J.S. Bach: Chorale Preludes (Yale Manuscript)

On this CD:

1. Chorale prelude for organ ("Herzlich lieb hab ich dich, o Herr"), BWV 1115
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

2. Chorale prelude for organ ("Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"), BWV 1100
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

3. Chorale prelude for organ ("Wir glauben all an einen Gott"), BWV 1098
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

4. Chorale prelude for organ ("O Lamm Gottes unschuldig"), BWV 1095
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

5. Chorale prelude for organ ("Das alte Jahr vergangen ist"), BWV 1091
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

6. Chorale prelude for organ ("Christus, der ist mein Leben"), BWV 1112
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

7. Chorale prelude for organ ("Nun lasset uns den Leib begraben"), BWV 1111
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

8. Chorale prelude for organ ("Als Jesus Christus in der Nacht"), BWV 1108
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

9. Chorale prelude for organ ("Wenn dich Unglück tut greifen an"), BWV 1104
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

10. Chorale prelude for organ ("Christ, der du bist der helle Tag"), BWV 1120
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

11. Chorale prelude for organ ("Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir"), BWV 1099
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

12. Chorale prelude for organ ("Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort"), BWV 1103
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

13. Chorale prelude for organ ("Du Friedenfürst, Herr Jesu Christ"), BWV 1102
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

14. Chorale prelude for organ ("O Herre Gott, dein göttlich's Wort"), BWV 1110
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

15. Chorale prelude for organ ("Alle Menschen müssen sterben"), BWV 1117
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

16. Chorale prelude for organ ("O Jesu, wie ist dein Gestalt"), BWV 1094
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

17. Chorale prelude for organ ("Herr Jesu Christ, du höchstes Gut"), BWV 1114
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

18. Chorale prelude for organ ("Ach Gott und Herr"), BWV 714
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

19. Chorale prelude for organ ("Jesu, meines Lebens Leben"), BWV 1107
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

20. Chorale prelude for organ ("Jesu, meine Freude"), BWV 1105
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

21. Chorale prelude for organ ("Gott ist mein Heil, mein Hilf und Trost"), BWV 1106
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

22. Chorale prelude for organ ("Wir Christenleut"), BWV 1090
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

23. Chorale prelude for organ ("Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan"), BWV 1116
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

24. Chorale prelude for organ ("Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen"), BWV 1093
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

25. Chorale prelude for organ ("Werde munter, mein Gemüte"), BWV 1118
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

26. Chorale fugue for organ ("Machs mit mir Gott nach deiner Güt"), BWV 957
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

27. Chorale prelude for organ ("Ich hab mein Sach Gott heimgestellt"), BWV 1113
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

28. Chorale prelude for organ ("Ehre sei dir, Christe, der du leidest Not"), BWV 1097
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

29. Chorale prelude for organ ("Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt"), BWV 1101
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

30. Chorale prelude for organ ("Herr Gott, nun schleuss den Himmel auf"), BWV 1092
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

31. Chorale prelude for organ ("Christ, der du bist Tag und Licht"), BWV 1096
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

32. Chorale prelude for organ ("Wie nach einer Wasserquelle"), BWV 1119
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

33. Chorale prelude for organ ("Ach Gott, tu dich erbarmen"), BWV 1109
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Joseph Payne

Customer Reviews:

Horowitz: A Digital Legacy.......2004-11-15

This set includes all of the recordings Vladimir Horowitz did for Deutsche Grammophon in the 1980s, including his historical concert in Moscow.

While the context of his return in Moscow is moving, the studio recordings are simply wonderful. The sound quality is impeccable. The Steinway piano sounds warm but yet crisp and sharp. Horowitz still has plenty of power, and if you don't have a good sound system, you will notice that your speakers will literally fail, due to the overwhelming wall of sound that Horowitz creates in the intense parts.

The tender moments are just as exciting, as they are enhanced by the very quiet and clear digital recording process. Liszt's Standchen and Mozart's Piano Concerto No 23 are only two of a myriad of highlights contained on this boxed set. Having these high quality digital recordings of this piano legend is a blessing that you can't afford to miss. And at this price, it's simply irresistible.

Tracks:

Concerto For Two Trumpets, 1687: Allegro
Abdelazer: Rondeau
Who Can From Joy Refrain?: A Prince Of Glorious Race
The Morning: The Glitt'ring Sun
The Ephesian Matron, Or The Widow's Tears: Vaudeville
Magnificat In G
Libera Nos
Cantigas de amigo: My Love's Coming Home
My Lady, You Do Great Wrong
Locus iste
Symphony No 14 In A: Tempo di Minuetto
Symphony No 94 In G (The 'Surprise' Symphony): Finale
Gymnopedie No. 1: Gymnopedie No. 1 (Orchestrated By Debussy)
Liederkreis op. 39: Waldesgesprach
Album Leaf In Waltz Form
Prelude And Fugue In A, Op. 87, No. 7
Phil The Fluter's Ball
Piano Concerto In C Sharp Minor, Op. 30: Allegro
O salutaris hostia
Da quel sembiante, D. 688, No. 3
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 5, No. 5: Vivace
Clarinet Quartet No 1 In E Flat, Op. 2: Rondo
String Sextet In A, Op. 48: Furiant
Sherzo In A minor, Op. 81, No. 2
Come You, Mary, Op. 21, No. 2
Chorale Prelude 'Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g' mein'
Deus in adiutorium
Sortie In E Flat

Customer Reviews:

A MUST BUY!!!.......2001-03-03

If I had to choose one CD to spend a month locked in isolation with, this would be the one. Its varied but it flows well together. It's restive and soothing. The quality is beyond excellent!!! At the price, anyone is a fool not to own it, and give it lavishly as gifts. Its gorgeous, lush and fabulous! Everyone that hears it in our home, falls in love with it!

Great music, Excellent Value!.......2000-07-26

Rarely can one buy so much good music for so little. This compilation features almost 80 minutes of high quality music.

This truly is essential!.......1999-10-23

What a brilliant idea from one of our leading record companies! On this disc, they have assembled a programme of highlights from their vast collection of choral, vocal, orchestral, and solo instrumental music that is very satisfying. As with most CDs of this sort, it is a case of some tracks not appealing as much as others- I for instance am a lover of choral music so the gorgeous renditions of Stanford's "Magnificat" by St. Paul's Cathedral Choir or John Sheppard's divine motet "Libera Nos" by the Sixteen are obvious preferences of mine. However, whether you seek dyed-in-the-wool orchestral classics as Haydn's "Surprise" Symphony, less familiar works performed by period artists (such as "'E irei Madr'a Vigo" by ancient Spanish composer Martin Codax), or snippets of breathtaking instrumental solos (such as the rousing performance of Lefebure-Wely's "Sortie in E flat" which is sadly only an excerpt), this disc is bound to have something on it for you. And all of it is finely recorded.

Legendary Busoni Recordings / Paul Jacobs

Average customer rating:

Pianism and musicianship for the ages
Unique artistry
Paul Jacobs. In memoriam!
Sometimes wishes do become true...
Superb, insightful playing

Legendary Busoni Recordings / Paul Jacobs
J.S. Bach , Bela Bartok , and Johannes Brahms
Manufacturer: Arbiter
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
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Paul Jacobs in Recital
Busoni: Piano Concerto
Debussy: Etudes for Piano, Books I & II; En blanc et noir
Debussy: Images; Estampes
Debussy: Préludes for Piano, Books 1 & 2

ASIN: B00004W1KS
Release Date: 2000-07-25

Amazon.com

Paul Jacobs, who died of AIDS in 1983, was a pianist of wide interests and prodigious abilities. He never made much of a solo career, but he became widely known for his contemporary music performances and his work with the New York Philharmonic. Fortunately, he was enlisted to make a series of recordings for the Nonesuch LP label. Unfortunately, Nonesuch has ignored most of them during the CD era. This collection, three complete LPs on two CDs, focuses on the music and transcriptions of Ferruccio Busoni, which is an acquired taste. Busoni had a fascinating mind, but you have to enjoy slithery chromatic harmonies to like most of his music--an exception is the wonderful Sonatina, based on themes from Bizet's Carmen. Jacobs had the sensibility and the technique to do justice to this difficult music. But many listeners may be even more impressed with his playing of etudes by Stravinsky, Bartók, and Messiaen, which is thoroughly brilliant and very exciting. Reviving these recordings must have been a real labor of love for the Arbiter label, but the artistic results certainly justify the efforts, and even the 1970s recorded sound holds up well. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Pianism and musicianship for the ages.......2007-03-12

The Busoni sets are probably what most people will be looking for on these discs, and they are wonderful examples of the articulate, lucid, imaginative, and colorful playing of the great Paul Jacobs. But the Etudes recordings for Nonesuch were on the leading edge of the piano frontier during the 1970's, and have never been surpassed. The frighteningly difficult Bartok Etudes as recorded here are on a level that has never even been approached, anytime, anyplace! This is really a 'legendary' performance.

Unique artistry.......2006-11-07

Paul Jacobs was a pioneering artist during a period in which young upstart labels such as Nonesuch were challenging the rather homogenized classical piano market (Serkin, Horowitz, Rubenstein). For a comparison, try listening to his rendition of Bach-Busoni's "Nun komm der Heiden Heiland" in comparison with Horowitz's recording of the same piece. While the latter plays perfectly well, Jacobs restrained tempo works to convey brilliantly the tenseness and expectancy that the music seeks to convey. A stroke of genius! Jacobs recordings of Debussy's etudes are also pure magic.

Paul Jacobs. In memoriam!.......2006-08-14

This was perhaps the best achievement in the life of this singular pianist. Paul Jacobs died early, but these rewarding recordings conveyed many people (as well as John Ogdon) to put more attention the prestige and stature of Ferrucio Busoni.

Certainly, I don' t know about any other pianists so committed with these Sonatinas, that deserved him so many praised comments in the eighties through that well known label: Nonesuch.

If you really love Busoni 's craft, then go for this emblematic album.

Sometimes wishes do become true..........2001-02-18

I've had the black-vinyl recordings from Nonesuch since, at least, my college days, and I'd included these performances on my CD-purchase wish-list ever since I started collecting silver, expecting realistically to find only a bit of this repertory. I was astonished to find this 2-disk collection of *all* of Jacobs' Busoni sonatinas, plus the etudes by Bartok, Messiaen, Stravinsky, *and* the Bach-Busoni and Brahms-Busoni chorale preludes. These last two groups are worth the price of the set by themselves. As I recall, the sound of the Brahms-Busoni was, on the old Nonesuch LP, pretty dark and colorless... That's been somehow wonderfully rectified on this CD reissue. Jacobs' playing of the chorale preludes is magical, probably the best recorded to-date (I've heard rumors of a recital of the Bach-Busoni by John Ogdon on Altarus, but that's apparently never been released). The Busoni sonatinas are authoritative, and Jacobs reaches the depths of this sometimes-simple, sometimes-perplexing music to reveal it fully. The groups of etudes, some of the most difficult 20th-Century piano writing, and certainly some of the most explorative, are performed nearly perfectly. If you have any curiosity about XX-Cent piano literature, buy this disk-set! Essential for pianophiles and lovers of Bach, Busoni, Brahms, Bartok, et al.

Superb, insightful playing.......2000-10-24

It's good to know that these fine recordings, long worn out in my LP versions, are finally available on CD. Congratulations to the Arbiter label for making them available to a new generation of music lovers. Jacobs' playing is accomplished on all levels--his incredible velocity, his smoothness, and his gorgeous touch are evident throughout. But the emotional intensity, particularly in the Bach-Busoni and Brahms-Busoni, is what carries these recordings into a very different realm. Busoni's mysticism is too rarefied for many performers, but Jacobs thrives in this atmosphere. Both Bach and Brahms emerge from these recordings in a different light, filtered through Busoni's genius and Jacobs' deep comprehension. They sound intensely modern, daring, and--most wonderful--completely fresh. Jacobs' recordings of Bartok, Messiaen, and Stravinsky are also revelations. The sound transfer is marvelous--all of Jacobs' crispness and warmth is there, with an element of thrill that was missing on the LPs. Buy this recording!

Average customer rating:

Collection of Reflective Songs
The Quiet side of Horowitz
Horowitz Plays Popular Classics

Vladimir Horowitz: A Reminiscence

Manufacturer: Sony Classical
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005M0LL
Release Date: 2001-07-17

Tracks:

Impromptu in G flat, Op.90 No.3
Waltz in c#, Op.64 No.2
Prld in b, Op.28 No.6: Lento Assai
Prld in D flat, Op.28 No.15: Sostenuto
Son in D, K.491 (L.164): Allegro
Orgel-Buchlein, BWV 639: Chorale Prld: 'Ich Ruf' Zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ'
Mazurka in e, Op.41, No.2: Andantino
Prld in g#, Op.32
'Moonlight' Son: I. Adagio Sostenuto
Moments Musicaux, Op.16, No.3
Consolation in E, R.12, No.2
Feuillet D'Album, Op.45 No.1: Andante Piacevole
Etude in A flat, Op.8 No.8: Lento (Tempo Rubato)
Feuillet D'Album, Op.58: Con Delicatezza
Prlds, Book II: VII. La Terrasse Des Audiences Du Clair De Lune: Lent
Prlds, Book II: V. Bruyeres. Calme
Kinderszenen, Op.15: Von Fremden Landern Und Menschen
Kinderszenen, Op.15: Traumerei

Amazon.com

This compilation, taken from live and studio recordings of the 1960s and '70s, is described as a selection of pieces especially beloved by both Horowitz and his audiences. They are largely popular fare, none longer than six and a half minutes, some less than two. All are originally for piano, except Busoni's arrangement of a Bach Chorale Prelude; all are complete works except the first movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. Arranged arbitrarily without regard to chronology, stylistic unity, or contrast of tempo, the program resembles encore pieces performed according to the artist's whim, perhaps to create the illusion of spontaneous choice.

However, the record's variety showcases one of the greatest pianists of his or any other time from every angle of his multifaceted artistry, and the selections include many composers with whom Horowitz was closely associated. A Scarlatti Sonata displays his pristine, crisp touch and rock-steady rhythm. Two Debussy Preludes are a swash of colors. A Liszt Study has feathery delicacy. The Moonlight sings with such moving simplicity that one wishes he had played the whole sonata. His Schubert, Chopin, and Schumann are lovely and poetic, but sometimes a bit overdone. Schumann's "Träumerei" is so dreamy that it almost goes to sleep. Perhaps closest to his heart and best suited to his pianistic and musical style are two Rachmaninoff and three Scriabin pieces. All are slow and very romantic, impressionist, improvisatory, rhetorical, and passionate. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Collection of Reflective Songs.......2002-02-18

This CD is a great collection because all the songs fit together to create one mood. These songs show how well Horowitz plays the more reflective and relaxing pieces. I would give it five stars, except I was disappointed to find the live pieces have a constant coughing in the background. It's not too noticable unless you are listening for it or using headphones. It's still a very worthwhile CD if you don't already have a Horowitz collection.

The Quiet side of Horowitz.......2001-12-18

Not Another Horowitz disc? one may be entitled to exclaim. For
there are many CDs available by this titan, repackaged under various titles such as 'Horowitz: A Tribute' and 'Horowitz: The Indispensable'. Horowitz is remembered foremost for his WHAM BHAM THUMP trickle BAM BOOM tickle HWAAAIYAH ~ahhhh~ type playing and most Horowitz-collection albums reflect this. But this CD is different. There is no flash. There are none of his Liszt-Revisited show stoppers. As such, the title is misleading - for a reminiscence of Horowitz would surely involve some reference to his bombastic playing. A more appropriate title for the gathering of pieces here would be 'Horowitz: Tamed by Age' Listening to these pieces makes one realise that Horowitz was equally at home in slow, quiet pieces as he was in fast, fortissimo music. Take, for example, the Traumerei by Schumann. He doesn't make it sound like a 'dream' but makes it sound more like a simple resignation. The phrasing of the moonlight sonata (he later stated that he thought it should be played much faster but was too much of a 'coward' to record it so!) is superb. Also found are a couple of Scriabin pieces, which Volodos plays as encores these days. All in all, a valuable release worth investigating.

Horowitz Plays Popular Classics.......2001-07-26

"To be more than a virtuoso, you must first be a virtuoso." Ferruccio Busoni

Although this CD of previously released material is being promoted as a companion to the video documentary "Vladimir Horowitz--a Reminiscence," there is little connection between the two. Rather than release a CD of pieces which Horowitz was heard playing in the film, Sony has instead chosen to release an album of "popular" piano classics. Most of the pieces on this CD are relaxed and contemplative, and there is none of Horowitz trademark diabolical virtuosity here. Nevertheless, his years with Columbia Masterworks (now Sony Classical) were fruitful ones, and the pianist won the majority of his Grammys while under contract to that label from 1962 to 1973.

Horowitz was never considered one of Schubert's greatest interpreters, but this performance of the G-flat Impromptu is notable for the pianist's uncanny ability to balance the melody against the flowing accompaniment, and for its natural phrasing and tonal beauty.

The Chopin pieces are from various Horowitz albums, including some live material. Although the playing is uniformly outstanding, one wishes Sony had included more Mazurkas, a form in which Horowitz excelled. (At 62 minutes, there would have been room for at least two more.) Early on, Horowitz was lauded for his interpretations of the music of Rachmaninoff, his friend and mentor. The two brief pieces here, recorded live in 1968, are played with characteristic brooding melancholy. The LP from which these works were taken won Horowitz one of his many Grammys.

Two of the three Scriabin pieces here are from Horowitz' legendary all-Scriabin LP, recorded in 1972, another Grammy winner. The third piece was recorded at the same time, but not released until 1992, despite being top-flight Horowitz and Scriabin.

Amazon.com

Busoni's transcriptions of Bach organ works are among the glories of modern piano music, and all but doctrinaire followers of authentic period practice will enjoy them. Bach's music works well on the modern piano and Busoni's transcriptions add elements of color and fantasy that, however anachronistic, are fascinating to hear. Demidenko is a Russian-trained virtuoso with a monster technique who makes child's play of these often difficult pieces. He tears into the opening Fantasie (BWV 906) with abandon, produces an affecting Adagio (BWV 968) and a firmly articulated Fugue (BWV 906), which was seamlessly completed by Busoni. The big Prelude and Fugue (BWV 532) is thrilling, and the six Choral Preludes are lovingly done. The great violin Chaconne gets a big performance, too, fitting for a piece that Busoni metamorphosed into a cornerstone of Romantic piano literature. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Busoni.......2007-01-15

I agree with the previous reviewer about the chaconne, some might find it too slow. Especially if you are used to Kissin's performance. I personally think Demidenko's more unified treatment of the variatons is refreshing. He creates contrast through deep colorful poetry, and sheer power as opposed to using many parametric changes. In my opinion this interpretation is the perfect balance of romantic power and depth with Baroque form and character. On top of the performance alone, the Fazioli piano chosen has absolutely stunning soud quality and is perfect for Busoni.

Wonderful Playing.......2002-05-22

The real gems of this disk are the Chorale Prelude transcriptions. Demidenko plays these pieces beautifully, especially Durch Adams fall ist ganz verdebt and Jesus Christus Unser Heiland. One can really appreciate the beautiful sound of the Fazioli piano in these pieces in particular. My one reservation about the chorale preludes is 'Watchet Auf'. The only recording I know of that does this justice is Angela Hewitt's recording of Bach Arrangements(Kempff also doesn't do a bad job of this). The playing doesn't quite convey the spirit of this piece.

Demidenko also does a particularly good job of the Fantasia and the Chacconne, although some might find the Chaconne a little too slow for their liking. However don't get the wrong impression, Demidenko can break into great moments of power and speed. This is Demidenko's late romantic playing at its best.

He also gives a good account of the Prelude and Fugue BWV 532, although its not up to Gilels account of the same piece. Gilels manages to create a beutiful organ like sonority from the piano, and gets the tempo just right in each part. However Demidenko's faster fugue makes for a barnstorming interpretation.

Tracks:

Partita in d: Chaconne
Sleepers Awake
Come Now, Saviour Of The Gentiles
Now Be Joyful All Ye Christians
Lord, Hear The Voice
Prld And Fugue in a: Prld
Prld And Fugue in a: Fugue
In Dolce Jubilo
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Siciliano
Sheep May Safely Graze
Ste From Partita in E: Prld
Ste From Partita in E: Gavotte
Ste From Partita in E: Gigue
Toccata And Fugue in d

Customer Reviews:

Fergus-Thompson plays Bach Transcriptions.......2000-02-07

This CD shows a great aspect of the playing of Mr. Fergus-Thompson. Although the pianist tends to over-romanticize some passages he does show an often-neglected aspect of Bach's music: it humanity. The interpretations are less virtuosic than a virtually similar recording by Alexis Weissenberg in the 1970's (which EMI ought to release as CD). The approach is reminiscent of Edwin Fischer. One problem with this release is the horrible, clunky sound of the instrument used. Steinway could certainly do better. Mr. Fergus-Thompson would have been better served by a Bosendorfer.

A fresh feeling!.......2000-02-03

I decide to buy this CD is because of i need to learn the "chaconne", but after i hear all songs on the CD. i find it is very good! Many other bach's work are trancribed by many other composers ,are very good to listen. It give me a fresh feeling of bach's work! because some people may think bach's work is boring (include me) but you can try this CD and can sure you would like it very much!

Average customer rating:

Speechless
81 Years Young
Who cares that Horowitz was past his prime?
Hear the origins of modern music -

Horowitz: The Last Romantic

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Horowitz in Moscow
Horowitz: Discovered Treasures
Horowitz At Home
Horowitz: The Last Recording
Vladimir Horowitz: The Studio Recordings - New York 1985

ASIN: B000001G76
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Chorale Prelude 'Nun komm'der Heiden Heiland': Adagio
Piano Sonata In C Major: 1. Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata In C Major: 2. Andante cantabile - Mozart
Piano Sonata In C Major: 3. Allegretto - Mozart
Mazurka In A Minor, op.17 no.4: Lento, ma non troppo
Scherzo no.1 In B Minor, op.20: Presto con fuoco
Improptu In A Flat Major, D 899 no.4 (op.90 no.4): Allegretto
Consolation no.3 In D Flat Major: Lento placido
Novellette In F Major, op.21 no.1: Markiert und kraftig
Prelude In G Sharp Minor: Allegro
Etude In C Sharp Minor, op.2 no.1: Andante
Polonaise no.6 In A Flat Major, op.53: Maestoso
Etude In F Major, op.72 no.6: Presto

Customer Reviews:

Speechless.......2007-03-06

Towards the end of his career as a pianist as well as his life, Horowitz's playing reached such peaks of wisdom and beauty that it defies any attempt at description and ultimately renders the human language completely powerless and unable to fully capture and express its vast world of ideas and feelings. On his last recordings he doesn't emerge as an elderly pianist who was sadly past his prime, but rather as a consumate musician who had reached by then the pinnacle of his art and therefore was capable of getting from his piano the most exquisite and profound statements one's able to listen to in the whole piano discography of the 20th century. He imbues his rendition of the famous Chopin's Polonaise Héroïque with so much emotional power and intellectual depth that he turns it into something like a highly condensed philosophical treatise written in poetry. Don't miss it by any chance.

81 Years Young.......2005-11-18

The career of Vladimir Horowitz had many ups and downs. When he retired after a series of disastrous concerts in 1983, very few thought he would ever play again. It was learned that Horowitz's was off his game during that time due to anti-depressant medication which affected his memory and coordination. Horowitz dropped the medications in 1984, and spent much of that year enduring withdrawal symptoms. He didn't begin practicing again until late-1984.

By 1985, he felt well enough to begin performing again, but didn't want to immediately face a live audience. It was decided that a documentary would be made, and thus "Vladimir Horowitz: The Last Romantic," filmed in the pianist's townhouse, came to fruition. The performances in this CD are taken from that film, although in some cases different takes were used.

Horowitz, 81 years young at the time, plays well here--although his performance is not quite on the same level it would be one year later at his legendary Moscow recital. The Bach-Busoni Chorale, Mozart Sonata, and Schumann Novelette reveal the playing of a grand master in sovereign command of his resources. The Bach-Busoni is especially noteworthy for Horowitz's ability to separate musical lines. The Chopin Mazurka and Liszt Consolation are wonderfully poetic, and the Rachmaninoff Prelude is appropriately brooding.

It must be admitted however, some of the more bravura pieces do not match his best playing from earlier years. The Chopin Scherzo betrays hints of frailty (although some of the tempos are astonishing), and the "Heroic" Polonaise is taken at a rather cautious tempo. Any doubt about the coordination of Horowitz's fingers, however, will be banished by the Moszkowski Etude. Lightning fast, with very little pedal, the pianist reportedly did it in one take.

The sound is rather airless and confined, but clean and focused.

Who cares that Horowitz was past his prime?.......2002-07-09

This is the sound recording of a famous video of Horowitz performing in his home. There is a great deal to love on this disk. The Bach/Busoni is tremendously beautiful. The Mozart is just wonderful as is the Chopin Mazurka.

The Scherzo shows that Horowitz was once a titan of the keyboard, but as he himself says in the video "pretty good for an old man". The resto of the program are other shorter pieces that show Horowitz's remaining strengths - his tone color, his line, his interpretive abilities.

This is a great disk to have and is an important historical disk of one of the all time great pianists even if it is in his old age. The charisma pours out and you know why he was still selling out any auditorium whenever he cared to play.

Hear the origins of modern music -.......2000-01-25

This is a phenomenal CD. First, there is the sound, this recording is crystal clear, the piano is in your listening room with you. The difference between the sound of the new digital recordings and at least some of the older recordings is like day and night.

Then there is Horowitz. Before Horowitz, I could not discern the intent of classical music. But with Horowitz, you hear not only the notes but also the intention behind the notes, it's as if Horowitz is a master operator behind the glass booth, and he controls the technical facilities necessary to produce the sound with no effort, making it bend to reflect his every nuanced emotion. With Horowitz you hear emotion and personality; is it how Mozart, or Chopin, would have played it? Who knows, could be. Maybe not, but it has a depth and complexity that brings the music to life.

And of course there is Horowitz's famous touch and technique. Fully revealed on this disc.

But it is the program that really knocks me out. The first track is a Bach Choral Prelude, which sounds like its name implies. Peaceful, reflective, and then finally moving to a heart wrenching poignancy anchored by left hand octaves. Next comes a three part Sonata by Mozart. Here we can picture a Viennese ball, with singing and dancing. Music full of exuberance and joy in the first and third sections, and calm reflection in the second, with some fairly strong opinions stated with the help of left hand octaves. This is classical music at its finest.

The hammer drops with the third selection (fifth track), Chopin's "Mazurka in A minor". The tempo is uncertain, the chords have only a few close notes, and the first phrase seems tentative and unfinished. Modern music! Completely neurotic, and in stark contrast to the Mozart that preceded it. The melancholic ruminations give way to a tranquil melodic section which is then called up short, and then repeats, and then is ended with a sharply stuck dissonance; the remainder of the piece is completely unsettled, with the dominant emotion changing every few bars. This piece could be played in a piano bar today, and reminds me of Bill Evans' "Peace Piece".

If the "Mazurka in A minor" was the anguished neurotic of modern music, the next piece, Chopin's "Scherzo in A minor", is the raving lunatic bouncing off the asylum walls. This music reflects wild abandon. Two handed banging, with ferocious runs and arpeggios. The first section is a rollercoaster ride. This music is as wild as any modern jazz, and in fact, it sounds to me (a big Coltrane fan) like Trane could have copped some of his licks from this piece. The second section is, as I understand, taken from a Polish Christmas song. This time Chopin plays it straight, a calm in the midst of the storm, a beauty you can feel. But, the storm does return before the piece ends. This may have been one of the pieces written in the aftermath of a failed love affair.

Tracks:

Italian Con, BWV 971: I. Allegro - Columbia Conc Orch/Howard Barlow
Pno Con No.20 in d, K 466: I. Allegro - Columbia Conc Orch/Howard Barlow
Pno Con No.20 in d, K 466: II. Romanze - Columbia Conc Orch/Howard Barlow
Pno Con No.20 in d, K 466: III. Allegro Assai - Columbia Conc Orch/Howard Barlow
Hungarian Rhap No.13 - New York Phil/Efrem Kurtz
Pno Con No.2 in c, Op.18: II. Adagio Sostenuto - New York Phil/Efrem Kurtz
Pno Son: I. Allegro Con Moto - Teresa Sterne
Pno Son: II. Adagietto - Teresa Sterne
Pno Son: III. Allegro Vivo - Teresa Sterne
Pno Son: IV. Allegro - Teresa Sterne

Tracks:

Ov To An English Opr, Hob 1A-3 - The Little Orch Of London/Leslie Jones
Nun Freut Euch, Lieben Christen - Paul Jacobs
Herzlich Thut Mich Verlangen - Paul Jacobs
Etude, Book II - Paul Jacobs
Five Pno Pieces, Op.23: II Sehr Rasch - Paul Jacobs
Ionisation - The New Jersey Perc Ens/Raymond DesRoches
The Ragtime Dance - Joshua Rifkin
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair - Jan DeGaetani/Gilbert Kalish
Blondel Zu Marien, D 626 - Jan DeGaetani/Gilbert Kalish
Double Con: Intro - Paul Jacobs/Gilbert Kalish
Pno Son No.2, 'Concord, Mass': III. The Alcotts - Gilbert Kalish
Wait 'Till The Sun Shines, Nellie - Joan Morris/William Bolcom
Graceful Ghost - William Bolcom
Ancient Voices Of Children: III. De Donde Vienes, Amor, Mi Nino?/IV. Todas Las Tardes En Granada... - Jan DeGaetani/Michael Dash
Nyamamusango (Meat In The Forest) - Hakurotwi Mude/Cosmas Magaya/Ephat Mujuri
Vetar Vee - Vasilka Andonova/Kremena Stancheva
Ta Shto Mi E Miloj, Mamo - Nadezhda Georgieva Klicherova/Gena Ivanova Bodenova/Nadezhda Georgieva Paleastova
Ketjak Dance - Teresa Sterne
I Big You Goodnight - Edith Pinder/Geneva Pinder/Raymond Pinder/Joseph Spence
Oyun Havasi - Teresa Sterne
Ketawang Puspawarna - Teresa Sterne

Amazon.com

The life of Teresa Sterne is as noteworthy as the label she once presided over (Nonesuch). As a child prodigy, she successfully filled world-class auditoriums in the 1940s with audiences eager to hear her piano playing. Then, inexplicably, Sterne abandoned her concert career only to resurface as the leader behind Nonesuch Records in the late 1960s, turning the budget classical label into one of the more adventurous and consistently rewarding labels around (and generally keeping quiet about her earlier fame). Half of this double-CD tribute collects recordings of a teenage Sterne at the keyboard; the second disc is devoted to some of the finest recordings from her Nonesuch tenure (1965-1979)--both are engrossing.

Tracks:

Serenade
By The Sea
Faith In Spring
Sea's Tranquillity
Eulogy Of Tears
Angel Of Beauty
The Wayside Inn
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Sleepers, Wake
Now Comes The Gentiles' Saviour
I Call On Thee, Lord
Sheep May Safely Graze
Romance Without Words, Op.17, No.3
Thais: Meditation
Lilacs, Op.21, No.5
Vocalise
Hopak

Customer Reviews:

best since beethoven!!! ..........2001-06-18

I don't like classical music so when I saw this product I was a little skeptical. But now that I have his CD I love it!! I listen to it 24/7.My friend actually met this guy and so now I know him. he cracks me up. so all you people who think this guy is "just another dumb blonde" he's not. In fact, he's not blonde at all. buy this CD!!!...

Average customer rating:

A great pianist
FULL OF MUSICAL RICHES
The greatest pianist I've ever heard
Longing for Schumann
Alexis Weissenberg , Piano : Logic, Passions and Poesy

Les Introuvables de Alexis Weissenberg

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Piano Concerto #2
Rachmaninoff: Preludes (complete)
Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2
Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli plays Mozart, Chopin, Brahms, etc. (Box) [Germany]
Chopin: Nocturnes; Mazurkas; Waltzes

ASIN: B00014EJ66
Release Date: 2004-05-05

Tracks:

Sonetto 123 Del Petrarca
Sonetto 104 Del Petrarca
Sonate In B Minor
I Grave - Doppio Movimento
II Scherzo
Marche Funebre: Lento
IV Finale: Presto

Tracks:

I Maestoso
II Adagio
III Rondo (Allegro Non Troppo)
Intermezzo In A Major, Op.118 No.2
Prelude
Fugue
Variation
Choral Nun Komm' Der Heiden Heiland (Viens, Sauveur Des Paiens), BWV 659
Variations La Ricordanza, Sur Un Theme De Pierre Rode

Tracks:

I Allegramente
II Andante
III Prestissimo
Prelude
Fugue
Forlane
Rigaudon
Menuet
Toccata
Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales
Danse Russe
Chez Petrouchka
La Semaine Grasse

Tracks:

I Allegro Ma Non Tanto
II Intermezzo (Adagio)
III Finale (Alla Breve)
I Andante - Allegro - Andante
II Tema Con Variazioni
III Allegro, Ma Non Troppo

Customer Reviews:

A great pianist.......2007-03-10

The Rachmaninoff and the Prokofiev Piano Concertos have no equal. It's a great collection.

FULL OF MUSICAL RICHES.......2007-02-26

This compilation of recordings by Alexis Weissenberg consists of some of his recordings dating from 1950 through 2004 which, I don't believe, were ever issued in the USA. (At least, I've never heard them!) What musical riches are contained in this 4 disc set which consists of some of the greatest works composed for the piano by great composers such as Liszt, Chopin, Brahms, Czerny, Ravel, Rachmaninov and Prokofiev (plus others) played by (in my opinion) one of the greatest pianist ever. I loved this compilation. Of course, I had favorites on the discs; I will now list some of highlights for me from this compilation.

The two "Sonettos" by Franz Liszt are gorgeous! Alexis plays them beautifully with much feeling. Surprising for me, (I usually don't) I even enjoyed the BIG "Mephistophelian" Liszt sonata in B minor--my god, Weissenberg plays the hell out of that work (no pun intended). One of my favorites, the Chopin Sonata #2 is given a splendid reading--the first two movements are played at a ferociously fast tempo; however, the "Marche funebre" is the most moving account of that movement that I've ever heard! Weissenberg's account of the last movement is most impressive--he never allows the tone to get any louder until the very last profound chord--wow! The Rachmaninov concerto #3 with Georges Pretre and the Chicago Symphony is wonderfully mysterious and very melodic. I also loved his recordings of the Ravel Concerto in G major plus Ravel's "Le tombeau de Couperin suite" and "Valses nobles" hearing Weissenberg play Ravel reminded me of a good glass of Champagne filled with many bubbles and with a great bouquet. The Prokofiev concerto recorded with the Orchestra of Paris and Ozawa is thrilling with its intensity--what virtuosity Alexis Weissenberg has! Weissenberg along with Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra give a wonderfully "full bodied" reading of Brahms 1st Piano Concerto--I've never heard the Philadelphia sounding any better--it is a great recording of a work that I adore!

I truly loved this 4 disc set (each running over 70 minutes) of some very GREAT piano playing. NO, I did not listen with score(s) in hand nor did I seek out other recordings of these works from my collection to compare Alexis' interpretations with. Instead, I allowed myself the luxury of sitting back in my favorite "arm chair" and simply enjoying these great works for the piano that are played by a Master of the piano! What really impresses me is that Weissenberg plays with very beautiful tone no matter how demanding the work may be--that is certainly the main reason I, for once, enjoyed the Liszt B minor sonata!

By the way, EMI has done a superlative job--the sound of ALL the works is great. Not once, was I aware that I was listening to an older recording. The sound is great!!

The greatest pianist I've ever heard.......2006-12-21

Personally, I regard Alexis Weissenberg as the greatest pianist I've ever heard. Although superb technically, Weisenberg is most outstanding for his incredible artistry. This set of recordings contains some of his greatest recordings -- indeed some of the greatest performances ever recorded by anyone. Very highly recommended.

Longing for Schumann.......2005-12-16

I saw Maestro Weissenberg in concert several times throughout the 70s in New York. Once he played the Rachmanninoff preludes. Another time an all-Schumann program. I once went to hear him with friends at Alice Tully Hall, a small room in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. After the concert we went backstage. He approached me, took my hand and said 'so nice of you to come.' It remains one of my favorite moments in my life. Having moved around a great deal in the last 30 years, I lost track of my recording of Carnaval and Sonata in B Minor. Sometimes if I lay quite still I can hear the pieces playing in my head. Won't EMI take pity on us mere mortals and release the recording soon? I think of it almost daily.

Alexis Weissenberg , Piano : Logic, Passions and Poesy.......2004-12-17

By: Frank Georg B e c h y n a,M.D.--General Practitioner--
D - 40235 Düsseldorf ( Germany / Allemagne )
Decembre 17 , 2004 -- FB/3

Who could listen to Maestro Weissenberg's many recitals during his career and has his recordings knows, that he belongs for all time to the Greatest Pianists . This compiliation was selectet by Mr. Weissenberg himself. CD 1 continues two of the most important piano sonatas . Liszt's b minor sonata 8 the second recording by Weissenberg ) ist tremendous. I have never heard the work from the lento - beginning , the phaenomenal played Grandioso to the Lento end. It is only comparable by the interpretation by Argerich, Barere and the young Horowitz. The 2nd sonata by Chopin is the Olymp of all of the 100 different intertretaions! The concertos of Rachmaninov ( d-minor ), Ravel and Prokoviec find a similar great interpretation in all cases also by the faboulos Martha Argerich . Pretere and Ozawa are on their highest levels . Also the superb Orchestras, especially the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Weissenberg's J S Bach "Nun komm der Heiden Heiland" is a gem !Never before - including Katchen and Arrau - i have heard the Intermezzo 0ßus 118 No 2 by Brahms in this analysis of what Brahms meant in his late piano works- a summary of his life .The 1st concerto of Brahms is a summary of the history of this singular work. The interpretation by Alexis Weissenberg is like a psychoanlysis of the soul in this monument ! When he plays Maurice Ravel I can compare these recordings only with the young Vlado Perlemuter, who had studied the works with the composer . And to all who say Mr Weissenberg's play is too intellectual, too
perfect in every technical detail should listen to the wonderful tone in Carl Czerny's "La Ricordanza" .when this record was made Alexis Weissenberg was just a liitle more than 20 years old. Who could play all these works today ???
Personally , I miss Robert Schumann's master works for piano solo, like the C majoe Fanatsy, opus 17, the"Humoreske" , the incomparable interpretation of his "Carnaval"-an interpretation Glenn Gould had admired so much -,the "Scenes of Childhood" . But : As far I have heard next year will follow the Schumann recordings reissued by EMI . Arur Rubinstein , Artur Schnabel, Mr. Horowitz , Gould, Madame Argerich admired Maestro Weissenberg's Art and personality as well as Harold C Schonberg, Norman Lebrecht or Bryce Morrison .
These 4 CDs are on a high technical level and - I must repeat it - all interpretations are outstanding . With a playing like this , full of passion , logic , poesy and tecnical perfectness Mr. Weissenberg will stay forever under the most impertant Artist and Pianists of all time . And he is a great personality ! Sometimes equally important !
Frank G. B e c h y n a

PS.: if you want answer me ,please write me : bechyna_arzt@gmx.com o r frank-bechyna@web.de
Thank you, merci beaucoup! F,B.

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