Sonata 39 / Sonatas in F, E & A

On this CD:

1. Keyboard Sonata in D major, H. 16/24
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Sviatoslav Teofilovich Richter

2. Piano Sonata No. 2 in F major, K. 280 (K. 189e)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Sviatoslav Teofilovich Richter

3. Piano Sonata No. 4 in E flat major, K. 282 (K. 189g)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Sviatoslav Teofilovich Richter

4. Piano Sonata No. 8 in A minor, K. 310 (K. 300d)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Sviatoslav Teofilovich Richter

Customer Reviews:

DEFINITIVE.......2006-04-19

Ralph Kirkpatrick pretty much brought the music of Domenico Scarlatti back from oblivion. If that was not enough, he practically made Scarlatti's sonati his own by his inspired playing of them. This is the reissue of his 1970 recording for Archiv playing the Reiner Schuetze instrument, with several more sonati than were on the original. Kirkpatrick's playing and the excellence of the remastering make this a real collector's item. There is passion without the saccharine sound some modern performances on piano have added.

Great Performances of Scarlatti's Sonatas for Harpsichord.......2004-11-20

Ralph Kirkpatrick was not only a distinguished performer of the harpsichord and teacher (He spent most of his adult life as a professor of music at Yale, after being trained in Europe as well as America.), but also became a superb scholar of Baroque music with his acclaimed biography of Scarlatti. Here in this relatively inexpensive CD are his riveting performances of 21 of Scarlatti's harpsichord sonatas, recorded by Archiv (Deutsche Grammophon) in the mid 1960's. I can't single out one performance as a personal favorite, since all of these are quite good. Thanks to the latest digital 24-bit remastering, the sound quality is superb. Indeed, this fine CD is as excellent as the previously released Archiv CD sets of J. S. Bach's "Well Tempered Clavier", which Kirkpatrick played on the clavichord, not the piano.

Average customer rating:

"Real" classical music for little ones
Very Relaxing, yet still super
Just what we harried ADULTS need to unwind!
Beautiful bedtime music for babies
Peaceful, beautiful, soothing piano music

Perchance to Dream

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Inventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music
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Reverie: Carol Rosenberger
Such Stuff As Dreams
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Singing on the Water
This Little Piggy with CD: Lap Songs, Finger Plays, Clapping Games and Pantomime Rhymes

ASIN: B0000006X2
Release Date: 1992-05-22

Tracks:

Short Story
My Deal Little Mother (Mein Mein)
Andante from Sonata in C, K. 545
Erinnerung (Remembrance)
Sehr Langsam (Very Slowly)
Abendlied (Evening Song)
Schlummerlied (Slumber Song)
Mignon
Des Abends (Evening)
Berceuse, Op. 56, No. 1
Prelude Op. 28, No. 7 in a Major
Mazurka Op. 68, No. 2 in a Minor
Adagio from Sonata in F Major, Hob Xvi:23
Sinfonia V in E-Flat Major
Prelude in C Major from the Well-Tempered Clavier
Aria in G Major from the Goldberg Variations
Andante from Sonata in a Major, Op. 120, D. 664
Intermezzo Op. 117, No. 1
Bagatelle, Op. 119, No. 1
Adagio Cantabile from Sonata Op. 13 (Pathque)

Amazon.com

This is a lovingly-presented and very touching recording. Solo piano works by such composers as Kabalevsky, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Schumann, and Ravel come together in this collection intended to promote restfulness and calm in both children and adult listeners. With Carol Rosenberger's gentle playing, it succeeds marvellously. This disc is absolutely ideal for bedtime or times of quiet reflection. It might serve well in the car during traffic jams, too. Rather than just throwing together performances packaged on a theme (as a number of record companies are doing), Delos and Rosenberger seem to have tailored the interpretations to achieve the desired musical goal here. The liner notes have a lively section just for young readers. --Gwendolyn Freed

Product Description

Music for Babies/Childrem

Customer Reviews:

"Real" classical music for little ones.......2003-02-27

I bought this CD for my elder son when he was tiny; he listened to it nightly (and often for afternoon naps), and his little brother is continuing the tradition. What I like best about this compilation is that this is REAL music - real Brahms, Mozart, etc - and not watered-down versions or arrangements of the classics (like the vast majority of "classical" compilations on the market these days). (I suppose I am just a crank about this, but I grew up listening to real music, and I want my kids to do the same.) The performances are gentle and understated - not what you would want in a concert, but just right for sedating a small one.

Very Relaxing, yet still super.......1999-06-16

This CD is just wonderful for babies and adults and children. It has a good blend of music to introduce children to beautiful classical music. I think that the playing is just superb.

Just what we harried ADULTS need to unwind!.......1999-02-12

An almost perfect combination of selections for relaxing background music, which is played frequently as our dinner music.

I would have appreciated a little less "electronic doctoring" as some notes (especially the lower range) don't sound quite "true", but then again it could be my ears!

Anyway, am delighted that it does what it was designed to do...provide an enjoyable time of relaxation. Thanks.

Beautiful bedtime music for babies.......1999-01-04

This CD was given to us as a gift when our daughter was born and we always play it when putting her down for a nap or to sleep for the night. When we travel, we take it along to ensure that she will fall asleep as easily on the road as she does at home.The music is absolutely lovely and very soothing for infants and adults alike. We even ordered a second copy in case we were ever to lose or wear out the first one!

Peaceful, beautiful, soothing piano music.......1998-10-22

This is one of the most peaceful, soothing and beautiful CD's I have ever heard. I think it would put you or your baby to sleep every night. The music selection is wonderful and the artist has a beautiful technique on the piano. I loved it.

Average customer rating:

Nice Set...not a great performance
Much unknown music to assimilate
the greatest penny a note composer
The best complete set of Haydn Sonatas at any price
Excellent performances of rarely heard works

Haydn: The Complete Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Haydn: Complete Piano Trios
Works for Solo Piano
Brahms: Works for Solo Piano
Liszt: Piano Works
Schubert: The Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B0000041KC
Release Date: 1997-06-24

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 1 In G Major (Hob.XVI:8): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 1 In G Major (Hob.XVI:8): II Menuet
Piano Sonata No. 1 In G Major (Hob.XVI:8): III Andante
Piano Sonata No. 1 In G Major (Hob.XVI:8): IV Finale: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 2 In C Major (Hob.XVI:7): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 2 In C Major (Hob.XVI:7): II Menuet
Piano Sonata No. 2 In C Major (Hob.XVI:7): III Finale: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 3 In F Major (Hob.XVI:9): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 3 In F Major (Hob.XVI:9): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 3 In F Major (Hob.XVI:9): III Scherzo: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 4 IN G Major (Hob.XVI: G1): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 4 IN G Major (Hob.XVI: G1): II Menuetto
Piano Sonata No. 4 IN G Major (Hob.XVI: G1): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 5 In G Major (Hob.XVI:11): I Presto
Piano Sonata No. 5 In G Major (Hob.XVI:11): II Andante
Piano Sonata No. 5 In G Major (Hob.XVI:11): III Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 6 In C Major (Hob.XVI:10): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 6 In C Major (Hob.XVI:10): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 6 In C Major (Hob.XVI:10): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 7 In D Major (Hob.XVII:D1): I Moderato (Tema con variazioni)
Piano Sonata No. 7 In D Major (Hob.XVII:D1): II Menuet
Piano Sonata No. 7 In D Major (Hob.XVII:D1): III Finale: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 8 In A Major (Hob.XVI:5): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 8 In A Major (Hob.XVI:5): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 8 In A Major (Hob.XVI:5): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 9 In D Major (Hob.XVI:4): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 9 In D Major (Hob.XVI:4): II Menuet And Trio
5 Variations In D Major

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 10 In C Major (Hob.XVI:1): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 10 In C Major (Hob.XVI:1): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 10 In C Major (Hob.XVI:1): III Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 11 In B Flat Major (Hob.XVI:2): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 11 In B Flat Major (Hob.XVI:2): II Largo
Piano Sonata No. 11 In B Flat Major (Hob.XVI:2): III Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 12 In A Major (Hob.XVI:12): I Andante
Piano Sonata No. 12 In A Major (Hob.XVI:12): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 12 In A Major (Hob.XVI:12): III Finale: Allegro molto
Piano Sonata No. 13 In G Major (Hob.XVI:6): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 13 In G Major (Hob.XVI:6): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 13 In G Major (Hob.XVI:6): III Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 13 In G Major (Hob.XVI:6): IV Finale
Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Major (Hob.XVI:3): I Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Major (Hob.XVI:3): II Andante
Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Major (Hob.XVI:3): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 15 In E Major (Hob.XVI:13): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 15 In E Major (Hob.XVI:13): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 15 In E Major (Hob.XVI:13): III Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 16 In D Major (Hob.XVI:14): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 16 In D Major (Hob.XVI:14): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 16 In D Major (Hob.XVI:14): III Finale: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 17 In E Flat Major (Hob. deest): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 17 In E Flat Major (Hob. deest): II Andante
Piano Sonata No. 17 In E Flat Major (Hob. deest): III Menuetto And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 18 In E Flat Major (Hob. deest): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 18 In E Flat Major (Hob. deest): II Menuetto And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 19 In E Minor, Major (Hob. deest): I Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 19 In E Minor, Major (Hob. deest): II Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 19 In E Minor, Major (Hob. deest): III Finale: Tempo di minuetto
Piano Sonata No. 20 In B Flat Major (Hob.XVI:18): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 19 In E Minor, Major (Hob. deest): II Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 28 In D Major (Hob.XIV:5): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 28 In D Major (Hob.XIV:5): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:16): I Andante
Piano Sonata In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:16): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:16): III Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 29 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:45): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 29 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:45): II Andante
Piano Sonata No. 29 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:45): III Finale: Allegro di molto
Piano Sonata No. 30 In D Major (Hob.XVI:19): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 30 In D Major (Hob.XVI:19): II Andante
Piano Sonata No. 30 In D Major (Hob.XVI:19): III Final: Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No. 31 In A Flat Major (Hob.XVI:46): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 31 In A Flat Major (Hob.XVI:46): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 31 In A Flat Major (Hob.XVI:46): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 32 In G Minor (Hob.XVI:44): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 32 In G Minor (Hob.XVI:44): II Allegretto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 33 In C Minor (Hob.XVI:20): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 33 In C Minor (Hob.XVI:20): II Andante con moto
Piano Sonata No. 33 In C Minor (Hob.XVI:20): III Finale: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 34 In D Major (Hob.XVI:33): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 34 In D Major (Hob.XVI:33): II Adagio: Tempo di minuetto
Piano Sonata No. 35 In A Flat Major (Hob.XVI:43): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 35 In A Flat Major (Hob.XVI:43): II Menuetto
Piano Sonata No. 35 In A Flat Major (Hob.XVI:43): III Rondo: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 36 In C Major (Hob.XVI:21): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 36 In C Major (Hob.XVI:21): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 36 In C Major (Hob.XVI:21): III Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 37 In E Major (Hob.XVI:22): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 37 In E Major (Hob.XVI:22): II Andante
Piano Sonata No. 37 In E Major (Hob.XVI:22): III Finale: Tempo di minuetto
Piano Sonata No. 38 In F Major (Hob.XVI:23): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 38 In F Major (Hob.XVI:23): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 38 In F Major (Hob.XVI:23): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 39 In D Major (Hob.XVI:24): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 39 In D Major (Hob.XVI:24): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 39 In D Major (Hob.XVI:24): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 40 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:25): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 40 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:25): II Tempo di minuetto
Piano Sonata No. 41 In A Major (Hob.XVI:26): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 41 In A Major (Hob.XVI:26): II Menuet al rovescio
Piano Sonata No. 41 In A Major (Hob.XVI:26): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major (Hob.XIV:17): I Allegro
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major (Hob.XIV:17): II Andante
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major (Hob.XIV:17): III Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 42 In G Major (Hob.XVI:27): I Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No. 42 In G Major (Hob.XVI:27): II Menuet
Piano Sonata No. 42 In G Major (Hob.XVI:27): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 43 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:28): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 43 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:28): II Menuet And Trio
Piano Sonata No. 43 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:28): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 44 In F Major (Hob.XVI:29): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 44 In F Major (Hob.XVI:29): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 44 In F Major (Hob.XVI:29): III Tempo di minuetto
Piano Sonata No. 45 In A Major (Hob.XVI:30): I Allegro - Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 45 In A Major (Hob.XVI:30): II Tempo di minuetto
Piano Sonata No. 46 In E Major (Hob.XVI:31): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 46 In E Major (Hob.XVI:31): II Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 46 In E Major (Hob.XVI:31): III Finale: Presto
7 Minuets From 'Kleine Tanze fur die Jugend' (Hov. IX:8: Allegretto giocoso (I) - Allegretto risoluto (II) - Allegretto (V) - Allegro vivace (IX) - Moderato (XI) - Allegro vivace (X) - Allegro giocoso (VII)

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 47 In B Minor (Hob.XVI:32): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 47 In B Minor (Hob.XVI:32): II Menuet
Piano Sonata No. 47 In B Minor (Hob.XVI:32): III Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 48 In C Major (Hob.XVI:35): I Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No. 48 In C Major (Hob.XVI:35): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 48 In C Major (Hob.XVI:35): III Finale: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 49 In C Sharp Minor (Hob.XVI:36): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 49 In C Sharp Minor (Hob.XVI:36): II Scherzo: Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No. 49 In C Sharp Minor (Hob.XVI:36): III Menuet And Trio: Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 50 In D Major (Hob.XVI:37): I Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No. 50 In D Major (Hob.XVI:37): II Largo e sostenuto
Piano Sonata No. 50 In D Major (Hob.XVI:37): III Finale: Presto, ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No. 51 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:38): I Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 51 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:38): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 51 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:38): III Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 52 In G Major (Hob.XVI:39): I Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No. 52 In G Major (Hob.XVI:39): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 52 In G Major (Hob.XVI:39): III Finale: Prestissimo
Piano Sonata No. 53 In E Minor (Hob.XVI:34): I Presto
Piano Sonata No. 53 In E Minor (Hob.XVI:34): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 53 In E Minor (Hob.XVI:34): III Finale: Vivace molto
Piano Sonata No. 54 In G Major (Hob.XVI:40): I Allgretto innocente
Piano Sonata No. 54 In G Major (Hob.XVI:40): II Presto
Piano Sonata No. 55 In B Flat Major (Hob.XVI:41): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 55 In B Flat Major (Hob.XVI:41): II Allegro di molto
Piano Sonata No. 56 In D Major (Hob.XVI:42): I Andante con espressione
Piano Sonata No. 56 In D Major (Hob.XVI:42): II Finale: Vivace assai

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 57 In F Major (Hob.XVI:47): I Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 57 In F Major (Hob.XVI:47): II Larghetto
Piano Sonata No. 57 In F Major (Hob.XVI:47): III Finale: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 58 In C Major (Hob.XVI:48): I Andante con espressione
Piano Sonata No. 58 In C Major (Hob.XVI:48): II Rondo: Presto
Piano Sonata No. 59 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:49): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 59 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:49): II Adagio e cantabile
Piano Sonata No. 59 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:49): III Finale: Tempo di minuetto
Piano Sonata No. 60 In C Major (Hob.XVI:50): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 60 In C Major (Hob.XVI:50): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 60 In C Major (Hob.XVI:50): III Finale: Allegro molto
Piano Sonata No. 61 In D Major (Hob.XVI:51): I Andante
Piano Sonata No. 61 In D Major (Hob.XVI:51): II Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 62 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:52): I Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 62 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:52): II Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 62 In E Flat Major (Hob.XVI:52): III Finale: Presto
Variations In F-Minor (Hob.XVII:6)
Fantasia In C Major (Hob.XVII:4)
12 Variations In E Flat Major (Hob. XVII: 3)
Adagio In F Major (Hob.XVII:9)
6 Variations In C Major (Hob. XVII:5)

Tracks:

20 Variations In A Major (Hob.XVII:2)
Capriccio In G Major On The Song 'Acht Sauschneider
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: I L'Introduzione: Maestoso et adagio
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: II Sonata I: Largo
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: III Sonata II: Grave e cantabile
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: IV Sonata III: Grave
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: V Sonata IV: Largo
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: VI SonataV: Adagio
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: VII Sonata VI: Lento
The Seven Last Words Of The Redeemer On The Cross: VIII Sonata VII: Largo -- attacca subito - II Terremoto (Presto)

Amazon.com

Haydn was not a pianist of any distinction, nor a very successful composer of instrumental concertos, but his piano sonatas--and there are more than 60 of them--are much finer than those of Mozart, who was one of his era's greatest keyboard virtuosos. The reason for this is simple. Mozart wrote his keyboard concertos for himself and his sonatas for students. Haydn, on the other hand, was constantly stimulated to write piano music for gifted amateurs, though in those days amateurs were often as good as the professionals, particularly women for whom a concert career was out of the question. This is great music then, charming but never trivial, and John McCabe plays it with impressive style and vigor. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Nice Set...not a great performance.......2005-05-08

As a pianist myself, I was very interested to listen to Mr. McCabe when preparing my M.M. degree recital, in which I performed Haydn's Sonata in E minor, Hob:XVI/34 (I will refer to the sonata by the Landon number rather than the older Hoboken number).

Mr. McCabe certainly plays quite cleanly, as one would expect in this day and age. In addition, he provides extensive program notes (Mr. McCabe is a respected musicologist)

Unfortunately, Mr. McCabe isn't quite the performer one would expect to produce the entire output of Haydn's Sonatas. First of all, his tempos are usually not well suited to the music's style (whether in the Allegros or Adagios). Though this has somewhat to due with his lesser technical ability, it also has to do with his idea of interpretation, which to say the least, is quite boring. In the Sonata No. 34, the opening movement has a very particular character. Though it is one of Haydn's few sonatas in a minor key, the opening motive returns in many forms throughout the first movement. Mr. McCabe seems to miss the point of this, along with the importance of articulation (which is of utmost importance in the music of Haydn).

Mr. McCabe uses far too much pedal throughout (especially in the first movement). In the second movement, his imprecise pedaling detracts from the recitative quality (this movement being influenced from Haydn's knowledge of vocal writing and operatic traditions). The third movement is quite slow and the lively character is missing.

I don't believe that one can put Mr. McCabe's recordings on a level with great Haydn interpreters such as Ax or even Richter (with far more color and more adherence to the musical style). This is unfortunate as it comes from such a respected musicologist.

As a final note, it is nice to own this collection to have all Haydn's Sonatas and his output for piano at your fingertips, but I would recommend Ax (or Andsnes in the future...his Haydn Concertos are fantastic).

Much unknown music to assimilate.......2005-04-19

I can partially share one reviewer's opinion that much of this music seems repetitive and certainly that is somewhat the case, but I only listen to one disc at a sitting. It takes time to get to know these sonatas. The Mozart sonatas are more widely performed, and therefore known to the music listening public. At this point in my experience, I must admit that I prefer the Mozart sonatas, but I am gaining an appreciation for those of Haydn.

The quality of the recording is good with very little background noise or noticeable distortion. The piano seem OK for the type of music and if one reviewer thinks these are twangy, listen to these sonatas on an eighteenth century pianoforte.

Mr. McCabe is a competent player without any idiosyncracies which seems in keeping with these sonatas.

I received a boxed set that had two disc sixes and no disc three. Ah, German precision.

the greatest penny a note composer.......2005-04-02

I have listened to all 62 sonatas for keyboard and perhaps 3 of them rise to the level of wonderful composition. If you listen to them you hear he doesn't really "get started " until about sonata 32, compared with say Beethoven who except for 3 or 4 composed 32 of the greatest piano sonatas the world will ever hear. I have attempted to give Haydn a fair hearing for symphonic ( boring ) and keyboard works but for the most part he must get the award for not really being able to put 2 consecutive asthetic notes together. The Nelson Mass is very nice. And I know in his last years, Europe just adored him. He was earning upward in todays dollars of $85,000, which just galled Mozart.Finally the sonatas are performed and recorded well.Before purchasing these sonatas listen to the clips and see if you dont want to run screaming into the night, but if you are a boring person with absolutely no musical asthetic, these sonatas cant be beat!

The best complete set of Haydn Sonatas at any price.......2004-05-22

Other individual performances may "grab" you more than these, but as a whole I could not find fault with these performances. They are particularly satisfying if you follow with a score - you get to see the choices in ornamentation, dynamics, etc. that McCabe makes compared with what is on the printed page. I did several comparisons with other performers (I own 4 complete sets of these sonatas and several smaller compilations), and McCabe consistently comes out on top overall, in my opinion. Haydn's best sonatas are consistently more inventive, witty, and daring than Mozart's and are definitely worth your attention.

Excellent performances of rarely heard works.......2004-05-16

Rich & delicious entertainment. Delighted that one can enjoy this beautiful music of pieces which are rarely publicly performed.

Medtner: Complete Piano Sonatas, Forgotten Melodies / Hamelin

Average customer rating:

Medtner's piano music is a strong, major addition to the piano standard repertoire, for both listener and performer. Beautiful.
but it IS unjust;
the war is Iraq is unjust
contra drollere
The Best Overall Recording of Complete Medtner Sonatas

Medtner: Complete Piano Sonatas, Forgotten Melodies / Hamelin
Marc-Andre Hamelin
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Nikolai Kapustin: Piano Music
Marc-André Hamelin Live at Wigmore Hall
Alkan: Symphony for solo piano
Kaleidoscope
Godowsky: Sonata; Passacaglia

ASIN: B00000DG21
Release Date: 1998-10-27

Tracks:

Sonata In F Minor Op. 5: Allegro
Sonata In F Minor Op. 5: Intermezzo: Allegro
Sonata In F Minor Op. 5: Largo divoto
Sonata In F Minor Op. 5: Finale: Allegro risoluto
Zwei Marchen Op. 8: Andantino
Zwei Marchen Op. 8: Allegro
Sonaten-Triade Op. 11: No. 1 In A Flat Major
Sonaten-Triade Op. 11: No. 2 In D Minor (Sonata-Elegy)
Sonaten-Triade Op. 11: No. 3 In C Major

Tracks:

Sonata In G Minor Op. 22: Tenebroso, sempre affrettando - Allegro assai - Interludium (Andante lugubre) - Allegro assai
Sonata-Skazka In C Minor Op. 25 No. 1: Allegro abbandonamente
Sonata-Skazka In C Minor Op. 25 No. 1: Andantino con moto
Sonata-Skazka In C Minor Op. 25 No. 1: Allegro con spirito
Sonata In E Minor 'Night Wind' Op. 25 No. 2: Introduzione: Andante - Allegro
Sonata In E Minor 'Night Wind' Op. 25 No. 2: poco e poco Allegro molto sfrenatamente, presto

Tracks:

Sonata-Ballada In F Sharp Major Op. 27: Allegretto
Sonata-Ballada In F Sharp Major Op. 27: Introduzione: Mesto
Sonata-Ballada In F Sharp Major Op. 27: Finale: Allegro
Sonata In A Minor Op. 30: Allegro risoluto - Allegro molto
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 1 Sonata-Reminiscenza: Allegretto tranquillo
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 2 Danza graziosa: Con moto leggiero
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 3 Danza festiva: Presto
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 4 Canzona fluviala: Allegretto con moto
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 5 Danza rustica: Allegro commodo
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 6 Canzona serenata: Moderato
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 7 Danza silvestra
Vergessene Weisen (Forgotten Melodies) Op. 38: No. 8 Alla Reminiscenza: Quasi coda

Tracks:

No. 1 Meditazione: Introduzione, quasi Cadenza - Meno mosso - Meditamente
No. 2 Romanza: Meditamente
No. 3 Primavera: Vivace
No. 4 Canzona matinata: Allegretto cantando, ma sempre con moto
No. 5 Sonata tragica: Allegro non troppo
Sonata In B Flat Minor 'Sonata Romantica' Op. 53 No. 1: Romanza: Andantino con moto, ma sempre espressivo
Sonata In B Flat Minor 'Sonata Romantica' Op. 53 No. 1: Scherzo: Allegro
Sonata In B Flat Minor 'Sonata Romantica' Op. 53 No. 1: Meditazione: Andante con moto
Sonata In B Flat Minor 'Sonata Romantica' Op. 53 No. 1: Finale: Allegro non troppo
Sonata In B Flat Minor 'Sonata Minacciosa' Op. 53 No. 2: Allegro sostenuto
Sonate-Idylle In G Major Op. 56: Pastorale: Allegretto cantabile
Sonate-Idylle In G Major Op. 56: Allegro moderato e cantabile

Amazon.com

Nikolai Medtner's chums at the Moscow Conservatory included Scriabin and Rachmaninoff. Like them, he was a brilliant pianist. Also like them, he composed an extensive body of distinguished piano music, most of which is relatively unknown. Its style resembles that of Rachmaninoff (who greatly admired it), although it lacks the latter's memorable melodies. Technically, it is just as difficult, requiring not only great fluency and endurance but also a wide range of colors. Marc-André Hamelin's prodigious technique makes him an ideal interpreter of Medtner's strong, clearly chiseled structures. His ability to play even the most complex and difficult passages at an even pace helps delineate and clarify them. Excellent recorded sound. --Paul Turok

Customer Reviews:

Medtner's piano music is a strong, major addition to the piano standard repertoire, for both listener and performer. Beautiful........2007-05-02

When this 4CDs-album came out in 1998 I was one of the first in the states to purchase a copy, and even without knowing whether Medtner is my taste or not. I loved Hamelin's Scriabin-sonatas album so I didnt care about the high price of this Medtner-sonatas album. And I was right. With the first scanning of each disc I fell more and more in love with this gorgeous, rich, imaginative, romantic, melodic&rhythmic, intense, serious, profound, passionate...simply *beautiful* music. Medtner does not seem to strive for creating something extraordinary, innovative, modern, interesting per se but for pure musical intent. What you hear is pure (and absolute?) music by a genuine musician (Medtner) as natural and pianistic as one could imagine, with nothing else intended or presumed.
For comparative listeners, Geoffrey Tozer's boxed Medtner-sonatas set includes the complete Forgotten Melodies (I-III), not only I and II (Hamelin), but in the sonatas Hamelin plays with much more verve, drive, energy and speed. However, in the past years I tend to listen more of TozerPlayingMedtner...simply because he has been recording the complete Medtner solo music (prospected 9 volumes on Chandos) and I really enjoy the wealth of non-sonata music by Medtner which is less complex, of lighter content and much easier to understand. Many pianophiles whom I borrowed the Hamelin album thought that these sonatas were way too dense and heavy, yet in the end they fell in love with Medtner, too, when listening to his non-sonata pieces (Fairy Tales, etc.). They have become Medtner fans, yes!
As for my part, after having listened to Medtner sonatas for almost ten consecutive years, I somehow obtain the feeling that his other solo piano music is more enjoyable on a long-term basis. I cant listen to the sonatas nearly any more but I experience still lots of pleasure, fun and enjoyment listening to his other pieces. So thanks Hamelin for the convincing introduction to Medtner's world, and even more thanks to Tozer on Chandos (and Hamish Milne on CRD) for making this world my new home.

but it IS unjust;.......2006-10-03

that such beautiful music should be ignored! i never understood why rachmaninoff enjoyed more popularity than his more ingenious colleague, scriabin. i similarly don't understand why rach is deemed greater than medtner. perhaps it was sergei's larger-than-life presence as a pianist and conductor? i deem rachmaninoff one of the greatest pianist-conductors in history, but as a composer he ranks below both scriabin and medtner.
listen to medtner's music and be blown away by the intricacy and intimacy of his music. the density, the poignant lyricism. counterpoint unfolds and reveals music that is ten times more dense than rachmaninoff's (possibly excluding rach's 2nd and 3rd piano concerto).
you hear explosive genius, innovations, and emotions. a different trajectory from scriabin's music - not apocalpytic, but more rustic. more pastoral and fairy-like, if not as charged with pathos.
if you are a fan of piano music, or just keyboard music as a whole, if you're looking for something sexy, medtner's sonatas are the answer.
and hamelin's playing, i presume, does not need my vouching.

the war is Iraq is unjust.......2004-09-08

Medtner is a trult great composer and Hamelin is a truly great pianist, not just a technician.

contra drollere.......2004-06-23

Just a few words for those of you who are considering this set but have been given pause by the dissenting opinion in drollere's review, below.

I can understand that on first listen this music (like a great deal of classical music) may be difficult to parse -- to break into meaningful paragraphs and sentences, so to speak. And I know first-hand that when one can't yet hear the phrase structure in a piece of music, it tends to sounds like, yes, a long drum solo; it sounds like the music is attempting to express itself solely through superficial, local effects. drollere's review is actually a lovely, well-written description of the experience of listening to music without knowing how to parse it. One hears only "chords," "scales," "arpeggios," "melodies," and is aware that things seem to "change...every 20 seconds or so." In fact, listening to music this way - a bit like listening to the rise and fall of an actor's voice without being able to make out the words - often tends to give one an exaggerated impression of the surface effects, which I think must account for drollere's belief that this music is best characterized as "virtuosity for its own sake." Assessments like "the kinetic equivalent of serialism" and "a musical rubik's cube" really have nothing to do with Medtner - they just describe the general phenomenon of a piece of music being meaningless to a listener, in the truly musical sense of the word "meaning."

I was struck by these things, reading drollere's review, because they were so familiar to me: I am often frustrated by how long it takes me to come to terms with the form (and through it, substance) of a new musical work; sometimes it seems like I can listen to a piece 20 times and not yet know how to parse it. Frustrating indeed, because I, unlike drollere, know that at that point I'm still not qualified to form an opinion of the music. In a very real sense, I still haven't heard it. I might form an opinion about the fact that the music is still opaque to me (e.g. "I'm putting in an attentive, good faith effort to make sense of this music, so I declare that if I still don't know what's up after 20 listens, the composer isn't doing his/her job") but I'm simply not in a position to say anything about the composer's musical or aesthetic intentions or accomplishments. The composer didn't write the "drum solo" that I hear - it's just the raw data stream, not yet decoded by my brain, and as such isn't a work to be reviewed.

The irony of drollere's review is that the most outstanding aspect of this music, in exact opposition to what drollere says, is its "emotionally or imaginatively involving musical structure." Medtner's handling of sonata form is astounding - if you don't believe me or can't hear it, get a copy of the score and give yourself the assignment of breaking down the structure of one of the longer movements - the first piece I encountered was Op. 22, which is a good warm-up for the really sprawling ones, Op. 25/2 and Op. 53/2. I promise you that by the time you've gone through the purportedly tedious task of actually identifying the different themes and their recapitulations, noting thematic relationships, etc. etc., you'll realize how strong these pieces are, how exquisitely they fuse profound, heartfelt emotion with ingenious development - and then you'll be ready to listen again and hear it all. Or at least more of it. "What are the rewards of repeated listening?" indeed. Perhaps since July 28, 2003, drollere has found out the answer to that question, in which case I hope s/he will return and clean up around here. I just hate to think that anyone will be turned off to Medtner by a well-written but utterly rash review. Trust me: this is the real thing. The music is, if anything, better than the hype. Do not be dissuaded.

The Best Overall Recording of Complete Medtner Sonatas.......2003-08-15

Speaking in a few words about the music itself, I'll only say it's original, thrilling and endlessly beautiful.

I agree with the statement saying that this music demands several listenings for appreciation of all it's beauty. I can only add that each listening, no matter how much times you did it before, reveals you something new in the music which makes you love it more and more.
I also agree with another statement saying that sometimes the development parts in Medtner sonata forms are too streched out. It's true, usually the thematic material is very laconic (while geniously beautiful) and Medtner masterfully takes it into different harmonic and tonal transformations, as if looking at the theme from all possible angles, lightening it in all possible colours and ways inside the complex polyphonic substance. This statement in no manner contradicts with the first one and might even explain it.
But the third and the ultimate statement for me is the one written once by Rachmaninov: "...I consider him the most talented of all the modern composers...". For me It's quite true and I can only hope for the times when Medtner music will be much better known.

For those, who want to add like me all the 14 Medtner Sonatas to their musical library this set is the definitive solution. I like very much the Medtner of Marc-Andre Hamelin, it's highly emotional with deep understaning of all the complex structure of each piece and, of course, technically brilliant. The only piece where I don't really agree with the reading is Sonata Tragica (From the "Forgotten Melodies II", Op. 39/5). It's too straightforward for me and I don't really hear the "Tragica" in it. In this case I prefer "Sonata Tragica" by Nikolai Demidenko, also available on Hyperion. In the same time "Sonata Reminiscenza" by Hameline is more touchnig and intimate in comparison with that of Demidenko. So, after all, it's the matter of taste. :-) Another point about the interpretation is the tempos which in some cases are too fast and you can feel the excessive concentration on the virtuosic aspects of the playing. To my mind the point is general for the Hamelin style. In this set it doesn't really disturb you a lot.

A nice supplement to the Sonatas are 2 "Skazki" (Fairy-Tales) which are the opening 2 of the over 40 pieces set which could be defined as the heart of the most intimate Medtner music. But this is another story already. :-)

Tracks:

Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In D Major, K. 492 - (Presto)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In A Minor, K. 3 - (Allegro-Presto)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In D Minor, K. 32
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In D Major, K. 33 - (Allegro)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In A Major, K. 208 - (Andante e cantabile)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In A Major, K. 209 - (Allegro)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In E Major, K. 20 - (Presto)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In E Minor, K. 98 - (Allegrissimo)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In B Minor, K. 27 - (Allegro)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In D Major, K. 436 - (Allegro)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In D Minor, K. 141 - (Allegro)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In D Minor, K. 213 - (Andante)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In G Major, K. 14 - (Presto)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In A Major, K. 322 - (Allegro)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In A Minor, K. 109 - (Adagio)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In G Major, K. 146 - (Allegretto)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In A Major, K. 39 - (Allegro)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In F Minor, K. 481 - (Andante e cantabile)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2: Sonata In D Minor, K. 517 - (Prestissimo)

Customer Reviews:

Distorted.......2005-10-07

I'm wondering who is more distorded? Lewin and his musical nothing, you people who bought that trash, or poor little Scarlatti, that thank God he is not alive to hear his music like this! Shame.

Michael Lewin Plays Scarlatti Sonatas.......2005-03-24

Domenico Scarlatti's over 550 short keyboard sonatas include worlds in miniature. In their gaiety and charm, these works have more capacity to inspire than many more ponderous, facially serious, compositions. I find it inspiring as well that Scarlatti's sonatas are the product of his middle and old age. There is hope for those of us that come into their own late in life!

The budget Naxos label is in the process of recording a complete set of the Scarlatti sonatas on the piano with each volume performed by a different pianist. Although I prefer this music on the harpsichord, this series is an outstanding way to get to know Scarlatti. Those who love this composer will want to have some performances of the sonatas on both instruments.

Volume 2 of the series features the American pianist Michael Lewin. Mr. Lewin has a wide-ranging repertoire. He has recorded two volumes of the piano music of Charles Tomlinson Griffes for Naxos as well as a volume of the music of Louis Gottschalk. His perfomance of Scarlatti is agressive, virtuosic and forthright. He emphasizes both the percussive qualities of the piano as well as the instrument's ability to play both loudly and softly His approach to Scarlatti can be contrasted with pianist's Eteri Andjaparidze's much more restrained, softer approach in volume 1 of this series. (Ms. Andjaparidze's reading is lovely as well. This series of Scarlatti sonatas shows eloquently that there are many different ways to interpret music.)

Lewin's program on this disk consists of 19 sonatas ranging from among the earliest of the Sonatas, K. 3 in A minor to some of the latest, K. 517 in D minor. The collection is almost evenly divided between major and minor key works, with ten in the former category and nine in the latter.

Many of the sonatas show the meditative, lyrical side of Scarlatti. In particular, the CD includes three rather lengthy works, K. 213 in D minor, K. 109 in A minor and K. 481 in F minor in a slow, reflective cast. The disk is full of contrasting gay and lively works as well, including the Sonatas in G major, K. 14, and K. 146, the Sonata in A major, K. 39, the Sonata in D major, K. 492, and the sonata in D. minor, K 517 which concludes the CD. I enjoyed especially the slower, more elaborate pieces. I also enjoyed the Sonata in B minor, K27 with its haunting bell-like tone and the big piano sound Lewin brings to this work. This early work had been unfamiliar to me, unlike many of the other pieces on the CD.

This CD will delight lovers of Scarlatti and will form an appealing introduction to his work for new listeners.

The best kind of bargain.......2005-03-13

Not only do you get 76 minutes with 19--count 'em--sonatas, many of the sonatas get great performances by Lewin. Yes, I agree with an earlier reviewer that the performance of K 213 is beautiful. Other gems include a boffo K 141 with speed to burn yet clearer articulation than I've ever heard in one of the best-known "virtuoso" sonatas. But the real surprise was the sonata that precedes K 141, K 436 in D major. "The village orchestra ... the trumpets" is straight from Kirkpatrick. And I can hear them, but there is a rhythmic trick with the shifting length of the left-hand scale passages, and Lewin totally gets it. K 209 is another hit. There are a few duds--K 32 sounds like a sarabande rather than a minuet, and K 27 is a bit too hammered-out, too (despite the program notes) aggressive.

Yeah, those notes. This album gets A+ for program, performance, and acoustics--it was recorded at Town Hall. But here's a sample of the program notes: "[K 20 in E major] is notable for the thirds in the second half, a device Scarlatti often used to confuse the rhythmic and harmonic sense of the hearer." Say wha? The performance of K 20, though, is crisp and clear, very similar to that of Pogorelich.

I love the series; I've heard the first six volumes, and Lewin's is the best so far.

Michael Lewin earns distinction as Scarlatti intepreter........2002-10-27

This is in serious contrast to vol. 1 Scarlatti of the same series. A lot less pedal. A lot more staccato particularly in the fast sections. A lot more legato in the slow ones. Up tempo all the way. Lewin is abstemious with dynamics but he uses them well. He has an innate feel for rhythms. There is clarity to the sound. You can tell the left from the right hand throughout. Lewin does not let the embellishments overshadow the melody, and he deftly puts the piano in place of the harpsichord, making the most of the more advanced instrument. This vol. 2 of the Scarlatti series is a pleasure to hear.

Great disc for a great price.......2001-07-17

This set of Scarlatti sonatas, played by American pianist Michael Lewin, is a great introduction to the composer's music. The works presented here encompass a wide variety of moods, each brilliantly realized by Lewin, ranging from the soul-searching intensity of the Sonata in D minor, K. 213, to the light-hearted playfulness of the Sonata in G major, K. 146. The listener really gets a good sense of the composer's unique style. Also, the sound on this recording captures Lewin's beautiful tone perfectly. Naxos has again provided us with an amazing bargain, with seventy six minutes of playing time for only six dollars. It is no wonder that this disc is highly recommended in the Gramophone Guide, one of the leading authorities on classical music.

Medtner: Piano Sonatas & Forgotten Melodies

Average customer rating:

Good introduction to wonderful music, but...

Medtner: Piano Sonatas & Forgotten Melodies

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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The Piano Works of Nikolai Medtner, Vol. 7
Piano Concerto 2 in C Minor Op 50
The Piano Works of Nikolai Medtner, Vol. 8
Alkan: Grande sonate 'Les quatre âges', Sonatine, Le festin d'Esope
Medtner: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 3

ASIN: B00000IYMY
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

Sonata, Op. 5 In F Minor: I Allegro
Sonata, Op. 5 In F Minor: II Intermezzo: Allegro
Sonata, Op. 5 In F Minor: III Largo
Sonata, Op. 5 In F Minor: IV Finale: Allegro risoluto
Sonata Triad, Op. 11 In A Flat Major, Tempo 1: 1 Sonata: Allegro non troppo - Con moto
Sonata Triad, Op. 11 In D Minor: 2 Sonata 'Elegy' - Andante molto espressivo
Sonata Triad, Op. 11 In C Major: 3 Sonata: Moderato, con passione innocente
Sonata, Op. In G Minor: Interludium: Andante Lugubre - Allegro assai

Tracks:

Fairy Tale Sonata Op. 24 No. 1 In C Minor: I Allegro abbandonamente
Fairy Tale Sonata Op. 24 No. 1 In C Minor: II Andantino con moto
Fairy Tale Sonata Op. 24 No. 1 In C Minor: III Allegro con spirito
Sonata 'Night Wind', Op. 25 No. 2, In E Minor: Introduzione: Andante con moto
Sonata 'Night Wind', Op. 25 No. 2, In E Minor: Allegro
Sonata 'Night Wind', Op. 25 No. 2, In E Minor: Tempo dell'introduzione
Sonata 'Night Wind', Op. 25 No. 2, In E Minor: Allegro molto sfrenatamente, presto
Sonata 'Night Wind', Op. 25 No. 2, In E Minor: Quasi cadenza
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 40: 1 Allegretto
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 40: 2 Introduzione: Allegro meditamente - Allegro scherzando
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 40: 3 Tempo capriccioso
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 40: 4 Allegro alla breve e molto sfrenatamente
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 40: 5 Con moto tranquillo e ondulotorio
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 40: 6 Allegro con moto

Tracks:

Sonate - Ballade, Op. 27 In F Sharp Major: Allegretto
Sonate - Ballade, Op. 27 In F Sharp Major: Introduzione: Mesto
Sonate - Ballade, Op. 27 In F Sharp Major: Finale: Allegro
Sonata Op. 30, In A Minor: Allegro risoluto: Poco a poco piu mosso - Coda: Allegro Molto
Sonata Romantica, Op. 53 No. 1 In B Flat Minor: I Romanza: Andantino con moto, ma sempre espressivo
Sonata Romantica, Op. 53 No. 1 In B Flat Minor: II Scherzo: Allegro
Sonata Romantica, Op. 53 No. 1 In B Flat Minor: III Meditazione: Andante con moto
Sonata Romantica, Op. 53 No. 1 In B Flat Minor: IV Finale: Allegro non troppo
Sonata minacciosa, Op. 53 No. 2 In F Minor: Allegro sostenuto, concentrando
Sonata minacciosa, Op. 53 No. 2 In F Minor: L'istesso tempo (ma con entusiasmo)
Sonata minacciosa, Op. 53 No. 2 In F Minor: (Fuga) Sempre al rigore di tempo
Sonata minacciosa, Op. 53 No. 2 In F Minor: Tempo I, concentrando
Sonata minacciosa, Op. 53 No. 2 In F Minor: A tempo (con entusiasme)
Sonata minacciosa, Op. 53 No. 2 In F Minor: Coda: Sempre animato (al rigore di tempo)

Tracks:

Forgotten Melodies, Op. 38: 1 Sonata reminiscenza - Allegretto tranquillo (Andante con moto)
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 38: 2 Danza graziosa - Con moto leggiero - Allegretto grazioso
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 38: 3 Danza festiva - Presto
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 38: 4 Canzona fluviala - Allegretto con moto
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 38: 5 Danza rustica - Allegro commodo
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 38: Canzona serenata - Moderato - Con moto (quasi cadenza) - Tempo 1
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 38: Danza silvestra - Allegro
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 38: Alla Reminiscenza - Quasi coda
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 39: 1 Meditazione - Introduzione (quasi Cadenza) Lento - Meditamente
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 39: 2 Romanza - Meditamente
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 39: 3 Primavera 'Fruhlingsmarchen' - Vivace
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 39: 4 Canzona matinata - Allegretto cantando
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 39: 5 Sonata tragica - Allegro risoluto
Sonate-Idylle, Op. 56 In G Major: I Pastorale: Allegretto cantabile
Sonate-Idylle, Op. 56 In G Major: II Allegro moderato e cantabile

Customer Reviews:

Good introduction to wonderful music, but..........2003-05-15

These marvellous works ought to be in many pianists' repertories; as it is, they mostly get played and recorded by Medtner specialists. Tozer has been recording all of the solo works and much else, and his Chandos set is substantially cheaper than the much-praised Hamelin box on Hyperion. For my money it's marginally better. Tozer can be prosaic, and he simply doesn't have Hamelin's chops (though who does?) But Hamelin is frustratingly uneven; he ruins the lovely second theme in the vernal Op. 11 No. 1, and rushes through the great Op. 22 sonata so that its ironies have little impact. If you can get only one of the sets, I think Tozer gives a better overall impression of Medtner's accomplishment. It's a substantial body of work which deserves to be known by everyone who loves music. Tozer's set also contains more music, though the Op. 40 "Forgotten melodies" are probably the least striking of the three sets. And the Chandos sound is significantly richer and more spacious than the cramped, harsh acoustic of the Hyperion set.

Chopin: Piano Sonatas #2 & 3, Ballades, Op. 23,38,47 & 52, Scherzi Op. 20, 31, 39 & 54; Cecile Ousset

Average customer rating:

Sound fine on original

Chopin: Piano Sonatas #2 & 3, Ballades, Op. 23,38,47 & 52, Scherzi Op. 20, 31, 39 & 54; Cecile Ousset
Frederic Chopin , and Cecile Ousset
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Liszt: Piano Sonata; Paganini
Martha Argerich Plays Chopin: The Legendary 1965 Recording

ASIN: B0000CE7FO
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

I. Grave
II. Scherzo
III. Marche Funebre
IV. Presto
Presto Con Fuoco
Presto
Presto Con Fuoco
Presto

Tracks:

I. Allegro Maestoso
II. Scherzo
III. Largo
IV. Finale: Presto
No. 1 - Largo
No. 2 - Andantino
No. 3 - Allegretto
No. 4 - Andante Con Moto

Amazon.com

This 2-CD set presents some of Chopin's most beloved masterpieces--the two great Sonatas and the complete Scherzi and Ballades--in splendid performances. Perhaps the most immediately striking characteristic of Cécile Ousset's playing, apart from her consummate mastery of the instrument, is its extraordinary clarity and transparency, no matter how full the texture. She must use the pedal very sparingly. Her passage-work is brilliant, her runs are like chains of flawless pearls, no matter how fast the tempo. Even the Presto Finales of the two sonatas are crystal clear. Every line stands out, and the balance between her hands is perfect. Musically, her most immediately striking characteristic is her uninhibited, surging romanticism. She has the courage to follow the dictates of her heart, pushing forward and pulling back with the ebb and flow of the music; she also freely changes the tempo along with its changing moods, but her transitions are always poised and controlled, and there is plenty of time to enjoy and caress melodic and harmonic details. Above all, she brings out all of Chopin's mercurial emotions, from inward reverie and melancholy, mysteriousness, elfin delicacy, majestic grandeur and solemnity, poetry, ardor, humor, to soaring ecstasy and serene resignation. Unfortunately, she is badly served by the recorded sound, which is harsh, clangorous and tinny; though she obviously commands a large range of colors and nuances, they must be surmised rather than being actually heard. The recordings were originally made in 1987 and 1988, this compilation dates from 2003; surely the beauty of the music and the high quality of the playing deserve better technological results. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Sound fine on original .......2006-06-28

I have the original CD of the 3rd Sonata and the Ballades. The sound is great on that CD and like Edith Eisler said, the performances are superb. At the super low price, this double CD is an absolute bargain.

Average customer rating:

Definitive Scarlatti
An amazing accomplishment

Scarlatti: The Keyboard Sonatas

Manufacturer: Warner Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009MWAVQ
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Customer Reviews:

Definitive Scarlatti.......2007-05-26

I've been a Scarlatti fan since I discovered the Ralph Kirkpatrick recordings on Columbia when I was in high school--some 40 years ago. Over the years I have played some of them on the piano and collected numerous recordings, performed on both harpsichord and piano. I first purchased Scott Ross's complete collection after sampling the 3-CD Scarlatti Anthologie and being pleased with what I heard. After listening to about a third of the 34 CDs on which the 555 sonatas are recorded I can say that Scott Ross's performances equal or exceed anything I've heard from any other performer on harpsichord. There are recordings by other performers I rate very highly--Wanda Landowska's characterful pre-WW II recordings and Andras Schiff's superb piano recordings of the sonatas come to mind--but Scott Ross has it all. Meticulous accuracy, a truly engaging sense of rhythm--so critical in bringing out the character of the sonatas, a superb sense of the Spanish idiom Scarlatti uses, elegant ornamentaion, a masterful selection of stops, and the wonderful recorded harpsichord sound all make this set a thoroughly satisfying musical experience for the Scarlatti lover. Bringing all of this quality to the formidable task of recording all of Scarlatti's 555 sonatas is a tremendous achievement and a true service to the music loving public. In addition to the pleasure of having such a treasure trove of great Scarlatti performances, the complete collection has afforded me the oppotunity to discover many elegant gems among Scarlatt's lesser known sonatas--the kind that stay in my head days after hearing them. That Ross died at the relatively early age of 38 was a real loss. If you're a Scarlatti fan, treat yourself to this complete collection. You won't be disappointed.

An amazing accomplishment.......2005-10-20

This recent re-release of Scott Ross's complete recordings of Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas is truly a great a accomplishment. The 34 CDs contain all 555 sonatas. The vast majority are played by Ross on the harpsichord, or harpsichord's I should say. Four different harpsichords were used, one Italian and three French. While various groups of Sonatas might sound a bit different it doesn't take away from the experience at all.

And what an experience it is. Ross's harpsichord playing is bright and lively when required, relaxed and subdued at other times. While it's hard to imagine that Ross was able to become intimately familiar with 555 sonatas over the year it took to record them, his performances do not show any signs of boredom. The sonatas are overall focused and well performed.

In addition to the hundreds of harpsichord sonatas, there are also recordings of Scarlatti's five sonatas with string and woodwing accompaniment as well as his three organ sonatas. All keyboard parts are played by Ross.

The packaging of this set is very compact. Each CD is in a thick paper cover, the whole of the set in a single box. There is also a 255 page booklet that contains a short description of nearly every sonata. Additionally there is an interview with Ross from 1986.

This is a wonderful set for any fan of Scarlatti and Ross. And at the price, it would even be worth it for anyone who enjoys Baroque harpsichord music but isn't familiar with Scarlatti. I highly recommend this set.

Beethoven: Piano Trios; Violin & Cello Sonatas

Average customer rating:

With minor reservations, "excellent"

Beethoven: Piano Trios; Violin & Cello Sonatas

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00005MIZQ
Release Date: 2001-11-06

Tracks:

Pno Trio in E flat, Op.1 No.1: I. Allegro
Pno Trio in E flat, Op.1 No.1: II. Adagio Cantabile
Pno Trio in E flat, Op.1 No.1: III. Scherzo: Allegro Assai - Trio
Pno Trio in E flat, Op.1 No.1: IV. Finale: Presto
Pno Trio in G, Op.1 No.2: I. Adagio - Allegro Vivace
Pno Trio in G, Op.1 No.2: II. Largo Con Espressione
Pno Trio in G, Op.1 No.2: III. Scherzo: Allegro - Trio
Pno Trio in G, Op.1 No.2: IV. Finale: Presto
Vars On Dittersdorf's 'Ja, Ich Muss Mich Von Ihr Scheiden' in E flat, Op.44

Tracks:

Pno Trio in c, Op.1 No.3: I. Allegro Con Brio
Pno Trio in c, Op.1 No.3: II. Andante Con Brio
Pno Trio in c, Op.1 No.3: III. Menuetto: Quasi Allegro - Trio
Pno Trio in c, Op.1 No.3: IV. Finale: Prestissimo
Pno Trio in B flat, Op.97 'Archduke': I. Allegro Moderato
Pno Trio in B flat, Op.97 'Archduke': II. Scherzo: Allegro - Trio
Pno Trio in B flat, Op.97 'Archduke': III. Andante Cantabile Ma Pero Con Moto - Poco Piu Adagio...
Pno Trio in B flat, Op.97 'Archduke': IV. Allegro Moderato - Presto
Allegretto in B flat, WoO 39
Allegretto in E flat, Hess 48

Tracks:

Pno Trio in D, Op.70 No.1 'Ghost': I. Allegro Vivace Con Brio
Pno Trio in D, Op.70 No.1 'Ghost': II. Largo Assai Ed Espressivo
Pno Trio in D, Op.70 No.1 'Ghost': III. Presto
Pno Trio in E flat, Op.70 No.2: I. Poco Sostenuto - Allegro, Ma Non Troppo - Tempo I - Tempo II
Pno Trio in E flat, Op.70 No.2: II. Allegretto
Pno Trio in E flat, Op.70 No.2: III. Allegretto, Ma Non Troppo
Pno Trio in E flat, Op.70 No.2: IV. Finale: Allegro
Vars On Muller's 'Ich Bin Der Schneider Kakadu' in G, Op.121a: Intro: Adagio Assai - Tema: ...

Tracks:

Vc Son No.1 in F, Op.5 No.1: I. Adagio Sostenuto -
Vc Son No.1 in F, Op.5 No.1: Allegro - Adagio - Presto - Tempo I. (Allegro)
Vc Son No.1 in F, Op.5 No.1: II. Allegro Vivace
Vc Son No.2 in g, Op.5 No.2: I. Adagio Sostenuto Ed Espressivo -
Vc Son No.2 in g, Op.5 No.2: Allegro Molto Piu Tosto Presto
Vc Son No.2 in g, Op.5 No.2: II. Rondo: Allegro
Vc Son No.3 in A, Op.69: I. Allegro, Ma Non Tanto
Vc Son No.3 in A, Op.69: II. Scherzo: Allegro Molto
Vc Son No.3 in A, Op.69: III. Adagio Cantabile - Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

Vc Son No.4 in C, Op.102 No.1: I. Andante - Allegro Vivace
Vc Son No.4 in C, Op.102 No.1: II. Adagio - Tempo D'andante - Allegro Vivace
Vc Son No.5 in D, Op.102 No.2: I. Allegro Con Brio
Vc Son No.5 in D, Op.102 No.2: II. Adagio Con Molto Sentimento D'affetto -
Vc Son No.5 in D, Op.102 No.2: III. Allegro - Allegro Fugato
Vars On Handel's 'See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes' in G, WoO 45
Vars On Mozart's 'Bei Mannern, Welche Liebe Fuhlen in E flat, WoO 46
Vars On Mozart's 'Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen' in F, Op.66

Tracks:

Vn Son No.1 in D, Op.12 No.1: I. Allegro Con Brio
Vn Son No.1 in D, Op.12 No.1: II. Tema Con Var: Andante Con Moto
Vn Son No.1 in D, Op.12 No.1: III. Rondo: Allegro
Vn Son No.2 in A, Op.12 No.2: I. Allegro Vivace
Vn Son No.2 in A, Op.12 No.2: II. Andante, Piu Tosto Allegretto
Vn Son No.2 in A, Op.12 No.2: III. Allegro Piacevole
Vn Son No.3 in E flat, Op.12 No.3: I. Allegro Con Spirito
Vn Son No.3 in E flat, Op.12 No.3: II. Adagio Con Molt'espressione
Vn Son No.3 in E flat, Op.12 No.3: III. Rondo: Allegro Molto

Tracks:

Vn Son No.4 in a, Op.23: I. Presto
Vn Son No.4 in a, Op.23: II. Andante Scherzoso Piu Allegretto
Vn Son No.4 in a, Op.23: III. Allegro Molto
Vn Son No.5 in F, Op.24 ('Spring'): I. Allegro
Vn Son No.5 in F, Op.24 ('Spring'): II. Andante Scherzoso Piu Allegretto
Vn Son No.5 in F, Op.24 ('Spring'): III. Allegro Molto
Vn Son No.5 in F, Op.24 ('Spring'): IV. Rondo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Vn Son No.6 in A, Op.30 No.1: I. Allegro
Vn Son No.6 in A, Op.30 No.1: II. Adagio Molto Espressivo
Vn Son No.6 in A, Op.30 No.1: III. Allegretto Con Var

Tracks:

Vn Son No.7 in c, Op.30 No.2: I. Allegro Con Brio
Vn Son No.7 in c, Op.30 No.2: II. Adagio Cantabile
Vn Son No.7 in c, Op.30 No.2: III. Scherzo: Allegro - Trio
Vn Son No.7 in c, Op.30 No.2: IV. Finale: Allegro
Vn Son No.8 in G, Op.30 No.3: I. Allegro Assai
Vn Son No.8 in G, Op.30 No.3: II. Tempo Di Minuetto, Ma Molto Moderato E Grazioso
Vn Son No.8 in G, Op.30 No.3: III. Allegro Vivace
Vn Son No.10 in G, Op.96: I. Allegro Moderato
Vn Son No.10 in G, Op.96: II. Adagio Espressivo -
Vn Son No.10 in G, Op.96: III. Scherzo: Allegro - Trio
Vn Son No.10 in G, Op.96: IV. Poco Allegretto - Adagio - Tempo I. - Allegro - Poco Adagio - Presto

Tracks:

Vn Son No.9 in A, Op.47 ('Kreutzer'): I. Adagio Sostenuto - Presto
Vn Son No.9 in A, Op.47 ('Kreutzer'): II. Andante Con Var
Vn Son No.9 in A, Op.47 ('Kreutzer'): III. Finale: Presto
Pno Trio in a, Op.50: I. Pezzo elegiaco: Moderato Assai - Allegro Giusto - Adagio Con Duole E ...
Pno Trio in a, Op.50: IIA. Tema Con Var: Andante Con Moto - Piu Mosso - Allegro Moderato - Tempo...

Amazon.com

In the main, the youthful Beethoven chamber music collaborations between Daniel Barenboim, Pinchas Zuckerman, and the late Jacqueline du Pré are characterized by broad, liberally fluctuating tempos, ripeness of tone, and a tendency to place expression ahead of stylistic considerations. Zuckerman's sweet vibrato, for instance, seems misplaced in Beethoven's terse, combative syntax (the earlier trios and violin sonatas, for example). Likewise, du Pré's throbbing solo lines impose a late-Romantic patina on the music that some listeners will find more appropriate to Arensky or Glazunov. More often than not, Daniel Barenboim's piano provides the decisive voice, by way of setting tempos and effecting transitions.

While the leaner, more economically expressive Abegg Trio (Tacet) and Vienna Piano Trio (Nimbus) Beethoven Trio offerings better reflect the composer's headlong brio and nervous energy, the Barenboim-Zuckerman-Du Pré team oozes sheer musicality and involvement in every bar. For this reason, one might well prefer Zuckerman and Barenboim's overwrought rapport in the Violin Sonatas to the violinist's tighter RCA remakes with Marc Neikrug at the piano. Du Pré's tragic illness prevented her and Barenboim from tackling the Cello Sonatas in the studio. Happily, their exciting, communicative live 1970 Edinburgh Festival traversals (plus the variation sets) were broadcast by the BBC and captured in excellent sound. So was a touchingly indulgent Tchaikovsky Trio preserved from one of Du Pré's final concerts, included as both a bonus and a memento. Tully Potter's excellent booklet notes give equal time to music and artists, and rightly discuss the performances in the context of their time. It's good to have these recordings gathered in a budget-priced, space-saving box. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

With minor reservations, "excellent".......2004-05-16

As noted above, this 9 CD set resulted from the youthful collaboration of Barenboim, du Pre (soon to wed Barenboim) and Zukerman. Clearly Barenboim is the driving force. As the info booklet asks: "Would Beethoven have approved of what Barenboim does here? Perhaps not, although he would surely have applauded the young man's courage".

Sadly, du Pre's illness (she had MS, forcing her retirement in 1973 and ultimately causing her untimely death) seriously limited the collaboration. Because her illness prevented a studio recording, the cello sonatas are from 1970 live recordings taped by the BBC. The audience noise is distracting, and I simply cannot understand why the coughs and chair scrapings could not have been edited out.

Barenboim and co really do drag out the slow movements; sometimes to good effect, and sometimes too much in my view. For example, the third movement of the Archduke Trio goes for 12:07 on the Naxos recording but extends to 16:02 here (but this one is still a better rendition).

To fill out the last CD, EMI includes Tchaikovsky's Piano Trio Op 50 (taped from a live performance in Tel Aviv in 1972), which is not in the same league as Beethoven's (but I guess they had to do something with the space).

My main complaint is that the thick 3-language info booklet is devoted entirely to the history of the performers and includes not a single word about the music itself!

Tracks:

Son in D, K.435: Allegro
Son in a, K.7: Presto
Son in E, K.531: Allegro
Son in a, K.109: Adagio
Son in D, K.278: Con Velocita
Son in G, K.390: Allegro
Son in d, K.115 (Orig. c): Allegro
Son in G, K.125: Vivo
Son in g, K.234: Andante
Son in D, K.214: Allegro Vivo
Son in B flat, K.249: Allegro
Son in A, K.466 (Orig. f): Andante Moderato
Son in g, K.12: Presto
Son in A, K.301: Allegro

Amazon.com

Domenico Scarlatti wrote some 550 sonatas for harpsichord during his long tenure as a musician in the royal courts of Portugal and Spain early in the 18th century. But from the graceful way these 15 fall under the fingers of the classical guitar duo Julian Gray and Ronald Pearl, you would think Scarlatti wrote for the fretboard rather than the keyboard. Early-music purists may cringe at the suggestion, but in some ways the guitar's nylon strings are better suited to playing these intricate compositions than the sometimes clangorous tone of the harpsichord's metal strings. Gray and Pearl use all the expressive capabilities at their disposal, including different types of vibrato, shifts in dynamics, and a wide range of timbres--which are all impossible on the harpsichord--to tease out the subtle harmonies, unexpected cadences, and surprising melodic leaps that characterize Scarlatti's work. Julian Gray and Ronald Pearl may not play these sonatas on the original instrument they were composed for, but there is no arguing with the fact that they play them with taste and style. --Michael Simmons

Music Track:

Music Track

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