Robert Schumann: Genoveva, Op 81

1. Genoveva, opera, Op. 81
   Composed by Robert Schumann
   Performed by Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
   with Karl-Heinz Stryczek, Peter Schreier, Siegfried Lorenz, Siegfried Vogel, Gisela Schroter, Edda Moser, Wolfgang Hellmich, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
   Conducted by Kurt Masur
   
   

Robert Schumann: Genoveva, Op 81,Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau,Siegfried Lorenz,Wolfgang Hellmich,Karl-Heinz Stryczek,Siegfried Vogel,Robert Schumann,Kurt Masur,Gisela Schroter,Gewandhausorchester Leipzig,Edda Moser,Peter Schreier,Berlin Classics,Classical,German/Austrian Romantic Opera,Opera,Opera / Operetta / Oratorio

---

Average customer rating: A Fine Rhenish Symphony rather stiff schumann Dark Schumann

Schumann: Symphony No. 3 Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Schumann: Symphony No. 1 & 4 ASIN: B00001X59N Release Date: 1999-10-12

Tracks:

1. 'Genoveva' Overture, Op. 81
2. Overture, Scherzo & Finale, Op. 52: 1. Ouverture. Andante con moto - Allegro
3. Overture, Scherzo & Finale, Op. 52: 2. Scherzo. Vivo - Trio. L'istesso tempo
4. Overture, Scherzo & Finale, Op. 52: 3. Finale. Allegro molto vivace
5. Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish': 1. Lebhaft
6. Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish': 2. Scherzo. Sehr massig
7. Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish': 3. Nicht schnell
8. Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish': 4. Feierlich
9. Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish': 5. Lebhaft

Customer Reviews:

A Fine Rhenish Symphony.......2001-09-06

Thielemann takes a very Romantic view of Schumann's scores in this fine CD. He is most successful with the 3rd Symphony, which is one of the most riveting performances I have heard; nearly as exciting as Leonard Bernstein's Vienna Philharmonic version. Yet it is darker, more somber in tone than Bernstein's. Although well played by the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Genoveva scores aren't as exciting as its vibrant performance of Schumann's 3rd Symphony. Deutsche Grammophon's sound quality is fine, but I have heard better, most notably on its Sinopoli Schumann symphony cycle with the Dresden Staatskapelle.

rather stiff schumann.......2000-04-23

Thielemann is a gifted conductor his schumann symphony no.2 is one the best I ever heard but this cd is well kindof stale i think he is capable of doing better.

Dark Schumann.......2000-02-03

This disc represents something of distinction in today's classical music economy - a performance that does not sound like almost every other recent recording of the same work. Thielemann's vision of Schumann comes across quite appropriately in the dark, thick textures he draws from the Philharmonia and in the notably elastic tempi (though less elastic than in No. 2 under same conductor/orchestra). The recording was made in the Watford Colosseum and is one of the better 4D results achieved by DG. I would have preferred a slightly slower rendition of the "Cologne Cathedral" processional 4th movement, but this is very fine Rhenish symphony nevertheless.

Average customer rating: "The Poet Speaks!" Rafael Kubelik's Earlier, Legendary Schumann Symphony Cycle Arch-Romantic Euphoria

Schumann: The Four Symphonies; Genoveva & Manfred Overtures Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Brahms: The Four Symphonies Strauss: Tone Poems Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5 Beethoven: Symphony Nos. 6, 7 & 8/2 Overtures Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 9; Overtures ASIN: B000001GHT Release Date: 1994-11-22

Tracks:

1. Symphonie No. 1 en Si bemol Majeur 'Le Printemps', op.38: Andante un poco maestoso - Allegro molto vivace
2. Symphonie No. 1 en Si bemol Majeur 'Le Printemps', op.38: Larghetto - attacca
3. Symphonie No. 1 en Si bemol Majeur 'Le Printemps', op.38: Scherzo - Molto Vivace
4. Symphonie No. 1 en Si bemol Majeur 'Le Printemps', op.38: Allegro animato e graciozo
5. Symphonie No. 2 en Ut Majeur, op.61: Sostenuto assai - Un poco piu vivace - Allegro, ma non troppo
6. Symphonie No. 2 en Ut Majeur, op.61: Scherzo - Allegro vivace
7. Symphonie No. 2 en Ut Majeur, op.61: Adagio espressivo
8. Symphonie No. 2 en Ut Majeur, op.61: Allegro molto vivace
9. Ouverture 'Genoveva', op.81

Tracks:

1. Symphonie No. 3 en Mi bemol Majeur 'Rhenane', Op.97: Vif
2. Symphonie No. 3 en Mi bemol Majeur 'Rhenane', Op.97: Scherzo - Tres modere
3. Symphonie No. 3 en Mi bemol Majeur 'Rhenane', Op.97: Pas rapide
4. Symphonie No. 3 en Mi bemol Majeur 'Rhenane', Op.97: Solennel
5. Symphonie No. 3 en Mi bemol Majeur 'Rhenane', Op.97: Vif
6. Symphonie No. 4 en Re mineur, Op.120: Assez lent - Vif - Attacca
7. Symphonie No. 4 en Re mineur, Op.120: Romance. Assez lent - Attacca
8. Symphonie No. 4 en Re mineur, Op.120: Scherzo. Vif - Attacca
9. Symphonie No. 4 en Re mineur, Op.120: Lent - Vif
10. Ouverture 'Manfred', Op. 115

Customer Reviews:

"The Poet Speaks!".......2006-02-18

This 2 CD set has the most beautiful orchestral works of Schumann. Played by Berliner Philharmoniker under the baton of Kubelik, performed with sensitiveness, romantic. Still, Kubelik is a very succesful conductor especially in Romantic repertoire. As you know, Schumann's orchestration not so good as Brahms or Tchaikovsky, his orchestra timbre is too light and weak. But, the playing of Berliner Philharmoniker claims the weak orchestration of Schumann. However the music of Schumann is too romantic, passionate, dramatic, of course.

Symphony No. 1 named "Spring Symphony" written in a very short period, a few months. It was written with happiness of the composer and the inspiration comes from Clara. This symphony has a vivid atmosphere, especially in first and last movements. The Symphony No. 3 named "Rhenish" is the most majestic of all. Schumann was love the Rhein river and forest. There are typic pictures from a pastoral German landscapes. It is an example of German Romanticism. Especially in the 4th "Feierlich" movement, you will see what I mean. "Feierlich" means "ceremonial" and it pictures a ceremony in a Rhenish cathedral, very majestic. The 4th Symphony is the most drammatic of all of the composer's symphonies. It was completed in his last period, 1851, towards to tragic end of his life. This symphony to be constitued in a single movement, written as a symphonic-fantasia. Orchestration, as usual in Schumann, not too powerful, brilliant, it is a little weak, but the music is very romantic, poetic and has a tragic mood. Especially the first movement is a drammatic opening movement, the second movement is a lyric "Romanze" which I think has a musical diolag between Robert and Clara (violoncello solo and oboe). But in Finale, there is a glorious joy, contrasts to the dark mood of beginning movements.

There are two overtures, too : the only opera of the composer ; Genoveva, Op. 81 and the famous Manfred, Op. 115. The latter written in the last period, near to the tragic end of Schumann's life. And Manfred Overture has a drammatic mood, languish romanticism and really spine-chilling. May be the most beautiful orchestral work of Schumann.

The performances of Kubelik are really wonderful, surely worth to buy and listen. The recording comes from 1960's and quality is very good.

Highly recommended.

Rafael Kubelik's Earlier, Legendary Schumann Symphony Cycle.......2001-08-25

Fans of Deutsche Grammophon's superb sound quality will not want to miss this budget price two CD set of Rafael Kubelik conducting the Berlin Philharmonic in this critically acclaimed Schumann symphony cycle. Some critics regard this as among the finest Schumann symphony cycles ever recorded. However, this accolade should be given for the quality of the recording, not the performances. Although all of the Berlin Philharmonic's performances are first rate, they still fall short in warmth, enthusiasm, if not techique, in comparison to Kubelik's later recordings with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. In deferrence to Kubelik's later cycle, this one should merit four and a half, not five stars.

Arch-Romantic Euphoria.......2001-02-03

My Schumannmania dates back a long way-- even before I ever heard a single note I knew I would love him, thanks to his bio, with its forbidden love, marital passion, duelling with the Philistines, and of course the inevitable descent into madness. But Schumann was an irrepressible, if agitated, soul, as is borne out by the idiosyncratic fervor of his four symphonies. The "Spring"s opening movement is one of those endlessly exhilarating experiences in art that never fails to give the spirit a kick-- without being reductively a piece of "program music," it manages to suggest the fructifying power of incipient spring-- even to tickle the skin with the physiological symptoms of "spring fever." And this is a quality spread throughout Schumann's orchestral canon, from which the immortal "Manfred Overture" and the rich "Genoveva" are also included on these discs. All are glorious, but it would be a pity not to single out the extraordinary "Adagio espressivo" of the 2nd Symphony, a movement which rivals even Mahler at his most transcendentally expressive-- and Schumann is not a child of the Wagnerian era. Nor can I fail to cite the shuddering grandeur of the fourth movement of the "Rheinish" Symphony, an interlude of intense pathos in that galloping, impish, lighthearted, always loveable work. Schumann is still a controversial composer, but perhaps I love him for all the reasons Nietzsche did not (with all respect to the sage!). His music partakes of a very youthful, tender Romanticism, imploring and transparent, and he thrives on stirring dreaminess.

Average customer rating: Outstanding Schumann interpretations

Robert Schumann: The 4 Symphonies Manufacturer: Berlin Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000035O0 Release Date: 2005-10-01

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Schumann interpretations.......2007-06-09

Franz Konwitschny is perhaps not the most well-known conductor, probably partly due to the fact that he worked and lived in East Germany during the Cold War. He was born in 1901, Fulnek, Northern Moravia, and he died in 1962 in Belgrade, former Yugoslavia while conducting in a TV broadcast. From 1949 until his death he was principal conductor for the Gewandhausorchester in Leipzig, where he became a DDR classical superstar. He received a state funeral in that city, with a crowd weeping some miles along the streets.

This box collects his outstanding Schumann interpretations - the four symphonies, the "Genoveva" and "Manfred" overtures, and the rarely performed "Konzertstück für vier Hörner", op. 86 and the "Overture, Scherzo, and Finale", op. 52. All performances were recorded in the "Studio" Bethanienkirche in Leipzig, with its excellent acoustics. They are also taped in very good early vintage analogue stereo by the VEB Deutsche Schallplatten engineers - and the Berlin Classics' remasterings are excellent.

In sum, these are classic DDR Schumann recordings, in the old school style from a great conductor - what more could you ask for? Of course, for the symphonies, we have strong competition: references include Kubelik (SONY), Szell (SONY) and, recently, Barenboim (Teldec). But Konwitschny's performances are second to none, even if I don't want to be without any of these other recordings.

Warmly recommended!

(The Schumann cycle is also included in the box "The Art of Franz Konwitschny", vol. 2.)

Average customer rating: Schumann's forgotten opera

Robert Schumann: Genoveva, Op 81 Manufacturer: Berlin Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Haydn - L'anima del filosofo ossia Orfeo ed Euridice / Bartoli · Heilmann · D'Arcangelo · AAM · Hogwood Weber: Oberon Robert Schumann: Das Paradies und die Peri / Requiem für Mignon / Nachtlied - The Monteverdi Choir / Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique / John Eliot Gardiner Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies Russian Album ASIN: B0000035OG Release Date: 1994-03-22

Tracks:

1. Ov - Gewandhausorchester Leipzig/Kurt Masur
2. Erster Akt, No.1 Chor Und Rezitativ: Erhebet Herz Und Hande/Zu Einem Gottefall'gen Kampfe - Siegfried Lorenz/Rundfunkchor Berlin/Wolf-Dieter Hauschild
3. Erster Akt, No.2 Rezitativ Und Arie: Mocht Ziehn Mit Ihnen!/Frieden Zieh In Meine Brust... - Peter Scheier
4. Erster Akt, No.3 Duett: So Wenig Monden Erst - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Edda Moser
5. Erster Akt, No.4 Rezitativ: Dies Gilt Uns!/Meines Weibes Nimm Dich An - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Edda Moser/Siegfried Vogel/Peter Scheier
6. Erster Akt, No.5 Chor: Auf, Auf In Das Feld! - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Edda Moser/Peter Scheier/Rundfunkchor Berlin/Wolf-Dieter Hauschild
7. Erster Akt, No.6 Rezitativ Und Scene: Der Rauhe Kriegsmann/O Lippen, Susse Lippen! - Peter Scheier/Edda Moser
8. Erster Akt, No.7 Finale: Sieh Da, Welch Feiner Rittersmann!/Was Hab Ich Getan/Du Lasst Die Arme... - Gisela Schroter/Peter Scheier
9. Zweiter Akt, No.8 Szene, Chor Und Rezitativ: O Weh Des Scheidens, Das Er Tat/Getrost, Getrost... - Peter Scheier/Edda Moser/Rundfunkchor Berlin/Wolf-Dieter Hauschild
10. Zweiter Akt, No.9 Duett: Wenn Ich Ein Voglein War'/Was Ist Euch?/Das Wort, Das Traf, Fluch Dir! - Peter Scheier/Edda Moser
11. Zweiter Akt, No.10 Duett Und Szene: Dem Himmel Dank/Ich Lauscht' An Der Tur/Dort Schleichen... - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Edda Moser/Siegfried Vogel/Peter Scheier
12. Zweiter Akt, No.11 Arie: O Du, Der Uber Alle Wacht - Edda Moser
13. Zweiter Akt, No.12 Finale: Sacht, Sacht, Aufgemacht!/Zuruck, Ihr Schurken!/Glaubt, Was Ihr Seht!... - Karl-Heinz Stryczek/Edda Moser/Peter Scheier/Siegfried Vogel/Gisela Schroter/Rundfunkchor Berlin...

Tracks:

1. Dritter Akt, No.13 Duett: Nichts Haly Mich Mehr - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Gisela Schroter
2. Dritter Akt, No.14 Rezitativ, Lied Und Duett: Ja, Wart Du Bis Zum Jungsten Tag/Bald Blick' Ich... - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Peter Schreier
3. Dritter Akt, No.15 Finale: Ich Sah Ein Kind Im Traum/Ei Nun, Wer Stort Sie?/Erscheint!... - Gisela Schroter/Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Peter Schreier/Siegfried Vogel/Rundfunkchor Berlin...
4. Vierter Akt, No.16 Szene, Lied Und Arie: Steil Und Ragen Die Felsen/Weh' Mir/Sie Hatten Beid'... - Edda Moser/Wolfgang Helmich/Karl-Heinz Stryczek/Rundfunkchor Berlin/Wolf-Dieter Hauschild
5. Vierter Akt, No.17 Szene: Kennt Ihr Den Ring?/Ihr Manner, Tretet Vor!/Habt Ihr Noch Einen Wunsch - Peter Schreier/Edda Moser/Wolfgang Hellmich/Karl-Heinz Stryczek
6. Vierter Akt, No.18 Rezitativ, Terzett Und Szene Mit Chor: Weib, Heuchelt Nicht/Umsonst Versucht... - Karl-Heinz Stryczek/Edda Moser/Wolfgang Hellmich/Gisela Schroter/Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau...
7. Vierter Akt, No.19 Duett: O Lass Es Ruhn, Dein Aug', Auf Mir!/Kommt Alle Mit Ins Schloss - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Edda Moser
8. Vierter Akt, No.20 Doppelchor: Bestreut Den Weg Mit Grunen Mai'n/Nun Hebet Herz Und Hande - Rundfunkchor Berlin/Wolf-Dieter Hauschild
9. Vierter Akt, No. 21 Finale: Seid Mir Gegrusst/Erschalle, Festlicher Sang - Siegfried Lorenz/Edda Moser/Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Rundfunkchor Berlin/Wolf-Dieter Hauschild

Customer Reviews:

Schumann's forgotten opera.......2007-03-04

Genoveva, Robert Schumann's only opera, has unfortunately never entered the repertory, due largely to unfounded contemporry criticisn at the time of its first performances in 1850. This opera is vintage Schumann, full of delightful music. The story of a faithful wife is familiar, in Fidelio and Handel's Rodelinda. This performance is excellent, with Fischer-Diesgau as the heroic husband. The opera desrves resurrection and performnce t in today's repertory.

Average customer rating: "One up" Schumann's Stunning, Neglected Opera is a Joy!

Schumann: Genoveva / Ziesak, Lipovsek, van der Walt, Widmer, Gilfry, Quasthoff Robert Schumann , Nikolaus Harnoncourt , Rodney Gilfry , Oliver Widmer , Chamber Orchestra of Europe , Arnold Schoenberg Chor , Ruth Ziesak , Deon van der Walt , Marjana Lipovsek , Thomas Quasthoff , and Hiroyuki Ijichi Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Harnoncourt, Nikolaus | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Robert Schumann: Das Paradies und die Peri / Requiem für Mignon / Nachtlied - The Monteverdi Choir / Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique / John Eliot Gardiner ASIN: B000000S8W Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

1. GENOVEVA: Ouverture
2. GENOVEVA: Erhebet Herz und Hande (Hidulfus)
3. GENOVEVA: Konnt ich mit ihnen (Golo)
4. GENOVEVA: So wenig Monden erst, dass ich dich fand (Siegfried, Genveva)
5. GENOVEVA: Dies gilt uns! (Siegfried, Drago, Genoveva, Golo)
6. GENOVEVA: Auf, auf, in das Feld! (Genoveva, Siegfried, Golo)
7. GENOVEVA: Der rahue kriegsmann! (Golo, Genoveva)
8. GENOVEVA: Sieh da, welch feiner Rittersmann! (Margaretha, Golo)
9. GENOVEVA: O weh des Scheidens, das er tat! (Genoveva, Golo)
10. GENOVEVA: Wenn ich ein Voglein war (Genoveva, Golo)
11. GENOVEVA: Dem Himmel Dank, Dass ich Euch finde (Drago, golo, Margaretha, Genoveva)
12. GENOVEVA: O Du, der uber alle wacht (Genoveva)
13. GENOVEVA: Sacht, sacht, aufgemacht! (Balthasar, Genoveva, Golo, Drago, Margaretha)

Tracks:

1. GENOVEVA: Nichts halt mich mehr (Siegfried, Margaretha)
2. GENOVEVA: Ja, wart du bis zum jungsten Tag (Siegfried, Golo)
3. GENOVEVA: Ich sah ein Kind im Traum (Margaretha, Siegfried, Golo)
4. GENOVEVA: Erscheint! ... Abendlufte kuhlend weh'n (Margaretha, Siegfried, Golo, Dragos Geist)
5. GENOVEVA: Steil und steiler ragen die Felsen (Genoveva, Balthasar, Caspar)
6. GENOVEVA: Kennt Ihr den Ring? (Golo, Genoveva, Caspar, Balthasar)
7. GENOVEVA: Weib, heuchelt nicht (Balthasar, Genoveva, Caspar, Margaretha, Siegfried)
8. GENOVEVA: O lass es ruh'n, dein Aug, auf mir! (Siegfried, Genoveva)
9. GENOVEVA: Bestreut den Weg mit grunen Mai'n
10. GENOVEVA: Seid mir gegrusst nach schwerer Prufung (Hidulfus, Genoveva, Siegfried)

Customer Reviews:

"One up".......2004-09-30

I concur with the previous reviewer on all points except Ruth Ziesak, and then only to say that her voice (and not just THIS performance) is one I readily enjoy. She has a beautiful sounding, 'silvery' voice that is in itself enjoyable but her classy performance and genuine artistry add to its merit. The role is very touchingly and convincingly portrayed.

The remainder of the cast are excellent. The duo of Balthasar (Hiroyuki Ijichi) and Caspar (Josef Krenmair) reveals that one of them has a noticeable tremble in the voice that is ...shall we say 'unique'. There's not much point reiterating an already good review but being a Lipovsek fan, I must sound my admiration. No reflection on her true character but she EXCELS in these roles: Marjina (Boris Godinov), Marfa (Khovanshchina), Fricka (Die Walkure), Witch (Hansel und Gretel), Sphinx (Oedipe)... magical/mystical/malevolent characters. Here, the one word for "Ich sah ein Kind im Traum" is 'chilling!'

Well recommended. A beautiful opera and a lovely performance.

Schumann's Stunning, Neglected Opera is a Joy!.......2004-09-22

Harnoncourt shapes the orchestra throughout in a vivacious, nearly always thrilling reading. The numerous shadings and nuances show (exquisitely) what Schumann's intent must have been. From the overture to the final curtain this is a powerful musical work. It only makes sense that the creator of some of the world's most exquisite songs should have crafted an opera that is just so musically juicy. It only makes me sad that he (like Beethoven) didn't return to this genre again. If this was a first effort - goodness gracious what possibly could he have done had he kept writing operas?

Ruth Ziesak is the possessor of the type of voice I enjoy the least but sings with remarkable artistry, impeccable detail to
the text and even though the voice is small she's able to convincingly portray Genoveva's confusion, despair and honor.

Rodney Gilfry's utterances are so commandingly sung with a deep resonance that sounds both powerful and assured.

Deon van der Walt's ultra-light tenors is probably best suited to recital work, yet this performance finds him impassioned throughout, and it is a lovely sound - even when he's warring in his duet with Margaretha the enormous sounding Marjana Livpovsek. van der Walt actually sounds as if ready to explode. And Lipovsek? She sounds just damned glorious, is all.

Lipovsek is given one of opera's great entrance scenes and her giant voice and slavic vibrato gives it a thrilling "will she/won't she" make it qualities. Her act 3 ending scene w/Quasthoff is hair raising.

Thomas Quasthoff is pure WOW!!! This guy's voice is just thrilling. A rich, warm quality that also has a lively
"buzz" to it that cuts right to the heart.

The recitatives are vibrantly sung, the acting there in each voice making them as exciting as the musical "numbers" themselves.

Schumann has written a score of beauty that doesn't seem to have a weak link in it. The choruses are about as exciting as any you'll hear - the finale of the first scene with the soldiers going off to war, the town people cheering them on and the central characters is glorious. The offstage chorus of women in "Abendlufte kuhlend weh'n" is just a stunning effect with
Schumann writing appropriately gauzy music that goes beyond the aural and takes on another quality (visual?) There are many such touches throughout.

I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this recording.

Average customer rating: Exciting music A Useful Compendium-but It Could Have Been More than That

Schumann: Overtures Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tchaikovsky: Complete Suites for Orchestra ASIN: B0000013US Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

1. Overture, Scherzo And Finale, Op.52
2. Genoveva, Op. 81
3. Bride of Messina, Op. 100
4. Julius Caesar, Op. 128
5. Herman and Dorothea, Op. 136
6. Faust
7. Manfred, Op. 115

Customer Reviews:

Exciting music.......2006-10-08

Robert Schumann was one of the less well known of the romanticists of classical music. Yet his music is quite impressive, and this CD includes some of his best overtures. The pieces range from 5 - 15 minutes in length, are all orchestral pieces, and are quite lively and melodic. The CD quality is good, and the orchestration is fine. For the price of this CD, it is a great buy and I recommend it.

A Useful Compendium-but It Could Have Been More than That.......2006-03-31

It was a nice idea to include most of the pieces of music by Schumann that have "overture" in their name. Missing is a choral overture on the Rheinweinlied, but otherwise, this CD covers the topic. However, the performances and recording leave something to be desired. The best performances here--of the little-known "Bride of Messina" and "Hermann und Dorothea"--are maybe fueled by the element of discovery. The tempos seem judiciously handled, and Johannes Wildner does everything he can to get the lumbering, four-square rhythm of the "Bride" to move. Not much he can do about those squeals from the piccolo, though--Schumann for some reason wrote them into the score thinking, I guess, that they added an element of doom and terror to the "curse" motif that dominates the overture. No such problem with the more successful "Hermann und Dorothea," an atmospheric little piece with (as far as I know) Schumann's one concession to the extra color that a snare drum could add to his often opaque scoring.

The other performances, unfortunately, suffer from a variety of ails, including a very much off-pitch clarinet in the lovely second melody of the "Faust" Overture (plus uncalled for dissonances from the brass at the start of the coda--let's tune it, gentlemen!); a lumbering gait to the opening of the "Julius Caesar" Overture (one of Schumann's least inspired works, it must be said); a labored trio section in the Scherzo of the "Overture, Scherzo, and Finale" (though this is a pretty good performance for the most part); a strange pause (a bad edit?) before the final dash in the coda of the "Genoveva" Overture (one of Schumann's real triumphs); and a bit of slap-dash in the faster passages of "Manfred" despite a general trend toward sclerotic rhythms (though this fine overture is hard to kill and emerges mostly unscathed in a decent performance overall).

The recording has good stereo spread and depth and a definite sense of the concert hall but is a tad too distant for the kind of definition that Schumann's thick scoring cries out for.

So if you want this music--some of it obscure but worth hearing--the current CD is an OK way to acquire it, but we could have hoped for more than that.

Average customer rating:

The Royal Edition, No 71 of 100: Franz Schubert/Robert Schumann Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000027NH Release Date: 1993-06-22

Tracks:

1. Sym No. 5 In B Flat, D485: I. Allegro - New York Philharmonic/Leonard Bernstein
2. Sym No. 5 In B Flat, D485: II. Andante Con Moto - New York Philharmonic/Leonard Bernstein
3. Sym No. 5 In B Flat, D485: III. Menuetto. Allegro Molto-Trio - New York Philharmonic/Leonard Bernstein
4. Sym No. 5 In B Flat, D485: IV. Allegro Vivace - New York Philharmonic/Leonard Bernstein
5. 'The Devil's Pleasure Palace' Ov, D 84 - New York Philharmonic/Leonard Bernstein
6. 'Genoveva' Ov, Op. 81 - New York Philharmonic/Leonard Bernstein
7. Con In a, Op. 129: I. Nicht Zu Schnell - New York Philharmonic/Leonard Bernstein/Leonard Rose
8. Con In a, Op. 129: II. Langsam - New York Philharmonic/Leonard Bernstein/Leonard Rose
9. Con In a, Op. 129: III Sehr Lebhaft - New York Philharmonic/Leonard Bernstein/Leonard Rose

Average customer rating: Transparent Sound

Early Romantic Overtures Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Weber | Weber, Carl Maria von | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | 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 French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rossini: Overtures ASIN: B00000DNM7 Release Date: 1993-01-12

Customer Reviews:

Transparent Sound.......2005-06-12

The demise of Roger Norrington’s London Classical Players is to be greatly lamented. Following on from some great rediscoveries of Beethoven and Berlioz, Norrington went on, briefly, to explore romantic repertoire in historical performance practice. This CD gives a favorable impression of what could have been possible if the series had continued longer. As usual with the LCP, the music has been well-researched, and Norrington opts for the seating arrangements at the Leipzig Gewandhaus, with the second violins on the right and the lower string instruments in the center. This gives a transparent sound which enables one to follow all the detail as worked out from the original scores. The first three tracks on this recording, the Weber, the Mendelssohn and the Berlioz, are all excellent in every respect, although I found the volume of the recording a little low. The Berlioz overture has been re-released together with Berlioz’s “Symphonie fantastique” and gives a marvellous impression of the orchestration skills for which this composer was justly famous. The Weber and the Mendelssohn show forth equally the delicacy and mastery of their composers and are well worth the hearing in this unpompous performance. The next two tracks, Schumann’s overture to “Genoveva” and Schubert’s overture to “Die Zauberharfe” are, to my mind, minor works and do not come over so well as the other tracks on this recording, their chief merit being that they are otherwise seldom heard. The climax of the CD is, however, the “original” or “early” version of Wagner’s overture to the “Flying Dutchman”, a piece generally heard in Wagner’s late revision. Norrington here goes back to the original performance, but is careful to allow for Wagner’s tempo variations, which he assumes to have been present from the beginning but only notated in the later score. This is a superb performance. All in all, the CD is perhaps not one of the absolute highlights of the LCP series, but it is certainly worth buying and is able to open the listener’s eyes and ears to what is really going on in these early romantic scores.

Average customer rating:

Schumann: Overtures Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music London Symphony Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 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 4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000000A93 Release Date: 1993-12-07

Tracks:

1. Overture to Manfred, Op. 115
2. Overture to Julius Caesar, Op. 128
3. Overture From The Opera Genoveva, Op. 81
4. Overture, Scherzo, And Finale Op. 52: Overture
5. Overture, Scherzo, And Finale Op. 52: Scherzo
6. Overture, Scherzo, And Finale Op. 52: Finale

Average customer rating:

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau: Live (1976-1992) Manufacturer: Orfeo D'or ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | 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 Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolf | Wolf, Hugo | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Fischer-Dieskau, Dietrich | ( F ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Schumann, Robert | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Strauss, Richard | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Wagner, Richard | U to Z | 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 Wolf, Hugo | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | 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 Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00004WK7P Release Date: 2000-08-29

Meditation Music:

1. Rossini: Armida / Franci, Teatro La Fenice
2. Rossini - Semiramide / Tamar, Scalchi, Kunde, Pertusi, Zedda, Pesaro Rossini Opera Festival
3. Schubert Lieder, Vol. 2
4. Shchedrin: Dead Souls
5. Shostakovich: The Nose/The Gamblers
6. Spontini - Le Vestale / Huffstodt, Michaels-Moore, Kavrakos, D. Graves, Teatro alla Scala, Muti
7. Strauss: Elektra
8. Strauss: Salome
9. The Best Of Gilbert & Sullivan Arias & Duets / English National, D'Oyly Carte, Sadler's Wells Operas
10. The Gondoliers [Box set] [Cast Recording]

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

U-2000 [Import]

Sonoran Consort

The Complete Clarinet Music, Vol.2

Music: Sounds of L.A., Vol. 2

Ultra Freaky Orange [CD-single]

Thinking Out Loud, Vol. 1

The Music of Vangelis

Twenty Three Places

Three Snakes & One Charm [Original recording remastered]

The Very Best of the Sweet

The Golden Years in Digital Stereo: Swing Groups (1931-1936)

Soldados de las Calles

Tesoros Musicales

Rising Son: The Legend of Skateboarder Christian Hosoi

Tania Maria in Copenhagen