Bach:Concertos Nos. 3, 5 & 5/Overture No.3

On this CD:

1. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Vienna Concentus Musicus
Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt

2. Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B flat major, BWV 1051
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Vienna Concentus Musicus
Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt

3. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major, BWV 1050
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Vienna Concentus Musicus
Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt

4. Suite for orchestra No 3 in D major, BWV 1068
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Vienna Concentus Musicus
Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Among period-instrument groups, the Concentus Musicus of Vienna and Nikolaus Harnoncourt were pioneers in this repertory. This digital realization of the Brandenburgs, recorded in 1981, was among the first CD renditions out of the blocks; it is now available at mid-price. As usual, Harnoncourt seems a bit overemphatic in his point making, at times a bit quirky--as when he draws attention to the solo violin part in Concerto No. 4 by allowing it to indulge in some surprisingly free rubato and unexpectedly legato phrasing (none of the soloists are named, but one can assume the violinist here is Frau Harnoncourt). Harnoncourt's tempos often seem a bit lumbering (e.g., the first movement of Concerto No. 1), and the performances as a whole lack animation. --Ted Libbey

Tracks:

Keyboard Concerto No.3 In D Major: I. (Allegro)
Keyboard Concerto No.3 In D Major: II. Adagio E Piano Sempre
Keyboard Concerto No.3 In D Major: III. Allegro
Keyboard Concerto No.5 In F Minor: I. (Allegro)
Keyboard Concerto No.5 In F Minor: II. Largo
Keyboard Concerto No.5 In F Minor: III. Presto
Keyboard Concerto No.6 In F Major: I. (Without Tempo Indication)
Keyboard Concerto No.6 In F Major: II. Andante
Keyboard Concerto No.6 In F Major: III. Allegro Assai
Keyboard Concerto No.7 In G Minor: I. (Allegro)
Keyboard Concerto No.7 In G Minor: II. Andante
Keyboard Concerto No.7 In G Minor: III. Allegro Assai

Amazon.com

Listening to Murray Perahia's second volume of Bach Keyboard Concertos is akin to viewing favorite paintings that have been restored with subtle care. The music's surface remains familiar to the casual ear, yet myriad details of phrasing, color, and dynamics are aligned and calibrated anew, helped by Sony's gorgeous, vibrant sonics. Notice the pinpointed unanimity of phrasing with which the pianist and chamber orchestra imbue the main theme in the D Major concerto's third movement, and follow Perahia's cannily varied articulation of chords both here and in the G Minor concerto's outer movements. A robust and dramatic F Minor concerto features tasty embellishments from the theorbo, and Perahia's energetic, winged trills and whirling passagework galvanize the F Major (transcribed from the G Major Fourth Brandenburg Concerto) into joyful submission. In sum, Perahia and company stand as reference versions for those who desire these works on the concert grand. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Bach with eyes wide open.......2006-11-18

Some Bach keyboard interpretations feel like they're lagging an infinitely small amount behind the intended tempo, and are like nails on a blackboard. This disk felt comfortable and rich -- received it as a gift and love it.

Awesome interpretations .......2004-10-26

To hear Perahia's interpretations of Bach's keyboard concertos is shear joy for me. I love Bach's music so much that it goes right to my heart. During segments of the 3rd movement of concerto #7 on this cd I became emotionally overwhelmed. I plan on buying all of Perahia cd.

MASTER PIANIST.......2004-06-28

The older he gets, the better he gets. He must be a very passionate man.

Bach Bach Bach YO YO.......2002-10-17

Bach is still alive. This is superb.

Murray Perahia's Bach.......2002-06-06

The first thing one notices about Murray Perahia's latest recording of Bach keyboard concertos is the brisk tempo, the ebullient phrasing, and rhythmically incisive orchestral playing that carries the listener along from note to note in breathless anticipation. At the helm of the impeccable Academy of St. Martins in the Field, Murray Perahia's conducting skills are as impressively arrayed here as his keyboard virtuosity. Which brings us to the second thing: Murray Perahia as soloist, and the dawning awareness that we may quite possibly be hearing the greatest Bach interpreter of our day.

Both as piano soloist and conductor, Perahia deals elegantly with issues of balance that inevitably arise when performing early music on modern instruments. Concertos written for harpsichord take on a very different texture when played on a modern concert grand; the ringing tone and sheer volume of the piano can easily dominate the strings in ways not envisioned by the composer. But in these performances the relationship of strings to keyboard solo has been deftly re-calibrated. The piano and orchestra become equal partners, parts of an integrated whole, woven together as seamlessly as if this were chamber music.

As well, Perahia has edited the score with subtlety and wit. The moment that knocks me off my chair arrives in the finale of the Concerto No. 5 in F minor when the propulsive opening phrase, scored for keyboard and the full compliment of strings, is answered by a two note descending figure in the strings alone. Ordinarily these two notes are bowed, but on this disc they are played with a robust pizzicato, standing out in sharp relief against a momentary background of silence. The sound is so startling, so fresh and unexpected, one's ears are put on full alert. This device is used to great effect throughout the movement; many of the normally bowed phrasings are rendered as pizzicato, making the rhythms and texture of the piece sound newly minted. After repeated hearings, I began to wonder if this might not be a sly nod to the absent harpsichord, an instrument whose strings are plucked as the keys are depressed. Here, in a textural turn-about, the orchestra's plucked strings serve as counterpoint to the full, round, sustained tones of the Steinway concert grand.

Another suggestion of the harpsichord's coloration can be heard in the addition of a theorbo, a kind of 16th century bass lute, to the orchestra. At strategic moments its gentle, harpsichord-like twang provides a delicate crease at the edges of the tonal fabric that I haven't heard on any other recording of this music.

I like this disc even better than Perahia's pervious, and highly praised recording of Bach's keyboard concertos Nos. 1, 2, and 4 with the same orchestra. As good as that recording is, I find the playing on the new disc is freer and more invigorating. The collaboration between soloist and orchestra sounds here even more assured, more intimate, almost as if they had merged into one instrument. The sound on this recording is also more immediate, more alive.

The gold standard for these concertos - as played on a modern piano - has for decades been Glenn Gould's groundbreaking recordings of the late 1950's. Gould's Bach performances were a revelation. He blew the dust off scores nearly a quarter of a millennium old and made them sound - well - sexy. For the generation of listeners who cut their teeth on his recordings, Gould's iconoclastic interpretations, to say nothing of his personal eccentricities, raised him to the level of a cult hero whose mystique has barely diminished.

But Perahia has upped the ante. His performances have all the clarity of line, all the visceral excitement of Gould's, but with an added dimension of warmth and nuance. Gould's recordings are highly cerebral. With Perahia, we get not just the brain, but the whole body.

It is difficult to adequately praise Murray Perahia's piano playing. That he is currently hailed as the most important American pianist of his generation only begins to do him justice. His playing is at once lyrical and precise. Every note is perfectly weighted. Each detail has been thought through with great care, but the details never distract from the sweep of the music; embellishments are elegant and executed with great beauty - and always supportive of the broader musical ideas. Perahia draws us into the heart of the music with phrasing as natural as breathing, and a warmth of tone that wraps us in a cashmere blanket of sound.

Bach: Concertos for Piano and Orchestra Nos. 1-5 & 7
Average customer rating:

The Best Performance Ever Achieved

A Review in Dissent

"Don't be frightened, Mr. Gould is here ..."

In The Spirit...

I'm prejudiced, and these are my favorite versions.

Bach: Concertos for Piano and Orchestra Nos. 1-5 & 7

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000028ND
Release Date: 1992-10-27

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in E Major, BWV 1053
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in E Major, BWV 1053
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in E Major, BWV 1053
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1054
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1054
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1054

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 7 in G minor, BWV 1058
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 7 in G minor, BWV 1058
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 7 in G minor, BWV 1058

Amazon.com essential recording

Glenn Gould was this century's greatest Bach player, so these legendary recordings are self-recommending. While other fine pianists have made powerful statements in this music, no one sounds anything like Gould. His phenomenal clarity of articulation, digital control, and well, just plain interesting way with the music set him completely apart from the competition. With playing of this individuality and quality, it's pointless to engage in any debate with respect to the appropriateness of the piano versus the harpsichord. Scholars and pedants may continue to argue, but the fact is, it doesn't matter. Great musicianship always serves great music best. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

The Best Performance Ever Achieved.......2007-02-12

This is a superlative recording of one of the most famous pieces by Kapellmeister Johann Sebastian Bach played by the best Bach interpreter, Mr. Glenn Gould. I value this recording so much that I often find myself avoiding listening to it too much because this recording is like a beautiful sunset, which should only be fully enjoyed without any wastefulness when all the conditions are ideal. I have owned this recording for many years, but I decided that I have no choice but to write a review now after reading a very gratuitous and childish review below by a certain [...]. While I do not care about the provincialism of other people, I was very worried that some novices reading that review might be mislead and coerced away from this most delightful recording and miss the experience of a lifetime.

For those that do not know, Glenn Gould is considered to be the best Bach interpreter of this century by the vast majority of non-professional listeners and professional artists. Gould's performances have become a standard; so much so that any new Bach performance on a piano is almost immediately compared to Gould. True, there are some critics who believe that Gould uses too much staccato in some of Bach's compositions, but nevertheless, if we remember that most of these pieces Bach had composed for a harpsichord, which is a staccato instrument by nature, we can understand why Gould would select such a radical approach.

Bach's fugues are very complex and often the performer is faced with a challenge to communicate three, four, or even more melodies simultaneously. A romantic, legato performance hopelessly mixes all the notes together drowning any possibility of expressing all these melodies at the same time - at best, some of the melodies go into the background, e.g., the left hand notes, while other melodies, like the notes for the right hand, come to the surface. Only a very scrupulous listening can reveal these melodies buried in the background. What makes so many people to fall in love with Glenn Gould is his uncanny ability to not only express all the melodies distinctly at the same time, but also to bring his left and right hand notes together into a mellifluous, sometimes tempestuous, freely flowing melody. Everything is right there for you to listen to.

Even if you are one of those harsh critics who absolutely cannot accept a staccato performance, I am sure that you will still like this performance because the recording flows so well that one can't argue that Glenn uses too much staccato. I am not a listener who is limited only to Gould. I embrace many different styles of performances simply because no one interpretation is the "only way." If you are very interested to hear how else these compositions can be performed, such as more romantically, I recommend you listen to these same compositions played by [...]. Both do an excellent job. You will also have the opportunity to compare these performances to Glenn Gould's interpretation. Additionally, I would recommend that you hear these concertos being performed on a violin, organ, and harpsichord. After so many years and so many different recordings I have realized that Gould's performance is the absolute best. It doesn't mean there aren't other excellent recordings; it means that Glenn adds something extra to the performance that somehow when you combine those extra features with the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach, you suddenly seem to reinvent one of the greatest works of arts of the Western Civilization.

This recording is indeed breathtaking. I have read several books on Bach's works and his biography and I have to say that his genius is divine, yet I am not even religious! Mozart and Beethoven, among numerous other composers, have revered Bach and learned from him as well. At least for me, there has never been any composer as powerful as Herr Bach. If you are new to Bach, this recording is a great starting point. Make sure that you continue your reveling odyssey and listen to Bach's other greatest works[...] If you have any questions about Bach and his performances, feel free to contact me (ekhekoyan at yahoo.com).

A Review in Dissent.......2006-06-06

I find myself in disagreement with all the other reviewers of this performance. I think Gould does both emotional and technical violence to Bach's music. One reviewer speaks of Gould's "staccato" attacks, and praises the interpretation anyway. Doesn't that seem incoherent? My problem with the performance, however, is not so much what I hear but what I don't hear. First, there's the chromaticism of Bach's music, which I don't hear in Gould's performance because it's hammer-heavy; dissonance is most piquant when prepared by clear, transparent consonance (which is nearly impossible, I grant, on a modern piano). Then there's the counterpoint, the joyful mathematical complexity of Bach's music, which Gould sacrifices to his thundering top-voice dramaticization.
I wrote a previous negative review of this disk, which I find has been eradicated. In other words, censorship is possible on Amazon. I'm quite disappointed.

"Don't be frightened, Mr. Gould is here ...".......2006-04-24

I dare to say that nobody could even better perform with the same clarity and precision as those of Glenn Gould. He demonstrates why J.S. Bach is still the maestro of all masters of all time.

I'm a researcher, and believe it or not, I get my ideas when I listen to Bach. This collection is a must-to-listen for everybody who needs an illuminated inspiration in his/her subject.

Listen and enjoy.

In The Spirit..........2005-08-23

Glenn Gould is one of the most controversial pianists ever ... some people love him ,some hate him ,but they all agree that he is a true bravura player and a serious virtuoso on the piano .
When it comes to bach we immediately recall the famous saying : Bach is the mathematician of music , and Gould's famous ( mechanical ) technique on the piano really sets us in the mood for bach ... i dont believe that J.S himself would have played those pieces better than Gould ...

I have always been fond of the piano concertos ,and i listened to them performed by multiple artists ,but Gould is the maestro undebatably .

I would also recommend Bach's partitas by Gould too ...

Enjoy

I'm prejudiced, and these are my favorite versions........2005-08-04

I started listening to Glenn Gould almost 50 years ago, and have always
admired the precision with which he played. It evokes very refined
emotions and clarity of thought, as I think Bach intended.

Average customer rating:

Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations

The Violinist
Yehudi Menuhin , Johann Sebastian Bach , Bela Bartok , Ludwig van Beethoven , Alban Berg , Johannes Brahms , Max Bruch , Arcangelo Corelli , Edward Elgar , Franz Joseph Haydn , Edouard Lalo , Felix Mendelssohn , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Carl Nielsen , Niccolo Paganini , Camille Saint-Saens , Jean Sibelius , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Michael Tippett , Henri Vieuxtemps , Antonio Vivaldi , William Walton , Alberto Lysy , Anatole Fistoulari , Antal Dorati , Anthony Bernard , Gaston Poulet , John Pitchard , Mogens Woldike , Pierre Boulez , and Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Schubert: 8 Symphonies

ASIN: B0000BWTKJ
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Affettuoso
III. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro Assai
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Assai
I. Vivace
II. Largo Ma Non Tanto
III. Allegro

Tracks:

Rhapsody No. 2 (Lassu [Moderato] - Friss [Allegro Moderato])
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Andante Tranquillo
III. Allegro Molto
I. Andante
I. Allegretto (Scherzando)
II. Allegro
II. Adagio

Tracks:

Romance No. 1 In G Major
I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
II. Larghetto
III. Rondo (Allegro) (Cadenza: Kreisler)
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio
III. Finale (Allegro Energico)

Tracks:

Romance No. 2 In F Major, Op. 50
I. Allegro Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Vivace - Poco Piu Presto
I. Allegro Molto Appassionato
II. Andante
III. Allegretto Non Troppo - Allegro Molto Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro Molto
I. Andante Tranquillo
II. Presto Capriccioso Alla Napolitana & Trio (Canzonetta)
III. Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro Moderato (Cadenza: Menuhin)
II. Adagio Molto
III. Finale (Presto) (Cadenza: Menuhin)
I. Allegro
II. Andante Cantabile
III. Rondo (Andante Grazioso - Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
I. Allegro Maestoso
II. Andante
III. Presto

Tracks:

I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Scherzando (Allegro Molto)
III. Intermezzo (Allegretto Non Troppo)
IV. Andante
V. Rondo (Allegro)
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Andantino Quasi Allegretto
III. Molto Moderato E Maestoso - Allegro Non Troppo
Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
Havanaise, Op. 83

Tracks:

I. Allegro Maestoso (Cadenza: Emile Sauret)
II. Adagio Espressivo
III. Rondo (Allegro Spiritoso)
I. Andante - Moderato - Cadenza
II. Adagio Religioso
III. Scherzo (Vivace) & Trio
IV. Finale (Allegro)
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Cadenza
III. Adagio
IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

Serenade Melancolique
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio Di Molto
III. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
I. Praeludium (Largo)
I. Allegro Cavalleresco
II. Intermezzo (Poco Adagio)
II. Rondo (Allegretto Scherzando)

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Largo
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Non Molto
II. Adagio
III. Presto
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Non Molto
II. Largo
III. Allegro
I. Vivace - Allegro - Adagio - Vivace - Allegro - Largo Andante
II. Allegro
III. Grave - Andante Largo - Allegro
Fantasia Concertante On A Theme Of Corelli

Customer Reviews:

Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations.......2004-01-06

The recent trend toward classical box sets focusing on the performer instead of the composer (see my reviews of the various DG/Decca "Original Masters" sets) continues with EMI's new "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist." Sure EMI's past sets have showcased individual performances by Samson Francois, Eugen Jochum and Rudolf Kempe to name a few, but it was always under the heading of a given composer's works, and in the cases mentioned above, to Chopin's piano pieces, Bruckner's Symphonies and Strauss' Orchestral Works respectively. Therefore, this Menuhin collection is the first of EMI's "Budget Box Sets" to showcase a performer playing the works of a variety of composers.

As Menuhin was an EMI recording artist for an incredible 68 years (1931-99), his performances for the label number in the hundreds. With so much music from which to choose, this 10-disc set aims "to highlight some of those alternative versions, including recordings that have not been easily available since the days of LP and others that have never previously appeared on CD." Therefore, the obvious mainstream, easily attainable recordings are omitted here -- for example, the Beethoven/Mendelssohn VCs with Furtwangler, the Elgar VC with the composer conducting, and the Bruch/Mendelssohn VCs with Susskind and Kurtz.

However, a lot of this material has been on disc before on titles which the serious collector most likely already owns. Most of the Bach is currently available as part of the Bach "Budget Box Series" title. The Bruch, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Vivaldi VCs were all available in the now out-of-print 2CD EMI Seraphim series. The Elgar and the Walton are still available in the "British Composers" series. And perhaps most annoyingly, the previously unpublished Beethoven VC and Tchaikovsky "Serenade melancolique" (available as a single disc), and the Beethoven Romance No. 2 (available on an EMI Encore title) were both reissued just a few months back.

But let's focus on the positive, which are the other rare performances, the most significant being the never before reissued 1954 performance of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4 with John Pritchard and the Philharmonia. Other elusive recordings include Viuextemps and Paganini VCs with Fistoulari, Lalo and Saint-Saens works with Goossens, and excellent Berg and Bartok accounts with Boulez. Though I'm delighted at their inclusion, of lesser importance is a 1965 Bartok VC No. 2 with Dorati -- his mono EMI with Furtwangler and an earlier account with Dorati on Mercury Living Presence are far superior. Also, neither the Sibelius (Boult, 1955) nor Nielsen (Woldike, 1952) Concertos are truly Menuhin's cups of tea.

My last complaint has to do with the packaging. I know I'm being rather trite but it seems that EMI has taken the "slim" out of slim, paper-sleeved box sets with their latest batch of releases. Both this title and the new box of Liszt Orchestral Works by Masur are noticeably thicker than previous EMI sets featuring a similar number of discs. A minor point, but us serious classical collectors need every centimeter of space on our increasingly crowded CD shelves, not to mention the amount of wasted packaging.

Overall though, despite the fact that "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist" is not as essential a reissue as its counterparts in the "Original Masters" series, it is a delightful set that most collectors will thoroughly enjoy.

Classical Music For People Who Hate Classical Music

Average customer rating:

A Very Pleasurable Mix
Good for beginners.

Classical Music For People Who Hate Classical Music

Manufacturer: Proarte
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | 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

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

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

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Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
25 Classical Favorites

ASIN: B000000C3P
Release Date: 1993-02-01

Tracks:

Canon
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3: Allegro
The Four Seasons: Largo - Allegro
Fanfare
Air On A 'G' String
Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 21: Andante: 'Elvira Madigan' Theme
Symphony No. 5: Opening
William Tell Overture: Conclusion
Aida: Triumphal March
The Blue Danube Waltz
Waltz Of The Flowers
1812 Overture - Conclusion

Customer Reviews:

A Very Pleasurable Mix.......2005-10-29

I still consider myself a rock music fan, but received this CD/album as a Christmas gift in 1995, and have listened to it in my car countless times. It contains a very nice assortment of familiar arrangements performed brillantly by various orchestras. Even if the title doesn't ring a bell, chances are you've heard these songs before and can connect with them. My wife's favorite is "Canon" (she's a diehard romantic) and I'm partial to "Fanfare" (Masterpiece Theater's old theme). Guaranteed to mellow you out while stuck in rush-hour traffic.

Good for beginners........1999-01-16

For those of us who think we would like classical music but have no idea where to start or what to buy, this is a good CD. I now have a small classical music library which gives me a great deal of pleasure, but this was one of my first selections. I still enjoy it. I recommend it to friends who are beginning to enjoy classical music and need a place to start.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Baroque collection - everyone should have this!
Entry level baroque

Baroque Festival

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Tracks:

Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
Canon In D Major
The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Spring' In E Major, No. 1: Allegro
The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Spring' In E Major, No. 1: Largo e pianissimo sempre
The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Spring' In E Major, No. 1: Allegro: Rustic Dance
The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Summer' In G Minor, No. 2: Allegro non molto
The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Summer' In G Minor, No. 2: Adagio: Presto
The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Summer' In G Minor, No. 2: Presto: Impetuous Summer Storm
The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Fall' In F Minor, No. 3: Dancing &Singing Of The Peasants: Allegro
The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Fall' In F Minor, No. 3: The Sleeping Drunkards: Adagio
The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Fall' In F Minor, No. 3: The Hunt: Allegro
The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Winter' In F Minor, No. 4: Allegro non molto
The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Winter' In F Minor, No. 4: Largo
The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Winter' In F Minor, No. 4: Allegro
Toccatta And Fugue In D Minor, BMV 565
Xerxes: Largo
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Andante e spiccato
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Adagio
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Presto
Gigue

Tracks:

'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 2 In F Major, BWV 1047: (Allegro)
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 2 In F Major, BWV 1047: Andante
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 2 In F Major, BWV 1047: Allegro assai
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3 In G Major, BWV 1048: (Allegro)
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3 In G Major, BWV 1048: Allegro
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 5 In D Major, BWV 1050: Allegro
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 5 In D Major, BWV 1050: Affettuoso
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 5 In D Major, BWV 1050: Allegro
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
'Messiah': Overture
'Messiah': Comfort ye
'Messiah': Every Valley
'Messiah': And The Glory Of The Lord
'Messiah': Glory To God
'Messiah': Hallelujah!
'Messiah': And The Trumpet Shall Sound

Tracks:

'Water Music' Suite: Overture
'Water Music' Suite: Adagio
'Water Music' Suite: Allegro; Andante; Allegro
'Water Music' Suite: Minuet
'Water Music' Suite: Air
'Water Music' Suite: Minuet
'Water Music' Suite: Bourree
'Water Music' Suite: Hornpipe
'Water Music' Suite: Allegro moderato
Royal Fireworks Music: Overture
Royal Fireworks Music: Bourree
Royal Fireworks Music: 'The Peace:' Largo alla Sicillana
Royal Fireworks Music: La Rejouissance: Allegro
Royal Fireworks Music: Minuet
Royal Fireworks Music: Minuet
Rondeau
Tune In D major
Arioso for Brass
Allegro for Brass
Prelude And Fugue In C Major, BWV 846
Sleepers, Wake

Tracks:

Trumpet Voluntary
Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Ouverture
Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Rondeau
Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Sarabande
Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Bourree
Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Polonaise: Lentement
Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Menuet
Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Badinerie
Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C Major, BWV 1066: Ouverture (Grave; Allegro)
Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C Major, BWV 1066: Courante
Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C Major, BWV 1066: Gavotte
Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C Major, BWV 1066: Forlane
Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C Major, BWV 1066: Menuet
Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C Major, BWV 1066: Bourree
Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C Major, BWV 1066: Passepied
Air For The 'G' String
Symphony from 'The Fairy Queen' Act Four: Allegro marziale
Symphony from 'The Fairy Queen' Act Four: Canzona
Symphony from 'The Fairy Queen' Act Four: Largo
Symphony from 'The Fairy Queen' Act Four: Allegro maestoso
Symphony from 'The Fairy Queen' Act Four: Adagio
Symphony from 'The Fairy Queen' Act Four: Allegro maestoso
'A Hero's Music': La Vaillance
'A Hero's Music': La Grace
'A Hero's Music': L'Armenet
Joy To The World

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Baroque collection - everyone should have this!.......2002-06-18

This is a remarkable collection of Baroque music. I've heard a lot of Baroque music and I am very discriminating about performance and sound quality. This set is a winner and a fantastic bargain... Somehow they've managed to choose what is truly "best" from the period (for example I've always felt Bach's Brandenburg Concertos # 2, 3, 5 were the best of the six, while 1,4,6 were relatively weaker - and lo and behold this collection includes 2,3,and 5) while missing very little if anything that "should have" been here (of course a 10 or 12 CD collection would have been even better, but you have to stop somewhere).

The performances here are excellent, and the recording quality is very high. I disagree with the person who claims this isn't "audiophile quality", because I don't think it could get much better unless it were on another medium such as SACD. I didn't particularly notice coughing on Handel's "Messiah" but Messiah fans would likely prefer a complete performance of that particular work anyway (the excerpts from Messiah here are complete pieces, but this set doesn't include the entire 2 hour or whatever Messiah). These do not sound like "outtakes", what kind of a comment is that? Somebody worked very hard to put this collection together, and they did a fantastic job (and I have zero affiliation with this, I just feel the truth as I see it should be told).

Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" is presented in it's entirety (ok, it's not the entire Vivaldi Opus 8, but it is the entire Four Seasons as normally found on any "Four Seasons" CD). There are so many great works here, which a lot of people will recognize even if they didn't know the actual piece or composer (or even that it was from the Baroque era). There's even the Mouret fanfare made famous as the "Masterpiece Theater" theme music. Yes this is a great "introduction" at a great price - which might get people to explore Baroque music further, but it's also a fairly complete collection which will suit a lot of people as such (i.e. for everyone who appreciates most any type of music these works should be "essential", but also the 4 CD collection might be all that a casual listener would "need" from the Baroque era). I feel that most people would be thrilled with this set; about the only way it might have been better would be to include information about each piece and about the Baroque era in general (there is no "text" at all with this set).

Entry level baroque.......2001-01-11

Nice cheap way to get into Baroque music. Unfortunately it's not the best recording you can get but it should be adequate enough for a non-audiophile. I've been unable to bring myself to listening to it again since I noticed that someone coughs in the background (very noticeably) during Handel's Messiah. Wonder if this is an outtakes CD.

Average customer rating:

Classics for Relaxation

Manufacturer: Madacy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0001MZ804
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Tracks:

Prelude a l'AprMidi d'un Faune - Belgrad Philharmonic Orchestra, Igor Markevitch
Agnus Dei - Ricardo Casinelli, ,
Four Seasons -- 2nd Movement: Largo E Pianissimo Sempre - Martin Sieghart, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Orfeo Ed Euridice 2nd Act -- Ballo: Andante (Dance of the Blessed ...) - Wilhelm Keitel,
Liebestraum No. 3 in A flat major, Op. 62 "O Lieb So Lang" du ... - Peter Schmalfuss
Ice Skaters Waltz "Las Patineurs" Excerpt - Gerhard Becker, Berlin Symphony Orchestra
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46 Death of Ase - Libor Pesek, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Air - Artur Faihs, Frida Faihs
Nutcracker Ballet Suite, Op. 71a III: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy - Alfred Scholz, South German Philharmonic Orchestra
Goldberg Variations, BWV 988, No. 1: Aria - Christiane Jaccottet
Tales of Hoffman "Barcarolle" - Philharmonic Orchestra, Christian Rainer
Suite Bergamasque III: Clair de Lune - Peter Schmalfuss
Landler, Op. 171, No. 4 - Peter Schmalfuss
Ave Verum Corpus, Motet K. 618 - Rolf Schweizer,
Preludes, Op. 28 No. 15 in D flat major: Sostenuto "Raindrops" - Bianca Sitzius
Canon in D major: Preludes - Bernhard G Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Elegies for Piano, Op. 34 I: Wounded Heart - Stefan Jeschko

Tracks:

Preludes, Book 1 No. 8: "La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin" - Peter Schmalfuss
Suite Espa, Op. 47 Sevilla - Irina Kircher
Water Music Suite, Allegro - Oliver VonDohnanyi
Humoresque, Op. 101 - Erich Appel, Oliver Colbentson
Songs Without Words for Piano, Book 2, Op. 30, No. 6 in F sharp minor - Sylvia Capova
Swan Lake, Ballet Suite, Dance of the Swans - Belgrad Philharmonic Orchestra, Igor Markevitch
Divertimento No. 1 in B flat major, 2nd Movement - Chorale Saint Antoni Andante,
Symphony No. 5, 4th Movement: Adagietto - Anton Nanut
Lohengrin, Prelude to Act 3 - Bystrik Rezucha, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 Op. 46: Anitra's Dance - Libor Pesek, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Preludes, Op. 3, No. 2 in C sharp minor - Yuri A. Rozum
Tale of the Tsar Saltan -- Flight of the Bumble Bee - Camerata Rhenania, Hanspeter Gmur
Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551 "Jupiter," 1st Movement: ... - London Philharmonic Orchestra, Alfred Scholz
Finlandia, Op. 26/7 - Roland Donatte,
Etudes, Op. 10, No. 5 in G flat major "Black Keys" - Peter Schmalfuss
Serenade in E major, Op. 22, 1st Movement: Moderato - Marian Lapsansky, Bystrik Rezucha, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54, 2nd Movement: ... - Marian Lapsansky, Bystrik Rezucha,
Nutcracker Ballet Suite, Op. 71a, Arab Dance - Alfred Scholz, South German Philharmonic Orchestra
Divertimento for 2 Horns & Strings in F major "A Musical Joke," ... - Capella Istropolitana
Faust "Margarethe" -- Ballet Music, Allegretto - The London Symphony Orchestra, Alfred Scholz
Gymnopedies No. 3 - Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48, 2nd Movement; Waltz - Kurt Redel
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15 Traumerei - Peter Schmalfuss
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16, Adagio - Marian Lapsansky, Bystrik Rezucha, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Waltz in A flat major, Op. 69/1 - Peter Schmalfuss
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73, Adagio Non Troppo - Libor Pesek, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Largo from Xerxes - Ernst Riedlinger
Symphony No. 22 in E flat major, "Philosopher," Adagio
Quintet in E minor, G. 451, Allegro Moderato - Karl Heinz Ber, Hans Kalafusz, GKehr, Gunter Lemmen, Siegfried Palm

Average customer rating:

25 Classical Heartbreakers

25 Classical Heartbreakers

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0007TFHCA
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Customer Reviews:

25 Classical Heartbreakers.......2006-11-29

Although these are popular and widely heard compositions (that's why I gave it 4 stars) they are very soothing when you want to mellow out. However, I can't understand why the title reads '20 Classical Heartbreakers' when there are 25 pieces.

J.S. Bach: Keyboard Concertos Nos. 1, 3, 5 & 6

Average customer rating:

J.S. Bach: Keyboard Concertos Nos. 1, 3, 5 & 6
Katsaris , Drahos , Hegyesi , Rolla , and Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra
Manufacturer: Apex
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005QHTJ
Release Date: 2006-05-29

Tracks:

Keyboard Concerto No.1 In D Minor, Bwv 1052
Keyboard Concerto No.5 In F Minor, Bwv 1056
Keyboard Concerto No.3 In D Major, Bwv 1054
Keyboard Concerto No.6 In F Major, Bwv 1057

J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 2, 3, 5 & 6

Average customer rating:

Beautiful!
Excellent performance by the Amsterdam Trio
Overall good quality music.

J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 2, 3, 5 & 6

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

ASIN: B000003EPU
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Con No.6 in B-Flat, BWV 1051: Allegro Moderato
Con No.6 in B-Flat, BWV 1051: Adagio Ma Non Tanto
Con No.6 in B-Flat, BWV 1051: Allegro
Con No.3 in G, BWV 1048: Allegro
Con No.3 in G, BWV 1048: Adagio
Con No.3 in G, BWV 1048: Allegro
Con No.5 in D, BWV 1050: Allegro
Con No.5 in D, BWV 1050: Affetuoso
Con No.5 in D, BWV 1050: Allegro
Con No.2 in F, BWV 1047: Allegro Moderato
Con No.2 in F, BWV 1047: Andante
Con No.2 in F, BWV 1047: Allegro Assai

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful!.......2003-08-08

If you like Bach - and you like good guitar music - you'll love this CD. The Amsterdam Trio are a very talented group. It's beautiful!

Excellent performance by the Amsterdam Trio.......1999-01-27

The whole CD is well performed. However, the 5th concerto suffers from a balance problem. When the harpsicord plays the other instruments dissapear into the background. This would have easily been a five star recording if that was addressed.

Any serious Bach or Brandenburg enthusiast, or someone desiring a some good night music/background music should have this album in their collection.

Overall good quality music........1998-12-27

All 3 movements of Bradenburg Concerto #6 lends itself very well to rendition with guitar. Listening to it is a pleasure. Movement #1 of concerto #5 is a disappointment. It is a great piece of music but is not well rendered by guitar. The other concertos fall somewhere in between. Overall, I think that this a very good quality CD and is well worth the purchase.