Concerto Royal Philharmonic [Live]

1. Piano Concerto No. 1

2. Elvira Madigan

3. Cornish Rhapsody

4. Liebestraum

5. Piano Concerto No. 2

6. Pathetique

7. Dream of Olwen

8. Für Elise

9. Arabesque

10. Warsaw Concerto

11. Moonlight Sonata (Sonate au Claire de Lune)

12. Badinerie

13. Clair de Lune

14. Piano Concerto in a Minor

15. Nocturne in E Flat Major

16. 18th Variation

17. Gymnopédie No. 1

18. Rhapsody in Blue

Concerto Royal Philharmonic,Richard Clayderman,Sony,Classical Music,Contemporary Instrumental,Easy Listening,Instrumental Pop,Neo-Classical,Pop

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Average customer rating: Children's Favorites a solid purchase The perfect package A Wonderful Introduction to the Classics

Children's Favorites Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | 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 Dukas | Dukas, Paul | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | 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 Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Inventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | 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 Baltimore Symphony Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Minnesota Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Compilations | Children's Music | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music CDs Under $7 | Children's Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Children's Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Concertos | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Concertos | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Fugues | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Fugues | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Preludes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Preludes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music Classics for Kids Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy-My Favourite Opera For Children Bernstein Favorites: Children's Classics World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English! ASIN: B00004Y6T3 Release Date: 2000-09-05

Tracks:

1. March Of The Tin Soldiers - Leon Jessel
2. Variations On 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' - Walter Klien
3. The Nutcracker: Dance Of The Reed Flutes - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
4. The Nutcracker: Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
5. The Sorceror's Apprentice - Paul Dukas
6. Peter And The Wolf (Extract) - Brandon de Wilde
7. Invention No. 8 In F Major - Christiane Jaccottet
8. Invention No. 11 in G Minor - Christiane Jaccottet
9. Invention No. 13 in A Minor - Christiane Jaccottet
10. Prelude And Fugue No. 21 In B Flat Major (Book 1) - Christiane Jaccottet
11. Sonata For 2 Pianos In D Major, K. 448, 1st Mvt. - Rudolf Firkusny
12. III. Allegretto - Walter Klien
13. Kinderszenen: Of Strange Lands And People - Walter Klien
14. Kinderszenen: Curious Story - Walter Klien
15. Kinderszenen: Entreating Child - Walter Klien
16. Kinderszenen: Perfect Happiness - Walter Klien
17. Introduction And Royal March - Marylene Dosse
18. The Elephant - Marylene Dosse
19. Kangaroos - Marylene Dosse
20. The Aquarium - Marylene Dosse
21. Cuckoo In The Woods - Marylene Dosse
22. Birds - Marylene Dosse
23. Fossils - Marylene Dosse
24. The Swan - Marylene Dosse
25. Finale - Marylene Dosse

Customer Reviews:

Children's Favorites a solid purchase.......2006-03-09

This CD mostly delivered what was expected of it. The only critique I have is that some of the tempos could have been cleaner, and that it should be cross-referenced by the other composers besides J. S. Bach.

The perfect package.......2005-10-23

This is the most wonderful collection to have on 1 CD. Children from birth on up can benefit from this musical collage.
Songs from the "Nutcracker" are familiar and comfortable for many children. What child wouldn't love "March of the Tin Soldiers?"
Selections from Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals" is a must in my creative movement library. Every child should be exposed to this music. Well,I believe every age should be.

A Wonderful Introduction to the Classics.......2003-03-11

With total playing time clocking in at 78:04 minutes of music, you'll be paying about 6-cents/minute, which is a better bargain than long distance phone calls, and often more rewarding!

This disc is far superior than most other "Classics for Kids"-type recordings I've sampled for a number of reasons:

1) This album was expertly engineered. The production quality on this disc is first-rate from start to finish with crisp, clear sound.

2) The pieces were expertly picked. There is wonderful sonic variety here, spanning hundreds of years of wonderful melodies. There are orchestral pieces, harpsichord pieces, solo piano, and a piano concerto, capped off with Saint-Seans whimsical Carnival of the Animals. What kid (or adult) wouldn't love that?

3) The performances are, without exeption, expert! The pieces were definately screened for quality as well as content. Many are simply a joy to behold. Walter Klein is a particular stand-out, almost giddily prancing through Schumann's pieces. Believe it or not, he sounds even more impressive when backed up by the always inspiring Minnesota Orchestra on Mozart's Piano Concerto #17.

In short, this album is a great album even before you factor in the great price. You and your children are almost guaranteed to enjoy every 6-cents worth!

Average customer rating: five sparkling gems Outstanding. OK for the money You'll like this set even if you don't like Saint-Saens Trust us

Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5 Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Dutoit, Laurence | ( D ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rogi, Pascal | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Mendelssohn: Piano Concertos Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos Saint-Saëns: Concertos Bruch: The Complete Violin Concertos Liszt: The Two Piano Concertos; The Piano Sonata ASIN: B00000425S Release Date: 1995-05-16

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. In D Major, Op. 17: I Andante -- Allegro assai
2. Piano Concerto No. In D Major, Op. 17: II Andante sostenuto quasi adagio
3. Piano Concerto No. In D Major, Op. 17: III Allegro con fuoco
4. Piano Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22: I Andante sostenuto
5. Piano Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22: II Allegro Scherzando
6. Piano Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22: III Presto
7. Piano Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 29: I Moderato assai - Piu mosso (Allegro maestoso)

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 29: II Andante
2. Piano Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 29: III Allegro non troppo
3. Piano Concerto No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 44: I Allegro moderato
4. Piano Concerto No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 44: II Allegro vivace
5. Piano Concerto No. 5 In F Major, Op. 103: I Allegro animato
6. Piano Concerto No. 5 In F Major, Op. 103: II Andante
7. Piano Concerto No. 5 In F Major, Op. 103: III Molto allegro

Amazon.com

There is a lot of really enjoyable music here. I remember organizing a performance of the Fifth Piano Concerto (subtitled "The Egyptian") when I was repertoire committee chairman for a local community orchestra. We found it not only very playable for all of us amateurs in the orchestra, but it simply blew the audience away. It's a real find. Both the Second and Fourth concertos have been popular favorites for more than a century, but they seemed to have vanished sight in the past couple of decades. It was our loss, but no more. And the Fifth Piano Concerto, even when played by amateurs, can blow an audience away. At two discs for the price of one, these fine performances offer listeners a great chance to know this charming and vivacious music at little or no risk at all. So why hesitate? --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

five sparkling gems.......2007-02-21

Saint-Saens was the dominant French composer of the second half of the nineteenth century. And yet his works remain under-appreciated. His party piece "Carnival of the Animals" is probably his best known composition. Of his five symphonies, only the last (the "Organ" symphony, which is given the number 3) is well known, and that as a novelty crowd pleaser, rather than in recognition of the masterpiece it is. All five symphonies should be part of the standard repertoire. Of the piano concertos, the best known is the second, with the fourth somewhere behind that. But all five are glittering, assured works, full of imagination, and amongst the most thoroughly realized concertos written. They make full use of all the colours of the large romantic orchestra, and range through the pallette of emotions from exuberance to reflective sadness. This is a fine recording, the notes dropping in clear cascades of gorgeous sound. It should be part of any classical music collection.

Outstanding........2005-11-24

Having listened to other recordings, plus hearing live ones, of Concerto #2 (the most popular) for 15 years, it was nice to hear the entire pentalogy of the Saint-Saens piano concerti.
Pascal Roge may not be as big a name as Martha Argerich or
Vladimir Ashkenazy, but he certainly knows how to play the piano.
There isn't a dull moment in any of them. Roge captures all the youthful exuberance in the musically-straightforward 1st concerto. The 5th concerto (often called "The Egyptian concerto") is definitely the best of the lot. The tonal coloring is exquisite throughout, especially in the 'Nile River' 2nd movement and the boisterous finale. I could listen to it all day. The 3rd and 4th concerti are fine; these are musically less interesting than the other three. The orchestra is equally virtuosic and never oversteps its bounds, under the guidance of Dutoit. Highly recommended.

OK for the money.......2005-04-22

All in all, I think this is a fair value. Dutoit does a great job conducting and the quality of the recording is good. I was disappointed with the soloist's interpretation of concerto no 2 - I felt too much liberty was taken - esp on the opening passages. What should have been one long phrase building in intensity was instead practically broken into shorter phrases and any momentum that might have been gained was lost. I also felt like the third movement was not played at a tempo I would consider 'presto'.

I liked concerto no 1 very much - these concertos should not be ignored even if some critics do not consider Saint Saens a 'heavyweight' composer.

You'll like this set even if you don't like Saint-Saens.......2004-05-06

Unlike some of the other reviewers here, I am one of those who consider Saint-Saens to be a hopeless musical lightweight, a first-rate second-rate composer (as the old saw goes), a musician of prodigious technical talent but lacking any real depth in his music. It isn't any accident that, despite the tremendous popularity of his music during his lifetime, only about 2 dozen (and that is probably being generous) of his many many pieces are performed with any consistency.

Not coincidentally, some of Saint-Saens' pieces that have shown staying power are at least a couple of the piano concerti, and they are impeccably presented here by Roge & Dutoit. All in all, they are pretty musical confections of a decidedly classical strain, certainly not wallowing in the late romanticism that was running rampant at the time they were composed. If you are lukewarm about Saint-Saens, this is a collection that will plead his case for you about as well as anything to be found these days. Also, it is nice and cheap --- that certainly does not detract from its desirability. Enjoy.

Trust us.......2003-03-02

Looking at the other reviews here, I can only nod in complete agreement. Saint-Saëns is an underrated composer and these 5 concertos are joyful, seductive and deserving of a lot more attention than they have received. Saint-Saëns, like Mendelssohn, had the ability to instantly inspire happiness in the listener, this listener anyhow. Yes, the 2nd and 4th occasionally do get an airing, but the "Eqyptian" (the 5th) is every bit their equal and the remaining two concertos certainly have their own merits. The five deserve a double disc outing like this.

The performances here are very, very fine indeed. I have not heard the Collard/Previn versions (which are referred to in another review), although I have several versions of the 2nd and 4th. Charles Dutoit and Pascal Roge do a wonderful job, investing these performances with the affection and conviction they deserve. True, there is more of the virtuoso than the philosopher about Roge's playing, but that is entirely appropriate to Saint-Saëns. This is feel-good music (and music-making) of the very highest callibre.

Returning to these discs is always a pleasure for me and I hope will be for you. If you have even a passing interest in late Romantic piano concertos treat yourself to these.

Average customer rating: One of the best An Orchestral Extravaganza Exquisite! Guilty pleasure Rutter... without words

Distant Land: The Orchestra Collection Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: John Rutter Collection The John Rutter Christmas Album Be Thou My Vision John Rutter: Te Deum and Other Church Music Mass of the Children ASIN: B0000D9YAE Release Date: 2004-01-13

Tracks:

1. Distant Land
2. What Sweeter Music
3. Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind
4. Candlelight
5. Lord, Make Me An Instrument Of Thy Peace
6. The Lord Bless You And Keep You
7. A-Roving
8. I Have A Bonnet Trimmed With Blue
9. O Waly Waly
10. Dashing Away
11. 1. Prelude
12. 2. Ostinato
13. 3. Aria
14. 4. Waltz
15. 5. Chanson
16. 6. Rondeau
17. First Movement: She Loves You/Eleanor Rigby/Yesterday/All My Loving/Hey Jude
18. Second Movement: Here, There And Everywhere/Something
19. Third Movement: Can't Buy Me Love/The Long And Winding Road

Customer Reviews:

One of the best.......2007-01-09

I was thoroughly pleased with this purchase. One of the best CD's in my collection. Very soothing to listen to. I was never a great Beatles fan, but listening to this rendition of their works was extemely pleasing.
I highly recomend it.
Dan Barber

An Orchestral Extravaganza.......2006-07-03

John Rutter is one of today's leading composers and arrangers of music for chorus and orchestra. Some of his best works are featured in this instrumental album played with a lush flavor. But the highlight is a concerto arrangement of top Beatle's songs played in a symphonic mode featuring two pianos. You have the feel of the great master composers and the fun of listening to an unbelievable transition from rock to classical. Eleanor Rigby, Hey Jude, and Can't Buy Me Love sound like they're straight from Carnegie Hall Steinways. A most unusual and beautiful instrumental album.

Exquisite!.......2005-11-30

Ever since I heard the Beatles Concerto being used to help raise money on our local NPR station, I had to have Distant Land. Needless to say, I coudn't get the Orlando NPR people to give me any help, wouldn't answer my eMail requests for the source, so it took some searching to add the disc to my collection.
It's like Sterling on Siver.............CTP

Guilty pleasure.......2005-08-21

I have sung many of Rutter's choral works and arrangements, but I never knew that he had done orchestral works until I heard the Beatles Concerto on the radio. I had to have this album, and I was not disappointed. Distant Land is inspiring, the other works are very pleasurable, and as an old baby boomer Beatles fan, I just love to sing along with the concerto, even if he did steal shamelessly from Chopin and Rachmaninof for some of the piano interludes. I have searched for a copy of the score, but I can't yet find it.

Rutter... without words.......2005-08-05

Beautiful instrumental setting. Distant Land (the first track) is surely the highlight of the album. The Five Meditations are also very pleasant to listen to. The suite for strings is great to if you like a little bit of "Modern influence". The Suite Antique is fun but sometimes it sounds "awkward" as the "baroque style" instrumentation and the "contemporary" musical themes clash from time to time. The Beatles Cto is a curiosity. Great if you like to collect all these type of Beatles arrangements (baroque style, classical style, string quartet settings, etc.)

Average customer rating: excellent beethoven cycle Nice Surprise!

Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos; Choral Fantasy Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Ax, Emanuel | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (Box Set) Mozart: The Piano Sonatas; Fantasias & Rondos Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 1 Beethoven: Concerto for violin in D ASIN: B0000CNTLV Release Date: 2003-12-09

Customer Reviews:

excellent beethoven cycle.......2005-04-16

Emanuel Ax really understands the poetic heart of this music. He highlights the dark melancholy of beethoven's music without ever becoming sacharine or sentimental. However, those looking for a barn burnig version of these concertos would do well to look elseware: Ax's performance is understated, with a focus on nuance, precision, color and dynamic shading. He never resorts to vulgar clanging in the forte passages. While not lacking in passion, his performance simly lets the music speak for itself.
One minor quible: the Choral Fantasy sounds like it was recorded in a TB ward, and the overall sound of this piece is notably inferior to the rest of the cycle. This is understandable, because the Fantasy was recorded live and at a different venue than the other recordings.
For an excellent Choral Fantasy, check out Helene Grimaud's "Credo" on DG.
Buy this set for the concertos.

Nice Surprise!.......2004-04-11

I bought this box set of Beethovens piano concertos on a whim about one month ago and what a nice surprise that turned out to be. The CD containing concertos 3 and 4 has been (by far) the most frequently played disc in our household ever since. Ax, with his sublime technique, really shines in these two and Previn is in perfect sync with him. I also have to commend the producers: The sound, balance etc. is excellent and puts a lot of more recent recordings to shame.

Average customer rating: I love it! Famous Beethoven slow movements Number of discs I Know Music, and This is Not the Best (by Beethoven Lover) Not the Best By beethoven Lover

Beethoven for Relaxation Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | 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 Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | 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 Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mozart for Relaxation Vivaldi for Relaxation Bach for Relaxation Chopin For Relaxation The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever! ASIN: B00000I9LZ Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2, 'Moonlight': Adagio sostenuto
2. Symphony No. 2 In D, Op.36: II. Larghetto
3. String Quartet No.13 In B-Flat, Op.130: V. Cavatina: Adagio molto espressivo
4. Violin Sonata No.5 In F, Op.24, 'Spring': II. Adagio molto espressivo
5. Fur Elise
6. Triple Concerto In C, Op.56: II. Largo
7. Piano Sonata No.8 In C Minor, Op.13, 'Pathetique': II. Adagio cantabile
8. Fidelo, Act I: Quartet 'Mir ist so wunderbar'
9. Piano Sonata No. 18 In E-Flat, Op.31, No.3: III. Menuetto: Moderato e grazioso
10. Serenade In D, Op.8: II. Adagio
11. Symphony No.6 In F, Op.68, 'Pastoral': II. Scene By The Brook

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2, 'Moonlight': I Adagio sostenuto
2. Symphony No. 2 in D, Op. 36: II Larghetto
3. String Quartet No. 13 In B-Flat, Op. 130: V Cavatina: Adagio molto espressivo
4. Violin Sonata No. 5 In F, Op. 24, 'Spring': II Adagio molto espressivo
5. Fur Elise
6. Triple Concerto In C, Op. 56: II Largo
7. Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13, 'Pathetique': II Adagio cantabile
8. Fidelio, Act I: Quartet 'Mir ist so wunderbar'
9. Piano Sonata No. 18 In E-Flat, Op. 31 No. 3: III Menuetto: Moderato e grazioso
10. Serenade In D, Op. 8: II Adagio
11. Symphony No. 6 In F, Op. 68, 'Pastoral': II Scene By The Brook

Customer Reviews:

I love it!.......2007-01-21

I've had this CD for about 6 years now and it never gets old. As the title suggests, it's great for relaxing with a good book and a glass of wine. I find myself reaching for this CD whenever I get a migraine. I had always heard that the complexities of Beethoven's music could ease a migraine, or I suppose any headache. I've never been able to find any substantiated proof of this but from my experience the music eases my headaches. Whether it's psychological is still a mystery to me. Fact is, I love this CD and it's never far from me.

Famous Beethoven slow movements.......2006-01-15

The real Beethoven would probably be irritated with compilation CD's like this that "cherry picks" a variety of slow movements from various works he composed. But, the average listener today will see it as a great way to get to know his music and enjoy an hour of more serene music - less Beethoven's more intense movements. The variery here is broad: solo piano, violin + piano, string quartet and full orchestra symphonies and concertos. The dreamy solo-piano pieces are some of Beethoven's most beloved and alluring slow movements that vaulted him to fame. While these and the chamber music tend to be more "relaxing," the latter orchestral pieces especially contain shifts in tempo, dynamic range and emotion that some might not find so relaxing. After all, this is Beethoven with a full orchestra and not Bach or the Baroque.

But, all is not lost if you are looking for a collection of serene, lyrical music composed by the great Beethoven. There actually is a CD that features some of Beethoven's most endearing and melodic adagios and largos: "Beethoven for Book Lovers" (Philips label). This CD is mostly comprised of the nicest slow movements from Beethoven's ten violin sonatas (violin + piano) played by the legendary David Oistrakh - a violinist with one of the most gentle and beautiful tone ever recorded. Fortunately for those wanting uninterupted peacefulness, there are only a couple of those typical "Beethoven outbursts" in this CD (very brief though). But, overall, the flow and tone of the entire CD is truly relaxing, enchanting and not distracting. All of these works reveal the gentle side of Beethoven and his surprizing ability (for such a fiery composer) to write music of such poinant and tenderhearted emotional appeal. Also, the "Chopin for Relaxation" is one of the better ones in this series and features some of Chopin's slower, more serene solo-piano music and the ever-so lovely middle movements from his two legendary piano concertos.

Number of discs.......2005-03-16

The ad above shows 2 discs with the same track names... this item has only 1 disc with 11 tracks (names as shown above).

I Know Music, and This is Not the Best (by Beethoven Lover).......2005-02-21

Ok, I'll admit, this is a pretty good album, but it lacks the feeling of Beethoven. Its songs don't sound like Beethoven is playing, and its not too relaxing. It deserves three stars because of this lack of the great Beethoven himself. Sure, the songs are pretty, but I'd buy a different album if I was you.

Not the Best By beethoven Lover.......2005-02-20

not completely a delight...shows little Beethoven in it all, deserves only about two or three stars.

Average customer rating: "Blasted" away Wow! For those who like BIG organ works Pure Majestic Power! Excellent Performance by Murray

An Organ Blaster Sampler Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Messiaen | Messiaen, Olivier | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rheinberger, Joseph | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music San Francisco Symphony Orchestra | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | 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 Similar Items: Organ Spectacular Bach: Great Organ Works Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3 Ceremonial Music for Trumpet & Symphonic Organ Music for Organ, Brass & Percussion ASIN: B000003CXP Release Date: 1991-02-10

Tracks:

1. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor
2. Toccata
3. Toccata
4. The Emperor's Fanfare
5. Beaucoup Plus Largement
6. Dieu Parmi Nous
7. Finale
8. Rigaudon
9. Fanfare
10. Maestoso

Customer Reviews:

"Blasted" away.......2006-09-27

I am by no standards an expert on music, let alone organ music. I just purchased this CD because I love the sound of the organ, and wanted an album from a mix of artists before I started branching out to single composers. I would also consider myself an audiophile, only listening to high quality music with my portable headphone amplifier and Sennheiser HD-555's. Let me tell you, the quality is perfect, and the music is incredible! Such a full sound, it's *almost* as good as sitting in audience, only lacking the full body experience of organ music. I would recommend this to anybody looking to get a foot into the world of organ music.

Wow!.......2006-06-07

I happen to love organ music, even that tacky Saint-Saens
Third Symphony (with which this CD ends and just the third movement).

I grew up with E. Power Biggs, Virgil Fox, et al. and had never heard of Michael Murray (okay, it's been a while). I bought this delightful CD when it first appeared and before Amazon had been invented.

Upon hearing that most famous work with which Murray begins, I confess I was just this side of hysterical -- I was laughing with pure happiness. Murray's take on is it wonderfully over-the-top in the best possible sense. I have a son-in-law who is a musician and, indeed, does play the organ (i.e., if any of them have had pipes, I don't know, but I'm here to tell you, I don't want to hear ANY but pipe organs -- okay, I'm old).

At any rate, to hear this Toccata and Fugue played with such (carefully studied) abandon so tickled me, I called Brian (the son-in-law) and demanded that he listen while I put it on my stereo.

Now I'm going to send it to my son Bruce upon learning last night that he LOVES organ music. Who knew? He's 54 years old, for goodness' sake and never mentioned that little item before.

For those who like BIG organ works.......2005-09-04

This CD concentrates on the big, showy organ pieces that organists love to play. As an organist myself, I find that such numbers are usually more fun to play than to hear. Fortunately, this CD is very listenable, and makes the case for both playing and listening to these works. I'd buy it again; maybe more telling, I'm looking for some of the music, so I can go play it!

Pure Majestic Power!.......2003-07-20

Corey is right - this is an outstanding organ CD, one of the best I've heard. Murray plays some of the largest and most powerful organs on Earth, and uses the reed stops more than the usual organist to produce great effects and a wall of sound that are majestic in the extreme. The selections are all great virtuoso showpieces, and track #6 by Messiaen (Dieu parmi nous from La Nativite') is especially demonstrative of the great contrasts available in a large organ. The horizontal trumpets in this piece are predominant and very bright, contrasting with the snarling bass of the pedal organ.

A word of caution - this CD requires a capable stereo (think subwoofer) to sound its best. Trust me - if you listen to this CD on a good stereo and if you like organ music, you'll sit there with a big grin on your face and tears in your eyes as you listen to this CD.

Excellent Performance by Murray.......2001-11-09

This is by far one of the best organ CD's I have ever listened to. The variety is very good overall. From the state trumpets at St. John's to the mighty organ of First Congregational Church, Murray provides nice registration on all of the organs sampled. The Finale from Saint-Saens No. 3 is awesome with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy,s direction. Murray provides his own notes on the organs and the pieces in the booklet that is included. This is some fine organ music!!

Average customer rating: Another Fabulous Rorem Disc Who knew Rorem's non-vocal music was so wonderful? SEREBRIER RECORDS MORE ROREM PREMIERES

Rorem: Flute Concerto; Violin Concerto Manufacturer: Naxos American ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rorem: Double Concerto for Violin and Cello; After Reading Shakespeare Rorem: Three Symphonies Howard Hanson: Organ Concerto; Fantasy Variations; Nymphs and Satyr; Summer Seascape; Pastorale; Serenade Alan Hovhaness: Symphony No. 60; Guitar Concerto; Khrimian Hairig Rorem: The End of Summer, Book of Hours, Bright Music ASIN: B000F6YWVW Release Date: 2006-05-16

Tracks:

1. Pilgrims
2. The Stone Tower
3. Leaving-Traveling-Hoping
4. Sirens
5. Hymn
6. False Waltz
7. Resume And Prayer
8. Twilight
9. Toccata-Chaconne
10. Romance Without Words
11. Midnight
12. Toccata-Rondo
13. Dawn

Amazon.com

Ned Rorem (b. 1923) holds dual citizenship: in the realm of words and the realm of music. In the first, he has produced a notoriously frank multivolume diary; in the second, numerous symphonies and chamber music works. But it is his hundreds of songs that make him famous, for this is where his two worlds meet and merge. However, this disc, celebrating his approaching 82nd birthday, presents three of his instrumental works. Spanning four decades, they vary greatly in style and content, but have in common a singing, sometimes almost spoken quality; Rorem calls this "a setting of words that aren't there." Indeed, both concertos have six movements whose descriptive titles strongly imply a narrative thread. Those of the Violin Concerto (1984) are thematically connected; they begin with "Twilight" and end with "Dawn." Soft, slow, lyrical passages alternate with busy running ones; timpani crash, woodwinds sing, the violin converses with the orchestra. The very difficult, brilliant solo part, played with easy virtuosity and a gorgeous tone by Philippe Quint, exploits every instrumental resource; the orchestration is masterful. The Flute Concerto (2002) was commissioned by the Philadelphia Orchestra for its principal flutist, Jeffrey Khaner, who plays it splendidly on this premiere recording. It features violent dynamic contrasts and imaginative orchestral sound effects; the flute adds color and rhythmic verve, acting more like a partner than a soloist. "Pilgrims" for string orchestra is slow, lyrical, warm, tonal, with lovely soaring melodies. The title refers not to America's founding fathers but to a biblical quote: "...strangers and pilgrims on the earth"; though written in 1958, it too has never been recorded. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Another Fabulous Rorem Disc.......2006-08-16

Naxos has issued another excellent CD is what is becoming a Ned Rorem cycle. This CD opens with a short work called Pilgrims, written for string orchestra. The subject of the music has nothing to do with the founding pilgrims but was based on a Bible verse from Hebrews. The mood is one of reflection, not sad but one of recalling things that were not attained. The Flute Concerto was written in 2002 but is more of a suite than a concerto. It was written on a commission from the Philadelphia Orchestra for their principle flautist Jeffrey Khaner, who performs the piece here. The six movements bear the names: The Stone Tower, Leaving-Traveling-Hoping, Sirens, Hymn, False Waltz and Resume and Prayer. The music is a kind of Odyssey, which was considered as a possible title. The concerto begins with an energetic first movement named for the studio in New York where the music was composed, the second is quite and reflective while the third, Sirens, is mysterious with the flute calling out to caress and tempt sailors. Hymn is scored for five instruments: bassoon, piano, trumpet, viola and flute; a short interlude that gives way to the False Waltz with a comic waltz tune interlaced with boisterous music punctuated with tympani. The final part, Resume and Prayer brings back the musical ideas in the prior movements with a long cadenza for the flute, ending quietly.

The Violin Concerto was composed in 1984 and like the Flute Concerto is cast in six movements, again making it more of a suite especially since each movement is treated as a narrative being thematically linked. The movements are: Twilight, Toccata-Chaconne, Romance Without Words, Midnight, Toccata-Rondo and Dawn. The Romance Without Words title was borrowed from Mendelssohn and is a song that had its words removed. As the names indicate, the concerto is something of a journey. Dawn recalls the Twilight section; the jagged rhythms of the Toccata-Chaconne are reflected in the false waltz of the Toccata-Rondo. The soloist, Philippe Quint plays beautifully, especially in the Midnight section with he beautifully conveys the mysterious and melancholy atmosphere. Jose Serebrier conducts another wonderful program of Ned Rorem with the first two works being World Premiere records. I will be looking forward to further releases.

Who knew Rorem's non-vocal music was so wonderful?.......2006-05-20

You can guess from this review's title that it will be a rave. Until I heard Rorem's symphonies (also on Naxos) a couple of years ago, I had no idea that Ned Rorem could write so beautifully for orchestra. Well, I did know, too, because years ago there were recordings of some of his tone poems (String Symphony, Sunday Morning, Eagles -- Louis Lane, Atlanta Symphony) but that was long enough ago that it had slipped from memory. Since hearing this CD I pulled them out and reveled in their beauty, too. On this disc we have two concerti that are entirely engaging, the Flute Concerto and the Violin Concerto, and for 'filler' another tone poem, 'Pilgrims' (for string orchestra).

Pride of place goes to the alluringly beautiful Flute Concerto. Written for and played here by the principal flutist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Jeffrey Khaner, it is a collection of six movements that have little to do with classical concerto forms; Rorem himself says it could just as properly be called a suite (and the same applies to the Violin Concerto). Taking his inspiration partly from the flute music of the impressionists, particularly Debussy, we hear music of many moods. The separate movements have more or less arbitrary titles -- implying but not really outlining some sort of narrative. Rorem has said that no matter what kind of music he is writing he always has silent song lyrics in mind -- 'words that are not there' -- and this gives his music both a narrative feel and a rhapsodic construction. For me the two movements that I connected with most are 'Leaving-Traveling-Hoping' with its pastoral calm, and 'False Waltz' with its repeated timpani figure and skittering flute. (Interestingly, there is a movement in the violin concerto that also has a repetitive timp figure as a kind of chaconne bass.) Khaner, whose name I knew but whose solo work I didn't, is a nonpareil flutist. I particularly like that he doesn't have the fruity vibrato so commonly heard from European flutists. Still, he has numerous tone colors at his disposal; not an easy thing with an overtone-poor instrument like the flute. I am eager to hear more from him.

The Violin Concerto is from 1985 and has previously been recorded by Gidon Kremer, a recording I have not heard. Rather more expressionistic that the Flute Concerto, it too is a six-movement suite rather than a classic concerto. Phillippe Quint, whose recording of William Schuman's violin concerto I quite liked, is a marvelous advocate for this virtuosic work. Still, I am less struck by this concerto than the Flute Concerto, which I feel confident will enter the repertoire.

The 'filler' is Rorem's 1959 'Pilgrims' which doesn't refer to America's founding fathers but takes its title from a passage in Hebrews (11:13) and actually was prompted by a passage quoting that verse in Julien Green's novel 'Le voyageur sur la terre' (we will remember that Rorem lived in France a number of years and is an ardent Francophile). For string orchestra and lasting about seven minutes, it is elegiac and richly harmonized with much use of divisi strings.

The performances here could hardly be bettered. Jose Serebrier, who earlier recorded the three Rorem symphonies with the Bournemouth Symphony, conducts the excellent Royal Liverpool Philharmonic in idiomatic and persuasive accounts of this music. He also contributes the helpful booklet notes.

Enthusiastically recommended, particularly for the Flute Concerto.

Scott Morrison

SEREBRIER RECORDS MORE ROREM PREMIERES.......2006-05-17

Following on the steps of his memorable recording of the Rorem three symphonies (two of them world-premiere recordings) José Serebrier gives us now the world premiere of Rorem's string
orchestra masterpiece, "PILGRIMS", a gem that should attain the notoriety of Samuel Barber's famous "Adagio for Strings", and the first recording of Rorem's new Flute Concerto, recently premiered by the Philadelphia Orchestra and Jeffrey Khaner, who is the soloist in this CD. Jeffrey Khaner is the solo first flute of the venerable Philadelphia Orchestra.

José Serebrier makes the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic sound
full and warm in the string piece, and absolutely accurate and razor-sharp in the accompaniment of the two concertos. It's hard to imagine a better performance. Obviously the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is a first-class orchestra, but it takes a master like Serebrier to bring out all their potential. The Flute Concerto is masterfully played by Khaner, who obviously knows every nuance and every note in his heart and mind. He gives a truly spectacular, virtuoso performance. The variety of sound and colors is amazing. The work itself, a sequence of several movements in the form of a suite, is quite different in style and character from the older Violin Concerto, (which was previously recorded by Gidon Kramer and Leonard Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic).

The Violin Concerto in the Naxos CD has the advantage of the soloist, the young Russian-American Philippe Quint, who surpasses Kramer by a long shot, in articulation, musicality, even intonation. It sounds like an incredibly difficult work,
but Quint manages to make it sound easy and even simple. We heard him previously in the memorable recording of the beautiful Concerto by the American composer William Schuman, with José Serebrier conducting the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, (which perhaps was Quint's debut recording). The Rorem performance is even better sounding, which is remarkable, considering that the CD of the Schuman is truly exceptional. Quint sounds now more assured. Obviously he has known the Rorem Violin Concerto for a long time.

"Pilgrims" give the strings of the RLP the opportunity to shine under Serebrier's inspired direction. He manages to obtain a Stokowskian string tone and glow, the sort of sound quality that hasn't been heard on disc since Stokowski. The work and the performance are a delight.

All three works are quite different in character, while the Rorem style and spirit remain recognizable in each. The orchestrations are brilliant and the writing for the solo instruments obviouslly challenging, but extremely idiomatic. It's the kind of recording one wants to hear again and again.

This is one of the most rewarding recordings of new music I have heard in years.
R. Richardson

Average customer rating: A very good collection of moving compositions. Nothing but the Best Buy it for all the five concerti, just don't expect much from the second concerto

Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5; Wedding Cake Caprice-Valse Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Saint-Saens: Introduction and Rondo capriccioso in Am; Danse macabre Op40 Poulenc: Piano Works Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos; Overture on Hebrew Themes Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 1; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 2; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell ASIN: B0002XV30Q Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

1. I. Andante - Allegro Assai
2. II. Andante Sostenuto Quasi Adagio
3. III. Allegro Con Fucco
4. I. Andante Sostenuto
5. II. Allegro Scherzando
6. III. Presto
7. I. Allegro Moderato - Andante
8. II. Allegro Vivace - Andante - Allegro

Tracks:

1. I. Moderato Assai - Piu Mosso (Allegro Maestoso)
2. II. Andante
3. III. Allegro Non Troppo
4. I. Allegro Animato
5. II. Andante - Allegretto Tranquillo Quasi Andantino
6. III. Molto Allegro
7. Wedding Cake - Caprice-Valse Op.76
8. Africa Fantaisie Op.89

Customer Reviews:

A very good collection of moving compositions........2007-05-07

We heard the Piano Concerto No. 5 in F on National Public Radio and decided that we must have this piece of music in our CD collection. We selected this CD since the two CDs allowed us to purchase all 5 of Camille Saint-Saens' Piano Concertos. This CD has become one of our favorites and we play it often, discovering more interest in the work of Saint-Saens with each playing.

Camille Saint-Saens' sense of drama, his lyric runs, his ability to evoke mystery, all make this listening experience highly recommended. I am fascinated by the way Saint-Saens creates rich variations of his themes as he takes us from movement to movement. Saint-Saens has the ability to develop ethereal melodies and variations on themes that are hypnotic and mystical. His piano runs are pushed for dramatic effect. The creative and amusing variations of his themes are pleasant and amusing.

This CD is highly recommended. In addition to the 5 Piano Concertos, Saint-Saens' Wedding Cake Caprice and the Africa Fantaisie are included. I found Jean-Phillippe Collard's interpretation to be masterful and rich, capturing the vast complexity and variation that Saint-Saens created in his compositions.

Nothing but the Best.......2007-04-01

To the other reviewer, you are a fool to give these CDs anything less than 5 stars, and you should be banished to hearing Fur Elise permanently until you repent of your ways. As a classical piano composer and teacher, I am definetely spoiled with piano music, it's true. But this is a real gem, TRUE ART, where even a metronome is rendered petty and useless to this, thank you very, very, much. Saint-Saen's 5 Piano Concertos, and David Helfgott's performance of Rachmaninoff's 3rd Piano Concerto IS as good as it gets. This is art with a soul, their is no hidden agenda, no undercurrent to this music. This recording is fine, don't listen to the other reviewer. I would give it 10 stars if I had the option. Much of these 2 CDs is compltely unique in the realm of piano music. The 2nd Mov. of the 5th Concerto is unforgettable, just to name one. Go ahead and get this one, if you don't, you are sinning, right now.

Buy it for all the five concerti, just don't expect much from the second concerto.......2006-06-01

There are two albums of Saint-Saens' complete piano concerti available in the Amazon catalogue. This from EMI classics, and one from Decca. With two extra tracks thrown in (the "Wedding Cake" waltz, Opus 76, and "Africa Fantaisie," opus 89), this is the better bargain. Plus it's cheaper. I highly recommend it for these reasons, especially if your only interest is familiarization with all of Saint-Saens' five piano concertos, as was mine. Whether the Charles Dutoit performance is better, I can't say as I don't own it.

As for the performances in this disc:

My interest in Saint-Saens' piano concertos was fired up when I first heard his 2nd Piano Concerto performed by Cecile Licad. That stupendous performance (yes, I considered that adjective very carefully and find it absolutely appropriate) was also conducted by Andre Previn and accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra (another Brit orchestra). That recording is also available in Amazon catalogue. Do buy it if you are a connoisseur of Saint Saens' second piano concerto. It is a definitive performance, one that am sure even Saint-Saens would approve of VERY enthusiastically. Just listen to the cadenza of the first movement in the Music Sampler and hear for yourselves.

Now back to this album. As noted earlier, it is also conducted by Andre Previn. But what a difference a pianist makes. I refer here to the performance of the second piano concerto. I skip it, actually. Having been spoiled--blissfully, ecstatically--by the Licad stunner, I cannot bear the stultifying interpretation in this one. I just listen to the other piano concertos and enjoy them. These piano concertos are excitingly atmospheric, with the composer's unmistakable mix of boister and mystery. As noted from an Amazon review of the Decca album, a recording of all of Saint Saent's five piano concerti is rare enough. So for that reason and the cheap price, this album is a good buy. I just try not wonder how other pianists, like Licad for instance, would play them. I just enjoy Saint Saent's piano music, The other performances are still very enjoyable, excluding other considerations. After I received this album from my sister as her Amazon gift, I now know that Saint Saen's piano concertos really rock!!! They are for me.

For the price and the extra tracks I'd give this album four stars. But for its dismal second piano concerto (cringe, cringe), three stars.

Average customer rating: Rachmaninoff, Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini 4 out of 5 or 3 our ot of 4 low-hanging fruit Fantastic A decent set

Serge Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Van Cliburn: My Favorite Rachmaninoff Serge Rachmaninoff: 3 Symphonies/The Rock Sergei Rachmaninoff: Greatest Hits Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff Rachmaninoff Plays Rachmaninoff ASIN: B000004167 Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: 1. Moderato
2. Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: 2. Adagio sostenuto
3. Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: 3. Allegro scherzando
4. Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: 1. Allegro ma non tanto
5. Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: 2. Intermezzo (Adagio)
6. Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: 3. Finale (Alla breve)

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: 1. Vivace
2. Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: 2. Andante
3. Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: 3. Allegro vivace
4. Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: 1. Allegro vivace. (Alla breve)
5. Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: 2. Largo
6. Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: 3. Allegro vivace
7. Rhapsodie On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43: Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43

Customer Reviews:

Rachmaninoff, Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini.......2007-03-09

I am truly enjoying them. I play them almost daily.

4 out of 5 or 3 our ot of 4.......2007-02-21

I didn't care for the interpretation of the Third piano concerto, It was a bit rough around the edges and lacked lyricism. I bought the set because I heard the 4th on NPR and loved it.

low-hanging fruit.......2007-02-15

Sergei Rachmaninoff's music for piano and orchestra is easy to love. Its lyrical romanticism and connections with successors that lead even to jazz piano tend to be accessible to contemporary listeners. It is some of the most stirring music ever written, though it does not earn the respect of work written by canonical masters of the genre like Mozart and Beethoven.

When you pair this music with Edo de Waart's baton (now in Hong Kong), Rafael Orozco's keyboard, and the always dependable Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, you've got a situation where artistic ripe fruit is hanging low for the picking.

After you've loved this double CD recording to death, make it a project to introduce someone who needs orchestral music in her life but doesn't see it yet. Rachmaninoff might just be the doorway.

Lovely, lovely music, perhaps even for hearts worn flat by pop culture's single track.

Fantastic.......2006-11-29

As a reviewer said below (I 100% agree), technically, the pianist's technique is virtually godlike (Czifra-like technique). Maybe musically he provides a unique interperetation... but in a positive way! After listeting to about 10 versions of Rachman.concertos, I found the Orozco interpretation and understanding of the concertos to be far the superior!! Originally I had no idea about this recording and wanted to go with Kissin or Kondrashin etc. Also because the quality of this recording is not the top one (but it is not that bad - I just call it "philips sound"). To conclude, to me this is finally the kind of interpretation which makes me stand up from the chair and which makes me chill. Like Heifetz on violin. The performance has unbelievable emotional drive - Orozco is unbelievable. Kissin pales beside him, really.

A decent set.......2006-09-07

Perhaps the greatest virtue of this recording set is that it very nicely comes with the complete set of Rachmaninoff works for Piano and orchestra, but other than that, unfortunately, it counts for little else.

Technically, the playing is solid. However, the interpretation has less soul to it than I would really like in such deep music as this. Many beautiful sections of music are glossed over, such as the opening of the Fourth Concerto, the opening of the Rhapsody, and other parts.

As a complete set, this recording is at best a bargain set with bargain priced playing and sound... However, if you are looking for interpretations of the individual pieces included, each one has at least several more satisfying recordings available. Looking for a complete set is now much easier--check out Nikolai Lugansky's complete set for only about $2 more, last I checked.

Average customer rating: A must own! Music for a desert isle Very nice set, but the Brahms is outstanding INCREDIBLE VOILIN King David

David Oistrakh Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Brahms: Double Concerto / Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter David Oistrakh: Brahms/Sibelius/Tchaikovsky The Devil's Trill: Showpieces for violin & piano Legend: David Oistrakh [CD & DVD] Beethoven, Sibelius: Violin Concertos ASIN: B000001GQI Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

1. Konzart Fur Violine, Streicher Und Continuo A-moll BWV 1041: Allegro Moderato
2. Konzart Fur Violine, Streicher Und Continuo A-moll BWV 1041: Andante
3. Konzart Fur Violine, Streicher Und Continuo A-moll BWV 1041: Allegro Assai
4. Konzert Fur Violine, Streicher Und Continuo E-dur BWV 1042: Allegro
5. Konzert Fur Violine, Streicher Und Continuo E-dur BWV 1042: Adagio
6. Konzert Fur Violine, Streicher Und Continuo E-dur BWV 1042: Allegro Assai
7. Konzert Ur 2 Violinen, Streicher Und Continuo D-moll BWV 1043: Vivace
8. Konzert Ur 2 Violinen, Streicher Und Continuo D-moll BWV 1043: Largo Ma Non Tanto
9. Konzert Ur 2 Violinen, Streicher Und Continuo D-moll BWV 1043: Allegro
10. Romanze Fur Violine Und Orchester Nr. 1 G-dur Op.40
11. Romanze Fur Violine Und Orchester Nr. 2 F-dur Op.50

Tracks:

1. Konzert Fur Violine Und Orchester D-dur Op. 77 In D Major: Allegro Non Troppo
2. Konzert Fur Violine Und Orchester D-dur Op. 77 In D Major: Adagio
3. Konzert Fur Violine Und Orchester D-dur Op. 77 In D Major: Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Vivace
4. Konzert Fur Violine Und Orchester D-dur Op.35 In D Major: Allegro Moderato
5. Konzert Fur Violine Und Orchester D-dur Op.35 In D Major: Canzonetta. Andante
6. Konzert Fur Violine Und Orchester D-dur Op.35 In D Major: Finale. Allegro Vivacissimo

Customer Reviews:

A must own!.......2007-03-07

The Bach concertos are amazing. I don't think I've heard a better violin tone in my life than what is captured here. The Brahms concerto is also great. I didn't love the Tchaikovsky concerto compared to some other recordings I've heard, but that is just personal taste. I would highly recommend picking up this double disc.

Music for a desert isle.......2007-02-05

The entire disc is wonderful, but if I could only take one recording on a shipwreck, it would be this version of the Bach E major concerto. Oistrakh's vibrancy and warmth of tone are unparalleled. Available recordings of this great artist are regrettably few; any fan of the violin should grab this collection while they can.

Very nice set, but the Brahms is outstanding.......2004-08-13

Though I usually prefer a bit more briskness in the faster movements, the Bach pieces for both single and double violins are given fine performances. Especially lovely is the Oistrakhs' reading of the adagio in BMV 1043. Thankfully, the sound does not exhibit the kind of steeliness or stridency fairly often characteristic of other Baroque and Early Classical period recordings....The two Beethoven Romances with Eugene Goossens and the Royal Philharmonic are given expectedly warm, songful readings.

On disc two, the Tchaikovsky Concerto is not as well recorded as the Brahms (discussed later). In comparison, it sounds just a tad boxy and muddy, but it's still okay. At various times in the first movement the pace is a bit slow, with Konwitschny sharing the responsibility. Overall, though, it's a nice performance, with the last movement being particularly enjoyable. This said I still prefer Oistrakh's stereo reading with Ormandy. My absolute favorite is the stunning Heifetz/Reiner.

The biggest attention getter for me in this compilation is the Brahms Concerto. The obvious comparison is with Oistrakh/Klemperer. For quite some time I have considered that performance among the finest---and I still do. But I do not get as much satisfaction from it as this one (in very fine mono) with Konwitschny and the Dresden Staatskapelle. One key reason is that Oistrakh is miked closer than he is with Klemperer. I hear more of his violin, and it sounds wonderful. A sense of warmth and richness is more apparent. Oistrakh seems more relaxed as well. With Klemperer, by comparison, he seems less attuned to beauty, more business-like and slightly restless. With Konwitschny, he seems to be enjoying more thoroughly what he is doing, more focused on making music as opposed to just playing notes. Hear how he brings more suppleness and sensitivity to the adagio. Indeed, throughout the entire performance he is no less virtuostic than he is with Klemperer yet he seems more able to let his emotions speak with greater expressiveness. Though I still enjoy the Oistrakh/Klemperer with its more massive and powerful orchestral approach, it is this Oistrakh/Konwitschny, along with a very different account, the Heifetz/Reiner, that sits at the top of my list of favorites in this magnificent work.

INCREDIBLE VOILIN.......2003-06-27

THIS GUY IS GREAT, YOU SEE HIS FACE AND YOU THINK HE'S A REDNECK BUT HIS FINGERS "PLAYS" WITH THE VIOLIN.
HE IS ONE OF THE GREATEST OF ALL TIMES

King David.......2001-09-15

Oistrakh, that great Russian violinist of sentiment and technical prowess is shown at his best in this collection. The Heifetz/Reiner version of Brahms on RCA seems to be the most famous, but this performance by Oistrakh and Konwitschny is better. Oistrakh has much more heart than Heifetz. Heifetz has always been cold blooded. If you want warmth and sentiment, Oistrakh is your man. Oistrakh also has a Brahms concerto with Klemperer, in stereo. If you must have one in stereo, the one with Klemperer will suffice, since Oistrakh's performance with Szell has not yet been issued on cd. The Beethoven romances are filled with such warmth and emotion, it's bound to give you goose bumps. The Tchaikovsky is also played in the grand, warm Oistrakh manner. Once you hear Oistrakh's deep sense of emotion, you will be hard pressed hearing it by others. There are many good performances, but get Oistrakh's. You'll be glad you did.

Meditation Music:

1. Dead Can Dance
2. Deep at Night
3. Deep Breathing
4. Desires
5. Earth Heart
6. Expressions: The Heart of God
7. Fair Play
8. Fairy of the Woods/Fairy Night Songs
9. Fall in Love Again
10. From a Blue Planet

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Biglietto Per L'inferno [Import]

Addinsell: Warschauer Konzert; Rachmaninow: Konzert No.2 in c-moll; Bruch: Variationen für Violoncello und Orchester [Import]

Alogos

Music: Take the Long Road & Walk It [CD-single] [Enhance

A Journey into Deep House: Deeper Moods [Import]

24 Carat Gold [Import]

15 Grandes Exitos

3 Beam Circus, Vol. 2: Connect Game [Explicit Lyrics]

Zlota Kolekcja [Import]

Wolfgang Rihm: Music For Three Strings

Your Life is Not Your Own

Zippados [Import]

Young Soldierz

For You

Man in the Air