Violin Concerto / Variations on Rococo

On this CD:

1. Violin Concerto, for violin & orchestra (or violin & piano) in D major, Op. 35
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by St. Petersburg Radio & TV Symphony Orchestra with Liudmila Malian
Conducted by Stanislav Gorkovenko

2. Variations on a Rococo Theme, for cello & orchestra (or cello & piano) in A major, Op. 33
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by St. Petersburg Radio & TV Symphony Orchestra with Sergei Roldugin
Conducted by Stanislav Gorkovenko

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 1 In D: Andante Cantabile
Swan Lake: Odette And The Prince (Act II)
Piano Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat Minor: Andantino
Swan Lake: Pas de deux (Act III)
The Sleeping Beauty: Panorama (Act II)
Violin Concerto In D: Canzonetta (Andante)
The Nutcracker Suit (Selections): Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy
The Nutcracker Suit (Selections): Coffee Dance
The Nutcracker Suit (Selections): Tea Dance
The Nutcracker Suit (Selections): Dance Of The Reed-pipes
Rococco Variations: Final variation
Piano Trio In A Minor: Andante con moto
Piano Trio In A Minor: Variation I. L'istesso tempo
Piano Trio In A Minor: Variation IX. Andante flebile, ma non tanto
Piano Trio In A Minor: Variation XI. Moderato
The Sleeping Beauty: Vision Of Aurora
Serenade For Strings In C: Elegie: Larghtto elegiaco

Customer Reviews:

Tchaikovsky and Tchai.......2006-07-17

I wondered what do Tchaikovsky and Tea have in common, and then I remembered that in many countries across the world - the word for tea is "tchai". That aside, yes, this is a refreshing blend of music, perfect for tea time - relaxing and reviving at the same time, and quite a bit dreamy.

Teatime...or otherwise........2005-11-02

I've owned this for years & play it often. It IS perfect for teatime, as it makes pleasant background music which you can talk over....but is also great w/volume up in car w/it's rambunctious side and incredible instrumentation. A really nice blend of Tchaikovsky's pieces.

Tchaikovsky's Dreamier Music: A Soothing Album.......2005-07-31

"Set your Life to Classical Music" is a fine album series that feature beautiful classical music for background music of any occasion- weddings, barbecues, breakfast, beauty sleep, bathtime, reading a book, romantic dinner, massages you name it. And indeed many classical pieces are perfectly therapeutic sessions in themselves. This album features the more intimate-sounding, soulful, sweet and relaxing tunes of Tchaikovsky. He did compose heavier and more dramatically intense music- his later symphonies, his Overtures and operas. But here we hear no Russian fire or harshness. Instead we are treated to the charming Mozartian style works of the Roccoco Variations and the Piano Trios. The disc also features the Andantino from his Piano Concerto No. 1 - and that piece is almost a Chopin Nocturne, with beautiful soft rubato and dream-like qualities. Included here is also the Pas De Deux and Odette and Siegfried theme from his ballet Swan Lake, lilting and graceful as the dancers movements themselves. The dance divertissements from Nutcracker round out the ballet segments with charming allure. The melancholy String Quartet and Serenade For Strings is here as well and not to mention the beautiful, wistful excerpts from the ballet Sleeping Beauty, his greatest ballet. The Panorama and Vision of Aurora played with delicate strings and sublime technicality. This is indeed a "refreshing blend for body and spirit" and is in fact perfect to listen to while drinking tea cosnidering you drink tea. I have tried it and believe me the experience is very soothing and refreshing. Try putting this on in your miniature CD player with headphones, then go out into an outdoor, natural environment, a park or a backyard garden or patio, and drink tea or read a book and you will find this is a fine companion.

Beautiful.......2003-08-25

One of the best aspects of Tchiakovsky's music is the ocnsistency: he just DIDN'T compose any bad pieces. And with such consistency, you can compile a CD such as this.
THis CD gives you a proper taste of Tchaikovsky's style, and is a very nice sampler of some of his most famous works. This CD lacks some of his more energetically volatile works, but it thus lives up to its title. It is extremely relaxing, and soothes you as you listen to it. The works are melodic, and the orchestras and soloists are superb, especially in the Serenade and the Rococco Variations. I highly recommend this CD for anyone, even if you aren't a huge classical music fan.

Tchaikovsky's Most Enchanting Tunes.......2000-08-19

Like the title suggest, a good companion for tea time. Or any time. The music of Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky is beautiful, lyrical and full of a grace and charm that parallels to Mozart's. A great collection of music by the legendary Russian composer. He had a gift for making music in a style that did not sway away from Russian folk music but that added a Classical perfection, or better yet a Romantic mastership. Who can forget the Sleeping Beauty suite. Here is the Panorama scene.. gorgeous music. I recommend the entire ballet score. The Nutcraker and Swan Lake are also here. The Piano concerto no. 1 in B, Andante Cantibile and so much more. I garauntee any listener satisfaction.

Average customer rating:

splendid, except for final track
Sergei Nakariakov-No Limit
best classical trumpet CD ever
"No Limit" - Sergei Nakariakov
How Spectacular!!!

Sergei Nakariakov - No Limit
Camille Saint-Saens , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Max Bruch , Jules Massenet , George Gershwin , Vladimir Ashkenazy , Sergei Nakariakov , and The Philharmonia
Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Sergei Nakariakov ~ Ravel · Gershwin · Bernstein · Glazunov - Trumpet Works
From Moscow With Love
Sergei Nakariakov - Carmen Fantasy
Elegie
Trumpet Concertos

ASIN: B00004SX2J
Release Date: 2000-07-11

Tracks:

Intro And Rondo: Capriccioso
Andante Cantabile
Vars On A Rococo Theme in A, Op.33: Intro: Moderato Quasi Andante
Vars On A Rococo Theme in A, Op.33: Tema: Moderato Semplice
Vars On A Rococo Theme in A, Op.33: Var I: Tempo Del Tema
Vars On A Rococo Theme in A, Op.33: Var II: Tempo Del Tema
Vars On A Rococo Theme in A, Op.33: Var III: Andante Sostenuto
Vars On A Rococo Theme in A, Op.33: Var IV: Andante Grazioso
Vars On A Rococo Theme in A, Op.33: Var V: Allegro Moderato
Vars On A Rococo Theme in A, Op.33: Var VI: Andante
Vars On A Rococo Theme in A, Op.33: Var VII And Coda: Allegro Vivo
Canzone, Op.55: Andante, Un Poco Sostenuto
Thais: Meditation: Andante Religioso
Rhap In Blue

Customer Reviews:

splendid, except for final track.......2007-05-05

Young Sergei does a wonderful job with these transcriptions. The playing is masterful, nuanced and vibrant. The only fly in the ointment is the Gershwin. The orchestra just doesn't get Gershwin. Legatos in place of staccatos and too even triplets-the unAmericanness of the piece is jarring. Do we play Shosti as badly? Perhaps it is impossible to capture the music unless you have a feel for the culture from which it sprang. Anyway, the CD is a treasure as long as you stick to the other work.

Sergei Nakariakov-No Limit.......2007-01-04

I can strongly recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys
the trumpet and flugelhorn,this is an incredible performance
by this young musician.Most of the music will be recognised
as cello pieces,but if anything they sound better on the
instruments used.even if you are not a fan of trumpet/flugelhorn
please listen to this amazing CD.

best classical trumpet CD ever.......2005-05-16

I am professional Jazz trumpet player, and this is the most amazing trumpet playing I have ever heard. If anyone has any aspirations as a trumpet player,(whether classical or jazz), you need to own this CD. Sergei Nakariakov's flugelhorn playing has one of the most beautiful and musical sounds I have ever heard,

"No Limit" - Sergei Nakariakov.......2004-08-09

What an appropriate title! This really is young Russian trumpet virtuoso Sergei Nakriakov at his best, and this is probably his best album. The intro and rondo capriccioso is my favorite piece of music from Sergei's repertoire, and is played with incredible speed, ednurance, and extremely vibrant tone quality. This is more impressive than the original piece, which was written for cello. The andante cantabile is also a beautiful piece, played with passion and wonderful warmth and expression. The theme and variations by Tchaikovsky that make up the majority of the album are very impressive as you can hear how Nakariakov's low register proves that it is possible to sound like a trombone for long periods of time on a flugelhorn. The other really nice piece on this album is "Rhpsody in Blue", a classic by Gershwin orginially written for jazz piano, but here for trumpet with an orchestra. This piece is the only jazz piece Nakariakov plays, and as I am a huge jazz fan, I would like to see what else he could do with standard jazz themes. Besides, "Rhapsody in Blue" is more of a combination of jazz and contemporary classical music. Anyway, this is definitely one of the best albums of Nakariakov's, and if I had to pick one album of his, this would be it. I recommend this album to anyone interested in classical or jazz, and a must for all trumpet players. Trust me, it's well worth your money!

How Spectacular!!!.......2003-06-27

The reason why I decided to purchase this CD is because I liked Saint-Saens'Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso so much, and I wondered what kind of effect a trumpeter could offer when playing the same piece that was originally designed for violin. When I hurriedly put the CD in my CD walkman and at the moment when the trumpet's sound flowed into my ears, I was startled by the tone that a trumpet could offer! THis new version has offered a whole new different interpretation to this piece of work. I was and am still surprised by the fact that a sophisticated violin music can be played as good as, and even better, on a trumpet. Nakariakov's technique is undoubtedly superb, which makes me feel symphathetic to the the fact that he is not well-known. I highly recommend this CD not only because of the first track but also for the spectacularity of all other tracks.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic Fournier

Les Introuvables de Pierre Fournier

Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Pierre Fournier: Aristocrat of the Cello [United Kingdom]
Bach: 6 Suiten für Violoncello solo
Beethoven: Complete Works for Cello & Piano
Shafran: Russian Archives
Lazar Berman Edition (Box Set)

ASIN: B0000241DO
Release Date: 2002-08-05

Tracks:

Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major, H. 7b Op. 101
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129
Phantasiestke (3 Fantasy Pieces) For Clarinet (Or Cello Or Violin) & Piano, Op
Variations On A Rococo Theme, For Cello & Orchestra (Or Cello & Piano) In A Majo
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 1 In F Major, Op. 5/1
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5/2
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102/1
Sonata For Cello & Piano No. 5 In D Major, Op. 102/2
Sonata For Arpeggione & Piano In A Minor, D.821
Pieces For Children Big And Small For Piano, 4 Hands Op. 85
Feldeinsamkeit ("Ich Ruhe Still Im Hohen Gren Gras"), Song For Voice & Piano,
Romance For Cello & Piano, Op. 69
Shylock, Incidental Music And Suite For Tenor & Orch., Op. 57
Mavra, Opera Buffa In One Act
Nocturne For Violin (Or Flute) & Piano
Melody In F, Various Arrangements, Op. 3/1
Introduction & Polonaise Brilliante For Cello & Piano In C Major, Op. 3
Song Without Words For Cello & Piano In D Major, Op. 109
Le Coq D'or (The Golden Cockerel; Zolotoy Petushok), Concert Suite For Orchestra
The Tale Of Tsar Saltan, Op. 57
Carnival Of The Animals, Zoological Fantasy For 2 Pianos & Ensemble
Berceuse, For Violin & Piano (Or Orchestra) In D Major, Op. 16
Tonadillas Al Estilo Antiguo, Songs (10) For Voice & Piano, H. 136
Goyescas (Serenata Goyesca; Dusk), For Piano, H. 63
La Gitana For Violin & Piano (After An 18th Century Arabo-Spanish Gypsy Song)
Papillon, For Cello & Piano, Op. 77
L' Enfant Prodigue, Sce Lyrique For Voices & Orchestra, L. 57
Pie En Forme De Habanera, For Solo Instrument & Keyboard (Arr.)
Kaddisch, Song For Voice & Piano (Modie Hraue No. 1)
O Mensch, Bewein' Dein' Sde Gross, Chorale Prelude For Organ (Orgel-Bhlein N
Herzlich Tut Mich Verlangen, Chorale Prelude For Organ, Bwv 727 (Bc K109)
Ich Ruf Zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ (I), Chorale Prelude For Organ (Orgel-Bhlein
Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland (I), Chorale Prelude For Organ (Orgel-Bhlein No. 1
Sonata For Cello & Continuo In C Major, G. 6 (Six Sonatas No. 2)

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Fournier.......2004-02-16

On this 4CD EMI Import, the great cellist Pierre Fournier performs a variety of orchestral and chamber recordings, recorded primarily in mono from the 1940s and early 50s. There are three orchestral works -- Haydn's 2nd Concerto (Kubelik/Philharmonia, 1951), Schumann's Concerto (Sargent/Philharmonia, 1956 in stereo), and Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations (Bigot/Lamoureux, 1941). Disc two, and half of disc three, contain Beethoven Cello Sonatas with the great Artur Schnabel, while the fourth disc features a variety of pieces, from Bach and Boccherini to Debussy and Ravel, with pianist Gerald Moore. I'm withholding a fifth star because the collection contains mostly historical recordings, though it certainly captures one of history's greatest cellists in his prime. With that being said, "Les Introuvables de Pierre Fournier" is a must buy for cello entusiasts.

Average customer rating:

Karajan is below par, with a few exceptions
Karajan (not) at his finest
Fair value, but Karajan can be heard better elsewhere
Fantastic!
von karajan truly conducts the master

Karajan Conducts Tchaikovsky

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Schubert: 8 Symphonies
Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets
Schumann: The 4 Symphonies
Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana
R. Strauss - Ariadne auf Naxos / Schwarzkopf · Seefried · Streich · Schock · Prey · PO · Karajan

ASIN: B00004SA8B
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

Symphony No.1 in G minor, Op.13 'Winter Dreams': Dreams Of A Winter Journey
Symphony No.1 in G minor, Op.13 'Winter Dreams': Land Of Desolation, Land Of Mists
Symphony No.1 in G minor, Op.13 'Winter Dreams': Scherzo, Allegro scherzando giocoso
Symphony No.1 in G minor, Op.13 'Winter Dreams': Finale. Andante lugubre - Allegro moderato - Allegro maestoso
Eugene Onegin: Polonaise
Eugene Onegin: Waltz
Slavic March, Op.31: Moderato in modo di marcia funebre

Tracks:

Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 'Little Russian': Andante sostenuto - Allegro vivo
Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 'Little Russian': Andantino marziale, quasi moderato
Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 'Little Russian': Scherzo, Allegro molto vivace - Trio. L'istesso tempo
Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 'Little Russian': Moderato assai - Allegro vivo - Presto
Ouverture solennelle '1812', Op.49: Largo - Andante - Allegro giusto - Largo - Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No.3 in D major, Op.29 'Polish': Introduzione e Allegro. Moderato assai (Tempo di marcia funebre)
Symphony No.3 in D major, Op.29 'Polish': Alla tadesca. Allegro moderato e semplice
Symphony No.3 in D major, Op.29 'Polish': Andante elegiaco
Symphony No.3 in D major, Op.29 'Polish': Scherzo. Allegro vivo
Symphony No.3 in D major, Op.29 'Polish': Finale. Allegro con fuoco (Tempo di Polacca)
Capriccio italien, Op.45: Andante un poco rubato - Allegro moderato - Andante - Allegro moderato - Presto - Piu presto - Prestissimo

Tracks:

Symphony No.4 in F minor, Op.36: Andante sostenuto - Moderato con anima - Moderato assai, quasi Andante - Allegro vivo
Symphony No.4 in F minor, Op.36: Andantino in modo di canzone
Symphony No.4 in F minor, Op.36: Scherzo. Pizzacato ostinato - Allegro
Symphony No.4 in F minor, Op.36: Finale. Allegro con fuoco
Variations On A Rococo Theme For Cello And Orchestra, Op.33: Moderato quasi Andante - Mstislav Rostropovich
Variations On A Rococo Theme For Cello And Orchestra, Op.33: Tema. Moderato semplice - Mstislav Rostropovich
Variations On A Rococo Theme For Cello And Orchestra, Op.33: Variazione I. Tempo del Tema - Mstislav Rostropovich
Variations On A Rococo Theme For Cello And Orchestra, Op.33: Variazione II. Tempo del Tema - Mstislav Rostropovich
Variations On A Rococo Theme For Cello And Orchestra, Op.33: Variazione III. Andante sostenuto - Mstislav Rostropovich
Variations On A Rococo Theme For Cello And Orchestra, Op.33: Variazione IV. Andante grazioso - Mstislav Rostropovich
Variations On A Rococo Theme For Cello And Orchestra, Op.33: Variazione V. Allegro moderato - Mstislav Rostropovich
Variations On A Rococo Theme For Cello And Orchestra, Op.33: Variazione VI. Andante - Mstislav Rostropovich
Variations On A Rococo Theme For Cello And Orchestra, Op.33: Variazione VII. Allegro vivo - Mstislav Rostropovich

Tracks:

Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op.64: Andante - Allegro con anima
Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op.64: Andante cantabile, con alcuna licenza - Moderato con anima - Andante mosso - Allegro non troppo - Tempo I
Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op.64: Valse. Allegro moderato
Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op.64: Finale. Andante maestoso - Allegro vivace - Molto vivace - Moderato assai e molto maestoso - Presto
Serenade for String Orchestra in C major, Op.48: Pezzo in forma di sonatina
Serenade for String Orchestra in C major, Op.48: Valse. Moderato. Tempo di Valse
Serenade for String Orchestra in C major, Op.48: Elegia. Larghetto elegiaco
Serenade for String Orchestra in C major, Op.48: Finale. Tema russo. Andante - Allegro con spirito

Tracks:

Symphony No.6 in B minor, Op.74 'Pathetique': Adagio - Allegro non troppo - Andante - Moderato mosso - Andante - Moderato assai - Allegro vivo - Andante come prima - Andante mosso
Symphony No.6 in B minor, Op.74 'Pathetique': Allegro con grazia
Symphony No.6 in B minor, Op.74 'Pathetique': Allegro molto vivace
Symphony No.6 in B minor, Op.74 'Pathetique': Finale. Adagio lamentoso - Andante
Romeo And Juliet: Andante non tanto quasi Moderato - Allegro - Molto meno mosso - Allegro giusto - Moderato assai

Tracks:

The Sleeping Beauty, Op.66a (Suite): 1. Introduction. La Fee des lilas. Allegro vivo - Andantino - Andante sostenuto
The Sleeping Beauty, Op.66a (Suite): 2. Adagio. Pas d'action. Andante - Adagio maestoso - Tempo I - Molto sostenuto, quasi piu Andante - Tempo I
The Sleeping Beauty, Op.66a (Suite): 3. Pas de caractere. Le Chat botte et la Chatte blanche. Allegro moderatoK
The Sleeping Beauty, Op.66a (Suite): 4. Panorama. Andantino
The Sleeping Beauty, Op.66a (Suite): 5. Valse Allegro (Tempo di Valse)
Swan Lake (Suite): 1. Scene. Moderato - Michel Schwalbe
Swan Lake (Suite): 2. Valse. Tempo di Valse - Michel Schwalbe
Swan Lake (Suite): 3. Danse des cygnes. Allegro moderato - Michel Schwalbe
Swan Lake (Suite): 4. Scene. Andante - Andante non troppo - Tempo I - Michel Schwalbe
Swan Lake (Suite): 5. Danse hongroise (Czardas). Moderato assai - Allegro moderato - Vivace - Michel Schwalbe
Swan Lake (Suite): 6. Scene finale. Allegro agitato - Alla breve. Moderato e maestoso - Michel Schwalbe
The Nutcracker, Op.71 (Suite): 1. Ouverture miniature. Allegro giusto
The Nutcracker, Op.71 (Suite): 2a. Danses caracteristiques: Marche. Temppo di marcia viva
The Nutcracker, Op.71 (Suite): 2b. Danses caracteristiques: Danse de la Fee Dragee. Andante non troppo
The Nutcracker, Op.71 (Suite): 2c. Danses caracteristiques: Danse russe Trepak. Tempo di Trepak, molto vivace
The Nutcracker, Op.71 (Suite): 2d. Danses caracteristiques: Danse arabe. Allegretto
The Nutcracker, Op.71 (Suite): 2e. Danses caracteristiques: Danse chinoise. Allegro moderato
The Nutcracker, Op.71 (Suite): 2f. Danses caracteristiques: Danse des mirlitons. Moderato assai
The Nutcracker, Op.71 (Suite): 3. Valse des fleurs. Tempo di Valse

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No.1 in B flat minor, Op.23: Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso - Allegro con spirito - Sviatoslav Richter
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No.1 in B flat minor, Op.23: Andantino semplice - Prestissimo - Tempo I - Sviatoslav Richter
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No.1 in B flat minor, Op.23: Allegro con fuoco - Sviatoslav Richter
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major, Op.35: Allegro moderato - Christian Ferras
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major, Op.35: Canzonetta. Andante - attacca: - Christian Ferras
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major, Op.35: Finale. Allegro vivacissimo - Christian Ferras

Customer Reviews:

Karajan is below par, with a few exceptions.......2007-05-12

It's a mystery why Karajan, a masterful conductor in so many areas, should miss the mark with an easy composer like Tchaikovsky. Mr. Leach spots the weakest recordings, such as Ferra' Violin Concerto, which is in overlit, thin sound to boot. Richter and Rostropovich give great performances, and the last three symphonies are certainly good by any standard, although the 60s analog sound definitely shows its age. Almost the only thing I would call outstanding are the ballet suites, at which Karajan was superb in both his DG and EMI sets.

Where I part with Mr. Leach is in praising the Romeo and Juliet, a mushy reading that brings out Karajan's worst tendency--he polishes every phrase to a fault and drains the work of all passion and drama. The first three symphonies are quite dull and unconvincing, but I am not so sure that the EMI cycle is any better, and it, too, suffers form problematic sound. Like Mr. Leach, I like the Fifth Sym. best form that set. So all in all, I have done little more than agree with someone else's review, but perhaps seconding the motion will be of help to some readers.

Karajan (not) at his finest.......2004-04-22

One of the greatest conductors of the 20th century, Karajan's recordings are some of the best pieces in the entire Deutsche Grammophon repertoire. This collection of Karajan Conducts Tchaikovsky is an excellent bargain - eight CDs for approximately $60 - and serves as an excellent sampling of Karajan's interpretation of Tchaikovsky's work. Unfortunately, this collection does not necessarily show Karajan at his finest.

While much of the collection is top-notch, some of the symphonies are a tad lack-luster in their execution. Indeed for Karajan fans, there are other recordings of Karajan conducting these symphonies, such as recordings of the 2nd and 5th, that you may want to try instead of the ones included in this set.

On the other hand, the ballet suites are well done, Rostropovich is excellent in the Cello Variations, and Ferras offers an interesting interpretation of the Violin Concerto. As a whole, this is a fairly solid collection that is certainly recommended for anyone whose collections have deficiencies in either Tchaikovsky or Karajan. If, however, you do already have some recordings of Karajan conducting Tchaikovsky, I would recommend skipping this set and buying individual albums where Karajan displays more of his trademark excellence.

My greatest criticism for this collection concerns its packaging. Though listed as a collectors edition, this box set is simply presented as a collection of eight discs in paper sleeves and a set of liner notes in English, German, and French inside a cardboard box.

Fair value, but Karajan can be heard better elsewhere.......2003-08-24

This is not a bad package for the price, but buyers should be aware that Karajan did some of these works better at other times. We can safely dispense with Karajan's last slackly-played VPO set, of course.

For example note that these are the 1960s recordings of the last three symphonies (unlike the DG Double set which are the 1970s recordings). For the Pathetique this means you get by common consent the best of Karajan's many recordings of this works - fine playing, with spontaneity and freshness and excellent recording for 1964.

However in the case of the Fifth, the later BPO DG recording, or even better the wonderfully spontaneous 1971 EMI Berlin recording are preferable (the latter quite superb in phenomenal sound, rivalling George Szell's 1959 version in sweep and power). This 1960s Fifth does sound rather studied in comparison.

Other caveats should include a warning about the rather brightly lit CD of the three ballet suites, and Christian Ferras' terribly schmaltzy account of the violin concerto.

All that said, this set does include Richter's aristocratic First Concerto with the Vienna SO, although why DG chose to include it rather than Lazar Berman's version is a mystery, as the latter is with the BPO to match the rest of the set and doesn't seem to be otherwise unavailable. It's also a finer account to many ears.

Other worthwhile inclusions are Karajan's Winter Daydreams symphony (No 1), although enthusiasts for this work should also sample Michael Tilson Thomas' CD with the Boston SO, also on DG. Similarly Rostropovich's account of the Rococo Variations is a classic, and the Romeo and Juliet included here (never before on CD as far as I can tell) is very fine, with many imaginative touches. This Marche Slave is also one of the finest ever, full of power and brooding intensity.

All in all a decent box, but true Karafans may need to pick up other CDs to complete the full Tchaikovskian picture.

Fantastic!.......2001-10-18

Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic!
BUY IT NOW!

von karajan truly conducts the master.......2001-08-04

I'd been a fan of "the maestro's" style of conducting the B.P.O. since high school when I stumbled upon Time/Life's Beethoven Bi-centennial collection. The power & majesty brought to Beethoven's complete works were unforgetable. When I happened upon a collection of Tchaikovsky symphonies,concertos,&suites I was compelled to take the plunge. It may be pricey to some who may already have some of these in one version or another. But it truly couldn't be a more complete collection of melody,romance,grace,&total understanding of Tchaikovsky's work. I can't call this eight disc collection any thing if not priceless. A must for anyone who understands the sensual pleasure derived from properly executed classical orchestration.

The Life and Works of Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky

Average customer rating:

A fascinating look at a tortured genius

The Life and Works of Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Antoni Wit , Gerhard Markson , Kenneth Jean , Michael Halasz , Ondrej Lenard , Philippe Entremont , Stefan Sanderling , CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra , National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland , National Symphony Orchestra of Polish Radio and Television , National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine , Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra , Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra , Wiener Kammerorchester , Bernd Glemser , Oxana Yablonskaya , Takako Nishizaki , and Vladimir Grishko
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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The Life and Works of Antonín Dvorák, Narration with Musical Excerpts
Life & Works

ASIN: B0000669V2
Release Date: 2002-07-16

Tracks:

Tchaikovsky In Early Childhood
Music: Glinka: Overature To A Life For The Tsar
Enforced Separation From His Mother
Music: Tchaikovsky: Dumka, Op. 59
Death Of His Mother
Music: Reverie Du Soir
Early Manhood: The Spendthrift Civil Servant
Music: Minuet From Mozartina
Dismissive Opinions Of Other Composers
Music: The Storm
Journey To A Breakdown
Music: First Symphony
Abortive Engagement
The Advent Of Balakirev
Music: Romeo And Juliet
Travels And A Wounded Friendship
Music: First Piano Concerto

Tracks:

Reforming The Ballet
Music: The Rose Adagio From The Sleeping Beauty
Bizet's Carmen Has A Major Effect On Tchaikovsky's Music
Music: Francesca Da Rimini
A Compositional Paradox
Music: Rococo Variations
The Struggle Of Despair And Hope: He Decides To Marry
Music: The Tempest
The Advent Of Nadezhda Von Meck
Music: The Sleeping Beauty Waltz
The Disastrous Road To Matrimony
Music: Romeo And Juliet
Marriage, Trauma, And A Fairy Tale Annuity
Letter To Mme Von Meck
Music: Romeo And Juliet

Tracks:

Recorvery And Creativity
Music: Fourth Symphony
The Creation Of His Favorite Opera
Music: Lensky's Aria From Eugene Onegin
The Return To Compositional Health
Music: Violin Concerto In D
He Experiences Distressing Relapses
Music: Capriccio Italien
Psychological Disturbances And A Long Fallow Period
Music: Piano Trio In A Minor
Sufferings For Mme Von Meck; He Decides To Settle Down
Music: Manfred Symphony
Conducting Tours And Domestic Bliss
Music: Fifth Symphony
More Conducting Tours, And A Working Holiday In Italy
Music: Souvenir De Florence

Tracks:

The Rift With Mme Von Meck
Music: Sixth Symphony (Second Movement)
His Obsession With 'Bob' Davydov; Adventures In America
Music: Fifth Symphony
Further American Adventures
A Trip To Niagara
Music: Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy (The Nutcracker)
A Darker Episode
Music: Voyevode
Portrait Of A Conductor
A Hero's Return
Music: Sixth Symphony
The Mystery Surrounding His Death
Music: First Piano Concerto

Customer Reviews:

A fascinating look at a tortured genius.......2002-08-21

Naxos continues to do a wonderful job with its "Life and Works" series. Quite some time ago, we had a Life/Works of Mozart, one of Chopin and then two more, Liszt and Beethoven. he latter are even better packaged than are the earlier sets, with a thick booklet that offers us essays on the historical background, the position of the composer in his time, a look at the major works, a listening plan, recommended readings, personalities, a calendar of the artist's life, a glossary, and a discography. This booklet is worth the price of the set alone.

Now we have two more entries in this amazing series, again written and narrated by Jeremy Siepmann: "Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky" (8.558036-39) with a playing time of 4 hrs. 5 min. and "Johann Sebastian Bach" (8.558051-54) with a playing time of 4 hrs. 34 minutes. (Please see my comments on the Bach set on its webpage.)

Was there ever a sadder composer than Tchaikovsky? Siepmann practically introduces us to the child in his cradle and covers his 53 or so years of torment over his music, his sexuality, his impossibly hopeless marriage his strange relationship with Mme von Meck, and above all his music.

Tracks:

Eugen Onegin: Polonaise
Serenade melancolique, Op. 26
Valse scherzo, Op. 34
Chansons francaises, Op. 65, For Voice And Piano: No. 1 - Serenade
Chanson francaises, Op. 65, For Voice And Piano: No. 6 Rondel
Variations On A Rococo Theme, Op. 33
Jeanne d'Arc - The Maid Of Orleans: Adieu, forets
1812 Overture: solennello, Op.49

Customer Reviews:

Not much of a gala.......2005-10-17

The playing and especially the recorded sound are slapdash. Perlamn, Norman, and Yo-Yo Ma dutifully play their cameo roles, but the usually wonderful Temirkanov is off form, and with the shrill, unplesantly piercing sonics, his orchestra is no pleasure to hear, either. I don't know who this collection is aimed at, since anyone who wants the rarely heard Tchaikovsky songs done by Jessye Norman would be way past wanting another 1812 Overture.

Average customer rating:

Ultimate Classic Performances

Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000085RTK
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Average customer rating:

Excellent Value

Tchaikovsky: Complete Concertos

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Tchaikovsky: The Complete Symphonies
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ASIN: B0000C6IW0
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Value.......2005-11-23

All of the Tchaikovsky concertos and works for Cello and Orchestra is really good value, especially so as all performences are really excellent. As with Phillips Trio series, this is well worth evey cent. True they are 60's performances but the recordings have all been dressed up in a brand new condition.
Really Good.

Maurice Gendron Plays Tchaikovsky & Schumann

Average customer rating:

Another Testament to Great Reissues

Maurice Gendron Plays Tchaikovsky & Schumann

Manufacturer: Testament UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
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Bach: The 6 Cello Suites

ASIN: B0000AH3DC
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

Variations On A Rococo Theme
Variations On A Rococo Theme
Variations On A Rococo Theme
Variations On A Rococo Theme
Variations On A Rococo Theme
Variations On A Rococo Theme
Variations On A Rococo Theme
Variations On A Rococo Theme
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129
3 Fantasiestucke
3 Fantasiestucke
3 Fantasiestucke
3 Romanzen, Op. 94
3 Romanzen, Op. 94
3 Romanzen, Op. 94

Customer Reviews:

Another Testament to Great Reissues.......2004-03-26

In this era of homogenized classical collections, it is great to see a label like Testament rescue gems from the vaults of labels like Decca and reissue them on CD. This disc presents Tchaikovsky's "Variations on a Rococo Theme," and Schumann's Cello Concerto, 3 Fantasiestucke, Op. 73, and 3 Romanzen, Op. 94, as performed by the great cellist Maurice Gendron. Ernest Ansermet, conducting the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, leads the two orchestral works, while on the chamber works Gendron partners with pianist Jean Francaix. These recordings are all in mono from 1952-53, but the "Rococo" and the Cello Concerto sounded so good that even after the advent of stereo, their original vinyl coupling remained the industry standard. (According to the liner notes, they sold better than Fournier's stereo remake, of which the Schumann is included on "Les Introuvables de Pierre Fournier" -- see my review.) After the brilliant orchestral performances, the Schumann pieces for cello and piano are just icing on the cake. In all, this disc is yet another "testament" to a great reissue program.