Fragments

On this CD:

1. Partita for solo violin No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 Chaconne
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Marek Wegrzyk

2. Introduction et caprice, for Guitar, Op. 23
Composed by Giulio Regondi
Performed by Marek Wegrzyk

3. Fantasie Élégiaque for guitar, Op. 59
Composed by Fernando Sor
Performed by Marek Wegrzyk

4. Suite española No.1, for piano, Op. 47, B. 7 Asturias
Composed by Isaac Albeniz
Performed by Marek Wegrzyk

5. Canzoni Lidie (2), for guitar
Composed by Nuccio D'Angelo
Performed by Marek Wegrzyk

6. Percussion study No.1, for guitar
Composed by Arthur Kampela
Performed by Marek Wegrzyk

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Adagio, Sempre Ligato
II. Menuetto: Allegro
IV: Allegro
No.1 Wer Disch Der Einsamkeit Erbigt
No.2 An Die Turen Will Ich Schleichen
O.2 Wer Nei Sen Brot Mit Tranen Ass
Totengrabers Heimweh D842
Pflicht Und Liebe D467
Allegretto D900 In C Minor
Lebensmut D937
Allegretto D346 In Major
Johanna Sebus D728
Andantino D348 In C Major

Amazon.com

This CD presents Schubert's C minor Sonata, the first of his final three works in that form. It is a highly dramatic work, with more theatricality than introspection, particularly in the first and last movements, and the minuet is more of a Romantic outpouring than what we normally expect from a minuet. The last movement is a particular treat -- a dark tarantella with a lovely melody at its center -- and Andsnes plays it all with great warmth and feeling. Four songs are sung by Ian Bostridge with his usual insights. At least one is a masterpiece, ("Gravedigger's Homesickness"): a dark meditation on death and peace. Of special interest are six fragments that Schubert never completed -- three for solo piano, three of songs -- that break off in mid point. It's fascinating how quickly the listener can get involved in these short bits -- a single verse of a song, a two-minute allegretto -- so that when they do end, we feel as if we know some very important things about them despite their brevity and incompleteness. This is a fascinating CD. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Major talent.......2007-05-07

From the moment he was "discovered" in Norway, Leif Ove Andsnes has set the bar for pianists higher than it's been in a long time. He plays virtually everything - Grieg, Schumann, Haydn, Mozart, - everything, uncommonly well. His touch is light, interpretations sensitive, technique fluid, flawless, and awesome. Whatever he does is well thought out and musical. He is the rare talent who is a vehicle for the music, not an ego looking for an outlet. This recording is sensitive, serious, funny, bright, contemplative - in effect, Schubert. That doesn't mean his personality doesn't come through - just that he doesn't need it to be first and foremost. I hope he is around and recording for a long time to come.

Average customer rating:

Musique de la Grece Antique: Sherri's Opinion
Beauty can survive destructive time
Interesting.
A collector's item for any music lover
Unique Find

Musique de la Grece Antique

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004TVG7
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

Anakrousis
Orestas Stasimo
Premier Hymne Delphique A Apollon
Plainte De Tecmessa
Papyrus Wien 29825/G 13763/1494
Hymne Au Soleil
Hymne A La Muse
Hymne A Nemesis
Papyrus Michigan
Aenaoi Nefalai
Epitaphe De Seikilos
Pean. Papyrus Berlin 6870
Kolon Exasimon/Allos Exasimon/Tetrasimos/Allos Exasimos/Dodekasimos/Allos Dodekasimos...
Premiere Ode Pythique
Papyrus Oxyrhynchus 2436
Hymne Chretienne D'Oxyrhynchus
Homero Hymnus
Papyrus Zenon. Cairo Fragment
Terencio. Hecyra 861
Poem. Mor 1, 11f. Migne 37, 523
Second Hymne Delphique A Apollon
Papyrus Oslo A/B. Epilogos-Katastrophe

Customer Reviews:

Musique de la Grece Antique: Sherri's Opinion.......2007-04-11

This music is almost like hearing ghosts. In a way the listener does hear ghosts, for the music has been saved from oblivion, and experts do not know everything about it. As much as possible, traditional instruments have been reconstructed based on pictures found on documents like vases and paintings. Sometimes you hear only a little fragment of something, about a minute. It's intriguing to think about who may have sung/played this music. The notes explain some of the technical details; musicologists will find that interesting. Because I know little about music, I wish for better notes about other things. For example, I would like more information in English about provenance, titles, and lyrics--as far as they are known. I wanted to know the words I heard sung. Other than the shortage of helpful notes, this is very interesting music.

Beauty can survive destructive time.......2006-04-27

The first remark concerns the instruments of this music, instruments that have been reconstituted on the model of the ancient ones. We will consider them as germanely faithful, and they create sounds, a sound environment or ambience that is particularly original. The second remark is that this music is based on the pythagorian five-note scale that corresponds to the first five degrees of our modern major scale. Then a second group of these five degrees and intervals are added to the first five in a second identical group constituting a ten-note scale that will be the basis of all western music up to the Renaissance, and thus the basis of all Christian sacred music of the Middle Ages, a music known as gregorian. So, in this surprising sound ambience we also recognize some elements we have already heard and enjoyed in our heritage. Just take track # 3, ? Premier hymne delphique ? Apollon ?. Some of the chords are so close to gregorian music, and yet the instruments are so different, that we may think we are at the crossroads between some extraterrestrial music and gregorian chanting. In fact we are here at the very source of gregorian music that was to borrow everything from ancient Greek music. And then put this track # 3 in parallel with track # 16, ? Hymne chr?tienne (sic) d'Oxyrhynchus ? and you will hear the direct filiation. Track # 8 will provide you with the model of the traditional musics we find in the mountainous areas of the Mediterranean, Sicilia, Sardinia, Corsicca and Provence, among others, the music of shepherds and fishermen when coming back to land, a music that will become religious and christian later on and that still exists, mainly in the form of a polyphony. But the worst part - and also the best in a way - is that we only have fragments, tidbits, and that it is the concrete realization of the tremendous waste history has willed us and yet also the concrete evidence that history is never able to destroy something completely and that we have the means to reconstruct what has been destroyed with a specific procedure of genetic musical archaeology. To conclude we must take into account this recording is from 1978, i.e. a long time ago. To get a more complete vision we have to look for more recent recordings.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, Universit? Paris Dauphine, Universit? Paris I Panth?on Sorbonne

Interesting........2003-12-29

I was expecting something a little more vigorous. But it is still fun. In a sober way.

A collector's item for any music lover.......2003-12-26

Pretty much everything that I can think of to say about this CD has already been said here.

I agree that it is a bit weird. I don't listen to it very often either.

But having said that my tastes in music are not so much driven by intellect, so it doesn't bother me that liner notes might not be as complete as they could be.

I bought this CD in Japan back in the mid-1980's when compact discs were still an upcoming trend and LP's dominated. It's believable but still somehow amazing that I paid the equivalent of more than thirty U.S. bucks for what is now practically a steal.

I also am wondering why the quality of this old disc is deterioriating. Yes! There are scratchy sounds abounding where studied silence was once 'heard.' Consequently, I listen even less than I would otherwise. (I had considered putting it on an MD with the soundtrack to 'Gladiator' and then listening to both on the 'shuffle' mode.)

Unique Find.......2002-09-11

I loved this cd. It has a professional feel to the music. It evokes images from the period that are distinct, useful, and complimentary to examination of the time. There seems to have been a real effort at authentication of the sounds of the era without over stepping the claims of its ultimate veracity. I was delighted and surprised at its very existence.

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In D Minor, Op.13: I. Grave - Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 1 In D Minor, Op.13: II. Allegro animato
Symphony No. 1 In D Minor, Op.13: III. Larghetto
Symphony No. 1 In D Minor, Op.13: IV. Allegro con fuoco
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: I. Non allegro
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: II. Andante con moto (Tempo di valse)
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: III. Lento assai - Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op.27: I. Largo - Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op.27: II. Allegro molto
Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op.27: III. Adagio
Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op.27: IV. Allegro vivace
The Isle of the Dead, Op.29

Tracks:

Symphony No.3 In A Minor, Op.44: I. Lento - Allegro Moderato
Symphony No.3 In A Minor, Op.44: II. Adagio ma non troppo - Allegro vivace
Symphony No.3 In A Minor, Op.44: III. Allegro
The Bells, Op.35: I. Allegro ma non tanto
The Bells, Op.35: II. Lento
The Bells, Op.35: III. Presto
The Bells, Op.35: IV. Lento Lugubre

Customer Reviews:

Excellent recordings, all worth getting at any price!!!.......2005-04-01

Different people have different tastes. Without wishing to malign those who don't care as much (or at all) for this set, I'll dare say that this set is an absolute classic. [Why go only for the 2-disc set of just the symphonies instead of getting also Ostróva Mjórtvïkh (The Isle of the Dead), the Symphonic Dances and Kolokóla (The Bells) that come automatically as part of this 3-disc set?]

It was the Ashkenazy recording of Ostróva Mjórtvïkh that introduced me to what has since become my favourite symphonic poem ever (roll over Richard Strauss - this one together with Schönberg's "Pelléas et Mélisande" take the cake!) as well as the Symphonic Dances - and also Kolokóla as well as the 1st & 3rd Symphonies. [Prévin did as much for the 2nd Symphony in my case and his recording is a more than worthy competitor - his and this one are as good as tied for top spot in my honest opinion - get them BOTH if possible!!!!] At all times, these interpretations proved Sjergjéy Vassíljevich Rakhmáñinov as one of the greatest composers of the 1850-1950 period, even if he wasn't the most prolific (my biggest regret is that death stopped him from benefitting us organists with an Organ Concerto meant for Charles Courboin). [He was the type that could only concentrate on one thing at a time - be it composition, piano concertising, or conducting, at all of which he was outstanding; however, when he went into exile after the Russian Revolutions, he found himself mainly working as one of the greatest pianists of all time in order to secure his future and feed his family.] Obviously his mentor Pjótr Iljích Chaykóvskiy was a powerful influence on him; however, Rakhmáñinov never loses his individuality at any point!

Certainly his symphonic output is uniformly high: his 1st Symphony, while not always the most cohesive at times, still deserved a heck of a lot better fate than it received at the hands of Glazunóv - it's extremely inspired and there's no question that it deserves a high place in the repertoire. The 3rd Symphony - and the Symphonic Dances - not only proved that Rakhmáñinov had lost none of his mastery or inspiration in exile; they're both absolute masterpieces in their own right! [As to the 2nd, it would be my 2nd-favourite symphony, period, right behind Chaykóvskiy's 6th (Pathétique). The 3rd movement, if a question of falling in love for some, is for me a point of grieving for a lost love (which is very much still in my life after many years - I still cry bitterly on hearing this and the 1st movement!) and letting gradually go, though with greatest pain...] Finally, Kolokóla: another great masterpiece (the 2nd movement is especially moving and wonderful!).

Most definitely, Ashkenazy does full justice to all of these works. Of course, one can disagree with this or that aspect or instant in this or that work (e.g., I could have wished a slower accelerando in the 2nd movement of the Symphonic Dances from the waltz tempo - that way one misses the otherwise obvious allusion to Chaykóvskiy's "Flowers' Waltz" from Shchjeljkúnchik {Nutcracker}); however, the overall merits of these recordings truly deserve the fullest 5 stars possible - I'd myself go for 6! Go get it in all events!!!!

Outstanding Set, But Get Temirkanov for The Symphonic Dances.......2004-08-07

This is an outstanding set, with the exception of the Symphonic Dances, where Ashkenazy conveys some of the passion in this work but doesn't attain nearly the same level of emotional intensity as Kondrashin's or Temirkanov's versions.

A fantastically passionate performance of The Symphonic Dances is the 1963 recording by the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, with Kiril Kondrashin as conductor (RCA; Catalog # 32046; ASIN: B000003ETI). With Kondrashin, the power and passion of The Symphonic Dances sweeps the listener away and takes him to an inspirational level. The performance is so burning hot that it throws off sparks. However, this CD may be out-of-print.

Another excellent and passionate interpretation of The Symphonic Dances is the 1992 recording by Yuri Temirkanov and the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra (RCA; Catalog Number 62710; ASIN: B000003FRT). The Temirkanov CD also has a beautiful performance of the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, with the pianist Dmitri Alexeev.

The rest of this 3-CD set, consisting of the three symphonies and the Isle of the Dead, is outstanding. In the symphonies, the balance and the dynamic interplay between the strings, horns, and winds are brought out beautifully and the sound quality is crystal clear. The Isle of the Dead is very movingly performed, from the opening passage, where Ashkenazy establishes a somber ominous mood, to the sweeping majesty of the most powerful moments.

The CD booklet has a well-written, detailed, and informative essay on all of the compositions. The full text of The Bells, based on a reinterpretation of Edgar Allan Poe's verses by the Russian symbolist poet Konstantin Balmont (1867 - 1943), is also included in Russian, English, French, and German.

Highly recommended, with the additional recommendation of supplementing this set with Kondrashin's or Temirkanov's recording of The Symphonic Dances.

A noteworthy Rachmaninov set.......2004-07-30

These were outstanding recordings when they were released individually in the 1980's, and as a complete set they make quite a bargain. Ashkenazy finds just the right tempi in most cases, particularly in the spectacular Symphonic Dances, one of the best versions of this piece ever recorded. Somehow he manages to combine his no-nonsense approach while still letting Rachmaninov's long melodic lines glow.

The dark Concertgebouw tone suits this program perfectly. If the First and Third Symphonies aren't exactly the composer at his most inspired (don't get me wrong -- not bad, just not his best), you are not likely to hear either one performed as dazzlingly as they are here. Many listeners will already have a recording of the Second Symphony, probably the composer's most popular work, and I'm not convinced that Ashkenazy's is the one and only, but you may want it just for the quality of the playing from the orchestra. And there is no shortage of good recordings of the Isle of the Dead, either, but again, the mood conjured up here is considerable.

In short, this is an excellent set -- gorgeously played, and spectacularly recorded. And now it's at a price that makes it hard to beat.

BRILLIANT!!!.......2003-09-22

I cannot believe what great quality this package is for such a great price!

The music itself is divine. The mixing is spot on (A very rare compliment to hear from my mouth). What more could I want? More works by Rachmaninov like this please!

Oh, Rachy, what beautiful music!.......2003-04-24

This is a lovely set of Rachmaninoff's three symphonies. As with his other works, these pieces are melodic and full of passion. Rachmaninoff may get a little moody at times, but he will never leave you in the doldrums. These are exciting works, and Ashkenazy brings them to life. The orchestra responds well. As a real bonus, this set includes other orchestral works. Of these, the Symphonic Dances have been performed more frequently lately. Ashkenazy handles these Dances admirably.

The sound quality of these digital Decca releases is excellent. The upper range of the brass has a little bite to it, but it does not detract from the deep, rich sound of the Concertgebouw Orchestra. The dynamic range is extensive. Don't be afraid to turn up the volume and give your speakers a workout.

Tracks:

La Mer: I. De l'aube a midi sur la mer
La Mer: II. Jeux de vagues
La Mer: III. Dialogue du vent et de la mer
Jeux
Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): La Cour des lys
Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): Danse extatique et Final du Premier Acte
Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): La Passion
Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): Le Bon Pasteur
Prelude 'aprmidi d'un faune

Tracks:

Images pour orchestre: Gigues
Images pour orchestre: Iberia: I. Par les rues et par les chemins
Images pour orchestre: Iberia: II. Les Parfums de la nuit
Images pour orchestre: Iberia: III. Le Matin d'un jour de f
Images pour orchestre: Rondes de printemps
Trois Noctures: Nuages
Trois Noctures: Fs
Trois Noctures: Sirs
Printemps: Trmod
Printemps: Mod

Customer Reviews:

La Mer is one of my all-time favorites.......2006-01-11

There is nothing quite like Dutoit's handling of some of Debussy's timeless masterpieces. All have enormous strength and have clear sound quality. The piece that gives me the shivers the most is La Mer. It has the perfect oceanic feeling that some other conductors forget about. I can just imagine the stormy sea letting out its dangerous but majestic fury when listening to the third movement. Images for Orchestra and Printemps are also fabulous. Highly recommended for those who are interested in impressionistic music.

Wonderful.......2004-03-30

Charles Dutoit does so pretty wonderful things with this Debussy set and his orchestra is in top-notch form. Dutoit handles these works well, bringing delicacy of phrasing, sweeping crescendos, and awesome sonics. Rarely does can an orchestra sound calm, quiet, even serene AND loud, dramatic, and forceful. La Mer is particularly striking in Dutoit's hands. Decca's crystal clear sound makes this set even more attractive. Highly recommended.

Great interpretations, but the recorded sound is ok.......2002-08-30

Charles Dutoit does so pretty wonderful things with this Debussy set and his orchestra is in top notch form. However, the reason I gave this CD set only 4 starts is because the recorded sound less much to be desired. The cd sound is very "echo"y, it sounds like the orchestra is playing in a cave, not a concert hall. If that doesn't bother you then go for this set. As for me, I want Debussy with a little clearer of a sound.

Ravishing Debussy from a master of French music.......1999-12-11

Most of Dutoit's Debussy recordings were released at the beginning of the 1990s and are of the same very high standard of his Ravel and Poulenc recordings, and it is good to have the best-known of them reissued on a well-documented 2-CD bargain set. The sound quality is fantastic. This set comes into competition with Haitink's excellent Philips Duo set, and choice between the two sets will probably be determined by the minor works included. The Haitink set has long been the first recommendation in this repertoire, and the analogue sound is excellent, if not as spectacular as that of the Dutoit set. It should be noted, however, that those who buy the Dutoit set along with Martinon's "Orchestral Works II" set on EMI's Double Forte label will have obtained virtually all of Debussy's orchestral compositions and transcriptions all for not too many dead presidents.

Ippolitov-Ivanov: Caucasian Sketches; Turkish March and Fragments

Average customer rating:

A matter of taste
Ippolitov Ivanov
Captivating, interesting, lively, and energetic
Love this CD!
Capturing the Crossroads of Civilization

Ippolitov-Ivanov: Caucasian Sketches; Turkish March and Fragments

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001488
Release Date: 1997-08-05

Tracks:

Caucasian Sketches - Suite No. 1, Op. 10: In A Mountain Pass
Caucasian Sketches - Suite No. 1, Op. 10: In A Village
Caucasian Sketches - Suite No. 1, Op. 10: In A Mosque
Caucasian Sketches - Suite No. 1, Op. 10: Procession Of The Sardar
Caucasian Sketches - Suite No. 2 'Iveria', Op. 42: Introduction: Lamentation Of Princess Ketevana
Caucasian Sketches - Suite No. 2 'Iveria', Op. 42: Berceuse
Caucasian Sketches - Suite No. 2 'Iveria', Op. 42: Lesghinka
Caucasian Sketches - Suite No. 2 'Iveria', Op. 42: Georgian March
Turkish March, Op. 55
Turkish Fragments, Op. 62: Caravan
Turkish Fragments, Op. 62: At Rest
Turkish Fragments, Op. 62: Night
Turkish Fragments, Op. 62: Festival

Customer Reviews:

A matter of taste.......2007-07-03

This composer is no "Mozart".
One minute of really great melody,
and forty-nine minutes of filler.

Ippolitov Ivanov.......2007-01-25

Very interesting cd, the Russian composer Ippolitov Ivanov deserves more attention for his music which sounds very much like Rimsky-Korsakov. Very difficult to find his music on cd.

Captivating, interesting, lively, and energetic.......2006-06-25

Hearing I-I's great sounds and adding them to the magic of Borodin, R-K, et al, there can be little doubt that the great Russian composers, though they got a late start, came up with a musical statement all their own, one which adds so much color to the world of classical music.

This delightful compilation might inspire music lovers who wouldn't consider classical music. I-I's imagination must have been very rich and playful, for these short works are just plain fun to hear--and you might spring to your feet in dance. If you're an attentive listener, they will stir your imagination. If you're a casual listener, they will draw and sharpen your attention with their interesting and unusual sounds.

The recording quality is very good, with very clear sound, effectively displaying all the instruments at work. There's a tantalizing flavor in Ippolitov-Ivanov's work: lots of space and air, something that I can describe only as large, but without pretense, fabrication, or pomp. His appeal is immediate. His work is easily approachable by anyone, yet it still appeals to a refined ear.

I sincerely hope that a lost symphony of his will someday be discovered--or else that a new generation of composers will revitalize the great tradition of Russian music, surely one of the richest of all the great cultures. I bow to all the great Russian masters. May they live forever...

Love this CD!.......2006-03-10

I would highly recommend this CD if you love the big orchestral pieces like I do.

I'm not crazy about typical Russian compositions but I love this CD because of the Turkish influences.

The one small complaint I have is about Procession of the Sardar. I heard another version of it on a compilation CD that I thought was great and was the main reason why I bought this CD but the version here is less energetic and slower. The percussion parts are less pronounced and even subdued a bit. It doesn't sound clean & polished like the rest of the CD.

I also wish there were more tracks on this CD. Its so hard to find anything by this composer.

Overall, its worth adding to your collection.

Capturing the Crossroads of Civilization.......2005-04-10

Russian composer Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov (1859-1935) is considered to be one of the lesser-known talents of the late Romantic/early Modern period, with his music rarely played in concert these days and his name shadowed over by such illustrious contemporaries as Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky and Alexander Borodin. Indeed, a search on Amazon for a comprehensive package of this composer will yield only this CD, a sort of 'greatest hits' consisting of the Caucasian Sketches (Suites No. 1 and 2), the Turkish March, and the assembled Turkish Fragments, all conducted by Arthur Fagen with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. Information on the Internet is equally sketchy; a good deal of this review was paraphrased from the CD's liner notes.

The son of a mechanic, Ippolitov-Ivanov studied in his youth at the Cathedral of St. Isaac, where he served as a choirboy, and later at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. He completed his studies with famed instructor/composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, and would owe a lifelong debt of influence to the master. The composer's first appointment was as a director of a music academy in Tiflis, Georgia, and Ippolitov-Ivanov spent seven years amidst the non-Slavic minorities of the region, absorbing their folk-music and culture. Upon returning to Moscow in 1893, the composer penned the two *Kavkasskiye Eskizi*, evoking the southern-exotic ambience of Georgia, particularly its amalgam of Christian and Islamic culture and the oriental influence of the region.

Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 1 begins with 'In a Mountain Pass', a landscape tone-poem wherein a simple melodic passage grows and swells, climaxing with percussive fills before reaching a gentle denouement. The second sketch, 'In a Village,' is bookended with an exotic violin riff and, as its centerpiece, contains a cheerfully rustic folk-song; 'In a Mosque' progresses naturally from its decline, serene and gliding, before the 'Procession of the Serdar' literally bursts into the atmosphere with its regal, parade-like culmination of the previous themes.

Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 2: "Iveria" refers to an ancient kingdom of this name, a Christian enclave and region marked as a meeting-point of civilizations, contested by Persia, the Ottoman Empire and finally Russia, courtesy of Catherine the Great. The suite starts off with the nine-minute 'Introduction: Lamentation of Princess Ketevana,' an initially somber preface that climaxes mid-way through, then scales back to its sorrowful motif. The tribal dance of the 'Lesghinka' builds methodically over the course of four minutes, erupting at last with pounding drums and furious string-work, and the 'Georgian March' carries the momentum with triumphant horns and another climax worthy of Borodin's *Prince Igor*.

The 'Turkish March' crashes in and sounds like a natural accompaniment to the Sketches, rather than a musical piece published thirty-five years afterward. Ippolitov-Ivanov's interest in the folk-music of the Uzbek, Kazahk and Turkish regions received official encouragement from the Russian government, for its unifying principles; politically, however, Ippolitov-Ivanov retained a measure of independence, ignoring contemporary quarrels about the encroaching dissonance of modernism and the demands of "usefulness" in proletariat art. He had already developed his style in the 1880s and 90s, and the final selections on this CD, the Turkish Fragments, display vividly this particular style, a Romantic-era lushness wedded to oriental folk-music, similar in approach to that of Bartok. 'At Rest' has an ironic title, given its smashing momentum in the center; 'Night' glides calmly into the aptly-named 'Festival,' a rousing finale to this suite.

If, gentle reader, you have a taste for exotic-tinged classical music, Ippolitov-Ivanov's `Caucasian Sketches' is a must-buy. Highly Recommended.

Average customer rating:

Awesome
An ode to the 90's
So bad... and not in a good way!
Just Incredibly Boring
An interesting pop/funk album

Fragments of Freedom
Morcheeba
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2000-08-01

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Fragments of Freedom

Amazon.com

Morcheeba were once the dreamiest bass-heavy, slow funk-oriented group in all of trip-hopdom, as anyone who's spent time with their 1998 sophomore album, Big Calm, will attest. Fragments of Freedom begins interestingly enough, with the languorous, slide guitar-enhanced track "World Looking In." But things go awry from there; the lyrics are so daft and pale, and the R&B-lite arrangements so limp, that the listener keeps waiting for the group to bust out laughing, then introduce the real music. "Let It Go," with its faux-inspirational chorus and tepid keyboard runs, sounds like the Euro-club music they might play at Epcot Center. By the time Biz Markie shows up with a short, sweet track of old-school boasting halfway through, it's far too late to save this CD. Freedom sounds like a misdirected attempt to reach a larger audience; the result is as appealing as cotton candy that's been dipped in maple syrup, covered with vanilla frosting, and then dropped in the sand. Recommended only as a clear example of how not to make interesting dance-pop with wide appeal. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2006-04-12

I've got about 6000 tracks in my MP3 collection. Pretty much mostly I listen to is Mozart, sometimes Beethoven, Chopin, Metallica, and when I get bored of REAL music like that, I tend to go wandering through all the other stuff...

And Morcheeba is right up there. No doubt, beautiful, beautiful, gorgeous music. If you're open minded and love MUSIC (not genres or fashions), then listen to this...

An ode to the 90's.......2006-01-17

How can a group fall as far as they did? "Who Can You Trust" and "Big Calm" were both classics (dispite the fact that they sounded totally different from one another). Now with "FoF" it just went down hill...and never came back!

So bad... and not in a good way!.......2005-12-14

I want to respond to what a lot of other reviewers have said, here. I agree, the album is horribly boring. And it's absolutely fine to be a group that doesn't want to be labeled... genre-benders are the best in art, music, and literature. The issue I take with the album isn't simply that it's not trip hop, but that it's BAD. It's just poorly made music. Saying that "maybe they were purposefully trying to be corny with their lyrics" doesn't make the lyrics any less painful, nor does it save the poorly- and boringly-written tunes themselves. I'm simply not buying that this was some big experiment in sarcasm or irony. These are not "feel good" songs, they're "Ouch, are these really the same guys that did Trigger Hippie?" songs.

Just Incredibly Boring.......2005-09-18

To my ears, the problem with "Fragments" isn't that Morcheeba is trying something new, the problem is that this effort fails so miserably at it. I like retro-funk-disco as much as anyone; I grew up with it, as a matter of fact (listen to Chris Joss or an Ursulla 1000 mix CD to see how much fun this genre can be). But this makes KC and the Sunshine Band sound inspired. It's not happy, it's not interesting rhythmically, and the melodies are about as memorable as a tone row in one of Arnold Schoenberg's later twelve tone compositions. Unlike most reviewers here, In my opionion WCYT and Big Calm are not all THAT great compared to the real classics of Trip Hop and Downtempo music (i.e Mezzanine and Mirror Conspiracy), but this is one of the blandest, most forgettable things I've had the misfortune to purchase in years. Maybe if it was entitled "music to wash dishes by"--its not overtly offensive like, for example, the new Brazilian Girls disc. But as a "major" work, by a "major" artist, forget it.

An interesting pop/funk album.......2005-01-14

I recently purchased this album. I remember hearing "Rome Wasn't Build In A Day" and "World Looking In" when they were new, and really liked both of the songs, but never enough to get the album until now.

I wasn't familiar with Morcheeba until hearing these songs. As an outsider to their music, and as a person who enjoys 'popular' sounging music, I really enjoyed them and now the album overall. It has a very clear Motown/RnB/Funk flavor, mostly with Pop sensibility.

Overall, I have two minor disapointments. None of the songs on the album are as energetic as I expected after hearing Rome, but the album is still a nice listen, and borders in between good background music and something you really want to pay attention to. The other thing is, for some reasion I expected it to be a very cohesive concept album; something like Everything But the Girl's "Tempermental" where every song fits like pieces in a puzzle. The songs on Fragments don't fit together like that, but they do all sound like they belong on the same album, so that's good.

I can understand how some of Morcheeba's longtime fans may consider this album unrepresentative. But taken on it's own merit, it's a fun, modern interpretation of 60s/70s radio RnB, and worth a listen.

