6 Sonatas for Violin & Harpsichord Bwv 1014-1019

On this CD:

1. Sonata for violin & keyboard No. 1 in B minor, BWV 1014
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Zuzanna Ruzickova, Josef (violinist) Suk

2. Sonata for violin & keyboard No. 2 in A major, BWV 1015
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach

3. Sonata for violin & keyboard No. 3 in E major, BWV 1016
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach

4. Sonata for violin & keyboard No. 4 in C minor, BWV 1017
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach

5. Sonata for violin & keyboard No. 5 in F minor, BWV 1018
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach

6. Sonata for violin & keyboard No. 6 in G major, BWV 1019
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach

Tracks:

Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 46d: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 46d: 2. Menuetto I - II
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 46e: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 46e: 2. Menuetto
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 2. Andante
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 3. Allegro
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 1. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 3. Presto
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 2. Andante amoroso
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 3. Rondeau. Allegro
Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 1. Adagio
Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 2. Menuetto I - II
Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Sonata In G Major, K. 283: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In G Major, K. 283: 2. Andante
Piano Sonata In G Major, K. 283: 3. Presto
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 284: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 284: 2. Rondo en Polonaise. Andante
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 284: 3. Andante - Thema - Variations I-XII
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 309: 1. Allegro con spirito
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 309: 2. Andante un poco adagio
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 309: 3. Rondeau. Allegretto grazioso
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 311: 1. Allegro con spirito
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 311: 2. Andante con espressione
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 311: 3. Rondo. Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: 1. Allegro maestoso
Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: 2. Andante cantabile con espressione
Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: 3. Presto
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 330: 1. Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 330: 2. Andante cantabile
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 330: 3. Allegretto
Piano Sonata In A Major, K. 331: 1. Andante grazioso - Thema - Variations I - VI
Piano Sonata In A Major, K. 331: 2. Menuetto - Trio
Piano Sonata In A Major, K. 331: 3. Alla turca. Allegretto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 332: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 332: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 332: 3. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 333: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 333: 2. Andante cantabile
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 333: 3. Allegretto grazioso
Fantasia In C Minor, K. 475: Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu allegro - Primo tempo
Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: 1. Molto allegro
Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: 3. Allegro assai

Tracks:

Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 1. Allegro (K. 533)
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 2. Andante (K. 533)
Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 3. Rondo. Allegretto (K. 494)
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 2. Andante
Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 3. Rondo. Allegretto
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 3. Allegretto
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 3. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Mozart-A prisoner of his own time........2006-09-08

If you were to clump all of the composers of the classical era together, mix them up, and listen to them willy-nilly in a blind hearing test, you'll never be able to tell the difference between them... until you hear Mozart. Mozart's era was not rich in harmony. To me, Haydn wrote the same symphony over and over. Stamitz and Gossec... love 'em, but they were also prisoners of this classical harmony. But Mozart was able to put his fingerprint on all of his music. You can pick his music out blindly with ease because it is unmistakingly Mozart. That's why we have a mostly Mozart festival and not a mostly Kraus (who?) festival.

As this cd shows, Mozart's music was sublime. But even he struggled with using this "harmony of the day". If you were to study the catalogues of Mozart's symphonies, sonatas, and chamber music, let's face it; you would hear a lot of turkies before you made it to the peacocks. We would have to wait until Chopin until the harmonies fattened up a little.

Having said that, you have to completely hail Mozart for taking what was available to him in his day and creating some of the most sublime music with it. It would be like for the next ten years all the world had available to eat was peas, and 200 years from now one man became immortal for the many interesting ways he was able to manipulate peas into a meal.

Good music and good value.......2006-08-28

Bought this for my son who is learning to play piano. Lots of good music, not too expensive.

Five and a half hours of joy for not much bucks.......2005-11-11

This is just about the best money I've ever spent on music. I love Eschenbach's interpretations: tenderness and emotional intimacy in spades---and dazzling effects without self-consciousness or "athletic" display of technique. I would say that he "lets Mozart be Mozart," except that these interpretations have so much personality that Eschenbach's own life-energy must be coming through. I just think that his own personality complements Mozart's perfectly.

FINALLY.......2004-08-05

I've searched the world over for a box set of all of Mozart's piano sonatas that I liked. The first one I heard was the Glenn Gould version, which in retrospect was not so smart. I like his playing but he hums into the mic during the recording. Real smart.

Anyways, Eschenbach plays these with all the virtuosity and feeling they demand. My favorite piano sonata is Mozart's 12th and he plays it flawlessly; the only thing remotely lacking is that he doesn't quite dig in as much as Alicia de la Roccha does when she plays it on the Allegro movement, but he more than makes up for it with his playing on the Adagio movement.

If it's not your cup of tea it might be worthwhile getting the de la Roccha box set, but personally I think the Eschenbach recording is the best out of all of them.

Neglected recording.......2003-02-03

As I remember, Eschenbach's DGG recording of the Mozart sonatas didn't make a big splash when it was released. Maybe another set of these familiar works wasn't what the reviewers wanted to hear at that time. However, repeated listenings over the past three decades have borne out that these are indeed fine performances, with certain among my favorites. The recording is rather close-up, which suits Eschenbach's generally crisp and bold style. Haven't heard the CDs, but the LPs had the typical DGG bass-shyness of the period. However, lack of thunderous bass is hardly fatal to Mozart piano works.

Listeners may want to investigate a new set by Elizabeth Rich being released on Connoisseur Society. The first two CDs are outstanding, with that company's beautiful recorded sound to boot.

Now an afterthought: In connection with the review I posted in February 2003, I am happy to report that the bass-shyness I noted on the LPs is NOT a problem on the CDs. Apparently good, solid bass was present on the original tapes, but DGG cut it back, as they did on many of their piano recordings of that era.

So I would recommend Eschenbach's CD set heartily. Further, Elizabeth Rich's set on Connoisseur Society is now complete, and no one will regret owning that one as well. (Unfortunately, it's at full price, expensive even on the Web.)

After the other reviewer's comments about the notes, I decided to read them and, yes, they are indeed kind of ditzy. I suspect that the translator is at least partly at fault.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful and delightful evenings
Great Music
excellent compile
Pleasant backdrop
Musical soothing of the soul

Musical Evenings With The Captain

Manufacturer: Essay
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Musical Evenings With The Captain, Vol. 2
Musical Evenings in the Captain's Cabin
Master and Commander
A Sea of Words, Third Edition: A Lexicon and Companion to the Complete Seafaring Tales of Patrick O'Brian
Harbors and High Seas, 3rd Edition : An Atlas and Geographical Guide to the Complete Aubrey-Maturin Novels of Patrick O'Brian, Third Edition

ASIN: B00000083U
Release Date: 1996-06-18

Tracks:

Sonata In G Major, Op. 5 No. 1 For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Andante
Sonata In G Major, Op. 5 No. 1 For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Largo Andante
Sonata In G Major, Op. 5 No. 1 For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Allegro
Sonata In G Major, Op. 5 No. 1 For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Menuetto & Trio: Vivace
Duet For Violin & Cello In D Major: Poco Adagio
Duet For Violin & Cello In D Major: Tempo di Menuetto
Duet For Violin & Cello In D Major: Allegro (non troppo)
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Tuning & Gavotte
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Two Menuets
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Air
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Menuet With 2 Variations
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Impertinence
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Sarabande
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Menuet With 2 Variations
Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Air
Sonata In C Minor, Op. 6 No. 5 For Violin & Basso Continuo: Andante
Sonata In C Minor, Op. 6 No. 5 For Violin & Basso Continuo: Allegro
Sonata In C Minor, Op. 6 No. 5 For Violin & Basso Continuo: Aria with 3 Variations
Sonata For Violin & Cello In D Major: Allegretto Spiritoso
Sonata For Violin & Cello In D Major: Vivace
Sonata For Violin & Cello In D Major: Grave
Sonata For Violin & Cello In D Major: Allegro Assai
Sonata In D Minor For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Andante Molto Cantabile
Sonata In D Minor For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Allegro
Sonata In D Minor For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Andante Pastorale
Sonata In D Minor For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful and delightful evenings.......2007-06-27

If you are a really follower of Jack Aubrey adventures you must have the 2 Volumes. The best companion for you reading every evenings. A must have.
Enjoy it.

Great Music.......2007-04-05

I bought this as an accompaniment while I read Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series of books, and it goes very well. I've enjoyed every piece on this album, and recommend it for music lovers and readers alike.

excellent compile.......2007-01-16

It is dead-on excellent. Perfectly in tune with the entire series and spirit of Patrick's work. A simply joy to listen to time after time. You grasp the character of the age in crisply performed versions of various collection.

Pleasant backdrop .......2006-01-10

As a child growing up in the city of Salem, known for it's working class backbone, I was the only kid I knew who had been to Symphony Hall more than Fenway Park. Going in to Boston for the symphony's open practices was what I lived for. It gave me a true appreciative, although untrained ear. The one lasting lesson is that while you may not notice good classical music, EVERYONE notices bad classical music. And this is NOT bad classical.

I have been a reader of the Aubrey Maturin Novels for 8 years (only two a year for dramatic suspense) and while I am a huge fan of Patrick O'Brian's writing, I find that with the addition of the music he scored his work to, I stand in awe. The music is well grounded to the situations and feelings in the book. Either Mr. O'Brian was a very well rounded, or he did his homework.

The CD is a wonderful insight to the author, and the characters he created. Pour a glass of claret, listen to the cd, read the books...

but pay no heed to Killick's "scrape, scrape , scrape..never a song you could dance to.."

Musical soothing of the soul.......2002-06-11

I have been a fan of Baroque music since childhood (and I'm not all that old either). But I've only started reading the Patrick O'Brian books in the last few months, since it was announced that my favorite actor, Russell Crowe, was about to star as Captain Jack Aubrey in the Peter Weir movie. I am reading the books in order, and am currently on "HMS Surprise," so what else could be a more perfect accompaniment than this CD? Aubrey is such a multi-layered character, filled with imperfections and bad puns, however he has a great love for music and he plays the violin quite well. Often paired with ship's surgeon Dr. Stephen Maturin on the cello, music is a great release for this sea captain, and the pieces on this CD are fine representations of what Aubrey might have played while on assignment or heard when on land. The selections by Hadyn, Locatelli, Handel, Boccherini and Leclair are pleasant, soothing compositions that are complex and varied enough that they are not redundant, and range from peaceful to nimble. While listening to the CD, I could vividly imagine Jack Aubrey below decks in his cabin and asking Maturin to strike up a tune with him. And then they begin an Andante or an Allegro, allowing Aubrey to set aside his absolutely awful puns and jokes so he can clear his mind and relax. Considering some of the battles he's involved himself in so far in the series, he definitely needs it. Reading his adventures while listening to these charming pieces will relax you as well, and definitely take your imagination to some wondrous places in an era of great change.

Average customer rating:

Simply astounding

Handel: Complete Violin Sonatas

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0006Z2LN8
Release Date: 2005-01-11

Customer Reviews:

Simply astounding.......2006-11-06

It is not without a sense of awe that I write these words. I believe Mr. Handel himself, had he been alive to hear this recording, would have been thoroughly delighted and not perhaps devoid of a tear or two.

The grace and elegance with which these endearing sonatas are played is simply astounding. Both Manze and Egarr ought to be given knighthoods for this CD. It just has no peers. I find this supremely enjoyable CD to be an absolutely essential part of any serious baroque music fan's collection. The liner notes provide great background information of each of the sonatas, even those of less than certain authenticity, with a meticulousness that could concieveably allow for acceptable academic referencing, which is saying something!

With a careful attention to detail, the performers have given us a brilliant interpretation (I am willing to say the BEST I have ever heard, as obsequious as that may sound), of these works, in what must be considered a benchmark of high standards. Five out of five, for the purchase of the decade.

Average customer rating:

really like it

Cello Adagios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Violin Adagios
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ASIN: B0001WU1QK
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Tracks:

Carnival Of The Animals - Bruno Canino
Vocalise, Op.34 No.14 - Lynn Harrell
Thais - Julian Lloyd Webber
Adagio - Janos Starker
Apres Un Reve - Bruno Canino
Adagio - Julian Lloyd Webber
Ave Maria - Julian Lloyd Webber
Adagio - Julian Lloyd Webber
Traumerei (Dreaming) - Bruno Canino
Notturno: Andante - Julian Lloyd Webber
Sicilienne - Bruno Canino
An Die Musik, D547 - Bruno Canino
Reverie - Julian Lloyd Webber
Prayer - Bruno Canino
Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Bruno Canino
Salut D'amour, Op.12 - Bruno Canino
Valse Sentimentale, Op.15 No.6 - Samuel Sanders
Kol Nidrei, Op.47 - Julian Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

Air (Air On A G String) - Julian Lloyd Webber
Clair De Lune - Julian Lloyd Webber
Elegie, Op.24 - Jullian Lloyd Webber
Andante - Heinrich Schiff
Romance In D Minor, Op.62 - Julian Lloyd Webber
Beau Soir - Bruno Canino
Sicilienne, Op.78 - Bruno Canino
Panis Angelicus - Julian Lloyd Webber
Nocturne In E Flat Major, Op.9 No.2 - Julian Lloyd Webber
Cantabile - Samuel Sanders
Liebesleid - Samuel Sanders
Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Janos Starker
Bereuse - Julian Lloyd Webber
Cantilena - Julian Lloyd Webber
Melodie, Op.20 No.1 - Julian Lloyd Webber

Customer Reviews:

really like it.......2007-03-05

This is the first classical cd I have ever bought. The two-disc album was a great price. I really love the performance of Lynn Harrell. I like the collection of Adagios because they are perfect to fall asleep to or study to.

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

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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.

Bach: Cello Suites, Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin - Christian Tetzlaff & Ralph Kirshbaum (4 CD's)

Average customer rating:

Excellent overall
Wonderful
Unbelievable!

Bach: Cello Suites, Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin - Christian Tetzlaff & Ralph Kirshbaum (4 CD's)
Christian Tetzlaff , Ralph Kirshbaum , and Johann Sebastian Bach
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00030FJ9Y
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Tracks:

1. Adagio - Christian Tetzlaff
2. Fuga (Allegro) - Christian Tetzlaff
3. Siciliana - Christian Tetzlaff
4. Presto - Christian Tetzlaff
1. Allemanda - Christian Tetzlaff
Double - Christian Tetzlaff
2. Corrente - Christian Tetzlaff
Double (Presto) - Christian Tetzlaff
3. Sarabande - Christian Tetzlaff
Double - Christian Tetzlaff
4. Bourree - Christian Tetzlaff
Double - Christian Tetzlaff
1. Grave - Christian Tetzlaff
2. Fuga - Christian Tetzlaff
3. Andante - Christian Tetzlaff
4. Allegro - Christian Tetzlaff

Tracks:

1. Allemanda - Christian Tetzlaff
2. Corrente - Christian Tetzlaff
3. Sarabanda - Christian Tetzlaff
4. Giga - Christian Tetzlaff
5. Ciaccona - Christian Tetzlaff
1. Adagio - Christian Tetzlaff
2. Fuga - Christian Tetzlaff
3. Largo - Christian Tetzlaff
4. Allegro Assai - Christian Tetzlaff
1. Preludio - Christian Tetzlaff
2. Loure - Christian Tetzlaff
3. Gavotte En Rondo - Christian Tetzlaff
4. Menuet 1/Menuet 2 - Christian Tetzlaff
5. Bourree - Christian Tetzlaff
6. Gigue - Christian Tetzlaff

Tracks:

1. Prelude - Ralph Kirshbaum
2. Allemande - Ralph Kirshbaum
3. Courante - Ralph Kirshbaum
4. Sarabande - Ralph Kirshbaum
5. Menuet 1 & 2 - Ralph Kirshbaum
6. Gigue - Ralph Kirshbaum
1. Prelude - Ralph Kirshbaum
2. Allemande - Ralph Kirshbaum
3. Courante - Ralph Kirshbaum
4. Sarabande - Ralph Kirshbaum
5. Bourree 1 & 2 - Ralph Kirshbaum
6. Gigue - Ralph Kirshbaum
1. Prelude - Ralph Kirshbaum
2. Allemande - Ralph Kirshbaum
3. Courante - Ralph Kirshbaum
4. Sarabande - Ralph Kirshbaum
5. Gavotte 1 & 2 - Ralph Kirshbaum
6. Gigue - Ralph Kirshbaum

Tracks:

1. Prelude - Ralph Kirshbaum
2. Allemande - Ralph Kirshbaum
3. Courante - Ralph Kirshbaum
4. Sarabande - Ralph Kirshbaum
5. Menuet 1 & 2 - Ralph Kirshbaum
6. Gigue - Ralph Kirshbaum
1. Prelude - Ralph Kirshbaum
2. Allemande - Ralph Kirshbaum
3. Courante - Ralph Kirshbaum
4. Sarabande - Ralph Kirshbaum
5. Bourree 1 & 2 - Ralph Kirshbaum
6. Gigue - Ralph Kirshbaum
1. Prelude - Ralph Kirshbaum
2. Allemande - Ralph Kirshbaum
3. Courante - Ralph Kirshbaum
4. Sarabande - Ralph Kirshbaum
5. Gavotte 1 & 2 - Ralph Kirshbaum
6. Gigue - Ralph Kirshbaum

Customer Reviews:

Excellent overall.......2006-03-28

The two works presented in this bargain set represent Johann Sebastian Bach's greatest contribution to the solo string reportoire.

Although usually marginalized, the Cello Suites are hidden diamonds in the solo literature, requiring a depth of humanity and musicality that few performers actually achieve, so concerned as they are with simply hacking away at this seemingly simple music. Kirshbaum's reading is full of warmth and power, and his instrument (from Bach's time period) sings almost of its own accord. Tempi are just right; the sense of pacing in the G Major Prelude is magnificent, giving the piece a gently rocking feel. Kirshbaum's double stopping (as called for by many of the Allemanda movements) is impeccable and very clean; the harsh, biting sound such double-stopping requires from other performers is not present here.

The focal point of the set is, of course, Christian Tetzlaff's reading of the Six Solos. In comparison with the "big names," such as Perlman, Milstein, and Grumiaux, Tetzlaff cannot quite compete. His tempi are exceedingly swift, and he lacks much of the humanity present in Milstein and Menuhin. As a result, the quicker movements, such as the E Major Preludio and the B minor Doubles, sound less like the masterpieces they are and more like simple etudes to be sawed away on.

Tetzlaff's traversal of the Chaconne, however, is a breathless, exciting journey, and he is in top form during the massive fugues in each sonata. The recording location, while resonant, allows the violin's sound to sing without losing it in a sea of reverb. Although he suffers from tempi issues, Tetzlaff's technique is never in doubt, and he is solid and secure (perhaps even a bit too secure) during this recording.

Overall, despite issues with tempi in the Six Solos, this set is a great bargain, and hopefully Tetzlaff will decide to record these pieces again later in life.

Wonderful.......2006-01-10

I've been listening to and studying Bach's solo cello and violin works for over 30 years. Although I love this music dearly, it's rare that I'm surprized by it anymore. However, listening to Tetzlaff and Kirshbaum, I felt as if I were hearing them for the first time all over again. Both musicians are such masters of their instruments that their "technique" never intrudes on the music. These are really breathtaking performances.

Unbelievable!.......2005-10-19

Both these artists are exceptional. I have always had trouble listening to "anybody else's interpretation" of the bach cello suites, being a cellist myself. This one is truly outstanding. The excellent Bach solo violin interpretation by Christian Tetzlaff is just an added plus -- I was most impressed that my father listened through all the way and just made one or two comments about how the music was "alive". He was rapt. My father doesn't do that easily.

Average customer rating:

Incredible
Greatest cycle of the greatest violin sonatas ever
Best complete set I know of
Magnetic from start to finish!!
Two contemporary musical masters pay homage

Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Mozart: The Violin Sonatas
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Beethoven: The Piano Trios

ASIN: B0000041UF
Release Date: 2002-09-10

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.1 in D major, Op.12 No.1: l Allegro con brio
Violin Sonata No.1 in D major, Op.12 No.1: ll Tema con variazioni: Andante con moto
Violin Sonata No.1 in D major, Op.12 No.1: lll Rondo: Allegro
Violin Sonata No.2 in A major, Op.12 No.2: l Allegro viva
Violin Sonata No.2 in A major, Op.12 No.2: ll Andante, piu tosto allegretto
Violin Sonata No.2 in A major, Op.12 No.2: lll Allegro piacevolo
Violin Sonata No.3 in E flat major, Op.12 No.3: l Allegro con spirito
Violin Sonata No.3 in E flat major, Op.12 No.3: ll Adagio con molt'espressione
Violin Sonata No.3 in E flat major, Op.12 No.3: lll Rondo: Allegro molto

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: l Presto
Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: ll Andante scherzoso, piu allegretto
Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: lll Allegro molto
Violin Sonata No.6 in A major, Op.30 No.1: l Allegro
Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: ll Adagio molto espressivo
Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: lll Allegretto con variazioni
Violin Sonata No.8 in G major, Op.30 No.3: l Allegro assai
Violin Sonata No.8 in G major, Op.30 No.3: ll Tempo di minuetto, ma molto moderato e grazioso
Violin Sonata No.8 in G major, Op.30 No.3: lll Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.9 in A major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': l Adagio sostenuto-Presto-Adagio
Violin Sonata No.9 in A major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': ll Andante con variazioni
Violin Sonata No.9 in A major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': lll Finale: Presto
Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': l Allegro
Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': ll Adagio molto espr
Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': lll Scherzo & trio:
Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': lV Rondo: Allegro ma

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: l Allegro con brio
Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: ll Adagio cantabile
Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: lll Scherzo: Allegro
Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: lV Finale: Allegro
Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: l Allegro moderato
Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: ll Adagio espressivo
Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: lll Scherzo: Allegro
Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: lV Poco allegretto

Amazon.com essential recording

There are two really famous Beethoven violin sonatas, the Kreutzer and the Spring. The Kreutzer Sonata inspired the story by Leo Tolstoy, which in turn became the subject of Janácek's First String Quartet, so if you're into comparative studies in the arts, there's a thesis topic for you! The Spring Sonata was featured in Woody Allen's Love and Death, among other places. And perhaps most intriguingly of all, the scherzo of the late sonata, Op. 96, turns up quite clearly in the third movement of Mahler's Second Symphony. So you may already know more about this splendid music than you think. Why not take the plunge with these superb performances and get to know the sonatas at first hand? Just as there are two truly famous Mozart sonatas, there are also two sides to Itzhak Perlman's musical career--the flashy virtuoso and the considerate partner. Chamber-music recordings such as this feature Perlman in this second role, one that gets less attention than his other, more sensational, persona, but which for many listeners is even more musically rewarding. Ashkenazy, no mere accompanist, is very much involved in the proceedings, and the two musicians combine to produce one of the finest sets of Beethoven violin sonatas available as well as one of Perlman's very greatest recordings in any genre. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Incredible.......2005-04-03

Let me just start off by saying that this set is an absolute no brainer. What more could you ask for than amazing pieces such as the Beethoven Violin Sonatas performed by none other than Itzhak Perlman and Vladimir Ashkenazy, who are both GIANTS in the violin and piano worlds. These recordings are absolutely wonderful, and the performances are definitely what is expected from these incredible musicians, if not more. The sound quality is very good, even though the recording was converted from analog to digital. Highly recommended.

However, if you would like to only have the most famous, and the best, Beethoven Violin Sonatas, you can still get Perlman and Ashkenazy performing the Spring and Kreutzer Sonatas on a separate disc. It is obviously less expensive, because it is only one CD as opposed to four, even though this four CD set is relatively cheap.

Greatest cycle of the greatest violin sonatas ever.......2004-05-11

I agree that this is the greatest cycle of the greatest set of violin sonatas ever written. Gidon and Argerich are also good but Argerich doesn't articulate her notes clearly like Ashkenazy. You feel that Argerich is kind of "cheating" by skimming to lightly over some notes - whereas Beethoven needs to be played with a greater force. Ashkenazy provides just the right kind of Beethovenian playing.

This set also contains the greatest performance of the greatest violin sonata ever written - the Kreutzer - plus a highly delectable Spring sonata.

If you're not familiar with the rest of Beethoven's sonatas, you'll be surprised at how magnetic they are in the hands of musicians the likes of Ashkenazy and Perlman.

I cannot recommend this too highly. Enjoy.

Best complete set I know of.......2004-04-01

There are probably better-known recordings of the individual sonatas, but if you are looking for a consistently good collection from start to finish, this would be it, especially if you are familiar only with the Spring & Kreutzer sonatas. This is a collection that gets wonderfully intimate at times, and is a consistent delight to the listener. This is definitely a worthy addition to any collection.

Magnetic from start to finish!!.......2004-01-06

This classic set is magnetic from the first note to the last. If you haven't heard it, you haven't heard Beethoven's Violin Sonatas.

Two contemporary musical masters pay homage.......2002-08-08

Listen to this music if you want a searching, thoughtful dialog by the Great Brooder between two superb interpreters of their respective instruments....two instruments only, that manage to fill the room and the world completely.....
Listen with the best equipment you can justify, because this music alone justifies the technology- the access of which to the common man fulfills Beethoven's wildest, unnamed hope.

Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas & Concertos

Average customer rating:

The one collection I cannot imagine being without
MASTERY
Magisterial... mystical
Beethoven + Arrau = Divinity
Beethoven himself would be proud.

Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas & Concertos
Claudio Arrau , Janos Starker , Ludwig van Beethoven , Bernard Haitink , Eliahu Inbal , Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam , New Philharmonia Orchestra , and Henryk Szeryng
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Liszt: Piano Works
Chopin: The Piano Works
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Brahms: Works for Solo Piano
Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier

ASIN: B00000C2F7
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 1 Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 3. Menuetto. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 4. Prestissimo
Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 1. Allegro vivace
Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 2. Largo appassionato
Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 3. Scherzo. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 4. Rondo. Grazioso
Piano Sonata No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: 1. Allegro molto e con brio
Piano Sonata No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: 2. Adagio molto
Piano Sonata No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: 3. Finale. Prestissimo
Piano Sonata No. 19 In G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1: 1. Andante
Piano Sonata No. 19 In G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1: 2. Rondo. Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 3. Scherzo. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 4. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 1. Allegro molto e con brio
Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 2. Largo, con gran espressione
Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 3. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 4. Rondo. Poco allegretto e grazioso
6 Piano Veriations In F On An Original Theme, Op.34

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.6 In F, Op.10 No.2: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.6 In F, Op.10 No.2: 2. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No.6 In F, Op.10 No.2: 3. Presto
Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 1. Presto
Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 2. Largo e mesto
Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 3. Menuetto. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 4. Rondo. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.8 in C minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': 1. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
Piano Sonata No.8 in C minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': 2. Adagio cantabile
Piano Sonata No.8 in C minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': 3. Rondo. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.9 In E, Op.14 No.2: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.9 In E, Op.14 No.2: 2. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No.9 In E, Op.14 No.2: 3. Rondo. Allegro comodo

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.10 In G, Op.14 No.2: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.10 In G, Op.14 No.2: 2. Andante
Piano Sonata No.10 In G, Op.14 No.2: 3. Scherzo. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 2. Adagio con molta espressione
Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 3. Minuetto
Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 4. Rondo. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 1. Andante con Variazioni
Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 2. Scherzo. Allegro molto
Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 3. Marcia Funebre sulla morte d'un Eroe
Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 4. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.25 In G, Op.79: 1. Presto alla tedesca
Piano Sonata No.25 In G, Op.79: 2. Andante
Piano Sonata No.25 In G, Op.79: 3. Vivace

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 1. Andante - Allegro - Tempo I
Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 2. Allegro molto e vivace
Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 3. Adagio con espressione
Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 4. Allegro vivace - Tempo I - Presto
Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': 1. Adagio sostenuto
Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': 2. Allegrettro
Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': 3. Presto agitato
Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 2. Andante
Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace
Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 4. Rondo. Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No. 22 In F, Op.54: 1. In Tempo d'un Menuetto
Piano Sonata No. 22 In F, Op.54: 2. Allegretto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.16 In G, Op.31 No.1: 1. Allegro vivace
Piano Sonata No.16 In G, Op.31 No.1: 2. Adagio grazioso
Piano Sonata No.16 In G, Op.31 No.1: 3. Rondo. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No.17 In D Minor, Op.31 No.2 'Tempest': 1. Largo - Allegro
Piano Sonata No.17 In D Minor, Op.31 No.2 'Tempest': 2. Adagio
Piano Sonata No.17 In D Minor, Op.31 No.2 'Tempest': 3. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 2. Scherzo. Alllegretto vivace
Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 3. Menuetto. Moderato e grazioso
Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 4. Presto con fuoco

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.21 In C, Op.53 'Waldstein': 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No.21 In C, Op.53 'Waldstein': 2. Introduzione. Adagio molto - Rondo. Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo
15 Piano Variations And Fugue In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica' Variations: Inroduzione col Basso del Tema. Allegretto vivace
15 Piano Variations And Fugue In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica' Variations: Variazioni I-XV
15 Piano Variations And Fugue In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica' Variations: Finale. Alla Fuga. Allegro con brio - Andante con moto
32 Piano Variations In C Minor On An Original Theme, WoO 80
Rondo In G, Op.51 No.2

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 'Appassionata': 1. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 'Appassionata': 2. Andante con moto
Piano Sonata No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 'Appassionata': 3. Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.24 In F Sharp, Op.78 'For Therese': 1. Adagio cantabile - Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.24 In F Sharp, Op.78 'For Therese': 2. Allegro vivace
Piano Sonata No.26 In E Flat, Op.81a 'Les adieux': 1. Das Lebewohl. Adagio - Allegro
Piano Sonata No.26 In E Flat, Op.81a 'Les adieux': 2. Abwesenheit. Andante espressivo
Piano Sonata No.26 In E Flat, Op.81a 'Les adieux': 3. Das Wiedersehn. Vivacissimamente
Piano Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: 1. Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
Piano Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: 2. Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorgetragen
Piano Sonata No.20 In G, Op.49 No.2: 1. Allegro, ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.20 In G, Op.49 No.2: 2. Tempo di Menuetto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 1. Etwas lebhaft und mit der innigsten Empfindung. Allegretto, ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 2. Lebhaft. Marschmassig. Vivace alla Marcia
Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 3. Langsam, und sehnsuchtsvoll. Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto
Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 4. Geschwind, doch nicht zu sehr und mit Entschlossenheit. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 1. Allegro
Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 2 Scherzo. Assai vivace - Presto - Prestissimo - Tempo I
Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 3. Adagio sostenuto. Appassionato e con molto sentimento
Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 4. Largo - Allegro risoluto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.30 In E, Op.109: 1. Vivave, ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo - Tempo I -2. Prestissimo
Piano Sonata No.30 In E, Op.109: 3. Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung. Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo
Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 1. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo
Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 2. Allegro molto
Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 3. Adagio ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 4. Fuga. Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No.32 In C Minor, Op111: 1. Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionato
Piano Sonata No.32 In C Minor, Op111: 2. Arietta. Adagio molto semplice e cantabile

Tracks:

33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Tema : Vivace - Variation I. Alla marcia maestoso
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation II Poco allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation III L'istesso tempo
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation IV Un poco piu vivace
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation V Allegro vivace
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation VI Allegro ma non troppo e serioso
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation VII Un poco piu allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation VIII Poco vivace
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation IX Allegro pesante e risoluto
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation X Presto
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XI Allegretto
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XII Un poco piu moto
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XIII Vivace
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XIV Grave e maestoso
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XV Presto scherzando
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XVI Allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XVII
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XVIII Poco moderato
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XIX Presto
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XX Andante
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXI Allegro con brio - Meno allegro - Tempo I - Meno allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXII Allegro molto alla 'Notte giorno faricar' di Mozart
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXIII Allegro assai
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXIV Fughetta. Andante
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXV Allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXVI
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXVII Vivace
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXVIII Allegro
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXIX Adagio ma non troppo
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXX Andante sempre cantabile
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXXI Largo, molto espressivo
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXXII Fuga. Allegro - Poco adagio
33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXXIII Tempo di minuetto moderato

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.1 In C, Op. 15: 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Concerto No.1 In C, Op. 15: 2. Largo
Piano Concerto No.1 In C, Op. 15: 3. Rondo. Allegro scherzando
Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat, Op.19: 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat, Op.19: 2. Adagio
Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat, Op.19: 3. Rondo. Molto allegro

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor, Op.37: 1. Allegro con brio
Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor, Op.37: 2. Largo
Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor, Op.37: 3. Rondo. Allegro
Piano Concerto No.4 In G, Op.58: 1. Allegro moderato
Piano Concerto No.4 In G, Op.58: 2. Andante con moto
Piano Concerto No.4 In G, Op.58: 3. Rondo. Vivace

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat, Op.73 'Emperor': 1. Allegro
Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat, Op.73 'Emperor': 2. Adagio un poco mosso
Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat, Op.73 'Emperor': 3. Rondo. Allegro
Triple Concerto For Piano, Violin And Cello In C, Op.56: 1. Allegro
Triple Concerto For Piano, Violin And Cello In C, Op.56: 2. Largo
Triple Concerto For Piano, Violin And Cello In C, Op.56: 3. Rondo alla Polacca

Amazon.com

Claudio Arrau played with seriousness of purpose that could make other pianists seem like dilettantes and with respect for the composer's score that bordered on veneration. He had nothing but scorn for pianists who played the opening of Beethoven's Opus 111 with two hands instead of one because there were fewer risks. If something was technically difficult, Arrau assumed that the composer had written it that way because the difficulties had an expressive value that it was the interpreter's duty to find.

Arrau's devotion to Beethoven is memorialized by this budget-priced, 14-CD collection of his recordings, mostly from the 1960s, of the composer's 32 sonatas, five concertos (with Bernard Haitink conducting the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam), and most important sets of variations. His Beethoven is not always successful. His sometimes ponderous seriousness keeps early works, such as the Sonata No. 3 and the Concerto No. 2, from smiling, and his lack of spontaneity makes the whimsy in Sonata No. 26 and the "Diabelli Variations" sound labored. But in the composer's weightiest works, Arrau can produce revelations. Certainly, no one plays Sonata No. 32 better. The first movement sounds like thunder that comes ever closer and the finale's chains of trills, played with exquisite finish and expressive perfection, transport the listener to a higher realm. If Arrau could be single-minded in his devotion to the composer's score, he also believed that music could encompass everything. When Arrau was at his best--as he frequently is in this set--it does. --Stephen Wigler

Customer Reviews:

The one collection I cannot imagine being without.......2007-01-30

It would be absurd to recommend recommending one Beethoven cycle to the exclusion of all others, yet it is Arrau's cycle to which I repeatedly return, despite some flaws mentioned by other reviewers.

They are flaws which can be forgiven. Scherzi which would be brimming with mirth & vitality in the hands of others may come up short, but it is more than compensated for by the revelations to be found as Arrau explores every aspect of Beethoven at his most profound. There always seems to be something new to be discovered. Flabby? It is hard to imagine how someone could come to this conclusion.

Even the sound quality for recordings dating back into the 1960's has been remastered so as to be acceptable to all but the most spoiled of listeners, who apparently are satisfied only with the most seamless homogenized studio sound. Those who can't get past the slightly imperfect sound quality are focusing on the wrong details.

If the greatness of the performance were not enough, the price should be enough to convince any serious music lover to add these to a CD collection. One cannot overstate how rewarding this collection will be to anyone who does not yet know the artistry of Arrau.

MASTERY.......2007-01-26

One man's viewpoint: Arrau amazes me as he sets the notes down with such clean deliberation! Total command. No matter how fast Beethoven is charging along. And as Arrau gets every note, we find the real Beethoven genius shining through - after all, as raw material, this is some of the finest piano music anywhere. Of course, this playing delivers passion and heart-and-soul communication too. And a sense of commitment and strength.
I suggest this set - with about nine stars! Mastery in art. *** For a lighter, more joyful touch - and great tone - ALSO get hold of O'Conor's set of the 32. I suggest this set - with about nine stars!

Magisterial... mystical.......2006-11-03

I've been listening to Beethoven's sonatas for fifty years and have heard all of them by some, and some of them by all the available recorded performers. Overall, Claudio Arrau is my favorite interpreter of the sonatas. To me he has an inner affinity with Beethoven that is uncanny. Beethoven was a man of great character. And that greatness, detached from his person in the form of musical ideas, enters the listener through intermediaries such as Arrau. When it is done right, it works a sort of righteous therapy, and makes the listener a better person for the hearing.

Arrau describes Beethoven's greatness in his essay "Thoughts on Beethoven" in the 33 1/3 Philips LP edition. "Beethoven has always stood for the spirit of man victorious. His message of endless stuggle concluding in the victory of renewal and spiritual rebirth...his life was an existential fight for survival...In the sense that he mastered both his life and his art to reach the ultimate heights of creation and transfiguration, he will last as long as man's spirit to prevail lasts on this earth." Part of the greatness of Beethoven's character came from his ability to be intimately close and at the same time at an infinite distance above his listener. Arrau possesses this same character, and his qualities as a man and artist are why he is able to so aptly render the greatness of Beethoven.

A book titled "Conversations with Arrau" was written by Joseph Horowitz to celebrate the artists's 80th birthday in 1982. I've only read the extracts published with the Philips edition, but there is enough information to get a feel for Arrau's character. He guarded the purity of his environment. He shunned parties and avoided small talk. He never drank or smoked, never learned to drive a car, boil an egg, or even operate a phonograph. His only hobby was gardening. Horowitz describes him as the embodiment of the nineteenth-century model of the artist as solitary, suffering hero. He was small (5'6") and frail, but in 1982 at age 80 he was still playing more that 70 concerts a season.

Rather than launch a discussion of his individual works (this has been done admirably by many of the reviewers) I will remark on just a few. I never properly appreciated the Fourth and the Seventh Sonatas until I heard Arrau's reading of these works. His Fourth takes 31 minutes, 30 seconds. Annie Fischer, another great interpreter of Beethoven, plays it in 27 minutes, 30 seconds. And Ms. Fischer does not play at a hurried tempo.

Yes, Arrau plays the sonatas at a slower tempo than any other interpreter. He also achieves a mystical quality in his interpretations that is unmatched. The second movement of the Seventh comes in at 10 min, 30 seconds. It is the greatest 10 1/2 minutes of piano music ever conceived. When interpreted by Arrau it becomes a microcosm of Beethoven's life and work. The second movement of the Appassionata is a sacred hymn.

Arrau's five piano concertos are splendid. I've heard no other renditions of the concertos with slow movements that equal Arrau's. No one plays the middle movements with his expressiveness and sense of the numinous. And his rendition of the "Eroica Variations" is on a par with the top few recordings of this piece.

If you have any interest in Beethoven, at whatever level, this bargain is outstanding.

Beethoven + Arrau = Divinity.......2006-10-29

If you love Beethoven, Arrau's interpretation will certainly be a joyful addition to your classical music collection. For me, his is the definitive Beethoven.

Though some will likely disagree, I have listened to many other great pianists' recordings of Beethoven sonatas, and they are great (don't get me wrong). Yet Arrau is unique in his ability to bring to light subtleties in the melodies that no one else can, and these often turn out to be the most enlightening and resonant of passages. His Op. 111 is indeed unparalleled, and his recording of the 2nd movement is one of my favorite pieces in the world. On top of that, his rendition of the Moonlight Sonata, his Waldstein, his Concertos, every recording on this boxed set is a testament to the depth Arrau worked diligently and consciously to achieve; depth that transcends technical showmanship and for the intuitive listener can certainly elicit fleeting glimpses of divine ecstasy.

At any price, it's a steal - beauty of this magnitude is all too rare.

Beethoven himself would be proud........2006-06-19

This is a masterpiece. Don't listen to the one negative review, as this guy is tone deaf. This compilation of Beethoven's music is a treasure to behold. A bargain at twice the price, this is well worth the money. Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!

Paganini for Two / Gil Shaham, Goran Sollscher

Average customer rating:

A great CD
Epochal Paganini
Aristocratic Playing
passion in a cage
Glad to see Paganini's guitar music isn't being neglected.

Paganini for Two / Gil Shaham, Goran Sollscher

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Paganini: Violin Concertos
Duos for Violin & Guitar

ASIN: B000001GJB
Release Date: 1994-03-15

Tracks:

Sonata Concertata For Violin And Guitar In A Major, M.S. 2: Allegro Spiritoso
Sonata Concertata For Violin And Guitar In A Major, M.S. 2: Adagio, Assai Espressivo
Sonata Concertata For Violin And Guitar In A Major, M.S. 2: Rondeau. Allegretto Con Brio, Scherzando
Sei Sonate M.S. 27 (Op. 3) For Violin And Guitar: Sonata No. 1 In A Major: Larghetto
Sei Sonate M.S. 27 (Op. 3) For Violin And Guitar: Sonata No. 1 In A Major: Presto Variato - Variazione
Sei Sonate M.S. 27 (Op. 3) For Violin And Guitar: Sonata No. 1 In A Major: Andante Largo
Sei Sonate M.S. 27 (Op. 3) For Violin And Guitar: Sonata No. 1 In A Major: Allegretto
Sei Sonate M.S. 27 (Op. 3) For Violin And Guitar: Sonata No. 6 In E Minor: Andante
Sei Sonate M.S. 27 (Op. 3) For Violin And Guitar: Sonata No. 6 In E Minor: Allegro Vivo E Spiritsos - Minore
Grand Sonata M.S. 3 For Violin And Guitar In A Major: Romance. Piu tosto Largo, Amorosamente
Centone Di Sonate M.S. 112 For Violin And Guitar: Lettera A: Sonata No. 2 In D Major: Adagio Cantabile
Centone Di Sonate M.S. 112 For Violin And Guitar: Lettera A: Sonata No. 2 In D Major: Rondoncino. Andantino, Tempo Di Placca - Minore
Centone Di Sonate M.S. 112 For Violin And Guitar: Lettera A: Sonata No. 2 In A Major: Adagio Cantabile
Centone Di Sonate M.S. 112 For Violin And Guitar: Lettera A: Sonata A Major: Rondo. Andantino, Allegretto-Minore-Maggiore
Cantabile M.S. 109 For Violin And Guitar (Pianoforte) In D Major
Introduction And Variations On 'Dal Tuo Stellato Soglio' From Rossini's Mose (Sonata A Preghiera) M.S. 23: Introduction. Adagio
Introduction And Variations On 'Dal Tuo Stellato Soglio' From Rossini's Mose (Sonata A Preghiera) M.S. 23: Theme. Tempo Alla Marcia
Introduction And Variations On 'Dal Tuo Stellato Soglio' From Rossini's Mose (Sonata A Preghiera) M.S. 23: Var. I
Introduction And Variations On 'Dal Tuo Stellato Soglio' From Rossini's Mose (Sonata A Preghiera) M.S. 23: Var. II Vigoroso
Introduction And Variations On 'Dal Tuo Stellato Soglio' From Rossini's Mose (Sonata A Preghiera) M.S. 23: Var. III
Introduction And Variations On 'Dal Tuo Stellato Soglio' From Rossini's Mose (Sonata A Preghiera) M.S. 23: Finale
Moto Perpetuo (Allegro Vivace A Movimento Perpetuo) M.S. 72 (Op. 11), For Violin And Guitar In C Major

Customer Reviews:

A great CD.......2006-02-02

This collection of Paganini's music has it all. Great playing from both soloists, full of passion and presence, great recording, well balanced - a must for this kind of music and great pieces, all coming to life by Gil Shaham.

Epochal Paganini.......2005-08-09

This disc is a landmark in the history of Paganini performing.Gil Shaham's flawless technique simply makes the music shine in all its virtuosistic brilliance.Shaham's light-hearted approach to the music gives the pieces on this CD a level of warmth and intimacy that is hard to find in any other recording of Paganini works.The only draw-back to this recording is the fragmentary performance of the Grand Sonata.The CD is only barely over 60 minutes long and there is still plenty of place for the 2 remaining movements to fill in.But most of all,it is the marvellous playing from both Shaham and Gollscher that stuns any listener and make them hunger for more.

Aristocratic Playing.......2002-03-04

This is a delightful cd that still sets the standard for these varied violin/guitar pieces even though they were recorded in November '92. Gil Shaham plays with an aristocratic charm that makes every piece sound so refreshing and witty; he has imbued into these Paganini works the purest violin tones and cleanest approach of everyone who has tackled the same works including Monica Huggett's recordings on Harmonia Mundi and the inexpensive Naxos recordings. Indeed while listening to both Huggett's and Shaham's interpretations of the "Sonata Concertata", I prefer the latter simply because it is so much more refined; Huggett's playing seems more raw and less polished even though there may appear to be more energy. Huggett plays the piece as if it was a Baroque Miniature Masterpiece; Shaham plays it in the Classical Mold full of romance and feeling- imparting a greater degree of mystery and spirituality. Shaham makes every note sound just right and no quips with the interpretation; his refinement of technique reminds me of a young Arthur Grumiaux but with a even greater sense of mastery and control.

It is an interesting fact that Paganini wrote over 100 solo pieces for the guitar even though he is now known primarily for his violin works. Paganini is believed to have used the guitar as the instrument of choice during composition. Although his guitar pieces do not approach the virtuosic exuberance of the more famous violin counterparts such as the "24 Caprices", they define an intimate and private Paganini; one who indulges in a more relaxed and quiet setting- away from the fireworks of the stage performances. However make no mistake- many of these pieces from this recording are meant to be played with a lot of fire and splendid bowtapping such as the "Moto Perpetuo" (the last selection) and Shaham's rhythmic attack never slackens even in the most demanding passages.

"Paganini for Two" on first glance sounds like any other recording made especially for background dinner music (even the tiny sticker on the packaging highlights this point!)but there is a lot of lyrical refinement for even the serious Paganini collector and classical music lover. A number of Sonatas are included although at times the guitar plays a lesser role. I would have preferred to see the entire "Grand Sonata" appear in this recording but only the "Romance" from it- a very short four and a half minute piece is included. The rest of the programme if not generous is still varied and interesting- stretching slightly over 60 minutes.

All this talk of Shaham certainly does not detract from the wonderful accompaniment provided by veteran guitarist Goran Sollscher who was known previously for his luminous recordings of the Bach Lute suites (also on DG)and refreshing interpretations of even the music of the Beatles! You can hear every one of Sollscher's notes and this partnership is certainly a very successful one. To cap it all off, the sound is crystal clear with a lot of depth and proper soundstaging. The violin and guitar sound very holographic and on a good hi-fi equipment, this disc can be worthy of demonstration material.

A Solid 5 Star Recommendation? You bet!

passion in a cage.......2000-03-22

I wonder what the musicians on this record could do, if they really let themselves go! Here we have so much brilliant skill, and Shaham & Söllcher could easily exchange a bit of it for some rage and tears. Then it should have been a six star rating on this record!

Glad to see Paganini's guitar music isn't being neglected........1999-07-09

Among the "big three" of classical writers for guitar (Sor, Giuliani, Paganini), Paganini seems to me best at integrating the guitar in chamber ensembles. Not that his guitar-violin relationship is static in these duets. In the Sonata Concertante, for example, the instruments are almost equal partners, with the guitar slightly upstage. In the six sonatas, the guitar merely provides accompaniment.

The common denominator is the likeability of this music, with little or none of the bravura writing for which Paganini is best known. In fact, among the three composers for the guitar above-mentioned, Paganini seems to me the most straight-ahead and guitaristic.

It's interesting to see Sollscher tackle this material, since he's best-known for his solo Bach transcriptions on his custom 11-string. Totally different -- and totally entrancing.

Tracks:

Allegro
Adagio
Menuetto: Allegretto
Prestissimo
Allegro Vivace
Largo appassionato
Scherzo: Allegretto
Grazioso
Allegro con brio
Adagio
Scherzo And Trio: Allegro
Assai Allegro

Tracks:

Allegro molto e con brio
Adagio Molto
Finale: Prestissimo
Allegro
Allegretto
Presto
Presto
Largo e mesto
Menuetto: Allegro
Rondo: Allegro

Tracks:

Allegro molto e con brio
Largo, con grand' espressione
Allegro
Rondo: Poco allegretto e grazioso
Allegro
Allegretto
Rondo: Allegro comodo
Grave, Molto allegro e con brio
Adagio cantabile
Rondo: Allegro

Tracks:

Allegro
Andante
Scherzo: Assai allegro
Allegro con brio
Adagio con molto espressione
Menuetto
Rondo: Allegretto
Andante con Variazioni
Scherzo: Allegro molto
Marcia funebre (Sulla morte d'un Eroe)
Allegro

Tracks:

Andante, Allegro, Andante
Allegro molto vivace
Adagio con espressione
Allegro vivace
Adagio sostenuto
Allegretto
Presto agitato
Allegro
Andante
Scherzo: Allegro vivace
Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo

Tracks:

Allegro vivace
Adagio grazioso
Rondo: Allegretto
Largo, Allegretto, Allegro
Adagio
Allegretto
Allegro
Scherzo: Allegretto vivace
Menuetto: Moderato e grazioso
Presto con fuoco

Tracks:

Allegro con brio
Introduzione: Adagio molto
Rondo: Allegretto moderato
In tempo d'un Menuetto
Allegretto
Allegro assai
Andante con moto
Allegro non troppo

Tracks:

Andante
Rondo: Allegro
Allegro ma non troppo
Tempo di Menuetto
Adagio cantabile; Allegro ma non troppo
Allegro vivace
Presto alla tedesca
Andante
Vivace
Adagio: Allegro (Les Adieux)
Andante espressivo (L'Absence)
Vivacissimamente (Le Retour)
Vivaciously And With Feeling And Expression Throughout
Not Too Quickly And Very Songfully

Tracks:

Somewhat Lively And With Deepest Feeling
Lively. March Tempo
Slow And Yearning; Tempo Of The First movement; Swiftly, But Not Too, And With Determination
Allegro
Scherzo: Assai vivace
Adagio sostenuto
Largo; Fuga; Allegro risoluto

Tracks:

Vivace, ma non troppo, Adagio espressivo
Prestissimo
Tema; Molto cantabile & espressivo; Variazioni I-VI
Moderato cantabile, molto espressivo
Allego molto
Adagio ma non troppo; Arioso dolente; Fuga; Allegro, ma non troppo; L'istesso tempo di Arioso; L'inversione della Fuga
Maestoso, Allegro con brio ed appassionato
Arietta; Adagio molto semplice e cantabile

Amazon.com essential recording

It's interesting that the great Beethoven sonata cycles are seldom the ones by the big-name virtuosos. Horowitz never attempted one. Neither did Rubinstein. Ashkenazy recorded them all, but with only partial success. Richter never managed all 32 works at one time, and Gilels died before completing his cycle. The most successful complete recordings--Schnabel, Kempff, Arrau, and Backhaus--are all by pianists with a solidly intellectual mindset, however powerful their technique. Goode joins this select company, turning in performances of uncompromising integrity and musical strength. Of course, his reputation as a musician's musician precedes him: here is a player sensitive to Beethoven's every nuance, presenting the composers thoughts with exemplary clarity and taste. This is the the Beethoven cycle for the '90s. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Beautifully musical.......2007-05-04

I have been thoroughly enjoying Goode's recordings, not because they are the most precise or powerful of the recordings (Perahia and Gilels are in my opinion the real stand-outs under those criteria), but rather because they are beautifully musical. Most of the pianists who have published recordings of Beethoven's piano sonatas are technically proficient enough to do a passable job, but not all of the recordings are actually interesting to listen to. From this perspective, Goode's recordings are among my favorite.

The earlier the composition the better the playing.......2007-04-25

Richard Goode's Beethoven sonata traversal is impressive, no doubt about that. His technique is clean and his attention to dynamics and other score markings is impeccable. Goode emphasizes the classicism of the composition, and to the extent that the sonatas are strictly classical (100% correspondence through #21, opus 53, the "Waldstein")

Oddly, perhaps, I listened to this complete sonata set in reverse, starting with opus 111 and ending with opus 2. This way of hearing the evolution of the sonatas in reverse gave me a certain perspective on the issue of classical versus nonclassical (Romantic, content no longer matched equally with form) that sort of jumped out at me. As structures and compositional methods simplified (in backwards time) the essence of Beethoven's thinking became more clear, making the earliest sonatas seem more powerful and intense than they usually tend to be. (Or maybe it is Goode's playing of them, after all.)

The three sonatas that make up opus 2 (f minor, A major, C major) have probably never been played or thought through so well as in this set. The excellence continues unmitigated through sonata #21 (the "Waldstein"). In fact, Goode's rendering of the "Waldstein" is as good as it gets and, as it were, knocked my socks clean off technically (blazing speed with clarity) and interpretively. Other great Beethoven players such as Rudolf Serkin, Kempff, Arrau, and Barenboim may bring this or that in varying degrees to the table, but none has any overall advantage over Goode for sonatas #1 through #21. Then, to my mind, things change. The playing remains clean and highly literal to the