Coffeehouse Classics [Box set]

On this CD:

1. Violin Concerto ("La Primavera", The Four Seasons) for violin, strings & continuo in E ("Il cimento" No. 1), Op.8/1, RV 269 Allegro
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Salzburg Camerata Academica

2. Work(s) Divertimento No 01 Allegro
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Vienna Chamber Orchestra

3. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor ("Moonlight"), Op. 27/2 Adagio sostenuto
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Dubravka Tomsic

4. Liebesträume, notturno for piano in A-flat major No. 3 (O Lieb, so lang du lieben kannst), S. 541/3 (LW A103/3)
Composed by Franz Liszt
Performed by Sylvia Capova

5. Hungarian Rhapsody, for piano No. 12 (aka "No. 2") in C sharp minor, S. 244/12 (LW A132/12) Hungarian Rhapsody No 02
Composed by Franz Liszt
Performed by San Diego Pops Orchestra

6. A Midsummer Night's Dream, overture, Op. 21
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Performed by South German Philharmonic

7. Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 Adagio sostenuto
Composed by Sergey Rachmaninov
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Garrison Kent

8. Les Contes d'Hoffmann, opera in 4 acts Barcarolle
Composed by Jacques Offenbach
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus

9. Die lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow), operetta Vilya, oh Vilya
Composed by Franz Lehar
Performed by Vienna Folk Opera Orchestra

10. The Swan Lake, ballet, Op. 20 Waltz
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by Houston Symphony Orchestra

11. Giselle, ballet Adagio; Waltz
Composed by Adolphe Adam
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra

12. La bohème, opera Che gelida manina
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra with Jose Maria Perez

13. An der schönen, blauen Donau (On the Beautiful, Blue Danube), waltz for orchestra (with chorus ad lib), Op. 314 (RV 314) Excerpt
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by Vienna Folk Opera Orchestra

14. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major, BWV 1050 Allegro
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Camerata Romana

15. Canon and Gigue for 3 violins & continuo in D major Canon in D
Composed by Johann Pachelbel
Performed by Aureum Collegium

16. Suite for orchestra No 2 in B minor, BWV 1067 Minuet & Badinerie
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra

17. Violin Concerto ("La Primavera", The Four Seasons) for violin, strings & continuo in E ("Il cimento" No. 1), Op.8/1, RV 269 Allegro for brass
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by St. Louis Brass Quintet

18. Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K. 216 Allegro
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Mozart Festival Orchestra with Dalibor Brazda

19. Work(s) Impromptu in A flat major
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Sylvia Capova

20. Peer Gynt, incidental music, Op. 23 Dawn
Composed by Edvard Grieg
Performed by Slavonic Philharmonic Orchestra

21. Orphée aux enfers (Orpheus in the Underworld), operetta Can-Can
Composed by Jacques Offenbach
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

22. Die lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow), operetta I'll got to Maxime's
Composed by Franz Lehar
Performed by Vienna Folk Opera Orchestra

23. Serenade for strings (or piano duet), in C major, Op. 48 Waltz
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by Houston Symphony Orchestra

24. La bohème, opera Musetta's Waltz: Quando me'n vo'
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by National Opera Orchestra

25. Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka (Chit-Chat Polka), for orchestra, Op. 214 (RV 214)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by Vienna Folk Opera Orchestra

26. Pavane pour une infante défunte, for piano (or orchestra)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Denver Symphony Orchestra

27. Solace, a Mexican serenade for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Robert Strickland

28. Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major ("Eine kleine Nachtmusik"), K. 525 Allegro
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Vienna Chamber Orchestra

29. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048 Allegro
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Aureum Collegium

30. The Fairy Queen, semi-opera, Z. 629 Symphony Largo
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Cathedral Brass

31. Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major ("Alla Turca") K. 331 (K. 300i) Rondo alla Turca
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Sylvia Capova

32. Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622 Allegro
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Mozart Festival Orchestra with Jose Ostrac

33. Bagatelle for piano in A minor ("Für Elise"), WoO 59
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Sylvia Capova

34. Overture to Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)
Composed by Gioachino Rossini
Performed by London Festival Orchestra

35. Eugene Onegin, opera, Op. 24 Waltz
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by Houston Symphony Orchestra

36. Frühlingsstimmen (Voices of Spring), waltz for orchestra (with voice ad lib), Op. 410 (RV 410)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by Vienna Folk Opera Orchestra

37. Gianni Schicchi, opera O mio babbino caro
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra with Ljiljana Molnar-Talajic

38. Gymnopedie for piano No.1, for piano Lent et douloureux
Composed by Erik Satie
Performed by Raymond Spasovski

39. Rhapsody in Blue for piano & orchestra (orchestral version by F. Grofé) Finale
Composed by George Gershwin
Performed by Slavonic Philharmonic Orchestra with Sylvia Capova

40. Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550 Molto allegro
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by London Festival Orchestra

41. Violin Concerto ("L'autunno", The Four Seasons), for violin, strings & continuo in F major ("Il cimento" No. 3), Op.8/3, RV 293 Allegro
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by I Musici di Zagreb

42. Cantata No. 156, "Ich steh mit einem Fuss im Grabe," BWV 156 Sinfonia
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by St. Louis Brass Quintet

43. Horn Concerto No. 2 in E flat major, K. 417 Rondo
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Mozart Festival Orchestra with Josef Ducopin

44. Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622 Adagio
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Mozart Festival Orchestra with Jose Ostrac

45. Egmont, incidental music, Op. 84 Overture
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra

46. Consolations (6), for piano, S. 172 (LW A111a/2) Consolation (unspecified)
Composed by Franz Liszt
Performed by Sylvia Capova

47. The Sleeping Beauty, ballet, Op. 66 Pas d'action
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra

48. La Belle Hélène, operetta Overture
Composed by Jacques Offenbach
Performed by Utah Symphony Orchestra

49. Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64 Waltz
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by Houston Symphony Orchestra

50. Madama Butterfly (Madame Butterfly), opera Un bel dí
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Slavonic Philharmonic Orchestra with Vanda Gerlovic

51. Suite bergamasque, for piano, L. 75 Clair de lune
Composed by Claude Debussy
Performed by Anna Lelkes

52. Prodaná nevesta (The Bartered Bride), overture to the opera
Composed by Bedrich Smetana

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Bach Collection.......2007-07-05

I am a professional musician, composer and teacher. this collection is wonderful, recorded in Europe, and all that one would expect from talent in that part of the world (which on this set includes Nordic countries as well).
If you are into studying bach, euro recordings, musicology, this is a good purchase.
Only criticism is on a few recordings the balance/mix is not the best. However, it all sounds wonderfully recorded.

Wonderful way to enjoy all of Bach.......2007-06-28

One reason to buy this set is simply to acquire recordings of all Bach's surviving Cantatas. The only downside I've discovered so far is that I would have preferred his harpsichord music played on a piano.

Bach .......2007-06-08

Arrived in excellent condition -price was higher that I liked by a little bit

An Absolute Essential for any Classical Music Enthusiast.......2007-05-22

This comprehensive collection of all known Bach works is simultaneously the easiest and the most difficult set to review. "Easiest" because in a single set of some 150 CD's, one immediately has the entire Bach repertoire at one's hands, with the majority of individual recordings consisting of solid performances and good recording quality. "Difficult" because, due to the sheer number of performances, it would take many pages to individually and meaningfully write up a description that accurately conveys the range of entries within the set. But in a sense, this entirely misses the point. It is simply impossible to understate what Brilliant Classics has done for the classical music world with the release of a set like this. For the first time, one can own a comprehensive Bach collection for little more than the price of a single, good restaurant meal for two people. The fact can hardly be overstated: this set makes acquiring such a collection no longer the domain of only the wealthiest amongst us. This is most certainly the "democratization" of classical baroque music.

Over the years, I have certainly spent what often feels like exorbitant amounts of money on individual, and sometimes, box sets, of classical music. There is no denying the human skill possessed at the major recording labels, including experiential knowledge of the proper placement of microphones, the best mixing techniques, the optimal types of equipment selected for use, and then, of course, access to the world's greatest performers. We would never wish to lose that combination of talent, and there is no attempt here at minimizing either the value or the enjoyment that can be experienced through such endeavors. Quite the contrary. Such undertakings are both an art form and a technical skill that provides immense value to the world at large. And we should give kudos to those major labels who in recent years have begun to reissue classic records in box sets at much lower prices (Detusche Grammophon's "Collector's Editions" immediately comes to mind, as well as Philip's "Duo Series," and many others, not the least of which also includes Philip's recent reissue of the "Complete Mozart Edition.") But what we have here completely surpasses these in every respect, and opens up new possibilities for the average listener who does not have mountains of disposable income to put towards the acquisition of a classical music collection. There can be no question in my own mind that the people who put this set together did it far more for the sake of classical music as an art form rather than a money-making exercise. It is truly a meaningful contribution to the music world at large.

And what of the quality of the performances and the recordings? For the discs which I have already played, there are simply no real disappointments here. Some of the performances are on par with the "best of the best," and many of them are absolutely gorgeous. With a set this large, it is beneficial to read the multiple reviews individuals are posting to get a better sampling of the various sections of the overall set, but I've been quite pleased with what I've heard so far. I will likely update this post with more specific comments over time, but for now, let me just say that you should BUY THE THING BEFORE IT DISAPPEARS. You won't regret it, will probably be increasingly pleased over the years that you did, and hopefully will receive many years of enjoyment from the collection. Ten stars out of five, but even more important than that, a genuine "Thank you" to Brilliant Classics for what they have done for all of us here.

What the word "aesthetic" means!.......2007-05-14

On the grand work of this box set, I perceive what the adjective, asethetic, means. Besides excellent performance, I was especially attracted by the tone quality. (of course made by bravo performance, and the recording that I wish to make it noticeable!). The tone quality also reflects the quality of this box set.
Listening to violin concerto, you will naturally vision the orchestra playing in the concert hall. It's the real relaxation after tensely working one day!

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Complete Works (170 CD Box Set)

Average customer rating:

a surprising offer
Welcome to Perfection
Buy this as an encyclopedia of Mozart, then add other recordings...
Great value..Cant beat this deal at all!!!
Incredible Bargain

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Complete Works (170 CD Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | 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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000BLI3K2
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Album Description

Mozart Edition: The Complete Works will make a great gift this Holiday season for the music lover in your life or someone who is hard to buy for. This collection contains 170 discs of completed works by Mozart in one beautiful package. Also included is a cd-rom containing essays on his works, artist bio's, text and libretti's. At this super low price all music lovers will enjoy the Symphonies - Concertos - Serenades - Divertimenti - Dances - Chamber Music - Church Sonatas - String Ensembles - Violin Sonatas - Keyboard Works - Sacred Works - Concert Arias - Songs - Canons and Operas in this collection.

Customer Reviews:

a surprising offer.......2007-07-05

Complete works of Mozart for such a price is a surprising offer. We are pleased of the good quality, and the availability of otherwise difficult to find works of Mozart

Welcome to Perfection.......2007-06-28

Dispite what anyone else says, if god ever tried to talk to humanity it was through Wolfgang because his music is absolute perfection.It is the most beautiful music i've ever heard in my life( and this is coming from a 21 year old metal-head ).If one has second thoughts about buying this collection dispell them right now because this is probably the first item i've bought in a long time that i have not regreted.

Buy this as an encyclopedia of Mozart, then add other recordings..........2007-06-22

Brilliant Classics Complete Mozart edition, released for the 250th anniversary year of Mozart's birth (he was born in 1756), has much to recommend it. It contains almost all the works of Mozart, and has many fine performances: the piano sonatas by Klara Wurtz, Piano Concertos by Derek Han, Paul Freeman/Philharmonia, The Magic Flute, conducted by Charles Mackerras (licensed from Telarc), String Quartets by the Franz Schubert Quartet (Licensed from Nimbus) each stand out. The Symphonies, by the Amsterdam Mozart Academy/ Jaap ter Linden, are "So-so": I don't like the small period ensemble, but Symphonies 20, 40 (both versions: one with clarinets and the other without), 23, 24, and 34 are pretty good. Symphonies 1:I, 25 and 41 are sub-par: scrappy playing and weak violins make for a pretty rough experience. I would supplement this with the complete Mozart Symphonies by Karl Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic (DG), among the best recordings of these works, and the best complete set of Mozart's Symphonies, completed in 1968.

The Requiem, conducted by Nicol Matt (2001 recording) has had better performances, and for this I would recommend Bohm/Vienna Philharmonic (DG) and Colin Davis/London Symphony (Philips), which use a larger choir and orchestra, and have more drama where it is needed. The other choral works conducted by Nicol Matt are better, especially "Exsultate Jubilate" motet, the short Masses, and "Ave Verum".

Also worthy of mention are the "Posthorn" and "Haffner" Serenades, by Colin Davis/Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, licensed from Novalis for this release.

This is a great overview, and Brilliant Classics are to be commended for making it available at a low price, to get Mozart's music out to the mass public. It's a great buy, but I would get the Bohm Symphonies, and also Piano Concertos by either Ashkenazy/Philharmonia (Decca), Perahia/English Chamber Orchestra (Sony) or Anda/Mozarteum Orchestra of Salzburg (DG) for supplements. Also, Karl Bohm's recordings of the operas: The Magic Flute, the Marriage of Figaro, Idomeneo, and La Clemenza di Tito (all DG) are required listening, too. Recommended, but not as the only recording of Mozart's works.

Great value..Cant beat this deal at all!!!.......2007-06-13

As others have reviewed the product and highlighted that there are a few poor pieces... But who cares when there is 170 discs.. if you had have 10 cds that are poor quality and had a 160 disc set of good cd's and you paid $90 for the set.. would you be happy? I would think so... So don't get frustrated and just buy the set.. Enjoy the music for the price.. I am not going to go into details like others did but just buy the set!

Incredible Bargain.......2007-06-10

This offer is an incredible bargain at just over 50 cents a CD. The price jumps around often - you can sometimes get it for $4 or $5 less. but still at 50 cents. Mine arrived in excellent shape - it's hard for them to do otherwise. The way they are packaged they are either in good shape or some major disaster has happened destroying a whole bunch. Those I have played sound great. It will probably take a life time to play them all. Meanwhile we can just revel in our riches and feel all warm and fuzzy.
I also own the Bach set and am wildly happy with that as well.

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas (Complete) [Box Set]

Average customer rating:

Phenomenal
BUY IT!
Best Beethoven sonata recording
Brisk to a fault and devoid of personality
Outstanding bargain

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas (Complete) [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas
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ASIN: B000CEWWBY
Release Date: 2005-12-20

Customer Reviews:

Phenomenal.......2007-06-15

I had never heard of Friedrich Gulda before coming across this set, but I will seek out his recordings in the future. Gulda is the only one I've found so far who can wean me off Pollini; his playing is intelligent, consistently excellent, and his note-accuracy is remarkable. It might be felt that Gulda is a bit cold, but I'm a great fan of some very emotional pianists (Argerich, Pogorelich, Pires), and I liked this recording from the start. Besides, this is Beethoven -- what's that passage Charles Rosen quotes from Proust: Beethoven is the "steak and potatoes" of music, and "affectation and too much pedal" are out of place. What really matters here is understanding, not affectation, and Gulda has plenty of understanding. The one place I found his matter-of-factness to actually detract from the music was in the last variation of the third movement of op. 109, one of my favorite passages -- and even that has left me a bit unsure whether it's Gulda or Beethoven that's fallen short in expressiveness (oh God, did I just say that?).

Highly recommended, especially given the price.

BUY IT!.......2007-01-21

Read all the reviews and weigh and evaluate them. Then, just buy it. This is one of the great recordings of the 20th Century and Beethoven fans should not be without it. Others like Solomon (especially) and Brendel, Kempff, et al have their merits and may be better on some specific sonatas, but the Gulda complete set has too much to offer to be discounted in any way. The low price only adds to their appeal. I owned these on vinyl years ago and am so glad to see them so well transfered to CD.

Best Beethoven sonata recording.......2006-12-08

This recording might be one of the greatest achievements in 20th-century music altogether. While absolutely legendary (and thought to be the best complete recording of the Beethoven Sonatas) in Europe, it is unfortunately quite unknown in Northamerica. Now that it is available, you should get it.

Recording a complete set of these Sonatas is one of the most demanding exercises for a pianist. Of course, none of the Beethoven Sonatas compare with the technical difficulty of Liszt, Alkan, Godowsky, Rachmaninov or Albeniz, but when it comes to interpretation, they are way more sensitive and difficult. Thats certainly a reason why all the young pianists become famous with the romantics/late-romantics, while they start with Beethoven only when matured.

When you master a complete set of these Sonatas like Gulda does, you become a legend (by the way: he was also Martha Argerichs teacher). He plays all the Sonatas equally well, no matter how easy or difficult. Of course, his approach is more on the agressive side. A lot of the Sonatas are played in two thirds of the time of most of the other recordings, but at the same Gulda plays them incredibly clear and with a very elegant and soft tone. No unnecessary romanticism there.

There is only one case where I think the recording is less than perfect: The first movement of "Waldstein", which is played too fast. Otherwise its a superb recording, a must have for any piano fan.

Brisk to a fault and devoid of personality.......2006-11-02

This set is my 10th traversal of the Beethoven sonatas. It is close to note-perfect and it is clearly recorded. It is also devoid of nuance and musicality much of the time. No slow movement is ever slow; Gulda suffers from Andante-itis in all of the slow movements. To compare this set with Schnabel -- or even the Frank set, available at a bargain price -- is laughable. Oh, that reminds me: humor is lacking too. Opus 10 No. 3 -- a masterpiece if ever there was one -- is reduced to slapstick drivel due to Gulda's clock-watching obsession with velocity. I like a brisk Beethoven as much as anyone, but this is as far from Schnabel as Zinman is from Toscanini. Like Zinman's musicmaking, this set is glib, but largely without substance. (Now everyone who disagrees with me can vote my review to be "not helpful.")

Outstanding bargain.......2006-10-13

This wonderful set is a reissue of the 1967 Amadeo set (NOT his 1954-58 Decca set, which has also been recently reissued). It had been reissued on CD by Philips, but has not been available in a long time. The performances are very exciting, bold, and muscular. Just the way Beethoven's playing was described by his contemporaries. The recording quality is very good, though the piano is a bit more closely recorded than I like. Of course, there are many approaches to playing Beethoven. Gulda's playing might be too aggressive for some listeners. Richard Goode's fine recordings on Nonesuch are more subtle, and make a nice contrast to this Gulda version.
At less than 30 USD, this Brilliant Classics reissue is an amazing bargain. However, Claude Frank's set on Music and Arts (a reissue of the classic RCA set from 1970) is even cheaper, and that remains my favorite set of Beethoven's 32.

Arthur Rubinstein plays Chopin [Box Set]

Average customer rating:

THE GREATEST OF CHOPIN PIANISTS
The greatest interpretation
Not such a great album
Love it.
RECORDING QUALITY IS A FACTOR

Arthur Rubinstein plays Chopin [Box Set]

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Arthur Rubinstein: Ludwig Van Beethoven Piano Sonatas
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ASIN: B000002S59
Release Date: 1994-03-15

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In E minor, Op. 11: Allegro maestoso risoluto
Piano Concerto No. 1 In E minor, Op. 11: Romanze (Larghetto) -
Piano Concerto No. 1 In E minor, Op. 11: Rondo vivace
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F minor, Op. 21: Maestoso
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F minor, Op. 21: Larghetto
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F minor, Op. 21: Allegro vivace
Waltz In C Sharp Minor, Op. 64, No. 2
Nocturne No. 1 In B Flat Minor, Op. 9 No. 1
Nocturne No. 2 In E Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2
Nocturne No. 3 In B Major, Op. 9 No. 3

Tracks:

Nocturne No. 4 In F Major, Op. 15 No. 1
Nocturne No. 5 In F Sharp Major, Op. 15 No. 2
Nocturne No. 6 In G Minor, Op. 15 No. 3
Nocturne No. 7 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 1
Nocturne No. 8 In D Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 2
Nocturne No. 9 In B Major, Op. 32 No. 1
Nocturne No. 10 In A Flat Major, Op. 32 No. 2
Nocturne No. 11 In G Minor, Op. 37 No. 1
Nocturne No. 12 In G Major, Op. 37 No. 2
Nocturne No. 13 In C Minor, Op. 48 No. 1
Nocturne No. 14 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 48 No. 2
Nocturne No. 15 In F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1
Nocturne No. 16 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 No. 2
Nocturne No. 17 In B Major, Op. 62 No. 1
Nocturne No. 18 In E Major, Op. 62 No. 2
Nocturne No. 19 In E Minor, Op. 71 No. 1 (posth.)

Tracks:

Waltz In A-Flat Major, Op. 34, No. 1
Mazurka In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 6, No.1
Mazurka In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 6, No.2
Mazurka In E-Major, Op. 6, No.3
Mazurka In E-Flat Major, Op.6, No.4
Mazurka In B-Flat Major, Op. 7, No. 1
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. 7, No.2
Mazurka In F-Minor, Op. 7, No. 3
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 7, No.4
Mazurka In C-Major, Op. 7, No. 5
Mazurka In B-Flat Major, Op. 17, No.1
Mazurka In E-Minor, Op. 17, No. 2
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 17, No. 3
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. 17, No. 4
Mazurka In G-Minor, Op. 24, No. 1
Mazurka In C-Major, Op. 24, No. 2
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 24, No. 3
Mazurka In B-Flat Minor, Op. 24, No. 4
Mazurka In C-Minor, Op. 30, No. 1
Mazurka In B-Minor, Op. 30, No. 2
Mazurka In D-Flat Major, Op. 30, No. 3
Mazurka In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 30, No. 4
Mazurka In G-Sharp Minor, Op. 33, No. 1
Mazurka In D-Major, Op. 33, No. 2
Mazurka In C-Minor, Op. 33, No. 3
Mazurka In B-Minor, Op. 33, No. 4
Mazurka In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 41, No. 1
Mazurka In E-Minor, Op. 41, No. 2
Mazurka In B-Major, Op. 41, No. 3
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 42, No. 4
Mazurka In G-Major, Op. 50, No. 1
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 2
Mazurka In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 50, No. 3

Tracks:

Mazurka In B-Major, Op. 56, No. 1
Mazurka In C-Major, Op. 56, No. 2
Mazurka In C-Minor, Op. 56, No. 3
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. 59, No. 1
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 56, No. 2
Mazurka In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 56, No. 3
Mazurka In B-Major, Op. 63, No. 1
Mazurka In F-Minor, Op. 63, No. 2
Mazurka In C-Sharp minor, Op. 63, No. 3
Mazurka In G-Major, Op. 67, No. 1
Mazurka In G-Minor, Op. 67, No. 2
Mazurka In C-Major, Op. 67, No. 3
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. 67, No. 4
Mazurka In C-Major, Op. 68, No. 1
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. 68, No. 2
Mazurka In F-Major, Op. 68, No. 3
Mazurka In F-Monor, Op. 68, No. 4
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. Posth. (A son ami Emile Gaillard)
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. posth. (Notre temps)
Scherzi In B-Minor, Op. 20
Scherzi In B-Flat Minor, Op. 31
Scherzi In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 39
Scherzi In E-Major, Op. 54

Tracks:

Barcaolle In F-Sharp Major, Op. 60
Berseuse In D-Flar Major
Polonaise In C-Sharp Major, Op. 26, No. 1
Polonaise In E-Flat Major, Op. 26, No.2
Polonaise In A-Major, Op. 40, No. 1
Polonaise In C-Minor, Op. 40, No. 2
Polonaise In F-Sharp Major, Op. 44
Polonaise In A-Flat Major, Op. 53 (Heroic)
Polonaise In A-Flat Major, Op. 61 (Polonaise-Fantaisie)
Andante splanato & polonaise brillante In E-Flat Major, Op. 22

Customer Reviews:

THE GREATEST OF CHOPIN PIANISTS.......2007-03-01

These are the earlier discs of Rubinstein's Chopin, recorded by HMV in London during the 1930's. It is less complete than his later recordings for RCA - no Sonatas, no Ballades, no Etudes. The sound is naturally of its time - but in many ways more natural than the sharply-lit, slightly edgy piano sound RCA favoured in the 50's and 60's. Nevertheless, these are the Chopin performances I return to most.

Rubinstein's natural affinity with Chopin is legendary. He seemed always able to capture precisely the right degree of rubato at exactly the right moment in these pieces. And he had a unique ability in his countryman's music to balance the lyrical with the impassioned, what seems completely spontaneous with what is clearly deeply considered. The Nocturnes here are, I think, the best you'll hear anywhere on disc. In the greatest of them - the Opp.37 & 48 sets, for example - Rubinstein gets the contrast between the dreamy nocturnal outer sections with the darker, more impassioned central sections just right. These are not salon miniatures in his hands but big works, if not in length then in content. And no-one can match Rubinstein in the elusive diversity of this complete set of Mazurkas. The two Concerti both have Barbirolli as the sympathetic conductor, following Rubinstein's lead in the ebb and flow of phrases and whole sections of these gorgeous and often maligned works. Interestingly the recording of Concerto No.2 (actually the first composed) dates from before the pianist's famous withdrawal from public performance to reconstruct his technique and his approach, that of Concerto No.1 from after. Perhaps one can detect a touch more maturity and refinement in his approach to the latter, but they are both ravishing performances.

Many of the performances on these 5 discs are the greatest Chopin you're likely to hear. And the ear soon adjusts to the somewhat old-fashioned recorded piano sound. This is a highly desirable set for any lover of Chopin and/or great piano playing.

The greatest interpretation.......2007-02-17

The interpretation is stunning. Mono - but no matter for solo piano - and a wee bit hissy but still quite superb.

Not such a great album.......2007-01-12

This album was recorded from records as you can hear the scratches and skips. Don't recommend it!

Love it........2006-06-22

This is my favorite album. I think that not even Rubinstein's later recordings attain this quality of musical involvment.

There is a fair amount of background noise, but the music helps to forget it rather quickly overall.

RECORDING QUALITY IS A FACTOR.......2005-02-10

Otherwise, I would have given 5 stars. The fact that these have a hiss (and you can practically hear him close the piano on several numbers) should be mentioned. I guess we are spoiled to audio quality, but this is an expensive collection and this fact was glaringly omitted. That said, I have enjoyed the recordings, in spite of the very audible hiss.

Average customer rating:

This is a fantastic deal!
Excellent, Broad Selection
$70....when was this???
$70/40... you do the math.

Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

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ASIN: B00062FLHY
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

This is a fantastic deal!.......2007-02-25

If you are a fan at all of the Four Seasons you should love this music. I will admit right now that I am a classical music fan. I don't write or perform it. I am a novice listener. I have never taken any music lessons(though I am leaning in that direction) and certainly have not gone through any university music training. I started out in rock and roll but found classical as I got older and fell in love with it a few years ago.

With that context in mind I do hope I am able to recognize quality and this work is of the highest. It helps when you are starting with good ingredients in the first place. You can't bake great bread without great ingredients and Vivaldi's music library has some of the greatest musical ingredients of the last 300 years. They are very much the foundation for modern western culture and music. His talent is woven through what we are

The first 26 CDs are instrumental starting with the four seasons and working through many of the Master's many popular works. I will admit the four seasons are not the best interpretation I have heard but it is definitely acceptable. The rest of the music shows us many facets of the Baroque style and you can see themes emerging through some of the pieces that give us a 'fingerprint' of Vivaldi's style and the parameters of the stylistic leanings of the genre at the time. If you want to immerse yourself in 18th century music this is your chance

This music would be ideal for someone who owns a store and is looking for background music. With over 26 CDs of instrumental music alone you could have those constantly looping and you'd probably never get bored of them(OK I may be stretching it a little there). The reason is that the music does not leave a bad 'aftertaste' in your mind. It fits into the background as easily and naturally as it is to listen to it consciously in the foreground. If you are a fan of classical Baroque you don't usually need to be in the mood for this, it will adjust your mood to itself and Vivaldi's music is almost always of an uplifting sort if this collection is any indication. If you want something to listen to at your job 8 hours per day this is good for the mind and it would take you over a week to get through it if you listened to it every minute of every work day. You will also work without the worry of the music distracting your concentration. I find it enhances it when I'm working. I don't know how well this would work on school kids but teachers might want to try playing this during school time. You may create a few geniuses, we certainly could use more!

If you are looking for something to ease your sleep and oil your dreams I have put these CD's on in the background. Not only can I easily fall asleep when they are playing quietly in the background but it helps you sleep and you wake up in a very pleasant atmosphere if the music is still playing quietly when you wake(you probably would need to rip them to your MP3 player to do that). It's like napping at a classical music concert without the worry of being nudged by your spouse or offending the other concert goers with your snoring. That will be quite a unique experience for you and possibly give you some real sweet dreams. It has for me

So to wrap it up this is very intelligent, uplifting music that is great for your mind and your soul. It is definitely worth the purchase if you are a fan of the Four Seasons and the Baroque genre in my novice classical music fan's opinion

Excellent, Broad Selection.......2007-01-25

This 40-cd collection affords me a rare pleasure almost daily: the thrill of hearing something new by Vivaldi. Despite my best efforts over the years, I've managed to miss hearing a lot of great works by the master. Listening to a single CD now and then, catching tunes on the radio... you can't possibly get a comprehensive understanding of Vivaldi's output that way.

But when you work your way systematically from CD 1 through 40, you're sure to find many pleasant surprises. I've been skipping through everything I already know -- in some cases, it has only taken me about a minute to get through a whole CD (first 3 seconds of each track is usually enough). But then I stop and listen carefully three or four times to anything that's new.

Ah, what a pleasure. I've already acquired some new favorites. And some old standbys have proved even more rewarding, e.g. at first I thought RV 127 (CD 7, tracks 10-12) was performed too slowly (Naxos No: 8.553742 is much faster), but now I'm not sure; maybe it's BETTER that way! I can't recommend this set highly enough.

$70....when was this???.......2006-11-25

Wish the cost was $70 now. Guess the record producer (or Amazon) got tired of making less than $2 per CD.

$70/40... you do the math........2006-04-07

No, I don't own this collection...yet. However, the price of the collection compels me to review it beforehand. Never have I seen such a complete collection of Vivaldi compositions at such an incredibly low price. At $1.75 dollars a CD, the record producer (Brilliant Classics) isn't making much of a profit. The compilation pulls some of its works from DG Achiv Produktion's vault (see Standage), such as the violin concertos, as well as from unknown producers (the Poland Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra is heavily featured). The collection is so complete that it is academic, and I would not be surprised if music libraries quickly emptied it from Amazon's shelves. The collection is simply worth it for the incredible price (English Concert's recording of the violin concertos cost nearly 30 bucks, and is exactly featured here). Overall, the price alone makes this collection exceptionally attractive, and the ensembles featured aren't bad either.

Average customer rating:

Southern Gospel Classics
Great songs for Southern Gospel Music fans.

Southern Gospel Classics
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Madacy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Compilations | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Southern Gospel's Top 20 Songs of the Century
Southern Gospel's Top 20: Songs of the Century, Vol. 2
Good Old Country Gospel
Hee Haw Gospel Quartet
Country's 20 Classic Gospel: Songs of the Century

ASIN: B0000DZTWW
Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

Because He Lives - The Blackwood Brothers
He Touched Me - Hovie Lister & the Statesmen
Uncloudy Day - Masters V
Lead Me to Cavalry - The Oak Ridge Boys
Because of Him - The Kingsmen, The Kingsmen
I Must Tell Jesus - J.D. Sumner & the Stamps
Amen Chorus - Lefevres
Silver and Gold - Wendy Bagwell & The Sunliters
Meeting in the Air/Eastern Gate/Sweet Bye and Bye - Gospel Brass
Lord Teach Me How to Pray - Speers
Sweet Hour of Prayer - The Blackwood Brothers

Tracks:

Old Time Religion - Hovie Lister & the Statesmen
What Friend We Have in Jesus - Masters V
I Know Who Holds Tomorrow - The Oak Ridge Boys
Jesus Loves Me - The Kingsmen, The Kingsmen
Oh Happy Day - Gospel Brass
In My Father's House - Hovie Lister & the Statesmen
Good News Medley - J.D. Sumner & the Stamps
Old Fashioned Meeting - Speers
Whispering Hope - Lefevres
Turn Your Radio On - Hovie Lister & the Statesmen
Oh How I Love Jesus - The Blackwood Brothers

Tracks:

I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy - The Blackwood Brothers
How Great Thou Art - Hovie Lister & the Statesmen
River of Life - The Oak Ridge Boys
Old Ship of Zion - Speers
He Looked Beyond My Faults - J.D. Sumner & the Stamps
Alone You'll Face Eternity - The Kingsmen, The Kingsmen
In My Heart - Lefevres
Peace Like a River - The Blackwood Brothers
You'll Never Walk Alone - The Oak Ridge Boys
Faith Unlocks the Door - Masters V
His Name Is Wonderful - J.D. Sumner & the Stamps

Customer Reviews:

Southern Gospel Classics.......2007-01-15

It has alot of old hymes I really enjoy and get a blessing from

Great songs for Southern Gospel Music fans........2006-11-04

This is a great C.D. with many of our favorites. Katrina took all of my old 33 1/3 albumns so we're slowly replacing with the C.D. as we can find them. As usual, Amazon is the place for most everything one could want or need. The price is, of course, very reasonable also. If you love those old time Gospel greats, you will, for sure, love these.

Average customer rating:

Excellent

Fauré: Piano Music complete [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Caprices | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Fauré: Chamber Music (Box Set)
Janácek: Piano Works (Complete)
Dvorák: Complete Piano Music [Box Set]
Grieg: Complete Solo Piano Music
Grieg: Chamber Music (Complete)

ASIN: B000F6ZICE
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-06-18

A famous set from the 70s reissued cheap. Excellent in every way.

Average customer rating:

Like them a lot
"The story of the symphony" by Joesph Haydn
Every Home Should Have One!
Worth acquiring at any price
Even the early ones

Haydn: Complete Symphonies (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00006GA50
Release Date: 2002-08-27

Customer Reviews:

Like them a lot.......2007-06-27

I'm no Haydn expert as others who have written reviews obviously are. Nonetheless, the recordings are brilliantly clear, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the set (it will take awhile to go through all of them!)

"The story of the symphony" by Joesph Haydn.......2007-06-05

In the 21st century, the symphony has now become an even more extravagant and important part of the orchestral repertoire. Such that it has expanded to cover as many different emotions and feelings possible and include an large force of performers to do such a task. Nearly three centuries ago, the symphony was merely an overture acting as a musical hors d'ouevres to the "main event of the evening." One man stood in between these two times to distinctly and radically change the importance of the classical symphony and start it in its direction for IT to become "the main event." That man was one Joseph Haydn. He was a contemporary of Mozart, and was a huge influence on the likes of Mozart as well as Beethoven, who would later take the symphony on a giant step forward. Yes, Beethoven made musical history with his Choral symphony, but who do you think helped get him there from the start?

Within the depth of this monumental set is a true lifetime labor of love. It took Haydn nearly 40 years to compose more than 100 symphonies, and the listener can find it evident how Haydn bridged the gap between Baroque and Romantic through the symphony in what we know as the "Classical style." The first few symphonies reflect a lot of Baroque elements and towards the end, a fully developed Classical style with futuristic hints laced within.

These are all 106 symphonies that Haydn composed during his long stay in the service of Prince Nikolaus Esterhazy, as well as the products of Paris and London, which are, to this day, the most praiseworthy. 104 of these symphonies are numbered and two from Haydn's earlier years, which somehow got lost in the shuffle or were discovered later, were given letters ("A" and "B"). There is also one "Sinfonia Concertante" for violin, cello, oboe and bassoon from the London years. All these performances are quite exquisite and tasteful. Adam Fischer and the Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra made this a 14 year project from 1987-2001 with so much individual and global history happening during that time period. Fischer himself recalls in the booklet what took place in his life around the time of the recording of certain symphonies. There are even included photos of Fischer before and after the project. After the project, he's balder and older but happier-looking.

Like Antal Dorati, the first conductor to do a complete Haydn symphony project back in the early '70s, Adam Fischer did not record these symphonies in order. These were all issued individually in separate packages over the course of the years. Now Brilliant Classics, with license from Nimbus, includes all of them in this complete package. Though it is 33 discs, one would think it's an enormous box. It's only about 6" by 6" with a depth of about 3". The CD's are enclosed in space-saving envelopes which display disc information on the back, and artistic portrayals of 18th century life on the front. A different painting (in B&W) is on every envelope; some correspond to certain symphonies with nicknames.

The nicknamed symphonies would be the ones I recommend to check out first if you feel it would be too much to go through this whole set in however much time it would take (definitely not nonstop). Just to talk about those would be way too time consuming. You really have to check it out for yourself.

The orchestra performs with lots of gusto and vibrant energy that feature a melodic violin section, clucking woodwinds, razor-sharp brass, deep basses and an agressive timpanist. They truly know the Austro-Hungarian way of performing with the free use of dynamics and rubatos. All are performed on modern instruments which would be the only choice since this orchestra was hand-picked from some of the finest modern orchestras from that part of Europe. Of course if you've heard other orchestras perform some of these works before, and these tempos among other things, are slightly different, only remember that this type of classical music is subject to many different and distinct interpretations. They serve rather well for a complete project. Dorati is the only other individual complete comparison to this. The Naxos label also recently completed a Haydn symphony cycle, but not all with the same orchestra. This would be the choice hands-down as the Dorati set is very hard to get now and is more costly, and so would the individual Naxos recordings be.

Haydn's music is very enjoyable and even fun at times to listen to with his light and humorous-sounding melodies as well as some of the funny-sounding things he demanded from the orchestra like violins going up and down the scales with the basses doing the same in a counterpart, bassoons jumping up and down in octaves, or wind instruments making animal-like sounds such as in #83 (The Hen). Haydn depicted sunrises (#6 "Morning"), an echo effect done by two groups of violins (#38 "Echo"), the orchestra disappearing one by one (#45 "Farewell"), violins who forgot to tune when they should have (#60 "Il Distratto"), an unexpected surprise (#94), the tick-tock of a grandfather clock, (#101), an ominous and intense drumroll (#103) as well as so many other mixtures of emotions from happy and light to dark and dramatic, playful to passionate, reflective to serene. Those interested and those who are studying music theory and the form of the classical style will no doubt have a ball in analyzing these works and listening for the musical choices that Haydn makes in order to make the music flow evenly.

Often being regarded as being too predictable, Haydn was very inventive and unique in the development of the classical symphony. The earliest ones would be the ones that sound too similar, but every one is distinct in its own respect. To those studying this kind of music and have even the slightest interest in Haydn's remarkable symphonic output, this is an essential purchase. Sure it's more than 100 bucks, but music is something you keep forever if it something you are really into. That being said, one could spend $100 on something or many things and in as little as two weeks or as much as five years, it or they would be gone. So this is a lifetime investment. All of us musicians should know.

In conclusion, Haydn still kicks butt in the 21st century!

Every Home Should Have One!.......2007-03-17

Over the years I have collected, and loved, a vast amount of different music, in many genres. Gradually, I've become convinced that for me, the pinnacle of all music - the very best music ever composed, is that of the Symphonic works of one Joseph Haydn. There are 104+ symphonic works on these wonderful discs, (104 Symphonies and some posthumous and miscellaneous works) and not one of them is without an exquisite melody, beautiful and original orchestration - and that thing oh so rare in most music: wit and boundless creativity. (Only Zappa (One Size Fits All) and McCartney (Paul, not Jesse, in his 1970s self-produced releases) and early Mozart (I mean up to about puberty) have reached the heights of Haydn). Conductor Adam Fischer and his hand-picked Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra are artists that obviously love this music. I generally prefer 'authentic' orchestras, but these performances contain many, many moments of completely original readings which do not sound forced and unnatural- they just sound RIGHT. All in all, even though it's not a perfect set - (some overbearing string-section on the slow movements of early works, and some cavernous recording of some late works) I must recommend it highly - especially considering the price and the amount of excellent music you get for it. Mostly wonderful performances of wonderful works.

Worth acquiring at any price.......2007-02-23

Some say Haydn's ingenuity is even greater than that of Mozart's or Beethoven's. When listening to this brilliantly played set, I find myself becoming a convert of the belief. Haydn experimented with a variety of musical tools in these works. Surprising twists and turns are abundant. You will hear chamber serenade, harpsichord run, or violin solo in the most unexpected spots. Instruments are sometimes played in very unconventional ways resulting in exotic sounds - similar to what Berlioz and Mahler did later. Structure is toyed with in many symphonies, especially in the early ones.

In Austro-Hungrarian Orchestra, Adam Fischer finds an all-in chef's toolkit needed to cook these delightful ingredients. The woodwinds not only sing but also coo and meow. Strings melt your heart to a puddle with their exquisite pianissimo. Horns are expressive yet stylish. The whole orchestra knows how to knock themselves out when the music calls for it. The overall timbre is unlike any other orchestra I've ever heard, period or conventional. It's bright, edgy and folksy at the same time. It sounds like a virtuosic chamber ensemble rather than an orchestra except in the big symphonies. I believe the closest thing to their sound is Vienna Philharmonic playing Johann Strauss waltzes. Throw in a hint of gypsy flavor then it would be even closer.

Because this is a massive 33-CD set, there are inevitably a few imperfections. In a handful of spots the strings are not perfectly together. Adding to this, some of the violins have very distinctive tones which don't blend well with others when the music gets energetic. As to the engineering, some of the symphonies recorded early in the cycle are captured with too much reverberation, especially some London symphonies which sound soft-edged. But let me assure you the vast majority of the 100 plus symphonies have been recorded with crystal-clear brilliance.

One may find more sophisticated and smooth playing in some conventional performances (Colin Davis and Jochum) or crisper articulations in some period recordings (Bruggen and Pinnock). But Fischer and his hand-picked orchestra deliver more character and expressiveness than in any Haydn performances I've ever heard. Harnoncourt comes close but Fischer's set has more smiles. And his orchestra has the devilish ability to accommodate any mood Haydn's score throws at them - whether it's charm, wit, panache, or pathos. Their playing in slow movements is simply inimitable.

This set will be the source of joy for many Haydn lovers whether they are beginners just opening up the treasure chest or seasoned collectors with many other Haydn CDs. According to others' opinions, it compares favorably to Dorati's box, the only other complete set which I have not heard.

One final point - I wrote the review without the consideration of the price. In other words, this set is worth acquiring at any price.

Even the early ones.......2006-05-24

All the other reviewers are right about this set. But I would add one thing, according to the notes, the earliest symphonies in this set were written when Haydn was already 25 - you don't have to assume that the first part of the set is of little interest. So go get it!

Average customer rating:

breakdown by cd.
I'm not a music expert

Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
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Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLJW
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

breakdown by cd........2007-01-14

CD1-7:SYMPHONIES 1-9

CD8:PIANO CONCERTO

CD9:VIOLIN CONCERTO & CELLO CONCERTO

CD10-11:REQUIEM

CD12-13:STABAT MATER

CD14:PIANO TRIOS OP.90 "DUMKY" & 21

CD15:PIANO TRIOS OP.65 & 26

CD16:PIANO QUARTETS

CD17:PIANO QUINTETS

CD18:STRING QUINTETS

CD19-20:MUSIC FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO

C21:SERENADE/HAUSMUSIK

CD22-31:THE COMPLETE STRING QUARTETS

CD32:SLAVONIC DANCES OP.46 & 72

CD33:PIANO DUET SLAVONIC DANCES

CD34:PIANO DUET LEGENDS FROM THE BOHEMIAN FOREST

CD35:PIANO WORKS

CD36-37:RUSALKA

CD38-40:SYMPHONIC POEMS

I'm not a music expert.......2005-08-25

I don't know too much about music. I own over 700 cds, but I don't play music and I don't have much experience with this music. My only point of reference was the ninth symphony, seeing as every other piece in this box set was new to me. It sounds fine, nothing wrong with it as far as I can see.

Now, here's what you'll get in this box set, seeing as Amazon does not give it a description. 40 cds! no joke, you get 40 cds in this box set. It features:
1. Complete symphonies
2. Complete symphonic poems
3. Cello concerto
4. Piano concerto
5. Violin concerto
6. Requiem
7. Stabat Mater
8. Slavonic Dances
9. Complete String quartets
10. Chamber music
11. Piano Works (solo and duet)
12. Rusalka

As far as I can tell, the only things missing are The Spectre's Bride and Jacobin. Seeing as it is 40 cds, i have not had an opportunity to listen to it, however what i have heard i have been quite satisfied with.

Schubert: Symphonies (Complete) [Box Set]

Average customer rating:

Decent performance of the genuis music
Brilliant!

Schubert: Symphonies (Complete) [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000BUEGFY
Release Date: 2005-11-29

Customer Reviews:

Decent performance of the genuis music.......2007-06-18

Do not hesitate!
Buy this set, before it is too late.
The Schubert's music is incredible and this symphonic set has everything you need for a start - you cannot beat the sound quality for such a low price.
Thank you, "Brilliant Classics"!!!

Brilliant!.......2006-09-04

Thanks again to Brilliant Classics, who have really made a name for themselves by buying the licenses of major releases to issue in their budget packages. They have scored a major goal here with getting the EMI set of Muti's Schubert symphonic cycle. And at a fraction of the price. I know the Vienna/Muti set is not to everyone's liking, but I've rarely heard Muti so fired up (have you heard his Symphonie Fantastique on Seraphim with the Philadelphia Orchestra?). You really can't go wrong with the Brilliant Classics low cost approach. My biggest gripe is that the 9th is spread out over two discs, but it is forgivable if you take the whole set into account. If you want all of Schubert's symphonies played with passion and conviction, especially the early works (the 2nd in B flat is a knock-out!), this set is for you. You can't go wrong.

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