Alles [Import]

1. Verlieben, Verloren, Vergessen, Verzeih'n

2. Der Himmel Brennt

3. Bist Ein Wunder

4. Wahnsinn

5. Weiso und Weshalb [Radio Version]

6. Sommer in Der Stadt

7. Sieben Tage, Sieben Nächte

8. Ganz Oder Gar Nicht

9. Frei Für Dich [Radio Version]

10. Jessica

11. Bronze, Silber, und Gold

12. Tu's Doch

13. Gianna

14. Sehnsucht Nach Dir

15. Scheissegal

16. Ruhrgebiet [Album Version]

17. Denn Eines Tags Veilleicht

Alles,Wolfgang Petry,Bmg Int'l,Euro-Pop,Int'l & World Music,Latin,World Music

Average customer rating: Fabulous Ute. Buy both German and English versions!!! Eine Schoene Album! English version available? Un disco de primera categoría. Stellar

Ute Lemper - Berlin Cabaret Songs Mischa Spoliansky , Friedrich Hollaender , Rudolf Nelson , Berthold Golschmidt , Ute Lemper , Jeff Cohen , and Martrix Ensemble Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Goldschmidt, Berthold | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Cabaret | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Ute Lemper Sings Kurt Weill Illusions Blood & Feathers: Live from the Café Carlyle All That Jazz: The Best Of Ute Lemper German Cabaret in the Twenties ASIN: B0000042FA Release Date: 1997-05-13

Tracks:

1. Alles Schwindel
2. Sex-Appeal
3. Peter, Peter, komm zu mir zur|ck!
4. Das Gesellschaftslied
5. Wenn die beste Freundin
6. Ich bin ein Vamp!
7. L'heure bleue
8. Zieh dich aus, Petronella!
9. Raus mit den Mannern!
10. Der Verflossene
11. Gesetz den Fall
12. Ich weiss nicht, zu wem ich gehore
13. Das lila Lied
14. Raus mit den Mannern!
15. Mir ist heut so nach Tamerlan!
16. Eine kleine Sehnsucht
17. Wir wollen alle wieder Kinder sein!
18. Munchhausen

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous Ute. Buy both German and English versions!!!.......2005-10-04

`Berlin Cabaret Songs' by Ute Lemper are issued as part of London recording company's `Entartete Musik' series or music suppressed by the Third Reich. One of the very best things about this issue is the fact that Ms. Lemper and London have issued the album in two versions. One is in the original German and one is sung entirely in English.

For starters, I strongly suggest you listen to both, but if you simply have no interest in listening to the German version, I will reassure you that the English performance is musically virtually identical to the German. The instrumentals almost sound as if they were done Kareoke style, with Ms. Lemper's English or German mixed in afterwards. I'm almost certain this was not actually done, as the translations probably changed a few things here and there about the meter of the lyrics, but I could find nothing in the instrumental or vocal performances to prefer in one over the other, except for the genuine experience of hearing it the same way as the cabaret audiences in Berlin would hear it.

Ms. Lemper's English interpretations, as they are in all her earlier albums, is impecible. It also seems to be about as accent free as you can imagine. Not only is it free of German inflections, it is free of a British accent as well, so it should sound great to American ears.

The first thing which strikes me about the lyrics of these songs is that to my ear, there is practically nothing which is critical or even satiric of a specific government. There is not even much which is sexually explicit, let alone lewd. Some pieces from Kurt Weill in `Mahagonny' may be more objectionable than most songs in this album. One thing that tells us is exactically how extremely conservative the Nazis were about any art whatsoever. The most strident politically oriented song is in favor of women's rights and makes no mention of the Nazi government or any other political party for that matter.

The only weakness of the album may be that virtually all this material is unfamiliar to the average listener, so we don't have the pleasure of seeing how Ms. Lemper does a new version of, for example, `Bilbao Song' or Jacques Brel's `Amsterdam'. But then, I relish any chance whatsoever to hear Ms. Lemper sing. She is still fresh and free of the kind of syrupy sweetness we get from, for example, Barbra Streisand, these days from her `Guilty Pleasures' album.

Eine Schoene Album!.......2004-09-25

Wow! This beautiful and immensely talented dame knows how to thrill. The album is absolutely superb. And auf Deutsch! There are many jazzy and big band type numbers and some that are a little more folky. But the satire, the humour, the depth of the lyrics, along with the pure artistry and sophistication Ute Lemper brings to the material is quite refreshing, despite the fact that some uncomfortable and depressing topics are covered. What a relief, a modern artist that encourages her audience actually to think! Thank you so much Ute for such a treasure and bringing these important songs to our attention; with all that is going on in our politics and the world these Berlin songs are even more poignant for our times than one may suppose.

