Great French Classics

On this CD:

1. Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun), for orchestra, L. 86
Composed by Claude Debussy

Conducted by Pierre Dervaux

2. La valse, poème choréographique for orchestra (or piano)
Composed by Maurice Ravel

Conducted by Jean Martinon

3. Pavane pour une infante défunte, for piano (or orchestra)
Composed by Maurice Ravel

Conducted by Constantin Silvestri

4. Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, for violin & orchestra in A minor, Op. 28
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
Performed by Michael Rabin
Conducted by Felix Slatkin

5. Thais, opera Méditation
Composed by Jules Massenet
Performed by Michael Rabin
Conducted by Felix Slatkin

6. Symphony No. 3 ("Organ"), in C minor, Op. 78
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
Performed by Christopher Robinson
Conducted by Louis Fremaux

7. Pavane, for orchestra & chorus ad lib in F sharp minor, Op. 50
Composed by Gabriel Faure
Performed by Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields
Conducted by Neville Marriner

8. The Sorcerer's Apprentice, for orchestra
Composed by Paul [composer] Dukas

Conducted by Constantin Silvestri

9. Danse macabre, symphonic poem in G minor, Op. 40
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
Performed by Gerald Jarvis
Conducted by Constantin Silvestri

10. Symphonie fantastique for orchestra ("Episode de la vie d'un Artiste...en cinq parties"), H.48 (Op. 14)
Composed by Hector Berlioz

Conducted by Sir John Barbirolli

11. Symphonic Variations, for piano & orchestra (also arr. for 2 pianos), M. 46
Composed by Cesar Franck
Performed by Dame Moura Lympany
Conducted by Constantin Silvestri

12. Le carnival romain, ouverture catactéristique (Roman Carnival Overture) for orchestra, H.95 (Op. 9)
Composed by Hector Berlioz

Conducted by Sir John Barbirolli

13. L' Arlésienne, Suite I for orchestra, from the incidental music Suite No 2
Composed by Georges Bizet

Conducted by Heinz Wallberg

14. Carmen Suites for orchestra, Nos. 1 & 2 (assembled by Ernest Guirard) Unspecified
Composed by Georges Bizet

Conducted by Herbert von Karajan

15. España, rhapsody for orchestra, also arranged for 2 pianos
Composed by Emmanuel Chabrier

Conducted by Riccardo Muti

16. Boléro, ballet for orchestra (or piano)
Composed by Maurice Ravel

Conducted by Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos

Tracks:

Also Sprach Zarathustra (Sunrise) - R. Strauss
Mars (The Planets) - Holst
Overture 1812 - Tchaikovsky
Entry Of The Gladiadtors - Fucik
Sabre Dance - Khachaturian
Procession Of The Sardar - Ippolitov Ivanov
Night On Bald Mountain - Mussorgsky
Anvil Chor (II Trovatore) - Verdi
The Thunderer March - Sousa
Thunder & Lightening Polka - J. Strauss
Prelude To Act III : Lohengrin - Wagner
The Ride Of The Valkryies - Wagner
Montagues & Capulets (Romeo & Juliet Ballet Suite) - Prokofiev
The Storm: Symphony No. 6 In F Major, 'Pastorale' - Beethoven
Rondeau - Edward Carroll
Overture: Fireworks Music - Handel
March To The Scaffold: Symphonie Fantastique - Berlioz
LesToreadors - Bizet
William Tell Overture: Finale - Rossini
Revolutionary Study - Abbey Simon
Fanfare For The Common Man - Copland
Sym No. 1 'Titan' IV Sturmisch Bewegt (Excerpt) - Mahler
Augurs Of Spring From Rite Of Spring - Stravinsky
Russian Dance From Petrouchka - Stravinsky
The Great Gate At Kiev From Pictures At An Exhibition - Mussorgsky

Customer Reviews:

Good selection.......2005-10-02

I bought this CD to use in my classroom as listening examples. I'm not just a super big fan of some of the performances, but they are all good and for the price you can't beat it. That's why I gave it 5 stars. It's worth more than it costs by far.

thunderous applause.......2005-08-31

This is a who's-who of great pieces of music you have heard all of your life, and never knew the names and stories! I listened to it over and over in the car and had my own concert! A friend borrowed it to add music to his Home Movies and it was perfect!

Good Music at a Great Price.......2004-03-06

I bought this CD mostly for "Entry of the Gladiators," which everyone will recognize as classic circus music. The performance on this CD (by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops) is the best available version of Entry of the Gladiators. The rest of the CD offers mostly excerpts of classical music.

You will like this!.......2004-02-19

I had purchased an abundance of the "Favorites" collection and some were better than others.

This CD is at the top of them all. They may be short, but not that short. Wondrous music.

I can almost guarantee that you will like this music.
Well worth the price!

Good for the novice.......2002-06-08

The recordings on this disc are pretty good. However, the editors selected only the *loud* parts, as indicated by the title. I was pretty disappointed to find that the pieces are, in many cases, edited to reflect the most famous themes, etc, instead of including the whole work. In general, I would recommend this to the classical music novice, or someone who wants to expand their knowledge of classical music in general. Those who already are familiar with these pieces will probably feel gypped.

Lyric & Coloratura Arias by Maria Callas (EMI's Great Recordings of the Century)

Average customer rating:

Early Callas
A litmus test for appreciating Callas
Great recordings of the century A label this recording deserves

Lyric & Coloratura Arias by Maria Callas (EMI's Great Recordings of the Century)

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Puccini: Arias
Verdi Heroines
The Very Best Of Maria Callas
French Coloratura Arias
Verdi: Arias, Vol. 1

ASIN: B000AQACUM
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Ecco: Respiro Appena. Io Son L'umile Ancella
Poveri Fiori
La Mamma Morta
Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana
L'altra Notte In Fondo Al Mare
Una Voce Poco Fa
Ombra Leggera
Dov'e L'Indiana Bruna?
Merce, Dilette Amiche
Dei Tuoi Figli La Madre
Tu Che Invoco Con Orrore
O Nume, Tutelar
Caro Oggetto

Customer Reviews:

Early Callas.......2007-05-12

This is a very fine representation of Maria Callas in her early prime. The voice is in great shape and this is a wonderful introduction to her artistry and range of styles, especially for interested parties who do not know her. This is a must to have in your vocal collection.

A litmus test for appreciating Callas.......2006-03-17

I can remember my shock at eightenn when I was on my own for the first time and could play any recordings I wanted without offending my non-musical family. I knew Maria Callas by reputation and bought one of her famous performances, Carmen, only to hear not a celestially beautiful voice but a hooded, murky one that wobbled in all registers and screeched in the upper ones. Everyone who first encounters her discovers that Callas was possessed of a mesmerizing artistry but nothing like a lovely voice. In fact, she disdained lovely singing. This is too well known to repeat again; everything about Callas has been over-described, analyzed, worshipped, condemned, apologized for, and obsessed over.

Her Carmen came late in her career, unlike this famous mono recording from 1954, but its close miking and hard sound (made better by remastering) reveal all too painfully the same flaws. It could serve as a litmus test for whether a listener will ever "get" the Callas phenomenon. Her artistry couldn't be more intense and searching than it is in the five verismo arias at the beginning--even non-opera lovers know her 'La Mamma Morta' from its heartbreaking use in the movie 'Philadelphia,' where the dying Tom Hanks acts out its meaning as he walks in a trance of ecstasy clutching his IV stand.

I have lain awake listening to those five arias every night for a month, and it says something for Callas's art that I can foresee listening to them again. Not now, perhaps, becasue even the best things wear out with repetiiton. I just thought it was good to pay tribute to them and the deep emotions they inspired. My incidental motive, since EMI has rehashed every Callas item to death, is to point out that this indeed is one of her greatest recordings, an essential not just for lovers of singing but for the history of opera itself.

Great recordings of the century A label this recording deserves.......2005-09-21

Recorded in September 1954 together with Puccini Arias. This recording shows the La Divina in the prime of her vocal abilities. This 1954 recording presents Callas with enormous range of musical styles in which the La Divina was entirely at home. This recording refects Callas ability not just to sing but to put drama in every aria. I am happy that finally EMI gave this recording the recognition in it deserves "Great Recordings of the Century". For those who do not want to purchase the Recitals 1954-1969 [BOX SET] or plans to buy the recital collection one buy one , I strongly suggest to purchase this edition, the cover has the original cover artwork of the original LP (very nostalgic).

Average customer rating:

Not what I expected...

Mozart: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bach: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Beethoven: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLHO
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Not what I expected..........2006-02-04

...BETTER! After having received numerous recently selections that were a disappointment, this was a welcomed master works collection!

Superbly recorded and arranged, the sound quality is excellent. If you are a mozart fan or want to be a mozart fan, don't pass this set up. What may seem a little pricey is actually a little over a dollar a disk making this set an exceptional value.

Many gems in here. Each disc is in a decent cardboard sleeve and all are housed in a very study and easy to access slip case. Overall the packaging design is wonderful and you will be surprised just how little space a 40 cd collection will take up.

But I can not praise the sound recording quality enough. A wonderful mix of string quartets, symphonies and opera including a stunning rendition and recording of Figaro in 3 parts.

A praiseworthy set from a beginning collector.

Happy 250th Wolfgang!

Average customer rating:

You get what you pay for

Bach: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Canons | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Mozart: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Beethoven: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)

ASIN: B00062FLII
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

You get what you pay for.......2004-12-04

In the Brandenburg Concerti, the tempo varies, trumpet volleys sound like French Horns, and the flute is off tune half the time. The harpsichordist was good but in one of the concerti, decided to enter at a different tempo than had been set by the rest of the orchestra. Since he had to play some very fast runs later, it is no surprise that he wanted to slow down the orchestra, but maybe they should have worked it out earlier. The orchestra sounds leaderless and out of sync at times. Can't find the groove. Violins are competent but playing with an orchestra that needs to practise what they are going to play a little more.

That covers the first 2 of 40 CDs. Don't know if I can bring myself to listen to the rest. Somebody who didn't know Bach would wonder what the attraction is after listening to this.

Average customer rating:

Great Melodies Of The Classics

Manufacturer: Intersound Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Tracks:

Fanfare (Masterpiece Theater Theme)
Orchestral Suite No.3 in D Major, BWV 1068: Air For The G String
Canon In D Major
The Spring In E Major, Op.8, No.1: Allegro
The Spring In E Major, Op.8, No.1: Largo e pianissimo sempre
The Spring In E Major, Op.8, No.1: Allegro: Rustic Dance
Water Music Suite: Allegro
Water Music Suite: Air
Water Music Suite: Bouree - Handel_
Water Music Suite: Hornpipe - Handel_
Water Music Suite: Andante expressivo - Handel_
Water Music Suite: Hornpipe - Handel_
Brandenburg Concerto No.2 In F Major, BWV1047: (Allegro) - Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No.2 In F Major, BWV1047: Andante - Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No.2 In F Major, BWV1047: Allegro assai - Bach
Table Music Overture - Telemann
Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, BWV565 - Bach

Tracks:

Symphony No.5 In C Minor, Op.67: Allegro Con Brio
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K.525: Allegro
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K.525: Romanze: Andante
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K.525: Menuetto: Allegretto
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K.525: Rondo: Allegro
Symphony No.94 In G Major, Surprise: Adagio: Vivace Assai
Symphony No.94 In G Major, Surprise: Andante
Symphony No.94 In G Major, Surprise: Menuet: Allegro Molto
Symphony No.94 In G Major, Surprise: Finale: Allegro Di Molto
Symphony no.5 In B-Flat Major: Allegro Vivace - Schubert
Piano Concerto No.21 In C Major, K.467: Andante - Mozart
Beethoven: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Beethoven

Tracks:

Light Cavalry Overture
Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op.64: Valse: Allegro moderato
William Tell: Overture
Bolero
Die Fledermaus (The Bat): Overture
A Midsummer Night's Dream Suite: Overture
A Midsummer Night's Dream Suite: Scherzo
A Midsummer Night's Dream Suite: Nocturne
A Midsummer Night's Dream Suite: Wedding March - Mendelssohn
A Midsummer Night's Dream Suite: Puck's Dance - Mendelssohn

Tracks:

The Valkyrie: Ride Of The Valkyries
Peer Gynt Suite No.1, Op.46: Dawn
Peer Gynt Suite No.1, Op.46: Death Of Ase
Peer Gynt Suite No.1, Op.46: Anitra's Dance
Peer Gynt Suite No.1, Op.46: In The Hall Of The Moutain King
Les Preludes
Orpheus In The Underworld: Overture
My Country: The Moldau
The Afternoon Of A Faun: Prelude
Carmen: The Toreadors
Carmen: Habanera
Carmen: March Of The Smugglers

Average customer rating:

The Very Best of Barbara Hendricks

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Gabriel Fauré: Mélodies / Barbara Hendricks
Barbara Hendricks - Artist of Life
The Very Best of Régine Crespin
Very Best of
The Very Best of Lucia Popp

ASIN: B0006VYEM8
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

Un Bel Di Vedremo
O Mio Babbino Caro
Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana
Ecco: Respiro Appena. Io Son L'Umile Ancella
C'est Des Contrebandiers...Je Dis Que Rien Ne M'Epouvante
Pie Jesu
Et Incarnatus Est
Ave Maria
Sanctus
Panis Angelicus
Ave Maria
Inflammatus Et Accensus
Kaddish 2
Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
Deep River
Joshua Fit De Battle Ob Jericho
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Tracks:

Dans Un Bois Solitaire
Die Forelle
Gretchen Am Spinnrade
An Sylvia
Standchen
Lachen Und Weinen
Heidenroslein
Standchen
Wiegenlied
Morgen
Zueignung
Jeg Elsker Dig
Gruss
Apres Un Reve
Clair De Lune
I. C'est L'Extase Langoureuse
II. Il Pleure Dans Mon Coeur
L'Invitation Au Voyage
Les Filles De Cadix
Reverie
Le Rossignol Des Lilas
Si Mis Vers Avaient Des Ailes
Plaisir D'Amour
Vocalise En Forme De Habanera
Aria
Vilja-Lied

Album Description

Details TBA. EMI. 2005.

Average customer rating:

Great Melodies of the Classics

Manufacturer: Proarte
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Tracks:

Voices Of Spring - Vienna Folk Opr Orch/Carl Michalski
Solveig's Song - London Festival Orch/Julian Armstrong
'Elvira Madigan Theme' (Pno Con No.21, Andante) - Martha Bergerich
Sleeping Beauty: Waltz - Ljublijana RS/Laurenc Siegel
Tales From Hoffmann: Barcarolle - RPO/Frank Shipway
'Kasier' Qt: Poco Adagio - Melos Qt Stuttgart
Polovstian Dance No.17 'Stranger In Paradise' - Ljublijana Radio Sym/Laurenc Siegel
Messiah: Pastorale - Stuttgart Radio Sym/Garcia Navarro

Great Conductors of the 20th Century: Herbert von Karajan

Average customer rating:

For most Americans, a forgotten Karajan phase
wonderful collection
FABULOUS bargain! WHAT a selection!

Great Conductors of the 20th Century: Herbert von Karajan
Johann Strauss II , Jean Sibelius , Sir William Walton , Modest Mussorgsky , Maurice Ravel , Richard Wagner , Emil Waldteufel , Franz Liszt , Jacques Offenbach , Emmanuel Chabrier , Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra , Philharmonia Orchestra , Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra , and Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma della RAI
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Great Conductors of the 20th Century: Hermann Scherchen
Great Conductors of the 20th Century: Arturo Toscanini
Great Conductors of the 20th Century: Artur Rodzinski
Great Conductors of the 20th Century: Fritz Reiner

ASIN: B000239ATC
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka, Op.214
I Allegro Assai
II Presto, Con Malizia
III Andante, Con Malinconia
IV Maestoso - Brioso Ed Ardentemente - Vivacissimo - Maestoso
Promenade
I Gnomus
Promenade
II Il Vecchio Castello
Promenade
III Tuileries
IV Bydlo
Promenade
V Ballet Des Poussins Dans Leurs Coques
VI Samuel Goldenberg Und Schmuyle
VII Limoges. Le Marche
VIII Catacombae (Sepulcrum Romanum)
Cum Mortuis In Lingua Mortua
IX La Cabane Sur Des Pattes De Poule
X La Grande Porte De Kiev

Tracks:

Les Patineurs, Op.183
I Tempo Molto Moderato, Quasi Adagio
II Allegro Molto Vivace
III Il Tempo Largo
IV Allegro
Tristan Und Isolde: Isoldes Liebestod
Hungarian Rhapsody In D Minor, S359 No.2
Shvanda The Bagpiper: Polka
Espana
Joyeuse Marche
Les Contes D'Hoffmann: Barcarolle

Customer Reviews:

For most Americans, a forgotten Karajan phase.......2005-10-12

After the end of World War II Karajan had to wait for Furtwangler to die before he could ascend to prominence in Germany again, thanks to the older maestro's obsessive anxiety and jealousy. Furtwangler unexpectedly died in 1954, and when Karajan took his place at the head of the Berlin Phil., his major career, so far as most Americans are concerned, began.

But HvK hadn't been biding his time. We tned to forget the decade, beginning in 1947, when Karajan devoted himself primarily to the Philharmonia Orch. in London and made many recordings for EMI, mostly in mono, with them. This 2-CD set in the Great Conductors series focuses largely on the post-war era.

CD 1 begins with a Trisch-Tratsch Polka from Vienna with the Philharmonic in 1949, a nice bon bon. The Walton Sym. #1 is in limited, boxy mono sound from 1953. Karajan performed quite a lot with the Rome orchestra of the Italian Radio service at that time (we also have a Magic Flute in Italian with Schwarzkopf and an Oedipus Rex on various semi-pirate labels), and they perform well enough. This CD ends with a rather pointless Pictures at an Exhibition in early stereo (1955) with the Philharmonia--I can't imagine why anyone would bother with it considering Karajan's magnificent Berlin recording.

CD 2 features a mono reading of the Sibelius Fourth with the Philharmonia (1954), another work that Karajan remade in stereo with the Berlin Phil., and again I imagine only diehard collectors need both. The rest of the CD is filed out with pops material from Offenbach, Weinberger, Liszt, chabrier, and Waldteufel, all with the Philharmonia. Karajan was excellent in light fare throughout his career; these readings are especially fresh and energetic. CD 2 ends with a Tristan Prelude and Liebestod from 1971 with the excellent Helga Dernesch as Isolde. Since he recorded the complete opera with her at that same exact time (December), I imagine this performance is spun off from those sessions.

None of this material comes form DG, and except for the Walton, collectors of Karajan recordings will probably have everything else in earlier EMI reissues, so this set's appeal may be limited to those who want a first acquaintance with the relatively young Karajan before he became a power in Berlin.

wonderful collection.......2005-01-29

This new published recordings of Karajan are excellent. Except the Wagner recording (made in 70's) all records' dates from 50's and 60's, in other words middle ages of Karajan.

CD 1 starts with Johann Strauss's charming Tritsch-Tratsch Polka with Wiener Philharmoniker made in 1949 but sound quality is very good. And then there is a very interesting document: William Walton - Symphony No. 1 with RAI Orchesra Milan in a live concert and this the only Walton recording of Karajan. Even so it is comparable with Andre Previn's another sucessful version. At this recording Karajan is more wild, angry and his tempos more fast than his last years, may because of his youth. And a gem: Mussorgsky-Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition with Philharmonia Orchestra made in 1955/6 but stereo. And again a wild performance, especially in Baba-Yaga movement, but even so, it is drammatic and poetic like in The Old Castle movement. It is really "must-have" recording for admirers of this masterwork.

CD 2 begins with a famous and charming waltz: Waldteufel and Les Patineurs waltz, with Philharmonia. And then the most heavy work on entire recordings: Sibelius' Symphony No. 4 in A minor with Philharmonia made in 1953 monarual. This recording of 4th is one of the best versions ever made. Even so, Sibelius was listened this recording (he dead in 1957) and he declare Karajan to be "a great master". "Especially, his atristic line and the inner beauty of the interpretation have deeply impressed me". And then, one of the most romantic moments of the whole opera history: Wagner's Liebestod from Tristan with Helga Dernesch, who really really sung with emotion, very imressive and with Berliner Philharmonker. This work, especially at the last moments makes you will be weeping... And later, all of these records with Philharmonia Orchestra made in 1960. First, there is a brilliant work: Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody (with sucessful orch. by Franz Doppler). And then, one of Karajan's most favourite encore pieces: Jaromir Weinberger's Polka form the opera "Svanda the Bagpiper". This is really brilliant and charming music. And then, the French romantic composer E. Chabrier's most famous works: Espana (rhapsody) and Joyeuse March. These works recorded lovely. And the last piece is a very romantic piece: Offenbach's Barcarolle form "Les Contes de Hoffmann". Still Karajan is really good at like this slow and romantic pieces.

In other words: at this price this is a must-have recording for all Karajan admirers and classical music lovers. Highly recommended.

FABULOUS bargain! WHAT a selection!.......2004-12-09

Don't hesitate - this is a bargain the likes of which seldom come along. The Walton Symphony #1 alone is worth the low price. Karajan (along with EMI producer Legge) spent time with Walton in the early 50's, and when Legge asked Karajan to record the Walton, he agreed, but had the nerve to ask Walton to RESCORE the piece! Walton, of course, declined. Karajan went on to perform it as a "work in progress" with the Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma della RAI in December 1953, not bothering to mention this to Walton. This recording is different than any other I've ever heard - maybe Karajan himself did some rescoring! For me, it is a fascinating piece of musical history, not really competition for the Previn recording but still full of vinegar. But wait! There's more! Another priceless gem: the 1953 Philharmonia recording of the Sibelius #4. Sibelius himself, after hearing THIS recording, pronounced Karajan as "the only conductor who understands the Fourth Symphonmy". Woah - take THAT Kajanus and Beecham! Add a wonder Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde, very snappy performances of Chabrier bob bons, a great "Pictures at an Exhibition", and still more - how can you resist? Even Karajan detractors will have to admit that this Karajan shines brightly and fiercely - not the legato-bound conductor of the late 70s but high energy and shining genius. Most highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

Great Melodies of the Classics

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0002PYSU6
Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

Moret: Fanfare (Masterpiece Theatre Theme)
Bach: Air for the G String from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV
Pachelbel: Canon in D major
Vivaldi: The Spring in E major, Op. 8, No. 1 from The Four Seasons: Allegro
Largo e pianissimo sempre
Allegro: Rustic Dance
Handel: Water Music Suite: Allegro
Air
Bourie
Hornpipe
Andante expressivo
Hornpipe
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major, BWV 1047: [Allegro]
Andante
Allegro assai
Telemann: Table Music Overture
Bach: Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565
8

Tracks:

Beethoven: Allegro con brio from Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67
Mozart: Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525: Allegro
Romanze: Andante
Menuetto: Allegretto
Rondo: Allegro
Haydn: Symphony No. 94 in G major, Surprise: Adagio; Vivace assai
Andante
Menuet: Allegro molto
Finale: Allegro di molto
Schubert: Allegro vivace from Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat major
Mozart: Andante from Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467
Beethoven: Allegro ma non troppo from Symphony No. 6

Tracks:

Suppi: Light Cavalry Overture
Tchaikovsky: Valse: Allegro moderato from
Rossini: Overture to William Tell
Ravel: Bolero
Strauss Jr.: Overture to Die Fledermaus (The Bat)
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream Suite: Overture
Scherzo
Nocturne
Wedding March
Puck's Dance

Tracks:

Wagner: Ride of the Valkyries from The Valkyrie
Grieg: Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: Dawn
Death of Ase
Anitra's Dance
In the Hall of the Mountain King
Liszt: Les Preludes
Offenbach: Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld
Smetana: The Moldau from My Country
Debussy: Prelude to The Afternoon of a Faun
Bizet: Highlights from Carmen: The Toredors
Habanera
March of the Smugglers

Average customer rating:

Silver Screen Classics, Vols. 1-5

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Soundtracks | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Tracks:

2001-A Space Odyssey: Also Sprach Zarathustra (Opening Fanfare) - Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra/Janos Sandor
Platoon: Adagio For Strings, Op. 11 - Philharmonia Orchestra/Geoffrey Simon
Rollerball: The Sleeping Beauty-Waltz - Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra/Hans Vonk
Diva: La Wally-Wally's Aria, Act I - Sylvia Sass
Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra/Janos Kovacs
Death In Venice: Sym No. 5: Adagietto - Budapest Festival Orchestra/Ivan Fischer
Amadeus: Piano Concerto K.365, III. Rondo Allegro - Hungarian State Orchestra/Zoltan Kocsis/Dezso Ranki/Janos Ferencsik
Lorenzos Oil: L'Elisir D'Amore: Aria 'Una Furtiva Lagrima' - Hungarian State Orchestra/Denes Gyulos/Janos Ferencsik
Who Framed Roger Rabbit: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 - Budapest Symphony Orchestra/ Andras Korodi
The Music Lovers: Symphony No. 6 'Pathetique': Adagio Lamentoso - Prague Festival Orchestra/Pavel Urbanek

Tracks:

The Four Seasons: The Four Seasons-I. Spring (Allegro) - Budapest Strings
Ordinary People: Canon in D - New Leipzig Bach Collegium Musicum/Max Pommer
Carmen Jones: Carmen - Habanera - Budapest Symphony Orchestra/Janos Sandor
E La Nave Va: William Tell - Soldiers' Dance - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra/Janos Sandor
Our Of Africa: Clarinet Concerto - Adagio - Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra/Janos Rolla
Love Story: Violin Concerto No.2 - III. Allegro Assai - Christian Altenburger
Ludwig: Lohengrin - Prleude Act I - Budapest Symphony Orchestra/Gyorgy Lehel
Gallipoli: The Pearl Fishers Duet 'Au Fond Du Temple Saint' - Bruno Lazaretti/Roberto Servile
Notturno: Symphony No.8 'Unfinished': II. Andante Con Moto - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra/Janos Kovacs
10: Bolero - Hungarian State Orchestra/Adam Fischer

Tracks:

Punchline: Sabre Dance (From 'Gayaneh') - Hungarian State Orchestra/Adam Fischer
Raging Bull: Cavalleria Rusticana Intermezzo Sinfonico - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra/Andras Korodi
Breaking Away: Symphony No.4 'Italian' IV. Saltarello-Presto - Philharmonia Orchestra/Janos Sandor
Mona Lisa: Madama Butterfly Love Duet 'Viene La Sere' - Anna Tomowa-Sintow/Giacomo Aragall
A Clockwork Orange: Pomp & Circumstance-March No.1 - Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra/Herbert Kegel
A Room With A View: Gianni Schicci Aria 'O Mio Babbino Caro' - Ilona Tokody
Excalibur: Twilight Of The Gods-Funeral March - Radio Symphony Orchestra Sofia/Vassil Kazandjiew
Amadeus: Sinfonia Concertante K.364: I. Allegro Maestoso - Christian Altenburger/Wolfrom Christ
E La Nave Va: Moment Musical D.780 No.3 - Budapest Strings
Love Story: Fulte Sonata In F Major K.13-I. Allegro - Eckart Haupt/Arkadi Zenziper
Immortal Beloved: Symphony No.7 in A Major-II. Allegretto - Dresden Philharmonic/Herbert Kegel

Tracks:

Apocalypse Now: Ride Of The Valkyries - Budapest Symphony Orchestra/Gyorgy Lehel
Elvira Madigan: Piano Concerto No.21 - II. Andante - Vilmos Fischer
E La Nave Va: Dance Of The Toy Flutes - Staatskapelle Dresedn/Hans Vonk
A Clockwork Orange: William Tell - Overture - Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra/Rouslan Raichev
Fatal Attraction: Madama Butterfly - Finale 'Con Onor Muore' - Anna Tomowa-Sintow
Notturno: String Quartet In C D.956 - II. Adagio - Totrai Quartet
Heat And Dust: 'Aufschwung' - Jeno Jando
Barry Lyndon: Idomeneo - March - Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra/Hans Graf
E La Nave Va: The Swan (From 'Carnival Of The Animals') - Hungarian State Orchestra/Andras Korodi
The Last Emperor: Emperor Waltz - Strauss Orchestra Vienna/Joseph Francek

Tracks:

Rollerball: Toccata In D minor - Hannes Kostner
Kramer Vs. Kramer: Mandoline Concerto - Lajos Meyer
Amadeus: Symphony No.29 in A Major K.201: I. Allegro Moderato - Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra/Hans Grof
Notturno: Symphony No.9 in C Major: II. Andante Con Moto - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra/Ervin Lukacs
E La Nave Va: The Force Of Destiny - Overture - Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra/Vassil Stefanov
Hannah And Her Sisters: Manon Lescaut: Aria 'Sola, Perduta, Abbandonata' - Virginia Zeani
E La Nave Va: Clair De Lune - Evwlyne Dubourg
Carmen: Carmen - Seguedille Of Carmen 'Pres De Remparts' - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra/Ivan Marionov
Dead Poets Society: Symphony No.9 'Choral': 4th Movement (Excerpts) - Alison Hargan/Ute Walther/Eberhard Buchner/Kolos Kovats
Immortal Beloved: Fur Elise - Evelyne Dubourg

Music Track: