Brillantes

1. Mi Buenos Aires Querido

2. Madreselva

3. Día Que Me Quieras

4. Cumparsita

5. Uno

6. Choclo

7. Adiós, Pampa Mía!

8. Caminito

Brillantes,Los Cinco Latinos,Sony International,Latin,Latin Pop

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Average customer rating: My experience of this CD Beautiful! Well worth the money. Wonderful! Wonderful! Best investment to make A great pianist interpreting the most inspired composer ever !

Chopin: The Piano Works Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bourees | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Galops | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Impromptus | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Liszt: Piano Works Brahms: Works for Solo Piano Schubert: The Piano Sonatas Works for Solo Piano Mozart: The Piano Concertos ASIN: B0000041KB Release Date: 1997-06-24

Tracks:

1. 24 Preludes, Op.28: I - C Major
2. 24 Preludes, Op.28: II - A Minor
3. 24 Preludes, Op.28: III - G Major
4. 24 Preludes, Op.28: IV - E Minor
5. 24 Preludes, Op.28: V - D Major
6. 24 Preludes, Op.28: VI - B Minor
7. 24 Preludes, Op.28: VII - A Major
8. 24 Preludes, Op.28: VIII - F Sharp Minor
9. 24 Preludes, Op.28: IX - E Major
10. 24 Preludes, Op.28: X - C Sharp Minor
11. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XI - B Major
12. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XII - G Sharp Minor
13. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XIII - F Sharp Major
14. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XIV - E Flat Minor
15. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XV - D Flat Major 'Raindrop'
16. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XVI - B Flat Minor
17. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XVII - A Flat Major
18. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XVIII - F Minor
19. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XIX - E Flat Major
20. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XX - C Minor
21. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XXI - B Flat Major
22. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XXII - G Minor
23. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XXIII - F Major
24. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XXIV - D Minor
25. Prelude In C Sharp Minor, Op.45
26. Prelude In A Flat Major
27. Impromptu In A Flat Major, Op.29
28. Impromptu In F Sharp Major, Op.36
29. Impromptu In G Flat Major, Op.51
30. Fantaisie-Impromptu In C Sharp Minor, Op.66

Tracks:

1. Ballade No.1 In G Minor, Op.23
2. Ballade No.2 In F Major, Op.38
3. Ballade No.3 In A Flat Major, Op.47
4. Ballade No.4 In F Minor, Op.52
5. Scherzo No.1 In B Minor, Op.20
6. Scherzo No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.31
7. Scherzo No.3 In C Sharp Minor, Op.39
8. Scherzo No.4 In E Minor, Op.54

Tracks:

1. 3 Nocturnes, Op.9: I - B Flat Minor
2. 3 Nocturnes, Op.9: II - E Flat Major
3. 3 Nocturnes, Op.9: III - B Major
4. 3 Nocturnes, Op.15: I - F Major
5. 3 Nocturnes, Op.15: II - F Sharp Major
6. 3 Nocturnes, Op.15: III - G Minor
7. 2 Nocturnes, Op.27: I - C Sharp Minor
8. 2 Nocturnes, Op.27: II - D Flat Major
9. 2 Nocturnes, Op.32: I - B Major
10. 2 Nocturnes, Op.32: II - A Flat Major
11. 2 Nocturnes, Op.37: I - G Minor
12. 2 Nocturnes, Op.37: II - G Major

Tracks:

1. 2 Nocturnes, Op.48: I - C Minor
2. 2 Nocturnes, Op.48: II - F Sharp Minor
3. 2 Nocturnes, Op.55: I - F Minor
4. 2 Nocturnes, Op.55: II - E Flat Major
5. 2 Nocturnes, Op.62: I - B Major
6. 2 Nocturnes, Op.62: II - E Major
7. Nocturne In E Minor, Op.72 No.1
8. Nocutrne In C Sharp Minor
9. Nocturne In C Minor

Tracks:

1. 12 Etudes, Op.10: I - C Major
2. 12 Etudes, Op.10: II - A Minor
3. 12 Etudes, Op.10: III - E Major
4. 12 Etudes, Op.10: IV - C Sharp Minor
5. 12 Etudes, Op.10: V - G Flat Major 'Black Key'
6. 12 Etudes, Op.10: VI - E Flat Minor
7. 12 Etudes, Op.10: VII - C Major
8. 12 Etudes, Op.10: VIII - F Major
9. 12 Etudes, Op.10: IX - F Minor
10. 12 Etudes, Op.10: X - A Flat Major
11. 12 Etudes, Op.10: XI - E Flat Major
12. 12 Etudes, Op.10: XII - C Minor 'Revolutionary'
13. 12 Etudes, Op.25: I - A Flat Major
14. 12 Etudes, Op.25: II - F Minor
15. 12 Etudes, Op.25: III - F Major
16. 12 Etudes, Op.25: IV - A Minor
17. 12 Etudes, Op.25: V - E Minor
18. 12 Etudes, Op.25: VI - G Sharp Minor
19. 12 Etudes, Op.25: VII - C Sharp Minor
20. 12 Etudes, Op.25: VIII - D Flat Major
21. 12 Etudes, Op.25: IX - G Flat Major
22. 12 Etudes, Op.25: X - B Minor
23. 12 Etudes, Op.25: XI - A Minor 'Winter Wind'
24. 12 Etudes, Op.25: XII - C Minor

Tracks:

1. 2 Polonaises, Op.26: I - C Sharp Minor
2. 2 Polonaises, Op.26: II - E Flat Minor
3. 2 Polonaises, Op.40: I - A Major
4. 2 Polonaises, Op.40: II - C Minor
5. Polonaise In F Sharp Minor, Op.44
6. Polonaise In A Flat Major, Op.53
7. Polonaise-fantaisie In A Flat Major, Op.61

Tracks:

1. 3 Polonaises, Op.71: I - D Minor
2. 3 Polonaises, Op.71: II - B Flat Major
3. 3 Polonaises, Op.71: III - F Minor
4. Polonaise In B Flat Minor
5. Polonaise In G Flat Major
6. Polonaise In G Minor
7. Polonaise In B Flat Major
8. Polonaise In A Flat Major
9. Polonaise In G Sharp Minor

Tracks:

1. Waltz In E Flat Major, Op.18
2. 3 Waltzes, Op.34: I - A Flat Major
3. 3 Waltzes, Op.34: II - A Minor
4. 3 Waltzes, Op.34: III - F Major
5. Waltz In A Flat Major, Op.42
6. 3 Waltzes, Op.64: I - D Flat Major
7. 3 Waltzes, Op.64: II - C Sharp Minor
8. 3 Waltzes, Op.64: III - A Flat Major
9. 2 Waltzes, Op.69: I - A Flat Major
10. 2 Waltzes, Op.69: II - B Minor
11. 3 Waltzes, Op.70: I - G Flat Major
12. 3 Waltzes, Op.70: II - F Minor
13. 3 Waltzes, Op.70: III - D Flat Major
14. Waltz In E Minor (1830)
15. Waltz In E Major (1829)
16. Waltz In A Minor (?1843)
17. Waltz In A Flat Major (1827)
18. Waltz In E Flat Major ('Sostenuto', 1840)
19. Waltz In E Flat Major (1829 - 1830)

Tracks:

1. 4 Mazurkas, Op.6: I - F Sharp Minor
2. 4 Mazurkas, Op.6: II - C Sharp Minor
3. 4 Mazurkas, Op.6: III - E Major
4. 4 Mazurkas, Op.6: IV - E Flat Minor
5. 5 Mazurkas, Op.7: I - B Flat Major
6. 5 Mazurkas, Op.7: II - A Minor
7. 5 Mazurkas, Op.7: III - F Minor
8. 5 Mazurkas, Op.7: IV - A Flat Major
9. 5 Mazurkas, Op.7: V - C Major
10. 4 Mazurkas, Op.17: I - B Flat Major
11. 4 Mazurkas, Op.17: II - E Minor
12. 4 Mazurkas, Op.17: III - A Flat Major
13. 4 Mazurkas, Op.17: IV - A Minor
14. 4 Mazurkas, Op.24: I - G Minor
15. 4 Mazurkas, Op.24: II - C Major
16. 4 Mazurkas, Op.24: III - A Flat Major
17. 4 Mazurkas, Op.24: IV - B Flat Minor
18. 4 Mazurkas, Op.30: I - C Minor
19. 4 Mazurkas, Op.30: II - B Minor
20. 4 Mazurkas, Op.30: III - D Flat Major
21. 4 Mazurkas, Op.30: IV - C Sharp Minor
22. 4 Mazurkas, Op.33: I - G Sharp Minor
23. 4 Mazurkas, Op.33: II - D Major
24. 4 Mazurkas, Op.33: III - C Major
25. 4 Mazurkas, Op.33: IV - B Minor
26. 4 Mazurkas, Op.41: I - C Sharp Minor
27. 4 Mazurkas, Op.41: II - E Minor
28. 4 Mazurkas, Op.41: III - B Major
29. 4 Mazurkas, Op.41: IV - A Flat Major

Tracks:

1. 3 Mazurkas, Op.50: I - G Major
2. 3 Mazurkas, Op.50: II - A Flat Major
3. 3 Mazurkas, Op.50: III - C Sharp Minor
4. 3 Mazurkas, Op.56: I - B Major
5. 3 Mazurkas, Op.56: II - C Major
6. 3 Mazurkas, Op.56: III - C Minor
7. 3 Mazurkas, Op.59: I - A Minor
8. 3 Mazurkas, Op.59: II - A Flat Major
9. 3 Mazurkas, Op.59: III - F Sharp Minor
10. 3 Mazurkas, Op.63: I - B Major
11. 3 Mazurkas, Op.63: II - F Minor
12. 3 Mazurkas, Op.63: III - C Sharp Minor
13. 4 Mazurkas, Op.67: I - G Major
14. 4 Mazurkas, Op.67: II - G Minor
15. 4 Mazurkas, Op.67: III - C Major
16. 4 Mazurkas, Op.67: IV - A Minor
17. 4 Mazurkas, Op.68: I - C Major
18. 4 Mazurkas, Op.68: II - A Minor
19. 4 Mazurkas, Op.68: III - F Major
20. 4 Mazurkas, Op.68: IV - F Minor
21. Mazurka In A Minor ('a Emile Gaillard', 1840)
22. Mazurka In A Minor ('Notre temps', 1840)
23. Mazurka In B Flat Major (1826)
24. Mazurka In G Major (1826)
25. Mazurka In A Flat Major (1834)
26. Mazurka In C Major (1833)
27. Mazurka In B Flat Major (For Alexandra Wolowska, 1832)
28. Mazurka In D Major (1832)
29. Mazurka In D Major (?1820)
30. Mazurka In F Minor, Op.68 No. 4 - Vladimir Ashkenazy

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: I - Grave - Doppio movimento
2. Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: II - Scherzo
3. Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: III - Marche funebre
4. Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: IV - Finale: Presto
5. Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: I - Allegro maestoso
6. Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: II - Scherzo: Molto vivace
7. Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: III - Largo
8. Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: IV - Finale: Presto, non tanto
9. Fantaisie In F Minor, Op. 49

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: I - Allegro maestoso
2. Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: II - Minuetto - Trio
3. Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: III - Larghetto
4. Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: IV - Finale: Presto
5. Variations sur un air national allemand - E Major (1826)
6. Rondo In C Minor, Op.1
7. 3 Ecossaises, Op.72 No.3: I - D Major; II - G Major; III - D Flat Major
8. Rondo 'a la Mazur' In F Major, Op.5
9. Marche funebre In C Minor, Op.72 No.2
10. Contredanse In G Flat Major (?1827) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
11. Rondo In C Major, Op.73 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
12. Variations In D Major For Piano Duet (1826) - Vladimir Ashkenazy

Tracks:

1. Variations In A Major ('Souvenir de Paganini', 1829)
2. Variations brillantes In B Flat Major, Op.12
3. Rondo In E Flat Major, Op.16
4. Bolero In A Minor, Op.19
5. Cantabile In B Flat Major
6. Variation In E Major
7. Largo In E Flat Major
8. Allegro de concert In A Major, Op.46
9. 3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): I - F Minor
10. 3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): II - A Flat Major
11. 3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): III - D Flat Major
12. Tarentelle In A Flat Major, Op.43
13. Fugue In A Minor (1841 - 42)
14. Albumblatt in E Major (1843)
15. Op.74 No.2: Wiosna - Spring
16. 2 Bourrees (1846): I - G Minor; II - A Major
17. Galop Marquis
18. Berceuse In D Flat Major, Op.57
19. Barcarolle In F Sharp Major, Op.60

Customer Reviews:

My experience of this CD.......2007-04-04

My hats off to this CD collection! It was worth it!!! Chopin is a true genius for the piano, on this collection.

Beautiful!.......2006-08-18

This is a beautifully played collection of Chopin's work. It was a birthday gift,
and I listen to bits of it every day. I have yet to find a favorite
CD, as each is so lovely. It is well worth the price.

Well worth the money. Wonderful! Wonderful!.......2006-06-10

I am not a classical music expert but I am an expert when it comes to a great product. I have listened to the works of rubenstein and Horowitz, but nothing is comparable to this great collection of polands favorite son. The nocturnes are dreamy and romantic. The other pieces though not as mesmerizing have plenty of depth and feeling. This is a collection that you will listen to over and over again. Although this music is great anytime, it's especially meaningful during a light rainfall. Go ahead and make this investment. It's only $100.00. For the next 100 days save a dollar and you will have it paid for. I promise you won't be sorry. Excellent! Excellent!

Best investment to make.......2006-05-21

In my opinion, this is the apex of classical music. You will not find a better CD for Chopin or any piano recordings. There may be plenty of comparable CDs, but nothing can claim to surpass this.

Although some pieces are not as good as those by other artists, Ashkenazy's interpretations of Chopin are the best I've ever heard. Add in his amazing technical performance and you've got some sublime music.

Listening to these pieces have immensely helped my own Chopin reportoire. I don't play to mimic Ashkenazy, but I use his insights and apply my own style over that and end up with something exponentially better than what I could produce on my own.

The price is something you have to seriously consider. A hundred bucks. Yeah, that's a lot of money, but that's 48 cents per song. And you'll listen to these songs dozens of times, at least, I guarantee. Plus it's a great deal... if you were to get all the Ashkenazy-Chopin CDs available on Amazon, overlapping pieces as little as possible, you'd pay $30 more and still not have everything.

This is an investment for life and will definitely remain one of my favorite CD sets for decades. Decades. A hundred bucks for decades of amazing music. This stuff is larger than today, larger than life.. music this good is something you can't afford to pass up because of temporary financial difficulties.

A great pianist interpreting the most inspired composer ever !.......2005-09-15

Lets imagine that Chopin himself has recorded his own compositions in a perfectly clear CD. I am sure that some classical music reviewers would say "This is not the way Chopin is meant to be played". These classical music "pundits" are very intolerant.

Interpretation and emotion feeling is also a matter of taste, so that the only one who can give a final answer is Franois (Frederic).

Ashkenazy is gifted with a phenomenal technique, a great pianist. So that this collection is for sure 5 stars. Enjoy it.

Ah, if you like to see piano technique in action, listen to Georgy Cziffra's interpretation of Etude op. 10 no. 4. (Search the album in my reviews.)

Average customer rating: A well chosen album title Happy Birthday by Gidon Kremer A perfect birthday gift Jest with Zest I want to play the variations myself!

Happy Birthday Gidon Kremer , and Kremerata Baltica Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Kremerland Vivaldi and Piazzolla: Eight Seasons From My Home: Music from the Baltic Countries Silencio After Mozart ASIN: B00006JP2B Release Date: 2003-01-28

Tracks:

1. Polka
2. Thema
3. Variation Nach Joseph Haydn
4. Variation Nach Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
5. Variation Nach Ludwig Van Beethoven
6. Variation Nach Johannes Brahms
7. Variation Nach Robert Schumann
8. Variation Nach Antonin Dvorak
9. Polka/Valse
10. Variation Im Stil Von Filmmusik
11. Ragtime
12. Tango
13. Czardas
14. Adagio
15. Allegretto
16. Ad Libitum
17. Allegro. Presto
18. Variations Brillantes Et Concertantes Sur L'air 'God Save The King,' Op.38
19. Elegy
20. McMozart's Eine Kleine Bricht Moonlicht Nicht Musik
21. I. Eine Kleine Nichtmusik
22. II. Moonlight Concerto
23. III. Chaconne A Son Gout
24. IV. Hommage To Shostakofiev
25. Souvenir

Amazon.com

To celebrate its sixth anniversary as an ensemble, Kremerata Baltica presents a light, loving, and musically interesting confection. After an opening polka by Schnittke (who knew he could be so frothy?), we get 11 variations on the song "Happy Birthday" by Peter Heidrich, à la Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms, and some dance movements. Delightful. Elsewhere, Franz Waxman's Variations on "Auld lang syne" are as clever as they are unexpected and charming. More variations--this time on "God save the King" by the 19th century composers Ghys and Servais--afford Kremer and cellist Marta Sudraba a fine time, and Teddy Bor's brief riff on Mozart's omnipresent "Eine kleine nachtmusik" is a hoot. There's more, but the point is made: Classical music can be fun and sophisticated, and Kremer and his group remain virtuosi, one and all. --Robert Levine

Album Description

These young Baltic musicians possess a vivid spectrum of string color, thoroughly polished execution, and a direction of effort in service to the composer... There is no violinist with greater versatility and commitment to musical truth than Kremer. Slipcase. Nonesuch. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

A well chosen album title.......2007-01-10

I was desperately looking through the internet for a tango "happy birthday" and the tune was there, in this album. After I purchased the cd, I read the booklet included and there I found mentioned that "the album's title is not merely a reference to the popular tune, but a celebration of the ensemble's anniversary". So, I was happy to have finally found a tango "happy birthday" but I was also disappointed because this was not the playful album I was looking forward to listen to.
But this is a bit unfair for this excellent orchestra.
If what you are looking for is innovations on the romantic classicals... well this could be it. The point is that this is an album for listeners who know their way into classical music.
Other than that I should suggest that innovation regarding any classical music "playful" album would be to capture the listener's interest with more daring ways than that.

Happy Birthday by Gidon Kremer.......2007-01-09

This is a nice "classic" touch for any birthday celebration--great musical treatment of a most familiar tune!

A perfect birthday gift.......2006-01-26

I bought it out of my own devotion to Gidon Kremer and another one for a food friend's birthday. Kremer never let me down. This is another outstanding CD and a perfect birthday gift, even for non-classical lovers. However, to be very honest, I am not totally satisfied with all the tracks but still it's highly recommended. I would say it is an almost-must-have for your CD shelf. The variation of the traditional 'Happy Birthday' is fantastic if not too commercial.

Jest with Zest.......2005-11-26

If you enjoy parodies, this will be the perfect album for you. The jokes played on the various composers are amusing and refreshing, especially for music students who bore their brains out analysing these composers. Take a fresh view and enjoy! Even though they may seem meaningless initially, they grow onto you soon enough; and you will start asking - why not?

I want to play the variations myself!.......2004-07-22

My God...I will be too grateful to anyone who can show me where I can get the printed music of the "Happy Birthday" variation ....

Average customer rating: A smile in the mind... Magnificent music making!

Face à face: Duos for Violin & Cello Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Halvorsen | Halvorsen, Johan | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Kodály, Zoltán | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Inventions Brahms: Piano Trios Haydn: Cello Concertos Ravel: Sonatas & Trio Franck: Violin Sonata; Rachmaninov: Cello Sonata ASIN: B00008ODZJ Release Date: 2003-07-08

Tracks:

1. Passacaille After Handel
2. Duo Op. 7
3. Duo Op. 7
4. Duo Op. 7
5. Sonate Pour Violon & Violoncelle
6. Sonate Pour Violon & Violoncelle
7. Sonate Pour Violon & Violoncelle
8. Duo
9. Duo
10. Duo
11. Duo
12. God Save The King Op. 38

Amazon.com

This is a recording to induce smiles of incredulity, admiration, and delight. The Capuçon brothers are dazzling virtuosos who revel in their technical prowess with unabashed, sometimes mischievous relish; their tone is simply gorgeous: rich, vibrant, and intense, and they have the impetuosity, exuberance and abandon that befits their youth. (Renaud was born in 1976, Gautier in 1981, in Chambery, France.) The recording is designed to display every aspect of their matchless virtuosity, but equally astonishing are their uncanny rapport and unanimity and the homogeneity of their tone: they trade phrases and take over lines literally imperceptibly, and at times, especially when the cellist plays high up on the A and the violinist on the G-string, one cannot tell which instrument is playing what. The program includes a world premiere: Eric Tanguy's Sonata, written for the brothers and tailored to their strengths: two marathon run-around movements flanking a dark, passionate, slow one, all full of close interplay between the instruments. Kodály's familiar, very difficult Duo, played with great idiomatic empathy, unbridled temperament and mournful lamentation, exploits all the instruments' resources of colors and sound effects. The less familiar Duo by Erwin Schulhoff is equally difficult; with its wildly contrasting moods, abrupt changes of character and improvisatory freedom it has a powerful emotional impact. The program begins and ends with brilliant fireworks: Handel-Halvorsen's "Passacaglia," tossed off with playful nonchalance, and "Variations brillantes sur God Save the King," by two virtuosos: violinist Joseph Ghys and cellist Adrien Servais. (It is tempting to imagine that each wrote his own part.) Prefaced by a solemn, operatic Introduction, the five variations are the last word in acrobatics; the pyrotechnics are so incredible that the piece sounds like a parody of its own genre. Naturally, the playing is absolutely stunning. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

A smile in the mind..........2003-09-12

Refreshingly interesting programming combined with virtuosic music-making makes this one of the few "must-have" classical albums of the year (2003). No re-hashes here...it's all new to the ear (well, my ear). and the sense of ensemble between these two brothers is uncanny and breathtaking, underscored throughout by a sly sense of wit...merry, witty and just plain fun! BUY THIS CD...you'll love it and you'll be supporting some darned interesting upcoming new talent! P.S. The liner notes and photos are subtley hilarious...very well put-together package.

Magnificent music making!.......2003-07-18

The playing and music making on this disc are magnificent. The Capuçon brothers are virtuosos of the first rank, but more importantly they are incapable of playing an unmusical or uninteresting note. They speak with one voice when called upon, but are perfectly willing to engage one another in heated musical dialogue in the Kodaly and Tanguy. The performance of the Kodaly is especially wonderful. Technical perfection, panache, an infinite pallete of colors and amazing musicianship: what more could you want in a cd? I urge you to buy this cd and all others by these remarkable young brothers, especially their Ravel disc.

Average customer rating: Good, not great. Incredible! overly rich nostalgic pieces and particles of the piano

The Piano Album Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Czerny | Czerny, Carl | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dohnányi, Ernö von | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Godowsky | Godowsky, Leopold | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by MacDowell | MacDowell, Edward | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rubinstein | Rubinstein, Anton | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liebermann | Liebermann, Lowell | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Hough, Stephen | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Caprices | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Stephen Hough's New Piano Album Stephen Hough Piano Collection York Bowen: Piano Music Karl Czerny: The Art of Finger Dexterity, Op. 740 Stephen Hough's English Piano Album ASIN: B00000C2KC Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

1. Hexentanz
2. Chant Polonais No. 1 In G 'Maiden's Wish'
3. The Crimson Petal
4. The Fuchsia tree
5. Capriccio In F Minor, Op. 28 No. 6
6. Minuet In G, Op. 14 No. 4
7. Nocturne, In B Flat, Op. 16 No. 4
8. Etude In A-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 2
9. Melodie In E
10. Caprice-Burlesque
11. My Favorite Things
12. Kashmiri Song
13. Music Box
14. The Swan
15. Papillons
16. The Gardens Of Buitenzorg- (From 'Java Suite', Book 3)
17. Waltz In A, Op. 2
18. En route, Op. 9
19. Sicilliano, Op. 42 No. 2
20. Caprice espagnol, Op. 37

Tracks:

1. Variations Brillantes Op. 14
2. The Enchanted Nymph
3. Der Kontrebandiste
4. Melody In F
5. Gargoyles, Op. 29: I. Presto
6. Gargoyles, Op. 29: II. Adagio semplice, ma con molto rubato
7. Gargoyles, Op. 29: III. Allegro moderato
8. Gargoyles, Op. 29: IV. Presto feroce
9. The Musical Snuffbox
10. The Musical Snuffbox
11. Etude de style, Op. 40 No. 1 'Agilite'
12. Till I Wake
13. Weep You No More
14. March Of The Siamese Children
15. Valse mignone
16. Serenata, Op. 15 No. 1
17. Bourree (From Violin Sonata No. 2)
18. Erinnerungen (Triakontameron No. 25)
19. Adagietto (From 'L'Arlesienne')
20. Ungarishe Zigeunerweisen

Customer Reviews:

Good, not great........2002-05-22

I got this double cd, since a fellow reviewer of Hamelin's Kaleidoscope said he couldn't fully endorse that disc, since this cd would be so much better. Wrong again, sewer boy!

Thanks to Arthur Schnabel complete recordings of Sonatas, Concertos and Variation Works have become the mainstay of the recorded piano repertoire. Nowadays, it is hard to imagine that this has not always been the case. Yet, just have a look at the complete Rachmaninov recordings on RCA to see that even this giant mostly recorded little trifles, since the record buyers of his time prefered snacks over meals.

This generous and economic double cd contains a compilation of mostly romantic smaller scale works, that Rachmaninov's clientele would have enjoyed. Some are obscure, others e.g. Ljadov's snuff box and Taussig's Gypsy tunes are pretty well known.

Hough-a man from the splendid 1961 vintage, just like Hamelin and your's truly- is a highly accomplished pianist. His playing is good, yet not up to the Hamelin standards. The repertoire, however, started to bore the hell out of me after a while. I admit, that there are true exceptions like the Liebermann Gargoyles, but for me this set was simply too much of a good thing.

The interpretations vary from decent to good. I used to own an lp of the French virtuoso Setrak, that contained both the Ljadov and Taussig mentioned above and believe you me those interpretations dwarfed what we get here.

In conclusion, a generous compilation of smaller scale pianoworks. Good clean piano playing and more than adequate recordings.

Incredible!.......2001-01-12

I am a pianophile and longtime record collector, and this is one of the most awe-inspiring recordings I have ever heard. Stephen Hough's pianism - and I don't mean to be hyperbolic - simply exhausts all adjectives one might try to use to describe it. This is the kind of album to listen to not so much for the music (though these are charming and now-rarely heard pieces) but for the artistry of the performer. For stunning virtuosity, listen to the final measures of the Moszowski piece or to the MacDowell; for rich tone and melting legato listen to Hough's own transcriptions of the two Roger Quilter songs. Out of hundreds of CDs I have heard, this is one of my absolute favorites - and a steal at the price. Stephen Hough is the modern day Cortot, Gieseking, Rachmaninoff, and Joseph Levine, for he has it all - drama, precision, color, intellect, raw strength, and yes - delicacy. I rarely make recommendations like this, but you absolutely must hear this recording.

overly rich nostalgic pieces and particles of the piano.......2001-01-06

This is music that seems to have lapsed into a forgotten time warp, like when you open that old wood truck in the attic to find odd bits and particles,objects,dolls and photographs that immediately transports you into another fantasia place. That's what this music does. Hough has selected for the most part fast filigreed,rapid cascades and ribbons of pieces. Each however has its own narrative,its own special tale to reveal, a special musical texture,an endearing melody. Needless to say most of the composers here are those you've never heard before,like Ignaz Friedman, whose "Music Box" is not what you think, yes it has that timbre of forever moving tickly tones,for a ballerina popping out of a ceramic box. But there is a large pallette of sophistication here as well with the unique timbre of the piano. Every piece does this admirably. The Hexentanz of MacDowell (arr.Liszt) is a helter-skelter piece never stopping,scaling the upper regions of the keyboard,and this would be an encore work. It keeps you on the edge of your upholstered chair.Leoplold Godowsky is not an unfamiliar name,he is a specialist in the art of the arragement trying to capture a timbre, and here in Camille Saint-Saens forever memorable "Swan"the final days of post-romantic Louis Napoleon the Third era is handled with just a few more ripples in the pond than before almost imperceptible.

When played in consecutive order all these works I found myself bored,this music inhabits such a rich timbral world that it's message overspends itself, overspills into the next work. A modernist voice of Lowell Lieberman is here, a postmodern specialist in this genre of the new tonality, or the past revisited. Proust taught us the rich chasms of remembering, and the process of reoccurence of time returning in differnt guises. Lieberman's "Gargoyles" has its own sardonic charm.,equally at home compliasant with his timbral brethren.

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

Chopin: Complete Edition Krystian Zimerman , Claudio Arrau , Stefan Askenase , Anatol Ugorski , Maurizio Pollini , Jean-Marc Luisada , and Zilberstein, Lilya Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bourees | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Galops | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Impromptus | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Liszt: Piano Works Bach: Complete Works - 155 CD Box Set Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Complete Works (170 CD Box Set) Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas & Concertos Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set] ASIN: B00001X58Z Release Date: 1999-10-12

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buy it without hesitation.

Average customer rating:

Sor: Introduction & Variations, Opp. 26-28; Douze Etudes, Op. 29; Fantaisie et Variation Brillantes, Op. 30 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sor: 24 Exercises, Op. 35; Pièces de Société, Op. 33 Sor: Fantaisies / Progressive Studies Sor: Divertimenti / Gran Solo Sor: Complete Guitar Music, Vol. 10 Sor: Grandes Sonatas, Opp. 22 & 25 ASIN: B0000014DW Release Date: 1997-02-04

Tracks:

1. Introduction And Variations On 'Que Ne Suis-je La Fougere!', Op.26
2. Introduction And Variations On 'Gentil Housard', Op.27
3. Introduction And Variations On 'Malbroug', Op.28
4. No.13 Andante Lento
5. No.14 Andante Moderato
6. No.15 Andantino
7. No.16 Lento Assai
8. No.17 Allegro Moderato
9. No.18 Andante
10. No.19
11. No.20 Moderato
12. No.21 Lento
13. No.22 Andantino
14. No.23
15. No.24
16. Introduction, Theme & Variations
17. Allegretto

Average customer rating:

Chopin: Preludes and Other Piano Works Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Barenboim, Daniel | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim The Departed (Two-Disc Special Edition) ASIN: B0000DIGJE Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

1. No.1 In C (Agitato)
2. No.2 In A Minor (Lento)
3. No.3 In G (Vivace)
4. No.4 In E Minor (Largo)
5. No.5 In D (Allegro Molto)
6. No.6 In B Minor (Lento Assai)
7. No.7 In A (Andantino)
8. No.8 In F Sharp Minor (Molto Agitato)
9. No.9 In E (Largo)
10. No.10 In C Sharp Minor (Allegro Molto)
11. No.11 In B (Vivace)
12. No.12 In G Sharp Minor (Presto)
13. No.13 In F Sharp (Lento)
14. No.14 In E Flat Minor (Allegro)
15. No.15 In D Flat (Sostenuto)
16. No.16 In B Flat (Presto Con Fuoco)
17. No.17 In A Flat (Allegretto)
18. No.18 In F Minor (Allegro Molto)
19. No.19 In E Flat (Vivace)
20. No.20 In C Minor (Largo)
21. No.21 In B Flat (Cantabile)
22. No.22 In G Minor (Molto Agitato)
23. No.23 In F (Moderato)
24. No.24 In D Minor (Allegro Appassionato)
25. Prelude In C Sharp Minor, Op.45
26. Prelude In A Flat, Op. posth.
27. Berceuse In D Flat, Op.57
28. Polonaise-Fantaisie In A Flat, Op.61
29. Variations In A ('Souvenir De Paganini')
30. Introduction And Variations On A Theme From Herold's 'Ludovic' In B Flat, Op.12 ('Variations Brillantes')

Average customer rating:

Brillantes Sergio Vargas & Johnny Ventura Manufacturer: Sony International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dominican Republic | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Salsa | Latin Music | Styles | Music Merengue | Latin Music | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Latin General | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Latin General | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Salsa | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Salsa | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B00005YNYV Release Date: 1994-06-21

Tracks:

1. Novia - Sergio Vargas
2. Lastima de Tanto Amor - Sergio Vargas
3. Carta - Sergio Vargas
4. Ya Deje el Vicio - Sergio Vargas
5. Truya - Johnny Ventura
6. Guapa - Johnny Ventura
7. Zapatos Bailaos - Maria Diaz, Johnny Ventura
8. Muerto Parrandero - Johnny Ventura

Average customer rating:

Chopin: Sonatas & Variations Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Chopin: Preludes; Scherzos; Impromptus; Rondos Chopin, Vol. 8: Waltzes; Chamber Music Chopin: Nocturnes Chopin: Piano Concertos; Works for Piano & Orchestra Chopin: Polonaise brilliante; Cello Sonata; Piano Trio ASIN: B00002DEHC Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 4 (KK 928 -931): Allegro Maestoso
2. Piano Sonata No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 4 (KK 928 -931): Menuetto. Allegretto
3. Piano Sonata No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 4 (KK 928 -931): Larghetto
4. Piano Sonata No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 4 (KK 928 -931): Finale. Presto
5. Piano Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 35 (KK 570 - 580): Grave - Doppio Movimento
6. Piano Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 35 (KK 570 - 580): Scherzo
7. Piano Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 35 (KK 570 - 580): Marche funebre. Lento - Attacca
8. Piano Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 35 (KK 570 - 580): Finale. Presto
9. Piano Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58 (KK 783 -790): Allegro Maestoso
10. Piano Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58 (KK 783 -790): Scherzo. Molto Vivace
11. Piano Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58 (KK 783 -790): Largo
12. Piano Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58 (KK 783 -790): Finale. Presto, Ma Non Tanto

Tracks:

1. Introduction And Variations On A German National Air ('Der Schweizerbub') In E Major, Op. Posth. (KK 925- 927)
2. 'Souvenir de Paganini' Variations In A Major, Op. Posth. (KK 1203)
3. Variations Brillantes On 'Je Vends Des Scapularies' From The Opera 'Ludovic' By F. Herold And F. Halevy In B Flat Major, Op. 12 (KK 178 -180)
4. Introduction, Theme And Variations On A Theme Of Moore For Piano, Four Hands In D Major, Op. Posth. (KK 1190 - 1192)
5. Variations No. 6 From The Cycle 'Hexameron' On A Theme From The Opera 'I Puritani' By V. Bellini In E Major (KK 903 - 904): Largo
6. Allegro De Concert In A Major, Op. 46 (KK 673 - 678)
7. Bolero In C Major, O. 19 (KK 246 - 249): Introduzione. Allegro molto - Allegro vivace
8. Tarantella In A Flat Major, Op. 43 (KK 654 - 662): Presto

Average customer rating: A must have for the piano lover and audiophile One of the best Chopin CDs out there An old treasure Great music, great artist, great piano = great enjoyment! Caution: may break your heart

Malcolm Frager Plays Chopin Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli Vol. 2 [Germany] Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli plays Mozart, Chopin, Brahms, etc. (Box) [Germany] The Chopin Ballades & Scherzos [Hybrid SACD] Brahms: Works for Solo Piano ASIN: B000003CXS Release Date: 2003-06-24

Tracks:

1. Polonaise, Op. 53 'Heroic' (In A-Flat Major, In As-dur, En La Bemol Majeur)
2. Andante Spianato And Grande Polonaise, Op. 22 (In E-Flat Major, In Es-dur, En Mi Bemol Majeur)
3. Variations Brilliantes On An Aria From Ludovic By Herold, Op. 12
4. Mazurkas, Op.6
5. Contredanse (In G-Flat Major, In Ges-dur, En Sol Bemol Majeur)
6. Tarantelle, Op.43 (In A-Flat Major, In As-dur, En La Bemol Majeur)
7. I. Allegro Maestoso
8. II. Scherzo: Molto Vivace
9. III. Largo
10. IV. Finale: Presto Non Tanto

Amazon.com

The late Malcolm Frager was one of America's greatest pianists. He was trained by his teacher Carl Friedberg--pupil of Clara Schumann and friend of Brahms--in the great Romantic tradition. In this superb, wide-range digital recording, Frager plays some of Chopin's best-known music with color and poetic expression. In the opening two Polonaises, Frager handles the virtuosic demands unobtrusively, making beautiful music even out of the glittery difficulties of the Grande Polonaise. The Sonata receives a heroic performance, with touching playing of the long largo. This disc is a wonderful souvenir of a great artist who deserves to be remembered by all pianophiles. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

A must have for the piano lover and audiophile.......2007-03-25

This is certainly one of the finest sounding piano albums I have heard. The quality of the playing and the recording are both of the highest order. Malcom Frager made several other notable recordings, including an RCA Living Stereo recording of the Prokofiev second piano concerto (a favorite of mine). However, I think this is the best sounding of all his recordings. He plays with a fluid romantic style that one does not hear so much today, and it suits the Chopin pieces perfectly. And as others have said, the bass extension on the Bosendorfer piano, and the recording's ability to capture it, is truly extraordinary. I am sure you will have many hours of enjoyment listening to this beautiful CD - I know I have.

One of the best Chopin CDs out there.......2006-08-03

I first heard the first six tracks on a Telarc LP(remember those?), and was transfixed. When the CD came out and had the B-minor sonata added it got even better. The tonal quality of the piano has no peer and the performance by Mr. Frager is touching. A treasure for any Chopin enthusiast.

An old treasure.......2006-05-26

In the late seventies this album became an authentic breakthrough, not only the prodigious acoustic range; besides deserved all the honors for Malcom Frager. The impressive expansiveness of this sumptuous piano, joined to his musical skills made of this album a true legend status.

For Chopin' s purists perhaps there had been some repairs t make. But if you are looking for a thunderous Chopin, go for this.

Great music, great artist, great piano = great enjoyment!.......2006-01-07

Malcolm Frager is one of my favorite pianists and he died far too young. Born in 1935, he began studies at the age of six and by ten he had premiered with the St. Louis Symphony. He was awarded the Leventritt in 1959. This is a special recognition because the Leventritt was not a contest. The judges were unannounced and they examined young artists in their regular performances. They did not make awards every year and it has since been disbanded. It was an award of special merit and they got it right with Frager. He had great facility, but also tremendous artistic sensibility and a special intelligence. In addition to his great performance artistry, he was also a renowned scholar and made important discoveries of the original manuscript of the Schumann piano concerto and a collection of manuscripts of 18th and 19th century artists that were presumed lost in World War II. We miss him very much. Sadly, he died of cancer in 1991.

The first six tracks of this wonderful disk were previously released. With them is a very fine recording of the monumental Sonata in B-minor Opus 58. Every track is a delight and you will want to hear them. His playing is free and clear. There are no tricks or mannerisms in order to appeal to the popular audience. This is gloriously pure playing of Chopin that goes at both the heart and the mind.

His piano is the co-star of this album. It was recorded in 1978 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Bösendorfer piano. This is considered one of the elite pianos and has its fans. Some call it their imperial grand the Rolls Royce of pianos. They are still hand made in Vienna in small quantities. Yes, they are very expensive. But if you need to ask ...

The disk opens with the ever popular and wonderful Heroic Polonaise in A-flat major Opus 53. The Andante Spianato & Grand Polonaise, and the opus 12 Variations Brillantes follow. He then plays the Mazuraks Opus 6, a Contredanse, the Opus 43 Tarantelle, and then the previously mentioned B-minor Sonata. All wonderful stuff.

This is a disk you will enjoy listening too many times.

Caution: may break your heart.......2005-01-14

This gorgeous recording, sadly one of the few made by Frager, illustrates why a musician friend of mine says that it's impossible to make a bad sound on the Boesendorfer. Each of Frager's interpretations is definitive, and the quality of the sound will take your breath away. When I first heard the deep bass of the Andante Spianato and Grand Polonaise the floor was fairly shaking. What a difference an extra octave of bass keys makes! The first time I heard Frager's rendition of the Sonata Op. 58 I was reduced to tears.

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