Freunde [CD-single] [Limited Edition] [Import]

Freunde [CD-single] [Limited Edition] [Import]

Track Listings

1. Freunde

2. Irgendjemand Nur Nicht Ich

3. Guns Of Brixton

Tracks:

Symphony No.5 In C Minor, Op. 67: l. Allegro con brio
Minuet in G Major, WoO 10, No.2
Fur Elise (Bagatelle in A Minor, WoO 59)
Sonata For Piano In C-sharp Minor, No. 14, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': l. Adagio sostenuto
The Ruins of Athens, Op.113, No.4: Turkish March
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': l. Allegro ma non troppo
Egmont Overture, Op. 84
Symphony No.3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': lll. Scherzo. Allegro vivace - Trio
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.5 In E-flat Major 'Emperor': lll. Rondo. Allegro
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Presto-Rezitativo 'O Freunde, nicht diese Tone' - Allegro assai (Excerpt)

Customer Reviews:

DON'T HESITATE TO BUY THIS CD.......2001-12-28

What can I say other than this is a great CD. Beethoven was a master and his music will live forever. Altough I don't like every single symphony he composed, I love all the pieces on this album. These selections have "fire and passion," and I listen to them over and over again. Enjoy!!

Average customer rating:

Utterly disapointing
Great!
charming
Something for everyone!

The #1 Choral Album

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ

ASIN: B000060P5G
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Tracks:

Nabucco: Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves: Va, Pensiero - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Madama Butterfly: Humming Chorus - Vienna State Opera Choir
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus: Treulich Gefuhrt Ziehet Dahin - Walter Hagen-Groll
Miserere: Miserere (Abridged) - Sir David Willcocks
Cantata No. 147: Jesu Bleibet Meine Freunde (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Kantorei Der Dreikonigskirche
Ave Verum Corpus, K 618 - Stephen Cleobury
Cantique De Jean Racine - Stephen Cleobury
L'Enfance Du Christ: Shepherds' Farewell: Il S'en Va Loin De La Terre - St. Anthony Singers
Pavane - Choeur Symphonique De Montreal
Totus Tuus (Excerpt) - John Nelson
Ein Deutsches Requiem: Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Tannhauser: Pilgrims' Chorus: Begluckt Darf Nun Dich - Vienna State Opera Chorus
Requiem: Sanctus - Charles Dutoit
Requiem: Lacrimosa - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsoperchor
Song For Athene - Stephen Cleobury
La Damnation De Faust: Laus! Laus! Hosanna! Hosanna! - Chicago Symphony Chorus

Tracks:

Requiem: Dies Irae... Tuba Mirum - Vienna State Opera Chorus
Il Trovatore: Anvil Chorus: Vedi! Le Fosche - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Judas Maccabaeus: See The Conquering Hero Comes - Handel Opera Society Chorus
Mass In B Minor: Sanctus - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Zadok The Priest - The Choir Of King's College
Symphony No.9 'Choral' - Ode To Joy (Fourth Movement - Excerpt) - Jessye Norman
Requiem: Dies Irae - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor
Die Schopfung: Die Himmel Erzahlen (The Heavens Are Telling) - Norma Burrowes
Carmen: Toreador Chorus: Les Voici, Les Voici - John Alldis Choir
Elijah: Thanks Be To God - Bryn Terfel
Weihnachtsoratorium: Jauchzet, Frohlocket! - Lubecker Kantorei
Matthaus-Passion (Final Chorus): Wir Setzen Uns Mit Tranen Nieder - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Mefistofele (Prologue): Ave, Signor Degli Angeli E Dei Santi! - London Opera Chorus
Messiah: Hallelujah - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Rule Britannia - London Philharmonic Choir
Jerusalem - London Philharmonic Choir
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna - Choeur Symphonique De Montreal
Faust: Soldiers' Chorus: Gloire Immortelle - John McCarthy
Faust: Apotheosis - John McCarthy

Customer Reviews:

Utterly disapointing.......2006-12-12

The sound and mixing on these CDs are below anything. It's the type of CD where you constantly have to adjust the volume because some songs are just inaudible and then others come out blaring. Is there anything more annoying? The recording is poor quality. And the interpretations are just bland. A waste of money.

Great!.......2006-02-25

Product was exactly as specified, received fast and in perfect condition. Thank you.

charming.......2005-05-25

i listen to this compilation of songs all of the time. i love to listen to it while drinking my Earl Grey tea. and eating a piping hot english muffin. pure bliss!

Something for everyone!.......2004-01-11

This double CD is certainly worth the small price. The choral music runs the gamut from Bach to John Tavener, all represented by well-known choirs and conductors. Although the music is wonderful, the selctions are not in any order, sometimes creating confusion. But give a listen and if you do not get hooked on the greatest choral music ever written, then you need to crawl back in your cave!

Average customer rating:

Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00062FLI8
Release Date: 2004-11-30

The Magic of Wunderlich [Includes Bonus DVD]

Average customer rating:

Delightful!
A Great and Varied Collection
MAGIC is a good word to describe Fritz Wunderlich

The Magic of Wunderlich [Includes Bonus DVD]

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Fritz Wunderlich: Great German Tenor
The Art of Fritz Wunderlich
An die Musik [2 CD & DVD Limited Edition]
Schumann: Dichterliebe / Wunderlich, Giesen

ASIN: B000AC5B20
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

Finstre Furien, Ihr Geister Der Holle (Crude Furie Delg'orridi Abissi)
Wenn Der Freude Tranen Flieben
Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
Lebe Wohl Flandrisch Madchen
Nadir, Du Stehst Wirklich Vor Mir - Und In Des Tempels Grund (C'est Toi, Toi Qu'enfin Je Revois - Au Fond Du Temple Saint)
Wohin Seid Ihr Entschwunden (Kuda, Kuda, Kuda Vi Udalilis)
Ich Denk Ihn Lieber Mir Von Meinem Statde - Liebe Ist Seligkeit, Ist Licht Und Leben (Signor Ne Principe Io O Vorrei - E Il So Dell'anima, La Vita E Amora)
O, Lass Uns Fliehen Aus Diesen Mauern (Parigi, O Cara, Noi Lasceremo)
Und Es Blitzten Die Sterne (E Lucevan Le Stelle)
Wenn Es Abend Wird - Grub Mir Mein Wein
Wien Wird Bei Nacht Erst Schon
Heute Nacht Oder Nie
Ein Lied Geht Um Die Welt
Be My Love
Granada

Tracks:

Nun Schwanden Vor Dem Heiligen Strahle/Verzweiflung, Wut Und Schrecken
Mit Wurd' Und Hoheit Angetan
Ma Qual Mai S'ofre, Oh Dei - Fuggi Crudele
Come Mai Creder Deggio - Dalla Sua Pace
Amici Miei - Il Mio Tesoro Intanto
Nur Einen Wunsch, Nur Ein Verlangen (Unis Des La Plus Tendre Enfance)
O Unverhofftes Gluck - Das Hore Ich Von Dir, Von Meinem Freunde? (O Moment Trop Heureux! - Et Tu Pretends Encore Que Tu M'aimes?)
Hier Nimm Den Ring Der Treue (Prendie: L'anel Ti Dono)
O Schweige Still, O Lasse Dich Erbitten (Ne Parle Pas, Rose, Je T'en Supplie)
Doch Nun Zu Dir - Trenne Nicht Das Band Der Liebe
Di Rigori Armato Il Seno
Heimliche Aufforderung Op.27 No.3
Ich Trage Meine Minne Op.32 No.1
Standchen Op.17 No.2
Zueignung Op.10 No.1
Morgen Op.27 No.4

Customer Reviews:

Delightful!.......2007-01-19

What a beautful voice and such an artist. I've always loved Wunderlich's voice and this album was such a delightful surprise to happen across. The Pearl Fishers' duet with Herman Prey is spectacular--it would be even better than Bjoerling/Merrill if it were in the original French!

A Great and Varied Collection.......2005-12-19

Fritz Wunderlich is a name that is familiar to opera buffs, at least those who enjoy the great singers of the past, but his name is not as familiar with the general public. It probably would have been, had it not been for a tragic and fluke accident that claimed his life. For those who are familiar with this great tenor, he's a beloved musician that makes listeners wonder what could have been.

Wunderlich's voice is one that can be light and airy at times, yet it can also have a dramatic intensity. This two disc set includes a variety of pieces that display Wunderlich's wide range and great vocal talent. His excerpts from Mozart are perhaps his strongest. So often the tenor roles in Mozart operas are cast with performers who are agile and can reach the higher notes, but their voices are somewhat weak. Wunderlich shows just how beautiful these arias can be. The same holds true for his arias from EUGENE ONEGIN and the pieces from well known operettas. His "Au Fond De Temple Saint" performed with Hermann Prey (a dream team pairing if there ever was one) is close to the Bjorling/Merrill rendition. We see his versatility in the excerpt from Haydn's CREATION and the live performance of "Di Rigori Armato" from DER ROSENKAVALIER is a treat and allows the listener to compare his live and studio recordings. The bonus DVD has a few slight flaws, but we see, at least in the scenes from THE BARBER OF SEVILLE that he not only has a wonderful voice but a good stage presence as well.

Most of the tracks are performed in German, even the Bellini, Bizet, and Verdi tracks, as was the case in many of the recordings of famous German singers. This may detract at first, especially of we expect to hear gorgeous French singing and it comes out, well German sounding. Still, it's a wonderful set with great variety and shows us what we missed in this tenor whose career had just begun.

MAGIC is a good word to describe Fritz Wunderlich.......2005-11-08

Magic is a good word to describe Fritz Wunderlich (1930-1966), and if you aren't already familiar with his work, you'll see why when you experience this CD.

Many of the tracks are not new to CDs: I'd say 50% of them are also in the "Art of Fritz Wunderlich" set (DG, 7 CDs), including Handel, Mozart, Bellini, and other opera arias. There are 3 tracks from "Don Giovanni" which I had not encountered elsewhere, and a scene from Richard Strauss's "Der Rosenkavalier" + 5 Strauss Lieder (with orchestra) not previously released in recent years.

Wunderlich was never less than the very best, and here is no exception. The bonus DVD has almost 30 minutes of scenes of Wunderlich (Count Almaviva) in Rossini's "Barber of Seville", sung in German with Hermann Prey (Figaro) and Erika Koth (Rosina) from a 1959 black and white TV production, in very good mono sound; and two scenes from Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin", also sung in German, and with a young Brigitte Fassbaender (a little more hiss but very good, full, rich mono sound). The Rossini is available from English sources, and hopefully will be available in the US soon.

Like conductor Karl Bohm (1894-1981), I'm going to try to get as much Fritz Wunderlich material as I can find, CD or DVD, as is practical (and even when it isn't!).

Average customer rating:

A Great Pleasure
Operetta recording lyrics
Great intro to Viennese operettas
A Great Introduction to Operetta
Terrific value!

The Best of Operetta, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Best of Operetta, Vol. 2
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The Only Operetta Album You'll Ever Need!
Viennese Operetta Gems

ASIN: B0000014CF
Release Date: 1997-02-04

Tracks:

Der Ziegeunerbaron (The Gypsy Baron): Overture
Giuditta: Freunde, das Leben ist lebenswert!
Giuditta: Meine Lippen, sie kussen so heiss
Freiderike: O Madchen, mein Madchen
Der Zigeunerbaron (The Gypsy Baron): Wer uns getraut
Der Zigeunerbaron (The Gypsy Baron): Als flotter Geist
Fruhlingsstimmen(Voices Of Spring), Walzer
Das Land des Lachelns (The Land Of Smiles): Dein ist mein ganzes Herz
Das Land des Lachelns (The Land Of Smiles): Wer hat die Liebe uns ins Herz gesenkt?
Das Land des Lachelns (The Land Of Smiles): Immer nur lacheln
Das Land des Lachelns (The Land Of Smiles): Von Apfelbluten einen Kranz
Die lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow): Lippen schweigen
Eine Nacht in Vendig (A Night in Venice): Komm in die Gondel
Grafin Mariza (Countess Mariza): Komm mit nach Varasdin

Customer Reviews:

A Great Pleasure.......2007-07-28

Treat yourself to these wonderful records (this one, plus the other two volumes). It's the best collection of Viennese operetta I know. The voices aren't the best--the tenor especially can be squally at times. No, this isn't Tauber or Schwarzkopf, but enjoy it for what it is: three hours of sheer pleasure.

Operetta recording lyrics.......2007-01-23

I need the lyrics word to the CD I purchasedGreat Operetta REcordings,Viennese operettas Gems 8.110292 , Naxos
Let me know of the purchase price so that I can receive the lyhrics now Thank you Irving Korr

Great intro to Viennese operettas.......2007-01-09

The quality of this recording is superlative, the voices are romantic and strong. This is a delightful introduction to the world of Viennese operettas.

A Great Introduction to Operetta.......2004-03-29

An analogy describing operetta music could be as follows: operetta is to serious classical music as bubble gum pop tunes are to the music of the Beatles. While many opera fans enjoy operetta, it is not seen as all that serious, yet the musicianship that is required to perform many of the showpieces of operetta is the same as that of more serious opera. For this reason, when a full orchestra with competent singers performs operetta music, it is usually worth listening to, and this disc is certainly well worth listening to over and over again.

The disc contains showpieces from many of the great operettas including Strauss' GYPSY BARON, Lehar's GUIDETTA, THE LAND OF SMILES, and MERRY WIDOW, and Kalman's GRAFIN MARIZA among others. The Hungarian Operetta Orchestra is conducted by Laszlo Kovacs and the soloists are sopranos Ingrid Kertesi, Zsuzsu Csonka and tenor Janos Berkes. Perhaps the best pieces on the recording are "Fruhlingsstimmen", "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz" and the duet from Grafin Mariza. The disc does not give credit to the individual performers, so it we do not know which soprano is performing, but in all cases the voices are strong and beautiful. Berkes' tracks are well performed, but "O Madchen mein Madchen" is not as strong as other pieces he performs, but then again, he has great competition from other tenor greats who have attempted many of these pieces. In most cases, he performs admirably.

Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of this disc is the authenticity. Many operetta recordings include excerpts from studio recordings of the entire work. This recording seems to be a studio recording where the pieces are performed individually, but the listener would not know this from the overall quality. The disc also contains liner notes that provide the lyrics of the pieces performed, which is an added benefit to this disc.

Terrific value!.......2000-01-15

I bought all three discs in this series and heartily recommend them. At the price, you can't go wrong. My favorite is the first volume--after the opening waltz and two OK numbers, you'll find one lovely tune after another. I listen to this in my car and it shortens my perception of the commute.The recording is very good and the artists are pleasing to listen to. I don't care as much for the Fledermaus songs in the third volume, as the voices don't stand up to the caliber of Kiri Te Kanawa and others on the Previn Fledermaus disc--but they are still nice renditions.

Average customer rating:

no texts -- shame on you EMI
Very Best of Fritz Wunderlich
Wunderlich.. ah what might have been,but glory in what was..
Elegant collection though everything...auf Deutsch!

Very Best of
Fritz Wunderlich
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000083GOM
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Nur Ihrem Frieden - Berliner Symphoniker
Folget Der Heissgeliebten (Il Mio tesoro) - Berliner Symphoniker
Konstanze, Dich Wiederzusehen - Berliner Symphoniker
Der Odem Der Liebe (Un' Aura Amorosa) - Berliner Symphoniker
Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon - Berliner Symphoniker
Ombra Mai Fu - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Ach, So Fromm - Berliner Symphoniker
Mit Gewitter Und Sturm - Orchester Der Staatsoper Berlin
So Leb' Ich Noch...Vor Deinem Fenster - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Lebe Wohl, Mein Flandrisch' Madchen - Berliner Symphoniker
Selig Sind, Die Verfolgung Leiden - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Horch, Die Lerche Singt Im Hain - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Fenton! Mein Madchen - Edith Mathis
Armer Narr...Es Muss Gelingen - N/A
So Find' Ich Dich...Mein Lieber Schatz, Nun Aufgepasst - Bamberger Symphoniker
Wohin Bist Du Entschwunden (Lensky's Aria) - Berliner Symphoniker

Tracks:

Leb' Wohl, Mignon (Adieu, Mignon) - Berliner Symphoniker
Ich Schloss Die Augen (En Ferment Les Yeux) - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Komm, O Holde Dame (Viens, Gentille Dame) - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Welche Huld Und Welche Reize (Quanto E Bella) - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Wohl Drang Aus Ihrem Herzen (Una Furtiva Lagrima) - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Komm In Die Gondel - N/A
Ach, Wie So Herrlich Zu Schau'n - Berliner Symphoniker
Durch Diesen Kuss Sei Unser Bund Geweiht - Berliner Symphoniker
Freunde, Das Leben Ist Lebenswert - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Von Apfelbluten Einen Kranz - N/A
Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz - Symphonie - Orchester
Allein! Wieder Allein! (Wolgalied) - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Zwei Marchenaugen - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Wenn Es Abend Wird... Grub Mir Mein Wien - N/A
Auch Ich Was Ein Feiner Csardaskavalier...Komm, Zigany - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Kleinen Kindern...O Frag Mich Nicht - Symphonie - Orchester Graunke
Man Sagt Uns Nach...O Rose Von Stambul - N/A
Zwei Augen - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Der Rattenfanger - FFB Orchester

Amazon.com

Fritz Wunderlich is one of those singers whose voice, while you are listening to it, seems to eclipse all others. Ravishingly beautiful, perfectly produced, radiant, even, mellow, it flows out with effortless ease like a golden stream. His breath is endless, and there is nothing that he cannot do. On these two very generous discs he sings arias ranging from Handel to Viennese operettas and sounds equally at home in all of them, vocally and stylistically. Mozart was one of his specialties, and the five arias opening the program have a beguiling, caressing lyricism that melts the heart. The selection includes familiar arias by Wagner, Tchaikovsky, Massenet, Donizetti, Smetana (including a duet with Pilar Lorengar), as well as several by composers whose operas were popular in the 1960s, when the records were made, but have now fallen into oblivion, such as Lortzing, Flotow, Cornelius, Kienzl, Nicolai, Thomas, Boieledieu. Wunderlich sings them all with the same seriousness and commitment, making the lesser ones sound better than they are, and creating real characters with color, nuance and expression. In keeping with the European tradition of performing opera in the local language, he sings everything in German, except the famous "Ombra mai fu" from Handel's Serse, which must have escaped the translators. Choosing from the best operettas by Lehár, Johann Strauss, Millöcker, Kálmán and Fall, he captures their smiling, tongue-in-cheek lightness and never lets the catchy tunes become corny or sentimental. (Listen also to his two very different, but equally wonderful recordings of Mahler's Song of the Earth under Schmidt-Isserstedt on BellaVoce and Klemperer.) In 1966, aged 36, at the peak of his artistry and his career, Wunderlich died after a fall, a month before he was to make his debut at the Metropolitan Opera. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

no texts -- shame on you EMI.......2007-02-11

This is not a gripe about Wunderlich, one of the greatest IMHO. It is about the EMI folks, who obviously think that song texts are irrelevant. Well, how do you know if the singing does justice to the text? And if you think that these texts are easily available elsewhere, I would be most thankful if you would share with me Lehar's "Das Land des L"achelns" Kalman's "die Zirkusprinzessin" or Neuendorff's "Der Rattenf"anger".

Very Best of Fritz Wunderlich.......2007-01-09

Fritz Wunderlich is still one of the Best. This CD is very good value for money, such a variety of songs, excellent tone quality.

Wunderlich.. ah what might have been,but glory in what was.........2004-12-29

Fritz Wunderlich died at the tragically young age of 36, just weeks before his scheduled Metropolitan Opera debut. I have no doubt that he would have been THE tenor of the 1960s and 70s. This collection is a compendium of some of Wunderlich's finest stuff (although his lieder are not represented here). Among the highlights, Granada.
I know, it's a Spanish song, and as the previous reviewer said, everything here is in German, which can get a little annoying with the Italian opera.. but for sheer vocal glory, Granada will make you want to stand up and shout, what a voice!!
If you don't know Wunderlich, get this disc.

Elegant collection though everything...auf Deutsch!.......2004-05-03

Among the lyric tenors, Wunderlich had one of the most handsome voices and a strength not usually related to this type of tenors. One melancholically wonders how much his repertoire could have expanded, had he lived longer.

This new VERY BEST collection has arias of some of his trademark Mozart roles, songs and arias of less popular composers as well as some famous arias of the Italian repertoire. He sings them all with memorable style, unparalleled beauty of tone and - where needed - the right vigour. I only wish he'd escaped the tradition of those decades and recorded the Italian and French arias in their original language and not in German. Only "Ombra mai fu" is sung in Italian and it doesn't reveal any bad Italian accent. Listening for example to his lovely "Una furtiva lagrima" in German is unique for sure but I prefer the Italian version.

Tracks:

Schon Ist Die Welt: 'Schon Ist Die Welt'
Der Singende Traum: 'Du Bist Die Welt Fur Mich'
Die Csardasfurstin: 'Tanzen Mocht Ich'
Die Csardasfurstin: 'Ganz Ohne Weiber Geht Die Chose Nicht'
Das Land Des Lachelns: 'Immer Nur Lacheln'
Das Land Des Lachelns: 'Von Apfelbluten Einen Kranz'
Das Land Des Lachelns: 'Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz'
Bruder Straubinger: 'Kussen Ist Keine Sund'
Paganini: 'Gern Hab' Ich Die Frau'n Gekubt'
Friederike: 'O Madchen, Mein Madchen'
Die Rose Von Stambul: 'Ein Walzer Muss Es Sein'
Die Rose Von Stambul: 'O Rose Von Stambul'
Der Zarewitsch: 'Wolgalied'
Der Iachende Ehemann: 'Weinlied'
Guiditta: 'Du Bist Meine Sonne'
Guiditta: 'Freunde, Das Leben Ist Lebenswert

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Beautiful - Great Tenor.......2007-07-27

The recent loss of Jerry Hadley is a tragedy all around but the world of opera and operetta has lost a shining light. This CD of absolutely beautiful music is a wonderful showcase of Mr Hadley's supreme talent. This is a wonderful selection of the best in Operetta and Mr Hadley's lyric tenor sings them all with feeling and emotion. His diction and pronunciation is close to perfection, I have never heard any foreign tenor sing these songs better. If this CD is ever available again, do yourself a favor and add it to your collection - you will not be sorry. Mr Hadley you will surely be missed and I am honored to have this CD in my collection.

Not since Wunderlich!!.......2004-03-29

I know it's heresy to say this, but this music hasn't been sung so beautifully by a tenor since the great Fritz Wunderlich.

What is it about Jerry Hadley that no matter what he sings, he seems to be just right for the music.

Oh, yeah - I forgot. It's because he is a fabulous musician and probably the most underrated singer in the world today.

Tracks:

Kantate BWV 197 No. 8: Vergnugen und Lust, Gedeihen und Heil
Kantate BWV 58 No. 3: Ich Bin Vergnugt In Meinem Leiden
Kantate BWV 204 No. 4: Die Schatzbarkeit Der Weiten Erden
Kanatate BWV 97 No. 4: Ich Rtaue Seiner Gnaden
Kantate BWV 115 No. 4: Bete Aber Auch Dabei
Kantate BWV 171 No. 4: Jesus Soll Mein Erstes Wort
Messe h-moll, BWV 232 No. 23: Benedictus, Qui Venit In Nomine Domini
Messe h-moll, BWV 232, No. 5: Laudamus Te
Kantate BWV 202 No. 5: Wenn Die Fruhlingslufte Streichen
Kantate BWV 36 No. 7: Auch Mit Gedampften, Schwachen Stimmen
Kantate BWV 187 No. 5: Gott Versorget Alles Leben
Kantate BWV 84 No. 3: Ich Esse Mit Freuden Mein Weniges Brot
Kantate BWV 105 No. 5: Kann Ich Nur Jesum Mir Zum Freunde Machen

Customer Reviews:

A Soothing And Unique Collection of Bach's Music.......2003-12-29

THE BACH ALBUM is a beautiful and relaxing collection of Bach arias. Most of the pieces included in the collection are not instantly recognized by the average listener (I include myself in this category) which makes the collection unique and in my opinion gives the collection more of an appeal. I often use it as background music when I am trying to complete a project or wish to create a relaxing atmosphere. Listeners expect great musicianship from both Kathleen Battle and Itzhak Perlman and both deliver exceptional performances. Both compliment each other and neither seems to be competing for attention. The Orchestra of St. Luke's, under the direction of John Nelson supports the two principal musicians well. This album is a must for Bach lovers and anyone else who appreciates the musicianship of these two extraordinary talents.

Wonderful, Heartfelt.......2003-01-14

This CD is a serious candidate for Battle's best - her voice is flawless and at its most expressive (which is saying a lot, considering how gorgeous her voice ALWAYS is), the recording quality itself is warm and intimate, and Mr. Perlman's playing forms an exquisitely tender accompaniment to Battle's singing. I find myself returning again and again to this recording - it will always hold a treasured spot in my collection. Highly recommended.

Candidate for the most beautiful piece of music ever written.......2002-08-15

I believe that track 5 of this CD, "Bete...", is a candidate for the most beautiful piece of music that Bach ever wrote, and therefore for the most beautiful piece of music ever written.

I'm Enjoying This, My First Real Exposure to Bach, Immensely.......2001-01-31

What I love about this album is that some of the selections have an air of rustic simplicity being, as they are, composed predominantly to showcase a single voice and violinist. Ms. Battle's lovely voice, though classically-trained, never overwhelms the (mostly) sacred intent of the songs on this album and her diction and attention to the text is a wonderful thing to behold. None of these songs are dazzling in the way, say, the Queen of the Night's aria (with all of those high F's) is but they are all beautifully rendered here. Itzhak Perlman's playing complements Ms. Battle and one never gets the impression that these two musicians are trying to outshine the other (regardless of what Ms. Battle's reputation may have you believing!). The only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is because after an hour the music seems a bit monochromatic. I'm not faulting Perlman or Battle for that, I'm sure that these songs are performed exactly as J.S. Bach wrote them. This is the kind of album one could play to unwind after a long day at the office or school. The tone of the album is a tranquil one without any peaks (or valleys) but, while this may be boring for some, I find the uniformity soothing. Again, I must take my hat off to the accomplished playing of Itzhak Perlman and singing of Kathleen Battle. (The inlay has an essay that is informative though dry, while the English translations of the lyrics are poetic and, for the most part, accurate.) Enjoy!

Bach, Battle, & Perlman at Their Finest.......2000-07-06

The magnificence of each J. S. Bach composition featured in this performance is equalled only by the incomparable mastery of coloratura by Kathleen Battle and the cello virtuoso of Itzhak Perlman. I must take exception on two points made in the review of the "music fan from Boston" when reference is made to the "prima donna antics" of Ms. Battle. First, we are reviewing the unmatched soprano skill and vocal talents of Ms. Battle, not her person. I am reminded of the first time I ever heard of Maria Callas. It was not because of her musical ability that I was first introduced to her, but in a newpapaer review that lambasted her "blatantly obnoxious, immature and reprehensible behavior, unbecoming of one of her professional stature." Yet this and other unfavorable characterizations never diminished or tarnished her reputation as a noted soprano. Secondly, the "fan from Boston" says that Ms. Battle's "German is a little suspect." Has anyone ever heard Pavoratti sing in English? A far cry from perfect execution of the language, but, again, we are reviewing the vocal artistry here, not linguistics. The reviews from both S. Africa and Autralia are absolutely correct in their assesments of this remarkable CD and are a refreshing alternative to the brain-washed opinions resulting from over-exposure to U.S. opportunistic/sensationalistic media who delight in the unprofessional and childish practice of bashing Kathleen Battle. Kathleen Battle ranks as one of greatest soprano voices ever. You only have to listen to this performance of Bach's music to confirm my assertion. Her abilities speak for themselves.

Average customer rating:

Romantic Songs (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Brahms: Lieder [Box Set]
Beethoven: Songs
Mendelssohn: On Wings of Song
Bach: Complete Works - 155 CD Box Set
Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli Vol. 2 [Germany]

ASIN: B0006B969O
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Average customer rating:

Bohm's Beethoven 9
An old man's Ninth, with all that it can offer
Absolutely the Best Ninth!
You hear something new each time...
Pretty good supplementary listening

Beethoven: Symphonie No. 9

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Norman, Jessye | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 9; Overtures
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5
Beethoven: Symphony Nos. 6, 7 & 8/2 Overtures
Beethoven: Symphonien Nos. 5 & 7 / Kleiber, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Mozart - Requiem / Ziesak, Maultsby, R. Croft, D. Arnold, Boston Baroque, Pearlman

ASIN: B000001GN4
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

Symphonie No. 9 D Minor Op. 125: 1. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso
Symphonie No. 9 D Minor Op. 125: 2. Molto vivace
Symphonie No. 9 D Minor Op. 125: 3. Adagio molto e cantabile
Symphonie No. 9 D Minor Op. 125: 4. Presto -
Symphonie No. 9 D Minor Op. 125: 4. Presto - O Freunde, nicht diese Tone

Amazon.com

There are two Karl Böhm recordings of Beethoven's Ninth on Deutsche Grammophon, both with the Vienna Philharmonic. This is the later and lesser of the two, recorded just before the great conductor's death. It's terribly slow, and reflects all too well the depredations of old age. The earlier one, available as part of his complete Vienna Beethoven cycle at a "twofer" price, is one of the all time great versions of the symphony. Buy that one. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Bohm's Beethoven 9.......2006-11-15

Karl Bohm, a usually excellent Beethoven interpreter, has sadly not come through for us with this disc. As noted previously, it is simply too slow. Not only that, but the sound is, in most sections, too thick. Admittedly, Beethoven 9 deserves some richness of sound, but this recording has too much. Although the singing is overall wonderful, the excitement from soloists, chorus, and even the glorious Vienna Philharmonic is not as tangible as one would desire. This recording gets four, not three stars, simply because of the reverance I hold for Mr. Bohm, and the sympathy one naturally feels for a maestro at the end of his road. If a slow tempo is what one likes, I highly endorse the Furtwangler recording, 1951 (live). Be sure to see my review of this recording, titled "Emotional, Honest."

An old man's Ninth, with all that it can offer.......2006-09-24

Maybe I'm just being perverse, but for all its slowness, I found Bohm's digital Beethoven Ninth very worthwhile. I say perverse because Bohm has been a conductor I avoid, and yet here we have sixty years of experience on the podium. As an interpretation, this one is often meditative and therefore very touching. In addition there's the Vienna Phil, who can play at any tempo and make the music sound convincing. The solo quartet in the finale couldn't be bettered.

The first movement feels like a complete success to me. It isn't dynamic on the surface, but the phrasing is perfect and the orchestral playing riveting. Anyway, a timing of 18+ min. isn't all that slow by traditional standards--and Bohm is all about tradition. The Scherzo is quite slow at 13 min., reminding one of Celibadache and the aging Giulini, probably the slowest conducttors on disc. But the orchestra keeps the rhythm lively, which helps a reat deal.

The sublime Adagio sounds magnificent no matter how broadly it's paced, and Bohm's 18 min. is well within the normal range. Again, the phrasing is well-nigh perfect, as is the orchestra--their hused tones at the beginning mesmerize you. In the finale, it asks a lot of an eighty-year-old to hold together such huge forces, and Bohm can be forgiven for needing 28+ min., compared to 24 min. in Karajan's touchstone recording from 1963. But by this time you will either be captivated by the spirit of the performance or not.

I came away competely satisfied, not just because of the great opera stars who sing the solos and the masterful Viennese chorus. I felt that I was earing a lifetime's musical experience summarized in one last-minute grasp for immortality. I'm not sure bohm won that here, exctly, but his last Ninth is compelling.

Absolutely the Best Ninth!.......2004-05-24

This is absolutely the best Ninth available: great conducting; great solo vocalists; great orchestral performance; great recorded sound; great cover art (Munch).

As others have noted, this is the "slowest" Ninth around. This is true; but "slow" must not be misunderstood as "dragging." On the contrary, this performance sizzles exactly where it should. And it's not "slow" because Bohm was too old to conduct properly. Actually, this is the finest Ninth realization, because Bohm had a lifetime of experience, and here he really displays his incisive critique: he lets the music breathe: he lets it meditate: he lets brood: he lets it expand unto the cosmos. And this pregnancy of concept gives birth to a realization of rare art.

I'm a von Karajan fan, but this realization makes Karajan sound like he's rushing to be finished as quickly as possible, just to be done and go home: Karajan sounds ridiculously fast. No, Bohm lets the gentle Beethoven breathe, giving him time to philosophize.

Plus, the disc is at a bargan price: double the satisfaction. Please do yourself (or someone else) a favor: get this disc.

You hear something new each time..........2004-05-21

I've owned this recording since it was first released on a 2-LP set in 1981, where each movement occupies one whole side. It was accompanied by a lavish book that included a write-up of Bohm as well as a calendar listing all the important events and recordings of his life. It was noted that Bohm considered Berry, Domingo, Fassbaender and Norman to be the ideal soloists for this work at that time, together with his beloved VPO and the Concert Association Chorus. Later, in 1986, this recording was produced on a double CD set, together with the original LP artwork and essays, coupled with his famous 1971 recording of the "Pastoral", and it was one of the first Beethoven Ninths in DGG's CD catalogue then. The current remastered single CD on the "Masters" series has better sound, and is preferable, although all the original sleevenotes have been deleted.

Although I own about 20 different recordings of the Ninth, I regard this as one of the most important. True, the tempi are slow, but Bohm does not falter; neither is he sluggish. In spite of the slow tempi, the concentration and playing of the VPO, chorus and soloists are faultless, and there is a wonderful sense of a "live" occasion which one seldom perceive from studio recordings. It is as if everyone knew that this would be Bohm's last recording and that he would be dead within months. Most of the other reviewers here who had been positive about this recording have listed its outstanding merits, which I shall not repeat. Confirmation that Bohm had a clear vision of the work, and knew what he was doing, came from no less than Placido Domingo himself. In his autobiography, Domingo noted that, in the alla turcica section of the 4th movement which features the tenor voice, Bohm set the "ideal tempo, unlike other conductors" (Domingo's own words). It was also during this recording that Bohm presented Domingo with his own autographed copy of the score, and Domingo would later regret that he didn't have the chance to collaborate with Bohm in any operatic work. That this recording is excellent is also evident from the Penguin Guide, which has consistently given it 3 stars (out of 3) in every edition since 1981 in spite of renewed competition from many other recordings since that time.

In summary, this is not a performance of the Ninth that you can listen to as and when you like (or as background music !!). It commands your every attention. You should only listen to this on a day when you feel like listening to a performance of the Ninth, and you have about 90 minutes to spare where you are 100% certain that you'll not be disturbed. You'll be amply rewarded, and each listening brings forth fresh revelations about the work. As some reviewers have noted elewhere, once you have experienced the wisdom of Bohm in his music-making, be it Beethoven, Mozart or Strauss, you'll find it hard to listen to other so-called superstar conductors. As the author of the original sleevenote essay noted, "the very essence has been grasped".

Pretty good supplementary listening.......2002-06-01

This Karl Bohm recording of Beethoven's mammoth symphonic swansong provides a sharp contrast to his machine-tuned version he made previously for DG during his Beethoven cycle in Vienna. Bohm was in the twilight of his career (this recording was made a few months before his death), but he still allows the music to speak for itself and this recording to have a sense of occasion. The Viennese players respond positively to Bohm's Furtwanglerian direction, and the four soloists and chorus are on top form in the finale. The effect if further enhanced by the mellow digital recording which, though it may be a little dry, allows the golden sound of the orchestra and its affinity with the music to shine through.

Bohm takes measured speeds for the first two movements, and allows this performance to hark back to Furtwangler's classic Bayereuth performance in the early 1950s. The first movement has a true sense of mystery during its opening moments of stillness, but is still allowed to build up intenseley despite its slow speed, when all the various strands of the argument are woven together. The Scherzo does tend to lack some rythmic spring and forward drive, but Bohm makes up for it with the Olympian atmosphere of the trio and the inclusion of the exposition repeat. In the slow movement, this performance is at its very best, like all performances of Beethoven's Ninth in this nature. Bohm manages to get to the sublime heart of the movement by starting with hushed intensity and building up the temperature towards the end. The variations of the "Devotion" theme are also well-pointed out to.

The fourth movement is one of the best parts of this performance, despite some slow and unsprightly tempi in certain places. The cello and bass recitatives may sound not as tense as expected, and the Joy Theme less spirited during its first instrumental appearances. But, the moment that Walter Berry starts singing with his starry soloist companions (despite his leathery timbre), the finale is able to crown this performance and convey a sense of occasion. Jessye Norman is, as always, radiant in her pure soprano notes, as are Brighitte Fassbaender and the ever-characterful Placido Domingo. Norman and Domingo seem to be the high points of this performance, as always, and the four soloists are able to shine both together and individually. The chorus may sound a little bit laid back, but the sound is bright and forward. There is a keen dedication conveyed here in both singing and playing, even despite some slow tempi, but there is still a sustainable amount of forward momentum.

On the whole, I find this performance just as satisfying as Bernstein's "Ode to Freedom" account, also on DG, despite some weaknesses in which Bernstein finds strengths. Like that performance, it makes valuable supplementary listening to any outstanding complete Beethoven cymphony cycle by the likes of Karajan, Gardiner, Abbado, Zinman, Szell and Solti.

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