Complete Piano Music 4

On this CD:

1. The Bells of Kallio Church (Kellosävel Kallion kirkossa), partsong for chorus (or piano), Op. 65/2
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Annette Servadei

2. Pieces (5), for piano (The Trees), Op. 75 Revised in 1919
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Annette Servadei

3. Pieces (13), for piano, Op. 76
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Annette Servadei

4. Pieces (5), for piano (The Flowers), Op. 85
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Annette Servadei

5. Pieces (6), for piano, Op 94
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Annette Servadei

6. Bagatelles (6), for piano, Op. 97
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Annette Servadei

Tracks:

I: Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
II: Andante Cantabile Con Moto
III: Menuetto & Trio: Allegro Molto E Vivace
IV: Adagio - Allegro Molto E Vivace
I: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
II: Andante Molto Mosso
III: Allegro - In Tempo D'allegro - Tempo I
IV: Allegro
V: Allegretto

Tracks:

I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assai
III: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro Vivace
IV: Finale: Allegro Molto - Poco Andante - Presto
Gross Fuge

Tracks:

I: Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
II: Larghetto
III: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro
IV: Allegro Molto
I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Andante Con Moto - Piu Mosso - Tempo I
III: Allegro -
IV: Allegro - Presto

Tracks:

I: Adagio - Allegro Vivace
II: Adagio
III: Menuetto: Allegro Vivace - Trio: Un Poco Meno Allegro
IV: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
I: Poco Sostenuto - Vivace
II: Allegretto
III: Presto - Assai Meno Presto
IV: Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

I: Allegro Vivace Con Brio
II: Allegretto Scherzando
III: Tempo Di Menuetto
IV: Allegro Vivace
Overture
Overture
Overture
Overture

Tracks:

I: Allegro Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso - Christa Ludwig
II: Molto Vivace - Presto - Christa Ludwig
III: Adagio Molto E Cantabile - Andante Moderato - Christa Ludwig
IV: Presto - Recitativo - Allegro Assai - Alla Marcia - Christa Ludwig
Overture - Christa Ludwig

Tracks:

I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Largo
III: Rondo: Allegro Scherzando
I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Adagio
III: Rondo: Molto Allegro

Tracks:

I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Largo
III: Rondo: Allegro
I: Allegro Moderato
II: Andante Con Moto
III: Rondo: Vivace

Tracks:

Fantasia For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra
I: Allegro
II: Adagio Un Poco Mosso -
III: Rondo: Allegro

Amazon.com essential recording

Otto Klemperer's Beethoven is one of the towering achievements in the history of recordings. By today's standards, these performances are hopelessly old-fashioned: dark, heavy, and frequently very slow. But they are also the grandest, most unsentimental, most purposeful versions in the catalog. In addition, the relatively slow tempos (only in the fast movements--the slow ones are pretty swift) and forward wind balance permit more detail to be heard than in most original-instrument performances. At budget price and with the entire piano concerto cycle thrown in for good measure, this is greatness incarnate. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Great Performance.......2007-07-07

There are many different ways to perform Beethoven and each one is valid.
If you like it fast - go to Toscanini or Norrington. If you prefer slow, powerful and majestic, this is your set. Towards the end of his distinguished career, the great Otto Klemperer set down his final views of the performance of these symphonnies. The set is a coherent whole and will give great pleasure for ever. The challenging mix of the young Barenboim and the aged Klemperer worked surprisingly well and thus the concertos may also be recommended. There are odd additional items which add to the pleasure. Finally do not forget to purchase his memorable set of 'Fidelio' to complete your traversal of a great conductor giving great performances of a composer that he loved. Finally the price is ridiculously low and provides quality and quantity at a great price. Thus you should be able to buy the opera set from the savings made!

Great Analog Beethoven Cycle.......2007-05-07

This Klemperer cycle is just one of a dozen or so GREAT analog Beethoven symphony cycles that were recorded during Analog's golden age starting about 1958. These cycles are easily a match for digital and they should still be around for another 1,000 years, if the Lord tarries. These sets include: Karajan (twice, early 60s and late 70s) Bohm, Krips, Jochum, Bruno Walter, Leinsdorf, Rene Leibowitz, Szell, Ormandy, Bernstein, Steinberg, and Solti. This morning I listened to the Klemperer recordings of Beethoven's symphonies 5, 6, & 7. Very enjoyable, I got my Beethoven RDA fix.

Of all these Analog sets, I most enjoy the Leibowitz Spring 1961 cycle with the Royal Philharmonic. I have this cycle on an audiophile early 90s European import Edition Phoenix label special pressing "on extra virgin vinyl." These are by far the best analog symphonic lps I have ever heard from a recording standpoint. BY FAR! And they will rock your house.

You can almost justify Karajan's 4 recorded Beethoven cycles and one video based upon improvements in recording technology. Thru Rhapsody, I have listened to his mid 50s cycle and the orchestra sounds great, but the recording quality is sub par compared to Analog's golden age. So the rational for 4 cycles would be, (1) recent great improvements in recording technology (early 60s), (2) it has been 15 years and he has grown as an artist (late 70s), (3) we now have digital! Let's do one of the first Beethoven digital cycles (80s).

Klemperer is a no-brainer. I do not have to think twice about plopping one of his lps onto my turntable or hitting the play button at Rhapsody. When the music starts, the listening pleasure begins. Don't miss his Bruckner symphony recordings!

An essential collection.......2007-04-25

How best to describe Otto Klemperer's perspective on Beethoven's symphonies: grand, heroic, intense, insightful, stubborn, obstinate, detailed, dramatic, monumental, granitic, deeply emotional, never sentimental. This boxed set of the complete symphonies and concerti embodies all of these elements as stands as one of the great achievements of recorded music.

These performances were recorded with the Philharmonia Orchestra at its peak, in the sumptuous acoustics of Kingsway Hall in London and in fine and detailed sound, and mostly in the mid-1950's during one of the brief charmed periods of Klemperer's life. EMI's impresario Walter Legge had made him permanent conductor of the Philharmonia, and when Klemperer embarked on this project in his 70's, he was in relatively good mental and physical health (Klemperer could show symptoms of manic depression and survived many health crises - brain tumor, broken bones, paralysis - which would have stopped most people).

By this time Klemperer had slowed the tempi of the fast movements of the Beethoven symphonies (listen to his early 1950's recordings of the 5th and 6th on Vox to hear by how much). This tendency is more pronounced in these studio recordings than in the live performances which were recorded during that era. The slowness is mostly saved by Klemperer's use of "sprung" rhythms, which keep the slow tempi from feeling laggardly.

Klemperer's earliest recordings in this series - symphonies 3, 5 and 7 - predate stereo and were recorded in excellent monaural sound. He rerecorded all three of these symphonies in stereo, but those recordings were made after he burned himself by falling asleep while smoking in bed. All three performances feature slower tempi than the earlier ones (whether this was the conductor's preference or the result of physical incapacity is open to conjecture). In particular, the rerecorded 7th suffered from lax phrasing, inattentiveness and perverse tempi. That is NOT the version contained in this set: fortunately, EMI had simultaneously recorded the earlier version of the 7th in "experimental" stereo, and it is that earlier version which is released here (and in remarkably good stereo). The versions of the 3rd and 5th are the rerecorded stereo ones.

You will find no finer studio versions of the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th or 8th. All are insightful, beautifully detailed and powerful. The 2nd clearly looks forward to the 3rd and not back toward Hayden, the 4th is boisterous and vital, the 6th bucolic and sumptuous (not a quality normally associated with Klemperer), the 7th gains in drama what it loses in swiftness and lightness, and in the 8th in particular we see the conductor's empathy to Beethoven's sense of humor. Klemperer had a deep affinity for the "Eroica", and the rerecorded version here, while slower than the 1955 recording, was dubbed by "High Fidelity"'s Harris Goldsmith (no Klemperer fan, he) as "the best Eroica going slow" and is a monumental masterpiece (the second movement is shattering). The 1st, while leisurely, is a lovingly crafted.

That leaves the 5th and 9th. There is no doubt in my mind that the earlier, mono 5th is superior to the remake in this set. We lose that sense of an inevitable onslaught, especially in the outer movements. And the 9th, while similar in conception to the live versions recorded around the same time (on Testament with the Philharmonia and on Music&Arts with the Concertgebouw), suffers from diffuse sound and occasional lack of focus. I emphasize that these recordings of both symphonies are still head and shoulders above most of the competition; we're talking about different levels of greatness here.

Are there superior Klemperer recordings of these symphonies? Yes; but all are live, and despite the relatively good reprocessed sound, they don't reveal the same level of detail that these studio recordings do. Klemperer was a very different conductor in front of an audience, and there is more vitality and drama in the live versions of the 3rd (Testament, with the Danish Symphony), 6th 7th and 8th (Music&Arts with the Concertgebouw) and the 9th (see above). Music&Arts' set of the complete symphonies, recorded live in Vienna in 1960, is long out of print and had cramped sound with poor detail - a supplement to this set, not a replacement.

As to the piano concerti: they are better than one might expect. Barenboim, although steeped in the Germanic performance tradition, is more naturally aligned with the Furtwangler and Edwin Fischer than with Klemperer. However, the two of them actually work together extremely well and this is a fine, insightful set.

Any complete cycle of Beethoven, symphonies or concerti, will have drawbacks. There will be unevenness in the performances, as there are here. But there are advantages to hearing one musician's perspective on the works, especially when (as here) the performer has depth of understanding, integrity of vision, and a structural understanding of the pieces.

The digital remastering is excellent and the sound barely shows its age. This may not be your only complete set of Beethoven's symphonies, but it should be one of them. And at a price this low, it's a bargain too.

The best value in classical music on CD at the moment..........2007-01-02

What is the best value in classical discs available today ? Who knows, but I defy anyone to beat the EMI compilation of Klemperer' recordings of the complete Beethoven Symphonies, Piano Concertos (with Barenboim), several overtures the Choral Fantasia etc etc. 9 discs for only $44 ( well that was the price I paid). You have got to be kidding... I only had two concerns with buying this. First on the age of the recordings, all more than 40 years old. No worry at all. This is a masterpiece of reconstruction. The sound quality indistinguishable from any modern recording. Secondly , the performances themselves. I had been warned that Klemperer notoriously chose rather slow tempi. Again I needn't have worried. I immediately went to the slow movements of the 2nd piano concerto and the fourth symphony, where many slow tempists have in the past come unstuck. The piano concerto was an absolute revelation. The combination of the youthful Barenboim and the Philharmonia's masterful playing time and gain had me on the edge of my seat. " Yes,go on, well...." Slow it may have been. Boring, never. The same applies in spades to the slow movement of the fourth. Right from the eerie opening, which is yes, very slow indeed, I knew this movement would be a revelation and I can honestly say I have never hear it better played. Follow this with a scherzo bounding in energy and thumping finale and you will never get a better performance of this, one of Beethoven's "lesser" symphonies. And I haven't even got round to the "biggies" yet! The box set looks unattractive and the portrait of Klemperer makes him appear a first class nerd. Pay absolutely no attention to this....

Wonderful Performances.......2006-04-07

I have admittedly not made it through the entire set as of yet, but feel sufficiently blown away by the First Symphony and the Eroica - particularly the second movement of the latter - to weigh in here. With respect to the tempo issue, I must - at least so far - argue in favor of Klemperer's decision to slow things down a bit. I think the effect is, as someone else has observed, a clearer and more visceral experience of Beethoven's composition. It brings out the feeling. The sound comes up a little short on the low end, but it isn't a major distraction. My only problem lies in EMI's inexplicable lack of any discussion of the performances. The notes are bland, dry descriptions of the pieces themselves, with some basic history thrown in. Given the fact that there are probably hundreds of different CDs of Beethoven's symphonies out there, all with similar explanatory notes, it is infuriating that nothing is said about these particular performances. This is in contrast with the EMI Bach set (with Yehudi Menuhin) in which there is a wonderful essay that discusses Menuhin's work in historical context.

Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim

Average customer rating:

Barenboim's Beethvoen
One of the very best ever
dead in the water
Sublime expression nourished by a colossal vision!
Performed with great enthusiasm

Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Mozart:The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations
Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet
Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos
Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Chopin: The Piano Works

ASIN: B00000C2KP
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Allegro
Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Adagio
Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Menuetto: Allegretto
Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Prestissimo
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Allegro vivace
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Largo appassionato
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Scherzo: Allegretto
Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Rondo: Grazioso
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Allegro con brio
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Adagio
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Scherzo: Allegro
Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Allegro assai

Tracks:

Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10 No.1: Allegro molto e con brio
Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10 No.1: Adagio molto
Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10 No.1: Finale: Prestissimo
Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2: Allegro
Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2: Allegretto
Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2: Presto
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Presto
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Largo e mesto
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Menuetto: Allegro
Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Rondo: Allegro
Sonata No.22 In F Major, Op.54: In tempo di Menuetto
Sonata No.22 In F Major, Op.54: Allegretto - Piu allegro

Tracks:

Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Allegro molto e con brio
Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Largo con gran espressione
Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Allegro
Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Rondo: Poco allegretto e grazioso
Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14 No.1: Allegro
Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14 No.1: Allegretto
Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14 No.1: Rondo: Allegro comodo
Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14 No.2: Allegro
Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14 No.2: Andante
Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14 No.2: Scherzo: Allegro assai

Tracks:

Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Allegro con brio
Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Adagio con molta espressione
Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Menuetto
Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Rondo: Allegretto
Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Andante von variazioni
Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Scherzo: Allegro molto
Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Marcia funebre sulla morte d'un Eroe: Maestoso andante
Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Allegro
Sonata No.13 In E Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: Andante - Allegro
Sonata No.13 In E Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: Allegro molto e vivace
Sonata No.13 In E Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: Adagio con espressione - Allegro vivace

Tracks:

SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': Grave - Allegro molto e con brio
SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': Adagio cantabile
SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': Rondo: Allegro
Sonata No.14 InC Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Adagio sostenuto
Sonata No.14 InC Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Allegretto
Sonata No.14 InC Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Presto agitato - Adagio - Presto agitato
SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': Allegro assai - Piu allegro
SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': Andante con moto
SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': Allegro ma non troppo - Presto

Tracks:

Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Allegro
Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Andante
Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Scherzo: Allegro vivace
Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata No.21 In C Major, Op.53 'Waldstein': Allegro con brio
Sonata No.21 In C Major, Op.53 'Waldstein': Introduzione (Adagio molto) - Rondo (Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo)
Sonata No.19 In G Minor, Op.49 No.1: Andante
Sonata No.19 In G Minor, Op.49 No.1: Rondo: Allegro
Sonata No.20 In G Major, Op.49 No.2: Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata No.20 In G Major, Op.49 No.2: Tempo di menuetto

Tracks:

Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: Allegro vivace
Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: Adagio grazioso
Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: Rondo: Allegretto - Adagio - Presto
Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'The Tempest': Largo - Allegro
Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'The Tempest': Adagio
Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'The Tempest': Allegretto
Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Allegro
Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Scherzo: Allegretto vivace
Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Menuetto: Moderato grazioso
Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Presto con fuoco

Tracks:

Sonata No.24 In F Sharp Major, Op.78: Adagio cantabile - Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata No.24 In F Sharp Major, Op.78: Allegro vivace
Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79: Presto alla tedesca
Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79: Andante
Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79: Vivace
Sonata No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Das Lebewohl (Les Adieux): Adagio - Allegro
Sonata No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Abwesenheit (L'Absence): Andante espressivo
Sonata No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Wiedersehn (Le Retour): Vivacissimamente - Poco andante - Tempo 1
Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorzutragen

Tracks:

Sonata No.28 In A Major, Op.101: Allegretto ma non troppo
Sonata No.28 In A Major, Op.101: Vivace alla Marcia
Sonata No.28 In A Major, Op.101: Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto - Tempo del primo pezzo - Allegro
Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Allegro
Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Scherzo: Assai vivace - Presto - Tempo 1
Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Adagio sostenuto
Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Largo - Allegro - Prestissimo - Allegro risoluto (Fuga a tre voci, con alcune licenze)

Tracks:

Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Vivace, ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo - Tempo 1
Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Prestissimo
Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Tema: Andante molto cantabile e espressivo - Variazioni 1-6
Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Moderato cantabile, molto espressivo
Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Allegro molto
Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Adagio ma non troppo
Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Fuga: Allegro ma non troppo - L'istesso tempo di arioso - L'istesso tempo della Fuga - Meno allegro
Sonata No.32 in C minor, op.111: Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionato
Sonata No.32 in C minor, op.111: Arietta: Adagio molto semplice e cantabile - Variazioni

Customer Reviews:

Barenboim's Beethvoen.......2007-06-27

I heard Bachaus play all Beethoven recitals at Carnegie Hall, in NYC. At that time he was the acknowledged master of the Beethvoen Sonata. With Barenboim, the old order changeth, yielding place to new. These recordings have fire, tempestuousness and passion, all emotions that belong in Beethoven.

One of the very best ever.......2007-02-15

This set has to be experienced. The clarity of these performances is beyond belief. If it's not the best set of Beethoven Sonatas, it is certainly among the very best. Take for example the first movement of Sonata number 21. It is so easy to have a performer play all the notes just as Beethoven wrote them and yet leave the listener in a morass of confusion without the slightest idea of what he had in mind. Not here. The ideas pour forth in a white light that has to be experienced. It really has to be experienced!! I love these performances. I will play them until I die. Oh...and the recordings are technically excellent. At least when played through Levinson electronics and Maggies....superb!

dead in the water.......2007-01-12

Sorry, I just don't like Barenboim's renditions. Beethoven is my favourite composer, depending on my mood that is, and nothing moves me as his music can. But I just don't get Barenboim's renditions... doesn't do a thing for me. Something of Beethoven's depth and richness gets totally "lost in translation".

Better off finding a better performance of these if you really want to be "blown away". My favorite "Beethoven" conductor would have to be Herbert von Karajan; and as for individual pianists my all time favorite is Maurizio Pollini, whose performances are exquisite, in both technique and expression! If you are a music lover you should really check his work out if you haven't already. My favorite Beethoven CD by him is "Die Spaten Klaviersonaten" (Beethoven) by Deutsche Grammophon in their "legendary recordings" series. It is a real gem! (the sound quality is excellent also)

Sublime expression nourished by a colossal vision!.......2006-03-23

Thanks to this immense and untiring activity in the field of the orchestral direction, his vision as pianist has enriched himself quite a lot: Barenboim performs these well known Sonatas with a splendid architectural construction; according Schnabel `s tradition.

And that is a very remarkable good point in this musical moment where the pianist technique is eclipsing and even annulling the personal approach in the most of pianists all over the world. Honesty, conviction, vision and commitment dress those interpretations loaded of expression and personality.

In the great tradition of the great Beethovenian keyboard giants of the past, Daniel explores and plays every little bar with that well felt intensity of someone who in Beethoven `s there is much more than simple music. In Beethoven the music is not a goal by itself; but a revelation superior to any philosophy; all his musical legacy possess values that are placed of the standards. There is not art without second intention and that is precisely what Barenboim has made with this fabulous cycle of Beethoven Sonatas.

If you really want to listen remarkable performances far beyond of the trivial conventionalisms, go for this record.

Performed with great enthusiasm.......2004-05-16

This is classic early Barenboim (he was just 24 when he started recording this set in 1966). He is very enthusiastic and expressive (if you don't like him, he "takes liberties" and "shows off"). The slow movements are veerrry slow, and the fast ones really rip. Pianissimo is extremely soft, and fortissimo rattles the windows! [My wife insists that I wear headphones for late-night listening.]

Tracks:

I: Allegro
II: Andante
III: Allegro
I: Allegro Assai
II: Adagio
III: Presto
I: Allegro Moderato
II: Andante Amoroso
III: Rondeau: Allegro
I: Adagio
II: Menuetto I - Menuetto II
III: Allegro
I: Allegro
II: Andante
III: Presto

Tracks:

I: Allegro
II: Rondeau En Polonaise: Andante
III: Tema (Andante) Con Variazioni (I-XII)
I: Allegro Con Spirito
II: Andante Un Poco Adagio
III: Rondeau: Allegretto Grazioso
I: Allegro Maestoso
II: Andante Cantabile Con Espressione
III: Presto

Tracks:

I: Allegro Con Spirito
II: Andantino Con Espressione
III: Rondeau: Allegro
I: Allegro Moderato
II: Andante Cantabile
III: Allegretto
I: Tema (Andante Grazioso) Con Variazioni (I-VI)
II: Menuetto - Trio
III: Alla Turca: Allegretto
I: Allegro
II: Adagio
III: Allegro Assai

Tracks:

I: Allegro
II: Andante Cantabile
III: Allegretto Grazioso
Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu Allegro - Tempo I
I: Molto Allegro
II: Adagio
III: Allegro Assai

Tracks:

I: Allegro
II: Andante Cantabile
III: Allegretto
I: Allegro
II: Andante
III: Rondo
I: Allegro
II: Adagio
III: Allegretto
I: Allegro
II: Adagio
III: Allegretto

Tracks:

Tema ('Laat Ons Juichen'): Allegretto
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7: Adagio
Variation 8: Tempo I
Tema (Air): Allegro
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5: Adagio
Variation 6: Tempo I
Variation 7
Tema (Menuetto): Andante
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5: Adagio
Variation 6: Allegretto
Tema (Menuet)
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8
Variation 9
Variation 10
Variation 11: Adagio
Variation 12: Allegro
Tema (Air): Allegretto
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8: Tempo Di Menuetto
Variation 9
Variation 10: Allegretto
Variation 11
Variation 12: Molto Adagio
Allegretto

Tracks:

Tema
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8
Variation 9
Variation 10
Variation 11: Adagio
Variation 12: Allegro
Tema
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8
Variation 9
Variation 10
Variation 11: Adagio
Variation 12: Presto
Tema: Andante
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8: Adagio
Variation 9: Allegro
Tempo Di Tema
Tema
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7: Adagio
Variation 8: Allegro
Tema
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6

Tracks:

Tema: Allegretto
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8
Variation 9: Adagio
Variation 10: Allegro
(Tempo I)
Tema: Allegretto
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8
Variation 9
Variation 10
Variation 11: Adagio
Variation 12: Allegro
(Tempo I)
Tema: Allegretto
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Tema
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8: Adagio
Variation 9: Allegro
(Tempo I)
Tema
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7: Adagio
Variation 8: Allegro
(Tempo I)

Customer Reviews:

like sparkling mineral water.......2006-12-22

It is something near to a cleansing experience to listen through the Mozart piano repertoire as performed by Daniel Barenboim.

For starters, Mozart achieves his sparest, cleanest, most limpid lines when writing for solo piano. Then comes Daniel Barenboim, whose reading of Mozart is crisply and unemotionally classical. Not for him the drawn-out keyboard soliloquy. On the contrary, Barenboim gives us Mozart, only Mozart, and nothing but Mozart, clean and shimmering as sparkling mineral water.

This is not to say that Barenboim as pianist is unfeeling. On the contrary, the Fantasia in C Minor - to choose just one example with almost random lack of care - is quite moving. But not with a flourish. Rather, with almost sinewy restraint. The presentation represents a fine grasp of the master composer, nurtured with discipline across the length and breadth of the voluminous sonatas.

Indeed, the sheer volume of the Mozart piano sonatas is intimidating. It is astonishing to imagine one man having mastered it as Barenboim has. EMI Classics has done us the favor of collecting these two gentlemen's asynchronic collaboration in one set, affordable at that.

If Mozart is a musician for the ages and Barenboim a performer who left a formidable imprint on the twentieth century, their collaboration as represented in these recordings is a watershed that will need to be referenced by students of classical piano for at least another hundred years, or until people can only remember as far back as the Dixie Chicks.

Buy Barenboim on Mozart before that happens, and so stick your thumb in the dike against the evil day.

Soulless Rendition.......2005-10-16

I have several artists' renditions of Mozart's piano sonatas in my library. Daniel Barenboim's is the worst. His technique is timid. His rendition is soulless and perfunctory. I regret purchasing this collection. The best rendition I have is the collection of Glenn Gould. If you like Mozart's piano sonatas played the way Mozart intended, give Barenboim a pass and listen to Gould.

Lovely.......2005-03-17

As a pianist myself, I love Barenboim's playing. He does not play Mozart too Beethoven like. His performances are usually VERY good, and this is one example. Also includes the complete variations, which are very nice. The sound quality is excellent. Very highly recommended.

"The sonatas of Mozart are unique: too easy for children, too difficult for adults. Children are given Mozart to play because of the quantity of notes; grown ups avoid him because of the quality of notes." - Artur Schnabel

Top notch performances.......2004-06-17

Daniel Barenboim played this whole set with an interesting approach to WAM . The notations about classical , beethovenian style are always hazardous.
When you are a musician you must avoid in the cliche , and you should feel the music as a whole and the playing must be the consequence of a overlong process that begins in your soul , then your inner mood , your intellect and finally your fingers. I remark the aspect when you are in front of Mozart, Beethoven Wagner, Bruckner, Bach , Schubert and Bartok , because these composers are in a highest level than the others and the music itself is merely a device for expressing deeper issues.
That's why this set is superb. Barenboim plays a Mozart rich in expresiveness , he gives to Mozart presence .
Barenboim plays music as Vegh or Furtwangler did it , always seeking the landscape far beyond the score . That's why they are so original in their performances . The rapture is not a device for exhibite his skills , it''s the final product of a long process.
Acquire this set. It's an unvaluable treasure.

Very good, but a bit misleading?.......2004-05-15

Barenboim playing Mozart has his critics, who say he's "too Beethovian" when performing Mozart's piano sonatas and piano concertos. I disagree; I love his style. Others might not.

Tracks:

Three Lute Dances: Prelude: Courante
Sonata In E-Flat: Prelude: Adagio
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G: Prelude: Allegro
Water Music: Prelude: Suite No. 1- Air
Processional: Trumpet Voluntary (The Prince Of Denmark's March)
Te Deum: Processional: Prelude
Processional: Canon In D
Processional: Trumpet Tune
Lohengrin: Processional: 'Wedding March'
Cantata 147: Ceremony: 'Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring'
The Four Seasons: Ceremony: 'Spring' - Allegro
Ceremony: 'Ave Maria'
Five Mystical Songs: Ceremony: 'The Call'
Ceremony: 'Sheep May Safely Graze'
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Recessional: 'Wedding March'
Solomon: Recessional: 'Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheeba'
Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F: Recessional: First Movement
Organ Symphony No. 5: Recessional: Toccata

Customer Reviews:

Middle of the road wedding music.......2007-01-20

I bought this cd because I had everything in my wedding planned to the last tiny detail except the ceremony music. All the songs on the cd are nice traditional wedding songs. I did not use any of the music from the cd, but I am glad I bought it because it helped me realize that traditional wedding music was not what I wanted. All and all a nice classical music cd but not for brides who really want a personal ceremony. BTW I went with Enya and Lorena McKennitt.

just what I was looking for.......2007-01-10

We wanted traditional wedding music and found it in this CD. I'm no music expert, but the arrangements and performances seemed fine. I would definitely recommend this CD for any bride looking for a concise collection of traditional wedding pieces.

Most Chosen Selections.......2006-03-13

As a wedding officiant, my wife and I are often asked to assist the couple with other services for their ceremony, such as music. For this, we have a very large selection in our music library to choose from. We have put together a catalog of cd's that we loan out to the couple for their review, and most often, their selections come from BRIDE'S GUIDE TO WEDDING MUSIC.

If you're planning a traditional or formal wedding on a budget, this cd has it all. There are even two selections of Wagner's "Wedding March" to choose from. Only two of the selections have vocals, the rest are all extraordinary instrumental selections.

Often, even around the house or in my car, I find myself listening to this cd. The music is soothing, refreshing, uplifting and most enjoyable. I recommend this cd over all other wedding music cd's.

Another Great Reference CD.......2006-01-09

This is a great compilation, CD, along with Bride's Guide to Wedding Music Volume 2, to use as a reference for some of the more popular wedding songs; just about everything on here is standard fare for weddings. All of the musicians are generally superb, and the sound quality is very good. However, this is most useful if you are playing the CD at your wedding, or using it as a reference CD to talk over potential music selections with an organist, a string quartet, etc. Like my review for Volume 2, I only gave it four stars based on practicality, not on quality. If it were just quality, I would give it five stars. I purchased this CD since I am in the process of making my own wedding CD (I am a professional, freelance violinist), and this was nice to listen to, even just as background music for dinner. BTW: beware of reviewers who don't use their names, especially "A music fan." This is most likely the producer of the "Wedding Traditions" CD and he slanders other CDs so his will look better. You'd think that in the wedding music business people would have better ethics, but unfortunately, that's not always the case. The best advice I can give, as a classical musician myself, if to take time to listen to the sound clips, and if possible, try to find them on iTunes where they might sound higher quality. This is the only real way of knowing whether the CD is right for you.

A Nice CD.......2005-12-30

This is a very nice CD.
Our daughter used some of the songs on this CD
and some of the songs that are on the
"Classical Wedding Traditions" CD for the wedding.
She also used many of the songs on the
"New Wedding Traditions Volume I" CD
Amazon is a great place to find good wedding music

Average customer rating:

Groundbreaking but partly outdated
Outstanding Mahler Compilation
Bernstein or Tennstedt: read on....
Comparing the two Bernstein Mahler cycles
Mahler complete symphonies.

Mahler: The Complete Symphonies
Dame Janet Baker , Jennie Tourel , Lili Chookasian , Martha Lipton , Israel Philharmonic Orchestra , New York Philharmonic , Hans Vollenweider , Adele Addison , Dame Gwyneth Jones , Erna Spoorenberg , Lee Venora , Lucine Amara , Reri Grist , John Mitchinson , and Richard Tucker
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

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

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures
Schubert: 8 Symphonies
Bruckner: The Complete Symphonies
Johannes Brahms: The Symphonies
Dvorák: The Symphonies

ASIN: B0000589BP
Release Date: 2001-01-30

Tracks:

Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt I: Langsam. Schleppend. Wie Ein Naturlaut - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt I: Immer Sehr Gemachlich - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt I: Sehr Gemachlich - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt I: Vorwats Dragend - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt II: Kraftig Bewegt - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt II: Trio. Recht Gemachlich - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt II: Tempo Primo - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt III: Feierlich Und Gemessen, Ohne Zu Schleppen - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt III: A Tempo. Ziemlich Langsam - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt III: Sehr Einfach Und Schlicht Wie Eine Volksweise - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt III: Weider Etwas Bewegter, Wie Im Anfang - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt IV: Sturmisch Bewegt - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt IV: Sehr Gesangvoll - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt IV: Wieder Wie Zu Angang. Sturmisch Bewegt - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt IV: Sehr Langsam - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.1 in D 'Titan': Movt IV: Wieder Vorwarts Drangend - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.10, 'Adagio': Andante - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.10, 'Adagio': Andante Come Prima - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.10, 'Adagio': A Tempo (Fliessend) - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.10, 'Adagio': Measure 104 - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.10, 'Adagio': Measure 194 - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.10, 'Adagio': A Tempo - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt I: Allegro Maestoso - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt I: Sehr Massig Und Zuruckhaltend - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt I: Schnell - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt I: Tempo I - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt I: Tempo Sostenuto - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt II: Andante Moderato - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt II: Energisch Bewegt - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt II: Wieder In's Tempo Zuruckgehen. Tempo I - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt III: In Ruhig Fliessender Bewegung - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt III: Vorwarts - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt III: Zum Tempo I. Zuruckkehren - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt IV: ' Urlicht' - Sehr Feierlich, Aber Schlicht - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt IV: Etwas Bewegter - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt V: Im Tempo Des Scherzos. Wild Herausfahrend - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt V: Langsam - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt V: Im Anfang Sehr Zuruckgehalten - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt V: Maestoso - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt V: Wieder Zuruckhaltend - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt V: Sehr Langsam Und Gedehnt - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt V: Langsam. Misterioso - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt V: Etwas Bewegter 'O Glaube' - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt V: Mit Aufschwung, Aber Nicht Eilen 'O Schmerz!' - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.2 in c 'Resurrection': Movt V: Piu Mosso 'Sterben' - Lee Venora/Jennie Tourel/The Collegiate Chor/Abraham Kaplan
Sym No.5 in c#: IV. Adagietto. Sehr Langsam - New York PO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand', Part One: Veni, Creator Spiritus! - Adele Addison/Lucine Amara/Lili Chookasian/Jennie Tourel/Richard Tucker/Ezio Flagello...
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand', Part One: Imple Superna Gratia - Adele Addison/Lucine Amara/Lili Chookasian/Jennie Tourel/Richard Tucker/Ezio Flagello...
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand', Part One: Infirma Nostri Corporis - Adele Addison/Lucine Amara/Lili Chookasian/Jennie Tourel/Richard Tucker/Ezio Flagello...
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand', Part One: Tempo I. (Allegro, Etwas Hastig) - Adele Addison/Lucine Amara/Lili Chookasian/Jennie Tourel/Richard Tucker/Ezio Flagello...
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand', Part One: Infirma Nostri Corporis - Adele Addison/Lucine Amara/Lili Chookasian/Jennie Tourel/Richard Tucker/Ezio Flagello...
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand', Part One: Accende Lumen Sensibus - Adele Addison/Lucine Amara/Lili Chookasian/Jennie Tourel/Richard Tucker/Ezio Flagello...
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand', Part One: Qui Paraclitus Deceris - Adele Addison/Lucine Amara/Lili Chookasian/Jennie Tourel/Richard Tucker/Ezio Flagello...
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand', Part One: Gloria Patri Domino - Adele Addison/Lucine Amara/Lili Chookasian/Jennie Tourel/Richard Tucker/Ezio Flagello...

Tracks:

Sym No.3 in d, Part One: Movt I: Kraftig. Entschieden - John Ware
Sym No.3 in d, Part One: Movt I: Langsam. Schwer - John Ware
Sym No.3 in d, Part One: Movt I: Tempo I - John Ware
Sym No.3 in d, Part One: Movt I: A Tempo - John Ware
Sym No.3 in d, Part One: Movt I: Immer Dasselbe Tempo (Marsch). Nicht Eilen - John Ware
Sym No.3 in d, Part One: Movt I: Im Alten Marschtempo (Allegro Moderato) - John Ware
Sym No.3 in d, Part One: Movt I: Tempo I - John Ware
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt II: Tempo Di Menuetto. Sehr Massig - John Ware
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt II: A Tempo - John Ware
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt II: Ganz Plotzlich Gemachlich. Tempo Di Menuetto - John Ware
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt III: Comodo. Scherzando. Ohne Hast - John Ware
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt III: Wieder Sehr Gemachlilch, Wie Zu Anfang - John Ware
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt III: Etwas Zuruckhaltend - Sehr Gemachlich - John Ware
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt III: Tempo I. Mit Geheimnisvolles Hast! - Martha Lipton/Women's Chor Of The Schola Cantorum/Hugh Ross...
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt III: Wieder Sehr Gemachlich, Beinahe Langsam - Martha Lipton/Women's Chor Of The Schola Cantorum/Hugh Ross...
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt IV: Sehr Langsam. Misterioso. Durchaus Ppp - Martha Lipton/Women's Chor Of The Schola Cantorum/Hugh Ross...
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt IV: Piu Mosso Subito - Martha Lipton/Women's Chor Of The Schola Cantorum/Hugh Ross...
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt V: Lustig Im Tempo Und Keck Im Ausdruck - Martha Lipton/Women's Chor Of The Schola Cantorum/Hugh Ross...

Tracks:

Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt VI: Langsam. Ruhevoll. Empfunden - Martha Lipton/Women's Chor Of The Schola Cantorum/Hugh Ross...
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt VI: Nicht Mehr So Breit - Martha Lipton/Women's Chor Of The Schola Cantorum/Hugh Ross...
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt VI: Tempo I. Ruhevoll! - Martha Lipton/Women's Chor Of The Schola Cantorum/Hugh Ross...
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt VI: A Tempo (Etwas Bewegter) - Martha Lipton/Women's Chor Of The Schola Cantorum/Hugh Ross...
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt VI: Tempo I - Martha Lipton/Women's Chor Of The Schola Cantorum/Hugh Ross...
Sym No.3 in d, Part Two: Movt VI: Langsam. Tempo I - Martha Lipton/Women's Chor Of The Schola Cantorum/Hugh Ross...
Three Ruckert Songs: Ich Atmet Einen Linden Duft - Jennie Tourel
Three Ruckert Songs: Ich Bin Der Welt Abhanden Gekommen - Jennie Tourel
Three Ruckert Songs: Um Mitternacht - Jennie Tourel
Des Knaben Wunderhorn: Das Irdische Leben - Jennie Tourel
Kindertotenlieder: Nun Will Die Sonn' So Hell Aufgeh'n! - Jennie Tourel
Kindertotenlieder: Nun Seh' Ich Wohl, Warum So Dunkle Flammen - Jennie Tourel
Kindertotenlieder: Wenn Dein Mutterlein - Jennie Tourel
Kindertotenlieder: Oft Denk' Ich, Sie Sind Nur Ausgegangen - Jennie Tourel
Kindertotenlieder: In Diesem Wetter! - Jennie Tourel

Tracks:

Sym No.4 in G: Movt I: Bedachtig. Nicht Eilen - Reri Grist
Sym No.4 in G: Movt I: Tempo I - Reri Grist
Sym No.4 in G: Movt I: Wieder Wie Zu Anfang. Sehr Gemachlich, Behaglich - Reri Grist
Sym No.4 in G: Movt I: Wieder Plotzlich Langsam Und Bedachtig - Reri Grist
Sym No.4 in G: Movt II: In Gemachlicher Bewegung. Ohne Hast - Reri Grist
Sym No.4 in G: Movt II: Nicht Eilen - Reri Grist
Sym No.4 in G: Movt III: Ruhevoll - Reri Grist
Sym No.4 in G: Movt III: Viel Langsamer - Reri Grist
Sym No.4 in G: Movt III: Anmutig Bewegt - Reri Grist
Sym No.4 in G: Movt III: Andante - Reri Grist
Sym No.4 in G: Movt III: Vorwarts. Poco Piu Mosso - Reri Grist
Sym No.4 in G: Movt IV: Sehr Behaglich - Reri Grist
Sym No.4 in G: Movt IV: Wieder Lebhaft - Reri Grist
Sym No.4 in G: Movt IV: Tempo I. Sehr Zart Und Geheimnisvoll Bis Zum Schluss - Reri Grist

Tracks:

Sym No.5 in c#: Part I: I. Trauermarsch. In Gemessenem Schritt. Streng. Wie Ein Kondukt - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.5 in c#: Part I: II. Sturmisch Bewegt. Mit Grosster Vehemenz - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.5 in c#: Part II: III. Scherzo. Kraftig, Nicht Zu Schnell - James Chambers
Sym No.5 in c#: Part III: IV. Adagietto. Sehr Langsam - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.5 in c#: Part III: V. Rondo-Finale. Allegro - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein

Tracks:

Sym No.6 in a 'Tragic': I. Allegro Energico, Ma Non Troppo (Heftig, Aber Markig) - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.6 in a 'Tragic': II. Scherzo. Wuchtig - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.6 in a 'Tragic': III. Andante Moderato - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.6 in a 'Tragic': IV. Finale. Allegro Moderato - Allegro Energico - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein

Tracks:

Sym No.7 in e: Movt I: Langsam (Adagio) - Raymond Sabinsky
Sym No.7 in e: Movt I: Nicht Schleppen - Raymond Sabinsky
Sym No.7 in e: Movt I: Allegro Risoluto, Ma Non Troppo - Raymond Sabinsky
Sym No.7 in e: Movt I: A Tempo (Sempre L'istesso) - Raymond Sabinsky
Sym No.7 in e: Movt I: Subito Allegro I. Ziemlich Ruhig - Raymond Sabinsky
Sym No.7 in e: Movt I: Adagio (Tempo Der Einleitung) - Raymond Sabinsky
Sym No.7 in e: Movt I: Maestoso. Allegro Come Prima - Raymond Sabinsky
Sym No.7 in e: Movt II: Nachtmusik I. Allegro Moderato - Raymond Sabinsky
Sym No.7 in e: Movt II: Sempre L'istesso Tempo. Nicht Eilen, Sehr Gemachlich - Raymond Sabinsky
Sym No.7 in e: Movt II: Tempo - Raymond Sabinsky
Sym No.7 in e: Movt III: Scherzo. Schattenhaft, Fliessend, Aber Nicht Zu Schnell - Raymond Sabinsky
Sym No.7 in e: Movt III: Trio - Raymond Sabinsky
Sym No.7 in e: Movt III: Wieder Wie Zu Anfang (Nicht Eilen) - Raymond Sabinsky
Sym No.7 in e: Movt IV: Nachtmusik II. Andante Amoroso - Raymond Sabinsky
Sym No.7 in e: Movt IV: (Figure 197) - Raymond Sabinsky
Sym No.7 in e: Movt V: Rondo-Finale. Tempo I (Allegro Ordinario) - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.7 in e: Movt V: Gemessen! Nicht Schnell! Tempo II (Allegro Moderato Ma Energico) - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.7 in e: Movt V: Tempo I (Halbe Wie Die Viertel Des Tempo I) - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.7 in e: Movt V: Sempre L'istesso Tempo - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein

Tracks:

Kindertotenlieder: Nun Will Die Sonn' So Hell Aufgeh'n! - Janet Baker
Kindertotenlieder: Nun Seh' Ich Wohl, Warum So Dunkle Flammen - Janet Baker
Kindertotenlieder: Wenn Dein Mutterlein - Janet Baker
Kindertotenlieder: Oft Denk' Ich, Sie Sind Nur Ausgegangen - Janet Baker
Kindertotenlieder: In Diesem Wetter! - Janet Baker
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part I: Veni, Creator Spiritus! - LSO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part I: Imple Superna Gratia - LSO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part I: Infirma Nostri Corporis - LSO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part I: Tempo I. (Allegro, Etwas Hastig) - LSO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part I: Infirma Nostri Corporis - LSO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part I: Accende Lumen Sensibus - LSO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part I: Qui Paraclitus Diceris - LSO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part I: Gloria Patri Domino - LSO/Leonard Bernstein

Tracks:

Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Poco Adagio - LSO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Piu Mosso. (Allegro Moderato) - LSO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Waldung, Sie Schwankt Heran - Leeds Festival Chor/London Sym Chor
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Ewiger Wonnebrand - Vladimir Ruzdjak
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Wie Felsenabgrund Mir Zu Fussen - Donald McIntyre
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Gerettet Ist Das Edle Glied - Leeds Festival Chor/London Sym Chor/Highgate School Boys Choir
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Jene Rosen, Aus Den Handen - Leeds Festival Chor/London Sym Chor
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Uns Bleibt Ein Erdenrest - Leeds Festival Chor/London Sym Chor
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Ich Spur' Soeben - Leeds Festival Chor/London Sym Chor
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Hier Ist Die Aussicht Frei/Freudig Empfangen Wir - John Mitchinson
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Hochste Herrscherin Der Welt - John Mitchinson
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Jungfrau, Rein Im Schonsten Sinne - John Mitchinson/Leeds Festival Chor/London Sym Chor
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Aussert Langsam. Adagissimo - LSO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Dir, Der Uberuhrbaren/Du Schwebst Zu Hohen - Gwyneth Jones
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Bei Der Liebe, Die Den Fussen - Erna Spoorenberg
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Bei Dem Bronn, Zu Dem Schon Weiland - Anna Reynolds
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Bei Dem Hochgeweihten Orte - Norma Procter
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Die Du Grossen Sunderinnnen - Erna Spoorenberg/Anna Reynolds/Norma Procter
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Neige, Neige, Du Ohnegleiche - Gwyneth Jones
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Er Uberwachst Uns Schon - Highgate School Boys Chor
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Vom Edlen Geisterchor Umgeben - Gwyneth Jones
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Komm! Hebe Dich Zu Hohern Spharen! - Gwenyth Annear
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Blicket Auf Zum Retterblick - John Mitchinson
Sym No.8 in E flat 'Sym Of A Thousand': Part II: Alles Vergangliche - Leeds Festival Chor/London Sym Chor

Tracks:

Sym No.9 in D: Movt I: Andante Comodo - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt I: Etwas Frischer - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt I: Tempo I Subito - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt I: Mit Wut. Allegro Risoluto - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt I: Schattenhaft - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt I: Wie Von Anfang - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt I: Plotzlich Bedeutend Langsamer (Lento) Und Leise - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt I: Schon Ganz Langsam - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt II: Im Tempo Eines Gemachlichen Landlers. Etwas Tappisch Und Sehr Derb - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt II: Poco Piu Mosso Subito (Tempo II) - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt II: Tempo III - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt II: A Tempo II - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt II: Tempo I - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt II: Tempo II - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt II: Tempo I Subito - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt III: Rondo - Burleske. Allegro Assai. Sehr Trotzig - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt III: L'istesso Tempo - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt III: Sempre L'istesso Tempo - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt III: Nicht Eilen - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt III: Piu Stretto - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt IV: Adagio. Sehr Langsam Und Noch Zuruckhaltend - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt IV: Plotzlich Wieder Langsam (Wie Zu Anfang) Und Etwas Zogernd - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt IV: Molto Adagio Subito - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt IV: A Tempo (Molto Adagio) - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt IV: Stets Sehr Gehalten - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt IV: Fliessender, Doch Durchaus Nicht Eilend - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt IV: Tempo I. Molto Adagio - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in D: Movt IV: Adagissimo - New York Phil/Leonard Bernstein

Amazon.com

For many of us, Leonard Bernstein's first Mahler cycle for CBS (compiled here, remastered and cheaper than ever) has stood the test of time since it initially came out on LP in the late 1960s. Upon completing this traversal of nine symphonies (and the "Adagio" movement from the unfinished 10th), Lenny and the New York Philharmonic achieved something no one else had and proved that Mahler was, simply put, worth recording in the first place. It's still a marvelous set of recordings that belongs in every record collection.

Using the same budgeted design as on their (surprisingly pricey) Original Jacket series of box sets, Sony has unleashed a true bargain here: 12 CDs that average a little over five bucks a pop. Lenny's second cycle for Deutsche Grammophon may boast greater sonics, plenty of wonderful moments, and the complete song cycles, but it costs more than twice as much. Here, we get a younger Lenny, sounding fresh and expressive and delivering still-unparalleled interpretations of the First, Third, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth, and pretty great performances of the rest. The intensity on these discs is infectious and the price can't be beat. A must-have. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Groundbreaking but partly outdated.......2007-03-26

Recorded 1960-67, this is the first complete cycle of Mahler's numbered symphonies (1-9 + no. 10 Adagio), and, as such, an essential purchase. Add Bernstein's 1966 classic recording of Das Lied von der Erde (Decca), and you get a piece of recording history: the development of the Mahler boom in the sixties.

How do these recordings stand today? The interpretations of the third, fourth, and seventh are very fine, even exceptional, and, despite their age, the recordings are sonically impressive as well. NYPO plays marvellously. The seventh, in particular, is a reference disc.

The remaining recordings are not really for the desert island, however. The fifth, for instance, is very unsuccessful and badly recorded too. Bernstein's later account on DG is clearly an improvement. The same holds for the second symphony, which you also find on DG in a later, much improved and moving interpretation. But here we have also a crowded field of classic performances, such as Klemperer's second (EMI) and Walter's fifth (SONY). Both are preferable to Bernstein's recordings, old or new.

The first, sixth, eight and ninth are quite good but not exceptional. No one beats Kubelik's first (DG). Mitropoulos (BMG Great Conductors) and Barbirolli (EMI) own the sixth. The eight - well, here we have Horenstein (BBC) and Mitropoulos (Orfeo) as classic, first choices. And for the ninth, Ancerl (Supraphon), Barbirolli (EMI), Klemperer (EMI) and Walter (SONY) sound far more attractive and fresh than Bernstein's mannered account.

If you're a collector this box is of course essential - regardless all critical considerations. But if you just look for an excellent and consistent Mahler box, go for Gary Bertini's cycle on EMI, which you get for a super-bargain price. It's a contemporary and future classic.

Thus I recommend a pick of individual Bernstein SONY CDs: the third, the fourth and the seventh. Add his fifth and second from his DG recordings, and his 1966 Das Lied von der Erde (Decca). These recordings are what I take to be the "essentials" of the Bernstein Mahler legacy.

Outstanding Mahler Compilation.......2007-01-29

I think is very important for a Mahler Fan to hear carefully all his work. This compilation allows you to enjoy that experience. A better sound quality for some symphonies could be a great plus, but you have to consider that this is a remasterized old record.

Leonard Bernstein just express the true passion that Mahler put on his work. It's incredible that (using the 8ve Symphony as an example) with fewer instruments than in the Abbado version, the feeling is even better. Simply outstanding.

Great price, great compilation. Lot of Mahler.

Bernstein or Tennstedt: read on...........2006-07-12

If the only way you could obtain the Mahler Symphonies was by buying a box containing them all by one conductor, then this would be my second choice, or my first!; my first (or second)would be the Tennstedt set. It's a close call thoughout - a 'swings and roundabouts' situation, but if Bernstein's was the one and only then I would be happy enough. Actually if you want a truly satisfying Mahler Symphonies collection then the two sets together sitting side by side on your CD shelf would be pretty well ideal, as I believe that the legacy of recordings by these two great men are nowhere surpassed (save Horenstein in the Fourth, Barbirolli in the Sixth and Rudolf Schwarz in the Fifth). As to comparisons between individual symphonies, the following would be my first choice:

No. 1 Bernstein. More poetic and earthy than T and my very first choice out of the dozens of others I've heard.
2 Bernstein. Simply the greatest Mahler 2; T is earthbound by comparison.
3 Tennstedt. Actually this is a tougher one to decide as B is marginally better in the first movement and he produces the best sixth movement of any version I've heard. Overall T has it, partly due to the excellent sound quality.
4 Overall B is better but there are so many points of comparison to take into consideration that it's a tough one to decide. T has the better soloist in the finale. My far-and-away first choice in the Fourth is Horenstein on EMI/CfP.
5 Tennstedt. Bernstein's CBS Fifth was the weakest link. However, Rudolf Schwarz (Everest) produces the very finest Fifth:
I always maintain that you can tell pretty much straight away when a Mahler conductor gets it right and Schwarz gets it 100%
6 Tennstedt. From the angry crunching heavy tread of the opening through to the nightmare ending, this is a very dark view of the Sixth, but it works. Barbirolli on EMI is my definite first choice in the Sixth. Bernstein's quick-march approach sounds like parody.
7 Bernstein. Nobody has produced a better Seventh and probably never will. T's version is very good though and I think he out-performs all other competition.
8 This one is the hardest of all to separate, but in the end I opt for Bernstein as his version as the feel of a live performance and the recording is almost as good as T's digital one.
9 Bernstein. Again my favourite version. T's weakest link of his whole set.
So Bernstein scores more points, but take into account the generally better sound of the Tennstedt set (especially in nos. 3,5,6) and things are evened up slightly. My advice overall? Go for both sets; at the asking prices you will have a superb Mahler Symphonies collection which will last you a lifetime. But don't forget those other versions of 4, 5 and 6. A point about sound quality: most of the above are analogue recordings, made many years ago, but across the board they are in almost every way superior to most modern digital ones (though to be fair one or two are not so great). I have a very good stereo system which reproduces very neutral sound; what goes in at the CD player end comes out unchanged at the loudspeaker end and so what I hear is the 'real thing'. For example Bernstein's 2 is stunning. One of the very best is the oldest of them all - Schwarz's Fifth, made in 1958. Maybe the art of recording has been replaced by science (and not for the better)? In the final analysis, to my mind the above versions render most of the rest of the Mahler symphonies discography redundant and surplus to requirements.

Comparing the two Bernstein Mahler cycles.......2006-06-27

Most buyers aren't in the market for a complete Mahler cycle by a single conductor, but if they were, the two from Bernstein contain many great performances. I've reviewed the contents of this Sixties cycle on Sony and the later one from the Eighties (contianing many live performances) on DG, taking them one symphony at a time. But it's worthwhile to give a sense of the strongest and weakest parts of each set.

Cycle #1:

By general consensus the performance of Sym. #3 is one of the glories of this cycle and perhaps the most inspired Mahler condcuting Bernstein did on disc. It has all the freshness of discovery--LB was new to Mahler in 1961. Sony's 20-bit remastering makes the original analog sound quite good. In fact, there's no need to fear the sound quality of these NY Phil. recordings, none of which are bad. Expect the deep sound stage and wide stereo separation that Columbia Records favored at the time.

Bernstein also put his stamp on Sym. #7 in such a way that no one would ever hear it the same again. Previously, 'The Song of the Night,' as this work was dubbed, had almost no life either on disc or the concert stage (a Mahler champion as prominent as Bruno Walter never performed it). Not only did LB prove that this was coherent music, he made an unforgettable drama out of the Seventh. This is his signature recording of the work.

Two other great performances stand out: Sym. #2 and #4, each rendered with amazing imagination and a huge range of emotions. The accusation that LB went over the top in the Second is unjustified--he is often tender and delicate--but there's no doubt that he takes an apocalyptic view of the finale. Whatever you think about his approach, he single-handedly revolutionized the way that the Resurrection Sym. was played. In Sym. #4 the classic recording was by Bruno Walter, but LB added more depth, imaginaiton, and excitement. Lyric soprano Reri Grist has come in for a good deal of criticism in the vocal finale, but I think she fits beautifully into LB's overall conception.

In the middle of the pack, as it were, we get LB's readings of Sym. #1 and #9. He went on to conduct greater readings of both works, especially the Ninth. In person LB's First was a real showpiece, but somehow Sony's sonics are not up to the conductor's vision. In the cse of the Ninth, the NY version would qualify as an outstanding performance if there weren't so many truly great ones from Karajan, Bruno Walter, James Levine, and Barbirolli, among others. Bernstein himself would add two of the greatest, both on DG.

I find a few problems wiht Sym. #5, #6, and #8 in the first cycle. For many critics all three are great recordings. For some reason, I have never warmed up to either of LB's versions of Sym. #5, where for once he does manipulate and exaggerate to the point that the spirit of the work seems lost in histrionics. Sym. #6 is too brisk in the first movement to let the music expand to its visionary potential, and in the other movements Bernstein seems less expressive than he could be. The Eighth is unmathced in the excitement and joyousness of Part 1, and for some listeners the whole symphony remains on that exalted level. I find that LB is too studied in Part 2, and my attention wasn't held. He does elicit very beautiful singing and playing, however. It should be noted that this performance is with the London Sym. and a host of fine English singers.

To the end of his life Bernstein resisted Deryck Cooke's completion of the Tenth Sym., agreeing to conduct only the shattering Adagio. which Mahler had essentially finished in full score. Bernstein's reading with the NY Phil. is one of the most searing accounts this magnificent fragment has ever received, equaled by his later live reading with the incomparable Vienna Phil.

Cycle #2:

It should be said right off that DG's digital sonics are in a different league from what LB got in New York. Even though several venues were involved (Vienna, Amsterdam, New York), and many recordings were under live concert conditions, the DG engineers triumphed. They favor closer mike posiitons, solo highlighting, and a vivid sound stage compared to their predecessors in New York. As to the interprettions, with a few exceptions--the most prominent being Sym. #6--Bernstein did not drastically change his views from the first cycle, and in some cases the readings feel almost identical (Sym. #2 and #7, for example).

The most interest centers on the works where LB clearly outdoes his younger self. At the top of the list I would put Sym. #6 and #9. In the former he achieved one of the classic Mahler reacordings of the modern era. His Sixth has slowed down by 2 min. in the first movement, giving the music room to expand properly. The Andante is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The finale is an explosion of genius on Mahler's part that LB resonates with perfectly. Almost the same can be said of the Ninth, where the conducting reaches deeply moving areas of expression. The finale is drastically slow (as is Levine's, to similar devastating effect), which some critics find excessive. But it's a truism that no tempo is right or wrong; everything depends upon being drawn into the world of the music. LB achieved a great Ninth but would surpass himself with a live performance from Berlin in 1979, also on DG.

Almost as great is Sym. #1, which on DG receives a flawless performance packed with excitement. I'm not sure that LB's reading actually changed, but the superlative sonics and the spine-tingling playing of the Concertgebiuw weren't matched in New York.

The next thing to ask is where Bernstein fell short of his earlier versions. The Sym. #2, #3, and #4 from New York were one of a kind, representing LB's early and most exciting explorations of Mahler's world. Their counterparts on DG are also strong, but I don't think they rise to the heights he achieved earlier. The only sharp criticism I have is with the use of a boy soprano in the finale of the Fourth; musical as he is, a boy is too undeveloped to capture what Mahler intended. It should be said, however, that if the earlier NY versions didn't exist, these would be outstanding performances.

I feel much the same about Sym. #7, where LB's first recording set a standard that only two or three rivals have come close to, but his DG remake, which was a return to the NY Phil. in oncert from Lincoln Center(as are Sym. #2 and #3), feels fractionally less overwhelming. It's in better sound, however. The one symphony I can't compare is the Fifth, which doesn't satisfy me in either cycle. The DG version with the Vienna Phil. convinces many listeners, and some critics call in unsurpassable, but I am not on its wavelength.

That leaves Sym. #8, which Bernstein didn't live to record for commercial release. DG reached into its vaults for a live 1975 radio tape from Vienna, and although it has flaws in execution, including some rough singing in Part 2, LB's conducting is superlative, more ocmpelling than his version from London. Paired with this symphony is a 1974 reading of the Adagio from Sym. #10, also with the Vienna Phil. As you'd expect, it's an inspired, searing reading, just like the NY version.

How ot sum up? If money were no object, I'd own both cycles for the pleasure of Bernstein's unqiue inspiration. If I had to pick and choose, I'd take Sym. #2, #3, and #4 from New York, Sym. #8 from London, and the rest form the DG cycle.

Mahler complete symphonies........2006-02-24

"Mahler was an altogether great man" -One who also knows a thing or two.

Average customer rating:

The final testament of a great classicist
Wilhelm Kempff Plays the Beethoven Piano Sonatas
full of artistry, very nice.
Which One To Get, That Is The Question
essential

Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

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

Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
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Chopin: The Piano Works
Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet

ASIN: B000001GCC
Release Date: 1991-07-12

Tracks:

Sonata No. 1, Op. 2 In F Minor: 1. Allegro - Beethoven
Sonata No. 1, Op. 2 In F Minor: 2. Adagio - Beethoven
Sonata No. 1, Op. 2 In F Minor: 3. Menuetto. Allegretto - Beethoven
Sonata No. 1, Op. 2 In F Minor: 4. Prestissimo - Beethoven
Sonata No. 2, Op. 2 In A Major: 1. Allegro vivace - Beethoven
Sonata No. 2, Op. 2 In A Major: 2. Largo appassionato - Beethoven
Sonata No. 2, Op. 2 In A Major: 3. Scherzo. Allegretto - Beethoven
Sonata No. 2, Op. 2 In A Major: 4. Rondo. Grazioso - Beethoven
Sonata No. 3, Op. 2 In C Major: 1. Allegro con brio - Beethoven
Sonata No. 3, Op. 2 In C Major: 2. Adagio - Beethoven
Sonata No. 3, Op. 2 In C Major: 3. Scherzo. Allegro - Beethoven
Sonata No. 3, Op. 2 In C Major: 4. Allegro assai - Beethoven

Tracks:

Sonata No. 5, Op. 10 In C Minor: 1. Allegro molto e con brio - Beethoven
Sonata No. 5, Op. 10 In C Minor: 2. Adagio molto - Beethoven
Sonata No. 5, Op. 10 In C Minor: 3. Finale. Prestissimo - Beethoven
Sonata No. 6, Op. 10 In F Major: 1. Allegro - Beethoven
Sonata No. 6, Op. 10 In F Major: 2. Allegretto - Beethoven
Sonata No. 6, Op. 10 In F Major: 3. Presto - Beethoven
Sonata No. 7, Op. 10 In D Major: 1. Presto - Beethoven
Sonata No. 7, Op. 10 In D Major: 2. Largo e mesto - Beethoven
Sonata No. 7, Op. 10 In D Major: 3. Menuetto. Allegro - Beethoven
Sonata No. 7, Op. 10 In D Major: 4. Rondo. Allegro - Beethoven

Tracks:

Sonata No. 4, Op. 7 In E Flat Major: 1. Allegro molto e con brio
Sonata No. 4, Op. 7 In E Flat Major: 2. Largo, con gran espressione
Sonata No. 4, Op. 7 In E Flat Major: 3. Allegro
Sonata No. 4, Op. 7 In E Flat Major: 4. Rondo. Poco allegretto e grazioso
Sonata No. 8, Op. 13 'Pathetique' In C Minor: 1. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
Sonata No. 8, Op. 13 'Pathetique' In C Minor: 2. Adagio cantabile
Sonata No. 8, Op. 13 'Pathetique' In C Minor: 3. Rondo. Allegro
Sonata No. 9, Op. 14 In E Major: 1. Allegro
Sonata No. 9, Op. 14 In E Major: 2. Allegretto
Sonata No. 9, Op. 14 In E Major: 3. Rondo. Allegro comodo
Sonata No. 10, Op. 14 In G Major: 1. Allegro
Sonata No. 10, Op. 14 In G Major: 2. Andante
Sonata No. 10, Op. 14 In G Major: 3. Scherzo. Allegro assai

Tracks:

Sonata No. 11, Op. 22 In B Flat Major: 1. Allegro con brio
Sonata No. 11, Op. 22 In B Flat Major: 2. Adagio con molta espressione
Sonata No. 11, Op. 22 In B Flat Major: 3. Menuetto
Sonata No. 11, Op. 22 In B Flat Major: 4. Rondo. Allegretto
Sonata No. 12, Op. 26 In A Flat Major: 1. Andante con Variazioni
Sonata No. 12, Op. 26 In A Flat Major: 2. Scherzo. Allegro molto
Sonata No. 12, Op. 26 In A Flat Major: 3. Marcia funebre sulla morte d'un Eroe
Sonata No. 12, Op. 26 In A Flat Major: 4. Allegro
Sonata No. 13, Op. 27 In E Flat Major: 1. Andante - Allegro - Tempo I - attaca:
Sonata No. 13, Op. 27 In E Flat Major: 2. Allegro molto e vivace - attaca:
Sonata No. 13, Op. 27 In E Flat Major: 3. Adagio con espressione - attaca:
Sonata No. 13, Op. 27 In E Flat Major: 4. Allegro vivace
Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 'Mondschein-Sonate' In C Sharp Minor: 1. Adagio sostenuto - attaca:
Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 'Mondschein-Sonate' In C Sharp Minor: 2. Allegretto - attaca:
Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 'Mondschein-Sonate' In C Sharp Minor: 3. Presto agitato

Tracks:

Sonata No. 16, Op. 31 In G Major: 1. Allegro vivace - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 16, Op. 31 In G Major: 2. Adagio grazioso - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 16, Op. 31 In G Major: 3. Rondo. Allegretto - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 17, Op. 31 'Sturm-Sonate' In D Minor: 1. Largo - Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 17, Op. 31 'Sturm-Sonate' In D Minor: 2. Adagio - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 17, Op. 31 'Sturm-Sonate' In D Minor: 3. Allegretto - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 18, Op. 31 In E Flat Major: 1. Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 18, Op. 31 In E Flat Major: 2. Scherzo. Allegretto vivace - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 18, Op. 31 In E Flat Major: 3. Menuetto. Moderato e grazioso - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 18, Op. 31 In E Flat Major: 4. Presto con fuoco - L.V. Beethoven

Tracks:

Sonata No.15, Op. 28 'Pastorale' In D Major: 1. Allegro
Sonata No.15, Op. 28 'Pastorale' In D Major: 2. Andante
Sonata No.15, Op. 28 'Pastorale' In D Major: 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace
Sonata No.15, Op. 28 'Pastorale' In D Major: 4. Rondo. Allegro, ma non troppo
Sonata No. 19, Op. 49 In G Minor: 1. Andante
Sonata No. 19, Op. 49 In G Minor: 2. Rondo. Allegro
Sonata No. 20, Op. 49 In G Major: 1. Allegro, ma non troppo
Sonata No. 20, Op. 49 In G Major: 2. Tempo di Menuetto
Sonata No.21, Op. 53 'Waldstein-Sonate' In C Major: 1. Allegro con brio
Sonata No.21, Op. 53 'Waldstein-Sonate' In C Major: 2. Introduzione. Adagio molto - attaca:
Sonata No.21, Op. 53 'Waldstein-Sonate' In C Major: 3. Rondo. Allegretto moderato
Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 'Apassionata' In F Minor: 1. In tempo d'un Menuetto
Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 'Apassionata' In F Minor: 2. Allegretto

Tracks:

Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 'Appasionata' In F Minor: 1. Allegro assai
Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 'Appasionata' In F Minor: 2. Andante con moto - attaca:
Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 'Appasionata' In F Minor: 3. Allegro, ma non troppo - Presto
Sonata No. 24, Op. 78 In F Sharp Major: 1. Adagio cantabile - Allegro, ma non troppo
Sonata No. 24, Op. 78 In F Sharp Major: 2. Allegro vivace
Sonata No. 25, Op. 79 In G Major: 1. Presto alla tedesca
Sonata No. 25, Op. 79 In G Major: 2. Andante
Sonata No. 25, Op. 79 In G Major: 3. Vivace
Sonata No. 26, Op. 81a 'Les Adieux' In E Flat Major: 1. Das Lebewohl (Les Adieux): Adagio - Allegro
Sonata No. 26, Op. 81a 'Les Adieux' In E Flat Major: 2. Abwesenheit (L'Absence): Andante espressivo
Sonata No. 26, Op. 81a 'Les Adieux' In E Flat Major: 3. Das Wiedersehn (Le Retour): Vivacissimamente
Sonata No. 27, Op. 90 In E Minor: 1. Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
Sonata No. 27, Op. 90 In E Minor: 2. Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorzutragen

Tracks:

Sonata No. 28, Op. 101 In A Major: 1. Etwas lebhaft und mit der innigsten Empfindung: Allegretto, ma non troppo
Sonata No. 28, Op. 101 In A Major: 2. Lebhaft, marschmassig: Vivace alla Marcia
Sonata No. 28, Op. 101 In A Major: 3. Langsam und sehnsuchtsvoll: Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto - attaca:
Sonata No. 28, Op. 101 In A Major: 4. Geschwinde, doch nicht zu sehr und mit Entschlossenheit: Allegro
Sonata No. 29, Op. 106 In B Flat Major: 1. Allegro
Sonata No. 29, Op. 106 In B Flat Major: 2. Scherzo. Assai vivace
Sonata No. 29, Op. 106 In B Flat Major: 3. Adagio sostenuto. Appasionato e con molto sentimento
Sonata No. 29, Op. 106 In B Flat Major: 4. Largo - Allegro risoluto

Tracks:

Sonata No. 30, Op. 109 In E Major: 1. Vivace, ma non troppo - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 30, Op. 109 In E Major: 2. Prestissimo - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 30, Op. 109 In E Major: 3. Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung (Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo) - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 31, Op. 110 In A Flat Major: 1. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 31, Op. 110 In A Flat Major: 2. Allegro molto - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 31, Op. 110 In A Flat Major: 3. Adagio, ma non troppo - Fuga. Allegro, ma non troppo - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 32, Op. 111 In C Minor: 1. Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionato - L.V. Beethoven
Sonata No. 32, Op. 111 In C Minor: 2. Arietta. Adagio molto semplice e cantabile - L.V. Beethoven

Amazon.com

Wilhelm Kempff was the premier German pianist of the postwar period, so it's no surprise that he was considered one of the supreme interpreters of Beethoven. He recorded complete sets of the sonatas and concertos twice, and just about all the rest of the chamber music with piano as well. Kempff was a classicist by nature, and his approach to Beethoven was clear and poised rather than impulsive, but it was never lacking in sheer power or virtuosity when necessary. His last cycle of Beethoven sonatas is rightly regarded as his musical testament. Even if the mono recordings offered a few more exciting moments in a couple of works, you can't go wrong here--there isn't a dud in the lot. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

The final testament of a great classicist.......2005-11-10

I waited a long time before finally buying this. I already had Gilels, Barenboim, Schnabel, Richter(for almost all),Annie fischer(a damn fine set also!) Brendel, and Arrau. I have always held gilels monumental set in the highest regard for its mixture of respect and power, beauty and ferocity. I knew that the Kempff box had ggod things, but after all these former sets, what knew could be said(similar to what i thought about michelangeli before i heard his op 2\3 and debussy preludes) But this set kept popping up in my life. Over and over respectable musicians kept hinting that this was the set to go for, a modern answer to schnabel's initial recording. Finally I bought it and my only regret is that i didnt succumb to it sooner. Kempff is, in my mind, not the most exciting of pianist's, but he everything that our modern school is not, in the best sense of the word. His sound and touch is crystalline, his authority over the notes unequalled. There isnt any of these sonata's i dont turn to when i want to investigate them for myself with score at hand, which in a word, can be described as revelatory. Dont hesitate like I did. Who knows maybe, in this age of classical deprecation, it may disappear before you had the chance. It is the end all of Beethoven interpretation. It lacks the machismo of Gilels, and Richter for that matter, but what it lacks in the thunder it makes up for in the calm of the storm.

Wilhelm Kempff Plays the Beethoven Piano Sonatas.......2005-08-17

Beethoven's "Tagebuch" includes the following famous entry: "The starry heavens above, the moral law within -- Kant!" Beethoven was alluding to Kant's statement in the "Critique of Practical Reason" of the two things that filled him with awe. But, in a simple way, Beethoven's statement could be read to show two related ways of understanding his music: the first as heroic, heaven-storming, and outwardly directed, and the second as inward, reflective, and meditative. Some of Beethoven's music can be seen as occupying on or the other end of the polarity. Much of the music somehow occupies both ends.

The same holds true as a rough approach to the performance of Beethoven's music -- including the 32 piano sonatas. Some artists emphasize the dramatic, rugged and virtuosic characteristics of the sonatas while others focus upon the music's inward and introspective qualities. The great German pianist Wilhelm Kempff's classic recording of the complete piano sonatas is clearly within the latter approach. Kempff (1895 -- 1991) recorded the complete Beethoven sonata-cycle twice, the first time in the 1950s and the second time in the 1960s. I had the original version on LP and purchased the CD set when LPs became obsolete. I recently had the opportunity to relisten to Kempff's renditions of the sonatas in their entirety.

Kempff's readings of the sonatas are highly personal and introspective. His tempos tend to be slow and fluid, the pedal is used a great deal, phrasing is highly legato, and volume is, for the most part, subdued and restrained. He offers a metaphysical, thoughtful reading of Beethoven which probes within. It is a moving and convincing way of rendering the sonatas, and I came away from my experience with the set over the past several days with a renewed devotion to this music. I have attempted about half of the sonatas myself over the years on the piano.

Beethoven's sonatas date from his youthful years in Bonn before his 1792 move to Vienna (the two sonatas of opus 49) to about 1822 (opus 111), five years before the composer's death. Thus, they occupied Beethoven for almost the entirety of his creative life. In listening to this complete set, the listener can follow Beethoven's development essentially chronologically and learn more first-hand about the sonatas and about the changes in Beethoven's styles of composition than can be gained from reading many studies.

Listeners interested in a complete set of the Beethoven sonatas will probably have some familiarity with some of the better-known
named sonatas, such as the "Pathetique", opus 13, the "Moonlight" opus 27 no. 2, the "Waldstein", opus 53, or the "Appassionata", opus 57. After falling in love with some of these works, it will be time for the listener to explore the entire series.

