Haydn: 8 Nocturnes

On this CD:

1. Notturno for 2 lire organizzate, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, 2 violas & bass in C major, H. 2/25
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Alan Hacker

2. Notturno for 2 lire organizzate, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, 2 violas & bass in F major, H. 2/26
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Alan Hacker

3. Notturno for 2 lire organizzate, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, 2 violas & bass in C major, H. 2/32
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Alan Hacker

4. Notturno for 2 lire organizzate, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, 2 violas & bass in C major, H. 2/31
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Alan Hacker

5. Notturno for 2 lire organizzate, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, 2 violas & bass in C major, H. 2/29
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Alan Hacker

6. Notturno for 2 lire organizzate, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, 2 violas & bass in G major/C major, H. 2/30
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Alan Hacker

7. Notturno for 2 lire organizzate, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, 2 violas & bass in F major, H. 2/28
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Alan Hacker

8. Notturno for 2 lire organizzate, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, 2 violas & bass in G major, H. 2/27
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Alan Hacker

Tracks:

Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2 No. 3: Allegro con brio
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2 No. 3: Adagio
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2 No. 3: Scherzo-Allegro
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2 No. 3: Allegro assai
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10 No. 3: Presto
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10 No. 3: Largo e mesto
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10 No. 3: Minuetto. Allegro
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10 No. 3: Rondo. Allegro
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 12 in A flat major, Op. 26: Andante con varizioni
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 12 in A flat major, Op. 26: Scherzo. Allegro molto
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 12 in A flat major, Op. 26: Marcia funebre sulla morte d'un Eroe
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 12 in A flat major, Op. 26: Allegro

Tracks:

Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2: Largo-Allegro
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2: Adagio
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2: Allegretto
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 18 in E flat major, Op. 31 No. 3: Allegro
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 18 in E flat major, Op. 31 No. 3: Scherzo-Allegro vivace
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 18 in E flat major, Op. 31 No. 3: Minuetto. Moderato e grazioso
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 18 in E flat major, Op. 31 No. 3: Presto con fuoco
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57: Allegro assai
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57: Andante con moto-Attacca
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57: Allegro ma non troppo-Presto

Tracks:

Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90: Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90: Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorzutragen
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101: Etwas lebhaft und mit der innigsten Empfindung. Allegro ma non troppo
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101: Lebhaft, marschmabig. Vivace alla marcia
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101: Langsam und sehnsuchtsvoll. Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto-attacca
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101: Geschwind, dich nicht zu sehr und mit Entschlossenheit. Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major, Op. 106: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major, Op. 106: Scherzo. Assai vivace
Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major, Op. 106: Adagio sostenuto. Appassionato e con molto sentimento
Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major, Op. 106: Largo-Allegro risoluto

Tracks:

Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Vivace
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Alla marcia maestoso
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Poco allegro
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: L'istesso tempo
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Un poco piu vivace
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Allegro vivace
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Allegro ma non troppo e serioso
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Un poco piu allegro
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Poco vivace
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Allegro pesante e risoluto
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Presto
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Allegretto
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Un poco piu moto
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Vivace
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Grave e maestoso
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Presto scherzando
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Allegro
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Poco moderato
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Presto
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Andante
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Allegro con brio
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Allegro molto
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Allegro assai
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Andante
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Allegro
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Variation XXVI
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Vivace
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Allegro
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Adagio ma non troppo
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Andante, sempre cantabile
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Largo, molto espressivo
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Fugue-Allegro
Beethoven: 33 Variations Diabelli, Op. 120: Tempo di minuetto moderato
Piano Sonata No. 31 in A flat major, Op. 110: Moderato cantabile molto espressivo
Piano Sonata No. 31 in A flat major, Op. 110: Allegro molto
Piano Sonata No. 31 in A flat major, Op. 110: Adagio, ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No. 31 in A flat major, Op. 110: Fuga

Tracks:

Beethoven: Concerto for piano & orchestra No. 1 in C major, op. 15: Allegro con brio-Cadence
Beethoven: Concerto for piano & orchestra No. 1 in C major, op. 15: Largo
Beethoven: Concerto for piano & orchestra No. 1 in C major, op. 15:
Beethoven: Concerto for piano and orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Allegro con brio-Cadence
Beethoven: Concerto for piano and orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Largo
Beethoven: Concerto for piano and orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Rondo-Allegro

Tracks:

Brahms: Piano Sonata No. 1 in C major, Op. 1: Allegro
Brahms: Piano Sonata No. 1 in C major, Op. 1: Andante
Brahms: Piano Sonata No. 1 in C major, Op. 1: Scherzo-Allegro molto e con fuoco
Brahms: Piano Sonata No. 1 in C major, Op. 1: Finale-Allegro con fuoco
Brahms: Variations in D major on a Hungarian Song Op. 21 No. 2
Brahms: Piano Sonata No. 2 in F sharp minor Op. 2: Allegro non troppo in fis-moll Op. 2
Brahms: Piano Sonata No. 2 in F sharp minor Op. 2: Andante con espressione
Brahms: Piano Sonata No. 2 in F sharp minor Op. 2: Scherzo: allegro
Brahms: Piano Sonata No. 2 in F sharp minor Op. 2: Finale: Introduzione, sostenuto-Allegro ma non troppo e rubato

Tracks:

Chopin: Etudes Op. 10: No. 4 in C sharp minor: Presto
Chopin: Etudes Op. 10: No. 10 in A flat major: Vivace assai
Chopin: Etudes Op. 10: No. 11 in E flat major: Allegretto
Chopin: Etudes Op. 25: No. 5 in E minor: Vivace
Chopin: Etudes Op. 25: No. 8 in D flat major: Vivace
Chopin: Etudes Op. 25: No. 11 in A minor: Lento
Chopin: Etudes Op. 25: No. 12 in C minor: Allegro molto con fuoco
Chopin: Nocturnes: Op. 62 No. 2 in E major: Lento
Chopin: Nocturnes: Op. 72 No. 1 in E minor: Andante
Chopin: Polonaise No. 7
Scriabine: Piano Sonata No. 2 in G sharp minor, Op. 19: Andante
Scriabine: Piano Sonata No. 2 in G sharp minor, Op. 19: Presto
Scriabine: Piano Sonata No. 5 in F sharp minor, Op. 53

Tracks:

Beethoven: Rondos op. 51: No. 1 in C major
Beethoven: Rondos op. 51: No. 2 in G major
Beethoven: Bagatelles op. 126: No. 1: Andante con moto cantabile e compiacevole
Beethoven: Bagatelles op. 126: No. 4: Presto, en si minuer
Beethoven: Bagatelles op. 126: No. 6: Presto-Andante amabile e con moto
Chopin: Etudes op. 10: No. 1 in C major
Chopin: Etudes op. 10: No. 2 in A minor
Chopin: Etudes op. 10: No. 3 in E major
Chopin: Etudes op. 10: No. 12 in C minor
Chopin: Etudes op. 25: No. 6 in G sharp minor
Chopin: Etudes op. 25: No. 7 in C sharp minor
Chopin: Ballades: No. 1 in G minor
Chopin: Ballades: No. 2 in F major
Chopin: Ballades: No. 3 in A flat
Chopin: Ballades: No. 4 in F minor

Tracks:

Liszt: Etudes d'execution transcendante: Preludio
Liszt: Etudes d'execution transcendante: Etude
Liszt: Etudes d'execution transcendante: Paysage
Liszt: Etudes d'execution transcendante: Will-o'-the-wisps
Liszt: Etudes d'execution transcendante: Harmonies du soir
Ravel: Valse Nobles et Sentimentales
Ravel: Miroirs: Noctuelles
Ravel: Miroirs: Oiseaux tristes
Ravel: Miroirs: Une barque sur l'ocean
Ravel: Miroirs: Alborada del gracioso
Ravel: Miroirs: La Vallee des cloches

Tracks:

Haydn: Piano Sonata in D major: Allegro con brio
Haydn: Piano Sonata in D major: Adagio-Presto
Mozart: Piano Sonata in F major: Allegro assai
Mozart: Piano Sonata in F major: Adagio
Mozart: Piano Sonata in F major: Presto
Mozart: Piano Sonata in E flat major: Adagio
Mozart: Piano Sonata in E flat major: Minuetto I & II
Mozart: Piano Sonata in E flat major: Allegro
Mozart: Piano Sonata in A minor: Allegro maestoso
Mozart: Piano Sonata in A minor: Andante cantabile con espressione
Mozart: Piano Sonata in A minor: Presto

Tracks:

Mozart: Piano Sonata in B flat major: Allegro
Mozart: Piano Sonata in B flat major: Andante cantabile
Mozart: Piano Sonata in B flat major: Allegretto grazioso
Mozart: Piano Sonata in F major: Allegro
Mozart: Piano Sonata in F major: Andante
Mozart: Rondo in F major
Mozart: Piano Sonata in C major: Allegro
Mozart: Piano Sonata in C major: Andante
Mozart: Piano Sonata in C major: Rondo

Tracks:

Rachmaninov: Etudes-Tableaux op. 33: No. 4 in D minor: Moderato
Rachmaninov: Etudes-Tableaux op. 33: No. 5 in E flat minor: Non allegro
Rachmaninov: Etudes-Tableaux op. 33: No. 8 in C sharp minor: Grave
Rachmaninov: Etudes-Tableaux op. 39: No.1 in C minor: Allegro agitato
Rachmaninov: Etudes-Tableaux op. 39: No. 2 in A minor: Lento assai
Rachmaninov: Etudes-Tableaux op. 39: No. 3 in F sharp minor: Allegro molto
Rachmaninov: Etudes-Tableaux op. 39: No. 4 in B minor: Allegro assai
Rachmaninov: Etudes-Tableaux op. 39: No. 9 in D major: Allegro moderato
Moussorgski: Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade
Moussorgski: Pictures at an Exhibition: Gnomus
Moussorgski: Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade
Moussorgski: Pictures at an Exhibition: Il vecchio castello
Moussorgski: Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade
Moussorgski: Pictures at an Exhibition: Les Tuileries
Moussorgski: Pictures at an Exhibition: Bydlo
Moussorgski: Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade
Moussorgski: Pictures at an Exhibition: Ballet des poussins dans leur coque
Moussorgski: Pictures at an Exhibition: Samuel Goldenberg et Schmuyle
Moussorgski: Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade
Moussorgski: Pictures at an Exhibition: Limoges, le marche
Moussorgski: Pictures at an Exhibition: Catacombae: Sepulcrum romanum
Moussorgski: Pictures at an Exhibition: La Cabane sur des pattes de poule
Moussorgski: Pictures at an Exhibition: La Grand Porte de Kiev

Tracks:

Weber: Piano Sonata Op. 49 No. 3 in D minor: Allegro feroce
Weber: Piano Sonata Op. 49 No. 3 in D minor: Andante con moto
Weber: Piano Sonata Op. 49 No. 3 in D minor: Rondo. Presto
Schubert: Piano Sonata Op. 53 in D minor: Allegro
Schubert: Piano Sonata Op. 53 in D minor: Con moto
Schubert: Piano Sonata Op. 53 in D minor: Scherzo. Allegro vivace
Schubert: Piano Sonata Op. 53 in D minor: Rondo. Allegro moderato

Tracks:

Schubert: Piano Sonata in B flat major: Molto moderato
Schubert: Piano Sonata in B flat major: Andante sostenuto
Schubert: Piano Sonata in B flat major: Scherzo. Allegro vivace con delicatezza-Trio
Schubert: Piano Sonata in B flat major: Allegro ma non troppo
Schubert: Impromptu op. 90: Allegretto
Liszt: Polonaise No. 2 in E major

Tracks:

Schumann: Etudes symphoniques op. 13: Thema. Andante
Schumann: Etudes symphoniques op. 13: Un poco piu vivo
Schumann: Etudes symphoniques op. 13: Marcato il canto
Schumann: Etudes symphoniques op. 13: Vivace
Schumann: Etudes symphoniques op. 13: Variation III
Schumann: Etudes symphoniques op. 13: Variation IV
Schumann: Etudes symphoniques op. 13: Variation post. I
Schumann: Etudes symphoniques op. 13: Variation post. II
Schumann: Etudes symphoniques op. 13: Variation post. III
Schumann: Etudes symphoniques op. 13: Variation post. IV
Schumann: Etudes symphoniques op. 13: Variation post. V
Schumann: Etudes symphoniques op. 13: Agitato
Schumann: Etudes symphoniques op. 13: Allegro molto
Schumann: Etudes symphoniques op. 13: Andante con espressione
Schumann: Etudes symphoniques op. 13: Allegro brillante
Schumann: Fantasie in C op. 17: Durchaus fantastisch und leidenschaft vorzutragen-Im Legenden Ton
Schumann: Fantasie in C op. 17: Mabig. Durchaus energisch-Etwas langsamer-Viel bewegter
Schumann: Fantasie in C op. 17: Langsam betragen. Durchweg leise zu halten-Etwas bewegter

Amazon.com

This is the largest, most comprehensive, and most valuable collection currently available of the playing of one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. Czech Radio seems to have recorded virtually everything Richter played during his frequent visits to Prague during a period of 34 years. Many of the highlights of the pianist's vast repertoire are included here, including 10 Beethoven Sonatas, two Concertos, and the "Diabelli" Variations, along with major works of Brahms, Chopin, Mozart, Ravel, Schubert, Schumann, and Scriabin. These include such unusual items as the first two Brahms Sonatas and the Chopin Ballades. Some of the earlier recordings are muffled in sound quality, and a few (such as Mozart's Sonata K. 280 and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition) are even afflicted with disturbing tape flutter. But most of the recordings sound excellent, and most of the performances are glorious. At the greatly reduced price (15 CDs for the price of 5), this set is a bargain that any pianophile can afford. But if you've collected the original series, beware of discarding them too quickly. An entire CD of Prokofiev--one of Richter's greatest specialties--is missing from this compilation, as are separately issued discs of the Dvorák and Grieg Concertos, which could have made yet another worthwhile disc. For what we have, however, let us give thanks--and also for the space-saving box! --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

for fanatics!!!.......2007-04-21

I bought this set in a store 2 years ago, i paid about$70 for it.thats about what its worth. I resold it on the net last year for about $100. thats really all this set is worth. the chopin is good the beethoven is excellent,the scriabin is good but the recording is terrible. the ravel the same. the weber is also a very bad recording. the brahms was recorded when richter started playing on yamaha pianos because he was going deaf. this renders a very horrible tinny sound,the playing is excellent but the piano is not worthy of the perfornance. to sum it up the playing is excellent on all the recordings but there is only about six disks worth of music that is worthy of giving attention to, $100 thats a fair price for this set. find a good distributer or a good classical music store like tower records{thats where i bought it} its really not so obscure or rare. I sell on the net all the time, I have a reputation for selling rare music and dvds for very reasonable prices. thing is half this stuff is not rare at all. spend $20 take a road trip find a record collector or a store that deals in nothing but classical music and you will probably walk out with this set for $125-$150 or maybe have a real good day and only pay $50. prices that range from $500 to $1000 this is for fanatics or people who are bored and simply have to much money. I would not profit on my worst enemy in such a way. so please at least try my advice. thank you.

Dont hesitate....it's worth every dollar.......2005-02-14

I bought this set two years ago...and today..still...I consider the prize of my collection. Richter's ballades are remarkable, probalby the best he has releases(all four are included)-the diabelli variations are top form as are Rachmaninov Etudes Tab. Despite some sound problems, this is an excellent version of the Pictures and the two brahms sonatas are much better than decca's release. Also included here is Richter's only Hungarian Variations by Brahms( i think). The D960 is good, not the best I have heard, though the second movement almost moved me to tears one night. You will never find a more thorough compilation of high quality performances ranging from the fifties to the eighties. There is nothing here to complain about.

Many definitive recordings here.......2004-03-20

Richter has a way of getting to the heart or to the truth behind any piece he plays. Using his powerful mind, spirtual understanding, and limitless technique, his is able to put his ego aside and let the music speak for itself. Out of the 15 discs, I thoroughly enjoyed 14 of them. The only exception being the Brahms Sonata 1 & 2. I simply do not enjoy listening to either piece. I will now list the pieces in which I believe are definitive performances. Each will be followed with other recordings with which I am comparing them to. 1. Appassionata(Pletnev, Pollini, Rubinstein, Horowitz) 2. Chopin Etude Op.10 No.1 (Perahia, Pollini, Ashkenazy, Lugansky, Wild, Berezovsky) 3. Chopin Nocturne Op.62 No.2 (Pires, Ashkenazy, Rubinstein) 4. Chopin Polonaise-Fantasy Op.61 (Kapell, Horowitz, Pollini) 5. Scriabin Sonata No.5 (Horowitz, Evgeni Mikhailov, Sofronitsky, Bernd Glemser) 6. All Chopin Ballades-definitely some of the most passionate interpretations on record(Perahia, Ashkenazy, Nikolai Petrov, Zimmerman, Kissin) 7. Beethoven Piano Con. 1&3 (Perahia, Serkin, Rubinstein) 8. Liszt Transcendental Etudes-excluding Feux Follets, best performance is given be E.Kissin (V.Ovchinikov, Berezovsky, Arrau, Bolet, F.Kempf) 9. Valses nobles et sentimentales (Cecile Ousset, Berezovsky, Pogorelich) 10. Miroirs-Richter perfectly enters the sound-world of Ravel like no other pianist. His tone and phrasing are out-of-this-world. (Cecile Ousset, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Minoru Nojima, Gieseking, Anne Queffelec) Almost every piece he plays sounds important and has an indescribable satisfaction to it. Buy it! It will give you hours of listening pleasure.

Essential Music.......2003-09-17

After owning a few dozen recordings with Richter (including a few made in Czechoslovakia), buying this box-set would have been a stretch had it not been for a couple of assumptions: a) Richter's confessed affection for several things Czech b) the promised value for money. Now, to sum it all up, I am so glad this set exceeded my expectations by so much!

Indeed, I could detect in these live performances, given over 3 decades, what might have been Richter's love for music, audience, and Czechoslovakia. The atmosphere is of warm intimacy, punctuated by veritable moments of musical tension built and delivered so masterfully, yet jocular at times. Such unique moments, not always present in his other recordings, I posit, are the fruit of Richter's being in resonance with his part Slavic and part German audience.

As for the presentation, suffice it to say it is simply great. Kudos to Harmonia Mundi Germany! The master-recordings seem to be more than decent--considering their casual nature. The booklet is concise and informative--notes on the composers and pieces as well as notes on Richter's approach to those pieces/composers.

Had I been asked to pay twice as much as I did after listening to this music I would have done it!

A Treasure Trove of 'Live' Richter Performances.......2002-04-10

Recorded by Czech Radio between the mid '50s and the late '80s, this fascinating CD set is one of the best available documents of the great Sviatoslav Richter in concert. Recorded sound is variable (the set rates 5 stars just the same), and most of the pre-1970s performances are mono, but no fan of great pianism should be without this set. And although many performances here are Richter "standards" (Skryabin sonatas, Beethoven's 'Appasionata' and 'Tempest' sonatas, Schumann's 'Fantasie,' to name just a few), there are some rarities as well. Let me give just three reasons why I find this set so indispensable. Richter didn't perform Beethoven's monumental 'Diabelli Variations' and 'Hammerklavier' sonata until quite late in his career; the very well recorded Prague concert recordings presented here are fully the equal of any released on other labels. Likewise, the performance of Brahms's First Piano Sonata (which exists in several Richter versions)is truly first-rate. Nevertheless, the Brahms disc is more valuable for presenting the best Richter performance I've heard of the less well-known Second Sonata, plus the only known Richter performance of the composer's 'Variations on a Hungarian Tune.' Finally, let me say to those who have long known - and loved - Richter's magnificent 1958 Sofia performance of Moussorgsky's 'Pictures at an Exhibition,' this set presents a roughly contemporary (1956) Prague account that is almost as good and much better recorded. So Richter fans shouldn't hesitate and those who don't know the the man's art will find in this set a convincing demonstration that the late Ukrainian/Soviet pianist was one of the greatest artists in the history of the instrument. One final note. This is a reissue of a boxed set that appeared several years ago, also on Harmonia Mundi. For the reissue, the fifteen discs have been transferred to sturdy cardboard envelopes and housed in a space saving 'soft' box that is elegant to behold and very space-efficient. Full liner notes duplicate those on the previous issue, but the price has been handsomely reduced: fifteen cds are now offered for the price of five!

Average customer rating:

Marvellous late Haydn

Haydn: 8 Nocturnes

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000009DFZ
Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

No.1 In C Major
No.1 In C Major
No.1 In C Major
No.1 In C Major
No.2 In F Major
No.2 In F Major
No.2 In F Major
No.2 In F Major
No.3 In C Major
No.3 In C Major
No.3 In C Major
No.4 In C Major
No.4 In C Major
No.4 In C Major

Tracks:

No.5 In C Major
No.5 In C Major
No.5 In C Major
No.6 In G Major
No.6 In G Major
No.7 In F Major
No.7 In F Major
No.7 In F Major
No.8 In G Major
No.8 In G Major
No.8 In G Major
No.8 In G Major

Customer Reviews:

Marvellous late Haydn.......2000-09-27

This is one of those releases that leave the CD buyer puzzled. It isn't anything you've heard of like the great string quartets or the symphonies. Don't be frustrated any longer and for heaven's sake get this if you love late Haydn. These are a series of chamber pieces, usually three movements in length performed on period instruments. A mixture of winds and strings that blend well but are capable of the occasional surprising timbre. The music was composed for the king of a small Italian principality who performed on a special contraption (taken over in this arrangement by more conventional instruments). When the music made its appearance in England it became a favorite of London society and the Prince of Wales (the future George IV) in particular. They are stunning examples of Haydn's genius in its late maturity. Which means some of the finest music ever written. This is music for the heart and mind in the highest sense and truly a gift from the Age of Enlightenment. If you love Haydn and haven't heard this music you have a rare new musical discovery ahead of you.

Average customer rating:

SELECTION COULD BE BETTER, BUT ANY EVB IS PRICELESS
Van Beinum Volume 2 -- Could Have Been Better

Philips Recordings 1954-1958, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Arthur Grumiaux: Philips Recordings, 1955-1978

ASIN: B00067R3CA
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Customer Reviews:

SELECTION COULD BE BETTER, BUT ANY EVB IS PRICELESS .......2005-04-01

In this soul-sucking, stressed-out, maxed-out era in which we (who love great music) have the misfortune to live, the spirit of Eduard van Beinum stands out as a beacon through pea-soup fog. No Karajanian glitz or glossiness-for-its own-sake...Just substance and passion, encased within a "border" of wonderful discipline and refinement...

The EVB "Volume 1" (covering EVB's Deccas) had problems...Some Beethoven Overtures and the 1952 Haydn Variations and Tragic/Academic Overures were left out...The 1951 Brahms First transfer was harsh and high-end-brite...Of the Rosamund Incidental Music, only the Overture was included...The Schubert 4th, but not the 5th...The three Concertgebouw selections from A Midsummer Night's Dream, but not the more complete "suite" (including the Wedding March !) which EVB recorded with the London Philharmonic...The Bartok Concerto for Orchestra, but not Le Sacre- a recording praised by Stravinsky himself...SAD, since just a little extra care in the Brahms transfer, and the space of two additional discs, might have solved ALL of these problems. And what a botched opportunity: surely the execs at UNI knew that those of us inclined to buy such a mono-historical, limited-edition box, IN THE FIRST PLACE, would have paid a little extra for a first-rate, definitve collection.

The EVB "Volume 2" Philips set is better thought-out, with superb transfers, but there is one problem...In spite of the presence of the 1951 Brahms First in "Volume 1" (and it is a vastly superior, more passionate performance), in "Volume 2" we also get the 1958 stereo First- easily the least involving of EVB's Brahms recordings...Of course, it's pefectly recorded and stupendously played; but the peformance is just a tad too preoccupied with clarity of texture, it lacks the spaciousness, sense of abandon and daring which a Brahms First MUST HAVE, and never really catches fire. (A rarity with EVB.) This space could have been better taken up with EVB's other 1958 Brahms: the Tragic & Academic Overtures (even if we DO have the Haydn Variations & Alto Rhapsody from the same sessions) and especially the Violin Concerto with Grimaux. (The 1997 Dutch Masters set, containing EVB's Philips recordings of all 4 Brahms Symphonies, including the 1958 First, is still available through MHS.) Still, I'd say this was the only miscalculation, and that "Volume 2" is better and more wisely planned than "Volume 1."

The Mozart Posthorn Serenade and Bach Suites are scintillating. The Schubert symphonies (especially the Unfinished) are fantastic. And the Debussy is indispensable.

I ABSOLUTELY AGREE (with Michael B. Richman) that the cardboard box format of "Volume 1" should have been maintained with "Volume 2" ; the new 6-CD plastic cases are MUCH more vulnerable to breakage. (If you need replacements, these can be purchased through BAGS UNLIMITED of Rochester, NY at www.bagsunlimited.com)

As it is now, with the Decca Legends and Philips 50th Anniversary collections either at a standstill or to be discontinued, the chances of any FURTHER Van Beinum re-issues appear miniscule at best- at least, from UNI. So, as a long-term investment, it'd be prudent to snap this up before it, too, evaporates into the multi-national corporate ether.

Van Beinum Volume 2 -- Could Have Been Better.......2005-03-26

After purchasing Volume 1 of Eduard van Beinum's box set in UNI's "Original Masters" series, I was very excited to finally get Volume 2. Compiling many of his greatest recordings for the Philips label from 1954-58, this box set will be a most welcome addition to the shelves of serious classical music fans. Unfortunately, this title is not without its problems. To date this series has prided itself on reissuing rare collector's items for the classical connoisseur, but frankly a lot of this material has been readily available for years. The 1957 performance of Schubert's 6th Symphony was recently included on van Beinum's volume in the "Great Conductors of the 20th Century" series (see my review). The recordings of Handel's Water Music (see my review) and all of the Debussy works (comprising the whole of disc six here) are available through the Australian Eloquence line. Finally, the Brahms 1st and the Mozart K299 have appeared in the Philips "Dutch Masters" import series. (As an aside, did UNI choose to split up Van Beinum's brilliant Brahms Symphony Cycle just to tease us? Why not just release all of four them as a 2CD OM title, like they did with the Moura Lympany 1951-52 recordings?) As I have mentioned in previous OM reviews, why UNI has now chosen to issue these sets in clunky plastic jewel cases, instead of the normal slim paperboard box with paper sleeves for the discs, is beyond me. Not only does this set look stupid next to Volume 1, which was produced using the aforementioned box style, but literally three of the four sets I have ordered from various sellers (Schuricht, Nelsova and Beinum) have arrived with their cases severely damaged in shipment. And it's not like with a single CD where you can just run down to Staples and buy replacement cases -- these 6CD gatefolds are impossible to find online. Anyway all the griping aside, there is a lot of great music here as approximately four CDs worth of material was new to me. The Bach Orchestral Suites and the Schubert 3rd & Unfinished were particularly refreshing, but that's just what you should expect from one of the great conductors of the pre/early stereo age. It's just hard to be completely satisfied when with a little more effort on the part of the folks at UNI/Philips, this set in particular, and series in general, could be perfect.

The Very Best of Classical Music for Your Life (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

The Very Best of Classical Music for Your Life (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Direct Source Label
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0007PLLZ6
Release Date: 2005-02-22

The Great History of English Classical Music

Average customer rating:

The Great History of English Classical Music

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

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Tracks:

(16th Century) Contra Dances: Dance Piece No.1 - Anna Barbara Speckner
(16th Century) Contra Dances: Dance Piece No.2 - Anna Barbara Speckner
(16th Century) Contra Dances: Dance Piece No.3 - Anna Barbara Speckner
(16th Century) Contra Dances: Dance Piece No.4 - Anna Barbara Speckner
(16th Century) Contra Dances: Dance Piece No.5 - Anna Barbara Speckner
Madrigal 'Down The Hill' - Collegium Vox Coloniensis
Symphony No.1 in B Flat Major - Jorg Farber
Symphony No.5 In D Major - Wurttemberg CO/Jorg Farber
Symphony No.6 in F Major - Jorg Farber
Symphony No.7 in B Flat Minor - Jorg Farber
Symphony No.8 in D Minor - Jorg Farber
The Duke Of Brunswick's Alman - Kurt Schaeffer Quartet
The King's Hunt - Kurt Schaeffer Quartet
The Battell: The Marche Before The Battell - Anna Barbara Speckner
The Battell: The Marche Of The Footemen - Anna Barbara Speckner
The Battell: The Marche Of The Horsman - Anna Barbara Speckner
The Battell: The Trumpetts - Anna Barbara Speckner
The Battell: The Bagpipe & The Drone - Anna Barbara Speckner
The Battell: The Flute & The Droome - Anna Barbara Speckner
The Battell: The Marche Of The Fights - Anna Barbara Speckner
The Battell: The Retreat - Anna Barbara Speckner
The Battell: The Buriing Of The Dead - Anna Barbara Speckner
The Battell: The Morris - Anna Barbara Speckner
The Battell: Ye Souldiers Dance - Anna Barbara Speckner
The Battell: The Galliarde For The Victorie - Anna Barbara Speckner

Tracks:

Prince of Denmark's March (Trumpet Voluntary) - Frank Shipway
Four-Part Fancy - Kurt Schaeffer Quartet
Suite 'Semper Dowland': Semper Dowland Semper Dolens - August Wenzinger
Suite 'Semper Dowland': The King Of Denmark's Galliard - August Wenzinger
Suite 'Semper Dowland': The Earl Of Essex' Galliard - August Wenzinger
Suite 'Semper Dowland': Mr. Thomas Collier His Galliard - August Wenzinger
Suite 'Semper Dowland': Mr. Nichols Almand - August Wenzinger
Suite 'Sir Henry': Sir Henry Umpton's Funeral - Gamba Ens August Wenzinger
Suite 'Sir Henry': Mr. Henry Noel His Galliard - Gamba Ens August Wenzinger
Suite 'Sir Henry': Captaine Digorie Piper - Gamba Ens August Wenzinger
Suite 'Sir Henry': Mr. Buctons Galliard - Gamba Ens August Wenzinger
Serenade For String Orchestra, Op.20 - Hamburg SO/Alois Springer
Sospiri, Adagio Op.70 - Bernhard Guller
Piano Concerto No.2 in A Flat Major: Allegro Moderato - Rena Kyriakou
Nocturne in E Flat Major - Rena Kyriakou
Nocturne in C Minor - Rena Kyriakou
The Silver Swan - Collegium Vox Coloniensis

Tracks:

The Royal Fireworks Suite: Overture - Oliver Dohnanyi
The Royal Fireworks Suite: Bouree - Oliver Dohnanyi
The Royal Fireworks Suite: La Paix - Oliver Dohnanyi
The Royal Fireworks Suite: La Rejouissance - Oliver Dohnanyi
The Royal Fireworks Suite: Menuett I - Oliver Dohnanyi
The Royal Fireworks Suite: Menuett II - Oliver Dohnanyi
Water Music Suite: Allegro - Oliver Dohnanyi
Water Music Suite: Air - Oliver Dohnanyi
Water Music Suite: Bouree - Oliver Dohnanyi
Water Music Suite: Hornpipe - Oliver Dohnanyi
Water Music Suite: Andante Espressivo - Oliver Dohnanyi
Water Music Suite: Hornpipe - Oliver Dohnanyi
Xerxes: Ombra Mai Fu - Michael Theodore
Alexander's Feast: Overture - Bamberg SO
Ariadne: Overture - Bamberg SO/Rolf Reinhard
Jephtha: Overture - Bamberg Symphony Orchestra
Belshazzar: Sinfonia - Sylvia Stahlmann
Belshazzar: Finale: I Will Magnify Thee - Sylvia Stahlmann
Messiah: Sinfonietta - Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra
Messiah: Hallelujah - London Symphony Orchestra And Chorus

Tracks:

The Resurrection: Part IV (Final) - Erich Wenk
Symphony No.104 in D, Hob. 104 'London': Adagio - Istvan Kertesz
Symphony No.104 in D, Hob. 104 'London': Andante - Istvan Kertesz
Symphony No.104 in D, Hob. 104 'London': Menuetto-Allegro - Istvan Kertesz
Symphony No.104 in D, Hob. 104 'London': Allegro Spiritoso - Istvan Kertesz
The Planets: Venus - Berlin SO
The Planets: Mercury - Berlin SO
The Planets: Uranus - Berlin SO
Alman - Anna Barbara Speckner

Tracks:

Now Is The Month Of Maying - Collegium Vox Coloniensis
The Fall Of The Leafe - Anna Barbara Speckner
Amarilli - Stanislav Heller
Rest, Sweet Nymphe - Collegium Vox Coloniensis
Trumpet Concerto: Pomposo-Adagio-Presto - Heinz Zickler
Three Fantasies - Kurt Schaeffer Qt
Cantata: Behold, I Bring You Glad Tidings - Linda Karen-Smith/Hans Friedrich Kunz/Laerte Malagutti/The Purcell Sgrs
Suite King Arthur: Chaconne - Collegium Aureum
Suite King Arthur: Ov - Collegium Aureum
Suite King Arthur: Air - Collegium Aureum
Suite King Arthur: Hornpipe I - Collegium Aureum
Suite King Arthur: Hornpipe II - Collegium Aureum
Suite King Arthur: Tpt Tune - Collegium Aureum
Suite King Arthur: Sym - Collegium Aureum
Suite King Arthur: Song Tune - Collegium Aureum
Suite King Arthur: Trumpet Tune-Song Tune - Collegium Aureum
Trumpet Tune - Blaserensemble Pforzheim/Rolf Schweizer
Watkins Ale - Anna Barbara Speckner
Six Contra Dances - Anna Barbara Speckner
Some Men Desire Spousses - Collegium Vox Coloniensis

Average customer rating:

Classical Masterpieces (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Madacy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00002JXEB
Release Date: 2003-04-15

Average customer rating:

Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart and others

Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000WON
Release Date: 1994-07-26

Average customer rating:

500 Classic Masterpieces

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Inventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00008FZWM
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Average customer rating:

Classical Lullabies

Manufacturer: Intersound Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | 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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000DGUE
Release Date: 1998-10-13

Tracks:

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Canon In D Major
Xerxes: Largo
Air For The 'G' String
Prelude and Fugue in C Major
Adagio For Organ And Strings
Sheep May Safely Graze
Arioso For Brass
'Emperor' String Quartet No. 3: Poco Adagio
Piano Concerto No. 21: Andante ('Elvira Madigan' Theme)
'Eine kleine Nachtmusik' ('A Little Night Music'): Romanze: Andante
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio sostenuto
Symphony No. 6 'Pastoral': Andante molto mosso

Tracks:

'Pathetique' Sonata: Adagio cantabile
Clarinet Concerto: Adagio
Piano Concerto No. 20: Romance
Lullaby
Ave Maria
Piano Concerto No. 5, 'Emperor': Adagio un poco mosso
'A Midsummer Night's Dream' Suite: Nocturne
Impromptu In A- Flat Major
On Wings of Song
Three Preludes, Op. 28: No. 4 In E Minor
Three Preludes, Op. 28: No. 7 In A Major
Three Preludes, Op. 28: No. 20 In C Minor
'Cavalleria rusticana': Intermezzo
Polovstian Dance No. 17: Excerpt
'Scenes From Childhood': Child Falling Asleep
Symphony No. 8: Andante con moto

Tracks:

Love Dreams
Oboe Concerto: Adagio
Dreaming
Peer Gynt: Solvejg's Cradle Song
Reve Angelique
Op.37, No.2: Nocturne
Op.27, No.1: Nocturne
The Tales Of Hoffman: Barcarolle
The Nutcracker: Arabian Dance
Piano Concerto: Adagio
Violin Concerto: Andante
String Quartet In D Major: Andante cantabile
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio sostenuto

Tracks:

Rock-A-Bye, Baby
Symphony No.9, The New World: Largo
Symphony No. 2: Adagio
The Carnival Of The Animals: The Aquarium
The Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
Claire de Lune
Pavan
Trois Gymnopedies: Lent et douloureux
Fantasia on 'Greensleeves'
Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio
Adagio For Strings
Peer Gynt: Dawn

Average customer rating:

All Under One Roof: The Ultimate Abbado Sampler

Abbado Edition [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | 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

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

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

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000415K
Release Date: 1992-11-10

Customer Reviews:

All Under One Roof: The Ultimate Abbado Sampler.......2006-01-30

This 25-CD set is intended to commemorate the then-25-year-long working relationship between Deutsche Grammophon and Claudio Abbado. The preface to each of the CD booklets is the same for all 25 CDs: a letter from Dr. Andreas Holschneider, president of DG, to Claudio. It's a Dear Claudio letter that explains the impetus behind, and structure of, this celebratory issue, and what it's intended to document: a history going back to 1967. Holschneider's biggest problem was a simple one: out of over 150 recordings Abbado had completed, less than one-sixth could appear in this box set.

Of course, monster box sets are now in vogue: 171 CDs for the Complete Mozart Edition on Brilliant Classics; also 171 CDs for the Hanssler Complete Bach Edition. DG therefore COULD have offered the whole thing had they been so inclined, but the market for a 25-CD set wasn't that large to begin with. Remember that there is a LOT of music on 25 CDs. It may be dwarfed by the Bach and Mozart monster boxes (not to mention the Complete Beethoven Edition by DG itself, which runs to 87 CDs), but it is commensurate in size to the complete works of several major composers: William Walton in a 23-CD boxset, Prokofiev in a 24-CD boxset, and Bartok in a 29-CD boxset.

So, aside from made-over packaging and CD booklets with an integrated "look," what does this quasi-vanity project give us that we don't get from the original releases? Re-mastering isn't explicitly credited anywhere in this set, and a comparison of several CDs in this box set with the original releases doesn't yield any noticeable differences to my ear. One might have hoped that earlier analog cuts might have been better de-hissed and cleaned up, for example, but such processing is not evident. So, we must treat this for what is: a rare, out-of-print collection of The Best of Abbado's First 25 Years. It functions something like DG's Complete Beethoven Edition, which is also out-of-print -- namely, it becomes something that gains collector status with time.

There is variety aplenty in this boxset (which Holschneider intended to achieve). Enough Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, and Schubert to please less adventurous ears, but some Berg and Stravinsky to push the envelope a bit. Quite a few orchestras are heard here: Chicago, London Symphony, Vienna Phil, Berlin, Boston, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, etc. Some are live performances (e.g., the Eroica with the Vienna Philharmonic). There is a mix of analog and digital recordings, pretty much determined by recording date. But as a "sampler," you get nothing complete in any mini-genre. Why program the Brahms 2nd symphony, but not the 1st or 4th? Why program 2 CDs of Mozart piano concertos, but not a single Mozart symphony? We get symphonies 3,5,6, and 7 of Beethoven's, but no 9th. Why didn't DG configure this set to include all 9 Beethoven symponies and all 4 Brahms symponies, plus Mozart's symphonies 35-41? Wouldn't the appeal of this collection have quadrupled knowing you were getting some sequences of major works without gaping holes?

Well, the simple reason this didn't happen is because DG President Andreas Holschneider has a Ph.D., and knows better than folks like us on how to market Abbado and program a box set. On the other hand, this box set isn't in print anymore. Maybe that Ph.D. didn't come in all that handy after all.

The performances are 5 stars, the recordings would have been awarded 5 stars IF we were living in the year the recording was done. But nowadays, we have a right to expect better sound in the re-mastering process. What has been programmed is played with intensity and integrity, and always with a deft hand, but the program contents leave something to be desired (as noted above). If the intent is to leave you "wanting more," I suppose this sampler achieves that. This principle obviously works in the case of "opera highlights" from Carmen and Aida. But others might simpy be annoyed at the "set list."

If you simply like Claudio's work (as do I), grab this set. You'll find Claudio at his best here, insofar as his first quarter-century with DG is concerned. On the other hand, he's doing some amazing stuff the last several years, with an exceptionally strong, new Mahler cycle coming into view album by album.

Music Track:

Music Track

music track

Recommended Music:

Trance Groove: Musique Legere

Brahms: Piano Quintet; Clarinet Trio

Beniamino Gigli: Gigli Edition

Music: Courage Love & Grace

Blue Hawaii [Import] [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered] [Soundtrack]

Celebrations for a Grey Day

Broomtree

Brahms: Symphony No. 4; Schicksalied

Border Lord

Afro Latino Soul

Birth Is Pain

Auf Tour [Import] [Live]

Cyber Trance 2nd Chapter [Import]

Fancy Free/On the Town

One of a Kind