Divina

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Mid-price compilation for the tragic opera diva called, 'the greatest musical artist of our time' by Sir David Webster, the director of the Covent Garden Opera House. 18 tracks on two CDs. Disc one is titled 'The Dramatic Callas', Disc Two 'The Virtuoso Callas'. 2001 release. Slimline double jewel case.

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
Violin Concerto - second movement
The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Swan Lake - Waltz
Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
Hungarian Dance No.5
Lullaby
Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
Die Fledermaus - Overture
Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
AnnenPolka, Op. 117
Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
Don Juan, Op. 20
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
Angelus
Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
Les Préludes
Boléro
Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
La Valse
Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
Humoresque, Op. 101
Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
Carneval Overture, Op. 92
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
Nordic Melody Op. 63
Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
Frühlingsgruss
Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
Manfred Overture, Op. 115
Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
Die Rose stand im Tau
Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

Average customer rating:

Landmark Soprano. An essential work for opera listeners.
Terrific introduction to the art of Callas
Callas was the greatest
Great starter CD
The epitome of divinity

Maria Callas - La Divina
Giacomo Puccini , Vincenzo Bellini , Georges Bizet , Gioachino Rossini , Alfredo Catalani , Camille Saint-Saëns , Giuseppe Verdi , Charles Gounod , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Pietro Mascagni , Amilcare Ponchielli , Tullio Serafin , Georges Prêtre , Nicola Rescigno , Franco Ghione , Antonino Votto , Maria Callas , Alfredo Kraus , Ebe Ticozzi , Giuseppe di Stefano , London Philharmonia Orchestra , Orchestra e Coro del Teatro alla Scala , Orchestre National de la R.D.F. , Conservatory Concert Society Orchestra , and Lisbon Orquesta Sinfonica del Teatro Nacional de San Carlos
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Callas, Maria | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

La Divina 2
Maria Callas: La Divina 3
The Very Best Of Maria Callas
Maria Callas, the Voice of the Century
Maria Callas: The Legend

ASIN: B000002RT6
Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

Madama Butterfly: Un bel di, vedremo (Atto ll)
Carmen: L'amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera) (Acte l)
La Wally: Ebben? ne andro lontana (Atto l)
Il Barbiere di Siviglia: Una voce poco fa (Atto l)
Norma: Casta Diva (Atto l)
Samson et Dalila: Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix (Acte ll)
Rigoletto: Caro nome (Atto l)
La Traviata: Sempre libera (Atto l)
Romeo et Juliette: Je veux vivre dans ce reve (Acte l)
La Boheme: Si, mi chiamano Mimi (Atto l)
Don Giovanni: Mi tradi quell'alma ingrata (Atto ll)
Cavalleria Rusticana: Voi lo sapete, o mamma
La Gioconda: Suicidio! (Atto lV)
Gianni Schicchi1: O mio babbino caro
Turandot: In questa reggia (Atto ll)
TOSCA: Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore (Atto ll)

Amazon.com

If you want to know the reason behind all the fuss about Maria Callas, buy this CD. Callas's great gift was not purity of tone or emission, reliability, or sheer loveliness; it was, rather, her ability to change her vocal color and style to suit not only particular periods of opera but to get under the skin of the individual characters she portrayed. Here you will hear the 18-year-old Butterfly imagining the return of her beloved; the sultry, adult Carmen seducing all around her; the youthful Wally telling her cruel father that she will go off into the cold wilderness rather than give up her boyfriend; the sly Rosina planning to outfox her guardian; the priestess Norma performing a sacred rite; Dalila wrapping Samson around her little finger and more; Gioconda contemplating suicide when all hope is gone; Gilda recalling the name of the boy she's just fallen for; and the icy princess Turandot reliving the rape of her ancestor and swearing that no man will possess her. And you'll believe them all. At times Callas's vocalism is a bit wiry (Juliette sounds stressed, for instance); but, in all, this is like a visit with 16 women, all of them interesting, and all of them great singers! --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Landmark Soprano. An essential work for opera listeners........2007-05-26

Maria Callas may be the only female 'superstar' working in my lifetime. In the 1950s and early 1960's, she had all the star power and paparrazi draw of Jackie and Marilyn, far outstripping the fame to the world at large of her primary rival, Renita Tibaldi. I am not an expert, or even an experienced amateur at evaluating operatic sopranos; however I've listened to several of the modern crop, and while the newbies probably do a better job of keeping on key, none of them can match the drama emoted by Ms. Callas on any given aria. All three releases are especially good buys, as they all run to over 72 minutes; however the recording quality does show its early (pre-multitrack, pre-digital) recording technology. Each is as good as the next regarding content, but 2 and 3 are a bit better in sound quality.

Terrific introduction to the art of Callas.......2007-04-24

This album is entitled "Divina," not to be confused with "Divina 2," itself a very nice example of Callas at her best. This CD samples a variety of her roles, indicating the range of her art. A few examples. . . .

"Un bel di" from Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" is very well done. She displays a rich voice and a passionate rendering of this aria. At greater volume, her voice remains under control and attractive sounding (something that does not always occur as her career developed further).

The "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen" is normally a mezzo soprano work. However, Callas features a good lower tone, and it works pretty well here. She shows nice breath control, too. The orchestral backing is exceptional.

"Sempre libera," from Verdi's "La Traviata," is a soprano's dream. Here, though, Callas' voice is not as attractive as in other cuts. There is some harshness with higher notes. Alfredo Kraus' singing, by the way, is most attractive. There is some unpleasantness with Callas technique in this work, although there is a nice characterization as well (this is the price you pay for Callas). She shows off some nice runs, but zero in the way of trills (some other sopranos display nice trills in this piece).

Finally, a very well done version of "Si, mi chiamano Mimi" from Puccini's "La Boheme." Sweet sounds at the outset. She seems to capture the character well. Smooth singing, done well.

Thus, a good introduction to the art of Maria Callas. There are cuts here that feature some of the wondrous nature of her work. There are other cuts where one hears some unattractive aspects of her singing and one wonders about her technique. But, in the end, this is a good representation of the work of Callas.

Callas was the greatest.......2007-02-06

It's amazing how the anti-Callas claquers continue to thrive. I'll side with Leonard Bernstein, who labeled Callas "The Bible of Opera," and who described her 1952 performance of La Sonnambula under his baton as "pure electricity." Unfortunately, recordings don't do justice to any artist, given the lack of spontaneity and a full audience, as well as a host of other reasons. Even Callas withheld many recordings from release because she was her own worst critic and they did not meet her high standards. I've been listening to opera for over 30 years and although I can appreciate the artistry of Tebaldi, Sutherland, Sills, Freni, Carteri, Moffo, Price, etc., some of whom had better pure voices, there was none that could match Maria's intensity, passion, range, personality, acting ability and pure emotion. Callas could sing bel canto colaratura but drop down to a near-mezzo voice that included many dramatic roles.

The Callas bashers will always be with us, but thankfully they will always be in the tiny minority. True connossiers of opera know there never has been and never will be as great a singer as La Divina.

Great starter CD.......2005-11-24

As simplistic as this sounds, this is a perfect CD if you know you like opera, but don't know exactly what you want to hear. You'll definitely recognize some of the more popular arias, and will grow to love the others.

The epitome of divinity.......2005-03-31

Divine and then some.
A unique mezzo voice delivering a 'one-two-three punch': one in the gut, one in the heart and one in the head.
The listener instinctually senses all she imparts-regardless of French,Italian,German literacy or opera knowledge.
Her gifts were many-the 'voice'(simultaneously:sharp,buttery,bright and dark),inimitable phrasing,timing,dramatic intensity and versatility.
A fine jumping off point for Callas neophytes and Opera 'sissies' who say they don't like Opera, but never really listened to any.
For all of us already converted, I say turn it up!

Puccini: Turandot (Complete Opera) Maria Callas; Elisabeth Schwarzkopf: Eugenio Fernandi; Tullio Serafin

Average customer rating:

Callas in Turandot
Despite fine singing, mono sound disappoints
If , and only if, you are a Callas fan: Get this!
The best Liu on disc
A great moment - a revelation

Puccini: Turandot (Complete Opera) Maria Callas; Elisabeth Schwarzkopf: Eugenio Fernandi; Tullio Serafin
Eugenio Fernandi , Giuseppe Nessi , Nicola Zaccaria , Giulio Mauri , Mario Borriello , and Milan Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala Theatre
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Callas, Maria | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Puccini: La Boheme (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Anna Moffo, Antonino Votto, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan
Bizet: Carmen (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Nicolai Gedda, Georges Pretre, Paris Opera Orchestra
Puccini: Madama Butterfly (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Lucia Danieli, Nicolai Gedda, Herbert von Karajan, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan
Puccini: Tosca (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Victor de Sabata, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan
Puccini: Manon Lescaut (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tullio Serafin, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

ASIN: B000002RY0
Release Date: 1997-08-19

Tracks:

Turandot: Act One: Popolo di Pekino!
Turandot: Act One: Padre! Mio padre!
Turandot: Act One: Perduta la battaglia
Turandot: Act One: Gira la cote! Gira!
Turandot: Act One: Perche tarda la luna?
Turandot: Act One: La, sui monti dell'est
Turandot: Act One: O giovinetto!
Turandot: Act One: Figlio, che fai?
Turandot: Act One: Fermo! che fai? T'arresta!
Turandot: Act One: Silenzio, ola!
Turandot: Act One: Guardalo, Pong!
Turandot: Act One: Non indugiare!
Turandot: Act One: Signore, ascolta!
Turandot: Act One: Non piangere, Liu!
Turandot: Act One: Ah! per l'ultima volta!
Turandot: Act Two: Scene One: Ola, Pang! Ola, Pong!
Turandot: Act Two: Scene One: O Cina, o Cina
Turandot: Act Two: Scene One: Ho una casa nell'Honan
Turandot: Act Two: Scene One: O mondo, pieno di pazzi innamorati!
Turandot: Act Two: Scene One: Addio, amore!
Turandot: Act Two: Scene One: Noi si sogna
Turandot: Act Two: Scene Two: Gravi, enormi ed imponenti
Turandot: Act Two: Scene Two: Un giuramento atroce mi costringe
Turandot: Act Two: Scene Two: Diecimila anni ai nostro Imperatore!
Turandot: Act Two: Scene Two: In questa reggia
Turandot: Act Two: Scene Two: Straniero, ascolta! Nella cupa notte
Turandot: Act Two: Scene Two: Guizza al pari di fiamma
Turandot: Act Two: Scene Two: Gelo che ti da foco
Turandot: Act Two: Scene Two: Gloria, o vincitore!
Turandot: Act Two: Scene Two: Figlio del cielo!
Turandot: Act Two: Scene Two: Tre enigmi m'Hai proposto!
Turandot: Act Two: Scene Two: Ai tuoi piedi ci prostriam

Tracks:

Turandot: Act Three: Scene One: Cosi comanda Turandot
Turandot: Act Three: Scene One: Nessun dorma!
Turandot: Act Three: Scene One: Tu che guardi le stelle
Turandot: Act Three: Scene One: Principessa divina!
Turandot: Act Three: Scene One: Quel nome!
Turandot: Act Three: Scene One: L'amore? ... Tanto amore, segreto e inconfessato
Turandot: Act Three: Scene One: Tu, che di gel sei cinta
Turandot: Act Three: Scene One: Liu...bonta!
Turandot: Act Three: Scene One: Principessa di morte!
Turandot: Act Three: Scene One: Che e mai di me? Perduta!
Turandot: Act Three: Scene One: Del primo pianto, si...La mia gloria e il tuo amplesso!
Turandot: Act Three: Scene One: Diecimilla anni al nostro Imperatore!

Amazon.com

This is a would-be classic. The younger, pudgier Maria Callas sang the role of Turandot with a hurricane force that's rarely been equaled. But by 1958--when this recording was made--the slimmer, wiser Callas had less of the vocal power required by the opera's Act II shouting match (also known as "The Riddle Scene"), and the character's simplistic motivation (beheading suitors as a way of not dealing with her sexual frigidity) offered little for her sophisticated theatrical imagination. As the suitor who breaks through her barriers, tenor Eugenio Fernandi is little better than adequate. Elsewhere, there are strong pluses: In the uncharacteristic role of Liu, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf summons the honeyed tone of her earlier years as well as the dramatic specificity of her maturity. Conductor Tullio Serafin gives one of his most individualistic, dramatically memorable interpretations. He never lets you forget this is an ugly story about barbaric people, underscoring Puccini's every dissonance and inspiring a supremely vivid performance from the La Scala chorus. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

Callas in Turandot.......2006-12-03

I would recommend this recording to Callas lovers. It is the only true Turandot available in full form. They claim there is one from 1949 with del Monaco, but it was only partly recorded. This is Callas's only full recording of Turandot, with Serafin conducting, so I would also recommend it to people who love Turandot. Serafin gives an exciting, insightful performance (one of those we rarely get from Serafin) and is very well-done by the Teatro alla Scala's Chorus and Orchestra. This is where the glory ends. Callas's drama is almost undectable, her '47, '48, and '49 Turandots were all about vocal glory, which is something Callas by now is on her way to... redefining. So, she is conserving her voice, something one does not do and pull off a Turandot, unless one is Callas. And here, one is. This is a very good Turandot for collectors, but don't make it your first. For that I would recommend the Turandot with Nilsson and Corelli with Molinari-Pradelli conducting. Quatre stelle!

Despite fine singing, mono sound disappoints.......2006-06-02

Callas fans will want to own this, but I cannot recommend it as a first Turandot. It is an opera of lush orchestration and complex ensembles more than of melodies, and the mono recording just can't handle it; the ear struggles to pick out the different parts, and at times it is impossible even to follow along in the libretto. The chorus in particular tends to disappear in quieter passages, of which there are many. This work cries out for a lush modern stereo recording.

If , and only if, you are a Callas fan: Get this! .......2005-04-14

This recording is only for Callas-fans. Serafin is allways good, but he does nothing spesial here. Schwarzkopf is nothing more than adequat as Liù and the Calaf of Fernandi is not even that.

Even Callas - the only reason to by this set - is in unsteady voce. Here top often gets out of control, and some times it gets really ugly. Listen to the frase "quell grido e quella morte" in "In questa regga": she lacks control here!

But still: If you are - like I am - a fan of Callas, you simply must have this. She may have lost some of the brilliant voce she had before 1955 (give or take a year), but she still is an amazing acter. She colores everything so beautifully, and she gives the unhuman Turandot a human, beleveble "face".

The best Liu on disc.......2005-03-05

This may come as a surprise but I truly believe that Schwarzkopf is the most touching Liu on disc. It is also amazing to realise in this site how many people simply fail to have an opinion of their own regarding the singing and just repeat some classical reviews made by certain People in a certain Era and for certain Reasons which I care not to explain.
All you have to do is play the part where Callas sings the phrase: "Chi posa tanta forza nel tuo core?" and Elisabeth responds: "Principessa, l'amoooreeee" On the word "amore" we have one of the subtlest and most expressive pianissisimi ever made by a human throat. It can melt your heart...it is not a pianisimo made by the singer in order to sound beautiful or to sing a high note that could not be reached forte (like by Caballe whose pianissimi always served her technique and nothing else). It is a pianissimo made by the most profound musicality and the most sensitive intention towards the composer's description of Liu's character. Because Schwarzkopf as well as Callas never sang a pianissimo unless they wanted to say something with it...
This is a heart breaking Liu and I dare to say that the "Cold Diva" is a thousand times warmer and more expressive than supposedly succesful Lius on disc whose singing I find completely COLD. I also believe that this performance is the most mis-judged performance in the 20th century Anyone with a heart remains cold and unmoved by Liu when sung by Caballe or Tebaldi or Gheorghiou...but here! This is so unbelievable touching that it brings tears... The Ultimate Exmaple of Schwarzkopf's lesson in Opera: that precision, accuracy and subtle colors are sometimes enough to reveal the beauty of music.
I won;t even mention Elisabeth's "Tu che di gel" ... it is not necessairy to make my point. Just listen to that phrase:
"Principessa, l'amooooooooooooreeeeeee" and you will realise what makes the difference of a Genius singing.

Callas here sings with more passion that Nilsson did in her entire career. The only rival for this Turandot is Borkh's...

A great moment - a revelation.......2004-10-23

I read all the reviews in this page and hoped for some reason and some musical criticism but as usual with Amazon the negative "reviews" are nothing except insipid, bottom-showing crap. One even plagiarised an entire review from somebody else. One can see how much hatred great talent can provoke. Then the bashing is written in awful grammar and unmusical nonsense is sold as the "truth". If Callas' voice HAD been "weak" and "thin" she could hardly have performed Aida, Tosca, Brünnhilde, Isolde, Kundry and Turandot to great critical acclaim. This Turandor really "bursts with colour" as another reviewer wrote. Schwarzkopf, ever intelligent and idiomatic, redeemed the lovely role of Liu of all the verismo-mannerisms that had plagued it before. Callas, in 1957 her voice was in beautiful shape though not as tough as it used to be, creates the most insightful, impressive Turandot that doesn't merely blow out her guts but shows feeling and emotion to. Listen how she phrases the word "Amore" and be floored by such beauty. Fernandi might not be a Corelli but I found his Prince to be very charming and truly heart-warming. Serafin conducts Puccini to perfection, nobody ever did it as well as he, who had witnessed Puccini himself. Two thumbs up indeed!

Average customer rating:

Well..

Nemesis Divina
Satyricon
Manufacturer: The End Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dark Medieval Times
The Shadowthrone
The Forest Is My Throne
Now, Diabolical
Sons of Northern Darkness

ASIN: B000E1JP1K
Release Date: 2006-02-07

Tracks:

Part I: The Dawn Of A New Age
Part II: Forhekset
Part III: Mother North
Part IV: Du Som Hater Gud
Part V: Immortality Passion
Part VI: Nemesis Divina
Part VII: Transcendental Requiem Of Slaves

Album Description

A timeless classic, Satyricon's third album (1996) remains a cornerstone of Norwegian black metal excellence.

Customer Reviews:

Well.........2007-01-29

I may as well review anD Listen to this stuff since I'm not loved. well. So these guys are actually knowldgeable appearing. A blAck masS mockiNg?Catchy?Check out thE title track. That's what it is. Another "FeuerstuRm"compilatioN piece. stRiKing coveR."Nemesis DivINa." I think I'lL bob my heAd.

Average customer rating:

Operatic icon. Performer against which others are measured.
La Divina set the stage
The queen of opera
Essential!
The entire La Divina series is AMAZING!

La Divina 2

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Maria Callas - La Divina
Maria Callas: La Divina 3
Maria Callas: The Legend
The Very Best Of Maria Callas
Maria Callas: The Platinum Collection

ASIN: B000002RTT
Release Date: 1994-07-19

Tracks:

Alceste: Divinites du Styx Acte 1
Carmen: Les tringles des sistres tintaient Acte ll
Ernani: Surta e la notte......Ernani! Ernani, involami Atto l
Manon Lescaut: In quelle trine morbide Atto ll
Aida: Ritorna vincitor Atto l
Orphee et Eurydice: J'ai perdu mon Eurydice Acte lV
I vespri siciliana: Bolero: Merce, dilette amiche Atto V
Louise: Depuis le jour Acte lll
La Boheme: Donde lieta usci Atto lll
Mignon: Ah, pour ce soir...Je suis Titania Acte ll
La Traviata: Teneste la promessa...Addio, del passato Atto lll
Don Carlo: O don fatale Atto lll
Samson et Dalila: Printemps qui commence Acte l
La Sonnambula: Compagne, teneri amici...Come per me sereno Atto l
Adriana Lecouvreur: Ecco: respiro appena...Io son 'lumile ancella Atto l
Lucia di Lammermoor: Spargi d'amaro pianto Atto lll

Customer Reviews:

Operatic icon. Performer against which others are measured........2007-05-26

Maria Callas may be the only female operatic 'superstar' working in my lifetime. In the 1950s and early 1960's, she had all the star power and paparrazi draw of Jackie and Marilyn, far outstripping the fame to the world at large of her primary rival, Renita Tibaldi. I am not an expert, or even an experienced amateur at evaluating operatic sopranos; however I've listened to several of the modern crop, and while the newbies probably do a better job of keeping on key, none of them can match the drama emoted by Ms. Callas on any given aria. All three releases are especially good buys, as they all run to over 72 minutes; however the recording quality does show its early (pre-multitrack, pre-digital) recording technology. Each is as good as the next regarding content, but 2 and 3 are a bit better in sound quality.

La Divina set the stage.......2007-01-05

Maria Callas, as I understand it (I'm not a music expert), helped create a new interest in the bel canto tradition of Donizetti and Bellini at mid-twentieth century. This album represents those composers, plus many others as well.

Callas' range in choice of operatic material is great indeed. Selections on this CD run from Gluck to Donizetti to Bizet and Puccini. Her voice, uneven on occasion, does not define her importance. As noted, she helped spark a renewed interest in bel canto works. The irony is that she did not have great coloratura skills. In the selection from Lucia di Lammermoor, a trill is scarcely heard. Think a few years later, to Joan Sutherland, later still to Beverly Sills, and more recently to sopranos such as Angela Gheorghiu. They all have much better technique, trill well, and exhibit much more agile coloratura singing. But Callas was an important predecessor.

More important than technique is the passion that many heard in her voice and her presence on stage. This is a good introduction to the range of Callas' repertoire and a reminder of this fiery singer from decades ago.

The queen of opera.......2004-05-16

Absolutely beautiful! Divine is the only word to do her justice! Viva La Divina, BRAVISSIMA!

Essential!.......2004-04-04

All three La Divina Albums are essential indeed! I bought them all and enjoy them! A very beautiful, dramatic voice!

The entire La Divina series is AMAZING!.......2004-02-26

I bought all three La Divina Releases and they're all splendid. Brilliant, for Callas and beyond!

Average customer rating:

From a music lover, not a critic
Masur - Champion of Liszt

Liszt: Works for Piano and Orchestra

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works
Strauss: Orchestral Works
Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies & Tone Poems
Symphonies 1-3 / Piano Concerto 1-4 / Isle of Dead
Liszt: Piano Works

ASIN: B0000BWTKK
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

No.1 Ce Qu'On Entend Sur La Montagne After Hugo, S95
No.2 Tasso: Lamento E Trionfo After Byron, S96
No.3 Les Preludes After Lamartine, S97
No.4 Orpheus, S98

Tracks:

No.5 Prometheus, S99
No.6 Mazeppa After Hugo, S100
No.7 Festklange, S101
No.8 Heroide Funebre, S102
Mephisto Waltz No.2, S111

Tracks:

No.9 Hungaria, S103
No.10 Hamlet After Shakespeare, S104
No.11 Hunnenschlacht After Kaulbach, S105
No.12 Die Ideale After Schiller, S106

Tracks:

Die Wiege
Der Kampf Um's Dasein
Zum Grabe (Die Wiege Des Zukunftigen Lebens)
I: Faust
II: Gretchen
III: Mephistopheles Schlusschor/Final Chorus/Choeur Final: Alles Vergangliche Ist Nur Ein Gleichnis

Tracks:

I: Der Nachtliche Zug
II: Der Tanz In Der Dorfschenke (Mephisto Waltz No.1)
I: Inferno
II: Purgatorio

Tracks:

Allegro Maestoso
Quasi Adagio
Allegretto Vivace - Allegro Animato
Allegro Marziale Animato
Adagio Sostenuto Assai
Allegro Agitato Assai
Allegro Moderato
Allegro Deciso
Marziale Un Poco Meno Allegro
Allegro Animato
Schubert: Wanderer-Fantasie, D760, S366
Weber: Polonaise Brillante 'L'Hilarite', J268, S367

Tracks:

Fantasie Uber Ungarische Volksmelodien, S123
Fantasie Uber Motive Aus Beethovens 'Ruinen Von Athen', S122
Grande Fantaisie Symphonique Sur Des Themes De 'Lelio' De Berlioz, S120
Malediction, S121
Totentanz, Paraphrase Uber 'Dies Irae', S126

Customer Reviews:

From a music lover, not a critic.......2007-04-10

Many of these performances are new to me. That is the beauty of being 59 years old and still learning. My knowledge of classical music is based on what moves me. While others talk about all the other versions and other conductors, I just want to let other people know that these recordings give me great pleasure. While some may find Michel Beroff to be less than adequate, I enjoy his renditions of the piano concertos. I have heard other renditions and find that they all have their places. These concertos move me a great deal. That is my only criteria.

Masur - Champion of Liszt.......2003-12-19

Before he became the embattled leader of the New York Philharmonic, Kurt Masur made a name for himself by making brilliant recordings with the Gewandhaus-Orchester Leipzig, these Liszt Orchestral Works foremost among them. It is delightful to have these recordings in print again, and for them all to be collected on seven discs in an inch-thick paper box set is even better. Masur's performances of the "Tone Poems" in particular rank among the best of all-time, along with Haitink and Golovanov in my opinion (see my review of the latter on his "Great Conductors of the 20th Century" title). Also included in this set are the works for Piano and Orchestra, and while Michel Beroff's renditions don't quite measure up to my favorite accounts by Arrau, Cliburn, Janis, Katchen, Richter or Zimerman, they are certainly first-rate. Oddly, my only complaint is that EMI seems to have taken the "slim" out of slim, paper-sleeved box sets with their latest batch of releases. Both this title and the new "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist" box are noticeably thicker than previous EMI sets featuring a similar number of discs. A minor point, but us serious classical collectors need every centimeter of space on our increasingly crowded CD shelves.

Puccini: Turandot (Highlights) / Karajan, Domingo

Average customer rating:

Heart wrenching!

Puccini: Turandot (Highlights) / Karajan, Domingo

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Puccini: Tosca (Highlights) / Freni, Pavarotti
Verdi: Nabucco (Highlights) / Sinopoli, Domingo
Verdi - La Traviata / Cotrubas, Domingo, Kleiber [highlights]
Puccini - La Bohème / Freni, Pavarotti, Harwood, Berlin Phil., Karajan [Highlights]
Puccini: Turandot (Highlights) / Mehta, Sutherland

ASIN: B000001GG2
Release Date: 1992-06-16

Tracks:

Turandot: Act One: 'Gira la cote!'
Turandot: Act One: 'Perche tarda la luna?'
Turandot: Act One: 'La, sui monti dell'Est'
Turandot: Act One: 'O giovinetto! Grazia!'
Turandot: Act One: 'La grazia, Principessa!' - 'O Divina bellezza'
Turandot: Act One: 'Signore, ascolta!'
Turandot: Act One: 'Non piangere, Liu!'
Turandot: Act One: 'Ah! Per l'ultima volta!'
Turandot: Act Two: 'In questa Reggia!'
Turandot: Act Two: 'Straniero, ascolta' - 'SRinasce!'
Turandot: Act Two: 'Guizza al pari di fiamma' - 'Si, Principessa'
Turandot: Act Two: 'Gelo che ti da foco' - 'La mia vittoria'
Turandot: Act Two: 'Figlio del cielo'
Turandot: Act Two: 'No, no, Principessa altera!'
Turandot: Act Two: 'Ai tuoi piedi ei prostriam'
Turandot: Act Three: 'Nessun dorma!'
Turandot: Act Three: 'Quel nome!' - 'Tanto amore segreto' - 'Tu che di gel sei cinta'
Turandot: Act Three: 'C'era negli occhi tuoi'
Turandot: Act Three: 'Diecimila anni'

Customer Reviews:

Heart wrenching!.......2002-07-05

I purchased this recording to get another perspective on some of the famous arias from Turandot. I had already owned the famous highlights recording with Sutherland, Pavarotti and Caballe, and had become thoroughly enamored with the opera through that recording.

In particular, I look to the end of the first act, beginning with "Non piangere, Liu", and also "Nessun Dorma", as my primary highlights by which to make comparisons. This recording with Domingo compares very favorably to the Pavarotti disc. In fact, I prefer Domingo's Nessun Dorma over Pavarotti's. Domingo's voice has more color and more expressiveness. Pavarotti holds that last high B for a thrillingly long time, and that is his primary advantage, but Domingo pulls at my heart in a way that Pavarotti does not.

Regarding the end of the first act, the tempo on this disc is slower than on the Sutherland, Pavarotti, etc. disc. Here Karajan is responsible for providing the increased dramatic tension. When the famous three gongs sound indicating that Calaf will take on Turandont's challenge, I crumple. I will sometimes listen to this disc and compare it to the other Turandot highlight disc. I find both of them to be emotionally compelling and yet they are significantly different. I am glad to own both of them.

Tracks:

'La Mamma Morta'
'O Nume Tutelar'
'Je Ne Suis Que Faiblesse... Adieu, Notre Petit Table'
'Oh, Saro La Piu Bella... Tu, Tu Amore?'
Seguedille: 'Pres Des Remparts De Seville'
'Dunque Io Son'
'Dov' E L'Indiana Bruna?'
'Qui Radames Verra!... O Patria Mia'
'O Soave Fanciulla'
'Signore, Ascolta!'
'Qual Fiamma Avea Nel Guardo...Hui!' Stridono Lassu'
'D'Amor Sull' Ali Rosee'
'Vogliatemi Bene, Un Bene Piccolino'
'Ombra Leggiera'

Customer Reviews:

Landmark Soprano. Essential for Opera lovers.......2007-05-26

music lover.......2007-04-22

I got this for a friend and she was happy with it. I didn't care for it personally.

Wonderful conclusion of the La Divina Series.......2004-11-06

Before buying this recording one should check how many of Callas' EMI-recordings are in one's collection because the La Divina Series aren't independent recitals Callas recorded but very good compilations of her great art. This recording starts out with the piece that is famous beyond all other recordings, Callas singing "La mamma morta" from "Andrea Chenier" as used in the fantastic movie "Philadelphia". Tom Hanks' reaction to this voice is not uncommon for Callas goes straight to the heart and will remain there forevermore. Her tormented timbre as Maddalena is so intense, it'll make you weep. Being recorded as part of her glorious "Lyric and coloratura arias" recital this shows Callas in her prime, the prime we know from her divine Tosca for example. "Io son la vita, io son L'amor!" Callas sings, her voice soaring to the stars. Tom Hanks was crying when he listened to this, this true divine sound. The next track is from the "Callas at La Scala" recital, Spontini's forgotten "La Vestale". Only Maria Callas and Rosa Ponselle triumphed in this role and listening to this recording you'll understand why. "O numi tutelar", Giulia's plea to the gods to protect her from her love for Licinius because she's a Vestal Virgin and therefore has to remain chaste. Incredibly beautiful and phrased to perfection. How sad that her complete live-recording is not in good sound because this studio-gem shows what a triumph it could have been.
The next track features her in the French music that suits her best, the music of Massenet. Manon's "Adieu notre petite table" is a famous aria as performed by Victoria de los Angeles, Ileana Cotrubas, Renee Fleming or Beverly Sills. Callas truly sounds like she's nothing but "faiblesse et fragilité" here, one barely hears the voice of Medea or Norma in this gentle sound. I love her as Charlotte as well as Manon, both characters suited her incredibly well.
As if to invite comparisons we hear her as the "other" Manon next, the Manon as composed by Puccini. Listen to her "Ah! Saro la piu bella!" sung with all the shallow colours of a luxury-ridden mistress whose voice only sounds fully coloured as her beloved appears. (Tu, tu, amore tu?) Callas and di Stefano had a great chemistry, in the studio as well as on stage and this can be heard incredibly well here.
It goes on and on with sparkling renditions of Lakme's and Dinorah's arias, as well as a beautiful "D'amor sul'ali rosee". Björling once said: "Perfection has a name. It's Callas!" And Gigli, when singing a concert with her explained why he couldn't sing a duet with her: "I'm afraid she's just TOO good!" Callas and controversy go hand in hand. Bernstein called her "The greatest artist in the world!" and I, as a mere listener, agree heartily.

A milestone!.......2004-02-26

I bought all three La Divina Releases and they're all splendid. Brilliant, for Callas and beyond!

Wow im the first to review this masterpiece.......2001-01-11

This CD has two of the best arias every Callas fan should have....the bell song and la mamma morta these arias alone make this cd worth it....she shows her true power and agility in both of these arias that display what is called perfect technique....making her a true Dramatic Colortura singer...and maybe the only real one...but this cd has more it contains an aria from her famous role of Nedda from Pagliacci which she never did on stage so this is a real treat... and her Carmen is always perfectly done...this cd runs through so many beautiful arias and Callas did great in all of them...this is why we call her La Divina

Average customer rating:

NOT the best Dante on Record!
Daniel Barenboim's best effort!
Liszt's symphonic masterpiece
Best "Dante" on record

Liszt:Dante Symphony

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Busoni: Violin Concerto, Violin Sonata No.2
Dukas: Symphony in C; La Peri; Sorcerer's Apprentice

ASIN: B000000SHX
Release Date: 1994-06-07

Tracks:

Dante Symphony, S 109 'Eine Symphonie zu Dantes Divina Commedia': I Inferno
Dante Symphony, S 109 'Eine Symphonie zu Dantes Divina Commedia': II Purgatorio
Dante Symphony, S 109 'Eine Symphonie zu Dantes Divina Commedia': Magnificat
Dante Sonata, S 161, No. 7 'Apres une lecture du Dante': Fantasia quasi Sonata

Customer Reviews:

NOT the best Dante on Record!.......2003-12-22

This recording is good, but James Conlon's version on the Erato Label is THE BEST, thus far, and the one to beat. This is unquestionably a major masterpiece by Liszt and along with the Faust Symphony they are the most advanced harmonically and profound emotionally of all symphonies penned in the Mid-Romantic Era. Daniel's Dante sonata is down right dull, and since other versions of the symphony are superior and since the other reviewers here kicked the overall vote way too high I must give it 2 stars. It could have gotten 3 otherwise.

Daniel Barenboim's best effort!.......2003-03-11

I have to confess that I don't like Daniel Barenboim as pianist very much. Especially, in Beethoven.
Anyway, I find "Dante Symphony" with him as conductor simply breathtaking!
Barenboim conducting here is really magnificent!
He expresses the horror of mournful damned, the unsufferable infernal tortures, and at the end, the Devil himself approaching to you! His "Inferno" is so full of demonic strenght, passion, the "Paolo e Francesca" noble episode is terrifing peaceful and idyllic. "Purgatorio" movement is so incredibly contemplative, mysterious, but what I find is really unbelievable is his "Magnificat"! The women chorus is so angelic and extremely pure,luminous, but also a little bit sorrowful. After all, is quite impossible to describe a place like this, especially for the miserable human being...
From the other hand, Liszt is more closer to the heaven than any other else!

To sum up, I warmly advice you to get this CD! Is much, much better than the Decca's one with Lopez-Cobos, as well as Sinopoli's one on Deutsche Grammophon.

Barenboim's great talent is shown just in this Symphony! I have also to praise him for having "discovered" this inexplicably neglected Liszt's Masterpiece. Bravo Daniel!

Liszt's symphonic masterpiece.......2002-05-09

After reading an excellent biography about Franz Liszt by Alan Walker (a 3-volume effort well worth reading), I naturally became even more interested in Liszt's music. Liszt was a very generous, kind and religious man in addition to being a genius of musical romanticism in the 19th century. I was not disappointed with this performance. It is excellent and inspiring, plus it captures the essence of Dante's horrific and heavenly visions. Casting about for something negative to say about this CD, I can only come up with this: There are a couple of odd humming or grunting sounds (very subtle but audible) that can be heard in the opening movement (Inferno). My guess is the conductor (Barenboim) gets a bit carried away and forgets he's being recorded. Maybe it's not him....but after repeated listenings I sort of liked that he was so enamoured by the score that he joins in. Again, this is a trivial detail that I should perhaps not even mention.

Of the three movements, the 'Inferno' opening will probably be most instantly liked. The Paolo/Francesca love theme is only paralleled by Tchaikovsky's 'Francesca da Rimini.' No doubt Tchaikovsky was inspired by Liszt's work. Listen for the mocking harp at the end of the doomed lover's interlude. I didn't think harps could sound evil, but this one does. And the ending...wow...it contains an amalghem of intensely insane passions running amok. It is almost obscenely beautiful.

Purgatory is excellent and well played here. It is very contemplative and introspective in nature and I love it.

Liszt felt that no mortal could adequately capture Heaven, so he called the last movement "Magnificat." He was being too modest. It is gorgeous, wonderful music. Only Bach came as close to capturing it's nature. Buy this CD...I think you will agree.

Best "Dante" on record.......2001-06-28

This is the "Dante" Symphony to beat. I've never heard a better performance, either live or on record. Highest recommendation.

Average customer rating:

Liszt program music
Marvellous Recording

Liszt: Préludes No3; Faust Symphony

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Schoenberg: The String Quartets
Liszt: Complete Symphonic Poems (Box Set)
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Liszt: The Complete Etudes
Liszt: The Two Piano Concertos; The Piano Sonata

ASIN: B00004TTIM
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

A Faust Symphony, S108: I. Faust - Seigfried Jerusalem
A Faust Symphony, S108: II. Gretchen - Seigfried Jerusalem
A Faust Symphony, S108: III. Mephistopheles & Final Chorus - Seigfried Jerusalem

Tracks:

Les Preludes, S97 - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prometheus, S99 - London Philharmonic Orchestra
A Symphony To Dante's 'Divine Comedy', S109: I. Inferno - L'Orchestre De La Suisse Romande
A Symphony To Dante's 'Divine Comedy', S109: II. Purgatorio - L'Orchestre De La Suisse Romande
A Symphony To Dante's 'Divine Comedy', S109: Alternative Ending - Deuxieme Finale - Zweiter Schluss - L'Orchestre De La Suisse Romande

Customer Reviews:

Liszt program music.......2005-11-13

On this disk are three separate orchestras under various conductors, all of famous symphonic works by Franz Liszt. The Faust Symphony from 1986, the symphonic poems from 1978 (analogue), and the Dante Symphony from 1982.

Liszt's Faust Symphony is really three character studies, from Goethe's drama of the same name, rather than a traditional symphony. The story is about Johann Faustus, a man who makes a pact with the devil in order to have all his desires satisfied, at the expense of his soul. Eventually Faust falls in love with Gretchen and their love saves his soul. The movements of the symphony portray the three characters mentioned: I. Faust, II. Gretchen, and III. Mephistopheles, with a coda adding organ, solo tenor, and men's chorus to the orchestra. The Faust movement could be a work in and of itself, totaling approximately 30 minutes, and encompassing a wide range of motives and emotions. One critic labeled the 5 motives as "passion, pride, longing, triumph, and love. The first theme is a craggy one with odd intervals (often called the first 12-note tone row) and the other themes are evocative of their titles. The music is an easy view of the influence of Liszt upon Richard Strauss; the imaginative thematic material and the dramatic program music and orchestrations are all very suggestive of what will become R. Strauss. The Gretchen movement shows Liszt as a master orchestrator and forward-looking composer. While the second movement is lyrical in nature, Liszt creates various chamber ensembles and keeps changing the instrumentation of those groupings. The best example is after the brief woodwind introduction, a solo viola and solo oboe have a duet with a sort of peasant dance feel, then in comes the solo clarinet, flute, and violin, and a new chamber ensemble take over. Very interesting music. The Mephistopheles movement is a scherzo, utilizing all of the themes from the previous movements, but casting a crooked view of those melodies. While Mephistopheles gets a creepy scherzo theme, he also revels in a triumphant theme as well as a dance-like 6/8 theme. It is a movement of masterful design and an interesting take on Mephistopheles. The work concludes on a positive note. The male chorus and tenor solo (here sung by Placido Domingo) comment on the lesson to be learned from the story. It gives a mysterious, yet glorious conclusion to this epic work. Faust Symphony, like Les Preludes, has a lot of inventive and memorable melodies. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Sir Georg Solti give a clean performance with few to no loose ends. First class performance.

The two symphonic poems Les Preludes and Prometheus have not had such impassioned performances such as this one of the London Philharmonic under Sir Georg Solti. The famous Les Preludes has such great motives of many moods: passion, pastoral, triumphant; and all so inventive. Solti perhaps takes the maestoso a bit too "Maestoso", but exhilarating nonetheless. Prometheus, lesser known, is also very fiery, with occasional instrumental recitatives of lyricism. The playing is excellent all around, and the music is captiviating.

Liszt's Dante Symphony, based on Dante's Divine Comedy, is played here under Jesus Lopez Cobos with the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande. In two movements (Inferno and Purgatorio), this is a work not nearly as popular or as fleshed out as the other works on this disk. Certainly not as thematic, but instead, Liszt creates musical depictions of the places described. The Inferno begins just that way, with wild playing by Cobos, and eventually descends into lyricism. Purgatorio begins off-kilter and unresolved with solos for harp, while the middle section is chorale-like. It ends with a view of heaven with the heavenly chorus singing a portion of the Magnificat. The forward looking harmonies make a dramatic and interesting depiction of heaven. Included is Liszt's alternate loud ending as well. While an aggressive interpretation, the brass cannot stand up to the other orchestras represented on this CD, with occasional tuning issues. Compare this Dante with the one offered on Teldec under Barenboim and the Berlin Philharmonic. That said, this is a fiery interpretation and the ending is particularly well played.

Three separate fiery performances of 4 Liszt symphonic works is hard to beat. Even with the Dante Symphony not attaining the heighest of heights, this disk is an excellent buy. Compare these works to those released on Teldec under Barenboim and the symphonic poems to that on Sony under Mehta and this 2 for 1 CD is a bargain.

Marvellous Recording.......2004-01-06

This was done during Solti's award-winning streak days. The celebrated Solti-CSO partnership at its best. The orchestra is thrilling in Liszt masterpiece. You haven't heard Faust Symphony if you haven't heard Solti.

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