Le Souvenir

On this CD:

1. Le drapeau de Carillon, for voice & piano
Composed by Charles W. Sabatier
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

2. Le grillon, for voice & piano
Composed by Antoine Dessane
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

3. Vir' de bord mon ami Pierre, for voice & piano
Composed by Emmanuel Blain de St. Aubin
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

4. Mon bouquet, for voice & piano
Composed by Achille Fortier
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

5. Andalouse, for voice & piano
Composed by Calixa Lavallee
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

6. Le souvenir, for voice & piano
Composed by Guillaume Couture
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

7. Novembre, for voice & piano
Composed by Ernest Lavigne
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

8. Oh! What a Difference Since the Hydro Came, for voice & piano
Composed by Claud L. Graves
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

9. Your Eyes Have Told Me What I Did Not Know, for voice & piano
Composed by Geoffrey O'Hara
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

10. The World is Waiting for the Sunrise
Composed by Ernst Seitz
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

11. Lest You Forget, for voice & piano
Composed by William Eckstein
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

12. S'Nice, for voice & piano
Composed by William Eckstein
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

13. The Fairy Song, for voice & piano
Composed by Stephen Codman
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

14. Summer and Winter, ballad for voice & piano
Composed by James Paton Clarke
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

15. The Wings of Song, for voice & piano
Composed by Samuel Prowse Warren
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

16. I Am Waiting for Thee, for voice & piano
Composed by Edwin Gledhill
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

17. Serenade, for voice & piano
Composed by Gena Branscombe
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

18. Sonnet, for voice & piano
Composed by Ernest MacMillan
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

19. Were I But Crazy for Love's Sake, for voice & piano
Composed by Ernest MacMillan
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

20. Lucas et Cécile, opera (incomplete) Non, maman
Composed by Joseph Quesnel
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

21. La veuve, operetta Act 1: Duet, Oh, Trust My Love
Composed by Calixa Lavallee
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

22. Torquil, opera-oratorio The Happy Birds
Composed by Charles A. E. Harriss
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

23. Le fétiche, operetta J'ai pour maison
Composed by Joseph Vezina
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

24. Leo the Royal Cadet, opera Recitative/Duet
Composed by Oscar Telgmann
Performed by Russell Braun, Sally Dibblee, Carolyn Maule

Le Souvenir, Music, Russell Braun, Emmanuel Blain de St. Aubin, Gena Branscombe, James Paton Clarke, Stephen Codman, Guillaume Couture, Antoine Dessane, William Eckstein, Achille Fortier, Edwin Gledhill, Claud L. Graves, Charles A. E. Harriss, Calixa Lavallee, Ernest Lavigne, Ernest MacMillan, Geoffrey O'Hara, Joseph Quesnel, Charles W. Sabatier, Ernst Seitz, Oscar Telgmann, Joseph Vezina, Samuel Prowse Warren, Carolyn Maule, Sally Dibblee, 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard, Art Song (General), Choral, Classical, Classical Period Opera, Miscellaneous, Miscellaneous Music, Opera, Operetta, Oratorio, Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard, Romantic Opera, Vocal

Delibes - Lakmé / Mesplé, Burles, Soyer, Millet, Opéra-Comique, Lombard [highlights]
Average customer rating:

Great treat for the musical omnivore

Delibes Lakme

did not order

Lakme

Classic Lakme

Delibes - Lakmé / Mesplé, Burles, Soyer, Millet, Opéra-Comique, Lombard [highlights]
Léo Delibes , Choeurs et Orcestre du Théâtre National de l'Opéra-Comique , Alain Lombard , Mady Mesplé , Danielle Millet , Charles Burles , Roger Soyer , and Jean-Christophe Benoît
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Delibes: Lakme (Highlights) / Sutherland, Bonynge

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ASIN: B000002S1Q
Release Date: 1990-05-15

Tracks:

Lakme: Prelude
Lakme: Act I: Duettino: 'Viens, Mallika...'
Lakme: Act I: Air: 'Prendre Le dessin...' (Gerald)
Lakme: Act I: Recit Et Strophes: 'Les Fleurs Me Paraissent Plus Belles' (Lakme)
Lakme: Act I: Duo: 'D'ou Viens-Tu?' (Lakme, Gerald)
Lakme: Act II: Stances: 'C'est Un Pauvre Qui Medie ... Lakme, Ton Doux Regard Se Voile' (Nilakantha)
Lakme: Act II: Scene De La Legende De La Fille Du Paria (Air Des Clochettes): 'Par Les Dieux Inspires ... Ou Va La Jeune Hindoue' (Nilakantha, Lakme)
Lakme: Act II: Duo: 'Lakem, Lakme, C'est Toi' (Gerald, Lakme)
Lakme: Act III: Berceuse: 'Sous Le Ciel Tout Etoile' (Lakme)
Lakme: Act III: Recitatif Et Cantiene: 'Quel Vague Souvenir...' (Lakme, Gerald, Frederic, Nilakantha, Choeur)
Lakme: Duo et finale: 'Tu M'as Donne Le Plus Doux Reve' (Lakme, Gerald, Nilakantha)

Customer Reviews:

Great treat for the musical omnivore.......2007-05-18

'Lakme', a lesser known work by Leo Delibes is not 19th Century opera at it's zenith, but then who wants to listen to 'Tannheuser' or 'Aida' all the time. For those like me who enjoy poking around some of the less familiar corners of world music, this is a great find. It has lots of the same feel of later, 20th century stage music, and the French is a nice change from the German and Italian heaviweights. It also has a few of the very nicest operatic duets in this collection of highlights.

Delibes Lakme.......2007-05-13

The music was beautiful and haunting. I am especially fond of Flower Duet and have loved it from the first time I heard it some years ago. This whole recording is great and I have much enjoyed it!

did not order.......2007-03-11

I did not order anything and did not receive anything and i told my credit card company to put the charge in "debate"
murray coe

Lakme.......2006-01-14

Mady Mesple is simply the best for this role. Yes, Joan Sutherland is known for this song (and I love Sutherland), but I have to say this opera is Mady's. When I hear the Bell Song sung by Mady - chills go up my spine. Definitely a keeper!

Classic Lakme .......2003-07-07

Mady Mesple in her signature role - she made her debut in 1953
in Lakme and has been considered one of the best exponent of
the role throughout her distinguised carreer. The archetype of
the light french coloratura soprano - the voice is small and
slightly tremoulous but well focused and her technical assu-
rance (stupendous high notes) refined musicianship and idioma-
tic phrasing make for a highly polished performance. Charles
Burles is light and musical and blends exquisitely with Mesple
in their duets while Roger Soyer's rich voice makes him a
strong presence. The supporting cast is in very capable hands.
Well recorded and conducted - a classic performance indeed.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful, beautiful music!
A very powerful performance
Shock treatment
Doesn't quite make it
An exuberant blazing Gottchalk interpretation

Louis Moreau Gottschalk: Piano Music

Manufacturer: Naxos American
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008OP1W
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

Le Banjo, Fantaisie Grotesque, Op. 15
Bamboula, Danse De Negres, Op. 2
Le Bananier, Chanson Negre, Op. 5
La Savane, Ballade Creole, Op. 3
Tremolo, Grande Etude De Concert, Op. 58
La Jota Aragonesa, Caprice Espagnol, Op. 14
Manchega, Etude De Concert, Op. 38
Souvenirs D'Andalousie, Caprice De Concert Sur La Cana, Op. 22
Souvenir De Porto Rico, Marche Des Gibaros, Op. 31
L'etincelle, La Scintilla, Op. 20
La Gallina, Op. 53
Suis-moi!, Caprice, Op. 45
Pasquinade, Caprice, Op. 59
Tournament Galop
The Dying Poet, Meditation
The Union, Paraphrase De Concert On The National Airs Star Spangled Banner, Yankee Doodle, And Hail Columbia, Op. 48

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful, beautiful music!.......2007-07-07

Listening to this Gottschalk CD hs been a truly rewarding experience. We listen to it everyday, so I'm sure we will be purchasing more of his music.

A very powerful performance.......2006-12-15

June 7, 2003
This is a very powerful performance by Licad, the first in a long
while. I had a chance to compare her recording with an earlier
recording of Gottschalk's piano works by another (relatively unknown)
pianist, and I must say that the latter recording pales miserably
in comparison to Licad's. Listening to Licad play in this recording,
I can't help but be reminded of Vladimir Horowitz's piano performances
during his heyday. Licad and Horowitz have very similar touch, intensity,
technical prowess and dynamic range. There are 16 piano works works in
this recording, and I must say that all are top caliber performances,
with the possible exception of track #9, Souvenirs de Porto Rico,
Marche de Gibaros, Op.31, where Licad seems to have missed a few
notes and desynchronized the rhythm in a few places. My favorites
are tracks #5 (Tremolo, Grande Etude de Concert), #7 (Manchega,
Etude de Concert), and track #14 (Tournament Galop); in the last
one, you can almost see and hear the horses galloping around the
race track. With the price ... this recording is a genuine steal.
However, I am still waiting to hear Licad play a Liszt, Brahms,
Prokofoiev or Bartok, where I believe we can really hear Horowitz
come alive.

Shock treatment.......2005-04-11

There are plenty of other pianists who have played Gottschalk's music. These include Eugene List, Alan Mandel, John Arpin, Alan Marks, Philip Martin, and my favorite, Michael Lewin.

This disc has a very good selection of Gottschalk's music. Still, I do not always like Licad's interpretations of his works. Nor is her playing especially clean.

Le banjo, an excellent piece, is played too fast. Give this lady a speeding ticket! Bamboula is played unusually slowly, and there are even a couple of presumably intentional minor errors in rhythm in it. I think it is okay to play parts of it slowly, as Licad did, for dramatic effect, but I am not overly impressed by her performance of it.

When we reach another fine piece, La Savane, the intentional errors in rhythm get worse. I have never heard La Savane played like this before, and I don't like it.

Next is Tremolo. I think Licad does a fine job on this one, both technically and interpretively. And I also like her interpretations of Manchega and The Dying Poet.

Souvenir de Porto Rico is perhaps Gottschalk's best work, and it is technically very difficult. This would have been a great opportunity for Licad to show that she can handle the task. But she chose to do otherwise. It is disappointing.

Most of this disc is simply not Gottschalk as it ought to be played. If someone unfamiliar with Gottschalk wanted to listen to a CD with some of Gottschalk's best works on it, I'd normally recommend one with this set of pieces. But I certainly wouldn't recommend this. I'll give it two stars just for Tremolo, and one more for shock value.

Doesn't quite make it.......2003-11-11

Cecile Licad is a fine pianist, but she's not right for this. Maybe she's trying to put too much "Artistry" into these instead of virtuosic fire, although perversely she plays some pieces too fast. This is still quite nice, considering the low price, but don't throw away your old Leonard Pennario LP's.

An exuberant blazing Gottchalk interpretation.......2003-09-19

Ms. Licad's Gottchalk interpretations on her latest CD is a pioneering effort in presenting the essential Gottchalk. She could have opted for the "safe and traditional " molded from other previous interpretations. But on this CD, she has opened a whole new world about the possibilities of Gottchalk's music who typifies the wondrous cultural influences here in the United States. Her performance is riveting, exuberant, blazing,virtuosic and always with a keen individual musicality that manages to always pay homage to what is essentially Gottchalk's. That is a feat in itself. I highly recommend this CD which should be CD of the Year.
Noel

Average customer rating:

A worthwhile contribution to musical history
Just plain fun
Enjoyable and Fun Taste of America!
Weak Music
light, fun music

Gottschalk: A Night in the Tropics

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Galops | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004D3IV
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

Celebre Tarantelle, Op. 67, No.5
Souvenir de Porto Rico, Marche des Gibaros
The Dying Poet, Meditation
Tournament Galop
O! ma charmante
Le Bananier, Chanson Negre
Manchega, Etude de Concert
Celebre Tarantelle, Op. 67, No.4
Berceuse (Cradle Song)
Symphonie romantique, 'A Night In The Tropics': I Noche en los Tropicos
Symphonie romantique, 'A Night In The Tropics': II Festa Criolla

Customer Reviews:

A worthwhile contribution to musical history.......2006-06-29

The reviewers who complain of "naive" and "weak" orchestration should read the liner notes. The orchestrations are not Gottschalk's, mostly, but those of Richard Rosenberg, artistic director of the Hot Springs Music Festival. And while it may seem easy to blast Rosenberg, Gottschalk was no master of orchestration himself. I played in the Hot Springs Music Festival Orchestra this summer, including recording more Gottschalk (as well as Nazareth and Bares) for Naxos, and I promise that Gottschalk's treatment of Mehul's "Grande Chasse de Jeune Henri," which will soon be released on Naxos, will leave no doubt in your mind that Gottschalk was right to restrict most of his activity to the piano. (More proof that Gottschalk was indeed the the "Chopin of the Creoles")
At any rate, this series of recordings seems to me a worthwhile historical project. There is some really beautiful music on these discs, in addition to some music that really need never have been revived. In any case, the listener to this disc will find some enjoyment, little offense, and much food for thought about the development of American musical culture.

Just plain fun.......2004-12-13

I'm not sure how other reviewers could have found this music weak and naive--too much Schönberg, maybe? Or maybe they were trying to delve its musical profundity, when in fact this music isn't profound and doesn't claim to be. It's just energetic, fun music from a composer who wasn't content to color within the Classical-era lines. If you can imagine "Creole Classical," in fact, that's a good description of this CD. Although the bulk of the album consists of rollicking showtunes (most of which feature the piano as the dominant instrument, since most of the songs are orchestral arrangements of piano pieces), there are some surprisingly tender, lyrical moments as well. The whole album is imbued with an intriguingly pre-Jazz flavor that combines with the classical structure to create some of the best moments in American music: catchy, energetic and always entertaining. For those moments when Beethoven (or Schönberg) is too much depth for one day, this CD is the perfect alternative... particularly at this price.

Enjoyable and Fun Taste of America!.......2002-04-30

Every once in a while, I like to buy a CD of a composer I'm not familiar with (and with NAXOS's low prices, why not?). When I got home and listened to this one, once wasn't enough. I listened twice through. This CD is real fun!!

In his day, Gottschalk was called "the Chopin of Creoles." Most of his writing was for the piano and this CD is generally short piano pieces arranged for orchestra. The music mixes strong folk melodies and New Orleans Creole inspired syncopation with the European Classical tradition- the result being a distinctly american divertimenti.

The music as a whole is very motif oriented with a touch of variation and some interesting arrangement twists. While and orchestral CD, the piano gets a lot of attention, giving us some nice interplay between the two.

The only complaint I have is that the CD was recorded at a music festival where professional musicians are playing side by side with selected 'pre-professionals.' I'm not a snob and normally it wouldn't bother me, but Gottschalk's unusual syncopation tends to be unprofessionally slopppy at times. Fortunately, any mistakes are in the supporting insturments. No star shall be subtracted because NAXOS has done such a great job giving us a quality CD at a good price.

Weak Music.......2002-04-24

Upon listening to this CD I understand why Gottschalk is noted mainly for his piano compositions. I found the whole CD weak musically and the orchestration naïve. It seems as if these pieces are piano works that want to be orchestral compositions when they grow up.

I have several other CDs by this conductor, not sure of his credentials, who seems on a mission to champion the music of the unknown composers. While I applaud his work in bring the music of composers of color to the public's attention I must say that there are many more notable Black and Hispanic composers who deserve to have their music played before we go dipping into this well of musical obscurity.

I think that this conductor needs to ask himself something that many musicologist ask before wasting time on second rate composer: why is a composer's music not known in the first place?

light, fun music.......2000-07-29

this CD is one of the best in the "american classics" series i have heard. the playing is warm, playful and full of energy.

Tracks:

Suite Bergamasque: Clair de lune
The Sea At Dawn
Dances For Harp & Orchestra - Sacred Dance
Suite Bergamasque: Prelude
La Plus Que Lente
La fille aux cheveux de lin (The Girl With The Flaxen Hair)
Prelude No. 11 For Composed Arpeggios
Nocturnes for Orchestra - Nuages
Pour le piano - Sarabande
Images: Lent
Images: Souvenir de Louvre
Images: Images - Book 1, Reflections In The Water
Images: Rhapsody For Clarinet & Orchestra
Images: Nocturnes for Orchestra - Sirenes

Customer Reviews:

An absolute joy.......2006-01-26

So many pieces on this album are jewels. "Le fille aux cheveux de lin" and "Nocturnes for Orchestra - Sirenes" are particularly heavenly. "The Sea at Dawn" has an amazing sense of freshness and motion to it and is well placed at the beginning of the CD. A few of the songs on here make excellent background music but lack memorable themes. I wish I could wake up to this CD every morning, truly.

CD review.......2003-04-06

This is a great debussy CD. This CD is my introduction to Debussy, and now debussy is one of my favorite composers. The music in here is relaxing. The performances are excellent also. One complaint, however, is there is a repeat. There are two of the same pieces on the CD. Overall, this is a great CD.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful, but just SOME of the very best of Nicolai Gedda
Excellent compilation
Nicolai Gedda . . . the 4th tenor

The Very Best of Nicolai Gedda
Nicolai Gedda , Adolphe Adam , Ludwig van Beethoven , Vincenzo Bellini , Hector Berlioz , Georges Bizet , Gaetano Donizetti , Friedrich von Flotow , Mikhail Glinka , and Karl Goldmark
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000A1WP3
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Pourquoi Me Reveiller
Instant Charmant...En Ferment Les Yeux
L'Amour, L'Amour!...Ah! Leve-Toi Soleil
Une Heure Encore...La Gloire Etait Ma Seule Idole
Va, Pour Kleinzach!
Zurga, Quand Tous Deux...Au Fond Du Temple Saint
A Cette Voix...Je Crois Entendre Encore
La Fluer Que Tu M'Avais Jetee
Mes Amis, Ecoutez L'Histoire
Elle Ne Croyait Pas Dans Sa Candeur Naive
Asile Hereditaire - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Quanto E Bella
Una Furtiva Lagrima
Fra Poco A Me Ricovero
Prendi: L'Anel Ti Dono
Di' Tu Se Fedele
La Donna E Mobile
Donna Non Vidi Mai

Tracks:

Il Mio Tesoro
Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
Ach, So Fromm
In Fernem Land
Magische Tone
Kuda, Kuda, Kuda Vi Udalilis (Lenski's Aria)
Dimitri! Tsaryevich! Dimitri!
Souvenir
O Moonlight Night
At The Ball
Don Juan's Serenade
O Cease Thy Singing, Maiden Fair
How Fair This Spot
Adelaide Op. 46
Heimliche Aufforderung, Op. 27, No. 3
Strandchen, Op. 17, No. 2
Als Flotter Geist...Ja, Das Alles Auf Ehr'
Gern Hab' Ich Die Frau'n Gekusst
Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, but just SOME of the very best of Nicolai Gedda.......2005-07-03

This is but a subset of the glorious recorded singing by Nicolai Gedda; however, it is a good sampler of the repertoire that made him legendary. And, at least a couple of the tracks ("Asile Hereditaire" and Lenski's aria) seem to be his best recordings of those particular works. Gedda is a member of a small circle of famed tenors noted for disciplined and artistic vocal production. He could find and consistently produce the "ping" we all love to hear. And, that was necessarily accompanied by flawless breath control. He holds the last note of the rousing "Hereditaire" for approximately eleven seconds! Onward! Ho! The emotion and delicate treatment he showed in Lenski's aria is a high-water mark. I can not imagine it being done better.

I first heard him in a recording of La Boheme (with Freni) in 1975 and have heard him in person both in Faust (1976) and in recital (1981). Whether on stage or in recording, Gedda is remarkable and consistent. If you are new to opera or are younger and addicted to the stars of today (and some of them are very good too), you should hear Gedda. It will raise your definition for what it takes to be a great tenor. Go find a recording of Fritz Wunderlich too.

Excellent compilation.......2005-01-30

Beautiful, easy lyric tenor; also great diction and phrasing -- a good example to any tenor on how this rep. should be sung.

