Choying Drolma and the Nagi Nunnery Foundation sing songs and invocations of the Cho ("cutting") teachings based on the Prajnaparamita practices established by siddha Padampa Sangye and Machik Labdron. The delicate filigree of chants and supplications is beautifully and sparsely adorned by Tibbetts's treated guitars, percussion, and effects to create an otherworldly experience so alluring in its fragility it is easy to forget the strength of purpose behind these messages of generosity, loving kindness, and compassion through release of the ego. Far beyond the often superficial "new age," Cho is so rich in contemplation and spirituality that even a cursory listen can hardly fail to evoke a beneficial response, and this glorious tapestry of sound alone is enough homage to its 1,100-year legacy. --Derek Rath
Cho,Choying Drolma & Steve Tibbetts,Hannibal,Chants,Int'l & World Music,Pop,Tibet,United States of America,World Beat,World Fusion,World Music,Worldbeat
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Saint-Saëns: Concertos
Lorin Maazel , Andre Previn , Michael Tilson Thomas , Yo-Yo Ma , Orchestre National de France , Cecile Licade , London Philharmonic Orchestra , Jeunesses Musicales de France Choir , London Philharmonia Orchestra , and Cho-Liang Lin Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000027A5 Release Date: 1991-01-18 |
Tracks:
- Concerto No. 1 For Cello & Orchestra In A Minor, Op.33: I. Allegro non troppo
- Concerto No. 1 For Cello & Orchestra In A Minor, Op.33: II. Allegretto con moto
- Concerto No. 1 For Cello & Orchestra In A Minor, Op.33: III. Tempo I: Allegro non troppo
- Concerto No.2 For Piano & Orchestra In G Minor, Op.22: I. Andante sostenuto
- Concerto No.2 For Piano & Orchestra In G Minor, Op.22: II. Allegro scherzando
- Concerto No.2 For Piano & Orchestra In G Minor, Op.22: III. Presto
- Concerto No.3 For Violin & Orchestra In B Minor, Op.61: I. Allegro non troppo
- Concerto No.3 For Violin & Orchestra In B Minor, Op.61: II. Andantino quasi allegretto
- Concerto No.3 For Violin & Orchestra In B Minor, Op.61: III. Molto moderato e maestoso
Customer Reviews:
Violin Concerto #3, Opus 61.......2006-08-04
Lyrical concerto masterpieces.......2005-11-27
Yo-Yo Ma gives an excellent rendition of the Cello Concerto No. 1, exhibiting great technical virtuosity as well as musicality. Comparatively few composers write for the cello than, say, the piano or violin; so if you like the sound of the cello this concerto is a must!
The Piano Concerto No. 2 as performed by Cecile Licad with the London Philharmonic and André Previn can be best described as "sparkling." Even the dark, dramatic first movement has a certain lightness to it. This concerto has no slow movement; the second movement is a playful scherzando, whimsical and humorous. It almost has an effervescent quality, like champagne bubbles. If the second movement is like a babbling brook, then the third is like a waterfall. It opens with a sudden rush in the strings, and the piano takes off at a rollicking presto. Licad's pianism is excellent.
Finally, there's the beautiful Violin Concerto No. 3, performed by Cho-Liang Lin. The opening movement is dark and turbulent, but with snatches of lyricism, a foretaste of more to come. The gorgeous slow movement evokes images of spring, with its flowering, passionate melodies; Lin is truly disarming here. The third movement is actually based on a motive from the first movement. There are plenty of virtuoso violin fireworks here, but beyond that the movement shows Saint-Saëns' great orchestral craftsmanship. The Philharmonia Orchestra under Michael Tilson Thomas gets a chance to shine at the end, with a triumphal theme in the brass underscored in the low strings. Brilliant orchestral writing.
One of the best.......2005-11-26
to know Saint-Saens' stuff, this is the disc for you.
If you're already a classical musician, this one should be in your library. It features the three most popular concertos of Saint-Saens, with three internationally-renowned artists - Cecile Licad, Yo Yo Ma, and Jimmy (Cho-Liang) Lin. Licad offers what is arguably the finest recording of
the Piano Concerto #2 (the most-performed and best-known of the five Saint Saens piano concerti). Full of vigor and boisterosity
in the allegro passages and tenderness in the largo passages,
I'd be crazy to try to find a better interpretation of it.
Lin, at his usual bravura best, suavely executes the popular Violin Concerto #3. Incidentally, if you're looking for consistently great recordings of a classical fiddler, look no further. Listen to Lin's recordings. He's never made a bad one and they shine like polished ebony. Yo-Yo Ma always gives a great reading, and the warhorse Cello Concerto #1 is no exception. I first heard this disc in 1990 when I was about 14 years old, and I've never stopped listening to it. I'm glad it hasn't gone out of print - and I hope it never does.
Bargain-priced magic.......2004-06-21
Beautiful! Highly recommended
Saint-Saens creates amazing music.......2001-01-28
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Cho
Choying Drolma & Steve Tibbetts Manufacturer: Hannibal ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000063A Release Date: 1997-01-21 |
Tracks:
- Ngakso
- Kyema Mimin
- Kyamdro Semkye
- Ngani Troma Part 1
- Ngani Troma Part 2
- Cho Chendren
- Kangyi Tengi
- Ney Ogmin Choying Podrang
- Shengshik Pema Jungney
- Om Pana Phem
- Leymon Tendrel 1
- Leymon Tendrel 2
- Nubchok Dechen
- Senge Wangchuk
- Dechen Monlam
- Tal
Amazon.com
Choying Drolma and the Nagi Nunnery Foundation sing songs and invocations of the Cho ("cutting") teachings based on the Prajnaparamita practices established by siddha Padampa Sangye and Machik Labdron. The delicate filigree of chants and supplications is beautifully and sparsely adorned by Tibbetts's treated guitars, percussion, and effects to create an otherworldly experience so alluring in its fragility it is easy to forget the strength of purpose behind these messages of generosity, loving kindness, and compassion through release of the ego. Far beyond the often superficial "new age," Cho is so rich in contemplation and spirituality that even a cursory listen can hardly fail to evoke a beneficial response, and this glorious tapestry of sound alone is enough homage to its 1,100-year legacy. --Derek RathCustomer Reviews:
Sounds like 98 year old women gargling with pine sap.......2007-04-30
Perfect & Wonderful!!!.......2005-01-07
Transporting!.......2004-01-01
Beautiful music.......2003-12-24
The simple harmonies of Tibetan sacred music have been designed to create energetic response patterns in the singer and the listener ... to link the visible with the invisible. The particular chants in Cho represent and mediate the surrendering of the body to "hungry ghosts" - an ancient Bonpo (shamanic) practice in which the practitioner sees through the illusion of a solid reality by recognizing the insubstantial nature of all things.
You cannot miss with this music that celebrates awareness and truth.
Incredible mystical journey with Tibetan nuns et al..........2003-03-21
Here's the frammis website review:
CHOYING DROLMA and STEVE TIBBETTS Chö Over the past few years, the music of Tibetan monks has gained a massive audience, with Western listeners finding refuge from the rat race in the chants and songs of the East. Those same medicinal properties are at the core of this breathtaking collaboration between veteran Minneapolis guitar wizard Steve Tibbetts and Choying Drolma, a Buddhist nun whom Tibbetts met and recorded at a small monastery in Nepal. When Tibbetts returned home with the tape of Drolma supernatural vocals he added some instruments to the songs and sent the tape back to the nunnery as a gift, and to Rykodisc and Hannibal Records, who decided to release it. The result is "Chö" (English translation: "cutting"), a beautiful pastiche of celestial songs that evokes a tenderness, optimism and appetite for life that cuts through in any language. Tibbetts' understated instrumentation nicely complement the nuns' disciplined chants, to the point where it sounds as if they've been collaborating forever. St. Paul Pioneer Press...
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Wynton Marsalis: In Gabriel's Garden
Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000002AP7 Release Date: 1996-05-14 |
Tracks:
- Suites de Symphonies, Premiere Suite, Fanfares: Rondeau
- The Prince Of Denmark's March
- Sonata In D Major, G.5: I. Adagio
- Sonata In D Major, G.5: II. Allegro e staccato
- Sonata In D Major, G.5: III. Adagio
- Sonata In D Major, G.5: IV. Allegro
- The King's March
- Sinfonia In D Major, G. 4: I. Presto
- Sinfonia In D Major, G. 4: II. Adagio e spiccato - Presto
- Sinfonia In D Major, G. 4: III. Allegro
- An Ayre
- Sonata No. 2 In D Major For Trumpet, Strings And Basso Continuo: I. (Overture). (Grave) - Allegro
- Sonata No. 2 In D Major For Trumpet, Strings And Basso Continuo: II. Adagio
- Sonata No. 2 In D Major For Trumpet, Strings And Basso Continuo: III. (March). (Allegro)
- Rondeau from Abdelazar
- Sonata A5 No. 1 In D Major, T.V.1: I. Andante
- Sonata A5 No. 1 In D Major, T.V.1: II. Allegro
- Sonata A5 No. 1 In D Major, T.V.1: III. Grave
- Sonata A5 No. 1 In D Major, T.V.1: IV. Allegro
- Rondeau
- Sonata In D Major, G.6: I. Adagio - Vivace
- Sonata In D Major, G.6: II. Adagio - Largo
- Sonata In D Major, G.6: III Allegro
- Prelude From Te Deum, H. 146
- Sinfonia con tromba In D Major, T.V.8: I. Allegro
- Sinfonia con tromba In D Major, T.V.8: II. Adagio
- Sinfonia con tromba In D Major, T.V.8: III. Allegro moderato
- Sinfonia con tromba In D Major, T.V.8: IV. Allegro
- Trumpet Voluntary
- Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F Major, BWV 1047: I. -
- Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F Major, BWV 1047: II. Andante
- Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F Major, BWV 1047: III. Allegro assai
Customer Reviews:
Listen with Earphones and Be Astounded.......2007-03-12
He rounds out my four favorite classical musicians: Itzhak Perlman, Earl Wild, David Russell, and Wynton Marsalis. How would you like to see all four on stage? A pipe dream: I can't even get tickets to any one of them unless I know four years in advance that they're going to be in town.
Btw, "Classical Wynton" is my all-time favorite Marsalis album.
I have one wish, and can't forgive PBS for not doing this: Wynton had a program for kids about jazz, and after "its run," they never brought it back. I think it should be required in all schools.
Sweet baroque trumpet music!.......2005-10-01
Praising The Most High Through The Clarion Voice.......2003-07-18
...perhaps at the fringe society-wise, but nevertheless a clarion voice in praise of The Most High...
...stunning and spiritually invigorating...
Wonderful Wynton.......2001-12-15
Darn Good Trumpet Playing.......2001-11-11
On this recording, Wynton Marsalis produces music from an instrument from which it is difficult for most other trumpet players to get any kind of respectable sound. His mastery of the piccolo trumpet is nothing short of remarkable, to say the least. If you've ever tried to play one, after hearing this you will gain a much deeper appreciation for the man's seemingly limitless talent and potential with both piccolo and regular trumpets.
Yes, piccolo trumpet means some high notes, so if high notes bother you, maybe you should shy away from this one and pick out another one of Mr. Marsalis' spectacular albums.
Conclusion: Why four stars instead of five? Mostly because of the liberties taken with the music. Still unbelievable trumpet playing - worth the price just for that.
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Cho Ku Rei
Various Artists Manufacturer: Etherean ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000JS3G Release Date: 1999-06-22 |
Tracks:
- Cho (18:03)
- Ku (23:04)
- Rei (18:03)
Product Description
New Age Voice (NAV) Awards: "Meditation/Healing Album of the Year" Winner Reiki is the guided movement of Ki or life energy. Everyone of us has currents flowing through our bodies. Reiki assists the body in maintaining a healthy flow of energy. Energy currents in motion create vibrations. The art of combining vibrations harmoniously is called Music. Reiki and Music share a common principle of healing: Attunement. Reiki has five symbols that the healer uses to focus the energy. Until recent times, these symbols were kept secret and given to Reiki initiates only. Now these symbols can be found in various publications around the world. Buddhist tradition openly recognizes these symbols as the five steps on the Path to Enlightenment. The first of these symbols is called the Cho Ku Rei. The Cho Ku Rei can assist us in focusing within, taking us into the Labyrinth of our true being. When we walk the Labyrinth we walk the Passage of Healing. Applying the method of sacred geometry to the first of the Reiki symbols, along with ancient tunings, chakra intervals, overtone frequencies, resultant rhythms, Tibetan chant and angelic melodies, Cho Ku Rei is shared with love and respect to all beings on a path of healing.Customer Reviews:
Excellent!.......2005-01-20
Not at all what I expected.......2004-07-13
Outstanding!.......2004-03-09
Why is there a problem with symbols?.......2004-02-26
We communicate with symbols, because we think with symbols. Symbols are everywhere. I do not see anything wrong when there are used while doing something good! And as for all those Reiki symbols. Who made them sacred? Please read upon it's history!
Reiki is just a philosophy and a healing technique. Never was it meant to be a religious cult, which unfortunately, some "smart" business people project to be...
Let just enjoy the music and pay less attention to the "details"! There are more important issues in the World to worry about! Like the Holly Cross, lately, instead being respected as a symbol of Christian Faith, is used as a weapon, by those who are afraid of Christ's followers...Some groups, undoubtfully, would like to forbid public displays of this magnificent symbol of Universal Love and Forgiveness!
Let us all pray for Peace on Earth, so one day we, as One Human Race, will be able to listen to healing substance of CD's like this one, without analyzing it's cover...
Soothing, entrancing healing music.......2003-07-19
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Sibelius, Nielsen: Violin Concertos
Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00077F94I Release Date: 2005-10-18 |
Customer Reviews:
!!!.......2007-08-01
A strong collaboration that is of one mind.......2006-07-26
But those are quibbles. There's a lot to be thrilled by in these muscular, sometimes brash performances. As remastered, Sony's recorded sound for Lin is demonstration quality, adding a great deal to one's pleasure. The Nielsen is so well played that for years this CD was the front-runner, although Vengerov has managed to beat Lin out with extra passion and finesse. Even so, Lin has musical integrity and impeccable technique. The stronger personality here, I suspect, is Salonen, who is a first-rate Sibelian and turns the orchestral parts of both concertos into symphonic works.
The Passion and Precision of Sibelius and Nielsen Flow from these Performances.......2006-01-23
Lin's sumptuous, golden tone is never forced out of focus even in the most rapid sequences of the Sibelius. His intonation and phrasing are right in the middle of the target and his integration with the orchestral fabric is so natural that when exposed phrases emerge it is as though the entire string section is distilled into one instrument. The second movement is one of the most beautiful ever recorded, with Lin and Salonen bringing all the understated Nordic passion into full flower.
The Nielsen is rarely performed and the reasons are unclear, especially hearing the way the concerto works so well in these collaborators' hands. The performance is bracing and makes the most of Nielsen's extended melodic lines.
If there is a 'flaw' to be found, it is in the recorded sound of the orchestras. Whether that is due to the orchestras or to the engineers is unclear, though having just heard the LA Philharmonic with Hilary Hahn as the mesmerizing soloist leaves one thinking it is the former. The Sibelius in Disney Hall becomes a musical experience that rings through the spaces of the hall and the mind long after the final chord. Now that Salonen and the LA Phil are recording for DGG let's hope that he and Lin will again record these concerti in this ambience. Until that time, this amazingly affordable CD is a must for every collector. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, January 06
Much Needed Reissue.......2006-01-08
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What's That Clickin' Noise
Henry Cho Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000F8OIEG Release Date: 2006-07-18 |
Tracks:
- I'm South Korean
- Great Bread Phenomenon
- Holidays
- I Love All Sports
- On Marriage
- Arab, Alabama
- Bachelor System
- We Need To Talk
- On Children
- On Pregancy
- Gotta Communicate
- Way Woman Talk
- Public Engagement
- Apple Juice?
- What's That Clickin' Noise?
- You Don't Have Two Quarters?
- Korea: It's Like A Different Country
Album Description
"I'm an Asian with a Southern accent," remarks Cho. "To a lot of people, that right there is funny." Always making the most of who he is, Cho recently inked a deal to co-create and star in his own sitcom based on his life as a Korean-American born and raised in Tennessee. You will be able to see him in his own one-hour comedy special What's That Clickin' Noise?
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Welcoming The Sabbath
Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000029M8 Release Date: 1997-10-07 |
Tracks:
- Lechu Neranenoh (Come Let Us Sing)
- L'Cho Dodi (Sabbath The Queen)
- Borchu (Bless The Lord)
- Ahavas Olom (With Everlasting Love)
- Mi Chomocho (Who Is Like Unto Thee)
- Hashkiveinu (Cause Us O Lord To Lie Down In Peace)
- V'Shomru (The Children Of Isreal Shall Keep The Sabbath)
- Eloheinu Velohei Avoseinu (Our God And God Of Our Fathers)
- Kiddush L'Shabus (Sanctification For The Wine)
- Yigdal (The Living God O Magnify And Bless)
- Shabbat Shalom (Welcome Sabbath)
- Passover Kiddush
- Tzadik Adoshem
- Blessing Of The Month: Yehi Rotzon
- Evening Prayer: Yir'U Eineinu
- Hatikvah
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The London Concert: Haydn/Hummel/Mozart/Fasch
Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0001ENYO4 Release Date: 2004-02-24 |
Tracks:
- I. Allegro
- II. Andante
- III. Finale. Allegro
- I. Adagio
- II. Allegro Moderato
- I. Allegro
- II. Largo
- III. Allegro (Moderato)
- I. Allegro Con Spirito
- II. Andante
- III. Rondo
- I. Adagio
- II. Allegro
- I. Allegro
- II. Largo
- III. Allegro
- I. (-) - William Bennett
- II. Andante - William Bennett
- III. Allegro Assai - William Bennett
Customer Reviews:
Marsalis delivers again.......2007-01-30
This is a perfect album..........2006-08-16
This album features some of the most beloved works for trumpet, all which were composerd during the Baroque and Classical era. The original release has him performing concertos by Haydn, Leopold Mozart (Wolfgang's dad), and Hummel, as well as a concerto for trumpet and 2 oboes by Fasch. The Haydn is above all a classic for all Classically trained trumpet players.
The bonus tracks not included in the former releast, however, makes it even better; two exciting concertos requiring killer high notes (even up to a high A!), and another one featuring two trumpets (even though Marsalis played both parts using multitrack - would have been nicer if he worked with another trumpet player, perhaps Maurice Andre). Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, the latter of the works with high notes, is a piece you're likely to hear in one place or another, and it's a must for every trumpet player to check it out. All works in general require a great deal of virtuosity and musicality, so like any Maynard Ferguson piece, it's pretty darn hard to master.
This is a perfect album whether you're a Wynton Marsalis fan, or enjoy listening to any hard-core trumpet music regardless of genre.
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Notorious C.H.O.
Margaret Cho Manufacturer: Nettwerk Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000067OZ6 Release Date: 2002-06-18 |
Tracks:
- Gag Reflex
- My First Instinct
- Scotland
- I Don't Drink Anymore
- I Love Heroin
- C.C. Bloom's
- My First Colonic
- If Straight Men Had Periods
- If Gay Men Had Periods
- My Dreams Were Limited
- Alan & Jeremy
- Daddy Gay Story
- I Have Sex Like A Gay Man
- Personals
- Big Gulp
- Beaver Fever
- Wax On, Wax Off
- I Can't Come When You Fuck Me
- G-Spot
- Fisting
- Sex Club
- I'll Eat Pussy
Tracks:
- Women's Magazines
- Eating Disorder
- Marriage
- Self-Esteem Rant
- Encore
Customer Reviews:
Rent the DVD instead.......2003-07-07
Painfully unfunny.......2003-05-30
Margaret Cho--"Take me Away...".......2002-11-05
Mixing in everything from 9-11 to major gay humor, Cho easily takes your mind away from the nuisances of every day lives and lets you into a world of reality.
Her take on her parents is never forgotten and Cho does a funny bit on her father's brush with homosexuality and her mother's travels in the Middle East.
Gay fans around the world can rejoice in knowing this album is geared towards them, however straight fans will get something from it as well.
As fans know the popularity of "Can I warrsssh your vagina" will find another new saying as she embarks on a story of colonics and sexual orgasms (or the lack thereof).
Concert films on to CD always have the audience pauses for laughter and you will soon learn to take it in. If you are need of a funny CD which will make you smile and laugh out loud, this is the one CD for you!
Raunchy to the core!.......2002-10-22
Margaret still has perfect comedic timing and her stories are always a riot. I was disappointed, though, that there were few jokes about her mother, her trademark comedic tool.
I recommend this CD to you anyway. It's a 2-CD set. She's got great jokes. Make sure the kids are out of the room, though.
More Than Just Margaret.......2002-08-20
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Martinu: Chamber Music
Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000014AR Release Date: 1996-09-17 |
Tracks:
- Piano Quartet No. 1: Poco Allegro
- Piano Quartet No. 1: Adagio
- Piano Quartet No. 1: Allegretto poco moderato - etc.
- Quartet For Oboe, Violin, Cello And Piano: Moderato poco allegro
- Quartet For Oboe, Violin, Cello And Piano: Adagio - Adante poco moderato - Poco allegro
- Sonata No. 1 For Viola and Piano: Poco andante - Moderato - Tempo I - Poco meno
- Sonata No. 1 For Viola and Piano: Allegro non troppo - Poco menu - Etc.
- String Quintet For Two Violins, Two Violas And Cello: Allegro con brio
- String Quintet For Two Violins, Two Violas And Cello: Largo
- String Quintet For Two Violins, Two Violas And Cello: Allegretto
Customer Reviews:
An Artist Whose Time Will Come.......2006-03-01
Anyone living in the Southern California area has grown to know Martinu through the auspices of KUSC music guru Jim Svejda whose nightly broadcast Music Shelf opens with the third movement (Allegretto poco moderato) of the Martinu Piano Quartet No. 1 - that splendid piano solo that is gradually joined b the pulsating and quirky strings. It is a 'popular favorite' among Svejda's devotees and garners more questions to the radio station staff than any other question posed! The Piano Quartet is here performed by Rainer Moog (piano), Daniel Adni, Young-Chang Cho and Isabelle van Keulen and captures all the playful business of this charming work.
The other works on this well-recorded album include the Quartet for oboe, violin, cello & piano with Charmian Gadd, Joel Marangella, Alexander Ivashkin, Kathryn Selby, the lyrically dreamy Sonata for viola & piano with Daniel Adni, viola and once again Rainer Moog, piano. The final offering is one of the folk song inspired Quintet for 2 violins, 2 violas & cello with Charmian Gadd, Solomia Soroka, Rainer Moog, Young-Chang Cho, Theodore Kuchar.
For an introduction to the music of this strong composer this fine CD recorded at the 1994 Australian Festival of Chamber Music is a fine starting point. And then on to the symphonies... Recommended. Grady Harp, February 06
Excellent Chamber Music Find.......2005-02-25
Pleasantly surprised to find it on this truly budget price with additional chamber offeriings of this late 19th-early 20th century composer.
The additional offerings are well done by musicians at the 1194 Australian Chamber Festival. My favorite in addition to the Oboe Quartet is the Viola Sonata which is luscious and flowing with shades of his previous Rhapsody Concerto.
The Piano and String Quartets are fine, echoing Martinu's master: Roussel.
Fine Selection of Martinu Chamber Works.......2004-01-13
A great collection of Martinu's chamber music.......2003-11-21
The Piano Quartet is the longest work on the disc. It is in three movements, in a fast-slow-fast format. The first movement is strongly contrapuntal and rhythmic, yet full of melody, while the austere, melancholy second movement reserves the piano for the later, more dramatic stages. The work ends with a delightful allegretto finale which runs through a number of folk-music-inspired episodes before whirling to a conclusion.
Shorter, but no less delightful, is the quartet for oboe, violin, cello and piano. The opening movement is moderately fast and distinctly rhapsodic in nature. This is followed by a brief slow movement that begins with big piano chords before moving towards more delicate material. The finale is again folk-music inspired, but much more concise than in the previous work.
The viola sonata takes much further the rhapsodic tendency seen in the opening movement of the oboe quartet. The first movement is largely slow, and is characterised by long, lyrical, drawn-out melodies in the viola against a gently syncopated piano part. The finale is basically fast, though with constant changes in tempo that never allow any particular mood to prevail for long.
The string quintet is the earliest work on the disc, and the most abrasive. The motor rhythms of the opening movement suggest the Bartok of the second quartet, while the bleak Largo slow movement is unusually dissonant for Martinu. The finale responds to the darkness of the slow movement, alternating joyous rhythmic vitality and more gentle, lyrical material.
All four of these works are amongst the best of this prolific composer's chamber works, and the performances are all very good. Strongly recommended, particularly at the price.
An excellent Martinu album.......2002-11-27
Well, don't let that idiot put you off this CD. These pieces might not be as instantly accessible as some of Martinu's other chamber works, but they are all excellent pieces of music. I can see how the intensely contrapuntal textures and idiosyncratic melodic lines may seem overwhelming initially, but after a few listens these features disentangle themselves- the music is often 'busy', but this is because it is very detailed and (I think) beautiful. The Quartet for Oboe, Violin, Cello, and Piano is very fresh and lively, and the Piano Quartet No. 1 gets better every time I hear it.
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