Prokofiev: Andante for Orchestra, Op. 50 bis (arrangement from String Quartet No. 1) [Russian Revelation]

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 7, for orchestra in C major, Op. 105
Composed by Jean Sibelius

Conducted by Gennady Rozhdestvensky

2. Rakastava (The Lover), suite for string orchestra, triangle & timpani, Op. 14
Composed by Jean Sibelius

Conducted by Gennady Rozhdestvensky

3. Andante for orchestra, Op. 50 bis (arr. from String Quartet No. 1, Op. 50)
Composed by Sergey Prokofiev

Conducted by Gennady Rozhdestvensky

4. Scènes de ballet, suite for orchestra in A major, Op. 52
Composed by Alexander Konstantinovich Glazunov

Conducted by Gennady Rozhdestvensky

Customer Reviews:

Must buy.......2006-05-16

Superlative seven-CDS hyper-bargain bid from BMG can't never beat that!!Over-all an allround best buy If you snooze you lose

Simply great Sibelius.......2006-05-15

At less than 20GBP, this set offers a most excellent initiation to the world of Johan Sibelius s'masterly work. A nice collection, that includes the symphonies (1--7) with important compositions such as the ever fascinating Kulervo and myriads of "TonePoems". The L.S.O play together with dedication, the sound and direction by sir Colin Davis increase the impression of greatness in the music. I was a little skeptical of the new Davis Kulervo "live", of which I prefer this one on rca, but been of course amazed by the L.S.O.Live powerful versions of symphonies 3 & 7. Otherwise, I generally love this uniformly excellent set, even more so than the earlier cycle in Boston of which I still like, above all, symphonies 5&6. Here, with this rca set, the "highlights" are to be found in symphonies 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6, as well as in a bracing and quite dramatic Kulervo. Among the poems, En Saga and Pohjola really shine along with a wonderful Suite Karelia. Of course everything is not perfection, but who will pretend to be anyway? I recommend highly this important box set, even more than the competitive 5CD Naxos however very good it is. Davis is a master Sibelian, no doubt about that. Kind regards. m.vuriling

Splendid Performances from LSO and Sir Colin Davis.......2004-12-31

This 7 CD set includes all of Sir Colin Davis' second Sibelius symphony cycle recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra in the 1990's, along with almost all of Sibelius' other major orchestral works, most notably his tone poems (Some of these were recorded as recently as 2000 or 2001.). These are impressive, vibrant performances replete with exquisite playing by the London Symphony Orchestra. Critics have praised Davis' first Sibelius symphony cycle with the Boston Symphony Orchestra as among the best; without question, his second symphony cycle is not only just as fine, but comes with better quality digital sound (However, with respect to sound, the best Sibelius symphony cycle that he's recorded may be the recent one with the LSO Live CD label.). I especially enjoyed the recordings of Sibelius' 2nd, 5th and 7th symphonies, and the tone poem En Saga, but all of Sibelius' works in this CD set are quite fine. Those interested in hearing music made by Sir Colin Davis, widely regarded as our foremost interpreter of Sibelius, with one of the world's greatest orchestras, the London Symphony Orchestra, will not be disappointed with this CD set.

Average customer rating:

The most tender and personal Sibelius cycle
Stunning
Vintage Collection!!!
The only Sibelius box you'll ever need?
Splendid Sibelius

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1-7

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bruckner: Symphonies 1-9
Schumann: Symphonies 1-4; Manfred Overture
EMI Great Recordings of Century - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4/Klemperer
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 1-6
Vaughan Williams: Symphonies 1-9 / Boult

ASIN: B00003ZKRM
Release Date: 2000-05-09

Tracks:

Finlandia: Sym Poem Op.26
Karelia Ste Op.11: 1. Intermezzo
Karelia Ste Op.11: 2. Ballade
Karelia Ste Op.11: 3. Alla Marcia
Pohjola's Daughter: Sym Fant Op.49
Valse Triste (From Kuolema - Incidental Music Op.44)
Lemminkainen Ste Op.22: 2. The Swan Of Tuonela
Lemminkainen Ste Op.22: 4. Lemminkainen's Return

Tracks:

Sym No.1 in e, Op.39: I. Andante, Ma Non Troppo - Allegro Energico
Sym No.1 in e, Op.39: II. Andante (Ma Non Troppo Lento)
Sym No.1 in e, Op.39: III. Scherzo (Allgro)
Sym No.1 in e, Op.39: IV. Finale: Quasi Una Fantasia (Andante - Allegro Molto)
Sym No.4 in a, Op.63: I. Tempo Molto Moderato, Quasi Adagio
Sym No.4 in a, Op.63: II. Allegro Molto Vivace
Sym No.4 in a, Op.63: III. II Tempo Largo
Sym No.4 in a, Op.63: IV. Allegro

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: I. Allegretto
Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: II. Tempo Andante, Ma Rubato
Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: III. Vivacissimo
Sym No.2 in D, Op.43: IV. Finale (Allegro Moderato)
Sym No.3 in C, Op.52: I. Allegro Moderato
Sym No.3 in C, Op.52: II. Andantino Con Moto, Quasi Allegretto
Sym No.3 in C, Op.52: III. Moderato - Allegro (Ma Non Tanto)

Tracks:

Sym No.5 in E Flat, Op.82: I. Tempo Molto Moderato - Allegro Moderato - Presto
Sym No.5 in E Flat, Op.82: II. Andante Mosso, Quasi Allegretto
Sym No.5 in E Flat, Op.82: III. Allegro Molto - Un Pochettino Largamente
Pelleas Et Melisande - Ste From The Incidental Music, Op.46: 1. At The Castle Gate
Pelleas Et Melisande - Ste From The Incidental Music, Op.46: 2. Melisande
Pelleas Et Melisande - Ste From The Incidental Music, Op.46: 7. Melisande At The Spinning Wheel
Pelleas Et Melisande - Ste From The Incidental Music, Op.46: 9. The Death Of Melisande
Sym No.7 in C, Op.105: Adagio
Sym No.7 in C, Op.105: Un Pochettino Meno Adagio - Vivacissimo - Adagio
Sym No.7 in C, Op.105: Allegro Molto Moderato
Sym No.7 in C, Op.105: Vivace - Presto - Adagio

Tracks:

Scenes Historiques - Stes I & II: All' Overtura Op.25 No.1
Scenes Historiques - Stes I & II: The Hunt Op.66 No.1
Scenes Historiques - Stes I & II: Scena Op.25 No.2
Rakastava, Op.14: 1. The Lover
Rakastava, Op.14: 2. The Way Of The Lover
Rakastava, Op.14: 3. Goodnight, My Beloved, Farewell
Romance in C, Op.42
Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: I. Allegro Molto Moderato
Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: II. Allegretto Moderato
Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: III. Poco Vivace
Sym No.6 in d, Op.104: IV. Allegro Molto

Customer Reviews:

The most tender and personal Sibelius cycle.......2006-09-09

Until late in his career, Barbirolli was overshadowed by Beecham, the greatest champion of Sibelius in Britain (perhaps the world). Their performances are very different, Beecham being more confident, extroverted, and showy in his approach, Barbirolli more moody, tender and personal. He was in general a personal musician, taking a long time to gather his thoughts about each score. Certain symphonies here, such as the 4th and 7th, come across with total conviciton--you feel and think along with the conductor.

For many listeners, Barbirolli's Sibelius may now have risen above Beecham's for that reason--it's highly ocmmunicative. His pace is usually measured, and he emphasizes the atmospheric wind solos that flavor this music. Beecham had a superior orchestra in the Royal Phil., but the Halle was sensitive to Barbirolli's nuances of phrasing (we hear a lot of that in the mystical Fourth). The bigger, more popular works, such as the Second and Fifth Sym., can't hold their own for execution against versions from powerful, world-famous ensembles like the Berlin and NY Phil. led by powerhouse conductors like Bernstein and Karajan. But Barbriolli wasn't aiming for the grand effect, even in these works, so there's a special niche for his versions, too.

Relegated to Pye, a secondary British label, these recordings now find a rightful place on EMI. I'm giving five stars even though I am not enamored of Barbirolli's somewhat stodgy Third and underpowered Sixth, nor do I have a fondness for some of the routine incidental music that fills out the set. But it's impossible to over-praise the best of these readings, and the sonics are generally fine.

Stunning.......2004-08-14

(THIS IS A REVIEW OF DISC I ONLY) Believe it or not, I had this as an album (does that give away my age or what?). I played it so much the records became worn so when someone offered to let me borrow the first CD of this set, I jumped at the chance.

There is just the right amount of wintry chill and evocative melodies that personified the the great late-Romantic artist. This was an Angel (EMI) recording that still shines with lots of class. I loved the Karelia-Suite as well as the many short pieces that accompanied the major works.

The Halle Orchestra seems almost perfect in this outing.

Vintage Collection!!!.......2004-01-24

I have this set of splendid Sibelius Symphonies for over a year now.I consider myself lucky to have stumbled upon choosing this set ahead of other more "Reputed"performances by TOP Orchestras under Great Conductors.I have been listening to this set for over a year and the least i can say is that it is nothing short of a Revelation.No other conductor or orchestra matches Sir John Barbirolli's understanding and Passionate intensity(sorry Eugene Ormandy,Leonard Bernstein,Mariss Janson)in these performances with the Halle Orchestra.The Halle Orchestra perform splendidly individually as well as collectively,The strings have an intensity ,the woodwinds have an ethereal character and the Brass are quite simply Majestic.Barbirolli brings out the Heroics,the passionate intensity,the poignance,the Mystical quality,the gay abandon and folklike singing quality in these marvellous orchestral works of Sibelius.The pacing is just right ,lingering in passages of great beauty like in the slow movement of the Fifth Symphony,moving with urgency when required.The music is ever flowing in a seamless way and not just pieced together with studied musicianship.The orchestra breathes a free air with an element of spontaneous music making.
Remember how Bruno Walter turned out splendid performances of Beethoven and Brahms Symphonies with a handpicked Columbia sympony Orchestra!Quite the same here.I am yet to listen to Sir Colin Davis Boston Symphony Orchestra's Performances of these works.I am not sure whether they will measure upto this splendid performance by Sir John.It is not about efficiency or discipline.It is all about BEING INSPIRED!!!Sir John Barbirolli and his splendid Halle Orchestra Musicians are on a different plane,the rarefied realms of the spirit!Noble and Sublime.

The only Sibelius box you'll ever need?.......2002-07-25

"Glorious John" Barbirolli wasn't as well-known for his Sibelius as a couple of other British conductor-knights (Colin Davis and the late Thomas Beecham). But this generous set--all the strictly instrumental symphonies (I don't believe Barbirolli ever recorded the choral symphony "Kullervo"), several of the tone poems, and some of Sibelius' incidental music--shows that he was AT LEAST the equal of Sir Colin or Sir Thomas in this repertoire. And the late '60s recordings still sound fresh today--just like the performances.

Splendid Sibelius.......2001-07-27

Besides being a superb interpreter of Delius, Elgar and Vaughan Williams Barbirolli shows himself in this set to be a most worthy Sibelian. Some may complain that his tempi are slow at times but Barbirolli never fails to make these symphonies interesting and often gloriously inspiring. A big plus is the crystal clear sound; you can really hear those woodwinds (so important in Sibelius) and what an impact those cellos make at the beginning of the bleak and somber 4th symphony. There is also a generous allotment of some of the shorter pieces. Whether this is a top choice will depend on the listener but I think it holds its own against some of the top choices out there including Davis--Boston Symphony (Philips Duo) and Ashkenazy--Philharmonia (London).

The Great History of Scandinavian Classical Music

Average customer rating:

The Great History of Scandinavian Classical Music

Manufacturer: Columbia River Ent.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Preludium In E Major - Helmuth Rilling
Allegro Molto Moderato - Marian Lapsansky
Adagio - Marian Lapsansky
Allegro Moderato Molto E Marcato-Quasi Presto-Andante Maestoso - Marian Lapsansky
Bridal March To Myllarguten - Stefan Jaschko
Nils Revkes Halling - Stefan Jaschko
Bridal March From Telemark - Stefan Jaschko
Halling Dance - Stefan Jaschko
Troll Wedding In Vossevangen - Stefan Jaschko
Jump Dance, The Girls From Kivle - Stefan Jaschko
Berceuse - Isabel Mourao
Folk Melody - Isabel Mourao
Norwegian Dance - Isabel Mourao
Jump Dance - Isabel Mourao
Elegie - Isabel Mourao
Waltz - Isabel Mourao
Canon - Isabel Mourao

Tracks:

Prelude - Libor Pesek
Sarabande - Libor Pesek
Gavotte - Libor Pesek
Andante Religioso - Libor Pesek
Rigaudon - Libor Pesek
Arietta - Libor Pesek
Waltz - Libor Pesek
Vigilante Song - Libor Pesek
Elves' Dance - Libor Pesek
Folk Melody - Libor Pesek
Norweigan - Libor Pesek
Album Page - Libor Pesek
Morning - Libor Pesek
Death Of Ase - Libor Pesek
Anitra's Dance - Libor Pesek
In The Hall Of The Mountain King - Libor Pesek
The Abduction: Ingrid's Lament - Libor Pesek
Arabian Dance - Libor Pesek
Peer Gynt's Homecoming - Libor Pesek
Solveig's Song - Libor Pesek

Tracks:

Butterfly - Isabel Mourao
Lonely Wanderer - Isabel Mourao
Home - Isabel Mourao
Birdy - Isabel Mourao
Erotic - Isabel Mourao
To Spring - Isabel Mourao
Valse-Impromptu - Isabel Mourao
Album Page - Isabel Mourao
Melody - Isabel Mourao
Norwegain Dance - Isabel Mourao
Melancholy - Isabel Mourao
Jump Dance - Isabel Mourao
Huldigungsmarsch, Op.56 No.3 - Stuttgart Philharmonic
Herd Boy - Isabel Mourai
Norwegian Peasant March - Isabel Mourai
Dance Of The Dwarfs - Isabel Mourai
Notturno - Isabel Mourai
Scherzo - Isabel Mourai
Bell Ringing - Isabel Mourai
Entschwundene Tage - Isabel Mourai

Tracks:

Allegretto - South German Philharmonic
Tempo Andante-Ma Rubato - South German Philharmonic
Scherzo: Vivaccissimo-Allegro Moderato-Finale - South German Philharmonic
Praeludium: Allegro Moderato - Ruggiero Ricci
Adagio - Ruggiero Ricci
Finale: Allegro Energico - Ruggiero Ricci
Valse Triste - RSO Luxembourg

Tracks:

Finlandia: Poem, Op.26/7 - RSO Luxembourg
Rakastava, Op. 14 - RSO Luxembourg
Lemminkainen: In Tuonela, Op. 22 - RSO Luxembourg
Allegro Non Troppo - Roland Keller
Andante - Roland Keller
Allegro Non Assai - Roland Keller
Rustle Of Spring, Op. 32/3 - Josef Bulva
Romance In G Major - Hans Kalafusz

Sibelius: Symphony No. 7; Rakastava (suite for orchestra) / Glazunov: Scenes de ballet / Prokofiev: Andante for Orchestra (from String Quartet No. 1)

Average customer rating:

Sibelius: Symphony No. 7; Rakastava (suite for orchestra) / Glazunov: Scenes de ballet / Prokofiev: Andante for Orchestra (from String Quartet No. 1)

Manufacturer: Russian Revelation
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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ASIN: B000006B8W
Release Date: 1998-04-21

Average customer rating:

Disappointing

Sibelius: Symphony No. 7; Kullervo

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000003FYS
Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

Sym No.7, Op.105: Adagio/Vivacissimo/Allegro/Moderato/Vivace/Presto/Adago
Rakastava, Op.14: The Lover
Rakastava, Op.14: The Path of his Beloved
Rakastava, Op.14: Good Evening...Farewell!
En saga, Op.9
Kullervo, Op.7: Introduction: Allegro moderato

Tracks:

Kullervo, Op.7: Kullervo's Youth (Grave)
Kullervo, Op.7: Kullervo and his Sister (Allegro Vivace) - Hillevi Martinpelto/Karl-Magnus Fredriksson/London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop
Kullervo, Op.7: Kullervo goes to War(Alla marcia)
Kullervo, Op.7: Kullervo's Death (Andante)

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2001-08-08

There's no contest if you're trying to decide between this and the two Philips 2-fers: the Philips recordings are more flowing, better-recorded, and contain more drama and attention to the long line and long argument--so important in Sibelius. Based not just on these but his other recordings recently, Colin Davis seems to be softening in old age. Compare literally any section side by side and you'll find the climaxes here more muted (the tympani is particularly dull and "thuddy"), the string-playing less taut, and the overall conception far less edgy. The sound is a little fuzzy too. The most interesting item is Kullervo, where Davis fares better than the rest, but overall these strike me at least as anonymous, faceless performances--fat and plummy and boring. Maybe Davis said it all in his first outing with the BSO. I wonder why he felt this set to be necessary. I didn't detect any new insights.

Music Track:

Music Track

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