Average customer rating:

Music from Humphrey Bogar Movies
Simply the original
not the stuff dreams are made of

Music from Humphrey Bogart Movies

Manufacturer: The Sound Track Facto
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sings Stardust and His Other Great Compositions
Casablanca: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Stardust Melody
Hoagy Sings Carmichael
A Portrait of Hoagy Carmichael

ASIN: B00006CFHZ
Release Date: 2002-08-08

Tracks:

As Time Goes By [From Casablanca] - Elliot Carpenter, Dooley Wilson
Am I Blue/Hong Kong Blues/The Rhumba Jumps/How Little We Know [from To - Hoagy Carmichael, , Andy Williams
And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine [From the Big Sleep] - Lauren Bacall
Petrified Forest
My Melancholy Baby/I'm Just Wild About Harry/It Had to Be You/In a ...
High Sierra
Maltese Falcon - Jo Stafford
Baila Bailando/Too Marvelous for Words [From Dark Passage]
Treasure of the Sierra Madre
Moanin' Low - Claire Trevor
African Queen
Oh, Give Me Time for Tenderness [From Dark Victory] - Vera Van

Album Description

Full title - Music From Humphrey Bogart Movies. Includes music from the classics, 'Casablanca' (1942), 'The Big Sleep' (1946), 'Key Largo' (1948), 'To Have & Have Not' (1944), 'The Petrified Forest' (1936), 'The Roaring Twenties' (1939), 'High Sierra' (1941), 'The Maltese Falcon' (1941), 'Dark Passage' (1947) & 'The African Queen' (1951). Highlights include, Dooley Wilson & Elliot Carpenter Trio 'As Time Goes By', Andy Williams 'Little We Know' & Lauren Bacall 'And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine'. Slipcase. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Music from Humphrey Bogar Movies.......2007-06-27

I was disappointed. I thought I would be getting a CD of full length themes from his movies but the CD is exactly what it says. It is from the actual films, in sections and pieces. I can't say it was misrepresented so I guess I was at fault. But I am sorry I bought it.

Simply the original.......2007-06-19

As the previous reviewer rightly pointed out, these are the original recordings from the era the films were made. And yes, the sound is completely different from what we are used to hear when we are turning the CD player on: it's mono, it's partially unsteady and some of the pieces suddenly fade. BUT, it's the REAL thing and it transports the charms and the charisma, inherent to the original ONLY.
Those who prefer the flawless technical perfection of a re-recording better should save their money. But for those who love the movies and their genuine sound, should be perfectly pleased with this release.

not the stuff dreams are made of.......2007-01-03

most of the tracks on this cd are available elsewhere, but what prompts me to give this a low review is the quality of the recording. some of them sound like they were taped off of a tv set showing a warbly print. you can do better elsewhere.

Average customer rating:

My only complaint....
Georgia Anne Muldrow
A incredibly worthwhile talent, drops one of 2006's most impressive releases....
Totally Amazing
Something I like

Olesi: Fragments of an Earth
Georgia Anne Muldrow
Manufacturer: Stones Throw
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

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Worthnothings
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Expressions
Bold and Beautiful

ASIN: B000GETA74
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Tracks:

New Orleans
Melanin
Wrong Way
Feet
Frames
Lovelight
Radio WNK
Because
Speakervision
Wheels
Birds
Amnrh (Interlude)
West Coast Recycler
Boom
Patience
Blackman
Leroy
Nowadayze
Skaw De Beast
Epilogue
Blackman (Reprise)

Customer Reviews:

My only complaint...........2006-11-17

I love the beats on this album, and I love Georgia Anne Muldrow's voice. This is the album that I waited years for Erykah Badu to make, but thank God Georgia came through. I'm amazed that this artist is only 22. She is fearless, and I can't wait to see how she progressses.

My only complaint about Olesi: Fragments of an Earth, is that some songs are too short. Some tracks have that Pharoah Sanders/Alice Coltrane vibe, and I wish they could go on for at least 15 to 20 minutes. If this album were 2 hours long, then I would still play it back to back,

Georgia Anne Muldrow.......2006-11-01

I came across Georgia Anne Muldrow by way of the new Visionaries album We Are The Ones (We've Been Waiting For), song titled Do Gooders, one of my favorite tracks. Then Oh No's new release Exodus into Unheard Rhythms, song titled T. Biggums, that hits hard from all sides. Then I heard her on a track on the Chrome Children album, a song titled Simply A Joy, which she wrote, arranged and produced, much respect! At that point I figured she was artist I would enjoy and support, so I purchased Olesi: Fragments of an Earth and I was not disappointed at all! She wrote and produced ever song on the album!

Georgia Anne Muldrow is an awesome songwriter/musician. She is totally creative with songs of love, upliftment and inspiration. She can flow nicely and her voice is very jazzy. Her choose of beats are very abstract with a J Dilla (aka Jay Dee) influence. Stones Throw has an awesome talent on their hands.

The tracks on Olesi: Fragments of an Earth take you on a nice journey through the mind of Georgia Anne Muldrow. I enjoy the entire CD non-stop but the song that stand out a little more would have to be the first track New Orleans, Melanin, Wrong Way, Lovelight, Radio WNK, Speakervision, Wheels, Birds, WEST COAST Recycler, Blackman, Blackman (Reprise), Leroy and Nowadayze. I like how there is NO bling bling, name brand dropping bull*hit in her music. It's about life and growing to be a better person with nice melodies to groove and chill out to! Support and enjoy creativity at its best from Georgia Anne Muldrow!

A incredibly worthwhile talent, drops one of 2006's most impressive releases...........2006-09-22

This is an unusual one.....basically Georgia Anne Muldrow, is a musician/producer/vocalist, that has a slightly-off centre approach to music. Considering her influences are as leftfield as: Sun Ra, Nina Simone, & Laura Nyro, her music has a distinctly creative and organically cerebral tone to it. Having made a EP ("Worthnothings"), that mixed trippy and decidedly unique sounding beat arrangements (not a 100 miles away from artists such as Madlib, Jay Dee), that took the beat-driven basis of instrumental Hip-Hop & the Groove and mood of R&B/Neo-Soul, and sung vaguely dream-like and otherwordly songs over it. It was initially enough to attract the attention of the `Stones Throw' label (who published the EP, and this her full length). And so what you ended up with this album is something that heralds a new unique voice, with an approach to song arrangements that is at times both freakishly eccentric, and movingly delicate.

If you took some of the more soulful/funk-driven instrumental Madlib/Jay Dee tracks, and stuck a vocalist that has a freeform almost floating and dreamlike singing style that shifts in tone and moods constantly, and sings about self-improvement, Political Statements, Social commentary on the state of America's people, Mortality, and even the Water in New Orleans. And this is delivered with an album that flatly refuses to pigeon-hole itself by taking an idea and beating it to death. Instead she takes the wild experimentation of jazz pioneers, the sensual mood of Soul finest, and the immediate head-bopping beats of Hip-Hop, and the technical proficiency of funk and modern creative Jazz. Which, thanks to her ability to express her art, without sacrificing content, to appear more accessible...one of this albums strongest points.

It's a sound that is frequently dizzying and spacey, yet focused and alluring enough to catch the attention to the listener. Georgia frequently spins metaphors and soothing lyrical phrases that like unlike anything currently out there. Is it Hip-Hop?, is it psychedelic Soul?, is it creative Urban music?.....in fact it all these things and at the same time, still something originally unique to her. Words bounce around experimental Hip-Hop beats, songs are layered over earthy R&B tones, and Georgia herself sings like a free spirit, over which shuffling funk, lo-fi experimental Hip-Hop, low-slung Soul....are all draped over Georgia's gorgeous multi-tracked vocals. The Albums as a whole is impressively diverse, and because Georgia is one of those rare breed, a singer and beat maker....she isn't limited to singing over someone else's instrumentals. And this gives her free reign to construct a slightly wonky album (in the best way possible), that veers all over the place, yet displays a raft of ideas and directions that stretches and expands upon the limits of the various genres that her music touches upon, mixing poems and free-form thinking, along with catchy pop hooks, which she wails and coos with sufficient verve. Channelling anger/ Sorrow / Angst / Reflection & Searching via a vaguely connected manner. I have to admit that I love this album...as it heralds an incredibly interesting talent, admittedly probably one that will unfortunately be relegated to the sidelines, as other far less interesting acts, gain acceptance. As Georgia's music is a little bit too-leftfield, and little too all over the map & far too unhinged to make a sizeable impact. She's more likely to be one of those wonderful artists you stumble across (even by accident), and wonder how something so original sounding is frequently passed over by the buying public, for what is one of 2006's best kept secrets.

Totally Amazing.......2006-09-08

What else can I say but wow, this young lady is the epitome of creativity, she gives meaning to the word Artist. Honestly, her style, her sound, her writing, its all on a higher level. Its pure brilliance, it gets no better than this. "Buy it now"

Something I like.......2006-08-25

This young lady is absolutely beautiful. I love her! The songs and message are right on time and now. She has a great ear for harmony. It's soulful, raw and ahead of its time. I wish her the best in her musical future. She performed and composed all the music ! Wonderful! I hope the mainstream r&b/soul/neo whatever audience steps away from the bling-bling and check this brilliant little masterpiece. Stones Throw is really putting forth some great for the ear.

Average customer rating:

Heartfelt Bach
A Very Unique Experience
This recording saved my life
opened the door....
Beautiful

Morimur

Manufacturer: ECM Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005ND3J
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Tracks:

Auf meinen lieben Gott
Den Tod...
Allemanda
Christ lag in Tobesbanden
Corrente
Den Tod niemand zwingen kunnt
Sarabanda
Wo soll ich fliehen hin
Den Tod...
Ciaccona
Christ lag in Tobesbanden
Dein Will gescheh'
Befiehl Du Deine Wege
Jesu meine Freude
Auf meinen lieben Gott
Jesu Deine Passion
In meines Herzens Grunde
Nun lob', mein Seel', den Herren
Den Tod...
Ciaccona fur Violine solo und vier Stimmen nach einer Analyse von Helga Thoene
Den Tod...

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

In 1994, explains the booklet that accompanies Morimur, Professor Helga Thoene made the surprising discovery that the monumental "Ciaccona" from Bach's Partita in D minor for solo violin was built around various chorale themes hidden in the music. From the texts of these "secret" chorales and other symbolic musical devices, she deduced that the "Ciaccona" was an epitaph for Bach's wife, Maria Barbara. The revelation might have remained an intriguing (and touching) footnote to Bach scholarship if baroque violinist Christoph Poppen hadn't had the bright idea of taking Professor Thoene's discovery off the library shelves and placing it triumphantly in the concert hall. On this disc, his performance of all five movements of the whole Partita (BWV 1004) is interspersed with the various chorales hidden inside the "Ciaccona," sung with breathtaking precision by the Hilliard Ensemble. The double whammy comes at the end when the "Ciaccona" is performed again, this time with the singers bringing out the secret melodies. Poppen's playing is excellent, both sweet-toned and vibrant, while the Hilliards have never sounded better: the combination of the two is spine-tingling. It is as if Maria Barbara's proper epitaph has finally been realized, and a moving and wonderfully stimulating recording created in the process. --Warwick Thompson

Customer Reviews:

Heartfelt Bach.......2005-07-09

Beautiful performances, convincing thesis that Bach wrote the Chaconne in tribute to his recently deceased wife. Are there chorales with meaning connecting through text to Bach's music? Listen to this and decide for yourself--have a box of tissues handy. An underground best seller in classical music.

A Very Unique Experience.......2004-09-13

"Morimur," as you can read (ad nauseum) on the rest of the page, is the product of an astonishing amount of Bach scholarship on the part of Professor Helga Thoene, a noted Bach scholar. It is important to note two things: 1) Thoene's research applies ONLY to the Partita II D Minor, not to the Six Solos from which it comes as a whole, and 2) The CD contains ONLY the Partita and associated chorales, NOT any of the other Six Solos. Morimur is a truly intriguing experience, quite unlike anything else in all of Bach's music. Thoene has reconstructed a number of "chorale fragments" within the monumental "Ciaccona" movement of the Partita, making the claim that the presence of these fragments in the music validates the belief that the Ciaccona was originally meant as a musical epitaph for Bach's first wife, Maria Barbara, who died suddenly and was buried while Bach was away. Thoene provides a number of musical examples from the score to the Ciaccona that demonstrate her theory in action, and these examples are critical for a layperson (such as myself) to come to an understanding of her theory (which can only be proven by studying the WRITTEN music, not listening to the Ciaccona itself). The disc contains the entire D Minor Partita, played wonderfully by Baroque violinist Christoph Poppen, as well as the associated chorales whose fragments appear in the Ciaccona, sung by the Hilliard Ensemble. The disc concludes with a magical second performance of the Ciaccona by Poppen (a completely different performance, not just a simple copy of his earlier, unaccompanied performance on the disc). As he plays this most difficult and monumental of string works, the Hilliards sing the chorale fragments atop his melody, putting Helga Thoene's research into practical use. The effect is dazzling and moving, opening new horizons for this piece that listeners will never forget. The Hilliards balance perfectly with the violin, never overwhelming it, but always making themselves heard. As for Poppen, he is wilfully expressive and brings a unique voice to the Ciaccona and to the Partita D Minor as a whole, and it is a shame that he has not recorded the remainder of the Six Solos. This is certainly a unique disc, one that will challenge the way many people view the Ciaccona and the omnipresence of symbolism in Bach's music.

This recording saved my life.......2004-08-19

The poetry of Christ lag in Todesbanden speaks for itself. If Bach's transmission through pure music does not reach you through this recording, then you are either tone-deaf or have no soul. I can add nothing of great value to the wonderful comments that have prefaced mine, although I have been meaning to write a review of this for some time. It must suffice to say that as a violinist well-acquainted with the unaccompanied sonatas, this recording came as a veritable revelation- giving me the strength to put my life back together while I studied deeper into all the sonatas and partitas. I had always wondered why it was called a chaccone! Now I know....thank you.

opened the door...........2004-07-15

What is extraordinary on this CD is Christoph Poppen's exposition of Bach. Profoundly "beautiful" yes, but more than that, it opened the door for me to Bach. Now, many Bach pieces later, by so many gifted people, I return to this site to recommend this work to others and to thank Mr. Poppen (and ECM).
It would be wonderful if he were to record ALL of Bach's sonatas/partitas for violin - with ECM. The quality of what he has achieved here calls out for that.

Beautiful.......2004-04-10

I find the interplay of the voices and violin on this recording to be stunningly beautiful and strongly recommend it. It is one of my most listened to recordings and also one of my most recommened.

Tracks:

I. Andantino
II. Allegretto
III. Andante Cantabile
IV. Presto
V. Adagio Sostenuto
VI. Maestoso
I. Elegie
II. Prelude
III. Melodie
IV. Polichinelle
V. Serenade
Fragments
Prelude, Op. Posth. In D Minor
Zdes' Khorosho, Op.21 No.7 (It Is Lovely Here)
Vocalise, Op.34 No.14

Customer Reviews:

Great Album.......2007-05-31

Thanks to a biopic of a mentally unstable and digitally impaired pianist Rachmaninov has found his place in popular culture as the father of Rach III, the ultimate landmark of pianistic Hollywood Romanticism. While the old man would have enjoyed all the interest in one of his compositions -he "became" after all a performing pianist to promote his works- neither the overexposure of the work in question, the hoopla surrounding the Helfgott affaire, or the minimal technical skills of its protagonist would have pleased the Russian very much.

This generous album, in contrast, is low on empty hoopla, excellently recorded and of sublime quality. This mix of well known works, e.g. the ubiquitous prelude and the well known Vocalise, and less popular ones like the complete set of Moments Musicaux highlights many of Rachmaninov's strengths: excellent melodies, expert use of the keyboard and innate sense of setting an atmosphere with often minimal means.

Thanks to the surviving recordings of Rachmaninov himself who should be counted among the greatest pianists of all time, fellow keyboard players face quite a challenge in doing it their way, while being true to the master. Indeed, the contrast between the often highly romantic vernacular of his compositions and the steely discipline of his own pianism poses a "paradox" that only the very best of his colleagues have been able to address satisfactorily.

Ashkenazy should be counted among this select few. He must be playing the composer for more than 60 years. He has previously recorded many of his compositions, just the concerts twice as pianist and once as conductor. Whereas someone like pianist/conductor Barenboim has been so omnivorous that IMHO many of his recordings turned out pretty mediocre, Ashkenazy has shown more self constraint. Now in the later days of his career he selectively chooses repertoire for some of his best recordings. A point in case was his excellent recording of Bach's WTC that came as a very pleasant surprise.

Here he draws on his great familiarity with these works and an illustrious career as pianist and conductor and follows a less is more approach that is devoid of any schmaltziness. In addition, he shows that lesser known does not imply lesser quality. Take for example the Moments Musicaux. They may lack the glitziness of the Preludes or the Etudes Tableaux, but are worthy successors to Schubert's gems. The album concludes with one of many transcriptions of the Vocalise. Whereas many pianists end up at the wrong side of sentimentality and seem to contend for a spot on the funeral top ten, Ashkenazy shows restraint and allows the great melody to shine on its own merits.

In all, a great album.

Moments Musicaux.......2007-01-10

Each piece is surprisingly interesting and is played brilliantly. Piano playing lovers will enjoy these pieces.

RACHMANINOV BY A MASTER.......2006-04-19

For the most part, this album contains some rather (at least to me) unfamiliar solo piano works by Rachmaninov. However, there is one BIG exception to the aforesaid. The album does contain what is perhaps, Rachmaninov's most famous solo piano work, The Prelude in C Sharp Minor which is part of his Morceaux de fantaisie, for piano, Op. 3. The rest of the contents, I do feel are not played too often. What a pity! This album contains some of the most beautiful compositions by Sergey that I have ever heard-they are GORGEOUS.

I have always felt that Vladimir Ashkenazy is a master at playing Rachmaninov's piano music. This album is no exception. He plays these beautiful works as if they are in his blood. Bravo!

If you want to hear some beautiful Rachmaninov played sublimely by a master buy this disc. It is wonderful

By the way, the recorded sound is lush and warm!

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