Nicolai Gedda . . . the 4th tenor.......2004-06-13

Those of you who know the three tenors should look into this incredibly versatile singer. The first time I heard this remarkable tenor sing was from a recording of Mozart's Magic Flute. From then on I became an avid fan. This recording highlights how Gedda could go from singing lyric repertoire, to the bigger and more difficult French and Bel Canto and even tackling Russian and operetta. Any aspiring tenor and dedicated opera fan would do well to own this CD set.

Average customer rating:

Danceable & Delightful
A wondrous blend

The Glory of Early Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000014GL
Release Date: 2000-10-06

Tracks:

Saltarello No. 3
Dudul
Nevestinko oro
Quinte Estampie real
Saltarello No. 1
Lamento di Tristano - La Rotta
J'ay mis mon cuer
Carmen a 5
Stat ('tsaat) ein meskin
Greiner Zanner
So trinken wir alle
Las rauschen
Es ging ein Landsknecht
Ich weiss nicht
Guardame la vacas
Le souvenir
Pavan
The Old Spagnoletta: From The Mulliner Book: The Old Spagnoletta
Galliard
Ricercar (13)
Pavan
Lincoln's Inn Mask
Galliard
Fantasia Of Four Parts
Balletto
Almain In F Major
Newark Seidge: (Pavan)
Newark Seidge: Galliard

Customer Reviews:

Danceable & Delightful.......2006-04-02

This CD begins with medieval Turkish and Macedonian music, and goes through the Italian, French & English Renaissance. This is a great CD and every number is worth listening to. I like to put this on and dance like a wild woman. If you're new to early Western classical music and your idea of it is polite and slightly boring scratchy instruments, then buy this CD. It will toss your preconceptions and introduce you to the wonderful diversity of Western music origins.

A wondrous blend.......2003-09-04

A wonderful blend of early music by various ensembles, including my very favorite, The Ensemble Unicorn. This album has a little of each western European country's music from the medieval period. Though three or four of the recordings aren't of the best quality recording (the musicians are top notch, it just sounds like an old recording) It was an excellent purchase. I initially purchased it because I was buying anything by the Ensemble Unicorn, and found several other ensembles on this cd I enjoyed just as much. All in all, a VERY good purchase for the early music enthusiast!

Average customer rating:

At least 16 / 19 well spent hours
Enlightening but slighly blemished
Chopin - Luisada, Jean-Marc
Chopin - Luisada, Jean-Marc
Learn, learn, learn!

Chopin: Complete Edition
Krystian Zimerman , Claudio Arrau , Stefan Askenase , Anatol Ugorski , Maurizio Pollini , Jean-Marc Luisada , and Zilberstein, Lilya
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bourees | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Galops | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

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

Liszt: Piano Works
Bach: Complete Works - 155 CD Box Set
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Complete Works (170 CD Box Set)
Chopin: The Piano Works
Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00001X58Z
Release Date: 1999-10-12

Amazon.com

On the 150th anniversary of his death, Deutsche Grammophon released this impressive box set featuring the complete works of Frédéric Chopin. Spread out over 17 CDs, it contains some truly big-name artists--Argerich, Pollini, Barenboim, and Ashkenazy--and a few you've probably never heard of. The majority of the set's nine volumes contain some music newly produced for this undertaking, and a few items (Chopin's songs, for instance) were recorded specifically for this collection. A well-illustrated book is included--it contains an essay, dateline, and illustrations--and each volume in the set gets its own liner notes. The music? It varies from great to less than great, but most of it is worth hearing. Those accustomed to Rubinstein's readings of the Mazurkas will find those played by Jean-Marc Luisada less fluid and lacking Rubinstein's power. Chopin's songs, seldom heard and filled with elements of Polish folk dances and the less-than-stellar lyrics of the composer's friend Stefan Witwicki, get a college try here by soprano Elzbieta Szmytka. They sound as good as you'll hear anywhere (if you can find them). It probably goes without saying that Martha Argerich's rousing 26 Préludes are some of the set's more exciting moments. But, really, the entire collection is solid. It should be noted that budget label Naxos has released its own Chopin edition at less than half the price of this set. With Idil Biret as the only performer on that set, you miss out on some of the diverse performances and personalities found here. Also, to please those of us who already own favorite performances of these works, each two-CD volume in the Complete Chopin Edition can be purchased individually. Bravo. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

At least 16 / 19 well spent hours.......2004-10-11

In my opinion there is no more effective way to ruin a great musical performance than to record it in front of an audience who cannot control their coughs. The first disc starts out with a 1979 live recording of Chopin's first piano/orchestra concerto featuring pianist Krystian Zimerman and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam. The performance is good, but doesn't allow the listener full concentration,--and therefore not full enjoyment--as a distracting and annoying audience can be heard coughing, sneezing, and clearing their throats even above the orchestra's playing in mezzo forte - it gets worse, of course, at dynamically quieter musical parts. Other distractions, like chairs creaking, cracking and squeaking, pages being turned probably inches away from a microphone (perhaps to give the page-turner a chance to say "Did you hear that? That was me,") and people stomping/dropping things (?) add to the incapability of the listener's full enjoyment. I've heard much worse, however, but considering that the recording technique is no older than 25 years, this is on the verge of being unacceptable. Sure - there can be a certain charm in hearing such "humanity" on a recording, especially when it's older, but I don't think many would disagree that this is a bit too much. Hearing the opening of piano/orchestra concerto no.2, and knowing that the 18+ hours of music to come aren't going to be interrupted by coughs, is a big relief. My favorite Chopin interpreter is--and might always be--Rubinstein; his playing is straight forward, he cuts to the chase quickly, yet somehow manages to leave room for sensitivity and emotion. His performances, of course--since he never recorded a note for Deutsche Grammophon,--are not included in this "complete edition," so aside from suggestions that certain waltzes are missing, that is something that makes this boxed set incomplete for me. Pollini's general interpretation of Chopin is in my opinion, as in many others', quite weak in comparison to Argerich's, Zimerman's, or the passionate playing of Daniel Barenboim. Here Pollini performs Etudes, Scherzos, Sonatas and Polonaises. At times, during the Etudes of op. 10, I feel like I'm getting more Maurizio than I am getting Fryderyk, even though the performance (especially on no.3) may invite feelings of thriving despite the performer's occasional roaring in the left channel. The Scherzos feature some troublesome factors; first and foremost the sound (of this 1990 recording) isn't at all as good as one would expect. It's far worse than several older recordings of this set - at only six seconds into the first Scherzo (op.20) one can't avoid acknowledging obvious distortion - the recording has clearly been done with too much input level. Clips noises continue throughout the grainy and dull sound picture of these pieces. Second of all, the noises Pollini makes while playing can be quite off putting. At times he sounds like a boy with a voice just breaking experiencing climax of coition, and as we all know, Chopin had a prudish aversion to overt sexuality. One reason why Pollini's performance of the Scherzos being called "troublesome" might be harsh, is that musically he handles them ok, and I'd think that's what's essential, but Deutsche Grammophon has made the odd decision of including Pollini's recording of Sonata no. 2, op.35 (a.k.a. "Funeral March") from 1984 in this set, instead of Argerich's recording from 1975. First of all, Argerich's version has clearer sound (at least on the newly refurbished "The Originals" edition...but then again, that was released in 2002,) but second of all, and more importantly, her playing is far more straight forward during the first part of the Sonata (Grave,) whereas Pollini shows too much mercy both for strong dynamics and tempo throughout. Furthermore he's on the verge of playing parts of the March suggesting "lento," as if it read "rubato" (it's a MARCH!) His performance of Piano Sonata no.3 is also a bit lifeless, but the hour long disc of Polonaises recorded 1975 he handles surprisingly well (the occasional phlegmatic karaoke-roars may need a little time getting used to, though.) Several of these interpreters make some less musical noises while playing - Zimerman, for instance, breathes heavily through the nose after each and every completed phrase throughout all off his performances (although it can't be heard with orchestra.) When listening to his solo performances in head phones, the constant snuffling can distract and annoy quite a bit, but I know that I do the exact same thing when I play, myself, so perhaps I shouldn't complain until I've managed to rid the inconvenient problem myself. Besides Pollini's Polonaise interpretations, there's another (76 minute long) disc of Polonaises featuring mainly Ugorski, but also Argerich. Something that seems odd to me is that the sound quality of Argerich's 1974 recording once again is superior to a newer recording - in this case to the 1999 recording of Ugorski, which doesn't feature much middle in the sound picture, but uneven soughing and clip noises! Both their performances (but especially Argerich's,) are about as enjoyable as Chopin interpretations can be, I'd think, as is the technically and musically perfect, touching and mesmerizing Nocturne interpretations of Daniel Barenboim, recorded in 1981 - his playing here equals close to two hours of pure magic. While being a Rubinstein fan, I'm going to have to say that Barenboim's way of playing the Nocturnes is just how I think they should be played; they call for this somewhat gentle touch mixed in with their brutal sincerity, but I suggest for those who (especially) enjoy the Etudes, Sonatas and Scherzos to listen to Rubinstein's recordings of the works (available on RCA's Rubinstein Collection, vol. 26, vol. 45 and vol. 46.) Pollini is, of course, a fine performer, but I'd suggest listening to his interpretations of Prokofiev's and Stravinsky's work instead.
Rubinstein recorded the preludes (op.28) in their entirety only once, in 1946, which means that they aren't available in RCA's collection with preferable sound quality, but on this set Martha Argerich delivers a great performance of the 26 preludes (no.1-24, op.28, plus 25, op.45, and 26, op. 35,) recorded in 1975. One prelude that in my opinion should always be played as slow and gentle as possible is no.15 (a.k.a. "The Raindrop Prelude.") What I'd like to describe as a prefect version of the piece is performed by--despite my having done a lot of research--a, to me unknown performer, but runs at 6:08 minutes. Argerich rushes the whole piece a bit (the drops fall too closely -) the fact that her version runs at 4:51 should say a lot. Of the approximately 20 different performances I've heard of this particular prelude (obviously one of my favorites,) Argerich's is the shortest, and lays somewhere in the swamp among other "medium integral" versions. She delivers exciting performances of the other preludes, though - the first time I heard them, I hit repeat on my CD player, and listened to nothing else for three days.
The Mazurkas, here performed by Jean-Marc Luisada and Lilya Zilberstein, are performed--while beautifully--quite carefully and loosely. For those who'd like a more restrained performance of the pieces, RCA's Rubinstein Collection, vol. 50, is recommended.
Besides all the music for only piano(s,) Chopin also composed 80 minutes worth of chamber music, which here is performed by Beaux Arts Trio, et al. He also wrote 45+ minutes worth of songs, which here is performed by soprano Elzbieta Szmytka and pianist Malcolm Martineau on a 1999 performance. I don't feel qualified to comment on solo singing in Polish, but while I don't care for the occasional close-to-full effect vibrato, I like Martineau's piano playing and the almost folksy melodies and arrangements. This music distinguishes itself by far from the rest of the music in the set. Translations to several languages of the lyrics to the 19 songs are included.
The stereophony on all recordings is great, the overall sound quality on all discs (when considering the years of the recordings) I'd give a 4/5, but still rate the whole package 9/10 - I'd think that some (both older and newer) recordings could have been transferred better, while some sound superior to what you'd dare dream of. This is definitely the best complete edition of Chopin's music available, and perhaps the best collection of works available on disc by any classical composer. A lot of work has been put into the set's design, the sound, and certainly the amount and accuracy of interesting info given in the enclosed illustrated 140 page hard-cover book (of which a fifth is written in English) and in the 40-60 page booklets (also illustrated) included in each volume; practically everything you'll ever need to know about the composer (and these recordings) is included here along with all the music he wrote. Well worthy of your time and money.

Enlightening but slighly blemished.......2004-07-05

I commend DG on producing this comprehensive and thoughtfully packaged/annotated collection of Chopin's output. In it one can appreciate the wondrous manner in which Chopin at once appeased the conservative appetites of the Paris salon set while revolutionizing the genre of piano music in both traditional and more intimate forms.

The greatest virtue of this collection is the opportunity to hear more obscure elements of Chopin's collected ouevre. He wrote some lovely chamber music and wrote highly effective variations with and without orchestra. Among his 17 songs are a few gems.

As for the strength of the performances, some of them are rightly considered definitive. I love Zimerman in the piano concerti, Argerich owns the Op. 28 preludes, and I find in Pollini's scherzos the unbridled energy and interpretive depth required by these challenging pieces. Even if Daniel Barenboim's nocturnes do not set any records, they are well-done and completely satisfying.

I was less enthusiastic about Pollini's readings of the latter 2 piano sonatas, which I find prosaic on the whole. I was equally underwhelmed by Bunin's impromptus, which again betray interpretive rather than technical deficiencies. My greatest disappointment is Jean-Marc Luisada's controversial readings of the mazurkas. An unwieldy rubato rules the day here, and distorts the harmonic language to the point that it sounds like Debussy or Ravel's frequent (and unshakeably French-sounding) evocations of Spain. I much prefer any of the Rubinstein mazurka sets, which are colorful but rhythmically mindful of their namesakes.

Properly supplemented in the more familiar repertory (mazurkas, impromptus, sonatas, in particular), I believe this set is indispensable to anyone who appreciates or seeks a broader understanding of Chopin the composer. I recommend it highly.

Chopin - Luisada, Jean-Marc.......2002-04-14

I am a professional Pianist and Piano-pedagoge trained at the University of Graz and Vienna (Austria).
It seems as often reviewers/critics/listeners have the same opinions: I wonder if it isn't in some cases the old story of the Emperors new clothes - nobody dares to have a different opinion, as they do not want to appear stupid.
Some of the reviewers here, didn't like Luisadas performances of the Mazurkas. I hold the heretical opinion that Jean-Marc Luisadas performances are much better than Rubinsteins (I possess the three different complete Mazurka recordings of Rubinstein). There are few pianists that like Luisada know how to treat the piano as a truly polyphonic instrument, with absolute control of every line, and at the same time being able to emphasise every harmonic detail - giving every chord its differing and appropriate degree of tension. Furthermore he understands how to display the different moods and characters of the music. All these factors make Luisadas performances extremely colourful. Every Mazurka with Luisada is a unique experience.

Ps. Other recordings do occasionally wet the critical appetite: For instance the everywhere highly acclaimed Chopin recordings with Pollini are often musically awful, the Etudes opus 10 nr. 1 and opus 25 nr. 1 are examples. For the complete Etudes, buy Boris Berezovsky's recording for Teldec, it surpasses Pollini by far. Ds.

Chopin - Luisada, Jean-Marc.......2002-04-14

Learn, learn, learn!.......2000-10-16

This box set is a must for any lover of piano music.

DG deserves praise for coming with an excellent set of records as well as presentation of the booklets. It is breathtaking to have the opportunity to really know Chopin so well.

Performers are first rate and speak for themselves, and for the price of 8 CD's you get the whole collection. Yes, you can get in some cases better performances, but overall you can find a better compilation. Naxos has its own, and I am going to exchange it with a friend, problem will be to get mine back!

Tracks:

Toccata In C Minor - Martha Argerich
Sonata In C Major - Arturo Bendetti Michelangeli
Piano Sonata In D Major - Christoph Eschenbach
Piano Sonata In D Major - Christoph Eschenbach
Piano Sonata In D Major - Christoph Eschenbach
Rondo In A Minor, K. 511 - Mitsuko Uchida
Fuga From Piano Sonata No. 31 In A-Flat - Emil Gilels
Inpromptu No. 2 In E-Flat - Sviatoslav Richter
Moment Musicans No, 2 In A-Flat - Andras Schiff
Ballad No. 2 In A- Flat Op. 23 - Arturo Benedettie Michelangeli
La Campanella From 'Paganini' Etudes - Jorge Bolet
Romance In F Sharp - Claudio Arrau
Spinning Song From Songs Without Words, Op. 67 - Daniel Barenboim

Tracks:

Capriccio In B Minor From Eight Piano Pieces Op. 76 - Stephen Bishop-Kovacevich
Intermezzo In A Major From Siz Piano Pieces, Op.118 - Radu Lupu
Melody In F Major, Op.3, No.1 - Shura Cherkassky
Souvenir De Porto Rico, Marche Des Gibaros - Ivan Davis
Etude En FormeDe Valse - Magda Tagliaferro
Vers La Flamme, Op. 72 - Sviatoslav Richter
Prelude In B-Flat, Op.23 No. 2 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Prelude In B Minor, Op. 32, No. 10 - Alicia De Larrocha
Navarra From Iberia - Alcia De Larrocha
The Girl With Flaxen Hair From Preludes-Book 1 - Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
L'Isle Joyeuse - Alexis Weissenberg
Menuet From Le Tombeau De Couperin - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Six Roumanian Folk Dances, BB 68, Sz 56 - Zoltan Kocis
Six Roumanian Folk Dances, BB 68, Sz 56 - Zoltan Kocis
Six Roumanian Folk Dances, BB 68, Sz 56 - Zoltan Kocis
Six Roumanian Folk Dances, BB 68, Sz 56 - Zoltan Kocis
Six Roumanian Folk Dances, BB 68, Sz 56 - Zoltan Kocis
Six Roumanian Folk Dances, BB 68, Sz 56 - Zoltan Kocis
Bewegte Achtel From Three Piano Pieces, Op.11 - Mitsuko Uchida
Variations On 'I got Rhythm' For Piano And Orchestra - Wener Haas

Customer Reviews:

excellent artists!.......2004-05-20

I don't understand quite where the other reviewer is coming from. This is a treasure-trove of piano music by some of the best classical pianists of the last century. If you want a musical anthology of some of the best by some of the best, pick it up!

Average customer rating:

An old favorite of mine updated

Gottschalk: American Piano Music

Manufacturer: Smithsonian Folkways
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Galops | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Louis Moreau Gottschalk: Piano Music
Gottschalk: A Night in the Tropics
Piano Music of Louis Moreau Gottschalk: 26 Complete Pieces from Original Editions
A Gottschalk Festival
Bamboula: Piano Music

ASIN: B000001DM1
Release Date: 1995-02-08

Tracks:

The Banjo, Opus 15 (Fantasie grotesque)
La Scintilla: Mazurka, Opus 20 (The Spark)
Ojos Criollos, Opus 37 (Les yeux creoles Or Danse cubaine)
March Funebre, Opus 64 (Posthumous)
Bamboula, Opus 2 (Danse des negres)
Souvenir de Porto Rico, Opus 31 (Marche des Gibaros)
The Dying Poet (Le poete mourant; meditation)
Le Bananier, Opus 5 (Chanson negre)
Pasquinade, Opus 59 (Caprice) Arranged By Amiram Rigai
Berceuse, Opus 47 (Cradle Song)
Tournament Galop
Ossian Ballade, Opus 4 #1
Serenade, Opus 11
Morte, Opus 60 (Lamentation: She Is Dead)
Danza, Opus 33 (Porto Rico, November 1857)
Minuit a Seville, Opus 30 (Caprice)
La gallina, Opus 53 (The Hen: Danse cubaine)

Album Description

Born in New Orleans, Gottschalk (1829-1869) composed piano works that drew on elements of Creole, African American, French, Caribbean, and Southern U.S. culture. He was the first American to earn international acclaim as a pianist-composer. Performed by renowned pianist Amiram Rigai, the selections encompass a variety of styles and reveal the breathtaking scope of Gottschalk's work. This remastered 70-minute recording is indispensable for those interested in American classical music. "Exotic, innovative compositions are performed with panache by a world-renowned pianist." -Billboard

Customer Reviews:

An old favorite of mine updated.......2007-07-08

Gottschalk wrote a lot of very pleasing and colorful if not very deep piano music. Deep has its place, but not every moment is a Bach organ moment, and this is wonderful music when you want to relax to something light. Gottschalk drew on African American and American Folk influences as well as his formal training in Paris to produce a new sound for the mid nineteenth century. Not really classical, but not yet with the structure or sophistication of the later rag and jazz, it's really just Gottschalk. I first encountered Amiram Rigai playing this music years ago on a Musical Heritage Society cassette. A lot of pianists have done credible recordings of Gottschalk, but to me this is how his pieces should sound. This is a terrific CD.

Music Track:

Music Track

music track

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