Schumann: Piano Quintet, Op.44/Piano Quartet, Op.47

On this CD:

1. Piano Quintet in E flat major, Op. 44
Composed by Robert Schumann
Performed by Gewandhaus-Quartet, Peter Rosel

2. Piano Quartet in E flat major, Op. 47
Composed by Robert Schumann
Performed by Gewandhaus-Quartet, Peter Rosel

Tracks:

Piano Quintet In E-flat, Op. 44: Allegro brillante
Piano Quintet In E-flat, Op. 44: In modo d'una marcia. Un poco largamente
Piano Quintet In E-flat, Op. 44: Scherzo. Molto vivace
Piano Quintet In E-flat, Op. 44: Allegro, ma non troppo
Piano Quartet In E-flat, Op. 47: Sostenuto assai - Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Quartet In E-flat, Op. 47: Scherzo. Molto vivace
Piano Quartet In E-flat, Op. 47: Andante cantabile
Piano Quartet In E-flat, Op. 47: Finale. Vivace
Piano Trio No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 63: Mit Energie und Leidenschaft
Piano Trio No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 63: Lebhaft, doch nicht zu rasch

Tracks:

Piano Trio No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 63: Langsam, mit inniger Empfindung
Piano Trio No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 63: Mit Feuer
Piano Trio No. 2 In F, Op. 80: Sehr lebhaft
Piano Trio No. 2 In F, Op. 80: Mit innigem Ausdruck
Piano Trio No. 2 In F, Op. 80: In massiger Bewegung
Piano Trio No. 2 In F, Op. 80: Nicht zu rasch
Piano Trio No. 3 In G Minor, Op. 110: Bewegt, doch nicht zu rasch
Piano Trio No. 3 In G Minor, Op. 110: Ziemlich langsam
Piano Trio No. 3 In G Minor, Op. 110: Rasch
Piano Trio No. 3 In G Minor, Op. 110: Kraftig, mit Humor

Amazon.com

This two-CD set, offering Schumann's groundbreaking Piano Quintet, the Piano Quartet, and the three piano trios, is an exceptional bargain. The approach of the Beaux Arts players and their associates is essentially reflective: they let the music speak for itself and avoid the rhetorical excesses other interpreters often fall victim to. In their hands the quintet, one of Schumann's most inspired creations, receives an especially polished and poised performance, with a lovely dovetailing of voices. The analog recordings are warm and detailed, and they have been optimally transferred to CD. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

holy smoke........2007-04-17

now i'm just a big dummy. i really am. but somehow classical music got through my thick skull and into my heart. so glad that it did. these recordings from 1975 by the beaux arts trio are spectacular works of chamber music. mr schumann's compositions are given a vibrantly intense and dramatic going over by these great musicians. soul-stirring stuff in every way. this is the sound of a musical springtime, all green invention and sunshine for the spirit. the violin, cello, and piano tunnel through the music, unearthing and displaying its potential and grace. i listened to the entire two hours and twenty minutes of glorious music that's on these discs this morning, and it was a great experience indeed. i highly highly recommend this set to any and all music lovers. this whole affair is a masterpiece of grand compositions in the hands of brilliant performers.

A linkage between the past and the modernism!.......2006-11-28

If Goethe's Werther was the prototype of the Romantic hero per excellence, inflaming the imagination and creativeness of newcomer artists, I guess the legitimate Ambassador in the music, had its embodiment around the egregious figure of Robert Schumann. No other composer in the history of the music has embraced new genres and styles with as much febrile intensity, uncertainty but at the same time with as much determination as did Schumann. The remarkable fact he had composed 138 songs in just one year, supports with striking stubbornness he blended music and poetry; despite of the fact his enormous knowledge of literature. Of course the main pivot for his incursions in the chamber music were his passionate analysis around Beethoven's late Quartets. His immense devotion for the chamber music was in visible counter flow with the tendencies of the New German School. He was aware about the dissolution of the piano as protagonist instrument ( just think in Busoni `s Piano concerto, for instance) and in this sense he consecrated all his efforts to preserve and defend the power of expression of the noblest instrument.

On the other hand, the set of Trios surmounted the well known Op. 54's Piano Concerto. That reveals a very careful design in the tonal architecture, interlinking parts and polyphonal material which points to the future and Brahms securely had to have discussed this issue with his friend.
Such emblematic attitude made that composers such Mahler and Schoenberg were so influenced due its modernist projections.

The second is by far, the most romantic of the set with Schubertian reminiscences try to realize th far echoes of the last movement of Cesar Franck's Sonata for violin in the third movement of this trio, while the last one is evidently as we expected the most futurist of the three; and you certainly may find seminal seeds for modern age and the Viennese school of the early ages of the XX Century.

So, consider a wise acquisition to have these distinguished and refined Trios because reflect fundamental works that far to be transitional were the most perfect linkage between the dying Romanticism and the arousing musical modernism and illustrates wisely that smart statement of Octavio Paz: "The past is function of the future. The will of future makes the dead bodies stand and puts order in its works..."

great deal.......2005-10-12

These are well-played and well-recorded versions of these pieces. The price is also right.
Personally I found Schumann's compositions excessively mercurial at times but that's my problem. If you like him this should'nt be missed.

Excellent performances, superb value.......2002-04-07

This collection of Schumann's piano trios, Op. 47 piano quartet, and Op. 44 piano quintet is excellent, epsecially since it's offered at Philips' Duo (2-for-1 price). Having recently performed the piano quartet and quintet, I can say that the Beaux Arts Trio brings much finesse, refinement, and superb musical judgment to these performances. The famous Quintet gets an oustanding performance, not as volatile as the live EMI recording led by Martha Argerich, but then without that recording's self-indulgence either. I think the piano quartet is underrated; it has a absolutely beautiful slow movement and an exhilarating last movement filled with counterpoint. The Beaux Arts gives it an excellent performance, though the slow movement seems rather too ponderous and lacking the radiance it should have. The piano trios aren't as well known: they come from later in Schumann's career and are often considered inferior to the earlier works. I cannot agree, especially in the case of the first two trios, which cotrast beautifully, the first one passionate and tragic, the second one lighter and fresher, almost Schubertian, both with beautiful slow movements. The snag is that the first trio is split between the two discs, which is an inconvenience. Very good sound, too. By the way, if you enjoy the trios, you should also check out the Florestan Trio's two outstanding discs on Hyperion (one with the first two trios, the other with the Piano Quartet, the third trio, and the Op. 88 Fantasiestücke for piano trio). The Florestan's performances are perhaps more imaginative than the Beaux Arts', and they are even better recorded.

Not just for chamber musik freaks! This is Schumann's best........1999-10-09

This 2 CD set offers an extraoardinary bargain. Five works by the underrated German master are heard in incisive performances that only occaisionally succumb to the usual pitfall of many Schumann performances: Zu Viel Schmaltz. When Robert indulged in self-pity, he bathed in it! (especially when he was "Eusebius").... The sound overall is consistent and adequate, although some selections are remastered from analog. Many people have said, "Why couldn't Schumann write a truly great symphony?" He did---the Eb Quintett, op. 44. If you love romantic period chambermusic, you should not miss this collection. This is more than two hours of great music...

Average customer rating:

Schumann at his finest
Great Recording Of Schumann's Piano Quintet and Quartet
Not just a great string quartet...
A wonderful disc

Schumann: Op. Nos. 44 & 47

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Antonin Dvorak: Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello, Op. 81/Quartet For Piano, Violin, Viola And Cello,Op.
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Schubert: String Quintet in C, D. 956

ASIN: B000001GP3
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 44: 1. Allegro Brillante
Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 44: 2. In Modo D'una Marcia: Un Poco Largamente
Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 44: 3. Scherzo: Molto Vivace
Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 44: 4. Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Quartet For Piano, Violine, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 47: 1. Sostenuto Assai - Allegro Mo Non Troppo
Quartet For Piano, Violine, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 47: 2. Scherzo: Molto Vivace
Quartet For Piano, Violine, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 47: 3. Andante Cantabile
Quartet For Piano, Violine, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 47: 4. Finale: Vivace

Amazon.com

Schumann's Piano Quintet is one of the world's (and my) favorite pieces of chamber music. But the less-outgoing Piano Quartet eventually reveals its secrets, too, and it's another wonderful piece. These are fascinating performances. Menaham Pressler, on leave from the Beaux Arts Trio, blends his Old World charm with the New World energy of the Emerson Quartet. The result is a near-ideal balance of power and grace, and there is even some old-fashioned portamento (sliding between notes) to be heard in the strings. It's hard to think of anyone whose taste extends beyond the Baroque era who won't be pleased and moved by this disc. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Schumann at his finest.......2007-01-09

After hearing these pieces performed in a small concert hall in Berlin, my husband and I wanted to purchase a recording that would bring these vibrant Schumann pieces to life for us, again and again. In this high quality recording, the musicians play with a balance of technical skill with emotional sensitivity that transports the listener to another time and place where beautiful music reigns supreme.

Great Recording Of Schumann's Piano Quintet and Quartet.......2001-11-28

This is a magnificent collaboration between pianist Menachem Pressler and the Emerson String Quartet; an exceptional synthesis between his Old World graceful playing and the Emerson's New World brashness. Pressler shows his usual warm, introspective playing, which fans of the Beaux Arts Trio have come to expect. Meanwhile, the Emerson String Quartet plays with much empathy and lyricism in both scores. I doubt I have heard a better collaboration between a pianist and a string quartet; certainly there's none that's been as exquisitely recorded as this CD. Those looking for a definitive performance of these Schumann scores should look no further.

Not just a great string quartet..........2001-03-26

The Emerson Quartet have shown that they are not only a great string quartet but can combine with an equally fine musician to produce an excellent recording of the Schumann Quintet and Piano Quartet. Their tempi are brisk but well thought out and their playing combines power and intensity with a quite outstanding lyricism and sense of the melodic line, particularly in the the slow movement of the Piano Quartet. Balance is excellent and DG's sound quality is first-rate. In particular, look out for the scherzo of the Piano Quintet, absolute military precision but a sense of Romantic freedom as well, a remarkable combination. This is a far better recording than the Entremont/Berg Quartet rendition and the Piano Quartet is a more carefully crafted reading than the Ames Piano Quartet. Thoroughly recommended!

A wonderful disc.......2000-01-06

I can't compare this recording with others, but I enjoy this disc immemsely, and the pieces themselves are lovely. The quintet is not nearly as profound as Brahms' masterpiece, but is nonetheless tuneful and enduringly fresh.

Average customer rating:

The "Clinker" of the bunch

Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00062FLIS
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

The "Clinker" of the bunch.......2006-12-19

Having collected the entire "The Masterworks" series (including the Bach and Mozart Complete Works) this set is the 'clinker' of the bunch. First off... 6 CD's of Lieder 'historic' (pre-historic) recordings. No Overtures, No Orchestral Seranades, No Haydn Variations?? The performances of the Symphonies and the Concertos are shakey and not very well recorded. Brilliant Classics, who has done such a wonderful job with the Hadyn Complete Symphonies (licensed from Nimbus), the Mozart and Bach Complete sets, has stumbled a bit with this release.

Average customer rating:

Stunning album of Schumann's chamber music

Schumann: Chamber Music

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000002RVK
Release Date: 1996-01-16

Tracks:

Klavierquintett Es -dur,Op.44: I: Allegro brillante
Klavierquintett Es -dur,Op.44: II: In modo d'una marcia, un poco largamente
Klavierquintett Es -dur,Op.44: III: Scherzo. Molto vivace
Klavierquintett Es -dur,Op.44: IV: Allegro ma non troppo
Andante und Variationen,op.46: Sostenuto - Andante expressivo - Un poco piu animato - Piu animato
Klavierquintett Es -dur,Op.44: Piu lento - Animato
Klavierquintett Es -dur,Op.44: Doppio movimento - Tempo Primo - Piu adagio
Klavierquartett Es - dur,Op.47: I: Sostenuto assai - Allegro ma non troppo
Klavierquartett Es - dur,Op.47: Scherzo.Molto vivace
Klavierquartett Es - dur,Op.47: Andante cantabile
Klavierquartett Es - dur,Op.47: Finale.Vivace

Tracks:

Fantasiestucke, Op.73: I: Zart und mit Ausdruck
Fantasiestucke, Op.73: II: Lebhaft, leich
Fantasiestucke, Op.73: III: Rasch und mit feuer
Adagio und Allegro, Op.70: I: Langsam, mit innigem Ausdruck
Adagio und Allegro, Op.70: Rasch und mit Feurig
Marchenbilder, Op.113: I: Nicht schnell
Marchenbilder, Op.113: II: Lebhaft
Marchenbilder, Op.113: III: Rasch
Marchenbilder, Op.113: IV: Langsam,mit melancholisschem Ausdruck
Violin Sonata No.2 In D Minor, Op.121: I: Ziemlich langsam, kurt und energisch - Lebhaft
Violin Sonata No.2 In D Minor, Op.121: II: Sehr Lebhaft
Violin Sonata No.2 In D Minor, Op.121: III: Leise, einfach
Violin Sonata No.2 In D Minor, Op.121: IV: Bewegt

Customer Reviews:

Stunning album of Schumann's chamber music.......2000-02-10

Taken from live concerts, by Martha Argerich and friends, in Holland, this is an exquisite collection of chamber music by Schumann.

A must-have for chamber music fans looking for Schumann's works. Rarely do you hear the ardor and high level of performance that you have here, along with the electricity of live performances by some of the best players today. A knockout set.

Hummel, Schubert, Schumann: Piano Quintets

Average customer rating:

Hummel, Schubert, Schumann: Piano Quintets

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002ZEE
Release Date: 1996-09-17

Amazon.com

The Schubert/Hummel coupling is ingenious. Schubert wrote his famous Trout Quintet (piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass) for a group of friends who were playing Hummel's Quintet for the same combination. Schubert has, of course, far outshone Hummel; but Hummel, Mozart's favorite pupil, was a fine composer with traces of early Romanticism in his basically classical style. His Quintet is well worth hearing. If these performances, and those of the Schumann works, were superb, this set would be an amazing bargain. As it is, they're fairly good, and the set is a fairly good bargain. --Leslie Gerber

Schumann: Piano Qaurtet in E flat/Piano Quintet in E flat

Average customer rating:

Schumann: Piano Qaurtet in E flat/Piano Quintet in E flat

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000040Z6
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Pno Qt in E-flat, Op.47: Sostenuto assai-Allegro ma non troppo - Beaux Arts Trio/Samuel Rhodes
Pno Qt in E-flat, Op.47: Scherzo (Molto vivace) - Beaux Arts Trio/Samuel Rhodes
Pno Qt in E-flat, Op.47: Andante cantabile - Beaux Arts Trio/Samuel Rhodes
Pno Qt in E-flat, Op.47: Finale (Vivace) - Beaux Arts Trio/Samuel Rhodes
Pno Qnt in E-flat, OP.44: Allegro brillante - Beaux Arts Trio/Samuel Rhodes/Dolf Bettelheim
Pno Qnt in E-flat, OP.44: In modo d'una marcia (Un poco largamente) - Beaux Arts Trio/Samuel Rhodes/Dolf Bettelheim
Pno Qnt in E-flat, OP.44: Scherzo (Molto vivace) - Beaux Arts Trio/Samuel Rhodes/Dolf Bettelheim
Pno Qnt in E-flat, OP.44: Allegro, ma non troppo - Beaux Arts Trio/Samuel Rhodes/Dolf Bettelheim

Schumann: Piano Quintet, Op.44/Piano Quartet, Op.47

Average customer rating:

Schumann: Piano Quintet, Op.44/Piano Quartet, Op.47

Manufacturer: Berlin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000028DRS
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

Qnt in E flat Op.44: 1. Allegro Brillante
Qnt in E flat Op.44: 2. In Modo D'una Marcia
Qnt in E flat Op.44: 3. Scherzo. Molto Vivace
Qnt in E flat Op.44: 4. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Qt in E flat Op.47: 1. Sostenuto Assai-Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Qt in E flat Op.47: 2. Scherzo. Molto Vivace
Qt in E flat Op.47: 3. Andante Cantabile
Qt in E flat Op.47: 4. Finale. Vivace

Average customer rating:

Schumann: Piano Quintet, Op. 44; Piano Quartet, Op. 47

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00009AQMB
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Tracks:

I. Allegro Brillante
II. In Modo D'una Marcia
III. Scherzo. Molto Vivace
IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
I. Sostenuto Assai - Allegro Ma Non Troppo
II. Scherzo. Molto Vivace
III. Andante Cantabile
IV. Finale. Vivace

Enjoy the Classics: Best of Naxos (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Enjoy the Classics: Best of Naxos (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Rubinstein Collection (Limited Edition) [Box Set]

Average customer rating:

There were greater talents.
This Is No Lesson in Economics...
CLASSICAL MUSIC AT ITS MOST EXPENSIVE (AND BEST)
It's actually not so expensive
A Superb Reissue

The Rubinstein Collection (Limited Edition) [Box Set]

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00001O2XZ
Release Date: 1999-10-26

Amazon.com

A retail price of $1,600 for a box set? Granted, it's not something most of us can afford. But, for piano buffs and fans of Artur Rubinstein, this mammoth limited-edition 94-CD set might be an investment to consider. For starters, BMG has collected all of the approved studio recordings of Rubinstein (including 200 or so that have never been on CD) and added a handful of previously unreleased recordings and some interviews. The lot has been remastered for this collection using the latest technology (RCA's disc-and-a-half Highlights sampler actually showcases some of the more dramatic remasterings)--a good thing, when you consider that many of these master tapes have a lifetime's worth of surface noise. You get a lavishly illustrated book with essays and photographs and a nice case to store the works; everything but the credit plan is included, really. Of course, it's up to you to decide whether you want 706 recordings of 347 pieces played by the same great pianist. And, though owning Rubinstein's three complete cycles of Beethoven's concertos might sound tempting, will you really listen to each of them? Probably not, but if you need 'em, here they are. (His Chopin cycles, on the other hand, you will listen to repeatedly!) It's easily one of the most impressive and comprehensive box sets that classical music has seen: a true career overview with excellent remastering and handsome packaging that reflects the collection's price tag (unlike some box sets that are just that: CDs in boxes). Do you need it? Probably not. Will you want it? You bet. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

There were greater talents........2005-05-30

I must confess that I hate Rubinstein's sound as a pianist, but his dedication and verve were notable. Think though of Claudio Aurru's gifts, remarkable... I feel that to love Rubinstein one must love a world of safe emotional borders and sameness; sorry A.R fans. jb

This Is No Lesson in Economics..........2004-10-10

It is a natural tendency when reviewing items in this price-point to contemplate cost-effectiveness first and foremost. Considering that CDs have no nutritional value and cannot keep kids off crack, I am uncomfortable recognizing, much less crossing, some line in the sand where space ordinarily reserved for record-reviews must yield to amateur musings on the evils of conspicuous consumption or macroeconomic conceptions of social justice. Let's assume for the moment that this box set is free, removing from our purview the materialistic thrill or global economic blight one might seek and/or wish to stave off in purchasing it.

Rubinstein's "official" recorded output is astounding. It spans 5 decades, and encompasses significant forays into the oeuvre of dozens of composers. Though technique is generally expected to decline with age, few pianists live to be 96 years old. Rubinstein the pianist and Rubinstein the musician reached their highest collective summit when Rubinstein the man was well into his 60s. The "late-bloomer" aspect of his career places a considerable quorum of his most polished recordings squarely within the stereo era. Some of this material had made its way onto CD prior to this release, most notably his Chopin. Unfortunately, Rubinstein's well-deserved public acclaim as Chopin's supreme torchbearer unjustly limits his reputation along "expresio unius est exclusio alterius" lines. For example, though Rubinstein chose to record only a small handful of Beethoven sonatas, it is doubtful that one might hear them better played, even by his Beethoven specialist contemporaries Schnabel and Kempff. Rubinstein also ardently championed French and Spanish music, and is said to have loved performing Brahms most of all. This release places many of his most accomplished recordings before the ears of the listening public for the first time since their original release on vinyl.

I am frequently intoxicated by the earliest recordings from the 30s and 40s. Some of them, like his first traversal of the Chopin scherzi, are bite-your-nails-til-they-bleed thrilling. On the other hand, the initial limitations of the recording process required this (and every) pianist to make bothersome compromises with respect to tempi and dynamics at times. Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste. I am more consistently drawn to Rubinstein the wise-master than Rubinstein the young Turk.

RCA invested undisclosed sums of time and money into restoring, remixing, and remastering all of the recordings for this release. Some of the earlier recordings have been available on CD for quite some time (e.g. Chopin's Op. 28 Preludes, the Ormandy/Philadelphia Grieg concerto). Despite the intervention of acoustical restorationist-par-excellence Ward Marston, the remastering undertaken in the course of this project has not dramatically improved the sound on these releases. Short of traveling several decades into the past and placing more sensitive microphones in more strategic locations, there was probably little else that could have been done. Marston's brilliance is far more obvious in restoring to near original luster many deteriorating tape recordings from the late 40s and early 50s. The stereo recordings also sound fuller.

I am pleased with my purchase because having access (and, most importantly, having listened to) all of these recordings is a moving experience. It allows me to contemplate this extraordinary artist as a man, whose performance is inevitably colored by the accumulation of experience, the expanding flexibility of the recording process, the onset of maturity, and (perhaps sadly) declining physical powers. There are multiple recordings of most pieces in this collection, but I rarely find it difficult to cull a favorite among them. At this point, I play some of the records frequently, and others rarely. If your aim is to hear Rubinstein at his best, this set provides the resources you need to make what are at turns obvious, and others hopelessly personal choices. This set includes detailed (and mostly newly written) liner notes for each record as a well as an engaging hardcover book providing no fewer than 3 complete indices to the recordings (by date of recording, Composer, and Volume number). The box itself is a work of art, looks stunning on a shelf, and never requires polishing. Most of the 81 volumes are sold separately, and have been made available for download on the Apple Music Store.

While I will not claim that Rubinstein's interpretations are equally effective, I cannot think of any other pianist, now living or forever deceased, who could approach such a broad repertoire with the unwaivering technical finesse and prophetic musicianship evident in the bulk of his recorded output. If you never see the likes of a "Rubinstein Collection" on the shelf again, do not dismiss it as another textbook illustration of price elasticity. To do so is to dwell on on the vagaries of consumerism when the more important issue is that the next Rubinstein may never be.

CLASSICAL MUSIC AT ITS MOST EXPENSIVE (AND BEST).......2003-05-30

You have two choices: Starve the kids or skip the mortgage payments for a month or two. How else can you afford this 94 (!) disc set that captures every studio recording the classical icon ever recorded. Trust us: The kids are fat enough.

It's actually not so expensive.......2001-06-06

Provided you have the time, listening to this collection not only helps you better appreciate Rubinstein's supreme talent but also gives you some idea of his unfolding genius--how his technique and interpretation changed through the years. There's enough room in music for every kind of interpretation, as long as you take the music first, and all the interpretations Rubinstein offered are interesting. Of course this set is expensive, but it's nearly 100 CDs plus liner notes, so the price is not that bad. Besides, if you decide to really listen to this set the way it deserves, it's going to be years before you buy another CD.

A Superb Reissue.......2000-04-30

A friend of mine was able to aquire the Rubinstein Collection and I have been borrowing from it liberally.

RCA deserves to be commended on going the extra mile and releasing ALL of the authorized Rubinstein recordings, well organized and superbly remastered in this comprehensive edition. Hopefully, RCA will also release the individual volumes for those who are not completists or who simply cannot afford the entire set. True, this set is at full price. A source who was connected with this reissure has told me that RCA planned to issue the set at mid price, but the cost of this mammoth edition went far overbudget--and the full price was dictated by their production costs. Certainly, the money was well spent. The ramastering, particularly in the earlier recordings, must be heard to be believed. The packaging, documentation, and liner notes are all first class.

It is fascinating to trace Rubinstein's evolution as an interpreter--from the devil-may-care early days through the mature recordings of the 1950s, into the 1970s, when his playing on record tended to be a bit cautions.

Hopefully, the cost of producing this magnum opus and the reported slow sales it has been getting will not deter RCA from producing more boxed sets of Horowitz and many of the other artists in the RCA vaults. Bravo, RCA!

Music Track:

Music Track

music track

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