Kempff brings his own personal and introspective readings to each of these familar works. I think he does best with the rondo finale of the "Waldstein," with the "Moonlight" sonata, and with the two final movements of the "Tempest", opus 31 no. 2. His readings of these familiar works on the whole will offer fresh insight into these great sonatas.

But the greatest attraction of this set is the opportunity it provides to explore some of Beethoven's less frequently performed works. Again, Kempff is at his best in works of an introspective character. Thus, those coming to the sonata-cycle for the first time will enjoy his performances of the opus 26 sonata, with the opening variations and the celebrated funeral march, of opus 78, 79, and 81a ("Les Adieux"), of opus 90, and of opus 101, 109, 110, and the great end to the series, opus 111. Opus 90, 101, and 109 are particular favorites of mine, and Kempff plays them beautifully.

There is yet another group of sonatas that also receive excellent readings on the set. This group includes two excellent ambitious early works, opus 2 no. 3 and opus 7 (another favorite), the three sonatas of opus 10, the under-appreciated opus 22, the companion to the more famous "Moonlight" sonata, opus 27 no. 1, opus 31 no. 3 and the enigmatic opus 54, sandwiched between the "Waldstein" and the "Appassionata". The magisterial and heroic "Hammerklavier" sonata, opus 106, is in a class by itself. Each listeners's choices and fovorites among the 32 will vary and change with time and repeated hearings. This collection is an excellent introduction to all of them.

There are many recordings of the set of 32 sonatas and many approaches to the interpretation of Beethoven. His music is broader and deeper than any single reading. I have lived with my set of Kempff for a long time and am still moved and inspired by his playing of this inexhaustible music. Listeners wanting to get to know this great body of work will find much to cherish in these performances by Wilhelm Kempff.

Robin Friedman

full of artistry, very nice........2005-06-06

Among the great pianists who played Beethoven's sonatas, I love Kempff and Gilels most. Kempff's play is colorful(also with cleaness), while Gilels's play is clean. Of course,if you only prefer highly keyboard technique, Pollini is a better choice.

I think, Kempff was born not only as a great pianist, but also as a musical artist. listen to Kempff just like listen to a small orchestra(among instruments, only piano can do this). His left hand accompanied very well and his right hand song nicely. Some one may say Kempff lacks energetics, but I prefer his style---just like a stream flows naturally, accompanied with birds and flowers.

unlike some energetically played pianists, I never get tired in listening to Kempff. Though those CDs was recorded in 60s, the sonic quality is good enough. highly recommended.

Which One To Get, That Is The Question.......2005-02-10

For those who are not too familiar with Kempff, he is generally regarded as one of the most reputed Beethoven interpreter after Schnabel. Gulda was supposed to succeed them and was somehow stopped short. In Kempff, just like most pianists of the older generation, there is a strong element of improvisation, an element in the making of music which make him sound so fresh and spontaneous which left even Brendel way behind. Furthermore, his playing is so inspired that it never fails to remind us of some transcending church music.

Having said that, Kempff even in the 50s, was never quite as dynamic as Gulda; whereas some may instead find Schnabel's Beethoven even more instructive and not at all less inspired. But Schnabel's are all historic recordings. My no.1 choice for these sonatas is always Backhaus (Decca, in wonderful stereo sound), for some may find Arrau's early Beethoven sonatas boring and Gilel's (which is not exactly a whole cycle in any event) not soulful enough, however much conviction he had for them. And to be honest, I have never finished Brendel's and I have never even tried Ashkenazy's Beethoven except his piano trio with Perlman and Harell and somehow I just stopped there...

Roughly speaking, Kempff's 50s cycle is more energetic, fiery and forceful, wheras his 60s is more colourful, more sublime, and with more subtleties. But that doesn't mean he was off his peak or insufficiently fiery (unlike Schnabel whose first cycle is more preferable than his second cycle recorded in the 50s). Being a complete musician as well as a remarkable composer, there was still some obvious development in his music making even between these two cycles which makes him fairly and squarely an authoritative alternative even to Backhaus: another reason that we should try to listen to both.

And as far as the recorded sound is concerned, there is the difference of more than one whole generation, so that the ordinary music lovers may not find the 50s recording delightful or acceptable at all; whereas few could really complain against the sound of the 60s.

So, if you are a pianist, or if you are a fan of Kempff, you probably will get both his 50s and 60s recordings: for like most great pianists or indeed most great musicians, every time they play, it is going to be different and they are all instructive and inspiring in their own way. I myself grapped both. But if your emphasis is on the early sonatas or just for general enjoyment or even for the last sonatas, it is better to get the 60s.

essential.......2004-06-02

what else can you say about kempff that isn't said before? this is the best beethoven ever record, he has a magic touch and this sets clearly shows it off. i have both recordings of his beethoven sonatas (1951 & 1964) as well as his schumann, brahms, schubert, bach, mozart, liszt etc and would recomand them all... enjoy the piano master

Average customer rating:

great musicians
An older recording, but still amazing
great recording
Very good!
stirring!

Brahms: Complete Piano Quartets

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Brahms: Complete Trios
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Brahms: The Complete Quintets
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Beethoven: The Piano Trios

ASIN: B0000041EI
Release Date: 1996-04-09

Tracks:

Piano Quartet In G Minor, Op. 25: 1. Allegro - J. Brahms
Piano Quartet In G Minor, Op. 25: 2. Intermezzo. Allegro ma non troppo - J. Brahms
Piano Quartet In G Minor, Op. 25: 3. Andante con moto - J. Brahms
Piano Quartet In G Minor, Op. 25: 4. Rondo alla Zingarese. Presto - J. Brahms
Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 60: 1. Allegro ma non troppo - J. Brahms
Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 60: 2. Scherzo. Allegro - J. Brahms
Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 60: 3. Andante - J. Brahms
Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 60: Finale. Allegro - J. Brahms

Tracks:

Piano Quartet in A, Op. 26: 1. Allegro non troppo - Brahms
Piano Quartet in A, Op. 26: 2. Poco adagio - Brahms
Piano Quartet in A, Op. 26: 3. Scherzo. Poco allegro - Brahms
Piano Quartet in A, Op. 26: 4. Finale. Allegro - Brahms
Piano Trio in A, Op. posth.: 1. Moderato - Brahms
Piano Trio in A, Op. posth.: 2. Vivace - Brahms
Piano Trio in A, Op. posth.: 3. Lento - Brahms
Piano Trio in A, Op. posth.: 4. Presto - Brahms

Customer Reviews:

great musicians.......2005-10-09

These are dense pieces and like a lot of Brahms could become overly heavy and plodding in the wrong hands. On this CD the Beaux Arts really bring out the romantic lyrical quality of this music unfailingly. The recording itself is just a hair distant but the detail is good. What fantastic piano one finds on these CDs! Strongly recommended.

An older recording, but still amazing.......2002-06-23

This collection of Brahms' piano quartets are a great listen all around. Every quartet has an enormous power and beauty to it.

I like to say about Brahms' music that it is airtight. There is never a wasted note. Every bit of melody, every nuance and texture in the harmony are masterfully crafted and serve a purpose. There is never a moment when you look at your watch and wonder when the composer is going to get around to wrapping this or that section up and get to the exciting stuff.

The Beaux Arts Trio along with Walter Trampler do a commendable job of bringing every moment of beauty and excitement out. They balance the sweetness of the slow movements and melodies well with the aggression and rhythmic complexities of the quicker movements. My current favorite quartet is the A Major. There is a singable melody or rhythmic puzzle in every movement. I listened to the final movement four times today (excessive I know, but it's just so much fun to try to figure out how Brahms manipulates those melodies within the time signatures)!

great recording.......2002-05-17

This is chamber music at its best played by the masters, the Beaux Arts Trio. All the pieces are played in a crisp, clean manner with the proper emotion and phrasing.

Very good!.......2001-04-01

I am an avid Brahms fan and just recently picked up this copy of the quartets. I love them! The rondo of the first quartet is fascinating and the pain in the C minor trio is unmistakable. As traditional as Brahms is, he is a definate romantic. I agree [...] about the last trio that is attributed to him. It isn't as good by far. The sound is very clear and the pianist on the recordings impressed me. If you don't own the quartets, go ahead and buy this set. You won't be dissapointed!

stirring!.......2000-01-10

I have only recently begun to love Brahms and these recordings make me question why it's taken so long! The music is incredibly rich and colorful, especially the C minor, Werther's Ballad, which you can just feel Brahms pain at losing his friend Robert Schumann! The Beaux Arts Trio is a sure winner! You will enjoy this!

Average customer rating:

Emblematic and desert island choices!
fantastic Recordings!
it just can't be 5 stars
Definitive Performances Of Dvorak's Piano Trios

Antonín Dvorák: Complete Piano Trios

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Schumann: Complete Piano Trios
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Antonin Dvorak: Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello, Op. 81/Quartet For Piano, Violin, Viola And Cello,Op.

ASIN: B0000041F3
Release Date: 1996-09-17

Tracks:

Piano Trio In B Flat, Op. 21: Allegro molto
Piano Trio In B Flat, Op. 21: Adagio molto e mesto
Piano Trio In B Flat, Op. 21: Allegretto scherzando
Piano Trio In B Flat, Op. 21: Finale (Allegro vivace)
Piano Trio In G Minor, Op. 26: Allegro moderato
Piano Trio In G Minor, Op. 26: Largo
Piano Trio In G Minor, Op. 26: Scherzo (Presto - Poco meno mosso)
Piano Trio In G Minor, Op. 26: Finale (Allegro non tanto)

Tracks:

Piano Trio In F Minor, Op. 65: Allegro ma non troppo - Poco piu mosso, quasi vivace
Piano Trio In F Minor, Op. 65: Allegro grazioso - Meno mosso
Piano Trio In F Minor, Op. 65: Poco Adagio
Piano Trio In F Minor, Op. 65: Finale (Allegro con brio - Meno mosso - Vivace)
Piano Trio In E Minor, Op. 90 (Dumky): Lento maestoso - Allegro vivace, quasi doppio movimento - Tempo I - Allegro molto
Piano Trio In E Minor, Op. 90 (Dumky): Poco adagio - Vivace non troppo
Piano Trio In E Minor, Op. 90 (Dumky): Andante - Vivace non troppo - Andante - Allegretto
Piano Trio In E Minor, Op. 90 (Dumky): Andante moderato (quasi tempo di marcia) - Allegretto scherzando - Meno mosso - Allegro - Moderato
Piano Trio In E Minor, Op. 90 (Dumky): Allegro
Piano Trio In E Minor, Op. 90 (Dumky): Lento maestoso - Vivace, quasi movimento - Lento - Vivace

Amazon.com essential recording

Dvorák composed four piano trios, and all of them are fine works. The very last, the so-called "Dumky" Trio, has eclipsed the others in popularity, which is a pity, particularly with respect to the Trio No. 3 in F minor. This work, composed at exactly the same time as the Seventh Symphony, is clearly the finest work of its type since Beethoven--and that includes the three trios of Brahms. Perfectly proportioned, emotionally intense, and chock full of incredible tunes, it grabs you from the first note and never lets you go. The Beaux Arts Trio performs all of this music with their customary musicality and expertise, and the "twofer" price in unbeatable. Now try that Trio No. 3--you'll be glad you did. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Emblematic and desert island choices!.......2006-11-19

Dvorak's immense talent as composer of chamber works deserve to him, even a major status that most of people tend to estimate. The spirit of eloquency, sheer lyricism and brisky musicality make of this set a true must-have.

Don't miss this set under any pretext.

fantastic Recordings!.......2005-12-16

The beaux arts' performances of these trios, like most recordings of their golden period, wih Cohen and Greenhouse, set a benchmark, for both the technical as well as the emotional depth in the interpritation of chamber music... Their tension and beauty, particularly of Isidore Cohen's distinctive tone, thrills the heart, as much as the ear.

it just can't be 5 stars.......2003-08-15

Okay, I have to be honest, I don't own these CDs, though I have listened to them a little, which is what's most important. What I simply must tell to the prospective buyer is that there is one part about 40 seconds into the scherzo of the g minor trio that is absolutely atrocious on the part of the violinist, where he (Isidore Cohen, who for the record I think has a nasty tone in general although many people would disagree) goes flatter and flatter on an upward run landing on the note of the climax of the section about halfway between two pitches! To be quite honest, it's absurd that they didn't do another take, because it's pretty painful, yet entertainingly bad, to listen to. If you can enjoy Isidore Cohen's tone, though, this should be a good buy overall.

Definitive Performances Of Dvorak's Piano Trios.......2001-12-08

This is yet another excellent compilation of the great recordings made by the Beaux Arts Trio when its lineup included Isidore Cohen as violinist and Bernard Greenhouse as cellist as well as pianist Menahem Pressler. These are lively, exciting performances replete with warmth and Slavic charm, gracefully played by these exceptional musicians. Of course, the highlight is their exquisite performance of the "Dumky" trio, but the others are equally compelling. This is one of the highlights of my CD collection of Dvorak's music; it should be yours too.

Average customer rating:

Super Chamber Music
Great Schubert, but add some schmaltz please!
Brendel displaying his greatness
little music
Good. But...just good.

Schubert: The Complete Impromptus
Franz Schubert , and Alfred Brendel
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Schubert: Impromptus For Piano
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Schubert: 8 Symphonies
Schubert: The Last Three Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B0000041MS
Release Date: 1997-03-11

Tracks:

Impromptus, D.899: No. 1 In C Minor
Impromptus, D.899: No. 2 In E-Flat
Impromptus, D.899: No. 1 In G-Flat
Impromptus, D.899: No. 4 In A-Flat
Impromptus. D.935: No. 1 In F Minor
Impromptus. D.935: No. 2 In A-Flat
Impromptus. D.935: No. 3 In B-Flat
Impromptus. D.935: No. 3 In B-Flat
16 German Dances, D.783: Deutsche Tanze - Danses allemandes

Tracks:

3 Klavierstucke (Impropmtus), D. 946: No. 1 In E-Flat Minor
3 Klavierstucke (Impropmtus), D. 946: No. 2 In E-Flat
3 Klavierstucke (Impropmtus), D. 946: No. 3 In C Major
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No. 1 in C - Moderato
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No.2 In A-Flat - Andantino
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No. 3 - In F Minor - Allegro moderato
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No. 4 In C-Sharp Minor - Moderato
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No. 5 In F Minor - Allegro vivace
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No. 6 In A-Flat - Allegretto
12 German Dances, D. 790: Deutsche Tanze - Danses Allemandes

Customer Reviews:

Super Chamber Music.......2007-05-31

As I was listening to this while gardening, I forgot for a moment that I was listening to Schubert, and thought 'My, what good Chopin this is!'. Well, I caught myself and realized my little slip revealed the fact that even though solo piano may not have been Schubert's strongest suit, he still managed to do it as well or better than the great classic Mr. Piano Man himself. This is an excellent bargain package with two CD's for the price of one and a complete set of a major composer's genre. I'm not a student of piano style, but Alfred Brendel seems to realize these in a better than workmanlike fashion. He may not be Murray Perahia, but he's no slouch.

Great Schubert, but add some schmaltz please!.......2007-03-18

I was greatly disappointed with my reaction to these CDs. There is nothing specific that I can say against the CDs, but....I was completely and totally uninvolved. I tried multiple listening, but it did not help. I was standing outside the music, and was examining it like I would an ant under the microscope. I know it is not my reaction to Schubert's impromptus, simply because I just adored them when I heard them performed by Krystian Zimerman.
The only thing I figured out is that Mr. Brendel was just too elegant and detached here for my taste. To use a metaphor, he was as elegant as a black cocktail dress, while a dress with some frills, colors, lace, and something soft would have been more appropriate here, I felt. In my view, even some schmaltz would be welcome here.
I guess it all depends on how you would be affected by this CD, so I do encourage you to try it!

Brendel displaying his greatness.......2007-02-05

I've always heard Brendel was a great interpreter of Beethoven, but have not heard his recordings before this work of Schubert. Brendel is an amazing pianist, and Schubert an inspiring composer. Some say this work by Brendel doesn't bring out the fullness of Schubert, but if this isn't one of the best recordings of Schubert, I'll eat my hat.

little music.......2007-01-02

Franz Schubert's piano impromptus are not big music.

Not only are the pieces relatively brief, but the absence of instruments other than solo piano and the evasion of bombast by Schubert altogether make these compositions small music.

But small is beautiful.

Alfred Brendel is at his understated best in his mastery of this genre. Lovers of the keyboard already know that Brendel can flow with Beethovian grandeur together with the best of them. He approaches Schubert's Impromptus, Deutsche Tanze, and Moment Musicaux as an artist with nothing to prove. The result is a pure reading of Schubert that leaves one savoring the music rather than the performer. That's a nice result that credits rather than demeans the pianist.

The Philips Classic ('Duo') series is at its usual peak form for quality, price, and therefore value.

Good. But...just good........2005-12-21

Schubert is my favourite composer, and I regard the impromptus as one of the most aesthetically pleasing of his piano works. I personally have played the D.899 pieces, and I find them very simple to play, they are not by any means technically demanding. But to play them well is in fact extremely difficult.

Control of speed and pressure on the keys is critical in every piece, especially no.3 and no.4 in D.899.

With that said, Brendel's playing is very straightforward and textbook to the very core essentials. The playing is very clean, and his tempo is well under control. However, that's where it ends, as he doesn't bring the liveliness into these works of beauty. Schubert sounds nothing more than a . If you want the music itself without any passion, then this is the album to get. Sound quality is excellent.

The best schubert impromptus I have heard thus far is from Murray Perahia and Radu Lupu. Of the two, I prefer Murray Perahia's. His playing really defines Schubert as a composer - the emotional output is all there, in every note, every phrase. There is not a single part in any of the impromptus where it can be considered dull. Listen to his recording and you will see what I mean. Radu Lupu tends to put more emphasis on the lyrical qualities of these pieces by using strong vibrato. If you really want something out of this world, then try Mitsuko Uchida's version, which is the complete opposite of Brendel, with erratic playing (much like her own personality).

-Sail

Average customer rating:

Fine Mozart at a Bargain Price
Mozart with a heart
Unbalanced, sloppy and poor intonation at a good price
Elegance
BEAUX ARTS' MOZART MAKES THIS KITTY PURR!!! (SNOOKIE)

Mozart: The Complete Piano Trios

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Mozart: Complete String Trios & Duos
Schumann: Complete Piano Trios
Franz Schubert: Complete Trios
Beethoven: The Piano Trios
Mozart: The Six String Quintets

ASIN: B0000041BU
Release Date: 1995-04-11

Tracks:

Piano Trio In E, K.542: 1. Allegro
Piano Trio In E, K.542: 2. Andante grazioso
Piano Trio In E, K.542: 3. Allegro
Piano Trio In B Flat, K.502: 1. Allegro
Piano Trio In B Flat, K.502: 2. Larghetto
Piano Trio In B Flat, K.502: 3. Allegetto
Piano Trio In G, K.564: 1. Allegro
Piano Trio In G, K.564: 2. Andante. Thema mit Variationen
Piano Trio In G, K.564: 3. Allegretto
Piano Trio In C, K.548: 1. Allegro
Piano Trio In C, K.548: 2. Andante cantabile
Piano Trio In C, K.548: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Trio In B Flat, K.254: 1. Allegro assai
Piano Trio In B Flat, K.254: 2. Adagio
Piano Trio In B Flat, K.254: 3. Rondeau. Tempo di menuetto
Piano Trio In G, K.496: 1. Allegro
Piano Trio In G, K.496: 2. Andante
Piano Trio In G, K.496: 3. Allegretto. Thema mit Variationen
Trio In E flat, K.498: 1. Andante
Trio In E flat, K.498: 2. Menuetto
Trio In E flat, K.498: 3. Rondeaux. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Fine Mozart at a Bargain Price.......2007-04-06

I can't add much to Mike Powers excellent review, but a few thoughts. This is another in the Philips Duo series, which I find a good source for the chamber music of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert etc at bargain prices. The way these composers are played remains pretty much unchanged since these recordings were made in the late 60s and the 1970s, and made by the finest players of the time. When you thought piano trios you thought the Beau Arts Trio, who made the piano trio their speciality. So you can be sure that the interpretation will be excellent, which it is, and, despite the age of the recording, the sound is very good. And the music ? Some who take life too seriously might put them down as " more Mozart lollipops", well, they don't pretend to compare with a Brandenburg, but they are joyfull and airy, more like a small scale piano concerto, plenty of fine melodies for all the players.
I have no hesitation in giving five stars, there might be a better version available, but it will cost at least twice as much.

Mozart with a heart.......2006-05-20

The last two star review is frankly flabbergasting. I guess some people may be just a little hard to please and perhaps if you are a musical expert or virtuoso you may have a case against these performances by the uniformly excellent Beaux Arts Trio.

Look at what everyone else thinks! This is exceptionially beautiful music played with heart and soul. There are so many performances of Mozart's chamber music that to these untrained ears just sound dull, thin-lipped and polite - for a long time I found much of Mozart's music rather superficial - very clever and witty - but ultimately superficial - I could fully understand why Glenn Gould recorded his sonatas just to show how overrated he had become!

Listening to the Beaux Arts Trio, all is forgiven. I can hear all instruments perfectly equally; the pacing is spot on and somehow the performance brings out a profundity in Mozart's chamber music I was unable to hear before.

Having said all this I would of course love to hear the other Phillips recording that is meant to be so definitive.

Unbalanced, sloppy and poor intonation at a good price.......2006-02-22

I take my chamber music very seriously, and thought this would be a good deal at $14 from Amazon. I'm severely disappointed, but concede you get what you pay for. Both the remastering and the playing leaves something to be desired. I have these same three players playing the Dumky Trio and the Mendelssohn d minor Trio, and the Schubert Trios and they're quite good. These are bad enough that I would not even consider backing the CDs up.

First, the balance seems to be biased towards the violin / clarinet. Daniel Guilet is often criticized for milking the music too much, and it is no exception here, and this, imho, is a severe flaw when interpreting Mozart. His style is also inconsistent. For example, his Mozart spiccato at pianissimos becomes sloppy detaches that are way too long at fortes. Menahem Pressler sounds like he's playing with the soft pedal and the lid down. At times Mozart's clever left hand counterpoint is lost in the background. In the Clarinet Trio, the viola is often lost behind the clarinet. Overall, the intonation is not very good, especially in the awkward passages, like in the E major Trio. (Both Guilet and Greenhouse have issues tuning against the piano... perhaps because the lid was down?)

I give two stars because it could be even worse. My expectations compare to the excellent (especially in comparison) interpretation by Ingred Haebler of the Mozart Piano Quartets (released by Philips). There the exacting intonation and precociousness of Mozart shines. With these recordings I feel like I'm listening to a sight-reading through the wall, closest to the violinist/clarinet player.

Elegance.......2005-06-23

These performances are wonderful, pure, relaxed and elegant. Mozart's Piano Trios are mostly mature works, still more easy listening and less expressive, less demanding than his "Haydn" quartets, most essential string quintets (K. 515, 516, 593), the piano/wind quintet (K 452), the piano quartet (K. 478) and the trio labelled "Divertimento" (K. 563). This makes it more difficult to explain what their charm consists in. Let me try with words like playful coolness, charming equanimity, happy serenity, light imperturbability, natural elegance, soothing purity or unruffled whiteness... Elegance is the keyword.

BEAUX ARTS' MOZART MAKES THIS KITTY PURR!!! (SNOOKIE).......2003-05-06

I have had this recording for about five years, and have enjoyed it immensley. Recorded in the 1960's, it features the original personnel (Menahem Pressler, Piano - Daniel Guilet, Violin - Bernard Greenhouse, Cello).

The Beaux Arts Trio is just wonderful in this literature. Menahem Pressler's dynamic shading, articulation, and interactions with the other instruments are always "just right".

The sound of the recording itself is fine. Even though it was recorded in 1967, it was digitally remastered to cd.

I highly recommend this set. The Beaux Arts has been around for over 40 years. As a result, they have a lot of experience playing with each other, and it shows in this masterful compilation.

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