| 1. Tension and Release (The Journey to Fuga) |
| 2. Harder Than Hard, Softer Than Soft (The Line Between Yin and Yang) |
| 3. 4004 |
| 4. Too Fresh For Words |
| 5. Do You See The Pattern? |
| 6. I'm Glad You See Now (One Tree Does Not Make A Forrest) |
| 7. Hetytirelasitshiswalalamedmforecrosrdndartscahcgni (Nessun Regole) |
| 8. We'll Miss You |
| 9. Life At Once |
Editorial Reviews
Album of the year contender.
Product Description
Welcome to Fuga, the debut album from sensational scratch composer Ricci Rucker. Fuga is first and foremost a jazz album, "which features the turntable as the focus instrument, using 20 musicians to lay down the music." It helps to think of Fuga as a 50-minute long song, one that takes the listener on an astonishing musical journey through the head of Ricci Rucker. From tribal African music to a jazz standard from the year 4004, Fuga holds the listener captive amongst its many aural pleasures. Boldly going where turntablism has never gone before, Fuga is a true original. One listen will surely confirm that Ricci Rucker is miles ahead of the typical scratch DJ.
Fuga
Fuga,Ricci Rucker,Alpha Pup Records,Dance & DJ,Rap & Hip-Hop
Average customer rating:
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Art of the Fugue - 70th Anniversary Edition
Glenn Gould , and Bach Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00006FI8C Release Date: 2002-09-03 |
Customer Reviews:
Gould's Most Errant Interpretation.......2007-02-13
Or, if you are attracted to the Art of Fugue rather than the Artist, you might listen to the performance of the Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet, also available on CD. Though there is no historical justification for playing Bach's harpsichord music on recorders, the LSQ makes fine and insightful music on their wooden flutes, large and small. At times they sound more organistic than Mr. Gould on his modern behemoth.
THE VERY SOUL OF MUSIC.......2006-09-08
Gould's organ renderings ran into critical flak at the time, and whether for that reason or because organ-playing aggravated a shoulder condition that the maestro suffered from he never completed the project. The sound of the piano is a little below standard in C), with some background hiss and a slightly emaciated tone, but even it is not really bad, B) and D) are better, and E) better still sound-wise. The sound of the organs has been criticised, but I do not criticise it and indeed it suits me very well. Nothing in the sound-quality from start to finish interferes in any way with my appreciation of Gould's wonderful, visionary and unique Bach-playing.
This disc does not offer you the complete Art of Fugue, so anyone who wants what's here is going to want it for something special in the performance. Gould is always special I guess, but not special in ways that suit everyone. My feeling is that if you are of the school that wants the Art of Fugue played `expressively' you can probably leave this offering alone. Once Gould sets a tempo he sticks to it unflinchingly without rubato, and except for some build-up in the tone as D) progresses there is a very restricted range of dynamics within each piece, although the individual pieces are strongly contrasted in respect of both volume-level and pace. Interestingly, in those numbers which he gives in two different performances, he takes a markedly different approach each time. Conrapunctus II IV and IX are very much faster in the piano version than on the organ, but contrapunctus I on the piano is taken very slowly indeed, lasting nearly twice as long as in the organ account. It is a matter of one's own concept of the work basically. For me, the Art of Fugue is the ultimate in abstract `absolute' music. It is a monument of remote sublimity like pure mathematics or like the stars in the sky, and it is just there for us to wonder at and does not reach out to us or `express' anything. The player's task is to convey its grandeur, and for me Gould does that as no other version, (on any instruments whatsoever - Bach specifies none) has ever done for me, and I feel this most acutely in his much-criticised organ renderings. The organs he uses are not giants, and there is only limited use of the pedals. He uses mainly a detached fingering, although embracing a more legato style in contrapunctus VI. However it stands to reason that the parts in long sustained notes do not admit of the detached treatment, and I love Gould's selection of strongly contrasted stops to assist clarity further. These are the means he adopts. What these means are in furtherance of is an impression of utter grandeur in the sublime march of Bach's polyphony. It is even a privilege to be shown how this grandeur can be viewed from startlingly different angles in his alternative interpretations of 4 of the fugues.
The last fugue from the Art, the unfinished contrapunctus XIV, is taken at a very slow pace and ends abruptly where the dying composer left it. In the normal way of things I detest this procedure - whatever Bach intended it wasn't that, and in a composition that is the ne plus ultra of method many competent musicians have supplied conclusions that must, in the very nature of the case, approximate to what Bach himself would have done. However this was a television performance, and I gather that the camera was made to freeze at this point with Gould's right hand poised dramatically in mid-air. Gould, who kicked Ravel's piano transcription of La Valse into touch and wrote his own, is having none of that when it comes to Bach, and under the circumstances I stifle my own normal reaction to this abrupt hiatus.
One of the most extraordinary things about Bach is how popular he manages to be for all his seeming severity. The Art of Fugue is innocent of the lyricism that was also part of Bach's infinite musical gift, it makes no compromises with us, but I would say to newcomers to the work that Gould's accounts, partial as they are, would be the best place to start to know this unique and towering masterpiece. It is not any indivisible entity in any case. Better, to start with, to hear some of it presented like this than the entire set in many another, perhaps indeed in any other, version.
Worth getting for Contrapunctus XIV, but for full performance look elsewhere.......2005-08-07
If you want a complete Art of Fugue on piano that's as close to Gould as it gets, go with Tatiana Nikolayeva's stellar 2 CD-recording on Hyperion (CDA66631/2). I have 9 AoF performances in my collection (piano, organ, string quartet, Hermann Scherchen's orchestral arrangement), and Nikolayeva's set is my favorite by far. (It also includes the two Ricercars from The Musical Offering BWV1079 and the four Duets BWV 802-805, originally for organ.)
However, if you're as much of a Bach nut as I am, the Gould CD is worth getting just for Gould's incredible performance of Contrapunctus XIV (the final unfinished fugue).
The Best Bach Interpreter of the Century.......2003-11-29
Who am I to judge Glenn? I just have had the privilege to listen closely to titans like S. Richter, E. Gilels, A. Rubinstein, A.Schnabel, S. Rachmaninoff, V. Horowitz, and many others. Not to mention that so far I have listened to the complete works of over 40 composers. Again, Glenn Gould plays beautifully, especially Bach's faster pieces, where even Emil Gilels and Sviatoslav Richter can't do such a precise and concise interpretation. But we must remember that Glenn is a great pianist, but a pianist that can't even match with the Genius of Johann Sebastian Bach (I have heard Glenn's compositions). It is ironic that listeners give so much credit to Gould that they absolutely forget that the only reason that he is able to play such beautiful pieces is because Bach has created them in the first place! With this in mind, we still can accept new ways of interpretation of Bach, BUT NOT TO THE POINT THAT IT DECREASES THE INTRINSIC VALUE OF BACH'S COMPOSITIONS. Glenn does not do this often, but it is shocking that he chose to show his over-interpretation on a work that is considered to be the most important one in the entire classical repertoire. If Glenn was made to play these pieces by his contractors then the flaws can be partially forgiven.
It all comes down to this: this work should by no means put Gould's abilities in question, since he is indeed the best Bach interpreter of this century. However, one must not be blinded and be focused on any singular performer for the interpretation of all the pieces in the classical repertoire - Gould might outdo Horowitz in performing the `Emperor Concerto' (Beethoven) and Gilels in playing Bach's `French Suites', but when it comes to pieces like Beethoven's "The Tempest," his staccato is not in its right medium and becomes a cat's play compared to the powerful fingers of Richter.
(I have heard over one hundred pieces by Gould and could barely notice his humming. Why? Because I hum with him! So please do not complain since a real classical listener should not even notice the humming. Imagine listening to someone talking and at the same time listening to Bach. As far as I am concerned, you shouldn't even be able to notice that that person even exists)
Excellent Rendition of the Art of the Fugue.......2003-03-08
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J.S. Bach: Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin, BWV 1001-1006
Manufacturer: Pentatone ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00097HE8U Release Date: 2005-06-14 |
Customer Reviews:
Julia Fischer performs J.S.Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin.......2007-05-07
Thoughtful Readings.......2007-01-09
Listeners contemplating the purchase of yet another Bach Unaccompanied set will also have to look to their own tastes in deciding whether Fischer fits the bill. Have you long since acquired, and exhausted, the classic Milstein performances? Did you find Perlman nicely polished, or just a bit too slick? Did you respond well to Kremer's impetuosity and drama, or consider his approach overly rough and improvisatory?
In the liner notes, Ms. Fischer tells us that for years she has warmed up every day with these pieces. It shows. She is obviously familiar with them, and her technical security and sense of "what comes next" have benefited. But with familiarity comes a certain complacency, and warmups can encourage a performer to emphasize sheer mechanics: pitch accuracy, evenly smooth bowing, perfect finger coordination, etc. That is what I personally hear as a guiding principle in most of these interpretations. They are soft-edged, maintaining steady tempi, using the middle third of the bow, employing subtle and consistent accents, phrasing, and dynamic emphases.
Nothing wrong with those choices. In many aspects, they may lie closer than some others to what Bach had in mind. But I found myself respecting Fischer's efforts rather than becoming involved in the music itself. In the end I went back to Hilary Hahn's debut disc (which includes some but not all of these works) in order to hear controlled and thoughtful Bach performances with more passion, more bite (bowing at the frog when needed), and more overall humanity.
The SACD recording is quite good, but if anything it emphasizes the mellow, moderated quality of these performances with a violin timbre that is never unpleasant but seldom provides the range of colors that one might hope to hear, even in Bach. Especially in Bach?
I think Ms. Fischer is heard to better advantage in her Pentatone recording of the Russian concertos -- maybe she didn't feel a "Romantic" approach was as appropriate for Baroque music. The result sounds curiously old-fashioned, however, especially given the recent tendency in historically informed Baroque performance to emphasize drama and individualistic expression (e.g., Rachel Podger, Andrew Manze). By comparison, Julia Fischer's Bach comes off as a careful effort by a recent conservatory graduate. Still worth hearing, but perhaps more as an emblem of her undeniable promise.
Bach by Julia Fischer.......2006-08-04
She is one of the best performers of Bach solo pieces if not the best. Milstein, Kagan, Grumiaux, Perlman are good. But she is something else. Timing, fluidity, expression I can go on and on. This is the most "musical" interpretation of these pieces I have heard so far.
very good........2006-06-11
What a Surprise!.......2006-03-09
I was surprised. It doesn't sound like she is young at all. According to Fisher, she played Bach every day. And she has been studying Bach since she was a little girl. No wonder she has attended to the details of it. The speed she took was relatively slow, especially for the Preludes and Sarabande. Her technique was impeccable, but it all sounded so natural. I once listened to Heifitz and I didn't quite like it. It sounded not like Bach. Fisher surely captured the elegance and warmth of one of Bach's most intelligent and intellectual works.
If you like Bach's Unaccompanied Sonata and Partita for Solo Violin, buy this. You won't regret. The recording quality was superb, too!
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Gabrieli · Monteverdi · Vivaldi - Venetian Church Music / Taverner Consort, Choir & Players · Andrew Parrott
Giovanni Gabrieli , Claudio Monteverdi , Antonio Vivaldi , Dario Castello , Giovanni Legrenzi , Antonio Lotti , Alessandro Grandi , Andrew Parrott , and Choir & Players Taverner Consort Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005IA23 Release Date: 2001-10-09 |
Tracks:
- Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Dulcis Jesu
- Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son Pian E Forte
- Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Jubilate Deo
- Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son a 14
- Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: O Jesu Mi Dulcissime
- Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Canzon
- Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Hic Est Filius Dei
- Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son Con Tre Violini
- Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son a 22
- Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Miserere Me Deus - Gloria Patri
- Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Canzon In Echo Duodecimi Toni
- Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Audite Principes
Tracks:
- Intonationi D'Organo, 1593: Intonatione Del Nono Tono
- Sacrae Symphoniae II, 1965: In Ecclesiis
- Motetti In Lode D'Iddio Nostro Signore, 1620: Adoramus Te, Christe
- Ghirlanda Sacra, 1625: O Quam Tu Pulchra Es
- Sonate Concertate, Libro Secondo, 1629: Sonata Seconda
- Arie De Diversi, 1624: Exulta, Filia Sion
- Sonate, Libro Terzo, Op.8, 1663: Son Da Chiesa A 3, Op.8 No.8 'La Bevilaqua'
- Crucifixus
- Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate
- Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Recitativo: Coeli Repleti Iam Novo Splendore
- Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Aria: Nunc Jubilare
- Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Alleluia
- Crucifixus
- Ghirlanda Sacra, 1625: Currite Populi
- Montetti In Lode D'Iddio Nostro Signore, 1620: Christe, Adoramus Te
- Canzoni Et Sonate, 1615: Canzon VIII
- Berlin, Deutsche Staatsbibliothek, MS Lynar A1: Fuga Del Nono Tono
- Sacrae Symphoniae II, 1615: Magnificat
Customer Reviews:
a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-04-01
Chordal writing reached its peak in the polychoral works of Giovanni Gabrieli(1555-1612), the principal church composer in Italy of the progressive development. He not only increased the number of choirs to four and the total pitch range to over four octaves, but also juxtaposed passages of conventional rhythm with strikingly jagged suncopated motifs. These dramatic contrasts were further intensified by occasional chromatic harmony and unusual dissonances and, more significantly, by the use of instruments that alternated or combined with the voices. All of these traits are well demonstrated in the music on disc 1 of this set. His music is wonderfully exciting!!!!
Upon his death, Monteverdi succeeded him, and took his own direction musically; much different from Gabrielli. It is not just that their styles are different, but the instrumentation is much different as you will hear upon listening to disc 2.
Two subsequent directors of music represented here are Legrenzi and Lotti, both primarily opera composers.
Vivaldi had no direct connection with the basililca; he worked at the 'Pieta', and his motet 'Clarae stellae' was written for a 'Signora Gertruda, a singer who sang at the Pieta. This is one of the most attractive pieces on disc 2, and is often recorded by countertenors (altos)but on this disc is sung by Randi Stene, mezzo soprano, who sings it quite well. Andreas Scholl has recorded this, and I do personally prefer Scholl's countertenor quality for this particular piece.
Monteverdi's 'Currite populi' is another favorite of mine, and its excellently performed herein.
There is just so much to enjoy on these two discs for the early music lover. The instruments are very skillfully played and the styles of the various composers are adhered to all the time. The balance between the voices and the instruments is perfect as one might expect from Parrott's performers. The soloists: Emily van Evera (soprano), Randi Stene (mezzo) and Jeffrey Thomas (tenor) all sang with the correct emotional investment. Certainly worth listening to!!!!
A "Regular People" Review .......2007-01-09
exceptional tone quality.......2006-03-28
The Fabulous Andrew Parrott.......2005-08-04
Fabulous introduction to Venetian sacred music.......2003-07-24
The first disc, devoted to Giovanni Gabrieli, is nothing short of amazing. Cornetts, Baroque violins, tenor cornetts, sackbuts and multiple organs (try the first track - the huge Dulcis Jesu patris imago à 20 voci) can be heard on this disc and they are all played with great panache, style and, most importantly, expression. I bought both of these discs when they were issued on EMI Reflex over ten years ago - and I have never stopped loving these magnificent and colourful performances.
If you want only one recording of Giovanni Gabrieli's music - then this might be the one for you! The other might be the Gabrieli Consort's 'A Venetian Coronation'? (if you want two Gabrieli recordings in your collection!)
The second disc contains a very tasty selection of music by Legrenzi, Monteverdi, Vivaldi and, again, Giovanni Gabrieli (the star of the show!).
If you want to know what 8 cornetts and 16 sackbuts sound like - then this is the place to go! The singing and playing from all concerned is excellent.
I love this CD and I bought this reissue because my old EMI CDs were getting a bit old!
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Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim
Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000C2KP Release Date: 1998-10-20 |
Tracks:
- Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Allegro
- Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Adagio
- Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Menuetto: Allegretto
- Sonata No.1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1: Prestissimo
- Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Allegro vivace
- Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Largo appassionato
- Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Scherzo: Allegretto
- Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op.2 No.2: Rondo: Grazioso
- Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Allegro con brio
- Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Adagio
- Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Scherzo: Allegro
- Sonata No.3 In C Major, Op.2 No.3: Allegro assai
Tracks:
- Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10 No.1: Allegro molto e con brio
- Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10 No.1: Adagio molto
- Sonata No.5 In C Minor, Op.10 No.1: Finale: Prestissimo
- Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2: Allegro
- Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2: Allegretto
- Sonata No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2: Presto
- Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Presto
- Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Largo e mesto
- Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Menuetto: Allegro
- Sonata No.7 In D Major, Op.10 No.3: Rondo: Allegro
- Sonata No.22 In F Major, Op.54: In tempo di Menuetto
- Sonata No.22 In F Major, Op.54: Allegretto - Piu allegro
Tracks:
- Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Allegro molto e con brio
- Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Largo con gran espressione
- Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Allegro
- Sonata No.4 In E Flat Major, Op7: Rondo: Poco allegretto e grazioso
- Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14 No.1: Allegro
- Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14 No.1: Allegretto
- Sonata No.9 In E Major, Op.14 No.1: Rondo: Allegro comodo
- Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14 No.2: Allegro
- Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14 No.2: Andante
- Sonata No.10 In G Major, Op.14 No.2: Scherzo: Allegro assai
Tracks:
- Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Allegro con brio
- Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Adagio con molta espressione
- Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Menuetto
- Sonata No.11 In B Flat Major, Op.22: Rondo: Allegretto
- Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Andante von variazioni
- Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Scherzo: Allegro molto
- Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Marcia funebre sulla morte d'un Eroe: Maestoso andante
- Sonata No.12 In A Flat Major, Op.26: Allegro
- Sonata No.13 In E Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: Andante - Allegro
- Sonata No.13 In E Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: Allegro molto e vivace
- Sonata No.13 In E Flat Major, Op.27 No.1: Adagio con espressione - Allegro vivace
Tracks:
- SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': Grave - Allegro molto e con brio
- SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': Adagio cantabile
- SONATA NO.8 IN C MINOR, OP.13 'PATHETIQUE': Rondo: Allegro
- Sonata No.14 InC Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Adagio sostenuto
- Sonata No.14 InC Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Allegretto
- Sonata No.14 InC Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Presto agitato - Adagio - Presto agitato
- SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': Allegro assai - Piu allegro
- SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': Andante con moto
- SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': Allegro ma non troppo - Presto
Tracks:
- Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Allegro
- Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Andante
- Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Scherzo: Allegro vivace
- Sonata No.15 In D Major, Op.28 'Pastoral': Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo
- Sonata No.21 In C Major, Op.53 'Waldstein': Allegro con brio
- Sonata No.21 In C Major, Op.53 'Waldstein': Introduzione (Adagio molto) - Rondo (Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo)
- Sonata No.19 In G Minor, Op.49 No.1: Andante
- Sonata No.19 In G Minor, Op.49 No.1: Rondo: Allegro
- Sonata No.20 In G Major, Op.49 No.2: Allegro ma non troppo
- Sonata No.20 In G Major, Op.49 No.2: Tempo di menuetto
Tracks:
- Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: Allegro vivace
- Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: Adagio grazioso
- Sonata No. 16 In G Major, Op. 31 No. 1: Rondo: Allegretto - Adagio - Presto
- Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'The Tempest': Largo - Allegro
- Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'The Tempest': Adagio
- Sonata No. 17 In D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'The Tempest': Allegretto
- Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Allegro
- Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Scherzo: Allegretto vivace
- Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Menuetto: Moderato grazioso
- Sonata No.18 In E Flat Major, Op.31 No.3: Presto con fuoco
Tracks:
- Sonata No.24 In F Sharp Major, Op.78: Adagio cantabile - Allegro ma non troppo
- Sonata No.24 In F Sharp Major, Op.78: Allegro vivace
- Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79: Presto alla tedesca
- Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79: Andante
- Sonata No.25 in G major, Op.79: Vivace
- Sonata No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Das Lebewohl (Les Adieux): Adagio - Allegro
- Sonata No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Abwesenheit (L'Absence): Andante espressivo
- Sonata No.26 In E Flat Major, Op.81a 'Les Adieux': Wiedersehn (Le Retour): Vivacissimamente - Poco andante - Tempo 1
- Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
- Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorzutragen
Tracks:
- Sonata No.28 In A Major, Op.101: Allegretto ma non troppo
- Sonata No.28 In A Major, Op.101: Vivace alla Marcia
- Sonata No.28 In A Major, Op.101: Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto - Tempo del primo pezzo - Allegro
- Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Allegro
- Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Scherzo: Assai vivace - Presto - Tempo 1
- Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Adagio sostenuto
- Sonata No.29 In B Flat Major, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': Largo - Allegro - Prestissimo - Allegro risoluto (Fuga a tre voci, con alcune licenze)
Tracks:
- Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Vivace, ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo - Tempo 1
- Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Prestissimo
- Sonata No.30 In E Major, Op.109: Tema: Andante molto cantabile e espressivo - Variazioni 1-6
- Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Moderato cantabile, molto espressivo
- Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Allegro molto
- Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Adagio ma non troppo
- Sonata No.31 In A Flat Major, Op.110: Fuga: Allegro ma non troppo - L'istesso tempo di arioso - L'istesso tempo della Fuga - Meno allegro
- Sonata No.32 in C minor, op.111: Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionato
- Sonata No.32 in C minor, op.111: Arietta: Adagio molto semplice e cantabile - Variazioni
Customer Reviews:
Barenboim's Beethvoen.......2007-06-27
One of the very best ever.......2007-02-15
dead in the water.......2007-01-12
Better off finding a better performance of these if you really want to be "blown away". My favorite "Beethoven" conductor would have to be Herbert von Karajan; and as for individual pianists my all time favorite is Maurizio Pollini, whose performances are exquisite, in both technique and expression! If you are a music lover you should really check his work out if you haven't already. My favorite Beethoven CD by him is "Die Spaten Klaviersonaten" (Beethoven) by Deutsche Grammophon in their "legendary recordings" series. It is a real gem! (the sound quality is excellent also)
Sublime expression nourished by a colossal vision!.......2006-03-23
And that is a very remarkable good point in this musical moment where the pianist technique is eclipsing and even annulling the personal approach in the most of pianists all over the world. Honesty, conviction, vision and commitment dress those interpretations loaded of expression and personality.
In the great tradition of the great Beethovenian keyboard giants of the past, Daniel explores and plays every little bar with that well felt intensity of someone who in Beethoven `s there is much more than simple music. In Beethoven the music is not a goal by itself; but a revelation superior to any philosophy; all his musical legacy possess values that are placed of the standards. There is not art without second intention and that is precisely what Barenboim has made with this fabulous cycle of Beethoven Sonatas.
If you really want to listen remarkable performances far beyond of the trivial conventionalisms, go for this record.
Performed with great enthusiasm.......2004-05-16
Personally, I think his style is just right for Beethoven (but perhaps just a bit much when he plays Mozart). I'm very glad that I bought this set, but some might prefer Brendell's (Phillips) or Kempff's (DG) more sedate versions.
Average customer rating:
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Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]
Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000K1C9 Release Date: 1999-08-24 |
Tracks:
- Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
- Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
- Violin Concerto In E First Movement
- Prelude In C minor
- Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
- Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
- Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
- Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
- Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
- Easter Oratorio - Overture
- Minuet In D minor
- Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
- Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
- Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
- Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
- Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
- Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
- Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
- Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
- Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
- Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
- Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
- Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
- Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
- Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
- Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
- Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
- Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
- Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
- Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
- Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
- Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
- Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
- Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
- Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
- Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
- Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
- Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
- Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
- Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
- Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
- Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
- Water Music - Air
- Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
- Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
- Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
- The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
- Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
- Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
- Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
- Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
- Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
- Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
- Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
- Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
- Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
- Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
- Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
- String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
- Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
- Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
- Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
- String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
- Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
- Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
- Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
- Piano Concerto in A - second movement
- Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
- Serenade - Minuet
- Violin Concerto - first movement
- Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
- Clarinet Concerto - second movement
- Turkish March
- Divertimento - Minuet
- Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
- Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
- Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
- Overture
- O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
- Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
- Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
- Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
- Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
- Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
- Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
- German Dance No. 1 In C
- Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
- Heidenroslein
- Ave Maria
- Der Lindenbaum
- Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
- Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
- Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
- German Dance No. 2 In G
- Piano Sonata In B-Flat
- Nachtgesang Im Walde
- Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
- German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
- Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
- Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
- Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
- Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
- Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
- Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
- Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
- Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
- Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
- Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
- Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
- Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
- Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
- Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
- Violin Concerto - second movement
- The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
- Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
- Swan Lake - Waltz
- Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
- The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
- Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
- Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
- Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
- Hungarian Dance No.5
- Lullaby
- Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
- Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
- Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
- Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
- Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
- String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
- Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
- Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
- Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
- German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
- Die Fledermaus - Overture
- Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
- Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
- Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
- AnnenPolka, Op. 117
- Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
- Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
- Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
- On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
- Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
- Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
- Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
- Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
- The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
- The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
- Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
- Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
- Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
- Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
- Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
- Don Juan, Op. 20
- Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
- Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
- Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
- Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
- Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
- Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
- Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
- Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
- Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
- Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
- Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
- Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
- Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
- Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
- Angelus
- Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
- Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
- Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
- Les Préludes
- Boléro
- Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
- Rhapsodie Espagnole
- Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
- Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
- Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
- La Valse
- Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
- Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
- Humoresque, Op. 101
- Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
- Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
- Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
- Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
- Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
- Carneval Overture, Op. 92
- Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
- Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
- Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
- Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
- Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
- String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
- Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
- Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
- Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
- Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
- String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
- Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
- Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
- Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
- Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
- Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
- Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
- Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
- Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
- Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
- Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
- The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
- Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
- Nordic Melody Op. 63
- Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
- Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
- Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
- Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
- Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
- Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
- Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
- Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
- Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
- Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
- Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
- Frühlingsgruss
- Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
- Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
- Manfred Overture, Op. 115
- Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
- Die Rose stand im Tau
- Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
- Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
- Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
- Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Album Description
An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.Customer Reviews:
Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13
classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01
Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30
I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.
It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!
Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]
A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.
Excellent!.......2007-03-08
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Lilikoi
Paula Fuga Manufacturer: Punahele Productions ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000F3AJGM Release Date: 2006-05-09 |
Tracks:
- Tangerine
- Something On My Mind
- Thought Of You
- Hungry Child
- The Sun Will Rise
- Sweetness
- Beautiful Face
- Lilikoi
- For The Love Of You
- Loloiwi
- Sweet Reserve
- Nose Flute Dub
- Thought Of You (Roots Rendition)
Album Description
Fuga (pronounced FOON-gah) leads the new Hawaiian wave of performers that are pushing the local music envelope. On this, her first release, she uses her powerful voice in eclectic stylings that range from gypsy-like jazz ballads to R&B inspired reggae.Customer Reviews:
da kine.......2006-12-01
Stop Reading Just Buy This Album.......2006-11-30
Her music is magical and intoxicating because its easy going grooves are contrasted so beatifully by the power of her sultry voice. The album is a collection of genres: she starts with a tortured a capella tune a la "Killing Me Softly" then slinks into a tight reggae cut that would feel at home on one of Peter or a Bob's albums, then its onto a breathy R&B torch number that puts Gladys and Aretha to shame. Yes, she's that good. She's Eva Cassidy good. She seamlessly slips from folk, to blues to reggae.
What's more incredible is Paula Fuga is just a regular person with (as of 2005)a boring job in some lousy Hawaiian tourist trap. She is largely unknown outside of Hawaii and the only reason I know about her is a friend from the Pacific Rim turned me onto her album over Thanksgiving. Want more? Check out her duet with Jack Johnson on Paula Fuga's My Space page.
GREAT title track but the rest is typical of a first album.......2006-11-20
Sweet like a lilikoi!.......2006-07-25
Outstanding.......2006-06-11
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Leo Brouwer: Guitar Music, Vol. 1
Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000014EJ Release Date: 1998-09-08 |
Tracks:
- Danza Carcteristica (Quitate De La Acera)
- I
- II
- III
- IV
- V
- VI
- VII
- VIII
- IX
- X
- XI
- XII
- XIII
- XIV
- XV
- XVI
- XVII
- XVIII
- XIX
- XX
- Preludio
- Fuga No. 1
- Piece Without Title No. 1
- Piece Without Title No. 2
- Piece Without Title No. 3
- I Guajira Criolla (On A Them Of Anckerman)
- II Zapateado
- I De El
- II De Un Fragmento Instrumental
- III Sobre Un Canto De Bulgaria
- Canc De Cuna Berceuse
- Sorcerer's Eyes
- I Lento
- II Ostinato
Customer Reviews:
The necessary guitar repertoire.......2007-05-29
I recommend this issue very much.
Masterpiece.......2006-03-07
Great!.......2006-03-01
excellent! .......2005-07-19
A score for Naxos.......2001-09-06
This is a great place to begin if you've never listened to anything by Brouwer. It's also incredibly cheap. Ricardo Cobos is one of the foremost interpreters of Brouwer's work and it's good to see such a quality recording come out on the inexpensive Naxos label. All I want to know is: where are the other volumes if this one's just the first? 5 stars.
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Beethoven: The Great Piano Sonatas
Manufacturer: Sony Classical ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00008PW4C Release Date: 2003-05-12 |
Tracks:
- Cd-1 (1-4 ) Sonato No. 1 In F Minor, Op.2 No.1
- Cd-1 (5-7) Sonato No.6 In F Major, Op.10 No.2
- Cd-1 (8-10) Sonato No. 8 In C Minor, Op.13 "Pathetique"
- Cd-1 (11-14) Sonato No.11 In B-Flat, Op.22 "Grande Sonata"
- Cd-2 (1-4) Sonato No.12 In A-Flat Major, Op.26
- Cd-2 (5-8) Sonato No.13 In E-Flat Major, 27 No.27 No.1
- Cd-2 (9-11) Sonato No.14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 "Moonlight"
- Cd-2 (12-14) Sonato No.16 In G Major, Op.31 No.1
- Cd-3 (1-3) Sonato No.21 In C Major, Op.53 "Waldstein"
- Cd-3 (4-6) Sonato No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 "Appassionata"
- Cd-3 (7-8) Sonato No.24 In F-Sharp Major, Op.78 "Therese"
- Cd-3 (9-11) Sonato No.26 In E-Flat Major, Op.81a "Das Lebewohi"
- Cd-4 (1-3) Sonato No.28 In A Major, Op.101
- Cd-4 (4-7) Sonato No.29 In B-Flat Major, Op.29 "Hammerkiavier"
- Cd-5 (1-3) Sonato No.30 In E-Flat Major, 109
- Cd-5 (4-6) Sonato No.31 In A-Flat Major, Op.110
- Cd-5 (7-8) Sonato No.32 In C Minor, Op.111
Album Details
5 CD Box set.Customer Reviews:
Moved to the core of my being.......2006-06-17
Sublime and anthological recordings! .......2006-03-24
These penetrating thoughts come from the vigorous and propulsive mind of Serkin, the acclaimed artist, a devoted and famed Beethoven player in any age and one of the master keyboardists of the last Century.
BEETHOVEN'S PROPHET.......2005-05-17
The 8 that Serkin suppressed, except op110, are from his later years when his style had changed. He had slowed down, and he was taking more interest in beauty of sound and perfect evenness. Treat what you read regarding his sound-quality with a good deal of caution. Whatever you think of it, Serkin's touch in his prime was near-unmistakable. I adore his clipped and peremptory way with cadential chords. Above all his sound then was largely a matter of his sense of timing and rhythm, and the outer movements of the Pathetique have a drive that makes other renderings sound genteel and even limp. The rhythm is never as straightforward as it sounds, and its subtlety is what gives power to the slowish playing in the last movement of op101 as well as to that incomparably tense and epic last movement of the 'Moonlight'. There was steel in those great ugly sausages of fingers. He complained that it was difficult to get his pupils to produce 'a proper forte'. Anyone who has heard him close-to knows what that meant to him. The sheer volume at the start of the 'Hammerklavier' was incredible, and it says much for the robustness of Steinway grands that they could survive his fortissimo chords near the beginning of the Appassionata. His fortissimo often had a granite quality, but there was more variety in his touch than is sometimes recognised - the opening chords of the Hammerklavier had a superb rich tone. It was difficult to record faithfully, and usually toned down, but on cd the climax of the last movement of op101 is at least without distortion. Les Adieux is tolerably recorded, but the rising 3-note crescendo that keeps coming round in the first movement is not what it was in real life, with his right hand descending from vertical above his head on the third note. Something was gained but far more was lost in his later style. Op27/1 is most beautiful, but this smooth Waldstein is not equal to the mighty effort I heard in 1969. In any case he could always be as beautiful as any when he chose, as in the F#.
Except in the Appassionata and 'Moonlight' the rule 'the earlier the better' holds. His Pathetique from the 40's is poorly recorded, but there's more warmth in the slow movement. The op109 on the same disc is better in every way. The puzzle is op110. This set has the reading he released, but the one from 1960 that he sat on is far better, with a terrific impression of great doors opening and shutting in the fugue. Often he gives an object-lesson, like the right-hand portamenti in the slow movement of op101, the duet in the first movement of the Hammerklavier, the glissandos near the end of the Waldstein or the dazzling way he handles the last return of the rondo-theme in op22. Sometimes his interpretation is less a credit to him than a shame to others, as the finale of the Appassionata played at the speed Beethoven explicitly instructs. Many things are debatable, like where to start the repeat in the Pathetique. Tovey's suggestion seems best - leave it out. How slowly should the first movement of the 'Moonlight' go? 'Adagio sostenuto' does not compute with alla breve, and Serkin goes for a slow interpretation. In one case at least he is categorically right and everyone else is wrong - the left-hand chords in the transition theme of the Hammerklavier's adagio should be unpedalled. His view of this movement has raised eyebrows, but a very slow start-up, as from Solomon or Richter, involves an ugly jolting gear-change at the transition, which they make even worse by pedalling over the chords. Nor should the start be pianissimo as they do it. Serkin provides another of his object-lessons here.
It's the vision-thing in the last analysis. Serkin is not a charmer, and neither is Beethoven. This set is not some box of chocolates with smoothness and sweetness guaranteed or your money back. For my money this is the greatest exponent of Beethoven on the piano I have ever heard, or ever expect to.
Architecture with Passion.......2003-12-02
For those accustomed to hearing Beethoven as played by Schnabel, Kempff, or Brendel, these performances will come as a splash of cold water across the face. Serkin was unconcerned with niceties of tone, color, or pianistic perfection. He famously described Arturo Toscanini's interperative philosophy as "architecture with passion," and the same could be said of Serkin's approach. His vision was to reveal the structure-both emotional and musical-of Beethoven's masterpieces. To put it bluntly, Serkin could be a little rough: chords are sometimes pounded, scales are occasionally uneven, he hums, grunts, and he stomps on the pedal (once, when playing with the Cleveland Orchestra, he knocked the lyre mechanism right off the piano). But Beethoven himself was known for brutalizing the pianos of his day, and the composer's fighting spirit is in these performances as is seldom heard elsewhere.
Several of these performances are appearing on CD for the first time, and nearly everything on this set is revelatory. Serkin is most successful in the "big" Sonatas: The finale of the Appassionata scorches with rage, the last movement of the Moonlight is a blitz, and the Hammerklavier-where the pianist lays out the fugue with remarkable clarity--has never been bettered. Less successful is the Pathetique, with a questionable interpretation of Beethoven's first movement repeat sign, and some poor chord weighting in the Andante cantabile. Serkin's performances of Beethoven's last five Sonatas should be mandatory listening for all pianists.
Except for the Les Adieux, all of the performances here are studio recordings. The sound will be a bit dry and hard for most tastes. Nevertheless, the remastering is a considerable improvement over earlier issues.
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Ill-Conceived PDQ Bach Anthology
Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000FDBK Release Date: 1998-11-24 |
Tracks:
- This Is Professor Pete
- 1712 Overture (S. 1712)
- Introduction
- II. Aria With Chorus: 'Howdy There'
- Recitative: 'It Wasn't Long'
- III. My Heart
- Recitative: 'When Oedipus Heard'
- VI. Chorale And Finale
- Introduction
- Love Me
- WTWP Station ID
- Oo-La-La Introduction
- Oo-La-La: Cookin' French Like The French Cook French - Dana Krueger
- Introduction: The Musical Sacrifice (S. 50% Off)
- I. Fuga Meshuga - Susan Palma
- Introduction
- Classical Rap (S. 1-2-3) - Grandmaster Flab
- Introduction
- I. C Major - Christopher O'Riley
- Introduction
- II. Simply Grand Minuet
- Introduction
- Little Bunny Hop Hop Hop
- Introduction
- Minuet Militaire
- Enough Already
Customer Reviews:
Witty and Charming.......2000-08-15
This is Professor Pete- Peter Schickele introduces himself as well as P.D.Q.
1712 Overture- A takeoff of the 1812 overture of course, with snatches of some famous folktunes thrown in here and there.
Oedipus Tex- A parady of the Greek Myth Oedipus Rex where he murders his father who is the King. Oedipus Tex lives a life like his brother but in Texas style.
The next tracks are more comedy than exactly music like the WTWP station giving options over the phone about how you would like to hear a certain peice of music. Cooking French... is a woman cooking a French gourmet meal but flubbing up the entire time.
What I have already said pretty much sums it up. The rest of the tracks are equally hilarious and as witty as all the others. If you buy this CD you will not regret it no matter what type of music you listen to.
Average customer rating:
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Silvestre Revueltas: Centennial Anthology 1899-1999
Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD |