Members Only [Import]

Product Description
Back by popular demand! Due to continued requests for stock of the original Bargrooves album, Members Only, Seamless have decide to extend the licence and print some more. They also took the opportunity to update the visual identity of the release by presenting the original jewel case artwork enwrapped in an o-card with newly-commissioned artwork, bringing it into line with the evolved bargrooves look and feel. The tracklist remains true to the original, with fantastic, timeless tracks from Circulation, Francois K, Didier Sinclair amongst others - the mix still sounds as fresh and funky as the day it was born. What the press said: 'a delightful house cocktail' (7 Magazine), 'Groovy house at it's best' (Ministry), 'Classily deep house all the way through' (Mixmag), 'the perfect deep house cocktail' (Elle), 'the best in contemporary house , this is one infusion worth savouring' (Attitude), 'achingly sophisticated' (Wallpaper). Seamless. 2005.

Members Only,Bargrooves,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating:

Jerry Hadley - Golden Days - Tenor hits from the Golden Age of Operetta Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Herbert | Herbert, Victor | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romberg, Sigmund | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: In the Real World Standing Room Only Famous Opera Duets Show Boat (1988 Studio Cast Highlights) A Song of Naples - Neapolitan Songs ASIN: B000003FQQ Release Date: 1994-08-16

Tracks:

1. Song of the Vagabonds
2. I'm Falling in Love With Someone
3. Streets of New York
4. Neapolitan Love Song
5. Desert Song/One Alone
6. Every Day Is Ladies' Day with Me
7. Donkey Serenade
8. Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise
9. Drinking Song
10. When You're Away
11. I Love to Go Swimmin' With Wimmin
12. I Might Be Your Once-In-A-While
13. Marianne
14. Serenade
15. Indian Summer
16. When I Grow Too Old to Dream
17. Gypsy Love Song
18. Golden Days - Jerry Hadley, Mario Lanza

Average customer rating: Hindemith conducts Hindemith Hindemith continues the musical traditions of the Germanic schools Phenomenal performances Lean, clean and unadorned, as Hindemith intended Hindemith Himself

Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Hindemith: Concert Music; Horn Concerto; Clarinet Concerto and others Hindemith: The 3 Piano Sonatas Hindemith: Orchestral Works Kammermusik Hindemith: Complete String Quartets ASIN: B0000U1NHE Release Date: 2004-02-10

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.

Average customer rating: A Historically Significant Box Set with Lasting Significance Amazing performance of the 14th Great set, but Symphony 14 sounds a little off Great Recordings of Great Music at a Great Price. fine

Shostakovich: Complete Symphonies Manufacturer: Teldec ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Rostropovich, Mstislav | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dvorak & Saint-Saens: Cello Concertos Mahler: The Complete Symphonies Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies & Tone Poems Bruckner: The Complete Symphonies Prokofiev, Shostakovich: Violin Concertos no 1 / Rostropovich, Vengerov ASIN: B000005824 Release Date: 1998-01-13

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 10: Allegretto
2. Symphony No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 10: Allegro
3. Symphony No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 10: Lento
4. Symphony No. 9 In E Flat Major, Op. 70: Allegro molto
5. Symphony No. 9 In E Flat Major, Op. 70: Allegro
6. Symphony No. 9 In E Flat Major, Op. 70: Moderato
7. Symphony No. 9 In E Flat Major, Op. 70: Presto
8. Symphony No. 9 In E Flat Major, Op. 70: Largo
9. Symphony No. 9 In E Flat Major, Op. 70: Allegretto

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 2 In B Major, Op. 14: Largo
2. Symphony No. 2 In B Major, Op. 14: Quarter Note = 152
3. Symphony No. 2 In B Major, Op. 14: Poco meno mosso - Allegro molto
4. Symphony No. 2 In B Major, Op. 14: Chorus: 'To October'
5. Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 20: Allegretto
6. Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 20: Piu mosso - Allegro
7. Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 20: Andante
8. Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 20: Allegro - Allegro molto
9. Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 20: Andante - Largo
10. Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 20: Chorus: 'The First of May'

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 43: Allegretto poco moderato - Presto
2. Symphony No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 43: Moderato con moto
3. Symphony No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 43: Largo - Allegro

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 5 In D Minor, Op. 47: Moderato - Allegro non troppo - Largamente - Moderato
2. Symphony No. 5 In D Minor, Op. 47: Allegretto
3. Symphony No. 5 In D Minor, Op. 47: Largo
4. Symphony No. 5 In D Minor, Op. 47: Allegro non troppo

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 6 In B Minor, Op. 54: Largo
2. Symphony No. 6 In B Minor, Op. 54: Allegro
3. Symphony No. 6 In B Minor, Op. 54: Presto
4. Symphony No. 12 In D Minor, Op. 112: Revolutionary Petrograd
5. Symphony No. 12 In D Minor, Op. 112: Razliv
6. Symphony No. 12 In D Minor, Op. 112: Aurora
7. Symphony No. 12 In D Minor, Op. 112: The Dawn Of Humanity

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 7 In C Major, Op. 60 'Leningrad': Allegretto
2. Symphony No. 7 In C Major, Op. 60 'Leningrad': Moderato (poco allegretto)
3. Symphony No. 7 In C Major, Op. 60 'Leningrad': Adagio
4. Symphony No. 7 In C Major, Op. 60 'Leningrad': Allegro non troppo

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 65: Adagio - Allegro non troppo
2. Symphony No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 65: Allegretto
3. Symphony No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 65: Allegro non troppo
4. Symphony No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 65: Largo
5. Symphony No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 65: Allegretto

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 10 In E Minor, Op. 93: Moderato
2. Symphony No. 10 In E Minor, Op. 93: Allegro
3. Symphony No. 10 In E Minor, Op. 93: Allegretto
4. Symphony No. 10 In E Minor, Op. 93: Andante - Allegro

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 11 In G Minor, Op. 103: The Palace Square
2. Symphony No. 11 In G Minor, Op. 103: The Ninth Of January
3. Symphony No. 11 In G Minor, Op. 103: In Memoriam
4. Symphony No. 11 In G Minor, Op. 103: The Tocsin

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 13 In B Flat Minor, Op. 113 'Babi Yar': Babi Yar: Adagio
2. Symphony No. 13 In B Flat Minor, Op. 113 'Babi Yar': Humour: Allegretto
3. Symphony No. 13 In B Flat Minor, Op. 113 'Babi Yar': In The Store: Adagio
4. Symphony No. 13 In B Flat Minor, Op. 113 'Babi Yar': Fears: Largo
5. Symphony No. 13 In B Flat Minor, Op. 113 'Babi Yar': Career: Allegretto

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 14, Op. 135 For Soprano, Bass And Chamber Orchestra: De profundis: Adagio
2. Symphony No. 14, Op. 135 For Soprano, Bass And Chamber Orchestra: Malaguena: Allegretto
3. Symphony No. 14, Op. 135 For Soprano, Bass And Chamber Orchestra: Lorelei: Allegro molto
4. Symphony No. 14, Op. 135 For Soprano, Bass And Chamber Orchestra: The Suicide: Adagio
5. Symphony No. 14, Op. 135 For Soprano, Bass And Chamber Orchestra: On Watch: Allegretto
6. Symphony No. 14, Op. 135 For Soprano, Bass And Chamber Orchestra: Madam, Look!: Adagio
7. Symphony No. 14, Op. 135 For Soprano, Bass And Chamber Orchestra: At The Sante Jail: Adagio
8. Symphony No. 14, Op. 135 For Soprano, Bass And Chamber Orchestra: The Zaporozhian Cossack's Answer To The Sultan Of Constantinople: Allegro
9. Symphony No. 14, Op. 135 For Soprano, Bass And Chamber Orchestra: O Delvig! O Delvig!: Andante
10. Symphony No. 14, Op. 135 For Soprano, Bass And Chamber Orchestra: The Poet's Death: Largo
11. Symphony No. 14, Op. 135 For Soprano, Bass And Chamber Orchestra: Conclusion: Moderato

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 15 In A Major, Op. 141: Allegretto
2. Symphony No. 15 In A Major, Op. 141: Adagio - Largo - Adagio - Largo
3. Symphony No. 15 In A Major, Op. 141: Allegretto
4. Symphony No. 15 In A Major, Op. 141: Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio - Allegretto

Amazon.com essential recording

Mstislav Rostropovich was a friend of the composer, and his performances of the 15 Shostakovich symphonies are uniquely authoritative. It's true that as a conductor the great cellist has had his ups and downs, but unlike so many far less musical personalities, he has only recorded the music that he feels most passionately about, and the results have been generally impressive. His performances of Symphonies Nos. 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are really among the best ever, and there isn't as single performance among the rest that isn't at least very good. The National Symphony Orchestra of Washington in particular plays with real guts and conviction. An essential set for fans of the composer. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A Historically Significant Box Set with Lasting Significance.......2004-10-03

This set of 12 CDs is a recording of all fifteen symphonies of Dmitri Shostakovich by the cellist/conductor Mstislav Rostropovich. Not only is this survey of Shostokovich's very important symphonic output one of the few times we are able to listen to all the symphonies with as few variables as possible, allowing us to truly hear the course of thought and creativity and turmoil of Shostokovich, but it also fulfills a promise between the composer and his pupil (Rostropovich) to create this project. Rostropovich premiered some of these symphonies and had direct instruction from the composer as to the interpretation of them all. All of these facts make this a compendium of recordings that belong in the libraries of music lovers devoted to the genius of Shostakovich.

Now if only the individual performances were as solid as the project itself! While we may be hearing these works with the knowledge that the composer sanctioned them, they are variable in success. Part of this is due to the variable quality of sound the conductor elicits from the three orchestras involved (the National Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Members of the Academic Symphony Orchestra Moscow). The tempi are less successful than those chosen by better conductors performing these works today, and the usual degree of excitement obtained by other batons is missing. But the performances of all 15 symphonies are never less than interesting and are indeed at times illuminating. In all, this is an important body of recordings and belongs in collections of all those who appreciate the significance of Dmitri Shostakovich.

Amazing performance of the 14th.......2001-08-10

I currently own 5 versions of the 14th symphony (Kondrashin, Bernstein, Barshai (a relay of the preimiere in Moscow), Haitink, and another Rostropovich version on the Russian Revelation label. The Bernstein is saggy and contrived, the Haitink fails to excite, the earlier Rostropovich is in terrible audio, The Kondrashin is excellent and full of white heat, and the Barshai is even more hair raising.

And where does this version of the 14th belong? Among the very best. This perfomance's soloists were the original soloists Shostakovich intended (Vishnevskaya and Rhestin). The orchestra though different from the primiere is still excellent. When listening to the Haitink, the orchestra plays with emotional reservation. Not the case here

Great set, but Symphony 14 sounds a little off.......2001-07-26

Rostropovich's performance is very good, but I haven't particularly liked the 14th (my favourite!). Comparing this recording to the other two I own (Bernstein with the NY Philarmonic and Haitink with the Concertgebouw -- this last has lyrics in each poem's original language, which I like better), I found the performance sub-par. It seems the orchestra is not performing cohesively during some piano passages.

Also, it is a shame (or should I say a sham) that not all the CDs are sold individually. I tried to buy the series one-by-one across 3 countries (US, Brazil and Chile), and haven't found Symphony No. 7 so far...

Great Recordings of Great Music at a Great Price........2000-03-31

I feel bad for those of you who have passed by this title and have not ordered it. Buy it now or else buy a gun and shoot yourself because you don't know what you're missing! Great recordings of great music at a great price. Buy it now!

fine.......2000-03-17

Sorry,I cannot write or speak English well.

Average customer rating: Another Classic from Malaco A Blues Legend Arguably some of Bobby Blue Bland's best on Maalaco.

Members Only Bobby "Blue" Bland Manufacturer: Malaco Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Texas Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Midnight Run "Bobby ""Blue"" Bland - Greatest Hits, Vol. 2: The ABC-Dunhill/MCA Recordings" "Bobby Blue Bland - Greatest Hits, Vol. 1: The Duke Recordings" Z.Z. Hill - Greatest Hits Two Steps From the Blues ASIN: B000001KZC Release Date: 1995-04-07

Tracks:

1. Members Only
2. In The Ghetto
3. I've Just Got To Know
4. Straight From The Shoulder
5. Sweet Woman's Love
6. Can We Make Love Tonight
7. Sweet Surrender
8. I Need You Love So Bad
9. Heart Open Up Again

Customer Reviews:

Another Classic from Malaco.......2007-01-23

Great stuff everytrack is on point members only is great; In the
ghetto is a soulfull ballad about inner city struggles and poverty still holds weight today.

A Blues Legend.......2006-07-21

Bobby Bland probably the best blues singer ever where were you when this cd dropped probably trying to get over a divorce or prehaps a relationship gone wrong then you heard a song that devined the time and monment 'Members Only' it's a private party don,t bring your check book just your broken heart. My friends join me in proclamation blues song of the century.

Arguably some of Bobby Blue Bland's best on Maalaco........1999-11-02

The first four cuts, particulary "I've Got A Right To Know" and "Straight From the Shoulder" are some of the best urban blues that came out of Bland's work with Maalaco Records in Jackson, Miss. This is what is being played and heard in many of the jukeboxes of blues clubs across the nation.

Average customer rating: Always Good to Study Bernstein Again Irregular Stravinsky and Shostakovich jewels. Not the best of Bernstein, but there are some gems

Stravinsky, Shostakovich: Bernstein's Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | 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 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann: Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon Leonard Bernstein Conducts Sibelius (Collectors Edition) Mahler 2: Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon Mahler I: Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon The Americans: Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon ASIN: B000ASAENU Release Date: 2005-11-08

Customer Reviews:

Always Good to Study Bernstein Again.......2006-05-09

Now that Leonard Bernstein has entered the canonization of American conductors it is healthy to review his recorded output to understand the impact he had on classical music in America (and the world, for that matter). Not all of Bernstein's recordings are worthy of placement in the upper echelon of the library, but his approaches to scores are always deserving of attention. This boxed set (six CDs) from DGG represents all of the recordings Bernstein made with that prestigious recording company and while not all of them are his best, they each carry a halo of growth and altered approach Bernstein offers after his long years of conducting.

Included in the box set are Shostakovich Symphonies 1 and 7 with the Chicago Symphony, and 6 and 9 with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Both ensembles are first rate and Bernstein elicits fine playing from them. If he dwells a bit long in the tooth on the languid portions of Shostakovich, his other recordings give spikier accounts.

For the works of Stravinsky (long associated with Bernstein until the 'new breed' of conductors usurped that throne) Bernstein conducts the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, an orchestra over which he held great authority, in fine performances of the second suite from 'L'oiseau de feu', the 1947 version of 'Petrushka', 'Pulcinella', a varied 'Le Sacre du printemps', the 'Symphony in C' and 'Symphony in Three Movements'. The performances include some of his most insightful conducting as well as some of his least involved!

Fortunately DGG includes Bernstein's superb performance of 'Les Noces' for vocal soloists, chorus, 4 pianos & percussion with John Mitchinson, English Bach Festival Percussion Ensemble, Homero Francesch, Paul Hudson, Martha Argerich (!), Krystian Zimerman (!), Patricia Parker, Cyprien Katsaris, Anny Mory in a rhythmically secure, propulsively conducted and controlled manner. Using the same forces he encores the 'Mass, for chorus & double wind quintet', a work still too infrequently performed today.

There is always something to learn from hearing Bernstein conduct (and talk! - remember those superb Sunday televised encounters?) and it is to DGG's credit to present this wide range of recordings in one set. Grady Harp, May 06

Irregular Stravinsky and Shostakovich jewels........2006-03-07

DG is releasing some of the most interesting Bernstein's performances they have launched in other series or kept in their catalogue. This 6 CDs box offers the works by two Russian composers Bernstein loved very much and with whom he had an enormous feeling and empathy. Those are Igor Stravinsky and Dimitri Shostakovich.

First of all DSCH, that is the really best in this box...

Symphonies 1 & 7 are the only recording, as far as I know, Leonard Bernstein did with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a group of players with a very long tradition in the American music and with a great technical playing good enough to play quite all the repertoires.

Like in the case of his Mahler's 9 with Berlin, Bernstein only recording with this orchestra is a miracle that happens once and never more, because of many reasons, the first one because this is a live recording in the Medinah Temple and the emotions felt in this CD could not happen again.

I always thought Chicago is a very appropriate orchestra to play DSCH's music, because of the characteristics of the orchestra and of Shostakovich's music, very hard and very sensitive at the same time. One of the symphonies it's better to this couple DSCH & CSO is the 7th that it's not the most complex between DSCH's works, from the technical and musical point of view, but that demands a great and powerful orchestral response, something you can listen perfectly in this amazing recording, in which CSO gives his best, with a baton that understand very well the score, as far as he can... I think no one could understand completely the meaning of the Leningrad not being in the place of the siege or in the scenario described in the double-program of the symphony, probably linked to the oppression Stalin made with his politics to the pre-communist life of Saint Petersburg. I remember Goethe's words, when he said that reading a book is more complex than reading a book. Of course good Goethe talked about understanding a work, and Lenny, even not living that situation gives us a description of the fears, sadness, oppression, etc, really convincing from the very first bar.

Symphony Nº1 is a piece from DSCH's conservatoire years, from 1926, when the composer was only 19 years old and he was suffering a very disturbing economical situation, after his father's death and in the poor CCCP after the Revolution and the Civil War. It's known DSCH had to work in a cinema, under very hard conditions to eat, and that Glazunov took care of having some official assistance for his conservatoire pupil in order to Dimitri gave attention only to composer. The piece is not a great work like symphonies 5, 7, 8, 10, 13... but it shows some details and the personality of the maestro clearly. It was a great success from the same premiere and it made appear Shostakovich as the emergent figure of the new soviet composers, formed in the communist conservatoire... That was what the regime said, because in fact Leningrad conservatoire was mainly what it was before communist regime.

Leonard Bernstein performance of this symphony is a glory from all the points of view, perfectly played and recorded, the piece is fresh, full of tension and emotion, and even that parts not so fine orchestrated shine with real genius. The fourth and final movement is specially outstanding and the way the symphony ends is so good that sometimes I repeat the last minute when it finish. I really don't know any other version played with this very deep conviction on CD.

Seventh Symphony "Leningrad" is OUTSTANDING too, in every movement the orchestral playing and Lenny's conducting is breathtaking. The gigantic crescendo of the first movement is really a monument in the way Lenny control the dynamics perfectly, having an end that is really impossible to repeat, with the scales of the metals and drums full of terror, like watching the face of the death in front of you, in front of the city.

Central movements are wonderfully described too, the dynamics and the control of the tempo is amazing, as we listen in the second movement, a clear example of alternation between fortissimos and pianissimos, as between an atmosphere were everything is like suspended in fears and moments of pain.

The last movement is another Bernstein's `show', because of the way he proclaims the victory of the initial motif, which we could say is not completely affirmed in order to create that two-senses possibilities in the symphony reading. From the very dark beginning of the movement Lenny creates a crescendo that finally leads an explosion in the last bars, outstanding one more time.

The recording is fine, very present, full of body but not so clean like his recordings with Vienna in the 80's (I think about his DSCH's 6 & 9, for example; too on this CDs box), but it worth very, VERY, very much.

I could not say this is the only possible version, as I read in other reviews. I know about 5 or 6 performances (Rostropovich, Jansons, Haitink, Barshai...), apart from some others life, and of course this is the one I like much more, but not the only possibility, I try to discover always new ways in art, specially in music performances. Jansons' version in EMI is very good too, and we can not forget DSCH music always use to ask for the soviet performances, which are a very different way of understanding the works generally. Kondrashin or Rozhdestvensky shows another ways too.

If Symphonies 1 & 7 with Chicago are good, Symphonies 6 & 9 with Vienna are extraordinary too. I have read sometimes critics about the slow tempo Bernstein used, but I've to say this tempo brings new views and conceptions about these marvellous scores. First movement of Symphony Nº6 sounds deep and spacious, technically perfect like the rest of the performance. Second and third movements are really amazing, hard to believe because of the incredible level of the Vienna players, in a tempo that allows you to listen all the instruments and musical phrases perfectly defined. Symphony Nº9 performed by Bernstein was said it is too much triumphal... I really like it very much in the way it's played, like the Sixth marvellous form any point of view.

Stravinsky is good, but the orchestra is not at the same level than CSO or WP. Petrouchka is very, very good and very theatrical. Le Sacre is savage, furious and very interesting. The most important works are, in this way, those better conducted by Lenny and best played by the Israel Orchestra.

We have to mention Noces and Mass, not very usual on CD and with fine performances on Bernstein hands.

Sound is better in DSCH recordings, as in Stravinsky there are some works (Noces, Mass) in ADD recordings.

Anyway, a very, VERY interesting 6 CDs Box which worth for all those who don't have these Shostakovich performances and for those who want to have good performances of some of the best Stravinsky's works.

Not the best of Bernstein, but there are some gems.......2006-01-22

This DG bargain box of 6 CDs brings together recordings of Stravinsky and Shostakovich that, with few exceptions, are remakes of considerably better earlier ones. The Stravinsky works mostly date from 1982 with the Israel Phil. They would be considered quite good except that the earlier NY Phil. recordings are great. The same holds true for the Shostakovich, though perhaps not to such an extent, since the Vienna Phil. plays so spectacularly on two of them.

As a quick overview:

Stravinsky: The best readings here are the Firebird Suite from Tel Aviv and a pairing of Les Noces and Mass from London in 1977. The last two arena't remakes. The Isael account of Le Sacre is certainly very good in spots but rather slack in other spots. The little-heard Scenes de Ballet gets an elegant, sinuous reading with not a trace of excessive underlining, while the Sym. in Three Movements is plodding (neither of these is a remake). The Petrushka is dull and uninvolving. In all, more than half of the music on these three CDs stands up very well.

Shostakovich: The best is Sym. #9 with the marvelous Vienna Phil. from 1985, a cheerful, refined reading that eschews darkness. The Sym. #6 from the same source, but a year earlier, sounds noncommittal and underplayed. Sym. #1 and 7 come from 1988, quite late in Bernstein's career. The Chicago Sym. plays elegantly in the First, but everything seems a bit tired. The Seventh was a Bernstein specialty; he had made a huge hit recorded and is almost as good, though lacking the uncanny communiction of the first version. I found the playing too refined at times, but Bernstein never played this piece for its potential savagery. In all, this Seventh and the Ninth have worn the best.

All the sonics here are exceptionally good. Bernstein got good analog sound from Columbia when he was with the NY Phil, but these digital remasterings leave those old versions in the dust. It's a trade-off, then, since as an interpreter Bernstein never excelled his youthful self in these works.

Average customer rating: Outstanding Szell's Moazrt No Chocolate Sauce... A famous Mozart conductor gets his due -- in spades

George Szell Plays and Conducts Mozart Manufacturer: Sony Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia Concertante | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Clarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Arturo Toscanini: The Complete Philadelphia Orchestra Recordings 1941-42 Pierre Monteux Decca & Philips Recordings, 1956-1964 Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies; The 5 Piano Concertos [Box Set] Beethoven: The Nine Symphonies George Szell: Decca & Philips Recordings 1951-1969 ASIN: B000I5YRQ0 Release Date: 2006-11-14

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding .......2007-03-23

These performances are taken from the time when George Szell was the conductor of the Cleveland Symphony. They are magnificent performances, and the transfer to CD makes them sound better than the original LP in many cases.

I am absolutely loving to listen to these wonderful performances.

Szell's Moazrt.......2007-03-14

No one has conducted MOzart the way Szell did. And this album has some of his best recordings with the Cleveland Orchestra. Not to be missed!

No Chocolate Sauce..........2006-12-10

"There is a difference between the chaste sensuality of Mozart or Haydn and the lascivious sensuality of Richard Strauss. One cannot pour chocolate sauce over asparagus." George Szell

Sony's Original Jackets series continues with this release of the music of Mozart featuring (with a few exceptions) conductor and pianist George Szell. This is the second Original Jackets issue dedicated to Szell. The other, featuring Beethoven's Symphonies is also highly recommended. Sony has changed the format somewhat. Whereas the series initially rigidly adhered to the original LP programming, most of the CDs here are generously filled with bonus tracks. So much the better.

It must have taken some arm twisting on Szell's part to get Symphonies K. 200 and K. 319 recorded, as neither were repertoire staples in the 1960s (they still appear relatively rarely). Kudos to both Szell and Columbia for undertaking the project. Many of the other works here have been issued multiple times.

As with nearly everything else they recorded, the Szell/Cleveland combination brings forth performances of common sensibility and uncommon balance. The tempos and phrasing for each work and movement seem inevitable, and the performances are stripped of all phony Gemutlikeit. The various choirs of the orchestra are balanced with chamber-like precision, so that each voice is heard in proper perspective. This is even evident in the monaural recordings of three of the Symphonies, which are a tad more flexible than their stereo counterparts.

Szell, a co-pupil of Rudolf Serkin, was also a fine pianist. Szell's arrangement of Richard Strauss' Till Eulenspiegel (featuring sound effects from his cuff-links) is legendary. Both the Violin Sonatas and Piano Quartets show Szell as a sympathetic collaborator who was comfortable with ceding the spotlight to his partners. Szell was also an excellent collaborator in Concertos, as the Clarinet Concerto K. 622 with Robert Marcellus and the Piano Concerto K. 503 with Leon Fleischer demonstrate. Unlike, say, Toscanini, Szell did not feel the need to steamroll a soloist into complying with his own conception of a piece.

A few of the items here do not feature Szell as either pianist or conductor. The Leinsdorf conducted performance of the Minuet K. 409 - - charming, fluid, and transparent - - belies the notion that the Cleveland Orchestra was a second rate band until Szell came along. Likewise, Louis Lane, who was solidly in the Szell tradition of conducting, leads a superb performance of the Divertimento, K. 334. There are many in Cleveland, including myself, who feel Lane would have been a more appropriate successor to Szell than the eccentric Lorin Maazel.

The sound in the stereo items, recorded at Severance Hall, is greatly improved over previous issues. The location for the mono items is not documented, but to my ears it sounds like they were recorded at nearby Masonic Auditorium. The mono sonics are acceptable, if a bit boomy. Dynamics, which were constricted, have been opened up. The strings have lost their aggressive edge and have a sweeter, more natural character. It's well worth replacing the earlier issues of these recordings, and a must if you don't have them already.

A famous Mozart conductor gets his due -- in spades.......2006-12-09

NOTE; Please ignore the large number of negative reviews here. They are from an anonymous Internet stalker.

At the height of his fame, George Szell was often praised by critics as the perfect Mozart conductor, a reputation that seems puzzling today. Today we get to hear many approaches to Mozart besides the kind exemplified here, which is fast, clipped, ultra-precise, and humorless. Shorn of elegance and reduced to a display of incredibly precise ensemble, Szell's Mozart can hardly be understood without realizing how dominant Toscanini was in the Forties and Fifties, when Szell rode in on his stylistic coattails. Strict disciplinarians make pretty sour concerts unless they possess Toscnini's genius, and Szell had at least that portion that could dazzle with virtuosity.

Given my opinion, why wuold I rate this big box set, which contains almost everything by Mozart that Szell ever recorded (or evverything Sony has decided to pluck from their Columbia and Epic archives)? Well, the music-making is dazzling, it must be admitted. Since Amazon doesn't give the contents of these 10 discs, I will copy the listing from the Crotchet, the British online store:

Symphony No.28 in C K200. Marriage of Figaro K492 : Overture. Symphony No.33 in B flat K319. Symphony No.35 in D K385 'Haffner'. Symphony No.39 in E flat K543. Symphony No.40 in G minor K550. Symphony No.41 in C K551 'Jupiter'. The Impresario K486 : Overture. Divertimento No.2 in D K131. Symphony No.41 in C K551 'Jupiter'. Sinfonia Concertante in E flat K364. Exsultate Jubilate K165. Serenade No.13 in G K525 'Eine kleine Nachtmusik'. Serenade No.9 in D K320 'Posthorn'. Divertimento No.17 in D K334. Lacrimosa. Minuet in C K409. Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra in A K622. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No.25 in C K503. Sonata for Piano and Violin No.24 in F K376. Sonata for Piano and Violin No.18 in G K301. Sonata for Piano and Violin No.21 in E minor K304. Sonata for Piano and Violin No.17 in C K296. Quartet for Keyboard Violin Viola and Cello in G minor K478. Quartet for Keyboard Violin Viola and Cello in E flat K493.

Sym. 39-41 are duplicated in mono and stereo (rather pointlessly since the performances are identical in every respect). Szell himself appears as pianist in the violini sonatas (with Cleveland Orch. concertmaster, Rafael Druian) and the piano quartet (in mono with members of the Budapest Qt.) Fleisher is the sazzling soloist in piano concerto (the concertos with Rudolf Serkin aren't included). The clarinet concerto is done by the orchestra's first char, Robert Marcellus. Druain reappears with the first-chair viola, Abraham Skemick for a dry-as-dust reading of the lovely E-flat Sinfonia Concertante. Judith Raskin is the superb soprano in Exultate Jubilate. To make matters confusing, the conductor of the Divertimento K. 334 isn't Szell at all but his assitant in Cleveland, Louis Lane, hwo does a reasonable job.

I don't know who wants this much of Szell's Mozart, but if I had to choose one cherishable recording, it would be the Posthorn Serenade, in which we get the usual precision but also a measure of charm and relaxation.

Average customer rating: Hours and hours of delightful music

Mozart: Divertimenti for Strings and Winds; Divertimenti & Serenades for Winds Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mozart: Serenades, Dances, Marches Mozart: Violin Concertos; Wind Concertos Mozart: Quintets, Quartets, Trios, etc. Mozart: Piano Music Mozart: Violin Sonatas; String Duos & Trios ASIN: B0000501PF Release Date: 2006-01-10

Customer Reviews:

Hours and hours of delightful music.......2007-07-25

Anyone who enjoys listening to classical music for relaxation in the evening knows how disappointing "classical music" radio stations can be. Sometimes it seems that their post-drivetime playlists are devoted to the ugliest and most avant garde compositions ever to assault the ear -- even (or perhaps especially!) here in New York City. For precisely this reason I recently purchased a 5-CD changer and several of these Philips CD collections of Mozart's works. It is an investment I would heartily recommend to all lovers of good music. What a pleasure it is to put five of these CDs into the changer, push the "Play" button, and enjoy one's evening hours listening to these beautiful divertimenti. If you're looking for quality recordings of Mozart's works at an affordable price, look no further than the Philips Collection. You won't be disappointed here!

Average customer rating: Dorati's MLP Bartok is Back

Bartok: Orchestral Works; Bluebeard's Castle Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music General | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berg | Berg, Alban | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Percussion | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hungarian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Antal Dorati Conducts Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 1-6 Howard Hanson Conducts American Masterworks Paul Paray Conducts French Orchestral Music Rafael Kubelik conducts Dvorák, Smetana, Mussorgsky, Bartók, Hindemith, Schoenberg ASIN: B00035VV78 Release Date: 2004-11-09

Customer Reviews:

Dorati's MLP Bartok is Back.......2005-06-08

Those familiar with my reviews on Amazon know of my great love for the Mercury Living Presence series. Equally great is my disgust that so many of these brilliant recordings have been deleted in the last few years! Thankfully, some of these legendary performances are resurfacing as SACD hybrids. However, they are unfortunately now being sold at full-price, despite a competing Living Stereo hybrid series on RCA/BMG being available at midline. In spite of the added expense, I hope this MLP reissue trend will continue, and maybe we'll even see a few items receiving their CD debut in this series.

These Bartok performances by the great Antal Dorati are nothing short of definitive, and have always been among my favorite MLP offerings. While three of these recordings continue to be available in their original CD incarnations -- the Violin Concerto with Menuhin, Miraculous Mandarin and Wooden Prince discs -- the remaining two discs of material have been out-of-print for some time. However, with this box set Dorati's classic Concerto for Orchestra, and Bluebeard's Castle albums are deservedly restored to the catalog. Even better is the fact that the 5CD box sets being reissued have been reasonably priced, however they are not SACD Hybrids. This set and three others (see my reviews) have a total cost cheaper than the original single issue CDs! Once again, Mercury Living Presence lives!

Average customer rating: A first - ratepianist!

Clfford Curzon: Decca Recordings 1944-1970, Vol. 4 Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Clifford Curzon: Decca Recordings, 1937-1971, Vol. 3 Ernest Ansermet: Decca Recordings 1953-1967 Decca Recordings 1941-1972, Vol 2 Pierre Monteux Decca & Philips Recordings, 1956-1964 Decca Recordings, 1949-1964, Vol. 1 ASIN: B000JU7N8I Release Date: 2007-02-13

Customer Reviews:

A first - ratepianist!.......2007-05-01

During the first half of the last Century, two remarkable pianists emerged from United Kingdom: Clifford Curzon and Myra Hess.

Curzon conjugated intellect and precision, accurate phrasing, personal sense of color, and first rate technique, hovered by that cold approach respect the lyrical material he played (in similar coordinates respect the gelidness of Emil Gilels).

He sought and even permeated new visions around underrated and overlooked composers in U.K. (like Brahms, Franck or Grieg). His majestic playing captivated several generations since the thirties until the seventies.

This special set contains essential historical registers that already are part of the history of the keyboard. Don't waste this unique opportunity to acquire this emblematic set, carefully edited with impressive sound clarity.

Average customer rating: Great follow up... Re-Members Only I really wanted to like this DIDN'T LOVE IT AS MUCH AS I PROBABLY SHOULD'VE 80's Revisited

Re-Members Only Sylk 130 , and King Britt Manufacturer: Six Degrees ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Acid Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Six Degrees Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Acid Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: When the Funk Hits the Fan Adventures in Lo-fi Hidden Treasures Late Night with King Britt King Britt Presents: Sister Gertrude Morgan ASIN: B00005A10T Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

1. Funky Fresh
2. Skipping Stones
3. Romeo's Fate
4. One And Only
5. Rising
6. Happiness
7. I Can't Wait
8. I'll Do It For You
9. For Love
10. Incident On A Couch Pt. 2
11. All The Way Live
12. Cobbs Creek
13. '84 Fantastik
14. Beauty Of Machines
15. Next

Amazon.com

For the second installment in his trilogy of conceptual albums, Philadelphia DJ King Britt has created a fictional radio station, WISH 130, to pay homage to the music of the '80s. Britt's flawless replication of echo drum machine patterns on some of the tracks may induce flashbacks to big hair and fluorescent socks of the period, but like any good nostalgist, he only remembers the good things about the decade. This is borne out by his meticulous choice of collaborators such as Alison Moyet, Martin Fry of U.K. blue-eyed soulsters ABC, De La Soul, and the late Grover Washington. As Britt enthusiasts would expect, the mix is eclectic, tapping new wave, subdued proto-house, and hip-hop along the way. Britt captures the spirit of the time, yet imbues the tracks with a present-day perspective. While this approach doesn't really translate well on the uninspired cover of Nu Shooz's "I Can't Wait," he does capture the wide-eyed optimism of the decade with the strident vocals of Alma Horton ("Happiness") and Kathy Sledge ("Rising"). Conversely, the deep and moody orchestral territory explored on "Skipping Stones" and "I'll Do It For You" coaxes gorgeous performances from the aforementioned Moyet and Vikter Duplaix, respectively. While not as cohesive as the '70s-inspired "When the Funk Hits the Fan," Re-Members Only reminds us to resist blinkered radio-style formatting, and is a refreshing notice to keep connecting the musical dots. --Del F. Cowie

Album Description

Re-Members Only, a musical love letter to the `80s, is the second installment in a trilogy of albums from Sylk 130, the musical collective masterminded by world famous remixer King Britt. Featuring guest appearances from Alison Moyet, Kathy Sledge, Pos and Trugoy from De La Soul, Grover Washington Jr. and Martin Fry of ABC, Re-Members Only is styled as a broadcast from imaginary WISH 130, "the funkiest, freshest radio station on your FM dial" having the party of the century - the "End of the Eighties Extravaganza."

Customer Reviews:

Great follow up..........2004-04-18

This album unfolds with repeated listens. It's a great reflection on what the 80's had to offer musically recalling other fads and memorabilia(like "members only" jackets). The production alone is an interesting amalgam of new wave, early and late 80's r &b, old skool hip hop and hybrids. The album closer the Beauty of Machines even harkens Herbie Hancock's "Rock It" while 'Romeo is Bleeding' samples the late 70's early 80's "Rude Movements" with finesse. A horn-laden cover of the Nu Shooz jam "I Can't Wait" solidifies the 80's ethos. This LP serves as an interesting point of reference, showcasing how the 80's had a definitive sound and how all of those genres in the 80's drew from each other. Considering now there seems to be an 80's resurgence in sounds this album was ahead of the pack. I look forward to the final Sylk 130 installment.

Re-Members Only.......2002-08-28

Re-Members Only, is BRILLIANT, I think only true 80's music aficionados will love and understand this album. If you listened to New Wave and Hip Hop in the mid 80's this will make sense to you. King Brit did a great job. He used hit makers from 80's artists such as Martin Fry from ABC and Alison Moyet of Yaz, and reinterprets the sound of the eighties with a contemporary spin. Most of the music is new and original, though he did a remake of "I Cant Wait" originally done by Nu Shooz, and gave it new life.

This is a great follow up to "When the Funk Hits the Fan", this musical journey is not accompanied by a storey line, a feature that worked well on Brit's first album. This journey is across the different types music of the decade instead of focusing only on Funk.

This album is full of great artists, Grover Washington JR, Kathy Sledge Pos and Trugoy of De La Soul.

This album makes so much sense to me.

I really wanted to like this.......2001-12-23

I LOVED When the Funk Hits the Fan and could never understand why it didn't do better in the US. So I was interested to see how King Britt would handle the 80's on Re-Members Only, which is supposed to draw from the style of music in that decade.

Bottom line: I don't think this CD works. The music sounds nothing like the 80's. There's a few touches that sound right. The basslines on "Rising" and a few other tracks have an early 80's/Gap Band/Madonna feel. Some of the tacky programmed drums are soooo eighties you cringe (you know that percussion that sounds like someone shaking a box of Tic-Tacs?). Otherwise, Re-Members Only completely misses the feel of 80s music. 80's music bounced more than it grooved, so the slow tempo on this CD seems like an odd choice. It's more along the lines of pop-oriented drum and bass than 80's dance music.

That point aside, this CD fails because the material just isn't very good. Few tracks make much of an impression and most are impossible to recall three seconds after they end. The notable exception is "Happiness". The only other tracks that worked for me were "Rising", Capitol A's "All the Way Live", and (maybe) the passable retread of Nu Shooz's "I Can't Wait".

A big dissapointment.

DIDN'T LOVE IT AS MUCH AS I PROBABLY SHOULD'VE.......2001-09-18

I can't explain it. I just didn't love it. Maybe I will next year. I give it four stars because it definitely doesn't deserve less than that.

80's Revisited.......2001-03-19

Ever since I bought King Britt's When the Funk Hits the Fan I have been anticipating Re-Members Only. Britt had a number of troubles with Columbia and Ruffhouse with releasing Re-Members so he moved Ovum Recordings over to Six Degrees which is an excellent label with a number of great down-tempo electronic / world artists. With his second Sylk 130 album, Britt successfully captures the feel of 80's R+B and synth pop with some contemporary bass lines. I don't think the song writing is as tight as When the Fun Hits the Fan, there are no tracks like Seasons or Gorgeous, but Britt's production is definately on point. I was pleased to see that Cee Knowledge and his Cosmic Funk Orchestra make an appearence after his hiatus from lime light and Pos and Troy of De La Soul also lend their vocal talents. Grover Washington Jr. can also be found on one of the albums best tracks, For Love. I also noticed that there doesn't seem to be any sampling on Re-Members unlike When the Funk Hits the Fan. Re-Members Only is not an album to be slept on and neither is the single Happiness which has some tight remixes. If you get a chance, pick up When the Funk Hits the Fan also because it has some great R+B tracks with more acoustic instruments. Funk is a beautiful album and Re-Members Only is a great follow-up. The only thing left to do now is to wait for the third Sylk 130 project to drop.

Ps- Keep an eye out for Ursula Rucker's album (a fellow aPHILYate to King Britt who did a lot of the production for her album). She'll be coming out of K7! Studios. Also, Britt might release another album under his guise Scuba.

Album Review:

1. Misch Masch [Import]
2. Nephesh
3. Oxygen Workout Music Volume 1 - 2 CD Set
4. Presents: Drum and Bass Warfare [Explicit Lyrics]
5. Programmed to Love [Import]
6. Pure Trance, Vol. 4
7. Pure Trance, Vol. 5
8. Re-Offering
9. Reformation [Import]
10. Remixed [Import]

Album Review

album review

Album Review

Cliches Are True Pt.1 [CD-single] [Import]

Frescobaldi: Arie Musicali

Leclair: Concertos

Music: Olympia 94 [Live] [Import]

Love Is a Cult [CD-single] [Import]

Music Track: Actual Fantasy Revisited [Special Edition]

Lovin' This Livin' for the Lord

Light Out For The Territory

I Love You Because: Famous Country Love Songs [Box set] [Import]

Exitos Nortenos

Gotham [Enhanced] [Import] [Limited Edition]

Jentu [Import]

Hardest Hits, Vol. 2

Melting Pot

Soul Burst