Borodin: Prince Igor [Box set]

Amazon.com
The Melodiya Prince Igor is a sentimental favorite for many in this country who first heard the dramatically difficult and rambling but vocally stunning work in the LP version of this Bolshoi recording. It offers outstanding performances from Elena Obraztsova, Vladimir Atlantov, and, in the title role, Ivan Petrov, as well as idiomatic conducting by Mark Ermler and a musically cohesive if sometimes dramatically problematic score. If the sound is not ideal (there's only so much even a great engineer can do with old Soviet technology), the strength and conviction of the performances carry the recording and earn it a spot on every opera lover's Russian shelf. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Borodin: Prince Igor,Ivan Petrov,Alexander Borodin,Mark Ermler,Alexander Konstantinovich Glazunov,Bolshoi Theater Orchestra,Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov,Vladimir Atlantov,Alexander Vedernikov,Artur Eisen,Tatyana Tugarinova,Yelena Obraztsova,Melodiya,Classical,Classical Music,Opera,Russian Romantic Opera

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Average customer rating: Desert Island Disc! Great way to exercise Wow! Strauss and Mussorgsky Hybrid SACD Mussorgsky: Pirctures at an Exhibition, Night on Bald Mountain

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, A Night on Bald Mountain, and Other Russian Showpieces [Hybrid SACD] Modest Mussorgsky , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Alexander Borodin , Dmitry Kabalevsky , Mikhail Glinka , and Fritz Reiner Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Glinka | Glinka, Mikhail | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kabalevsky | Kabalevsky, Dmitri | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Glinka, Mikhail | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kabalevsky, Dmitri | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, 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: Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Stravinsky: Song of the Nightingale [Hybrid SACD] Richard Strauss: Also sprach Zarathustra; Ein Heldenleben [Hybrid SACD] Brahms, Tchaikovsky: Violin Concertos [Hybrid SACD] Dvorák's New World Symphony and Other Orchestral Masterworks [Hybrid SACD] Respighi: Pines of Rome; Fountains of Rome; Debussy: La mer [Hybrid SACD] ASIN: B0002TKFRM Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

1. Promenade
2. Gnomus
3. Promenade
4. Il Vecchio Castello
5. Promenade
6. Tuileries
7. Bydlo
8. Promenade
9. Ballet Of The Chicks In Their Shells
10. Samuel Goldenburg And Schmuyle
11. The Marketplace At Limoges
12. Catacombae, Sepulchrum Romanum
13. Con Mortuis In Lingua Mortua
14. The Hut On Fowl's Legs
15. The Great Gate At Kiev
16. Marche Miniature (From Suite No. 1 In D-Minor, Op. 43)
17. A Night On Bald Mountain - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
18. Prince Igor: Polovtsian March
19. Marche Slave
20. Colas Breugnon, Op. 24: Overture
21. Russian And Ludmilla: Overture - Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Desert Island Disc!.......2007-06-20

This sacd is positively stunning. I am young. I was raised on gizmos, gadgets and hi-tech this and that...and for the life of me I can't understand how these engineers back in the 50's and 60's produced such astoundingly detailed recordings. With two or three mics for the hall and some tube equipment and wham...there you have it...a recording of impressively powerful pieces of music with enough separation and detail within the mix to keep the listener busy for hours and hours on end. That and the emotional wallop packed by this recording is second to none. Even if you have copies aplenty of Pictures, or Night on..., such as I do myself, please do not hesitate to pick up this recording as it is worth every dime. If you are looking for an interesting counterpoint to Reiner's reading of Pictures or Night pick of Jose Serebrier's recording on Naxos.

Great way to exercise.......2007-06-13

Such great music. Exercise and listening
to this one is a great combination.
Time seems to fly by and before you know
it. Times up!

Wow!.......2007-04-02

How can something older than me sound so good? The recording is top notch. Dont be fooled into thinking it is "just stereo", the ambience of symphony hall comes thru as though it were recorded in surround. Exquisite detail and perfect tempo. Timpani has realistic impact. And all the other music with Pictures makes this a real bargain!

Strauss and Mussorgsky.......2007-03-24

They sound good, without the 'edge' often associated with CDs. CDs are a Fourier Transform of the analog source - that is to say a subset of it.

Hybrid SACD Mussorgsky: Pirctures at an Exhibition, Night on Bald Mountain.......2007-01-14

Great value. Great performances. On my krell sacd player, I found small differences between the SACD layer and the regular. The recordings are outstanding. Consider the price and that this is a 2 lp set, this is a deal.

Average customer rating: Waste of money Great Music Compilation If you like classical music don't buy this CD. A must for anyone wanting the staples of classical music A great compilation

Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits Manufacturer: Utv Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever! Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music 25 Classical Favorites The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II ASIN: B00004GOZA Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

1. Adagio In G Minor
2. Jesu, Joy OF Man's Desiring
3. Moonlight Sonata - Adagio sostenuto
4. March Of The Toreadors (Carmen)
5. Celebrated Minuet
6. Polovtsian Dance No. 1 (Prince Igor)
7. Cradle Song
8. 'Minute' Waltz
9. Suite Bergamasque: Clair de Lune
10. Largo
11. Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1
12. Rhapsody In Blue - Andante And Finale
13. Peer Gynt Suite: Morning
14. Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
15. Liebestraum
16. Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo
17. A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March
18. 'Masterpiece Theater' Theme: Rondau (First Symphonic Suite)
19. The Great Gate Of Kiev

Tracks:

1. Eine klein Nachtmusik - Allegro: Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Allegro
2. Orpheus In The Underworld: Cancan
3. Carmina Burana - O Fortuna
4. Canon In D
5. Lietenant Kije Suite - Troika
6. Turandot: Nessun dorma
7. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - 18th Variation: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini- 18th Variation
8. Bolero - Conclusion
9. The Tale Of Czar Sultan: Flight Of The Bumblebee
10. William Tell Overture - Finale
11. Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
12. Gymnopedie No. 3
13. Ave Maria
14. Blue Danube Waltz
15. Thus Spake Zarathustra - Sunrise
16. Firebird Suite - Finale
17. 1812 Overture - Finale: 1812 Overtune - Finale
18. Fantasia On 'Greensleeves'
19. Anvil Chorus (II Trovatore)
20. The Four Seasons - Largo From 'Winter'
21. Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries

Amazon.com

For those who want the most remembered passages of classical music's best-loved works, here's a package for you. On this bargain priced double-CD, you'll find music from 40 different classical composers; for the most part, the recordings excerpted here are some of the very best. Of course, you only get one Bach sampling (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, played by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra) and one Mozart (A Little Night Music conducted by Herbert von Karajan), but this is still a nice collection--perhaps the starting point for a budding collection of classical music. This set's downfall? Unfortunately, though the liner notes discuss the evolution of classical music chronologically, the tracks are programmed in alphabetical order by composer's last name. This makes for some startling transitions! Emil Gilels's reflective performance of the Adagio from Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata is followed by the crashing cymbals and bombast of Carmen's "March of the Toreadors," a recipe for a heart attack if there ever was one. Still, there's something here for everyone and the liner notes even explain what movies this music can be found in. A nice touch. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Waste of money.......2006-01-12

Watch out for the volume leveling mentioned in another review. Surely the compliers could have come up with a better sort order than by composer. The change in tempo/volume between pieces makes it impossible to enjoy. My two CD's ended up in the trash.

Ken

Great Music Compilation.......2005-08-15

This is a great CD full of many songs that you will recognize and enjoy. If you are someone who likes classical music but doesn't necessarily know which songs or which composers you like, then this CD is for you. You will likely recognize many of the songs as the classical songs you would have picked out to be your favorites.

If you like classical music don't buy this CD........2005-03-11

Most of the tracks were chopped down to 3-4 minutes so some of the best parts of the compositions are missing. I don't know what I was thinking trying to buy 40 classical songs on two CD's. If you really want to enjoy the music you would do better to purchase a CD with fewer, but better quality tracks.

A must for anyone wanting the staples of classical music.......2005-02-23

In my years of experience teaching Fine Arts to high school students, I know that the majority, if not all, of the music included on this album is commonly used in collge music appreciation courses. This is an excellent sample of truly all the "greatest hits" of classical music. My students enjoy listening to the music and have later told me when take their required music apreciation courses in college that they "already know it all" because of this CD! The recordings are clear, the selections are passionate, and the listener will gain a familiarity with all of the most commonly heard classical music used in tv commercials, movies, etc.
I recommend this album, along with the boxed set, "Age of the Classics" for anyone who is interested in becoming familiar with the most famous staples of classical music.

A great compilation.......2005-02-09

This cd somes up some of the greatest pieces of instrumental (and is some cases choral) music ever written. It is a great starter for a beginning classical music lover or a quick and easy all-in-one for those of us who study classical music for a living. I highly recommend this cd to anyone who wants to love or already does love classical music.

Average customer rating: If only we had more "tyrants" like this one. This orchestra really is a cut above "White"/Background Noise Problem Fritz Reiner Conducting- Chicago Symphony Wicked!

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Glinka | Glinka, Mikhail | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kabalevsky | Kabalevsky, Dmitri | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Glinka, Mikhail | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kabalevsky, Dmitri | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, 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: Respighi: Pines of Rome, etc Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture Stravinsky: Rite Of Spring, Fireworks, Petrouchka / Ozawa, Tilson Thomas, Chicago Symphony Borodin: Symphony No.2/In The Steppes Of Central Asia/Prince Igor Holst: The Planets ASIN: B000003FMY Release Date: 1994-03-15

Tracks:

1. Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
2. Pictures At An Exhibition: Gnomus
3. Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
4. Pictures At An Exhibition: Il vecchio castello
5. Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
6. Pictures At An Exhibition: Tuileries
7. Pictures At An Exhibition: Bydlo
8. Picutres At An Exhibition: Promenade
9. Pictures At An Exhibition: Ballet of the Chicks in Their Shells
10. Pictures At An Exhibition: Samuel Goldenburg and Schmuyle
11. Pictures At An Exhitibition: The Marketplace at Limoges
12. Pictures At An Exhibition: Catacombae, sepulchrum romanum
13. Picturest At An Exhibition: Con mortuis in lingua mortua
14. Pictures At An Exhibition: The Hut on Fowl's Legs
15. Pictures At An Exhibition: The Great Gate at Kiev
16. Marche miniature (From Suite No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 43)
17. A Night On Bald Mountain
18. Prince Igor: Polovtsian March
19. Marche Slave
20. Colas Breugnon, Op. 24: Overture
21. Russian And Lucmilla: Overture

Customer Reviews:

If only we had more "tyrants" like this one........2007-05-16

The only comparable orchestra to Reiner's late fifties Chicago Leviathan was another Midwestern ensemble a few hundred miles to the east in Cleveland (also commanded by an expatriate Hungarian Jewish maestro).

It's a toss up over which orchestra was better, but this disc features ensemble playing of such overwhelming strength and authority that I can hardly think of a Szell/Cleveland recording that tops it, especially since the RCA Living Stereo sound is far better than the shabby sonics of Columbia/Sony.

Glinka's "Russlan and Ludmilla: Overture" alone is worth the unbelievably low admission price. The orchestra is simply on fire and it was captured in fabulous fifties sound that hasn't aged.

If a little tape hiss puts you into a hissy fit then by all means avoid this disc. (And also avoid those musty old paintings in the Prado and the Metropolitan.) Otherwise just buy it and crank up the volume to something approaching the hundred-plus decibels Reiner heard as the CSO burned onto tape one of the finest recordings in the history of classical music.

This orchestra really is a cut above.......2007-03-06

From the moment the brass open the Promenade, it's instantly apparent just how flawless and precisely this orchestra plays. This is the most perfect intonation I have heard on any recording, ever. I have to agree with other reviewers in saying that even being 50 years old, this recording sounds better than a lot of recent CDs I own. Everything is unbelievably crisp and clear. Congratulations to Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for an amazing job.

I should mention though, the previous reviewer is right, there IS tape hiss throughout the CD. It isn't loud and I for one don't find it irritating, but it is more noticable than on other recordings I have. The liner notes also explain it- "to preserve the quality of the source material during transfer, we rejected any process by which tape hiss or other minor imperfections in the source material could be minimized at the expense of the original musical program's sonic integrity". I am glad at this choice.

All in all, an absolutely fantastic version of one of the great masterpieces of the 19th century. At the absurdly low price of $7.95, I don't see any reason to pass this one up.

"White"/Background Noise Problem.......2007-01-15

I was very excited when I found this recording of "Pictures at an Exhibition," however I have been slightly disappointed. Musically the performance is amazing, and is without a doubt the best that I have ever heard. Unfortunately, there is a lot of background/"white" noise in the recording that becomes very noticeable especially in the softer moments of the piece. It's almost like hearing nails on a chalkboard.

This "white" noise goes away by turning the volume down, however the music suffers from this as well. I have not had this problem with other CDs/recordings.

Fritz Reiner Conducting- Chicago Symphony .......2007-01-05

Fritz Reiner brings out the best in Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition with full clear presentations of each section of the piece. The clarity of the recording is just great.

Wicked!.......2006-09-27

im doing the ' pictures at an exhibition ' in music and its a fabulous peice of music ! so peaceful but exciting at the same time !!! 100 *'z lol x

Average customer rating: CD set is misnamed Do not Buy Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music Seek better versions It Is What It Is

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The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe ASIN: B000003QWH Release Date: 1994-06-09

Tracks:

1. Canon In D
2. 'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3: Allegro
3. The Four Seasons - The Winter: Largo And Allegro
4. Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
5. Camerata Romana: Air For The 'G' String
6. 'Eine kleine Nachtmusik': Allegro
7. Piano Concerto No. 21 ('Elvira Madigan' Theme): Andante
8. Introduction To Symphony No. 5
9. 'William Tell' Overture: Finale
10. 'Aida': Triumphal March
11. On The Beautiful, Blue Danube Waltz
12. 'The Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers
13. '1812' Overture: Finale

Tracks:

1. Sabre Dance
2. 'Light Cavalry' Overture: Finale
3. Carmen: The Toreadors
4. ' Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March
5. Radetzky March
6. Symphony No. 9, 'Choral': Finale
7. 'Prince Igor': Polovstian Dance No. 17
8. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
9. Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
10. Sleepers, Wake
11. Water Music: Hornpipe
12. Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Largo
13. Emperor Waltz
14. 'Emperor' Quartet: St. Anthony's Chorale
15. 'The Tales Of Hoffman': Barcarolle
16. L'Arlesienne: Farandole
17. 'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Mirlitons
18. 'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
19. 'Rhapsody In Blue': Highlight
20. 'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can

Tracks:

1. Introduction To 'Also sprach Zarathustra'
2. Symphony No. 4, 'Italian': Saltarello: Presto
3. Piano Concerto No. 20: Romance
4. 'The Valkyrie': Ride Of The Valkyries
5. 'The Four Seasons' - The Spring: Allegro
6. Toccata and Fugue
7. Trumpet Voluntary
8. 'Royal Fireworks Music': la rejouissance: Allegro
9. 'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio Sostenuto
10. London Festival Orchestra: Overture To 'The Barber Of Seville'
11. Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio Sostenuto

Tracks:

1. Carmina Burana: Introduction To 'Carmina Burana'
2. Peer Gynt: Dawn From 'Peer Gynt'
3. Lohengrin: Prelude To 'Lohengrin'
4. 'Lieutenant Kije': Troika From 'Lieutenant Kije'
5. Adiago For Strings
6. 'Carmen': Habanera From 'Carmen'
7. 'Double' Concerto: Allegro From 'Double' Concerto
8. The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture To 'The Marriage Of Figaro'
9. (Rondo) Alla Turca
10. Xerxes: Largo From 'Xerxes'
11. Symphony No. 5: Allegro vivace From Symphony No. 5
12. 'Swan Lake': Scene: Enchanted Lake From 'Swan Lake'
13. Clair De Lune
14. Bolero

Customer Reviews:

CD set is misnamed.......2007-06-08

They should have titled this "classical music for people who love classical music" because most of the selections are typical classical music. The title suggests it would be lively selections of "light classical" music that is more upbeat, i.e. Sabre Dance, etc. I really don't hate classical music at all and have many classical CDs in my collection but I really wanted to hear more exciting selections. I won't be purchasing any more of this set but if you like traditional classical music these are good one.

Do not Buy.......2007-02-21

I do know it says classical music for people who hate it, but serioulsly you would have better luck never listening to classical music again. The recordings are awfull and do not do justice to any of the composers. Buy something else.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music.......2007-01-30

We love this set of CD's. I just got a new copy because my kids keeping taking our first copy with them so that they can listen at work or in their bedrooms but then I can never find them.

Seek better versions.......2006-12-09

If you are fairly new to classical purchases then compilation CD's can be useful for deciding what to buy next. Sometimes you only need a small taste of a piece to inspire you to buy a release with the whole performance on. The problem with this compilation however is that most of the versions are poor in performance or recording quality (or both) when compared to the best versions and the fact that the conductors aren't even credited on the track listing made me suspect that this would be the case. One of my favorite classical pieces is Tchaikovsky's 1812 festival overture but if the first CD version I had heard had been the finale excerpt that is on this compilation I may not have gone on to buy the whole thing. Luckily I heard Adrian Leaper's version first and Adrian's version is rather good.
My classical CD buying experience is limited to only a couple of dozen discs but I have found that the Naxos and Deutshe Grammophon releases are fairly safe. Avoid any release which does not name the conductors on the track listing or sleeve notes.

It Is What It Is.......2006-10-27

It's fitting that this page is fraught with the same kind of silly snobbery that turns people off from classical music (and necessitates collections like this) in the first place.

Any criticism of this compilation, which focuses on the quality of the performances or the fact that many tracks are excerpts, misses the point. This is not a collection for people who consider such things, nor does it purport to be. The idea is to package as many ultra-famous classical melodies as possible in one affordable collection and market it to people who have never purchased a classical recording. As such, top-tier performances are likely too expensive to be sold so cheaply and are unnecessary anyway. Those of us who already know and love a piece or two can forgive the compilers the inclusion of sub-par recordings, when we are exposed to so many other beautiful pieces for the first time.

It probably comes as a shock for some to hear that most people are not familiar with these classics. We may hear snippets on TV or movies, but are left with no idea as to the composer or historical context. With that in mind, it is extremely intimidating to begin buying classical. I suppose those among us, who so thoroughly dismissed the very notion of a boxed set like this, would have us begin by buying full albums by reputable interpreters. Surprisingly enough though, the majority of people would consider that a tad cost-prohibitive.

To conclude, this is a STARTER collection. It will either affirm a listener's feelings about classical music or lead to an interest in purchasing better recordings. Ideally, I suppose the interpretations would be better, but, for reasons mentioned above, that just isn't in the cards for a collection of this nature. If you're familiar with 50 different recordings of "The Ring" series, or have season tickets to the New York Philharmonic, then this probably isn't for you. For us cretins with limited foreknowledge of classical music though, it serves as a succinct introduction with little to complain about.

Average customer rating: Excellent older music A Golden Voice! Heaven The Ultimate Tenor Anthology The biggest hype I've ever seen or heard

Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( 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 Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Björling, Jussi | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Giordano, Umberto | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Flotow, Friedrich von | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mascagni, Pietro | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Schubert, Franz | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Strauss, Richard | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Borodin, Alexander | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Jussi Björling Rediscovered The "Pearl Fishers" Duet The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli Jussi Bjorling: Opera Arias The Very Best of Franco Corelli ASIN: B00000J911 Release Date: 1999-05-25

Tracks:

1. Aida: Se quel guerriero io fossi; Celete Aida
2. Manon Lescaut - Donna non vida mai
3. Rigoletto - La Donna ? mobile
4. Rigoletto - Ella mi fu rapita; Parmi veder le lagrime
5. Cavalleria Rusticana - Siciliana: O Lola - Frederick Schauwecker
6. Faust - Salut, demeure chaste et pure - Robert Merrill
7. Pagliacci - Vesti la guibba
8. La Boh?me - Che gelida manini - Licia Albanese
9. Prince Igor - Vladimir's Recitative and Cavatina
10. Andrea Cher - Come un bel di di maggio
11. Martha - M'apparutt'amor
12. L'elisir d'amore - Una furtiva lagrima
13. Eugene Onegin - F, f (Lensky's aria)
14. Turandot - Nessun Dorma
15. Tosca - Recondita armonia
16. Tosca - E lucevan le stelle
17. Tosca - O dolci mani
18. The Trout (Die Forelle)
19. An Silvia: Was ist Silvia?
20. Stchen D. 957/4

Tracks:

1. The Pearl Fishers - Au fond du temple saint
2. Tosca - Mario, Mario, Mario!
3. Don Carlo - lo l'ho perduta!; Dio, che nell'alma infondere
4. Manon Lescaut - Oh, sar pila!; Tu, tu, amore? Tu?
5. La Boh - In un coup Mimtu pitorni
6. La Forza Del Destina - Solenne in quest'ora
7. Aida - La fatal pietra; O terra addio
8. Turandot - Signore, escaolta!; Non piangere, Li
9. Otello - Oh! monstruosa colpa!; Si, pel ciel marmorea giuro!
10. A Dream
11. Turandot - Nessun Dorma
12. Zeignung, Op 10, No. 1/Dedica

Amazon.com

Surely Björling was one of the greatest tenors of his or any other time, not only for the clarion ring, the purity, and the melting lyricism of his voice, but for his effortless lightness, impeccable intonation, endless breath control, and natural phrasing and line, enhanced by old-fashioned but wonderfully expressive scoops and slides. On this generous two-disc set, he is heard in a huge selection of arias and some duets with distinguished colleagues; most of them were recorded separately, and a few are excerpted from complete opera recordings--unfortunately not very skillfully, stopping abruptly in mid-phrase if not mid-note. No matter; the miraculous thing is that Björling, whether singing an entire role or a single aria, can instantly create a character and bring him to vibrant life. He sings everything in the original keys--his high B-flats, B's, and C's are thrilling--and almost everything in the original language, including a few songs by Schubert, Strauss, and Grieg. Recorded live in recital, they are delightful--only one is too operatic. Among his partners, soprano Zinka Milanov and baritone Robert Merrill stand out. This recording presents an incomparable artist at his incomparable best. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Excellent older music.......2007-04-05

He is obviously one of the best of his time and puts to shame some of the newer singers. You get alot for your money on this CD too. I highly recommend it for a Sunday morning to enjoy your coffee, newspaper, and scones :}

A Golden Voice!.......2006-07-31

In opera circles everyone knows about Jussi Bjorling. But, I am writing this for the many people who never heard of him. He died in 1960 at the age of 49 so he hasn't been around for 46 years. Thus, the younger generation have only heard of Pavarotti, Domingo, Correras and some newer fellows. Believe me, the sweet, honeyed, golden voice of Bjorling will impress you. His voice..his "instrument".....is...is....what can I say, it's "beautiful". If you haven't heard him before you have an enormous treat ahead of you! If you love the beautiful sound of a "trained" voice, you'll love this guy! Enjoy!
(Some guy below is comparing Bjorling to DeStefano and Corelli and some others and was critical of Bjorling. The guy who wrote that must be suffering from hearing loss! ALL the tenors he mentioned are/were great artists. DON'T BELIEVE HIM...BELIEVE ME! :o) Email:boland7214@aol.

Heaven.......2004-12-13

I used to buy two separate CDs for people I was introducing to Bjoerling - the Pearl Fishers one, and the one with the Nessun dorma on it... So I was delighted when this 2 CD set came out.

To me, NO other tenor I've ever heard matches Bjoerling. His voice is one of the few that reduce me to tears just trying to EXPLAIN it to people. I've loved classical music since childhood but was never able to get into opera until I heard Jussi ... all the tenors alive today - feh, sorry, but to me they just sound like guys taking deep breaths and singing loud, not like "the voice of God" ...

The Ultimate Tenor Anthology.......2003-10-26

For anyone who has for some reason fallen in love with some other tenor voice, the discovery of Jussi Bjoerlings voice may be heartbreaking. This is not a tenor who can only sing superbly in lyric opera or only in dramatic opera, or only in song and lieder. This singer can sing whatever he wants and more; he does it equally brilliant whatever to the vocal demands may be. That, more than anything makes him absolutely unique in the record history.
In the opening selection of this compilation; "Celeste Aida", this essentially lyric voice demonstrates for every heroic and dramatic tenor how to sing dramatic opera. It is a sheer singing lesson. In the strenuous recitative, he does not shout or use other non-musical effects, but shows that true dramatic expression is characterized by tonal intensiy and not by volume, although he had plenty enough of that. The beautiful and incredibly free flow of lyric tones in the Pearlfishers duet, the Faust cavatina and in the gorgeous "Che gelida manina" is absolutely exemplary. Yet, who could replicate the beauty of those effortless high C`s? I cannot think of anyone.
The only thing that could better this and give the set 5 stars in the book, is a compilation of the same selections, transferred from the original tapes and not excessively remastered as on this occasion. The sound is at times overly bright and the voice sounds thin and even sharp. But the singing is so far unmatched.

The biggest hype I've ever seen or heard.......2003-07-27

This tenor is a tiny patch if compare to Corelli or Del Monaco, not to even mention Pavarotti. His high notes are strain to the max and he sounds like he's singing in half falsetto.
A total disappointment. I recommend Gigli and Del Monaco instead.

Average customer rating: A must have CD Arthur at his best. Fiedler's Finest what a collaboration of musical excellence, oh what style!

Fiedler Greatest Hits Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Khachaturian | Khachaturian, Aram | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( 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 Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | 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 $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Khachaturian, Aram | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolai | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, 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: Pops Roundup Fiedler's Favorite Marches The Very Best Of The Boston Pops Arthur Fiedler & The Boston Pops Play the Beatles Swing Swing Swing ASIN: B000003F5O Release Date: 1991-09-06

Tracks:

1. 'Gayane' Ballet Suite: Sabre Dance
2. Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1
3. The Flight Of The Bumblebee
4. Light Cavalry Overture
5. The Merry Wives Of Windsor: Overture
6. Jalousie
7. 'Mlada': Procession Of The Nobles
8. Serenade For Strings: Waltz
9. William Tell Overture
10. 'L'Arlesienne'-Suite No. 2: Farandole
11. The Syncopated Clock
12. 'Prince Igor': Polovetsian Dances
13. 'The Damnation Of Faust': Rakoczy March
14. The Stars And Stripes Forever

Customer Reviews:

A must have CD.......2007-01-14

For anyone who likes Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops, this CD is a must have.

Arthur at his best........2002-03-20

Arthur Fiedler made listening to classical music fun. Try a listen to 'Pomp and Circumstance', one of my favourite pieces of classical music. 'William Tell Overture' shines as does most of the material on this album. Well recorded for it's day. Fiedler is missed.

Fiedler's Finest.......2002-02-16

I had the opportunity of playing in an orchestra under Maestro Fiedler. He was a tough, no nonsense conductor who expected crisp, lyrical, and expressive. His musical interpretations of everything from Sabre Dance to Syncopated Clock; from Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 to his love for the Beatles, sets him as the ruler supreme in pop music. I only hope RCA will continue to reissue his LPs so a new generation knows the man and his music. Bravo!

what a collaboration of musical excellence, oh what style!.......1999-06-08

I bought this CD a little over a year ago and it is still among my favorites. "Polvetsian Dances" is excellent no matter what your interests. The full version of "Pomp and Circumstance" as well as "The William Tell Overature" are wonderful; The "Procession of the Nobles" is victorious and galliant; the lyrical complexity of "Farandole" is haunting. This is a brilliant compilation of musical excellence.

Average customer rating: Tchaikovsky is at his finest Wonderful but clearly far from the best 1812 Overture/Marche Slave A Great Collection of Russian Composers Incomparable

Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture/ Marche Slave Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture/Capriccio Italien/Beethoven: Wellington's Victory Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture Moussorgsky: Night on Bald Mountain/Pictures at an Exhibition Wagner: Overture & Preludes Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO ASIN: B000001GDT Release Date: 1991-03-08

Tracks:

1. Ouverture Solenelle '1812' - Tchaikovsky
2. Marche Slave Op. 31 - Tchaikovsky
3. In The Steppes Of Central Asia - Borodin
4. Polovtsian Dances - Borodin
5. Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra: Russian Easter Festival Overture - TCHAIKOVSKY/BORODIN/ETC
6. Capriccio Espagnol - TCHAIKOVSKY/BORODIN/ETC

Customer Reviews:

Tchaikovsky is at his finest .......2007-02-10

Canons resound at the climax of the story which is started by a choral. It is easy to imagine being one of Napoleon's troops advancing toward Moscow with canon balls taking out comrades on our right and left. The courage of the Russian defenders can be felt.

Wonderful but clearly far from the best.......2007-02-10

This is certainly a wonderful and worthy of being in ones collection but it simply does not stand the test to those by Ormandy and Philly, Bernstein both with the New York Phil & Israel Phil, or Chicago Symphony with either Reiner or Solti or any other conductor conducting Chicago.

1812 Overture/Marche Slave.......2005-08-04

This was very much worth the price. I have listened to it many times, but never tire of it. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone.

A Great Collection of Russian Composers.......2004-12-29

This CD is truly one of the bettar CD's containing not only Tchaikovsky, but also Borodin and Rimsky-Kosakov. The most powerful peice is hard to choose, but the quick paced, Marche Slave Op.31 is sure to draw your attention. But how could we forget the classic 1812 overture with its famous cannon barrage, and the many other terrific pieces, pointing out specifically the Capriccio espagnol op. 34. I strongly suggest this CD, as with all Deutsche Grammophon(as they are superbly recorded), I am sure any lover of the great Russian Composer's will enjoy this CD.

Incomparable.......2004-10-26

Estas grabaciones son geniales desde un principio, son obras conocidas pero que aparecen con algo adicional.
La obertura 1812 incluye el coro en una forma impresionante, cañones reales y campanas de la gran catedral de Gotemburgo, es excepcional (igual o mejor que Ormandy).
La gran Pascua rusa y el capricho español, suenan increible, una orquesta soberbia para música que debe hacernos sentir el vigor de su composición. Les estepas de Asia central es una obra pequeña en el conjunto pero necesaria para el contexto de estos compositores rusos debia estar aqui, la Marcha eslava esta casi siempre donde su hermana mayor la obertura 1812 aparece, tiene sus propios meritos como el bello motivo que la inspira en su totalidad.
Se incluye ademas las danzas polotvsianas que tienen en esta versión que presupondriamos orquestal a un solista de excepción.
Música rusa en plenitud y majestuosidad incomparable.
Neeme Järvi sencillamente grandioso.

Average customer rating: An Okay Buy - Not Spectacular Borodin... Borodin: In the Steppes of Central Asia It's called the pentatonic scale Borodin's 2nd symphony

Borodin: Symphony No.2/In The Steppes Of Central Asia/Prince Igor Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | 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 Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture Smetana: Moldau/From Bohemia's Meadows and Forests/Dvorák: Slavonic Dances Op.46 & Op.72 Symphonie Fantastique Sheherazade / Russian Easter Overture Borodin: String Quartets Nos 1 & 2 ASIN: B000003F1U Release Date: 1991-04-05

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 2 In B Minor: Allegro
2. Symphony No. 2 In B Minor: Scherzo: Prestissimo; Allegretto
3. Symphony No. 2 In B Minor: Andante
4. Symphony No. 2 In B Minor: Finale: Allegro
5. In the Steppes of Central Asia
6. Prince Igor: Overture
7. Prince Igor: March
8. Prince Igor: Dance Of The Polovtsian Maidens
9. Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dances

Customer Reviews:

An Okay Buy - Not Spectacular.......2007-05-24

This CD wasn't as good as I anticipated. It had what I wanted on it, but not much more. I'm glad that I bought it, but I wasn't blown away by it.

Borodin..........2007-02-03

I did enjoy this disc. I got it at a bargain price to boot! Classical music with real musicians showing us their skills. My only complaint is that I wished that the recording was of better quality! Five stars for the music - Three stars for the disc!

Borodin: In the Steppes of Central Asia.......2006-11-10

This is where the music from the musical "Kismet" came from. Very Melodic and beautiful. CD arrived very timely and was pristine. Thank you.

It's called the pentatonic scale.......2006-06-22

This recording of the Borodin b minor symphony is excellent, and the colorful orchestration that entranced Debussy and his colleagues is easily heard due to the clear sound (too clear in the first movement, actually - one of the cello players sounded a little tinny to me). The first movement, with its blatantly nationalistic motto theme, is balanced with a sparkling scherzo and an andante with an achingly beautiful song-like theme. The finale, with the exuberance characteristic of Borodin and of the Mighty Five in general, is sprightly and cheerful. Its main theme is pentatonic (consisting of a five-note scale), like most music from folk sources (yes, including America, which does not mean that we "ripped" it from anywhere, simply that it is the single most pervasive system of tonal organization in the world). This recording is highly recommended, as it represents the vast majority of Borodin's orchestral output, and not badly, either.

Borodin's 2nd symphony.......2005-08-15

I played Borodin's 2nd with the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra, having never even heard of borodin before, let alone having played the symphony! I quickly fell in love with it and its wide range of themes. I particularly enjoy the 3rd movement and the way it changes from gentle sols at the beginning to a rising climax with a rising passage introduced by the violas and being built up by the orchestra.

Average customer rating: I love it and I give it as a gift MarMSED Diverse range but the songs are butchered...

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