Ohne Dich [CD-single] [Import]

Ohne Dich [CD-single] [Import]

Track Listings

1. Ohne Dich

2. Ohne Dich (Mina Harker's version) Remix by Laibach

3. Ohne Dich (Sacred Mix) Remix by Sven Helbig

4. Ohne Dich (Schiller Mix)

5. Ohne Dich (Under Byen Remix)

6. Ohne Dich (Beta Version)

Tracks:

Overture
Zwei Marchenaugen
O Vaterland
Vilja - Leid
Gern Hab' Ich Die Frau'n Gekusst - From Paganini
Niemand Liebt Dichso Wie Ich - From Paganini
Einer Wird Kommen
Wolgalied
Hor' ich Cymbalklange
Mein Ahnherr War Der Luxemburg
Auftrittslied Sylva
Ganz Ohne Weiber
Machen Wirs Den Schwalben Nach
Tanzen Mocht'ich
Mein Leibeslied Muss Ein Walzer Sein
Ich Liebe Alle Frau'n: Ob Blond, Ob Braun

Customer Reviews:

Excellent recording, singing is delightful........2007-01-09

Recording is clear and the singing by young Hungarian opera stars is romantic and delightful.

The Hugo Wolf Society - The Complete Edition 1931-1938

Average customer rating:

The Hugo Wolf Society Recordings
"Even little things can delight us."
"Even little things can delight us."
Wolf sung by various Lieder singers

The Hugo Wolf Society - The Complete Edition 1931-1938

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Wolf: Italienisches Liederbuch
Poulenc - Melodies / Ameling · Gedda · W. Parker · Sénéchal · Souzay · Baldwin
Wolf: Lieder (Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Gerald Moore)
Joseph Haydn Operas 1
Hans Hotter Wolf Lieder Recital

ASIN: B000009OQC
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

Moerike-Lieder: 8. Begegnung
Moerike-Lieder: 38. Lied vom Winde
Moerike-Lieder: 15. Auf einer Wanderung
Moerike-Lieder: 41. Rat einer Alten
Spanisches Liederbuch: 12. In dem Schatten meiner Locken
Moerike-Lieder: 37. Heimweh (Anders wird die Welt)
Spanisches Liederbuch: 4. Die ihr schwebet um diese Palmen
Spanisches Liederbuch: 6. Ach, des Knaben Augen
Spanisches Liederbuch: Nun wandre, Maria
Moerike-Lieder: 46. Gesang Weylas
Spanisches Liederbuch: 9. Herr, was traegt der Boden hier
Italiensches Liederbuch: 1. Auch kleine Dinge
Moerike-Lieder: 7. Das verlassene Maegdlein
Eichendorff-Lieder: 4. Das Staendchen
Spanisches Liederbuch: Wenn du zu den Blumen gehst
Italiensches Liederbuch: 34. Und steht Ihr frueh am Morgen auf
Italiensches Liederbuch: 16. Ihr jungen Leute
Italiensches Liederbuch: 10. Du denkst mit einem Faedchen
Italiensches Liederbuch: 12. Nein, junger Herr
Goethe-Lieder: 1-3 Drei Harfenspieler: 1: Wer sich der Einsamkeit ergibt
Goethe-Lieder: 1-3 Drei Harfenspieler: 2: An die Tueren will ich schleichen
Goethe-Lieder: 1-3 Drei Harfenspieler: 3: Wer nie sein Brot
Goethe-Lieder: 1-3 Drei Harfenspieler: 29. Anakreons Grab
Goethe-Lieder: 1-3 Drei Harfenspieler: 15. Cophtisches Lied 2 (Geh! Gehorche)
Goethe-Lieder: 1-3 Drei Harfenspieler: 21. Genialisch Treiben
Goethe-Lieder: 1-3 Drei Harfenspieler: 11. Der Rattenfenger
Goethe-Lieder: 1-3 Drei Harfenspieler: 19. Epiphanias
Goethe-Lieder: 1-3 Drei Harfenspieler: 26. Die Sproede
Goethe-Lieder: 1-3 Drei Harfenspieler: 27. Die Bekehrte
Goethe-Lieder: 1-3 Drei Harfenspieler: 24. Blumengruss
Goethe-Lieder: 1-3 Drei Harfenspieler: 25. Gleich und gleich
Goethe-Lieder: 1-3 Drei Harfenspieler: 28. Fruehling uebers Jahr

Tracks:

Goethe-Lieder: 49. Prometheus
Goethe-Lieder: 50. Ganymed
Goethe-Lieder: 18. Beherzigung
1-3 Drei Gedichte von Michelangelo: 1: Wohl denk' ich oft
1-3 Drei Gedichte von Michelangelo: 2: Alles endet, was entstehet
1-3 Drei Gedichte von Michelangelo: 3: Fuehlt meine Seele
Moerike-Lieder: 19. Um Mitternacht
Moerike-Lieder: 42. Erstes Liebeslied eines Maedchens
Moerike-Lieder: 45. Nixe Binsefuss
Spanisches Liederbuch: Moegen alle boesen Zungen
Spanisches Liederbuch: 24. Koepfchen, Koepfchen, nicht gewimmert
Spanisches Liederbuch: 11. Klinge, klinge, mein Pandero
Spanisches Liederbuch: 26. Bitt ihn, o Mutter
Italiensches Liederbuch: 6. Wer rief dich denn?
Italiensches Liederbuch: 25. Mein Liebster hat zu Tische mich geladen
Italiensches Liederbuch: 43. Schweig einmal still
Italiensches Liederbuch: 35. Benedeit die sel'ge Mutter
Italiensches Liederbuch: 7. Der Mond hat eine schwere Klag' erhoben
Italiensches Liederbuch: 27. Schon streckt' ich aus im Bett die mueden Glieder
Goethe-Lieder: 51. Grenzen der Menschheit
Italiensches Liederbuch: 32. Was soll der Zorn, mein Schatz
Italiensches Liederbuch: 24. Ich esse nun mein Brot nicht trocken mehr
Italiensches Liederbuch: 31. Wie soll ich froehlich sein
Italiensches Liederbuch: 11. Wie lange schon war immer mein Verlangen
Italiensches Liederbuch: 28. Du sagst mir, dass ich keine Fuerstin sei
Italiensches Liederbuch: 26. Ich liess mir sagen
Italiensches Liederbuch: 29. Wohl kenn' ich Euren Stand
Italiensches Liederbuch: 21. Man sagt mir, deine Mutter woll' es nicht
Italiensches Liederbuch: 36. Wenn du, mein Liebster, steigst zum Himmel auf

Tracks:

Italiensches Liederbuch: 20. Mein Liebster singt am Haus im Mondenscheine
Italiensches Liederbuch: 40. O waer' dein Haus durchsichtig wie ein Glas
Italiensches Liederbuch: 39. Gesegnet sei das Gruen
Italiensches Liederbuch: 2. Mir ward gesagt, du reisest in die Ferne
Italiensches Liederbuch: 15. Mein Liebster ist so klein
Italiensches Liederbuch: 46. Ich hab' in Penna einen Liebster wohnen
Italiensches Liederbuch: 4. Gesegnet sei, durch den die Welt entstund
Italiensches Liederbuch: 3. Ihr seid die Allerschoenste
Italiensches Liederbuch: 13. Hoffaertig seid Ihr, schoenes Kind
Italiensches Liederbuch: 9. Dass doch gemalt all deine Reize waeren
Italiensches Liederbuch: 17. Und willst du deinen Liebsten sterben sehen
Italiensches Liederbuch: 38. Wenn du mich mit den Augen streifst
Italiensches Liederbuch: 41. Heut Nacht erhob ich mich, um Mitternacht
Italiensches Liederbuch: 22. Ein Staendchen Euch zu bringen
Italiensches Liederbuch: 8. Nun lass uns Frieden schliessen
Italiensches Liederbuch: 19. Wir haben beide lange Zeit geschwiegen
Italiensches Liederbuch: 14. Geselle, woll'n wir uns in Kutten huellen
Italiensches Liederbuch: 18. Heb auf dein blondes Haupt
Italiensches Liederbuch: 33. Sterb' ich, so huellt in Blumen meine Glieder
Italiensches Liederbuch: 37. Wie viele Zeit verlor ich
Italiensches Liederbuch: 23. Was fuer ein Lied soll dir gesungen werden
Spanisches Liederbuch: 7. Muehvoll komm' ich und beladen
Spanisches Liederbuch: 15. Auf dem gruenen Balkon
Spanisches Liederbuch: 14. Treibe nur mit Lieben Spott
Spanisches Liederbuch: 29. Trau nicht der Liebe
Spanisches Liederbuch: 38. Sie blasen zum Abmarsch
Sechs Gedichte: 3. Biterolf (Im Lager von Akkon 1190)
Moerike-Lieder: 22. Seufzer
Moerike-Lieder: 28. Gebet
Moerike-Lieder: 23. Auf ein altes Bild
Moerike-Lieder: 32. An die Geliebte
Moerike-Lieder: 12. Verborgenheit
Moerike-Lieder: 39. Denk es, o Seele!
Moerike-Lieder: 51. Bei einer Trauung
3. Ein Stuendlein wohl vor Tag
Moerike-Lieder: 16. Elfenlied

Tracks:

Sechs Alte Weisen: 6. Wie glaenzt der helle Mond
Goethe-Lieder: 14. Cophtisches Lied 1
Eichendorff-Lieder: 2. Der Musikant
Eichendorff-Lieder: 5. Der Soldat
Eichendorff-Lieder: 9. Der Schreckenberger
Moerike-Lieder: 44. Der Feuerreiter
Drei Gedichte von Robert Reinick: 1. Gesellenlied (Kein Meister faellt)
Goethe-Lieder: 5. Mignon 1 (Heiss mich nicht reden)
Goethe-Lieder: 7. Mignon 3 (So lasst mich scheinen)
Moerike-Lieder: 29. An den Schlaf
Moerike-Lieder: 36. Liebe wohl
Spanisches Liederbuch: 30. Ach, im Maien war's
Spanisches Liederbuch: 21. Herz, verzage nicht geschwind
Moerike-Lieder: 30. Neue Liebe
Moerike-Lieder: 48. Storchenbotschaft
Spanisches Liederbuch: 32. Dereinst, dereinst, Gedanke mein
Spanisches Liederbuch: 31. Alle gingen, Herz, zur Ruh
Spanisches Liederbuch: 33. Tief im Herzen trag' ich Pein
Sechs Gedichte: 6. Zur Ruh, zur Ruh
Spanisches Liederbuch: 34. Komm, o Tod, von Nacht umgeben
Sechs Lieder fuer eine Frauenstimme: 4. Wiegenlied (Im Sommer)
Sechs Lieder fuer eine Frauenstimme: 5. Wiegenlied (Im Winter)
Moerike-Lieder: 20. Auf eine Christblume I (Tochter des Walds)
Moerike-Lieder: 24. In der Fruehe
Moerike-Lieder: 25. Schlafendes Jesuskind

Tracks:

Goethe-Lieder: 20. Sankt Nepomuks Vorabend
Goethe-Lieder: 12. Ritter Kurts Brautfahrt
Moerike-Lieder: 47. Die Geister am Mummelsee
Moerike-Lieder: 10. Fussreise
Moerike-Lieder: 43. Lied eines Verliebten
Moerike-Lieder: 25. Schlafendes Jesuskind
Moerike-Lieder: 4. Jaegerlied
Moerike-Lieder: 17. Der Gaertner
Moerike-Lieder: 50. Auftrag
Moerike-Lieder: 9. Nimmersatte Liebe
Spanisches Liederbuch: 44. Geh, Geliebter, geh jetzt!
Goethe-Lieder: 10. Der Saenger
Eichendorff-Lieder: 13. Der Scholar
Eichendorff-Lieder: 14. Der verzweifelte Liebhaber
Eichendorff-Lieder: 15. Unfall
Vier Gedichte: 1. Wo wird einst (Heine)
Vier Gedichte: 3. Sonne der Schlummerlosen
Vier Gedichte: 4. Keine gleicht von allen Schoenen
Eichendorff-Lieder: 1. Der Freund
Eichendorff-Lieder: 2. Der Musikant
Sechs Gedichte: 1. Waechterlied auf der Wartburg
Moerike-Lieder: 40. Der Jaeger
Goethe-Lieder: 32. Phaenomen
Eichendorff-Lieder: 3. Verschwiegene Liebe
Vier Gedichte: 1. Wo wird einst (Heine)
Ueber Nacht (Sturm)

Amazon.com

EMI's "society" subscription editions in the 1930s yielded a wealth of recordings long considered gramophone classics, such as the present collection of roughly half of Hugo Wolf's lieder output. Each song occupies its own specific world, due to Wolf's resourceful word setting and his avoidance of anything generic. In turn, the performers illuminate each song's felicities with effortless authority, and they avoid overpointing or enacting. Full texts and translations are included. Ernest Newman's penetrating annotations for the original 78 albums, reprinted in EMI's 1981 LP reissue, are absent. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

The Hugo Wolf Society Recordings.......2005-12-28

The songs of Hugo Wolf (1860 -- 1903)combine great attention to textual detail with closely intertwined writing for the voice and the piano. In this small form, Wolf was a master and took song in a different direction from that of Schubert, Schumann and Brahms. He wrote most of his songs in bursts of activity in five large collections, devoted to the poetry of Morike, Eichendorff, Goethe, and to collections of Spanish and Italian texts. He also composed a number of songs in shorter sets.

In the early 1930s, a young Walter Legge began a project of recording Wolf songs on a subscribtion basis to be limited to 500 sets. The recording industry was relatively new, and Wolf, then as now, too little appreciated. The result was an extensive series of recordings of issued between 1931 and 1938 consisting of 145 songs, about one-half Wolf's output, performed by fourteen singers. The Hugo Wolf Society recordings remain a high moment in the recording of song. They were remastered on LPs and, in 1998, in this 5 CD collection which includes previously unreleased selections.

The Wolf Society collection offers an unparalleled opportunity to get to know Wolf's songs performed by artists of the past that might otherwise be unfamiliar to many listeners. The performers include mezzo-soprano Elena Gerhardt, who recorded the initial volume for the society, baritones Herbert Janssen, Gerhard Husch, tenors John McCormack, Karl Erb, and Helge Roswaenge, the basses Alexander Kipnis, Frederich Schorr, and Ludwig Weber, and sopranos Alexandra Trianti, Elizabeth Rethberg, Ria Ginster, Marta Fuchs, and Tiana Lemnitz. The pianists include Conrad Bos, Gerald Moore, Michael Raucheisen, Hans Udo Muller, and Ernest Victor Wolff.

The singers perform in a variety of styles from the highly operatic to the quietly lyrical. There is a Wagnerian performance of Goethe's "Prometheus" by Friedrich Schorr with the London Symphony Orchestra -- the only track using an orchestral accompaniment. The Irish tenor John McCormack shows a more lyrical approach in his renowned performance of Goethe's poem "Ganymed". The sopranos, Alexandra Trianti, Ria Ginster, and Tiana Lemitz have light, clear, bell-like voices. I find the singers on this compilation take a much more individualized, idiosyncratic, and romantic approach to song than do their modern counterparts, who sometimes seem restrained and chaste by comparison.

Each of Wolf's great collections of songs is well-represented. Elena Gerhardt performs songs from each of Wolf's five books, with the exception of the Goethe songs. The young Alexander Kipnis gives a powerful reading of Wolf's three songs from Michaelangelo. The third CD in this collection features many songs from the Italian songbook performed by soprano Ginster, baritone Husch, and bass Kipnis together with recordings from the Spanish songbook by sopranos Rethberg and Ginster and baritone Husch. There are lovely performances by soprano Tiana Lemnitz in the previously uncollected supplementary material, which also includes several Eichendorff songs and a performance of the Goethe-song "Phanomen" by Alexander Kipnis.

There is a great amount of material in this collection, with each of the 5 CDs including in excess of 70 minutes of music. Most of Wolf's songs are highly concentrated and intense. They may prove difficult to the listener coming to them knowing only the lyricism of Schubert. I would not recommend trying to rush through this set at one or two hearings. It is best to take this music in small sections and to listen with text in hand. The compilation includes texts and translations for each of the songs together with good notes about the Wolf Society recording project. There is little discussion about Wolf or about the songs themselves.

This is an essential collection for those who love song, historical recordings, and the music of Hugo Wolf.

Robin Friedman

"Even little things can delight us.".......2003-06-02

If these six words give an approximate translation of the song "Auch kleine Dinge", then they might also describe a music lover's reaction as he makes a journey of exploration through the hundreds of little songs composed by Hugo Wolf.

Walter Legge, a very young EMI record producer in the 1930s, first made such a journey possible when he pioneered the Hugo Wolf Society and began releasing the volumes now reissued in this boxed set. Many singers were invited to participate. Legge's choice of singers was sometimes idiosyncratic. You might wonder how an Irish tenor, a Ukrainian bass and a Greek soprano were admitted to the roster. The results, however, especially in the case of the contributions of John McCormack and Alexander Kipnis, prove the sureness of his instincts.

About half Wolf's songs were made available in the original issue, between 1931 and 1938. With this reissue comes unused and hitherto unissued recordings, many by Tiana Lemnitz and Herbert Jannsen. So there is now more to discover and exploration is made easier for us in 2003 than it was in the 1930s. The remastering has improved the sound, Legge's widow Dame Elisabeth Schwarzkopf is able to provide a perceptive introduction in an accompanying booklet, and the texts of the songs are now provided in German and English.

"Even little things can delight us.".......2003-06-02

If these six words give an approximate translation of the song titled "Auch kleine Dinge", then they might also describe a music lover's reaction as he makes a journey of exploration through the hundreds of little songs composed by Hugo Wolf.

Wolf sung by various Lieder singers.......2000-08-15

This is an extraordinary collection of Wolf songs. It is frustrating that the project was not completed, as the quality of what was recorded is so extraordinarily revelatory. My personal favourites are the Michelangelo settings sung by the bass Alexander Kipnis, although he uncharacteristically makes some textual errors. The contributions of Hüsch are numerous and thoughtfully sung, and Karl Erb, Herbert Janssen, Ludwig Weber, Rita Ginster and Marta Fuchs are all caught on extraordinary form, with accompanists of admittedly variable quality, ranging from the sublime Gerald Moore to some very interesting contributions from some accompanists who did not really capture the true essence of Lieder accompanying, which surely cannot permit the piano to be subservient to the voice!

Customer Reviews:

A Major Document of an Incredible Oeuvre..........2007-03-12

.
Of over 600 songs, Fischer-Dieskau and Gerald Moore realized over three-quarters: these are those. Gerald Moore was of course as important to this project as Fischer-Dieskau.

DGG's sound is excellent.

This set is a remarkable document of art.
.

Birgit Nilsson Sings Richard Wagner & Richard Strauss

Average customer rating:

The whole career of one of the greatest singers of all time
Birgit Sings Like Sweetness
A Document In The Grand Career Of Birgit Nilsson (1918-2005)
Great

Birgit Nilsson Sings Richard Wagner & Richard Strauss

Manufacturer: Gala
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

Birgit Nilsson: Opera Arias
Nilsson Sings Verdi
Or sai chi l'onore: Opernarien von Mozart, Weber, Wagner, Strauss
Wagner: Opera Arias & Duets
Prima Voce: Flagstad

ASIN: B000001XNS
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

Ariadne auf Naxos: Es Ist alles vergebens - Es gibt ein Reich
Salome: Es ist kein Laut zu vernehmen
Salome: Ah! du wolltest mich nicht deinen Mund kussen lassen, Jochanaan
Salome: Sie ist ein Ungeheuer, deine Tochter
Salome: Ah! Ich habe deinen Mund gekusst, Jochanaan
Elektra: Was willst du, Fremder Mensch?
Die Fau Ohne Schatten: Es dunkelt, dass ich nicht sehe zur Arbeit
Die Fau Ohne Schatten: Es gibt derer, Die bleiben immer gelassen Abtu ich von meinem Leibe die Kinder
Die Fau Ohne Schatten: Die Weib ist irre - Barak, ich hab es nicht getan
Tannhauser: Dich, teure Halle
Lohengrin: Euch Luften, die mein Klagen
Lohengrin: Elsa!-Wer Ruft?
Lohengrin: Ortrud, wo bist du?

Tracks:

Tristan und Isolde: Horst du sie noch?
Tristan und Isolde: Mild und leise wie er lachelt
Die Walkure: Schlafst du, Gast?
Die Walkure: Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond
Die Walkure: De bist der Lenz
Die Walkure: O susseste Wonne! Seligstes Weib!
Die Walkure: Siegmund heiss ich und Siegmund bin ich!
Siegfried: Ewig war ich, ewig bin ich
Gotterdammerung: Schweigt eures Jammers jauchzenden Schwall
Gotterdammerung: Starke Scheite, Schichtet mir dort

Customer Reviews:

The whole career of one of the greatest singers of all time.......2007-01-14

I could nor beleive my eyes when I saw the price of this recording. It covers the whole career of the greatest Wagner and Strauss singer in the last half of the 20th Century. I think the whole performance of Ariadne of Naxos allurs in the archives of the Swedish Broadcasting company - a release, please!
When the news arrived that La Nilsson hade died in her home, surrounded by family members and near friends, on Christmas Day 2005 (kidneys not functioning, and no more dialysis possible) - we at once underrstand her uniquiness - there was nobody there to take over the helm and shield....It is quite wonderful that this eextensive compilation was published just recently. It is a very worthy portrait of a blessed singer!

Birgit Sings Like Sweetness.......2007-01-08

This is the first time I had heard Birgit Nilsson sing. The CD was great. However, I did have to blast the music because it is the original recording on the CD. Besides the quality it is worth purchasing if you want to hear one of the best. Her voice is clear and sweet, and welcoming to the ears.

A Document In The Grand Career Of Birgit Nilsson (1918-2005).......2006-03-23

The great soprano from Sweden, Birgit Nilsson, once contemplated suicide when she met with dismal reviews in her first perfomrance as Agathe from Weber's Die Freitschutz, for she was inexperienced and fresh out of the farm she grew up in. She went on to become the greatest dramatic soprano of all time, and for me, she is an even more thrilling and masterful soprano than the overrated Maria Callas. Birgit Nilsson died of unknown causes in her hometown of Sweden on Christmas of '05 only months ago. Her huge, steely, bright, metallic voice was reportedly capable of breaking glass and stone. This album covers many years in her career. Her Ariadne is not well known and it's captured in a young voice (50's) and she is in phenomenal shape. The dramatic heft of the role is suited to her voice. Wagner was her specialty of course and here we have slices of her Elisabeth from Tannhauser. She also sang Venus. Isolde was another great role of hers (the one she debuted at the Met) and Brunhilde is of course her best role. Singing Strauss is no piece of cake but when we listen to her Salome and Elektra and Dryer's Wife from Die Frau we are hearing a woman who, despite age, is singing with strength and vigor. She gets into character each time and she sings beautifully. All fans of La Nilsson must get this one.

Great.......2003-08-20

This is a very good CD for people who follow Birgit Nilsson's development. It contains live performances from 1949 (Ariadne auf Naxos - Nilsson sang Ariadne!!) to 1977 (Dyer's Wife in Die Frau Ohne Schatten). You can see her development from young to old over close to 30 years. For someone like me who have many of Birgit Nilsson's commercial recordings, this is a great CD too because it allows me to compare her 'live' performances with the studio recordings. It also enables me to see how her voice developed over the years. For instance, her voice grew in warm as she progressed in her career. By 1977, her voice had lost some ease - you can tell that she has to sing with more effort but her top register is still amazing, the gleam is still there even if it is more effortful to produce (when I say effortful I mean by young Birgit Nilsson standards - if you compare with other singers, she still sings effortlessly). Imagine - by 1977, she was 59 and she still puts singers singers half her age at 30 to shame. A very interesting CD in very mono sound. 5 stars for Nilsson's superb performances (her vocalism never fails to amaze me), for a fantastic variety of excerpts, for very mono sound, for the historical importance of this CD and for the incredible bargain price ... for 2 CDs.

Tracks:

Ohne Dich
Ohne Dich (Mina Harker's version) Remix by Laibach
Ohne Dich (Sacred Mix) Remix by Sven Helbig
Ohne Dich (Schiller Mix)
Ohne Dich (Under Byen Remix)
Ohne Dich (Beta Version)

Customer Reviews:

Haunting Song Gets Tweaked to Perfection.......2007-02-13

I don't know why I waited so long to purchase this incredible single, but now that I have listened completely through it a couple of times, all I have to say is wow. The first track is straight from "Reise, Reise" - so nothing new. The second track, Mina Harker's take on the song, is ok. I say ok, rather than great, because the hard male vocals accompanying her seem out of place with her softer singing style, and may strike a few as disconcerting. Also, the male vocalist switches "Ohne dich kann ich nicht sein" with "Ohne mich kannst du nicht sein" in a couple of spots, giving a different meaning to the song, it is not blatantly noticeable, but changes the song nonetheless. Other than that, Mina sings quite lovely, enhancing the listening experience. Track three, the Sacred Mix, is rather interesting with the use of organs. Track four, Schiller Mix, is also another "so-la-la" track, nicely done but nothing that sends shivers down your spine. Then there is track five, the Under Byen mix. This is easily the most hauntingly beautiful track on the CD, one that does indeed give you goosebumps. It is very melancholy in tone, and the use of an accompanying piano is very well implemented. And to conclude, track six is a beta version of the final from Reise, Reise. It is fairly decent, but seems to be full of noise and other distractors, taking away from the overall experience. I would have to say that the finalized version is definitely the better of the two. As a whole this single from "Reise, Reise" is fantastic, and well worth the $14 or so, you will not be disappointed.

Ohne Dich Kann Ich Nicht Sein..........2004-12-24

"Ohne Dich" (or "Without You") is the newest single from Rammstein off of their album "Reise, Reise" (Or "Arise, Arise" or even "Voyage, Voyage". Some people feel that Rammstein's gotten soft since their first album "Herzeleid" (Heartache), but in fact this is the first song on all the other albums that is very much like the single "Seemann" (Sea Man) from their first album. "Ohne Dich" is soft, nostolgic and earnest- and Till sings with vibrato in this track- astounding us all (who knew he could sound even prettier?). This song has an incredible feeling to it, and enchanting words. It's truely the best single out of the three that came from "Reise, Reise". The PV isn't on this disc, but the six track single doesn't need to be enhanced to be worth the buy. Each mix is so completely different from the last that you feel like you've got a CD of completely seperate songs- and each one is more and more beautiful as you go along. THe "Mina Harker" mix is a duet between boy and girl and is gorgeous. "Sacred Mix" is just the vocal track accompanied by a brilliant organ score while the "Schiller Mix" is really the only actual remix of the song, with a techno beat and great strings, but the "Under Byen" remix is my favourite of them all. Once you hear it you'll agree that it is haunting and amazing, the heavy drums and complex piano running along in tragic notes, this CD is just so completely worth the buy. The last track is a beta version of "Ohne Dich" which they recorded for the album "Mutter" but decided not to use and is very good as well, though when they rerecorded it for "Reise, Reise" I think it came together better. Well, now you know, "Without you I cannot be" and without this CD the seconds will stand still- they won't be worth it.

Ritorna vincitor! - The Legendary Birgit Nilsson (2 CDs)

Average customer rating:

Return to Valhalla OhValhalla Goddess
Birgit Nilsson Now Sings In Heaven
Ave Atque Vale, Birgit Nilsson
RIP BIRGIT NILSSON - 5/17/1918 - 12/25/2005

Ritorna vincitor! - The Legendary Birgit Nilsson (2 CDs)

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Wagner: Opera Arias & Duets
Birgit Nilsson
Nilsson Sings Verdi

ASIN: B00008MLU4
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

Ritorna Vincitor! - John Pritchard
O Don Fatale - Aregeo Quadri
Pace, Pace, Mio Dio! - Argeo Quadri
Nel Di Della Vittoria Io Le Incontrai... Ambizioso Spirto... Vieni T'affretta! - VIRGILIO CARBONARI
Vissi D'arte - Lorin Maazel
Einsam In Truben Tagen - Edward Downes
Starke Scheite Schichtet Mir Dort - Sir Georg Solti
Allein! Weh, Ganz Allein - Sir Georg Solti
Ein Handwerk Verstehst Du Sicher Nicht - Walter Berry
Ah! Du Wolltest Mich Nicht Deinen Mund Kussen Lassen, Jokanaan!... Sie Ist Ein Ungeheuer, Deine Tochter... Ah! Ich Habe Deinen Mund Gekusst - Gerhard Stolze

Tracks:

Dich, Teure Halle - Edward Downes
Mild Und Leise Wie Er Lachelt - Hans Knappertsbusch
I Der Engel - 'In Der Kindheit Fruhen Tagen' - Sir Colin Davis
II Stehe Still! - 'Sausendes, Brausendes Rad Der Zeit' - Sir Colin Davis
III Im Treibhaus - 'Hochgewolbte Blatterkronen' - Sir Colin Davis
IV Schmerzen - 'Sonne, Weinsest Jeden Abend Dir Die Schonen Augen Rot' - Sir Colin Davis
V Traume - 'Sag', Welch Wunderbare Traume' - Sir Colin Davis
Var Det En Drom? (Was It A Dream?) - Bertil Bokstedt
Flickan Kom Ifran Sin Alsklings Mote (The Tryst) - Bertil Bokstedt
Svarta Rosor (Black Roses) - Bertil Bokstedt
Sav, Sav, Susa (Sigh, Rushes, Sigh) - Bertil Bokstedt
Diamanten Pa Marssnon (The Diamond On The March Snow) - Bertil Bokstedt
Hostkvall (Autumn Evening) - Bertil Bokstedt
Varen Flyktar Hastigt (Spring Flies Fast) - Bertil Bokstedt
En Svane (A Swan) - Bertil Bokstedt
Fra Monte Pincio - Bertil Bokstedt
Varen (Spring) - Bertil Bokstedt
Melodi (Melody) - Bertil Bokstedt
Bon Till Natten (Prayer To Night) - Bertil Bokstedt
Skoldmon (Valkyrie) - Bertil Bokstedt
En Gammal Dansrytm (An Old Dance Rhythm) - Bertil Bokstedt
I Could Have Danced All Night - Herbert Von Karajan

Customer Reviews:

Return to Valhalla OhValhalla Goddess.......2006-03-11

Birgit Nilsson was without a doubt the most powerful soprano of the 20th century, even a greater singer than Maria Callas, despite the fact that audiences loved Callas a lot more. Since her death on December 25th, 2005, I've listened to many of her recordings (and there are plenty, she was well-documented on recording). Nilsson was a versatile singer, and not just a Wagnerian specialist. This recording album of various arias represent her versatility and flexibility and even with all these arias of diverse repertoire, it's still not enough to capture her vast prowess. Not featured on here are her accounts of the Baker's Wife in Strauss' Die Frau Ohne Schatten and Minnie in Puccini's La Fanciulla Del West, or Agathe from Weber's Die Freischutz, not to mention her interpretation of Beethoven's heroine Leonore in Fidelio and Venus from Tannhauser. She was known for her ability to sing both Elisabeth (soprano) and Venus (mezzo-soprano) in Tannhauser!!

What we have here are wonderful accounts of arias from diverse operas. Let's analyze some of them, in hopes you can get hooked on Nilsson and check out her full-length opera recordings.

Wagner: Ring Des Nibelungen: Every opera connoisseur knows that Birgit Nilsson was the heir to Kirsten Flagstad's throne when it came to singing Brunhilde. Possessing a superhuman and radiant voice, she found a bit of her Swedish self in the mythic character of the Valkyrie Brunhilde. To me, there is no greater Brunhilde. She had a heroic voice so that the Immolation Scene in Gotterdammerung (featured here) is by far the best account. She appears in the Karl Bohm recordings of the Ring and the studio engineered Ring under the baton of George Solti. TRISTAN UND ISOLDE: Her debut role at the Metropolitan Opera was as Isolde. She masters the role, which is possibly the most difficult in Wagner opera, and essays the high tessitura with great aplomb. Not featured here is the great Curse Aria. The Liebestod was a piece of cake for Isolde, and it is featured here. She sings this well, no doubt, but her only fault is that she could never quiet her voice the way some sopranos could. If anyone had trouble hearing Nilssons' mega voice, something was wrong with their hearing! TANNHAUSER: She was able to sing Elisabeth and Venus, and she got into the character's romantic nature. The Hall Aria is on here and it's great.

STRAUSS: As excting as her Wagner heroines were, her Strauss heroines were just as impressive. She understood the intensity of the music and delved into the character's psyches, even more so than the Wagner roles. As such, her SALOME is largely regarded as the best on record. While she could not physically convince us as a teenage nubile princess who inflammes the passions of her pagan father, she was able to sing the role with electrifying power and frightening madness. If you listen to the Solti recording, you will note how she could get into Salome's twisted mentality starting from the scene in which she asks for Jochanaan's head and the finale in which she kisses the severed head. This final scene is on here, thank God. Her interpretation of ELEKTRA set the bar high for all subsequent sopranos. She once again got into the character's depravity and lunacy. The intensity of the role never took its toll on her and she tirelessly sings the part in a combo of dramatic power and beautiful singing. Please check out her Elektra recording under Solti again, where she is paired with Regina Resnik.

PUCCINI: Yes, Birgit Nilsson sang Puccini and she did a damn good job of it too. Very few critics gave her credit for her superb Puccini heroines. At the Met in the 60's, audiences saw her stage performances of Tosca, Turandot and Minnie from La Fanciulla Del West. Her TOSCA is powerful, unsubtle but dramatically compelling. In the Lorin Maazel recoding opposite Franco Corelli, she was able to make her voice sound more round, warmer and more "Italian". Here we have her "Vissi D'Arte" but she could really deliver in such moments as the Death of Scarpia, the Torture/Interrogation Scene and the Finale. In fact her cry "O Scarpia Avanti Addio!" is possibly the best on record. She sang TURANDOT at the Met opposite Franco Corelli in riveting performances, rivaling any other soprano who sang Turandot at the time. The size of her voice, her regal presence (fashion designer Cecil Beaton made a Chinese Empress costume, complete with a decorative crown, especially for her) and her command of the music made for a stunning Turandot. Check out the EMI recording with Corelli and Scotto.

Verdi: She sang Verdi, though it was not a repertoire she followed up on extensively. Audiences saw her as Lady Macbeth, Princess Eboli, Elisabeth Di Valois (from Don Carlos) and Leonora from Forza del Destino. And of course as AIDA. Her Aida is not the most beautifully sung or the warmest, but in sheer volume and grandness she takes the crown. There is a studio recording she sang opposite Franco Corelli and Grace Bumbry. At the Met, audiences saw her paired with Jon Vickers' Radames. Ritorna Vincitor! Aida's first great aria in Act 1 is on here and it's the title of the album. Her LADY MACBETH is by far her greatest Verdi role. The cold, icy, unfeeling way she sings the part makes her Lady Macbeth by far the most wicked and dramatically convincing. Even without the Italian fire in the belly, she could get into character as good as the rest of them.

SWEDISH SONGS, BROADWAY AND MOZART: Her account of her native Swedish folk songs are lovely, and in her time, legendary, and even in her heyday as an opera singer she would sing Swedish songs on Swedish radio. As a girl growing up in her father's farm, she sung these folk songs which eventually drew the attention of Conservatory instructors and operatic voice coaches. Broadway ? I'm sorry. This is cute and experimental of her to sing "I Could Have Danced All Night" from My Fair Lady but this is not her forte. Her voice is too big for the role of Liza Doolittle and the waltz-like/operetta song is way out of her league. On a final note, Nilsson sang Mozart, namely the part of Dona Ana in Don Giovanni, which is found on at least two studio recordings, the famous one being the one with Cesare Siepi as Don Giovanni and Leontyne Price as Elvira under the baton of Erich Leinsdorf. Her Dona Ana is neither beautiful nor mannered, she sings with the usual Nilsson bravura and attempts to soften her voice but she shows no real command for the Mozart reperotire and again this was purely experimental for her.

LONG LIVE BIRGIT NILSSON! I WILL FOREVER REMEMBER HER AS BRUNHILDE, SINGING WITH SUPERHUMAN POWER AND PASSION IN THAT CLIMATIC IMMOLATION SCENE AT THE END OF GOTTERDAMMERUNG. NO ONE CAN MASTER THAT GRAND SCENE "Fleight Hom, Ih Rabens (Fly home you Ravens!) .."GRANE..MEIN ROSS (Grane My Horse!) HER VOICE GETS STRONGER, HIGHER AND MORE INTENSE, FLYING, FLYING EVER UPWARD TO VALHALLA.

Birgit Nilsson Now Sings In Heaven.......2006-01-22

On December 25th, 2005, the great soprano Birgit Nilsson passed away, and an era went with her. She was singing at a time in the mid 20th century just after World War II when other golden-age singers had made it big at the Met- among them Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi and Victoria De Los Angeles, the latter two which also died only recently. Nilsson will forever be remembered for her Wagnerian heroines- the Valkyrie Brunhilde, Isolde, and for her outstanding Turandot. But Nilsson sang a variety of repertoire, though critics snubbed her in such terrific roles as Beethoven's Leonore in Fidelio, Verdi's Lady Macbeth and Puccini's Tosca, roles which I think suited her well and she sang wonderfully. She also sang Mozart's Dona Anna, though this role for me was not suited to her voice. This album is a tribute to her supreme artistry. Here we have Aida's great aria Ritorna Vincitor! - an aria which is more stentorian and heroic sounding than the lush, lyrico-spinto renditions of such fine Aidas as Renata Tebaldi and Leontyne Price. The aria " O Don Fatale" belongs to Princess Eboli in Verdi's Don Carlo and should rightly be sung by a dramatic mezzo soprano. Nilsson handles the music to this quite well, however. Although she never performed Leonora in Forza Del Destino, the "Pace Pace Mio Dio" in this album is sublime. The rest of the arias include arias from Strauss' Salome, Elektra and Wagner's Gotterdammerung and Tristan And Isolde. Her distinctive voice is well captured on this album and any true fan of the late diva will want to buy this.

Ave Atque Vale, Birgit Nilsson.......2006-01-13

Every opera lover in the world met the news today of the December 25, 2005 passing of Birgit Nilsson with sadness. She was surely one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century, and in Wagnerian roles alone she was the equal of the great Kirsten Flagstadt. From her beginnings as a simple farm girl in Sweden she rose to the top of all of the international opera houses in the three decades when her voice was in full bloom. Her last public performance was in 1984 but she continued her legend in her masterclasses. She was a phenomenon whose glorious voice and presence will be much missed, but at least she has a huge recorded legacy that adds to her immortality.

This 2 CD set is a gathering of excerpts form many recordings and while it does not have the impact of, say, a full performance as Isolde or Brunnhilde or Turandot or Salome, it does offer a generous sampling of the many roles she mastered. Included on this set are arias form 'Macbeth', 'Aida', 'La Forza del Destino', 'Don Carlo', 'Tosca', 'Lohengrin', 'Die Götterdämmerung', 'Elektra', 'Salome', 'Die Frau ohne Schatten', 'Tannhäuser', 'Tristan und Isolde' and songs by Wagner ('Wesendonk Lieder'), Sibelius, Grieg, and Ture Rangström, and yes, even Frederick Lowe! She performs with various orchestras and conductors and pianists.

Not usually one for these 'best of' albums, this one is special, especially with the news that this extraordinary artist whose voice could reach the heavens is gone. An aptly titled memento -Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, January 06

RIP BIRGIT NILSSON - 5/17/1918 - 12/25/2005.......2006-01-12

The opera world mourns the passing of the great dramatic soprano. I never had the fortune to experience her performances live, but her many complete opera recordings and recitals are part of my CD library. This set is a perfect introduction to this diva's art and versatility.

Thank you for the music, Madame Nilsson.

Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 18: Secular Vocal Works

Average customer rating:

Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 18: Secular Vocal Works

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 4: Fidelio/Leonore
Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 16: Lieder
Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 11: Early String Quartets
Complete Beethoven Edition--Sampler / Kempff
Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 13: Late String Quartets

ASIN: B000001GZL
Release Date: 1997-12-09

Tracks:

Weltliche Vokalwerke: 'Elegiac Song
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Opferlied Op.121b - 'Sacrificial Song'
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Bundeslied Op.122 - 'Song Of Fellowship'
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Ah! perfido Op.65
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Test Of Kissing - WoO 89
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Getting On With Girls
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Premier Amour - WoO 92
Weltliche Vokalwerke: No, Do Not Fear
Weltliche Vokalwerke: In Your Days Of Happiness - WoO 93
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Tremble, Guilty Ones, Tremble, Op. 116

Tracks:

Weltliche Vokalwerke: Lovely Lips - WoO 99, No. 1 (Hess 211)
Weltliche Vokalwerke: You Are My Love - Hess 231
Weltliche Vokalwerke: In You I Crave - WoO 99 - 11 (Hess 215)
Zenobia: Amid All Griefs - WoO 99 - No. 3a
Zenobia: Do You Want Your Husband Safe? (Hess 228)
Weltliche Vokalwerke: But You Tremble - WoO 99 - 6 (Hess 212)
Weltliche Vokalwerke: The Steersman Swears - WoO 99 - No. 5b (Hess 227)
Weltliche Vokalwerke: For You May The Sky - WoO 99 - No. 9 (Hess 216)
Zenobia: Amid All Griefs - WoO 99 - No. 3b (Hess 225)
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Ah, Yet You Are That Lyre - WoO 99 - No. 10b (Hess 218)
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Whoever Will Know WoO 99 - 2 (Hess 214)
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Mehrstimmige Gesange - Gia la notte s'avvicina WoO 99 - 4b
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Mehrstimmige Gesange - Nei campi e nelle selve WoO 99 - 7a (Hess 217)
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Mehrstimmige Gesange - Nei campi e nelle selve WoO 99 - 7b (Hess 220)
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Mehrstimmige Gesange - Fra tutte le pene WoO 99 - 3c (Hess 224)
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Mehrstimmige Gesange - Fra tutte le pene Hess 210
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Mehrstimmige Gesange - Quella cetra ah pur tu sei WoO 99 - 10a (Hess 213)
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Mehrstimmige Gesange - Quella cetra ah pur tu sei WoO 99 - 10c (Hess 219)
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Mehrstimmige Gesange - Giura il nocchier Hess 230
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Mehrstimmige Gesange - Giura il nocchier WoO 99 - 5a (Hess 221)
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Mehrstimmige Gesange - Gia la notte s'avvicina WoO 99 - 4a (Hess 222)
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Abschiedsgesant Wo0 103
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Cantata campestre Wo0 103
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Gesang der Monche Wo0 104
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Hochzietslied Wo0 105
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Lobkowitz - Kantate Wo0 106
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Chor auf die verbundeten Fursten Wo0 95
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Lob auf den Dicken Wo0 100
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Graf, liebster Graf Wo0 101
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Im Arm der Liebe ruht sich's wohl Wo0 159
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Ewig dein Wo0 161
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Kurz ist der Schmerz Wo0 163
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Freundschaft ist die Quelle wahrer Gluckseligkeit Wo0 164
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Gluck zum neuen Jahr! Wo0 166
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Kurz ist der Schmerz Wo0 166
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Brauchle, Linke Wo0 167
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Das Schweigen Wo0 168 - 1
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Das Reden Wo0 168 - 2
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Ich kusse Sie Wo0169
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Ars longa, vita brevis Wo0 170
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Ich Bitt' dick, schreib mir die Es - Skala auf Wo0 172
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Hol' euch der Teufel! B'hut euch Gott! Wo0 173
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Glaube und hoffe! Wo0 174
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Sankt Petrus war ein Fels! Wo0 176
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Glaube und hoffe! Wo0 174
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Bester Magistrat, lhr friert! Wo0 177
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Signor Abate! Wo0 178
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Alles Gute Wo0 179
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Hoffmann, sei ja kein Hofmann Wo0 180
Weltliche Vokalwerke: O Tobias! Wo0 182
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Bester Herr Graf, Sie sind ein Schaf! Wo0 183
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Falstafferel, lab dich sehen! Wo0 184
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Edel sei der Mensch Wo0 185
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Te Solo Adoro Wo0 186
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Schwenke dich ohne Schwanke! Wo0 187
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Gott ist eine feste Burg Wo0 188
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Doktor sperrt das Tor dem Tod Wo0 189
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Ich war hier, Doktor, ich war hier Wo0 190
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Kuhl, nicht lau Wo0 192
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Ars Longa, vita brevis Wo0 192
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Ars longa, vita brevis Wo0 193
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Si non per portas, per muros Wo0 194
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Freu dich des Lebens! Wo0 195
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Es mub sein! Woo 196
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Da ist das Werk Wo0 197
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Wir irren allesamt Wo0198
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Das Schone zum Guten! Wo0 203
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Das Schone za dem Gutten! Wo0 202
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Herr Graf, ich komme zu fragen Hess 276
Weltliche Vokalwerke: Esel aller Estel # 277

Schumann: The Complete Piano Works (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Good for the rare pieces.....but...
Mystery Solved
Mystery meat

Schumann: The Complete Piano Works (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Nuova Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Canons | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

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ASIN: B000058THK
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Customer Reviews:

Good for the rare pieces.....but..........2006-11-08

Overall, you will be hard up to find a more thoroughly complete two hand piano survey of Schumann's piano opus. However, for the more "popular" pieces such as the op 17, or the kinderszenen, these are decent to mediocre versions are best. They arent bad, Jorg Demus is a skilled pianist, though has always in my view been more successful in a supporting role, as evidenced by his masterful accompaniment in Dichterliebe and assorted Schubert lieder. If you are familiar with Richter's masterful Schumann interpretations-or Horowitz for many of the works, or Lupu, Argerich, these pale in comparison. If you are out for quantity-I would recommend the Ashkenazy set-though it is incomplete. Again, many of the works by schumann that you can only find here will only be of interest to the absolute Schumannaholic, which I am, but it is kind of a two way street because if you are a schumann madman, then you will know how third tier these performances truly are.

Mystery Solved.......2006-10-07

First off, thanks to WTA for his extremely thoughtful and comprehensive review, which helped me decide to purchase this Nuova Era set (his reasoning about the unlikelihood that Demus would record this huge corpus again was especially insightful).

I own the original 20-LP/6-volume Musical Heritage Society set issued between 1971 and 1973. Having seen the CD set in a store last year, I was puzzled about whether it was a transfer of these invaluable discs, which contain vast tracts of Schumann that you will be hard pressed to find elsewhere (included, for instance, are several posthumously issued works and even a few pieces played from unpublished manuscripts). WTA's review gave me enough clues to suspect that these discs were exactly what I'd been waiting for.

Having just received them, I'm happy to confirm that they are indeed the MHS performances (minus most of the four-hand works, however; see below). I instantly recognized the character of the piano sound and the recording acoustic (both much improved on CD), and a quick check of rhetorical gestures in a sonata movement that I especially value in Demus's hands showed the CD and LP versions to be identical. MHS did not always provide track timings for individual sections of the big piano suites. But where such detail exists, respective CD and LP timings are consistently mere seconds apart -- easily the result of different engineering choices for silent lead-ins and lead-outs to each track.

A further clue comes from a small note on the jewel-box tray inserts, indicating a 1989 digital remastering. I can think of no fully digital (DDD) recording that would be getting remastered so early in CD history. Anything from the '80s would almost certainly be making its first appearance in the new storage medium. Moreover, the sound has none of the hallmarks of DDD recordings (as WTA notes, for instance, Demus's recordings have detectable [but nonintrusive] background hiss).

So for all these reasons, I feel confident in declaring that this set is basically the old MHS offering. There are two sad omissions, however:

(1) The CD set includes all the solo pieces in the LP set, as well as a short, posthumously published F-minor Scherzo on CD 12 that MHS seems to have left out. Nuova Era, alas, omits the vast majority of the often-delightful four-hand works, for which Norman Shetler joined Demus (most of these items appeared in MHS's five-disc finale). The Sketches for Pedal Piano, Opp. 56 & 58, are here (perhaps because they were originally conceived for a now-forgotten solo instrument that had a pedalboard [Alkan was said to have been its greatest master]; on a modern instrument, Schumann's pedal-piano music thus takes two pianists), but -- shame on Nuova Era! -- Shetler gets no credit as the second pianist. If you'd like a fine but inexpensive tour of the four-hand output, try the three-disc VoxBox ("Schumann Complete Works For Piano 4-Hands") featuring Peter Frankl, Andras Schiff, et al.

(2) The CD set lacks the superb MHS album notes by Douglas Townsend. Also missing is Demus's own illuminating statement about recording these works across a span of about three years. These are thoroughly digested interpretations: Demus not only memorized every note but also played every last work in concert. Complete recordings like this one are not necessarily commercial gimmicks, as some so carelessly assert. A serious and sensitive musician who takes on such a task will uncover secrets and interconnections that only exposure to a composer's full output in a given area can progressively disclose. As Demus explains (in Herman Adler's translation from the German), "Only by knowing Schumann's creative output in its totality has it been possible to uncover fresh facets in overfamiliar standard works. [. . .] In the music of no other composer do we find as many cross-relations and associations throughout his work. Schumann likes to quote himself as well as other composers, as did, later, his French brother-in-spirit, Claude Debussy. [. . .] Only knowledge of this entire universe will result in something I would call *Stilsicherheit* (stylistic assurance)."

But let's not dwell on what's *not* here. As WTA observes, this is a deeply rewarding collection that every serious Schumann-lover will want to explore. Are these performances the last word on Schumann's poetic realm? Of course not: no such "last word" exists. The essential thing is that throughout this enormous journey, Demus never falsifies the music, and he plays with an honesty that can be far more illuminating than flashier approaches.

So, Schumann-lovers, get this set as cheaply as you can -- but one way or another, get it while you can!

Mystery meat.......2006-04-10

I don't think I've ever before experienced such frustration in trying to assess a product. Here a well-regarded and fairly well-known pianist sits down and records all (even that's up for grabs) the piano music of a pretty well-known and well-regarded composer and barely a peep out there in Internet land.

What I did encounter after a lot of searching, and according to different reviewers who deigned to barely mention this bulky and hard-to-ignore boxed set, was this dopey basketful of professional opinions:

1) The recording quality was poor according to one guy
2) The piano was out of tune according to some editor who happened to also be a piano tuner
3) The music was criminally recorded using a piano with beat hammers and strings
4) Demus may or may not have recorded the set with a period instrument that also may have had beat hammers and strings
5) Nobody should record Schumann on a period instrument according to another expert (without really letting us know if this was the case here)
6) The interpretations were wooden
7) The interpretations were fabulous despite the crappy sound and beat up old out-of-tune piano
8) Nobody was sure if this was his complete Schumann recorded in the 1970s and released on Musical Heritage or these were new DDD recordings as listed

OK--as the notes with this set absolutely stink and no one out in Internet land seems to have any consistent and coherent thing to say about it, this then is my judgement, based on careful listening and a few intelligent guesses.

1) The interpretations are great, wonderful, really enjoyable, idiomatic--some might consider them slightly wooden because there's next-to-no pedal which leads me to believe it is a period instrument he's recorded on. This isn't Argerich slamming away at these so don't expect that. Yamaha fans will be disappointed. Demus clearly knows his Schumann and plays crisply and accurately.
2) The sound quality, while hardly SACD, is just fine and, again if this is a period instrument and I sure tend to think so, what I'm hearing would be about right. I rather like the engineering as the result is intimate and warm
3) Honestly, did Demus record all these in the 1970s without them getting any attention and then do it all over again in the 1980s just to get ignored again? I hear distinct tape hiss if I listen closely, this doesn't sound like a 1989 DDD recording (which the box claims it to be) which is probably why the recording has some warmth and (audible tape hiss)
4) Who am I to argue with an editor/piano tuner but if this piano is out of tune I'm not noticing it one zot. Also, didn't they tune pianos a little differently way back in 1850 or so?

SO--I'll guess this is the complete piano music of Robert Schumann (perhaps minus one small piece according to yet another miffed commentator, although he keeps talking about a 12 CD set and this has 13 discs!)recorded in the 1970s with Jorg Demus playing a piano built around 1850 or so with everything that implies. I'll also guess that a lot of reviewers out there, left to fend for themselves without some promotional sheet from the label, maybe without even free promo copies, were really reaching a bit. Even if I'm wrong I seem to be doing better than the second-guessing I found elsewhere and anyway the result is really enjoyable. I simply like this set a lot even if someday I may discover it is, in fact, Ernest Borgnine playing a badly tuned pool hall upright in 1953. Less than no stars to Nuovo Era for never seeming to get the presentation of this delightful set right--license it to Brilliant and they'll do it up properly for Pete's sake and maybe you'll actually sell a few. They might even be able to kick down that DDD tape hiss a bit. It's also too danged expensive given even the putative late recording date--it shouldn't be more than $120 under any circumstances. I got mine for less than $40 at a classical cut-outs and deletions place.

Conclusion: This whole situation is sad. Jorg Demus is a great pianist and he obviously loves Schumann. Schumann's piano music is worth the effort. This should be a well-known and highly-regarded set and I'm happier with this than with any other big box of piano I may own, short of a Brahms set.

Obsessions (Wagner & Strauss: Arias and Scenes)

Average customer rating:

The Opera ain't over......
A Wonderful Wagner and Strauss Recital
Absolutely Smitten!
Divine Deborah
RECOMMENDED FOR WAGNER OR STRAUSS BEGINNERS

Obsessions (Wagner & Strauss: Arias and Scenes)

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0001O3YGM
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Tracks:

Wagner: Tannhauser - "Dich, teure Halle" (Elisabeth's Aria from Act 2, Scene 1)
Wagner: Die Walkure - "Du bist der Lenz" (Sieglinde's scene from Act 1, Scene 3)
Wagner: Die Walkure - "Der Manner Sippe" (Sieglinde's scene from Act 1, Scene 3)
Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - "Weh', ach wehe dies zu dulden" (Isolde's Curse and Narration from Act 1, Scene 3) with Natascha Petrinsky
Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - "Mild und leise" (Isolde's Liebestod from Act 3, Scene 3)
R. Strauss: Elektra - "Ich kann nicht sitzen" (Chrysothemis's scene) with Natascha Petrinsky
R. Strauss: Ariadne auf Naxos - "Es gibt ein Reich" (Ariadne's scene)
R. Strauss: Die Frau ohne Schatten - "Ist mein liebster dahin" (Kaiserin's opening scene, Act 1)
R. Strauss: Die Frau ohne Schatten - "Wehe mein Mann" (Kaiserin's opening scene, Act 2)
R. Strauss: Salome - "Es ist kein Laut zu vernehmen" (Salome's final scene)

Amazon.com

Here the beautiful-voiced Deborah Voigt tackles music her sound is made for: big, powerful moments from works of Richard Strauss and Richard Wagner. All 10 selections are handsomely sung, with gleaming, even tone, and some are true standouts. Elisabeth's Greeting from Tannhaeuser is sort of matter-of-fact, but both of Sieglinde's solos from Walküre are filled with urgency and depth and seem to be happening in real time. Ariadne's monolog is suitably ethereal and fantastic (in the true sense of the word) and the "chunks" from Die Frau ohne Schatten and Chrysothemis's monolog from Elektra, though weird out of context, are vocal showpieces. Her Isolde is nuanced and potent, if without the ultimate rage in the Narrative and Curse or the heavenly transfiguration of the Liebestod, and the final scene of Salome, ravishingly sung, does not quite probe this character's berserk Freudian issues. But she's a remarkable singer and this CD is sure to delight; one can bathe in her warm, rich sound. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

The Opera ain't over.............2007-06-18

This review is kind of dated; since this album was released, the fat lady had lost a bunch of weight. Miss Voigt got some unfortunate publicity a couple of years ago when Covent Garden paid off her contract, and fired her due to her excess poundage. I don't question their right to do that, but I do question the sanity of anyone who fires the greatest Wagnerian of our day. That event triggered her big weight loss, and she's back at Covent Garden. What do audiences want? Every High School has plenty of girls who look great in skimpy costumes, but, can they sing this music? Please...great Wagner singers are MUCH rarer than great heart surgeons. Flagstad wasn't anything to look at, and Schumann-Heink was massive, BUT, they could do justice to Wagner. Helen Traubel? There are exceptions to everything.

This is a truly wonderful album...Wagner and Strauss did not write for weaklings. Miss Voigt makes Sieglinde and Isolde come alive; her voice is both massive and beautiful. What we have here is 68 minutes of the finest singing of really tough music available in our day. The "Tristan und Isolde" excerpts are alone worth the price, but the whole recording is a joy.

A Wonderful Wagner and Strauss Recital.......2007-04-04

When I first heard this CD, I didn't think much of Deborah Voigt since I had heard her during her earlier days singing Mathilde in Rossini's Gugliemo Tell with the conductor Evelino Pido. Her timbre at that time was so creamy and rich and beautiful, and as I heard her over the years, I noticed that the qualities that made her such a promising singer in that Tell were not present in this recording. I also heard her do some Verdi roles in the Met, parts that were obviously not suited to her cooler, Germanic sound. A few days ago, after listening to a broadcast of her spectacular Salome from Chicago last fall and her recent Agyptische Helena from the Met, I have to say that I have never been more amazed by this soprano.

Of course, Voigt is no Nilsson, but who else was? I don't think Inge Borkh, Gwyneth Jones, Ursula Schröder-Feinen, Leonie Rysanek, or Hildegard Behrens ever equalled the great Swede in terms of power and focus, and neither will Voigt. But what Voigt has that Nilsson does not is a warmth and a grain to her voice, making Voigt's portrayals of her heroines sound more human than godlike compared to the stentorian Brünnhilde. Voigt's Sieglinde, Ariadne, Elisabeth, Isolde, Salome, Kaiserin, and Chrysothemis are all magnificent characterizations with a human, womanly touch to them. This recital allows the listener to hear showpieces that reflect her talent as a German dramatic soprano, and the listener is immediately drawn by the care to which Voigt lavishes on these selections. Dich Teure Halle is sung with the bright, happy, pure sound one associates with Elisabeth, and if it not a personalized portrayal of the heroine, it certainly is a perfectly sung one. Of the two selections from Die Walküre, Der Männer Sippe is sung with urgent drive, showing us once again that Deborah is the best Sieglinde of our day. She sings Du Bist der Lenz with rapture and beauty, and one would have hoped that she could have partnered Ben Heppner or Domingo to finish the remainder of Act I in this CD. The selections from Tristan are sung with vocal opulence that reminds us how Voigt is quickly becoming one of the best Isoldes today. The Narration from Act I is sung like a powerhouse of rage and sarcasm, and the Liebestod is perfectly sung, albeit lacking that sense of apotheosis that characterized Nilsson and Flagstad in their singing of the part. Although these excerpts were Voigt's starting forays into Isolde, she already shows security and intelligence in this cornerstone of the dramatic soprano repertoire.

The next half of the recital shows Voigt's talents in the Straussian roles where her voice is put to its best use. Unlike the Wagner selections, these Straussian excerpts don't seem to lend as well to cutting, but they nonetheless give the listener an idea of Voigt's mastery of the Straussian idiom. Her large, creamy, grainy voice is ideal for Chrysothemis, and I have never heard Ariadne sung better in these recent years. Voigt is easily the equal of Rysanek as the empress, the steely sheen of her voice perfect for the luminscent character of the Kaiserin. She closes the recital with the final scene from Salome, a selection that shows Voigt's exploration of another dramatic role that she assumed to great acclaim last fall in Chicago. All in all, a great recital, and one would only hope that she had been partnered by a more sensitive conductor like Christian Thielemann.

Absolutely Smitten!.......2005-12-30

Generally, I dislike the "new crop" of singers. It's rare, if ever, that I find a singer that can rival the singers of the Golden era. On this album, however, Deborah Voigt does exactly that. This album is a perfect showpiece for how absolutely SOLID the voice is from absolute tip-top to the very depths of her chest voice. In the rarely performed excerpts from Die Frau Ohne Schatten, Voigt tackles the extremely high tessitura effortlessly, pouring forth walls of sound. The rest of the album, from Es Gibt Ein Reich to Du bist der Lenz, follows in the same vein. The tone is always golden, gorgeous, and shining. The top has just enough metal in it to ride the orchestra, but not overly much.

The listener certainly gets the distinct impression that Madame Voigt could sing like this for an eternity, and heaven knows I wanted her to! She wields her voice like a spear; shining and golden. There is a homogenous quality to the voice that is unrivalled by most of her contemporaries. Deborah Voigt sings like a force of nature; I got the impression that she could even overpower the orchestra, if she so chose. That type of singing, uneffected and gorgeous, is certainly exciting no matter what the case.

Not since Birgit Nilsson have I heard such a huge, solid instrument. Certainly Nilsson has some advantages over Voigt; namely experience. If Voigt keeps heading in the inimitable direction she is making for herself, she is destined to be one of the very greatest sopranos of this century.

Brava Madame Voigt!

Divine Deborah.......2005-12-24

Deborah Voigt is perhaps today's newes Eileen Farrell. Like Farrell, she's unabashedly American, doesn't care for the spotlight or the "diva" lifestyle and has a voice that is beautiful, huge, steely and dramatically satisfying. Debora Voight is, sadly, underrated, like Farrell was in her own time (the 60's and 70's). It is possible that Renee Fleming albums sell more than Voigt albums. But I really think she is a dynamic singer and this album is her best showcase. With a voice that is stronger and more dramatic than the light-toned Fleming, Voigt excells in such roles as Aida, Ariadne, Brunhilde, Tosca and other heavy lyric roles. She is a masterful singer of the Strauss and Wagner repertoire. Especially noteworthy is her renditions of Elisabeth's "Hall Aria" from Tannhauser. This aria has not been recorded in quite a long while and Voight joins such great Wagnerian divas as Kirsten Flagstad and Birgit Nilsson as possibly the greatest Wagnerian sopranos. Her Brunhilde from Die Walkure is a revelation, especially how she sings "Du Bist der Lenz" and "Der Manner Sippe". Such beauty and power! The same beautiful and fearsome power is given to Isolde's Invective "Curse" Aria "We Ach Wehe". In contrast, she softens her voice to the beautiful strains of the Liebestod, full of passion and romantic euphoria. Her Elektra is phenomenal, and here we are treated to Chrysothemis' Scene. It was the opera Ariadne of Naxos at London's Covent Garden where Voigt was slighted because "she was too fat" for the costumes that the art director had in mind. Well, BS! Voigt has a great voice and makes a fine Ariadne, surpassing even Jessye Norman in modern recording. And her Salome is to die for. The Final Scene, in which Salome rhaposidizes her necrophilic feelings for John the Baptist, is terrifying in its power. No doubt she is the best American soprano of our time.

RECOMMENDED FOR WAGNER OR STRAUSS BEGINNERS.......2004-12-14

One word: Awesome! this is a must have. The selection of arias is great, specially Walkure, Tannhauser (Dich teure halle!!) and the Liebestod of Isolde. The final scene of Salome is the highlight of this cd. TNo wonder is one of the best classical cds of the year. 5 stars! Recommended!!

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