Oosten selected magnificent instruments for this recording -and the other ones in the series as well. His interpretation of both Symphonies 5 & 6 is fascinating, Widor has a story to tell and Ben van Oosten is an ideal organist to bring this story back to life. Never dull, well balanced, technically refined. A must for those people that love French organ music.

Ben van Oosten's Interpretation.......2000-06-05

The only reason I don't give this recording five stars is because I feel that van Oosten's performance of the opening Allegro vivace of Symphony #5 drags a bit, and the recording itself is somewhat dark and muddy in tone, more than I like to hear in a pipe organ recording. It needs more brilliance, which may be due to van Oosten's choice of stops. Other than those two caveats, it's a fine recording and well worth the money. Anyone who loves pipe organ music will enjoy this.

Average customer rating:

Excels in performance and acoustically
The sting of awakening.
The True Incarnation of Messian's Mystic Art
outstanding - music, performance, and sound
Essential Messiaen!

Olivier Messiaen: Complete Organ Works

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

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Messiaen: La transfiguration de Notre-Seigneur Jésus-Christ
Des Canyons Aux Etoiles
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Louis Vierne: Complete Organ Symphonies
Messiaen

ASIN: B00005UOVM
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

Apparition De L'eglise Eternelle
La Nativite Du Seigneur: I. La Vierge Et L'enfant
La Nativite Du Seigneur: II. Les Bergers
La Nativite Du Seigneur: III. Desseins Eternels
La Nativite Du Seigneur: IV. Le Verbe
La Nativite Du Seigneur: V. Les Enfants De Dieu
La Nativite Du Seigneur: VI. Les Anges
La Nativite Du Seigneur: VII. Jesus Accepte La Souffrance
La Nativite Du Seigneur: VIII. Les Mages
La Nativite Du Seigneur: IX. Dieu Parmi Nous

Tracks:

Le Banquet Celeste
Offrande Au Saint Sacrement
Diptyque
Les Corps Glorieux: I. Subtilite Des Corps Glorieux
Les Corps Glorieux: II. Les Eaux De La Grace
Les Corps Glorieux: III. L'ange Aux Parfums
Les Corps Glorieux: IV. Combat De La Mort Et De La Vie
Les Corps Glorieux: V. Force Et Agilite Des Corps Glorieux
Les Corps Glorieux: VI. Joie Et Clarte Des Corps Glorieux
Les Corps Glorieux: VII. Le Mystere De La Saints Trinite

Tracks:

Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: I. Le Pere Des Etoiles
Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: II. Dieu Est Saint
Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: III. La Relation Reelle En Dieu Est Reellement Identique A L'essence
Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: IV. Dieu Est
Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: V. Dieu Est Immense - Dieu Est Eternel - Dieu Est Immuable...
Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: VI. Dans Le Verbe Etait La Vie Et La Vie Etait La Lumiere...
Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: VII. Le Pere Et Le Fils Aiment, Par Le Saint-Esprit, Eux-Memes, Et Nous
Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: VIII. Dieu Est Simple - Les Trois Sont Un
Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: IX. Je Suis Celui Qui Suis

Tracks:

Prelude
Verset Pour La Fete De La Dedicace
Monodie
L'ascension: I. Majeste Du Christ Demandant Sa Gloire A Son Pere
L'ascension: II. Alleluias Sereins D'une Ame Qui Desire Le Ciel
L'ascension: III. Transports De Joie D'une Ame Devant La Gloire Du Christ Qui Est La Sienne
L'ascension: IV. Priere Du Christ Montant Vers Son Pere
Messe De La Pentecote: I. Entree (Les Langues De Feu)
Messe De La Pentecote: II. Offertoire (Les Choses Visibles Et Invisibles)
Messe De La Pentecote: III. Consecration (Le Don De Sagesse)
Messe De La Pentecote: IV. Communion (Les Oiseaux Et Les Sources)
Messe De La Pentecote: V. Sortie (Le Vent De L'esprit)

Tracks:

Livre D'orgue: I. Reprises Par Interversion
Livre D'orgue: II. Piece En Trio (Pour Le Dimanche De La Sainte Trinite)
Livre D'orgue: III. Les Mains De L'abime (Pour Les Temps De Penitence)
Livre D'orgue: IV. Chants D'oiseaux (Pour Le Temps Pascal)
Livre D'orgue: V. Piece En Trio (Pour Le Dimanche De La Sainte Trinite)
Livre D'orgue: VI. Les Yeux Dans Les Roues (Pour Le Dimanche De La Pentecote)
Livre D'orgue: VII. Soixante-Quatre Durees
Livre Du Saint Sacrement: I. Adoro Te
Livre Du Saint Sacrement: II. La Source De Vie
Livre Du Saint Sacrement: III. Le Dieu Cache
Livre Du Saint Sacrement: IV. Acte De Foi
Livre Du Saint Sacrement: V. Peur Natus Est Nobis
Livre Du Saint Sacrement: VI. La Manne Et Le Pain De Vie

Tracks:

Livre Du Siant Sacrement: VII. Les Ressuscites Et La Lumiere De Vie
Livre Du Siant Sacrement: VIII. Institution De L'eucharistie
Livre Du Siant Sacrement: IX. Les Tenebres
Livre Du Siant Sacrement: X. La Resurrection Du Christ
XI. L'apparition Du Christ Ressuscite A Marie-Madeleine
Livre Du Siant Sacrement: XII. La Transsubstantiation
Livre Du Siant Sacrement: XIII. Les Deux Murailles D'eau
Livre Du Siant Sacrement: XIV. Priere Avant La Communion
Livre Du Siant Sacrement: XV. La Joie De La Grace
Livre Du Siant Sacrement: XVI. Priere Apres La Communion
Livre Du Siant Sacrement: XVII. La Presence Multipliee
Livre Du Siant Sacrement: XVIII. Offrande Et Alleluia Final

Customer Reviews:

Excels in performance and acoustically.......2006-01-26

Latry is technically and musically excellent. He "gets" the music.
The recording is a perfect mix of amibient space and reverb and direct sound. Bass extends well down to 16Hz so you will need a good system to reproduce this faithfully.

I've heard that Latry doesn't use 100% of the tonal color available on the Cavaile-Coll organ, but I feel as though it's expressive and rich.

The wind chest noise doesn't bother me. It is part of the instrument.

Overall excellent. Play this loud!!!

The sting of awakening........2006-01-24

I must confess that I've been lukewarm about Messiaen. He was often pictured in the 1970's in Hawaiian shirts and suspenders jacking his pants up to his man-boobs and this tacky image carries over all too well to some of his later music, where the extended durations are meant to be slow and glorious like the procession of a pharaoh through the streets of Thebes, or the dawning of God's grace on a sinner ( I'm trying to avoid using the word "hieratic" ) but can sometimes, if you're in the wrong mood, seem more like a senile windbag droning on without a care in the world for his auditors. His portrayal of mystical states often have an air of smugness, of impregnable autosatisfaction.

Then, occasionally, a recording like this comes along and suddenly my spine is vibrating like a Water-Pik. I'm beginning to realize that Messiaen is a far more tricky composer than I'd thought, that what seems foolproof has maybe never really been heard the right way before. Latry has the key to Messiaen in a way that Celibidache has the key to Bruckner, or Stockhausen has the key to Stockhausen. In fact, this may be the one true Messiaen recording that exists so far, in any of the categories from orchestral to piano music. Where other players seem to be twiddling their thumbs waiting for the next note, Latry fills those spaces between with terror and expectation that make you want to jump out of your skin. What usually feel like repetitious passages in Messiaen's music are revealed by Latry in all of their subtly particular glory, like God looking down at the antheap of humanity and still being able to sympathize with one overweight secretary's love problems. A repeated piercing shriek from the organ will be given a smoky, ominous feeling the first time, and then a soft, languishing one the next, and so on.

While many composers benefit from different approaches, for Messiaen, facts are facts -- to play him you must not only be from France, but must be a Catholic. French Catholics, who have a body of literature behind them with one foot in the secular world, by writers such as Leon Bloy, Huysmans and Julien Green, are not to be compared with Catholics anywhere else. To listen to Latry play Messiaen is to marvel at the arbitrary cruelty and unfairness of the church, its shocking lapses behind the scenes allowed to slide on the basis of an infallibility we're meant to take on faith... And then to realize that this faith, unrewarded and abused, trampled on and thrown away, is precisely for this reason, precisely because it's hopeless, our absolute duty towards God. Latry's Messiaen is a celebration of terror, disappearance, awe and infinitely black spasms of traumatized joy.

The True Incarnation of Messian's Mystic Art.......2005-04-24

You will not find a better recording of Olivier Messiaen's organ works than this gem. Approved by a Catholic Church official in the liner notes as capturing the religious ideals that Messian sought to reveal, Latry's playing on the formidable Notre Dame Cathedral organ contains a gravity and seriousness that give a rare and divine character to the music. Latry was blessed by Messiaen himself as the best interpreter of his works, and the reason for that is evident here. The music pours fourth in a majestic tide, and Latry uses his formidable talent, the full resources of the outstanding 600-year old organ, and the natural, extra-long reverberation in the medieval cathedral to capture the mysticism that pervades Messiaen's art. This is art music of the highest caliber, and will greatly reward repeated listenings.

outstanding - music, performance, and sound.......2004-04-14

This CD set was released at a perfect time for me: just after hearing ALL of the material live at St. James cathedral in Seattle, performed by the young Paul Jacobs. He told the audience that the music had changed his life. Play these CDs on a good system, and I think you will understand. Best concert of any sort in a decade for me.

The music is incredible, and would only sound exactly right in a cathedral. To get as close to live sound as possible, I wish this recording was in a surround format (SACD or DVD-A), however for stereo, this is excellent, as others have noted. It's a must have.

Essential Messiaen!.......2003-06-19

If you are a Messiaen fan, you simply must own this CD! It is essentail for a number of reasons.

For one, it is a complete recording of all of his organ works--quite an audio library, as you can see from the list of pieces included! Second is the quality of the recording (assured since this is a Deutsche Grammophon recording). It is digital, clear, and amazing. An old recording of Messiaen playing his own organ works is available, but it is a mono recording which he plays on a lackluster organ, as opposed to this recoring which is (of course) stereo, digital, and recorded on the organ at Notre Dame Cathedral--a magificent instrument that does justice to Messiaen. Also, while Messiaen is a favorite composer, his skills as an organist are not world-class as Olivier Latry's, whose playing here is masterful, inspired and technically perfect. You put all that together--excellent composer, recording, instrument, and organist--and you have "Messiaen: Complete Organ Works"... which from my first listening of it has become my favorite CD, bar none.

The reason why will be apparent to you as you listen to the very first track: "Vision of the Eternal Church." The piece is intended to invoke a musical interpretation of what it would be like to experience an apparition of the Church of God. As such, the first half is a constant build, one long crescendo, as if the vision were appearing slowing... the second half is a fading away, one long decrescendo. When Latry gets to the climax right in the middle of the piece, you'll see immidiately how all the elements come together (excellent recording, composer, instrument and artist)... it is the single most triumphant, majestically rendered chord you will ever hear. (You can almost hear the stone of the cathedral shaking, it is that magnificent!)

Latry's versatility is apparent when you hear the softer, more nuanced pieces, such as "Diptyque," which are as delicate as "Vision of the Eternal Church" is majectic. In short, most of the pieces are given a definitive interpretation by Latry.

I own every other recording of Messiaen's organ music, and this one stands far and above all of the others. If you don't know Messiaen's organ works, this CD is clearly your best bet; if you have heard his organ works before, or own other CDs, you'll smile as you listen to how Latry interprets each piece.

If I were stuck on a deserted island and could have only a handful of CDs to keep me company, this would be one of them.

Music Review: