Dances for 2 Harps

On this CD:

1. Iphigénie en Aulide, opera in 3 acts, Wq. 40 Gavotte
Composed by Christoph Willibald Gluck
Performed by Nora Bumanis, Julia Shaw

2. Carolan's Draught
Composed by Turlough O'Carolan
Performed by Nora Bumanis, Julia Shaw

3. Slavonic Dance No. 3 for orchestra in A flat major, B. 83/3 (Op. 46/3)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Nora Bumanis, Julia Shaw

4. French Suite for keyboard No. 6 in E major, BWV 817
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Nora Bumanis, Julia Shaw

5. Gymnopedie for piano No.1, for piano Gymnopedie I, arr for 2 harps
Composed by Erik Satie
Performed by Nora Bumanis, Julia Shaw

6. Gymnopedie for piano No.2, for piano Gymnopedie II, arr for 2 har
Composed by Erik Satie
Performed by Nora Bumanis, Julia Shaw

7. Pavane pour une infante défunte, for piano (or orchestra)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Nora Bumanis, Julia Shaw

8. Polka in C major for 2 harps
Composed by Jacques Press
Performed by Nora Bumanis, Julia Shaw

9. Dances (3) for 2 Harps
Composed by John B. Escosa
Performed by Nora Bumanis, Julia Shaw

10. Tango
Composed by Carlos Salzedo
Performed by Nora Bumanis, Julia Shaw

11. Opus 18
Composed by Jose Poneira
Performed by Nora Bumanis, Julia Shaw

12. Argentine Folk Zamba, for 2 harps
Composed by Jose Poneira
Performed by Nora Bumanis, Julia Shaw

13. Alma Llanera, for 2 harps
Composed by Jose Poneira
Performed by Nora Bumanis, Julia Shaw

14. Waltzes & Promenades for two harps
Composed by John Marson
Performed by Nora Bumanis, Julia Shaw

15. Kora Dances for 2 harps
Composed by Malcolm Forsyth
Performed by Nora Bumanis, Julia Shaw

Customer Reviews:

Hindemith conducts Hindemith.......2006-11-10

The musician's musician, the most versatile, skilled and knowledgeable composer of the 20th Century can be heard with delight in this excellently remastered Deutsche Grammophon recording of him conducting the Berlin Phiharmonic Orchestra in definitive renditions of some of his own masterpieces. Hindemith by and large was the best interpreter of his own works. Under his direction pure, unadulterated, joyfull music-making of great vitality prevails, thoroughly unpedantic, yet devoid of vanity, pretentious display or exaggeration. The rendition of the Mathis Symphony is, of course, definitive and the nowadays most frequently perfomed Symphonic Metamorphosis is done with gusto. But we would like to call special attention to such an inexplicably neglected masterpiece as the thoroughly delightful, but substantial Symphonic Dances and the unique and profound Konzermusik for piano, brass & harp. What neo-Baroque, roaring twenties exhuberance displayed in the Concerto for Orchestra and what a gem of human insight "The Four Temperaments",
here definitively rendered! ER

Hindemith continues the musical traditions of the Germanic schools.......2006-08-19

Hindemith is a far too overlooked composer, and I daresay that in decades to come people will realize the greatness of his compositions, a Hindemith renaissance will take place. I for one enjoy his music greatly and this box set is a perfect introduction to his music. Contrapuntally Hindemith stands apart from most 20th composers, indeed his music speaks the 20th century idiom, however as one will recognize immediately Hindemith speaks his own language. In fact this composer is one of the most original of his time. Contrapuntally he continues and adds to the great traditions harkening back to the Renaissance. His conducting is no nonsense and gets to the heart of his music. I find this music to be riveting, exciting, intellectual and heartfelt. Hindemith has his place in Music history.

Phenomenal performances.......2006-03-07

Hindemith may not have been a Schoenberg or Stravinsky, but at his most inspired he was certainly way up there near the top of the heap, among the greatest composers of the late lamented 20th Century. What these recordings tell us, however, and to me this comes as something of a shock, is that he was also a truly great conductor. All the performances in this set are in my opinion truly extraordinary, among the very best orchestral performances I've ever heard -- of any music by any composer of any period.

Everything one would expect of a superlative performance is here, the tempi, the balances, the shadings, accents, nuance, intonation, attention to detail, attention to overall structure, sweep, authority, intensity, even expressiveness (YES, expressiveness!) and passion (yes, passion too).

To get a sense of how remarkable a conductor Hindemith is, listen carefully to the slow movement of Mathis. With tempi this slow (and this is the slowest I've heard for this piece, extremely slow), it's very difficult to maintain interest, not to mention control. However, in the hands of Hindemith and this remarkable orchestra, with whom he's obviously established an extraordinary rapport, the tempo works beautifully and the piece takes on an almost Mahlerian intensity I'd never heard before.

As if this weren't enough, the set contains one of the most remarkable pianistic performances I've ever heard, from Hindemith's composition student, Hans Otte. The "Four Temperaments" begins in typical middle period Hindemithian style, with a statement of the rather steady, bland and predictable theme, but with the entry of the piano for the first variation, all is transformed -- and suddenly we are back in the world of early Hindemith, one of the most inventive and masterful composers since Bach himself. The pianism is simply beyond belief here, just stunning in its verve, precision, virtuosity, nuance and phrasing. With the entry of the piano the piece just takes off, soars into the stratosphere, thanks to composer and pianist both. Otte was hand picked by Hindemith for this performance so possibly what we hear is at least in part due to careful coaching. But it's hard to understand how mere coaching could produce such marvels of nuance and such complete control of the instrument and total musical involvement in passage after passage. If you ever want to inspire a young performer with the possibilities of his art, you would do well to play your student this recording.

As for the more mundane details, even they are all good. The sonics are fantastic for a recording of this vintage, clear, even vibrant, with lots of body and power when called for. The orchestra itself is superb and in perfect rapport with its director. Even the piano selected for these recordings is a marvel, simply one of the finest instruments of its kind I've ever heard.

I know, it's easy to be skeptical in the face of all these superlatives, but I assure you I'm not usually this enthusiastic. These recordings truly are gems, trust me. HAH!

Lean, clean and unadorned, as Hindemith intended.......2006-02-04

Hindemith jumped at the chance to record his major works with Deutsche Grammophon when it was offered in the early 1950s.

First, was his theory of conducting. He felt the conductor should, as much as possible, be "transparent" and not add anything to the music, i.e., through not gesticulating (especially wildly), etc.

Second, he had seen and heard conductors do just that to his works. And he had heard this result in what he considered overconducting.

Now, that doesn't mean that Hindemith wanted some "native" style of conducting, or even people conducting his works as sight-reading exercises. He expected a piece to be properly understood so that such overconducting was unnecessary.

The result is to be heard here. Now, by "lean and clean," we're not not talking Boulez. But, compared to his day and age, to the Furtwaenglers and others, we are talking something almost that spare.

When you hear these CDs, you'll immediately understand why Hindemith thought that other composers made his music sound too muddy.

These are mono recordings, but in studio in the early and mid 1950s with the Berlin Philharmonic, the baseline sound quality was quite good and the CDs have been well-engineered.

This is an outstanding buy of a great 20th-century composer.

Hindemith Himself.......2005-02-24

"Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon" is another essential release in Universal's "Original Masters" series. This 3CD set features the composer himself conducting some of his best known works, including his two Symphonies, Symphonic Metamorphosis, Concerto for Orchestra, and Konzertmusik with Monique Haas on piano. All of the recordings hail from 1954-57 and while they are in mono, the DG sound is clear as a bell. Previously I owned a dozen or so CDs featuring various Hindemith works (performed by conductors Abbado, Bernstein, Blomstedt, Goossens, Kletzki, Kubelik, Szell, etc.), but only one with Hindemith himself conducting his own music (the Violin Concerto with David Oistrakh -- see my review). Well if you like a composer and have the ability to hear them conduct their own music, then you should do it, whatever the cost. I mean what would you give to have the opportunity to hear Beethoven or Mozart perform! Luckily in this case you don't have to fantasize, you just have to buy this affordable, budget-priced box set.

Short Stories: A Collection of Music for Two Harps by Charles Salzedo

Average customer rating:

Superb
Delightful music for harp duo...

Short Stories: A Collection of Music for Two Harps by Charles Salzedo

Manufacturer: Azica
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Gavottes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Night Breeze: Harp Music of Carlos Salzedo
Romantic Music for Flute and Harp

ASIN: B0002RQ3AC
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

Rumba
L'Indifferente
La Joyeuse
Clair De Lune
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande
Polonaise
Gavotte
Menuet
Bourree
Les Turbillons (Play Of The Winds)
Pavane
Gavotta
On Wings Of Song
Song Without Words, No. 34, Op. 19 (Spinning Song)
Steel
Triptic Dance
Chanson Dans La Nuit
On Donkey-Back
Rain Drops
Behind The Barracks
Night Breeze
Mermaid's Chimes
Skipping Rope
Spanish Dance No. 5
Tango

Customer Reviews:

Superb.......2006-11-14

Carlos Salzedo's music is difficult, no VERY difficult (and I'm a harpist, so I know these things!) and the Salzedo Harp Duo play them as effortlessly as water falling off a leaf. Inspired musicality and daredevil tempos make this a "must have" and even if you're not a harpist, it's absolutely lovely music. And "Rhumba" will have you dancing!

Delightful music for harp duo..........2005-03-08

This is an irresistible collection of beautiful melodies arranged (or composed) for harp duo. Nancy Lendrum & Jody Guinn are masters of their instruments, and lend an energy and flourish to this delightful assortment of music by Carlos Salzedo and other assorted classical composers. The arrangements are crisp and the playing is brilliant! There isn't a dull moment or 'lackluster' piece on this cd. This music would be ideal accompaniment to any activity from a "dinner party for 8" to a Sunday afternoon relaxing with a good book...highly recommended!!

Average customer rating:

masterworks for the harp (handel's part in it)
Perfect Peace, Exquisite Musicianship

Masterworks for the Harp

Manufacturer: Boston Skyline
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000001UO1
Release Date: 1993-10-05

Tracks:

Con in B flat, Op.4, No.6: Andante Allegro
Con in B flat, Op.4, No.6: Larghetto
Con in B flat, Op.4, No.6: Allegro moderato
Le bon petit roi d'Yvetot
Pavane & Bransles
Pavane & Bransles
Impromptu, Op.86
Follets
Etude
Chanson de la Nuit
Son in C
Danza del Corregidor
Torre Bermeja
Con in F, Op.4, No.5: Larghetto
Con in F, Op.4, No.5: Allegro
Con in F, Op.4, No.5: Alla Siciliana
Con in F, Op.4, No.5: Presto

Customer Reviews:

masterworks for the harp (handel's part in it).......2007-07-09

Handel's harp&lute work is not typical angel pluckings.This cd begins and ends with two of his best concertos(better described-overtures).Other versions rob the score of it's lute part or insert an ad lib harp piece @ the end of no.6. Before I found this cd,I spent time& money buying vinyl copies with these two on it,thinking no one would re-release it.If I'm right, this cd too is out of print( I've bought a cutout already).

Perfect Peace, Exquisite Musicianship.......2001-12-20

Are you a harried soccer mom or dad, rushing from here to there?
Put this in your car cd player and you may never bring it back
into the house. Tracks 1 and 11 are my favorites, but the whole
cd will fill your soul with treasured harp and lute sounds.

Hindemith: Complete Orchestral Works, Vol. 2 (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Hindemith: Complete Orchestral Works, Vol. 2 (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Cpo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Hindemith: Complete Orchestral Works, Vol. 3 (Box Set)
Paul Hindemith: Complete Orchestral Works [Box Set]
Hindemith: Complete String Quartets
Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon
Rochberg: String Quartets Nos. 3-6

ASIN: B000058TDA
Release Date: 2001-02-20

Amazon.com

For the last decade or so, CPO has been the only label of note to advocate the music of Paul Hindemith (1885-1963). Not only have they gone about this advocacy with great enthusiasm, they've also sought out some of Hindemith's lesser-known works. And while Volume I contains Hindemith's clear masterpieces, Volume II shines with its own gems. Most notable among the major works in this set are The Four Temperaments (1940) and the Piano Concerto (1945), both clear Romantic masterpieces and both excellently performed. Of the lesser-known works, the best are the suites from the ballets, Der Damon (1922) and Herodiade (1944). Also in Volume II are the complete cello concertos, which contain some of Hindemith's moodiest writing. The sound quality in all five discs is warm and focused with the exception of disc two, which contains somewhat muted recordings of Kammermusik No. 2 and Konzertmusik. This is a minor complaint, however. Hindemith fans will want this collection if they don't already have any of these five previously released discs. --Paul Cook

Average customer rating:

Harp Favourites

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Harp Concertos

ASIN: B00000420K
Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

The Three-Cornered Hat: Danza del Corregidor
Rumores de la Caleta
Torre Bermeja
Viejo Zortzico
Theme, Variations & Rondo pastorale
Variations On A Swiss Air, WoO 64
A Ceremony Of Carols: Interlude
Impromptu, Op. 86
Impromptu-Caprice, Op. 9
Chanson de la nuit
Lullaby, Op. 49 No. 4
Prelude No. 1, BMV 846
Mazurka, Op. 7 No. 1
Prelude, Op. 28 No. 15 'Raindrop'
Concert Study 'La Source', Op. 44

Arabesque: A Journey into Harp Artistry [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

wonderful artistry

Arabesque: A Journey into Harp Artistry [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Fim [1st Impression]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0001IXT5Y
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Customer Reviews:

wonderful artistry.......2004-05-17

I love harp music and this is a fabulous CD. It is wonderfully produced, the selections especially moving for the instrument. The Debussey track with NW Sinfonietta is thrilling, the impressionistic feel captured in wave-like crescendo/decrescendo, especially after I discovered that the balance is all achieved through the conducting not any electronic means or studio mixing.