Chicago Classics

Track Listings

1. Soulful Strut - Young-Holt Unlimited, Young

2. Whispers (Gettin' Louder) - Jackie Wilson

3. Love Makes a Woman - Barbara Acklin

4. Just Ain't No Love - Barbara Acklin

5. Sly, the Slick and the Wicked - The Lost Generation

6. Doggin' Around - Jackie Wilson

7. Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll - Vaughan Mason

8. Stoned Out of My Mind - The Chi-Lites

9. Living in the Footsteps of Another Man - The Chi-Lites

10. Nothing Can Stop Me - Gene Chandler

11. I'm Gonna Miss You - The Artistics

12. Candy - Big Maybelle

13. Thin Line Between Love and Hate - The Lost Generation

14. I Did It - Barbara Acklin

15. Thoughts & Wishes - Hamilton Bohannon

Chicago Classics,Various Artists,International Entertainment G,50's,60's,Chicago Soul,Northern Soul,Pop,Pop-Soul,R&B,Soul,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues,Uptown Soul

Chicago Classics

Tracks:

Arabian Waltz
Night of the Flying Horses Suite
Galloping Horses
Song of Eight Unruly Tipsy Poets
Shristi
The Silent City
Ambush from Ten Sides
Vocussion

Amazon.com

For Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, New Impossibilities capt ures an extraordinary yearlong Silk Road Chicago celebration. Partnering with th e City of Chicago and its leading arts and cultural organizations, in performanc es, exhibitions, and workshops, the Silk Road Project traced the weave of tradit ion and innovation through Chicago. In New Impossibilities, recorded duri ng a series of sold-out concerts at Daniel Burnham's historic Orchestra Hall, Yo -Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble convey the essence of their unique creative cu ltural exchange.

More from Yo-Yo Ma

Silk Road Journeys: Beyond the Horizon

Appassionato

Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone

Obrigado Brazil

Vivaldi's Cello

The Essential Yo-Yo Ma

Jacqueline du Pre - Favourite Cello Concertos ~ Boccherini, Dvorak, Elgar, Haydn, Monn, Saint-Saens, Schumann

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Collection
Beutefully interpretted
I THOUGHT I had heard these concertos,,,
Excellent Selection
A sassy dame

Jacqueline du Pre - Favourite Cello Concertos ~ Boccherini, Dvorak, Elgar, Haydn, Monn, Saint-Saens, Schumann
Edward Elgar , Luigi Boccherini , Antonin Dvorak , Camille Saint-Saëns , Joseph Haydn , Arnold Schoenberg , Robert Schuman , Daniel Barenboim , Sir John Barbirolli , Jacqueline du Pré , Valda Aveling , Georg Mathias Monn , London Symphony Orchestra , New Philharmonia Orchestra , Chicago Symphony Orchestra , and English Chamber Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Jacqueline du Pré - a lasting inspiration
Jacqueline du Pre In Portrait
Daniel Barenboim, Pinchas Zukerman & Jacqueline du Pré - Beethoven: Piano Trios
Hilary & Jackie
Jacqueline du Pré - Chopin: Cello Sonata in G minor, Franck: Sonata in A / Barenboim

ASIN: B000002S1F
Release Date: 1990-05-07

Tracks:

Cello Concerto No. 1 In C Major, Hob. VIIb:1: 1 - Moderato - Kadenz - Tempo I
Cello Concerto No. 1 In C Major, Hob. VIIb:1: 2 - Adagio - Kadenz - Tempo I
Cello Concerto No. 1 In C Major, Hob. VIIb:1: 3 - Allegro molto
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major, Hob. VIIb:2: 1 - Allegro moderato
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major, Hob. VIIb:2: 2 - Adagio
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major, Hob. VIIb:2: 3 - Rondo (Allegro)
Cello Concerto in B flat major: 1 - Allegro moderato - Kadenz - Tempo I
Cello Concerto in B flat major: 2 - Adagio no troppo
Cello Concerto in B flat major: 3 - Rondo (Allegro) - Kadenz - Tempo I

Tracks:

Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129: I. Nicht zu schnell
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129: II. Langsam - Etwas lebhafter - Schneller
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129: III. Sehr lebhaft - Kadenz - Tempo I
Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33
Cello Concerto In G Minor: I. Allegro
Cello Concerto In G Minor: II. Adagio
Cello Concerto In G Minor: III. Allegro non tanto

Tracks:

Concerto In B Minor, Op. 104: I. Allegro
Concerto In B Minor, Op. 104: II. Adagio ma non troppo
Concerto In B Minor, Op. 104: III. Finale (Allegro moderato)
Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: Adagio-Moderato
Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: II. Lento-Allegro molto
Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: III. Adagio
Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: IV. Allegro ma non troppo

Amazon.com essential recording

During her far-too-brief career, cellist Jacqueline du Pré exhibited an almost oracular power of communication. Her performances bristled with the kind of brilliant electricity that could change lives and convert listeners to a lifelong love of music. Happily, it's possible to experience a sense of that power from the recordings du Pré completed before multiple sclerosis halted her career as a performer in the early 1970s. This set provides a splendid portrait--at bargain price--of du Pré's unmistakable personality: the astonishingly original yet convincing phrasing, raw energy, and ability to make her instrument sound uncannily like a human voice (du Pré was after all a favored student of Mstislav Rostropovich). Her rendition of Haydn's Concerto in C is clearly cast in a romantic--and nowadays perhaps unfashionable--mold, yet du Pré's big, bold tone carries the musical line forward with exhilarating presence. It's a demeanor that proves especially reassuring for the quirkily mercurial inventions of Boccherini. Yet du Pré most indelibly leaves her signature on the work that became her hallmark, Edward Elgar's E Minor Concerto, grafting a deeply personal level of expression onto the score's rich post-World War I melancholy. In the Schumann, du Pré makes an eloquently passionate protagonist. A similar sense of excitement is to be heard in Dvorák's Concerto--performed near the end of her career--above all in the flame of inspiration she evidently sparks from the orchestra in the serene close of its slow movement. This is a supremely rewarding collection for the beginner and aficionado alike. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Collection.......2007-07-28

This is a wonderful collection of Jacqueline du Pre's work, both because it traces her development as an artist, her unique interaction with various conductors and her interpretations of a variety of composers. Jacueline du Pre is a cellist for all time.

Beutefully interpretted.......2007-04-04

Jacquline du Pres interprettation of some of the moast famous cello consertos is simply amasing. her music just flows with energy and abbowe all passion. she realy brings out the qaleties of the cello with intensety and softnes intertwined. music bursting with passion.

I THOUGHT I had heard these concertos,,,.......2007-04-04

UNTIL I was fortunate enough to have heard them performed by Jacqueline du Pre!!!
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!! Her superb playing, along with truly masterful
interpretative skills, just "comes pouring out of the speakers!"
Also, the orchestras were obviously truly inspired by these opportunities to perform and record with one of the greatest musicians of all time.
The sound quality is excellent, as is the separation and clarity of both the soloist's and orchestral performances. The overall dynanism is also top notch - I found I had to lower the volume substantially from my normal
system loudness levels.
I've enjoyed this set so much I'll probably wind up buying everything from Amazon that EMI has produced with Jacqueline du Pre's name on it!

Excellent Selection.......2007-02-27

The choice of concertos is excellent and the artistry of Jacqueline du Pre is exceptional. The Schumann and Saint-Saens works are truly beautiful.

The album is a fitting tribute to the tragic loss of an incredible young talent.

A sassy dame.......2007-02-20

I love this CD. It came extremely fast to NZ and a bonus too as I was expecting only one cd not three!
While Dvorak is currently my favourite, other composers featured here have been growing on me.
Never been a Cello devotee in the past, but I am enjoying this new phase of my musical listening.
The late Ms du Pre plays with vigor and assertiveness, yet manages to convey those moving and sublime moments when needed.
Most enjoyable. Thanky you

Blues Masters, Vol. 4: Harmonica Classics

Average customer rating:

a good cd
well satisfied
Great and varied harping!
A fine sampler for the casual blues fan

Blues Masters, Vol. 4: Harmonica Classics
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Blues Masters, Vol. 16: More Harmonica Classics
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ASIN: B0000032X5
Release Date: 1992-11-10

Tracks:

Juke - Little Walter
Ends and Odds - Jimmy Reed
Rocket 88 - Jimmy Cotton Blues Quartet
Help Me - Sonny Boy Williamson
Messin' With The Kid - Junior Wells
Blues With A Feeling - Butterfield Blues Band
Sugar Coated Love - Lazy Lester
Steady - Jerry Mc Cain
I'll Be Around - Howlin' Wolf
I Was Fooled - Billy Boy Arnold
Take A Little Walk With Me - Big John Wrencher/Joe Carter
Easy - Jimmy And Walter
Boogie Twist - Snooky Pryor
Wolf Call Boogie - Hot Shot Love
Last Night - George 'Harmonica' Smith And The Chicago Blues Band
I Got Love If You Want It - Slim Harpo
Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Christo Redemptor - Charlie Musselwhite

Customer Reviews:

a good cd.......2007-03-13

pretty much all the songs on here are actually good, unlike with a lot of compilations. a good buy.

well satisfied.......2005-09-15

cd was as advertised and arrived in good condition, in a timely fashion. this is the first used product i have purchased on the net and i am very satisfied with the results

Great and varied harping!.......2004-09-25

Wow! A friend recommended this CD to me (as I am beginning to play), and what a treat this was. Terrific variety in style, and superb playing all around. Especially helpful were the extensive liner notes to the CD, listing each artist and going into their background as well as details about the songs. Really enjoyable reading. I just can't say enough about it if you are looking for a good sampling of harp songs. :)

A fine sampler for the casual blues fan.......2003-12-07

Rhino's "Blues Masters" series is the best of its kind, and while this one disc obviously only scratches the surface of blues harmonica playing, it does feature a lot of good music.

Most longtime blues fans will own the lion's share of this material already, but "Harmonica Classics" also features several lesser-known songs like Jerry McCain's "Steady", Lazy Lester's superbly groovy "Sugar Coated Love", "Boogie Twist" by Snooky Pryor, and "Easy" by the greatest blues harmonica player of them all, the great Walter Horton (that's the song credited to "Jimmy and Walter").

Howlin' Wolf is here as well, Billy Boy Arnold is here, Little Walter Jacobs is here with his instrumental classic "Juke", and Jimmy Reed is here, doing the loping "Ends And Odds" in his lazy, minimalistic style. Other highlights include Junior Wells' tough "Messin' With The Kid" and Sonny Boy Williamson (II)'s "Help Me".

These songs don't necessarily rank among the artists' very best, since they were chosen primarily for the harp playing, and that may be seen as a little bit of a drawback. But that's not to say that these songs are generally below par, however, and this collection does focus on blues harmonica after all.
And there is some impressive instrumental prowess on display here, including the Fabulous Thunderbirds' lyrical "Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White", "Last Night" by George "Harmonica" Smith, and the one-armed John Wrencher's rendition "Take A Little Walk With Me".

As I said, this is not excactly the defintive word on blues harmonica, or on the artists represented here, but "Harmonica Classics" and its companion volume (excitingly titled "More Harmonica Classics") are still a fine purchase for casual and "mid-level" blues listeners.
Lots of great music here.

Jacqueline du Pré - a lasting inspiration

Average customer rating:

cello lover
99% perspiration
Immortal Legend
Epitome of Cello
Ooo! Samples!

Jacqueline du Pré - a lasting inspiration
Antonin Dvorak , Franz Joseph Haydn , Edward Elgar , Maria Theresia von Paradis , Robert Schumann , Felix Mendelssohn , Gabriel Faure , Johann Sebastian Bach , Camille Saint-Saens , Manuel de Falla , Max Bruch , Ludwig van Beethoven , Johannes Brahms , Cesar Franck , Chicago Symphony Orchestra , London Symphony Orchestra , Daniel Barenboim , Sir John Barbirolli , Jacqueline du Pré , Pinchas Zukerman , Roy Jesson , Gerald Moore , John [guitar] Williams , and Osian Ellis
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Jacqueline du Pre - Favourite Cello Concertos ~ Boccherini, Dvorak, Elgar, Haydn, Monn, Saint-Saens, Schumann
Jacqueline du Pre In Portrait
Jacqueline du Pré - Chopin: Cello Sonata in G minor, Franck: Sonata in A / Barenboim
Hilary & Jackie
Daniel Barenboim, Pinchas Zukerman & Jacqueline du Pré - Beethoven: Piano Trios

ASIN: B00000K4F9
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Cello Concerto In B Minor Op. 104: I. Allegro - Dvorak
Cello Concerto No.2 In D: I. Allegro moderato
Cello Concerto No.2 In D: II. Adagio
Cello Concerto No.2 In D: III. Allegro
Cello Concerto In E Minor: I. Adagio - Moderato
Cello Concerto In E Minor: II. Lento - Allegro molto
Cello Concerto In E Minor: III. Adagio
Cello Concerto In E Minor: IV. Allegro, Moderato, Allegro ma non troppo

Tracks:

Sicilienne
Three Fantasy Pieces: I. Zart mit Audruck
Three Fantasy Pieces: II. Lebhaft
Three Fantasy Pieces: III. Rasch und mit Feuer
Sing Without Words in D, Op.109
Elegie In C Minor, Op. 24
The Toccata: Adagio
The Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
Suite populaire espagnole: Jota
Kol nidrei, Op. 47
Piano Trio In B-flat 'Archduke', Op.97
Cello Sonata No.2 In F, Op.99
Sonata in A

Customer Reviews:

cello lover.......2007-05-31

Absoluty the best. It is no wonder she was the world premier cello artist!! Can't say enough. If you love cello, and classical music, this is a must have. Her whole collection is worth every penny!!!

99% perspiration.......2006-11-08

(4.5/5 stars) This is a two-disc collection of musical works, in which the great cellist Jacqueline du Pre plays. The first disc consists of three cello concerti by three different composers: Dvorak (Romantic), Haydn (Classical) and Elgar (Romantic). Very good music, though it might leave you wondering what all the fuss is about. Not to worry: just pop in Disc Two to find out. The second disc contains shorter works by a wider variety of composers. It also might just leave you breathless by its beauty. Saint-Säens' "The Swan" (from "Carnival of the Animals") is nearly indescribable in its elegance, with du Pre's cello dancing with a harp. This haunting recording should not be missed. Bruch's "Kol Nidrei" is magnificently gorgeous as well. Three fantasy pieces from Schumann, one of Mendelssohn's "Lieder Ohne Wörter" and a stunning Brahms sonata infuse this collection with genuine grace. Since these were recorded prior to the advent of digital recordings, you might hear a very slight hiss on some of the recordings. This is barely audible and really does not detract from the pleasure of listening to it. Each disc runs 75 minutes, making this inspiration last long indeed.

Immortal Legend.......2006-10-07

As a cellist, I grew up listening to Jacqueline Du Pre's recordings. Even now as a 35 year old, I'm still enthralled by her amazing talent. This is a great cd if one is looking for a wonderful introduction to this superb cellist or simply wants to savor her most well known recordings. Du Pre owned the "Elgar" concerto. No other words can summarize this fact. Other beautiful and moving pieces are here on this disc: Bruch "Kol Nidrei", Haydn "Concerto No.2", Faure "Elegie", Brahms "Concerto No.2". The cello is a difficult instrument to play due to the strength required in both hands. Du Pre's playing touches the heartstrings with both emotion and depth. The tone that she coaxes from her cello is amazing. Jacqueline Du Pre is a legend.

Epitome of Cello.......2006-06-23

As a cellist, I absolutely love du Pré's work. I actually found this CD when I was looking for a modern recording of "A Jacqueline du Pré Recital", a record compiled of pieces done between July 15, 1962 and April 1, 1969. The second CD in this set contains the same songs as that record.

The concertos on the first CD are spectacular, especially her rendition of the Elgar concerto which has defined the piece since she first performed it. The second CD, however, is just as wonderful as a collection of some of the most loved cello pieces. No cello recording complete without Saint Saen's "The Swan" and du Pré's version is the only one I've ever heard that I actually like. "Elégie in C minor" (composed by Gabriel Fauré) is one of my personal favorites especially since her rapport with the pianist is obvious and the two instruments blend in a way that makes the piece even more poignant.

Overall, this CD is a must-have for anyone who loves cello as a perfect sample of Jacqueline du Pré's work.

Ooo! Samples!.......2005-11-29

As far as the romantic period goes, Jacqueline Du Pre is my personal favorite 'cellist. Her sensitivity to put expression of the musical idea always outweighed the desire to appear impressive. There is a difference in being just a virtuoso and being a musician. A virtuoso has the capability to dazzle and amaze, but music is more than just being impressive, and Du Pre succeeds in becoming, in every sense, a musician first and foremost. The only complaint I have of this album is the fact that you only get one movement of each piece! Even so, this a wonderful "sample dish" of Du Pre's extraordinary playing, mainly meant to get you hooked so you can get more.

Average customer rating:

Not what I thought it would be
Original Chicago House Classics
REAL HOUSE MUSIC
Original chicago house classics

Original Chicago House Classics
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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His Greatest Hits from Trax
House Mix: Non Stop Megamix
The Sound of Chicago House 1985-2006
Journey with the Lonely
Trax Records: 20th Anniversary Collection

ASIN: B00005YXJ2
Release Date: 2002-03-22

Tracks:

Your Love - Frankie Knuckles
Can You Feel It - Mr. Fingers
Love Can't Turn Around - Farley "Jackmaster" Funk, Darryl Pandy
Do It Properly - Adonis
Move Your Body - Marshall Jefferson
Promised Land - Joe Smooth
Baby Wants to Ride - Frankie Knuckles, Jamie Principle
You Used to Hold Me - Xaviera Gold, Ralphi Rosario
House Nation - House Master Boyz,
Pump Up London - Mr. Lee,
Can't Get Enough - Liz Torres
Bring Down the Walls - Robert Owens

Album Description

Full title, 'Original Chicago House Classics'. UK compilation featuring full length 12 inch mixes from the godfathers of house. 12 tracks from the groundbreaking Trax label, 'Your Love' Frankie Knuckles, 'Can You Feel It' Mr. Fingers, 'Love Can't Turn Around' Farley 'Jackamster' Funk & Darryl Pandy, 'Do It Properly' Adonis, 'Move Your Body' Jefferson, Marshall, 'Promised Land' Joe Smooth, 'Baby Wants To Ride' Frankie Knuckles & Jamie Principle, 'You Used To Hold Me' Rosario, Ralphi & Xavier Gold, 'House Nation' House Master Boyz & Rude Boy Of House, 'Pump Up London' Mr. Lee, 'Can't Get Enough' Torres, Liz & 'Bring Down The Walls' Owens, Robert. 2002.

Album Details

15 Great Trax from Larry Sherman's Trax Label that were at the Forefront of House Music in It's Heyday. Artists Include the Godfather of House Frankie Knuckles, Mr. Fingers, Farley 'jackmaster' Funk, Marshall Jefferson, Ralphi Rosario, Liz Torres, Robert Owens and More.

Customer Reviews:

Not what I thought it would be.......2007-05-19

I'm a huge house and club classic fan. This cd had a lot of songs I wanted but they were mixed/re-mixed. Not too happy with the purchase. The shipper was great though!!!

Original Chicago House Classics.......2006-07-27

Being a club kid from the Garage days in NYC it is refreshing to hear a good compliation of old school house music.

REAL HOUSE MUSIC.......2005-03-30

this is a good collection of Chicago house music....the music i grew up listening too. you can't go wrong with ANY of the tracks,
they are ALL hot!!

Original chicago house classics.......2003-11-26

If you're a fan of house music, this cd is a must have. I still have the originals on wax, but listening on cd is amazing, from the God father of house teaming up Jamie P, Marshall "move your body" Jefferson to the the Queen of State street Liz Torres. If you know house is not just a music , its a feeling , then treat yourself to the best, and bring down the walls.

Sousa: Marches; Band of HR Royal Marines; Lt. Col. G.A.C. Hoskins

Average customer rating:

Sousa
Sousa By the Royal Marines
Still Among the Best
How Sousa Should Sound

Sousa: Marches; Band of HR Royal Marines; Lt. Col. G.A.C. Hoskins
John Phillip Sousa , Lt. Col. G. A. C. Hoskins , and Band of HR Royal Marines
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sousa Original II / United States Marine Band

ASIN: B0000CE7FX
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

King Cotton
The Gladiator
Semper Fidelis
The Belle Of Chicago
The Invincible Eagle
Manhattan Beach
The Liberty Bell
El Capitan
The Washington Post
The Crusader
The Black Horse Troop
The Fairest Of The Fair
The High School Cadets
The Stars And Stripes Forever
The Pride Of The Wolverines
Hail To The Spirit Of Liberty
From Maine To Oregon
The Diplomat
Powhatan's Daughter
Kansas Wildcats
Sound Off
The Thunderer

Tracks:

Hands Across The Sea
The Royal Welch Fusiliers
The Legionnaires
Daughters Of Texas
The Gallant Seventh
Golden Jubilee
Solid Men To The Front
Marquette University
The Beau Ideal
The Rifle Regiment
The Northern Pines
Nobles Of The Mystic Shrine
New York Hippodrome
The Gridiron Club
The Charlatan
The Lambs
The National Game
On The Campus
La Flor De Sevilla
Jack Tar
The Glory Of The Yankee Navy

Customer Reviews:

Sousa.......2007-07-25

I love Sousa marches but this recording while comprehensive and cheep lacks much to be desired in the musical rendension. It lacks the spark and musicality of Sousa.

Sousa By the Royal Marines.......2007-03-31

This is a great CD re-issue of the Band of the Royal Marines School of Music under Graham Hoskins. This band did a three LP series on Sousa marches some years ago that was better than most on this very well covered topic. Sousa march recordings will always come and go, but some like this stand out more than others. For one, there is nothing like the panache of a Royal Marines band. Their sound is a time honored development that gets passed from one generation to the next. Even as the number of RM bands continues to change and downsize, there are now about four bands left in the service, their sound quality continues to be superb.

When these recordings were made RM bands were still at their height in the British service and their quality was amazing. Most bands numbered over 60 in this period, and that is why many Americans may be surprsed at the volume of music produced here. This is not one of your small, though excellent regimental bands! Americans tend to think that British military band instrumentation is on the thin side. Not so here! Of course Sousa always sounds best with either the Allentown band or the US Marine band.

This CD is evidence of how popular Sousa has always been in the UK, and with RM bands in particular. The selection here on two CDs covers most of the standard Sousa fair, with a few different selections here and there. Unfortunatley there are none of Sousa's fine transcriptions for classical music, or selections from his operettas. This music is always wonderful to have in combination with the marches as it shows how much variety he was capable of in his compositions. For that kind of concert the reader is referred to the very fine collection of Sousa music being done under the Naxos label by the Band of the Royal Artillery.

Here you will find a solid collection of Sousa's great marches. Roughly a third of those 136 compositions are contained here. The Royal Marines give a sharpe and clear sound to these works which should certainly inspire. You will also get a very nice idea how RM bands sounded back in the 1980s. Graham Hoskins was a fine director of music, typical of the inhouse genius of the Royal Marines Band Service at that time. He took this band on a USA tour in 1985 with the Arygll & Sutherland Highlanders. Devotees of Sousa should enjoy these spirited versions of the march king's music as performed across the pond.

Still Among the Best.......2006-06-01

I bought two audio casettes with these marches back in the 1980's and wore them out. These performances are hard to beat for virtuosity, enthusiasm, and sparkle. The sound quality is outstanding. And there are some marches that are rarely, if at all, available.

How Sousa Should Sound.......2006-03-07

Great value 2 cd disc set cut in the early 1980's & remastered the sound of the Royal Marines Band is nothing short of terrific. Judging by the sound would not be surprised for this to be a combined double RM band. These 1st chair players give Sousa's great marches that extra kick that takes the "March Kings" music to that higher level. By the center quick march!!!!

Average customer rating:

Not everything on this set is by Abbaddo.
Appraising Abbado's controversial Tchaikovsky cycle

Tchaikovsky: The 6 Symphonies

Manufacturer: Sony Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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Bruckner: The Complete Symphonies
Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets

ASIN: B000I2JHJA
Release Date: 2006-11-28

Customer Reviews:

Not everything on this set is by Abbaddo........2007-03-08

The other review is excellent in detailing the merits of these recordings and it's a great price for a huge box set.

However, i must mention that Claudio Abbaddo and the Chicago Symphony is not the only artist on this box set.

Abbado conducts the 6 symphonies, The Nutcracker Ballet Suite, The Tempest, 1812, Romeo and Juliet, Marche Slave and Voyevoda.

Michael Tilson Thomas conducts the London Symphony on the Manfred Symphony

Tilson Thomas conducts the Philharmonia on Suite No.4 and Suite No.2 for orchestra.

Tilson Thomas conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic on Suite No. 3

and finally, Zubin Mehta conducts the Israeli Philharmonic for Serenade Melancolique and Melodie in E Flat Major.

Also, it seems that Amazon is not showing the track listings.

I will post the arrangement by disc:

CD1:
Symphony No. 1 and The Nutcracker Ballet Suite

CD2:
Symphony No. 2 and The Tempest

CD3:
Symphony No. 3 and 1812 Overture

CD4:
Symphony No. 4 and Romeo and Juliet

CD5:
Symphony No. 5 and Voyevoda

CD6:
Symphony No. 6, Marche Slav, and Suite No. 4

CD7:
Manfred Symphony, Serenade Melancolique, Melodie

CD8:
Suite No.2, Suite No. 3

Appraising Abbado's controversial Tchaikovsky cycle.......2007-02-17

Claudio Abbado spent considerable time with the CSO in the 1980s but rarely returned (so far as I know) after he was appointed as Karajan's successor in Berlin. His complete Tchaikovsky cycle was a flagship enterprise for Sony, and yet the results divide listeners, some of whom categorically dismiss Abbado's interpretations as boring and fussy, lacking in Slavic passion. I had casually bought into that judgment but decided recently to listen to the whole cycle afresh, leading to the following, sometimes surprising conclusions:

Sym. #1: We start off on a high point. This work, subtitled 'Winter Dreams,' is the most immature of the symphonies, relying on much repetition in place of solid sonata development, and at times it's hard to distinguish why this is a symphony and not part of a ballet suite. However, the melodies are gorgeous, and a conductor with real conviction can make the music come across. Abbado spins out the balletic first movement with energy and verve--it makes the often recommended Tilson Thomas version from Boston (on DG) seem overly refined. The lyrical second movement evokes real tenderness, the Scherzo (another balletic movement) skips along lightly but could use more rhythmic emphasis, and the finale, after an Andante lugubre introduction that could be darker, sweeps convincingly into the grand allegro, which has lots of punch and vitality. In all, an excellent performance. After you count in the fine sonics and the gorgeous playing of the Chicago Sym., Abbado outshines all his Western competition, including Karajan, Mehta, and Bernstein in their complete sets.

Sym. #2: Outstandings recordings of the First Sym. are thin on the ground, but not of the 'Little Russian,' which boasts a classic from Giulini (EMI) and a committed reading from Bernstein (Sony). Abbado has a great advantage in outstanding solo parts played with style and commitment by the Chicagoans--you won't hear better from Karajan's Berliners. Rather than aiming for folk-style earthiness, Abbado takes the work to be grander, more symphonically European. In that vein the first movement is convincing and thrilling. But the march that follows is reticent and fussy. The performance is back in form with an energetic, propulsive Scherzo, a total success. The finale is imposingly grand at the outset, rich with brass sonorities, and although the main allegro section sounds a bit fussed over, it has requisite vigor and enthusiasm. In sum, another success, much better played and recorded than esteemed rivals like Dorati on Mercury and Markevitch on Philips.

Sym. #3: The "Polish" Sym. is the problem child, a score so drawn out and balletic (Balanchine based his full-length "Jewels" on it) that few conductors can hold it together symphonically. It doesn't help matters that so much of the music hovers around Andante instead of a vigorous Allegro, or that the harmonies are often ambiguous. Abbado takes the shadowy first movement as a processional, delicately nuanced in the phrasing but moving along. It works well, but the next movement "Alla Tedesca" sounds exactly the same; he hasn't found any contrast in tempo or mood. The third movement, which is yet another shadowy andante, sounds inward and melancholy. By now the wandering nature of the piece has won out; attention begins to wander, to. Abbado doesn't find enough earthiness in the mercurial Scherzo to salvage matters, so we might as well give in and enjoy this as ballet. Tchaikovsky wants the finale to be played "with fire," but Abbado remains at low temperature, smooth and flowing. I've been highly critical here, so let it be said that none of Abbado's Western rivals do any better. Call this attempt to interpret a sprawling ballet-symphony a middling success, with reservations.

Sym. #4: The last three symphonies are meat for every great conductor, needless to say, so Abbado had little chance of rising to the very summit. He competes with himself, in fact, given that his Decca recording of the Fourth with the Vienna Phil. ranks among his best recordings from the Seventies. A good or even very good reading won't do, and that's about all that Abbado gives us. The CSO brass suddenly begin to snarl a bit, a la Solti, and softer passages get fussed over. The first movement fails to cohere convincingly, and one wonders exactly where the interpretation is going. Is this just big-band international Tchaikovsky? On the whole, yes. The oboe solo in the Andante flows by without much individuality or expression, and you realize that this music doesn't mean much to anyone here. The Scherzo is virtuosic without being thrilling. The finale is heavy and not fast enough to raise one's blood, immediately turning tepid in the lyrical second subject. All in all, not an inspired reading. In fact, a definite miss unless you simply must hear the CSO run thorugh its paces.

Sym. #5: Although much loved, the Fifth suffers from repeating the same motive in the first and last movements, as well as repetitive development sections that hammer simple rhythmic patterns over and over. To really succeed, an interpretation must be intense, dramatic, and played with edge of the seat intensity (in a word, the way Mravinsky does it). Abbado starts out with a full, broad statement that isn't premonitory enough (it doesn't promise great things to come), but no one can doubt how detailed and beautiful the playing is. There's a lot to be said for avoiding banality in this music or hollow grandiosity. Add in the outstanding Chicago playing (thankfully less blaring in the brass), and the first movement turns into a real success. Likewise the Andante, which begins with ravishing cellos and a natural, unforced solo horn. Here Abbado moves things along rather quickly, perhaps too much so for the music to tell as expressively as it might. But again, no sentimentality allowed. The waltz Scherzo is weaker in its characterization, coming off as well played but faceless. Up to this point, I've been feeling that Abbado's reading deserves respet, which is confirmed by a sober but full-voiced finale, the place where sentimentality and false heroics lay real traps. In all, I like this Fifth and rate it higher than the Fourth. Those who prefer blood-and-thunder won't agree. This is a Fifth for those who usually avoid the work.

Sym. #6: It's as difficult to produce a truly memorable 'Pathetique' as it is to produce a truly memorable Beethoven Fifth, and yet neither work ever misfires under a good conductor. So the challenge is greatness, pure and simple. Abbado had looming over his head Reiner's acclaimed Sixth with the same CSO in Living Stereo on RCA, a classic. Let's note right off that the playing and recording here are up to Reiner's standards. Reiner was a cool customer, perhaps the greatest technicin of his day. Abbado is cool, too, but without the intensity of a master craftsman. His 'Pathetique' is too loose-limbed at the beginning; one soon realizes that as with the Fourth, he has no pressing thing to say in this music. One episode follows another beautifully, if at times cautiously (E.g., a tepid second subject in the opening movement that needs to soar). The succeeding movements don't change that impression, even though everyone concerned tries to thrill us in the Scherzo, and do. Tchaikovksy's last symphony rises and falls on its tragic finale--I want a wrenching catharsis--but Abbado has decided that pathos is the dominant feeling. He's not alone in that, so if you want less than catharsis, here is a well-played finale that I find unmemorable. In all, I'd place Abbado's Sixth a little higher than the Fourth but well shy of the Fifth.

Manfred Sym.: The last two discs in the set switch conductors to Michael Tilson Thomas, leading three different orchestras. If you know Markevitch's electrifying Manfred (in EMI's Great Condcutors seris), it will seem that MTT starts out too tamely, but this performance contains many hidden bombshells. The plaing of the London Sym. really excels expectations. To my knowledge, the best played and recorded Manfred has been Chailly's on Decca, but this one gives it some serious competition. I wish MTT had turned in an unforgettable reading--he certainly turns in the best he has to offer in Tchaikovsky--but his occasional fussiness barely detracts from a thrilling ride.

Sony originally released this cycle at one symphony per disc, the remainder being filled up with the usual suspects: Romeo and Juliet, the 1812 Over., the Nutcracker Suite. They're still here, making this an 8-CD box competing with several 5-CD sets, but it's available at a good price,especially on the used market. The unuusal item is The Tempest tone poem and, even more so, three of Tchaikovsky's neglected orchestral suites (#2, #3, and #5 'Mozartiana). Don't pass them by, because suddenly Tilson Thomas (once again) finds all the sparkle and liveliness, all the vibrancy and joy, that only fitfully appears in the symphonies.

Overall judgement: I was surprised, given its lackluster reputation, that this is often a spectacular set, full of exciting playing. Abbado has no riveting conception in the last three symphonies, and in fact rises to his best in the First and Second. For overall conviction, I'd buy the Temirkanov set on RCA, but Abbado is more convincing to me than Karajan, and better in the early works than Bernstein. Experienced collectors will already have multiple favorites among the individual suymphonies and won't want a complete set. For them, Abbado's "Winter Dreams" is the overlooked gem, and going farther afield, there's the great Manfred Sym. performance and utterly captivating Suites from MTT. It might add up to a great bargain after all.

Average customer rating:

Classic Scary Music
Classical and great
Great collection, but they missed one
The Perfect Halloween-Themed Classical Album
Spooky Classical Music That Is Great For Halloween Or Anytime Of The Year!

Classics from the Crypt

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Very Scary Music: Classic Horror Themes
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ASIN: B000003FAI
Release Date: 1992-09-08

Tracks:

Toccata & Fugue In D Minor, BWV 565
Danse Macabre
Funeral March Of A Marionette - Arthur Fiedler
Night On Bald Mountain
Symphonie Fantastique - March To The Scaffold - Georges Pretre
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 - In The Hall Of The Mountain King
Mephisto Waltz - Fritz Reiner
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Symphonie Fantastique - Dream Of A Witches' Sabbath - Georges Pretre

Customer Reviews:

Classic Scary Music.......2007-01-10

If you're looking for classic haunted castle type scary music, this is a good CD.
Used this in a haunted maze in our basement, and it helped freak the kids out fairly well.

Classical and great.......2006-11-28

A must-have for your Halloween music collection. Different and strong, the music will definitely get you in the Halloween mood. I played it on my stereo while answering the door to trick-or-treaters. It made me feel "oh-so-spooky" and festive.

Great collection, but they missed one.......2006-06-10

An excellent compilation of the darker side of classical music, although I would have preferred a different rendition of Toccata and Fugue in D (New York Philharmonic perhaps), it's still quite good.

But how could the series producer leave off Ravel's Pavane For a Dead Princess? It's preferable to Symphonie Fantastique - March to The Scaffold, plus Berlioz already makes an appearance with Dream of a Witches' Sabbath. If there was room, Verdi's Requiem would have been a nice addition too.

So I have to go with 4 stars only.

The Perfect Halloween-Themed Classical Album.......2005-10-17

What better way to celebrate Halloween than by throwing a party and popping this recording on the stereo. This is classical music with a Halloween theme. Conductors Eugene Ormandy and George Pretre (whom I would have never believed did this kind of stuff) conducts classical music with a dark and Gothic twist. The cover is attrative- a cartoon drawing of the Phantom of the Opera playing on his organ. The first track is Bach's Toccata and Fugue for organ in D minor. It is genuinely considered a Halloween piece, and has been associated with such films as Dracula. The malevolent sound of the Toccata (the opening chords) are especially memorable. Danse Macabre was Saint Saen's ode to Halloween and it is a devilish waltz for violin. Gounod's Funeral March of a Marionette became famous for the theme to Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Night on Bald Mountain by Mussorgsky was used in Disney's Fantasia, in the last segment and is very frightening and brisk. Lisz's Mephisto Waltzes are piano pieces that evoke a wild frenzy but I find nothing dark about it. It is difficult music to play however. The music of Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique utilizes many horror themes. In the Romantic Era, Gothic lore spread and such figures as Mary Shelley and Bram Stroker would write novels of Gothic horror -Frankenstein and Dracula. In the Symphony Fantastique, a young man falls in love with an elusive woman. He imagines she is unfaithful to him and then has a disturbing dream in which she is a witch in a coven. Then he is marched to a scaffold and beheaded. The music is very compelling and dark. All the music here is great to listen to on Halloween and the conductors and orchestra play them well. A must have.

Spooky Classical Music That Is Great For Halloween Or Anytime Of The Year!.......2005-10-16

I love Classical music, it is one of my favorite styles of music and I also like Halloween and scary movies, etc, I bought this CD because I heard, In The Hall of the Mountain King, Night on Bald Mountain, Dance Macabre and Funeral March of a Marionette and I liked them. Dance Macabre was used in a season 4 episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer called Hush. Also Funeral March of a Marionette was used as the theme for Alfred Hitchock Presents. All of these pieces are great and I also liked Tocata & Fuge in D minor. This CD with it's spooky sounding classical music is great for playing on Halloween but can really be listened to anytime and not just on Halloween and I highly recommend it!

Jacqueline du Pré - The Concerto Collection

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Concerto Performances
Lacks the "real" Elgar!
The real du Pre, but not the *real* Elgar performance!!!
Great performances, by one of the greatest cellists!
a fitting memorial to a unique artiste

Jacqueline du Pré - The Concerto Collection
Edward Elgar , Joseph Haydn , Antonin Dvorak , Luigi Boccherini , Robert Schumann , Frederick Delius , Georg Mathias Monn , Richard Strauss , English Chamber Orchestra , Sir John Barbirolli , Daniel Barenboim , Chicago Symphony Orchestra , Jacqueline du Pré , London Symphony Orchestra , Sir Adrian Boult , New Philharmonia Orchestra , Herbert Downes , and Desmond Bradley
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Daniel Barenboim, Pinchas Zukerman & Jacqueline du Pré - Beethoven: Piano Trios
Elgar: Cello Concerto; "Enigma" Variations
Jacqueline du Pre - Favourite Cello Concertos ~ Boccherini, Dvorak, Elgar, Haydn, Monn, Saint-Saens, Schumann
Jacqueline du Pré - Chopin: Cello Sonata in G minor, Franck: Sonata in A / Barenboim
Jacqueline du Pré - a lasting inspiration

ASIN: B00004RIU5
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

Cello Concerto No. 1 In C Hob.VIIb:1: I. Moderato - Cadenza
Cello Concerto No. 1 In C Hob.VIIb:1: II. Adagio - Cadenza
Cello Concerto No. 1 In C Hob.VIIb:1: III. Allegro molto
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Hob.VIIb:2: I. Allegro moderato - Cadenza
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Hob.VIIb:2: II. Adagio
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Hob.VIIb:2: III. Rondo (Allegro) - Cadenza
Cello Concerto In B Flat: I. Allegro moderato - Cadenza
Cello Concerto In B Flat: II. Adagio non troppo
Cello Concerto In B Flat: III. Rondo (Allegro) - Cadenza

Tracks:

Cello Concerto In A Minor Op. 129: Nicht zu schnell
Cello Concerto In A Minor Op. 129: Langsam - Etwas lebhafter - Schneller
Cello Concerto In A Minor Op. 129: Sehr lebhaft - (Cadenza) - Im Tempo - Schneller
Cello Concerto No. 1In A Minor Op. 33: Allegro non troppo
Cello Concerto No. 1In A Minor Op. 33: Allegretto non troppo
Cello Concerto No. 1In A Minor Op. 33: Un peu moins vite
Cello Concerto In G Minor: I. Allegro
Cello Concerto In G Minor: II. Adagio
Cello Concerto In G Minor: III. Allegro non tanto

Tracks:

Cello Concerto In B Minor Op. 104: I. Allegro
Cello Concerto In B Minor Op. 104: II. Adagio ma non troppo
Cello Concerto In B Minor Op. 104: III. Finale (Allegro moderato)
Silent Woods Op. 68
Cello Concerto: Lento
Cello Concerto: Con moto tranquillo
Cello Concerto: Lento
Cello Concerto: Con moto tranquillo
Cello Concerto: Allegramente

Tracks:

Cello Concerto In E Minor Op. 85: I. Adagio - Moderato
Cello Concerto In E Minor Op. 85: II. Lento - Allegro molto
Cello Concerto In E Minor Op. 85: III. Adagio
Cello Concerto In E Minor Op. 85: IV. Allegro - Moderato - Allegro, ma non troppo
Don Quixote: Introduction (Massiges Zeitmass)
Don Quixote: Theme: The Knight Of The Mournful Countenance (Massig)
Don Quixote: Variation I: The Adventure With The Windmills (Gemachlich)
Don Quixote: Variation II: The Battle With The Sheep (Kriegerisch)
Don Quixote: Variation III: Discourse Between Knight And Squire (Massiges Zeitmass)
Don Quixote: Variation IV: The Adventure With The Pilgrims (Etwas breiter)
Don Quixote: Variation V: The Knight's Vigil (Sehr langsam)
Don Quixote: Variation VI: The Meeting With Dulcinea (Schnell)
Don Quixote: Variation VII: The Ride Through The Air (Ein wenig ruhiger als vorher)
Don Quixote: Variation VIII: The Voyage In The Enchanted Boat (Gamachlich)
Don Quixote: Variation IX: The Combat With The Two Magicians (Schnell und sturmisch)
Don Quixote: Variation X: The Defeat Of Don Quixote (Viel breiter)
Don Quixote: Finale: Don Quixote's Death (Sehr ruhig)

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Concerto Performances.......2006-11-17

Of the six or seven cd albums that I have by Jacqueline du Pre, this album contains the meat and potatoes of du Pre's repertoire. Happily, she doesn't disappoint at a time when she was still physically healthy and developing musically. The Boccherini Concerto arranged by Grutzmacher, I believe she owns. The Monn Concerto is excellent and the Delius is a romantic dream. Don't miss this one, if you want hear the breadth of her short-lived talent.

Lacks the "real" Elgar!.......2005-04-28

Like other reviewers, I just want to say that this set lacks the famous Elgar recording by Jackie Du Pre. The Elgar performance on this CD is dull in comparison to her more famous performance. So, you will have to buy a separate CD for the Elgar. Other than that, this is a great set to have. I love the two Haydns especially.

The real du Pre, but not the *real* Elgar performance!!!.......2003-03-04

This is a comprehensive collection of Cello performances by a thrilling artist. Unfortunately, despite reviewer MacFarlane's assurances to the contrary, the producer of this CD has failed to include Jacqueline du Pre's *famous* and greatest performance of the Elgar Cello, and this is the reason for witholding a star. Ms.du Pre's famous performance of Elgar's Cello Concerto, Opus 85, was performed live in Philadelphia on November 27-28, 1970, with conductor-husband Daniel Barenboim, not Conductor Barbiroli. This Amazon review, comparing the two performances will indicate why this CD loses points for not featuring the Barenboim performance: < > The performance with Barenboim was formerly available on Sony. Today the Amazon search engine only turned it up one time in six search attempts using the SAME words! Elusive, but an essential recording nonetheless! Because confusion persists between the Elgar performances and conductors, it is necessary to persist in citing that it is Jacqueline Du Pre's performance with BARENBOIM which is so revered. Besides, the Sony disc which has the favored performance with conductor Barenboim, is also known for Barenboim's brilliant interpretation of the Elgar Enigma Variations. Daniel Barenboim's talent is becoming more and more visible and worthy of following closely. He's doing great things outside of music as well, so put his name in the Google search engine and find out!

Great performances, by one of the greatest cellists!.......2001-04-29

If there is one word for describing Jacqueline du Pre, it is MUSIC. She was the embodiment of music itself, because she gave all to the music she played. Some do not like her playing because it is too emotional. I echo the other reviewer's sentiments in that music is there to be played. Played with emotion. Music is about transmitting emotion to the listener, and du Pre was one of the best examples of how that could (and should) be done. Here, EMI has remastered and reissued most (I say most, because one concerto - the Lalo- has been omitted in this otherwise full compilation of du Pre's concerto recordings) of du Pre's concerto recordings. The Haydn concerto in C, is undoubtedly one of the most touching accounts, with its romantic sentiments. The same can be said of the Haydn in D and the Monn concerti, with the broad tempi, quite relaxed, and very opposite of Period performances Completely incorrect stylistically, but the performances are so moving and involved that all the fuss about stylistic correctness is throuwn out the window. I dare say that one is not going to get a more impassioned account of the Haydn C major concerto. It is among my absolute favourites. The Boccherini concerto is another matter. The version du Pre plays is not the original, but a mixture of the original, with bits borrowed from other Boccherini cello concertos, combined with Romantic styling by Grutzmacher (the 'editor' of the concerto). I don't like it as much as the Haydn concertos, but still it receives a bravura performance by du Pre with the English Chamber Orchestra under Barenboim. The Schumann and Saint-Saens concerti are unsurpassed for their passion and imaginativeness. The Schumann is tragic, but ends triumphantly, in a way that only du Pre could make it sound like that. The Saint-Saens is a less musically significant piece, but in du Pre's hands, it sounds like an important work. Dvorak's cello concerto is one of the greatest pieces in the cello repertoire, with its grand writing and poignancy. While du Pre's Dvorak concerto is not the best version one can buy, for the recording quality is notoriously horrible, with the orchestra sounding so distant from the cellist (who is placed far too forward) it is certainly one of the most outspoken and yes, impassioned accounts, interpretation-wise. Emotionally, it outdoes the justly famous Rotropovich/Karajan version. But the other Dvorak piece in this collection, the Silent Woods, is so touching that one is bound to cry at some stage of the 6-minute piece. The Delius concerto is a very rhapsodic, but a very engmatic one. Technically it is very demanding, because for once the technical difficulties are really due to the musical difficulties. It is hard to make sense of the work unless you are absolutely sure of its musical structure. But du Pre makes this sound easy, fully capturing the rhapsodic nature of the work, and sings beautifully. It was du Pre's first concerto recording, under one of the most arrogantly aristocratic conductors (arrogant to soloists, I mean, as he didn't regard them highly. But for du Pre, he was more than generous), Malcolm Sargent. The Elgar had to be included, didn't it? I mean, it is one of the great classics of the century. So there is nothing more to say about the Elgar. The Strauss tone-poem Don Quixote is a strange work, because it has a solo cello part (with a solo vioin and viola, who are usually members of the orchestra), a solo part that can be a soloist or the principal cellist from the orchestra cello section. It is strange, because the cello part is the most significant solo part, yet 80 per cent of the time it is outplayed by the orchestra, because the 'solo' cello plays the part of the orchestral cello section. But as to this performance, it was a run-through for a concert. Klemperer was supposed to be the conductor but he pulled out at the last minute and Boult was engaged. This historical recording does not sound like a run-through, although it si a bit messy at times ensemble-wise. But du Pre plays with absolute commitment. Her playing of the Finale must be one of the most poignant ever. The conductor's 'bravo' and the unanimous applause of the orchestra adds to the magic. I apologise for the long review, but if you have read this far, then I will say if you like du Pre and the cello, then this set is essential, and at mid price for CDs that would otherwise be full price and in single CDs, it is a bargain.

a fitting memorial to a unique artiste.......2001-02-09

The keyword with Jacqueline du Pre was always involvement, and so it is here. The performances in this collection are riveting. The Elgar, of course, is one of the most famous performances of all time - young cellist Du Pre with former cellist Barbirolli reaching to the absolute heart of this wonderful music. Though she plays with utmost and unvarying conviction throughout - and therefore these are not middle-of-the-road performances, and it is possible to sense a hothouse element in them as I do in the Haydn and the Monn, where stylistically she is far from faultless - the conviction, sincerity, guts and beauty of the playing carry you (and her) through. Curiously affecting is the end of 'Don Quixote', in a recording, with a bizarre history, which we are really very lucky to have (you can read about it in the set). At the end of a fine and fully characterised run-through, which is all it was, never meant to be issued, she plays with amazing poignancy the touching postlude. The performance ends, the counductor (Boult) shouts 'bravo' and the orchestra claps - it's all there, and we think of poor, wonderful Jacqueline, who never played a dishonest or uncommitted note, we are touched, and we are glad we bought this set!

Blues Masters, Vol. 16: More Harmonica Classics

Average customer rating:

Another fine sampler
thrash punk at its worst
A Must for hamonicists and harmonophiles

Blues Masters, Vol. 16: More Harmonica Classics
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Blues Masters, Vol. 4: Harmonica Classics
Crucial Harmonica Blues
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Rock n' Blues Harmonica: A World of Harp Knowledge, Songs, Stories, Lessons, Riffs, Techniques and Audio Index for a New Generation of Harp Players (Includes ... book and 74 minute stereo CD Jamming Buddy)

ASIN: B000007RQB
Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

Off The Wall - Little Walter & His Jukes
Odds And Ends - Jimmy Reed
Cotton Crop Blues - Jimmy Cotton Blues Quartet
Keep It To Yourself - Sonny Boy Williamson
(Help Me) A Tribute To Sonny Boy Williamson - Junior Wells Chicago Blues Band
Born In Chicago - The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
I Hear You Knockin' - Lazy Lester
Jump The Boogie - Papa Lightfoot
Come Back Baby - Doctor Ross
Pawnshop Bound - William Clarke
Baby Scratch My Back - Slim Harpo
The Briar Patch - Gary Primich
All Night Boogie - Howlin' Wolf
Shake The Boogie - Sonny Boy Williamson
Whammer Jammer - J. Geils Band
Hootin' Blues No. 2 - Sonny Terry

Amazon.com

The harmonica's not exactly an imposing instrument; who would guess that a pocket- sized hunk of metal could be capable of so much expression? Volume 16 of Rhino's Blues Masters series shows just how much; the harp can trade leads with the vocals (Jimmy Cotton Blues Quartet, "Cotton Crop Blues," Junior Wells Chicago Blues Band, "Help Me"), lay down a raw edge (Papa Lightfoot, "Jump the Boogie"), or play smooth as you please (William Clarke, "Pawnshop Bound"). As even a cursory examination of the above performers will indicate, the harmonica is well represented in all styles of blues; Jimmy Reed, Sonny Boy Williamson, J. Geils, and Howlin' Wolf appear here as well. As capable as a horn or guitar of carrying the lead, and infinitely more portable, the harmonica may well be one of the most expressive and versatile instruments out there, and More Harmonica Classics offers several excellent examples. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

Another fine sampler.......2004-08-05

You've heard that saying about a hundred monkeys clattering away at a hundred typewiters for a hundred years...I don't know excactly how it goes in English. Anyway, it seems that an ape called Jo Jo ended up writing a review rather than the collected works of William Shakespeare.
I mean, honestly...what do you think an album titled "Blues Masters vol. 16 - More Harmonica Classics" is?!

Well, never mind.
This is a very nice companion volume to Blues Masters vol. 4 ("Harmonica Classics"). Most longtime blues fans will own much or even all of this material already, of course, but beginners or "mid-level" blues fans should delight in the wealth of excellent material on this disc - aggressive up-tempo freight train harmonica and slow, smouldering fills and solos.

Most of the really big guns are here, like James Cotton, Slim Harpo, Little Walter Jacobs, Sonny Terry, Howlin' Wolf, Junior Wells, white boy Paul Butterfield, John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson, and Aleck "Rice" Miller (Sonny Boy Williamson II).
And most of the more obscure stuff is very interesting as well: William Clarke's "Pawnshop Bound", Lazy Lester's rendition of "I Hear You Knockin'", a great, swaggering "The Briar Patch" by Gary Primich, Papa George Lightfoot's thumping "Jump The Boogie", a raw early electric blues with a gritty sandpaper vocal, and Doctor Isiah Ross' tough, energetic "Come Back Baby".

This is far from everything you need to know about blues harmonica, of course, and a couple of tunes were chosen for the harp playing rather than their overall musical quality, I guess.
But there is a lot of quality stuff here, making "More Blues Harmonica" a really good buy for all but the most hardcore blues fans (they'll own 9/10 of this stuff already).

thrash punk at its worst.......2004-02-07

I thought sublime was good, but this cd proved me wrong. Instead if hard core reggae rock, i was disapointed to hear stupid, painful, harmonicas. I mean it REALLY SUCKED. I mean by the time it was over, i had put at least 5 pairs of ear plugs on.

A Must for hamonicists and harmonophiles.......2002-01-17

This power-packed CD is a must for both players and lovers of the harmonica, particularly of the blues-harp variety.

Most all of the tunes here are listenable, but some mighty powerful stuff abounds. On Howlin' Wolf's number, he sounds as if he's playing 2 harps at once. Junior Wells, in his rendition of Sonny Boy Williamson II's "Help Me," does a moving tribute to Sonny II both vocally and harmonically (as Sonny II died shortly before this was recorded). Sonny I is well represented here with "Shake Your Boogie" (although his harmonica is drowned out by the other instruments in parts of this song).

The king of Country blues harmonica, Sonny Terry, does an amazing turn with "Hootin' Blues Pt. 2" which defies written description. Wisely, Magic Dick Seltzer's classing "Whammer Jammer" is also included, as it sounds as if this tune may have been inspired by the above-mentioned Sonny Terry tune (listen and compare).

So for anyone who likes good harmonica music, listen and enjoy. For aspiring harmonicists, you may have think you've got it down pat, but listen to this to see how far you still need to go.

Soul Music: