Art of the Mazurka

On this CD:

1. Mazurka for piano in G sharp minor, Op. 33/1, CT 72
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Jean Martin

2. Mazurka for piano in E minor, Op. 17/2, CT 61
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Jean Martin

3. Mazurka for piano in F minor, Op. 68/4, CT 99
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by Jean Martin

4. Mazurka for piano in D flat major, Op. 148
Composed by Stephen Heller
Performed by Jean Martin

5. Mazurka for piano in F minor, Op. 5/4
Composed by Jules Schulhoff
Performed by Jean Martin

6. Mazurka for piano in B flat major, Op. 103/4
Composed by Benjamin Godard
Performed by Jean Martin

7. Mazurka for piano in F sharp minor, Op. 3/3
Composed by Genari Karganoff
Performed by Jean Martin

8. Mazurka for piano in D minor, Op. 120
Composed by Ignaz Moscheles
Performed by Jean Martin

9. Mazurka, for piano, L. 67
Composed by Claude Debussy
Performed by Jean Martin

10. Mazurka, for piano in B flat Major, Op. 32
Composed by Gabriel Faure
Performed by Jean Martin

11. Mazurkas (20), for piano, Op. 50, M56 No. 1
Composed by Karol Szymanowski
Performed by Jean Martin

12. Mazurkas (20), for piano, Op. 50, M56 No. 2
Composed by Karol Szymanowski
Performed by Jean Martin

13. Mazurkas (20), for piano, Op. 50, M56 No. 3
Composed by Karol Szymanowski
Performed by Jean Martin

14. Impromptus (2) à la mazur for piano, Op. 7 No. 1 in G minor
Composed by Alexander Nikolayevich Skryabin
Performed by Jean Martin

15. Impromptus (2) à la mazur for piano, Op. 7 No. 2 in F sharp minor
Composed by Alexander Nikolayevich Skryabin
Performed by Jean Martin

16. Mazurka for piano No. 2 in E major
Composed by Benoit Cliquet
Performed by Jean Martin

Tracks:

Andante
Andantino
Lento
Romance De Los Pinos
Madronos
Serenata Burlesca
Variations On A Theme From Mozart's 'The Magic Flute'
Mesto E Calmo
Theme, Variations & Finale
Cancion Mexicana No.X
Sevillana, Op.29
Sarabanda
Capriccio Diabolico, Op.85
Tonadilla For Guitar On The Name Of Andres Segovia
No.1 In E Minor
No.3 In A Minor
Guitarreo
Segovia, Op.29

Tracks:

If My Complaints
Now, O Now I Need Must Part
Sarabande
1. Prelude (Transposed In D Major)
4. Tempo Di Bourree
Courante
3. Gavotte En Rondeau
Aria E Corrente
Moderato
Menuet In G Major
Andantino Variato
No.7 In A Major
2. Canzonetta
2. Quasi Lento (Preludio)
1. Andantino Poco Allegretto (Allegretto)
2. Il Vecchio Castello
Allegretto
Tres Calme Et Doucement Expressif
No.4 In E Flat Minor
5. Asturias. Leyenda - Preludio
7. Zambra Granadina
Estudio Sin Luz
Allegro Con Brio

Amazon.com

DG has put together a fascinating compilation of Segovia's art that reminds us what a protean figure he was. Segovia single-handedly put the instrument on the map by making classical guitar concerts popular events, broadening the instrument's repertory through commissions and transcriptions, and convincing even doubters that it could be a vehicle for serious music. He's heard here in brief pieces recorded between 1952 and 1969. Even in those made when he was well into his 70s, his fingers remain nimble and interpretations lively. Listening straight through, one hears many all-time Segovia favorites as Turina's Sevillana and Albeniz's Asturias and Zambra Granadina and renews appreciation for path-breaking composers like Castelnuovo-Tedesco. He wrote extensively for Segovia and his Capriccio diabolico and Tonadilla are pieces of real substance. Disc two is largely made up transcriptions and it's amazing how well so many of them work on the guitar, at least under Segovia's magic fingers. Thus the transformations of Bach's violin music and even a Chopin Prelude sound idiomatic, and the gorgeous melodies of the Canzonetta from Mendelssohn's Op. 12 String Quartet are irresistible here. An entrancing set. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A Man and His Art - Magnificently Captured.......2007-04-06

This 2-CD set produced by Deutche Grammmophon and first released in 2002 is one set of the hundreds that could have been or the dozens that actually have been made and sold successfully all over the world. The exceptional feature of this particular collection is not, of course, the performer. Quite to the contrary, the miraculous consistency of stylings and performance are amongst the most remarkable aspects of the man who was, arguably, the 20th Centry's virtuoso supreme of the classical guitar, Andres Segovia (1893-1987.) Rather, it is the collection itself - the pieces chosen to be produced on this one set - this, to steal a German word, gestalt. While his style did not remain constant throughout his long life and career, by the time he had developed his most masterful skills that included doing his own arrangements - the era represented on this particular set (1951-1960) - his playing had become completely his own - unchallenged and unmatched by even other clearly great guitarists with whom he shared this era.

There are a total of 31 pieces played on these CDs and while a playlist would be an unnecessary use of space here, a list of the composers represented is not. More than the specific pieces Segovia gives us here, the range of composers chosen by the compilers and editors - with each piece rearranged by Segovia himself, tells us a great deal about his interests, talents and musical range. These composers include:
Isaac Albeniz, Johann Sebastian Bach, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Frederic Chopin, Claude Debussy, John Dowland, Manuel de Falla, Cesar Franke, Girolamo Frescobaldi, Edvard Grieg, George Frederic Handel, Felix Mendelsohn, Frederico Moreno Torroba, Modest Mussorgsky, Nicolo Paganini, Felipe Pedrell, Manuel Ponce, Jean-Philippe Rameau, Joaquin Rodrigo, Albert Roussel, Domenico Scarlatti, Alexander Scriabin, Segovia's own composition of Estudio sin luz, Fernando Sor, Francisco Tarrega, Joaquin Turina and Heitor Villa-Lobos. A truly magnificent and broad ranging collection held together by Segovia's unique personal style, approach and sound.

Largely self-taught, Andres Segovia did things with a guitar that others only imagined. He didn't just play Bach, for example - music written for an entirely different type of instrument (keyboards.) He went a step further, and recorder Bach's keyboard lessons written for his students (the Two and Three Part Inventions) and made them sound as if they had been written for the guitar! His artistry is evident to even the casual listener and in this collection, any devote of classical guitar and/or of Segovia as an individual artist, will not be disappointed.
Perfect listening for anytime. Hypnotic and, simply, unsurpassed. A necessary addition to any serious classical guitar collection.

What can you say - it's Segovia!.......2007-02-10

I saw Segovia perform live in my youth. What a treat! Anyone who loves Classical Guitar should love this collection.

EVERYBODY KNOWS.......2007-01-13

EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT ANDRES SEGOVIA WAS/IS THE WORLD'S GREATEST CLASSICAL GUITAR PLAYER. THIS CD IS A COMPILATION OF HIS RECORDINGS FROM THE THE EARLY 50'S TO THE LATE 60'S. HIS GUITAR MASTERY IS UNQUESTIONED AND HE IS AN INSPIRATION. I WISH I COULD PLAY GUITAR LIKE ANDRES SEGOVIA (BUT I CAN'T AND I NEVER WILL!).

Immortal guitar.......2006-08-02

Two CD's with Segovia's immortal music - an incredible treat at a great price!

WOW.......2006-02-23

Even though there is hiss from the original analog recordings this one is a must. Segovia! What more can you say. Anyone who likes classical guitar will love this.

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

Mill. Classical review
classical music for the unitiated
Some little gems there that I had forgotten!
A very helpful collection
Excellent!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B00000K1C9
Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
Violin Concerto - second movement
The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Swan Lake - Waltz
Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
Hungarian Dance No.5
Lullaby
Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
Die Fledermaus - Overture
Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
AnnenPolka, Op. 117
Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
Don Juan, Op. 20
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
Angelus
Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
Les Préludes
Boléro
Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
La Valse
Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
Humoresque, Op. 101
Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
Carneval Overture, Op. 92
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
Nordic Melody Op. 63
Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
Frühlingsgruss
Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
Manfred Overture, Op. 115
Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
Die Rose stand im Tau
Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

Average customer rating:

The classical heritage

Music of Spain

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Release Date: 2005-09-06

Customer Reviews:

The classical heritage .......2006-04-16

The visible embellishment of this noble instrument was enriched still more by the Spanish composers, who following the traces of his contemporaries. In the case of Fernando Sor, Haydn was his musical guide, where as Aguado, could establish himself with major vehemence, due its particular style, based in the notable right-hand articulation, eschewed the classical patterns, being able to print his own music a flamboyant and refined character.

In the particular case of Fernando Sor, we have a wisdom blending of the counterpoint technique, an evocative mood from his own that, added the well known influence of the Italian composers (Domenico Cimarrosa and Giovanni Batista Pergolesi) and his beloved love for the Operatic genre, allowed him to enrich still more the lyrical possibilities of the guitar. Besides, unlike Nicolo Paganini, for instance fortunately did not transform the guitar in a simple device to show his overwhelming gifts. He used the guitar to play music, on the opposite approach of Paganini who used the music as mere device to play his instrument.

In the guitar genre there has not been most deserved and superb tribute to Mozart that this Variations Op. 9 based on a motive of The most famous Mozart ?s Magic Flute. Loaded of such imaginative freshness and enraptured inspiration you may notice that one of the Variations conserves an undeniable Italian flavor; this is one of the most beloved hidden treasures the guitar can offers us, which raise with special charm in the hands of this formidable soloist.

Aguado on the contrary acquired due his personal state of things, a notable adroitness who excelled by far, to Sor, so his musical approaches rode in opposite directions, trying to exploit at maximum levels the technical possibilities of the instrument.

Julian Bream makes a colossal tribute to both composers in this egregious and golden album.

Average customer rating:

The Music Sparkles
A TRULY UNIQUE PIANIST

The Art of Ashkenazy

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Chopin: Favorite Piano Works
Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos 2 & 3 / Ashkenazy, Kondrashin
Chopin: 4 Ballades, 4 Scherzi / Ashkenazy
Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy
Beethoven: Piano Concerto Nos.4 & 5

ASIN: B000026BV7
Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 3, 1st movement (excerpt) - Rachmaninov
Paganini Variations - Variation XVIII - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Piano Concerto No. 5 - - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Tchaikivsky Piano Concerto No. 1, 2nd movement - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Piano Concerto No. 21, 2nd movement - Mozart
Piano Concerto No. 1, 2nd movement - Prokofiev
Piano Concerto No.2, 2nd movement - Chopin
Piano Concerto No.2, 1st movement, Moderato - Rachmaninov
Piano Concerto No.2, 2nd movement, Adagio sostenuto - Rachmaninov
Piano Concerto No.2, 3rd movement, Allegro scherzando - Rachmaninov

Tracks:

Grande valse brillante, op. 18 - Chopin
Prelude in D flat major, op. 28 no. 15 - Chopin
Etude in G flat major, op. 10 no. 5 - Chopin
Nocturne in E flat major, op.9 no. 2 - Chopin
Waltz in D flat major, op. 64 no.1 - Chopin
Fse - Beethoven
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, op.27 no.2 - Beethoven
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, op. 13 - Beethoven
Impromptu No. 3 in G flat major, D899, Andante - Schubert
Kinderszenen (Scenes from childhood), op. 15, Von fremden Lern und Menschen (Foreign lands and people) - Schumann
Trerei (Dreaming) - Schumann
Polonaise in A major, op.40 no. 1 - Chopin
ude in E major, op. 10 no. 3 - Chopin
Mazurka in D major, op. 33 no. 2 - Chopin
Waltz in C sharp minor, op. 64 no. 2 - Chopin
Fantaisie-impromptu, op. 66 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Pavane pour une infante dnte - Ravel
10 pieces from Romeo and Juliet, op. 75 - Dance of the girls with lilies - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Prelude in G minor, op. 23 no. 5 - Rachmaninov
Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3 no. 2 - Rachmaninov

Customer Reviews:

The Music Sparkles.......2006-02-24

The selections are stunningly beautiful and how fortunate we are that Ashkenazy defected to the West to develop his great artistry. The two CDs give almost 160 minutes of music that is exciting, inspiring and comforting and it is definitely a keeper.I found it by accident while reading a review of another artist, his name was mentioned as someone to check out. That is what I love about Amazon, there is so much information in the reviews and listening to the segments gives you a good idea of what to expect.

A TRULY UNIQUE PIANIST.......2000-03-18

Vladamir Ashkenazy is one of our lifetime's greatest pianists. Ever since winning the Tchaikovsky competition, his reputation as a pianist has grown stronger and more forthright. This collection takes us through various scopes of the piano repetoire. Being a classical pianist, I hold myself extremely dedicated to the faithful reproduction of piano music on to CD recordings. However, when one is listening to a recording of Ashkenazy's, the responsobility diminishes. With a name and reputation such as this man's there is no need to worry. All piano-music lovers will enjoy this fine collection. There are moments of technical finesse, bravura and showmanship. At other times there are passages of the utmost lyrical beauty. The concertos of Rachmaninov and Chopin are particularly well tackled by Ashkenazy. I have solely one minor criticism of this collection - it would have been nice to have heard some works of Liszt and Beethoven. Ashkenazy is a brilliant interpreter of Beethoven's sonatas in particular. However, with the wealth of compositions already on the CD, there is no real need for this. This CD is will offer its' listener hours upon hours of listening pleasure. All dur to two things - the composers and their music, and Ashkenazy - a truly unique pianist.

Average customer rating:

Yet Another Excellent New Year's Day VPO Concert
Another Beautiful Concert

New Year's Concert 2005

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

2006 Neujahrskonzert - New Year's Concert
New Year's Concert 2004
New Year's Concert 2003
2007 New Year's Concert
New Year's Concert (2002)

ASIN: B0006L7M7C
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

Indigo March, Op.349
Haute-Volee-Polka, Op.155
Pleasure Seekers, Op.91
Winter Pleasure, Op.121
The Emancipated Woman, Op.282
A Thousand And One Nights, Op.346
The Bayadere, Op.351

Tracks:

Beautiful Galatea
Speech Dr. Clemens Hellsberg
Klipp-Klapp, Galopp, Op.466
Pictures Of The North Sea
Peasants' Polka, Op.276
Fata Morgana, Op.330
Pleasure Train, Op.281
In The Viennese Manner
Russian March Fantasy, Op.353
One Heart, One Mind, Op.323
Pizzicato-Polka
Tales From The Vienna, Op.325
Electrisch, Polka Schnell
At The Hunt, Op.373
New Year's Address
The Blue Danube, Op.314

Customer Reviews:

Yet Another Excellent New Year's Day VPO Concert.......2005-04-27

This year's concert was devoted almost exclusively to music by Johann Strauss II. Without question, it is among the Vienna Philharmonic's best New Year's Concerts, led by a long-time collaborator at the podium, American conductor Lorin Maazel, who has conducted the orchestra since the early 1960s. The orchestra responded enthusiastically to him, following his tempi even when he wasn't conducting (In two works he plays violin solos, most notably the "Tales from the Vienna Woods" waltz.). On a somber note, the traditional final piece of the concert, Johann Strauss' Radetzky March was not played, a silent tribute offered to the victims of the December 26th earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean (However, the other traditional encore, the "Blue Danube" waltz was played.). Fans of both the Vienna Philharmonic and Lorin Maazel will be interested in acquiring this CD.

Another Beautiful Concert.......2005-02-24

Tremendous in the Dobly 5.1 surround sound. Great ballet to the Blue Danube waltz. Maazel does some violin solos on the Tales from the Vienna Woods

Gesualdo di Venosa: 18 Quarto Libro di Madrigali, 1596

Average customer rating:

Gesualdo di Venosa: 18 Quarto Libro di Madrigali, 1596

Manufacturer: Glossa
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Gesualdo: Quinto Libro di Madrigali (1611)
Carlo Gesualdo: Madrigali Libri I-III
Monteverdi: Concerto Settimo Libro dei Madrigali
Monteverdi: Sesto Libro dei Madrigali - 1614
Monteverdi: Secondo Libro dei Madrigali (1590)

ASIN: B00004YLB6
Release Date: 2006-01-24

Average customer rating:

Sumptuous Delight---Gelato indeed!!!
Marvelous!
Marvelous!
Antidote
Stopped the car

Neapolitan Cafe

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Aria Fresca
Favourite Flavours - Best Of... (Import)
Travels the Orient Express
Quartetto Gelato
Rustic Chivalry

ASIN: B00005ABHQ
Release Date: 2001-04-10

Tracks:

Tango Del Mare
Mattinata
Ave Maria
Mazurka
Lolita
Al Di La
Four Bagatelles
Four Bagatelles
Four Bagatelles
Four Bagatelles
Words That I Want
Criminal Tango
Torna A Surriento
The Clown Of Venice
Rondine Al Nido
Waltz Brillante
Volare

Amazon.com

Quartetto Gelato presents the best possible kind of crossover programs. The group members are basically classical musicians, and unusually versatile ones, and they always include at least one piece of substantial music in their recordings (in this case a set of bagatelles by Dvorák, with the harmonium part played on an accordion)) along with tasty lighter material. Peter De Sotto, who plays violin and mandolin, also sings in a pretty light tenor that is just right for the Neapolitan songs he performs here. The choice of material moves a little outside the Neapolitan orbit, not only with Dvorák but also with Piazzolla and a delicious "Criminal Tango" by someone named T. Trambella. Quartetto Gelato's CDs make perfect dinner music, but they are so well performed that they also make entertaining listening programs. That's true of this new release even though the program is a little lighter than usual. Not recommended for snobs, but nearly everyone else will enjoy it thoroughly. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Sumptuous Delight---Gelato indeed!!!.......2002-11-10

I was first introduced to this album when my teacher put it on as background music during a reed-making session. My first thought, of course, was, "What the dickens?" My second thought was: "Hey. . . cool!" Quartetto plays everything and anything with such intelligence, flair, and joie de vivre that even the most casual listener can't help but be enthralled. Neapolitan Café is a charming collection of lively tangos, bizarre yet gorgeous interpretations of standard classical reperatoire, new music, a couple of folk tunes, and even a fifties pop song thrown in at the end. The viruosity and musicianship is remarkable and even a bit surprising: Macerollo's accordian playing will knock downright your socks off; Meanwell's guitar is flavourful and his cello is rich (if not showcased quite so much); De Sotto, besides playing a great rustic violin and mandolin, sings in a brilliant tenor; and Steljes' oboe playing flies as she takes up parts written for all sorts of unoboistic instruments (including a mandolin part in the Waltz Brillante). This odd instrumentation gives an eccentric and fun flavour to everything they do that you will find nowhere else, and I doubt you will ever have more fun listening to Volare than as rendered here (by violin, cello, oboe and accordian). An insight of the best chamber musicians shines in certain places, too, parcticularly in the beautiful interpretation of the Dvoøák bagatelles and the strikingly lyrical Ave Maria of Piazzola. The only thing about this disc that I really don't like is the engineering, which tends to overbalance on the oboe and is too loud for some of my speakers. But if you have speakers that are better than my cheap ones, and you're in the mood for an eclectic hour, then make yourself a lattè, put on some multicoloured lights, pop in Neapolitan Café, and dance away!

Marvelous!.......2002-01-18

Before hearing (and seeing) Quartetto Gelato, Classical music didn't interest me much. I would go to symphony concerts once and a while, but felt like falling asleep half way through the program. With Quartetto Gelato staying awake was not a problem! I recently bought Neapolitan Cafe and it hasn't been put back in its case since! A must have!

Marvelous!.......2002-01-18

Antidote.......2001-11-13

A pleasant antidote to the New-Age plague.

Stopped the car.......2001-11-04

I first heard this on an NPR station and stopped the car so I could write down the name. And after hearing it almost every day for several weeks, I'm still enthralled.

Average customer rating:

Great Reference for a Great Tradition

The Pupils of Liszt

Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000WY9
Release Date: 1993-01-21

Tracks:

Puck,Op. 71-3
Danse Villageoise, No. 3
Sonata Op. 31-3: Scherzo
Hungarian Rhapsody, No. 12, In C Sharp Minor
Romance In F Sharp, Op. 28 - 2
Glanes de Woroninces, G. 249 - 2
Rondo in G, Op. 51 - 2
The Lark
Liebestraum No.2 In E Major, G. 326-2
Berceuse In D Flat, Op. 57
Mazurka In B Flat Minor, Op. 24 - 4
Mazurka In B Minor, Op. 33 - 4
Mazurka In A Flat, Op. 50 - 2
Mazurka In B Major, Op. 50 - 2
Mazurka In C Sharp Minor, Op. 63 - 3
Mazurka In G, Op. 67 - 1
Blue Danube - Joy Of Life - Fledermaus: 'Blue Danube Waltzes' - Paraphrase
Eglogue (Annees - Suisse), G. 73 - 7

Tracks:

Scherzo In B Flat Minor, Op. 31
Feux Follets (Tr. Studies, G. 53 - 3)
'La Campanella' (Tr. Studies, G. 53 - 3)
'The Ruins Of Athens': March
Midsummer Night's Dream: Scherzo, Op. 61 - 1
Valse In E Minor, Op. posth.
Valse In A Flat, Op. 42
Valse In F, Op. 34 - 3
Etude In C Minor, Op. 25 - 12
Scherzo In E Minor, Op. 16 - 2
Espenlaub
Concert Polka
Ricordanza (Tr. Studies, G. 52 - 9)
Andante favori In F, WoO. 57
Au bord d'une source, G. 73 - 4
Capriccio In B Minor, Op. 76 - 2
Little Waltz
Gavotte and Minuet
Scherzo In F Sharp, Op. 16 - 2

Customer Reviews:

Great Reference for a Great Tradition.......2003-03-03

Sauer once gave a list of Liszt's worthy pupils. Many of them are here; but among them, Hofmann said only Sauer was "a real great virtuoso", and he went on to say, "Friedheim was so-so and Lammond didn't impress me..."etc.

Sauer is impressing indeed and in terms of musicality and interpretaion, he compared favourably even with Hofmann. Equally interesting was Rosenthal. Unlike Sauer, he lost his power to thunder in his old age, but he made it up in all the nuances and colours whihc are quite well captured here. D'albert was probably the greatest of all Lizst pupils, something we don't want to miss, same for de Greef and indeed all others here.

Tracks:

Prld in b
Son in b
Melodie D'Orfee
Rondo in E flat, Op. 11
Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 14
Der Nussbaum, Op. 25, No 3
Mazurka in c#, Op. 50, No 3
Die Loreley
Cordoba, Op. 232, No. 4
Cancion Y Danza No. 5
The Lark
Polichinelle, Op. 3, No 4
Waltz, Op. 38
Toccata
Basso Ostinato
Andante Cantabile from Son in C, K. 330

Album Description

Russian-born Paperno delivers deep, powerful performances of 16 lesser-recorded piano miniatures. He magnifies and reveals these rich musical microcosms with a three-dimensional pianism that takes advantage of the instrument's full sonorities. A rarity is the Cancion y Danza No. 5 by Federico Mompou, the Spanish (Catalan) composer who specialized in small-scale piano pieces. "Many of his pastels are of an extraordinary haunting . . . elegance," wrote Lionel Salter in the New Grove Dictionary (1980). Mompou's "fondness of ostinato figures and bell sound often lends an incantatory quality to his poetic evocations." Even the one Rachmaninoff piece, the Polichinelle, Op. 3, No. 4, is seldom heard. A beguiling, spiritual performance of Siloti's transcription of Bach's Prelude in B minor opens the program. Scarlatti's Sonata in B minor is beautiful and dramatic, with a sunny radiance and eternally fresh-sounding melodies. Sgambati's transcription of Gluck's MÃ©lodie d'OrfÃ©e is achingly lovely and seems perfect for a tenderly romantic movie scene. Particularly interesting in Shchedrin's suspenseful yet jazzy Basso Ostinato. Russian pianist and teacher Leah Levinson's transcription of Schumann's song "Der Nussbaum" (The Nut Tree) receives its first-ever recording. "An amazing achievement for a one-piece composer," Paperno writes in the liner notes. "She gave me the piece as soon as she finally wrote it down in the early 1960s." Paperno's liner notes, like the recording, are uncommon, informative and quite touching. A mature artist, Paperno offers stimulating first-person accounts of his relationships with the pieces and their performance challenges. Paperno tells of his first visit with Shchedrin, "my closest friend from my years in what used to be the USSR." Unable to find a copy of the popular Basso Ostinato score, Paperno went to the composer's Moscow apartment and came away with a personally inscribed copy.

Customer Reviews:

great CD.......2003-07-11

All the songs here are interpreted sensitively and the choice of songs is superb.