English version available?.......2001-07-05

I recieved this disc for review when I was a radio station DJ about three years ago. However the disc I got, which was on Polygram, was in English. So try to get the English disc if you don't speak German - the translations are great, you'd think the songs were written in English. It has the same title I think, if it is still available. One other reviewer here said that he found the album more relevant to his life than the entire top 40 and I say 'hear, hear' to that. And Ms. Lemper's heffy Cherman eccent is delightful!

Un disco de primera categoría........2001-03-27

Sencillamente extraordinario, la maravillosa voz de Ute Lemper nos hace vivir unos momentos de fantasía y alegría indescriptibles. Muchas de mis secciones musicales terminan con éste maravilloso disco (Obviamente que lo tiene que comprar cantado en Alemán). Es uno de mis discos favoritos y tengo más de 2.500 CDs.

300% RECOMENDADO

Stellar.......2000-10-29

A beautiful album, dripping with emotions: longing, irony, cynicism, sarcasm, love (yes, love), anger, humor. And Ute Lemper transmits those emotions like no other performer I know. At least some of the song writers/composers fled to the US to escape Nazi Germany, and had distinguished careers here, too. The songs are beautiful, with meaningful lyrics that aren't just the blindingly obvious ideas and sentimentality offered by a lot of recent "political" songs.

Average customer rating: Fine anthology but still prefer her "Four Last Songs" recording RIP DAME ELIZABETH (1915-2006) SCHWARZKOPF ----- ONE OF THE GREATS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY ¡PERFECT! PERFECTA INTERPRETACIÓN

The Very Best of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Humperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Smetana | Smetana, Bedrich | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Weber | Weber, Carl Maria von | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolf | Wolf, Hugo | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Schwarzkopf, Elisabeth | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Humperdinck, Engelbert | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Lehar, Franz | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Schubert, Franz | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Strauss, Richard | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Wagner, Richard | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Weber, Carl Maria von | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Wolf, Hugo | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Humperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Smetana, Bedrich | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Weber, Carl Maria von | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Wolf, Hugo | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schwarzkopf, Elisabeth | ( S ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Great Recordings Of The Century - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Sings Operetta / Ackermann Strauss: Four Last Songs/12 Orchestral Songs Schubert: 24 Lieder Mozart: Opera Arias Mozart: Lieder & Concert Arias ASIN: B0000AF1SC Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

1. Ach War Ich Schon (Fidelio)
2. Non So Piu (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
3. Porgi, Amor (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
4. E Susanna Non Vien!...Dove Sono (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
5. Mi Tradi Quell'Alma Ingrata (Don Giovanni)
6. Come Scoglio (Cosi Fan Tutti)
7. Leise, Leise, Fromme Weise (Der Freischutz)
8. Dich, Teure Halle (Tannhauser)
9. Einsam In Truben Tagen (Lohengrin)
10. Wie Fremd Und Tot (Die Verkaufte Braut)
11. Bruderchen, Komm, Tanz Mit Mir (Hansel Und Gretel)
12. Da Geht Er Hin (Der Rosenkavalier)
13. Es Gibt Ein Reich (Ariadne Auf Naxos) - Richard Strauss
14. Das War Sehr Gut (Arabella)

Tracks:

1. Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen
2. Bist Du Bei Mir
3. Ridente La Calma
4. An Die Musik
5. Der Musensohn
6. Nachtviolen
7. Der Musensohn
8. Auch Kleine Dinge
9. Mein Liebster Ist So Klein
10. Verschling' Der Abgrund
11. Ich Hab' In Penna
12. Wiegenlied Im Sommer
13. Mausfallenspruchlein
14. In Dem Schatten Meiner Locken
15. Mignon (Kennst Du Das Land?)
16. Gsatzli (Swiss Folksong)
17. Fruhling
18. Im Abendrot
19. Muttertandelei
20. Zueignung
21. Klange Der Heimat (Die Fledermaus)
22. Es Lebt'Eine Vilja (Die Lustige Witwe)
23. Im Chambre Separee (Der Opemball)
24. Wien, Du Stadt Meiner Traume

Amazon.com

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was certainly one of the greatest singers of her own, or indeed any other time. An obsessive perfectionist, her flawless technique and intonation over a huge range, vocal flexibility, breath control, phrasing, stylistic versatility, and above all her focused, radiantly beautiful sound were matchless and incomparable. All these are on full display on this generous 2-CD set, which features over a dozen arias, songs by Schubert, Wolf and Richard Strauss, and some lighter fare. The recordings were made between 1950 and 1967, and the singing becomes better and better, the voice richer and more varied, the expression deeper and more immediate. Not surprisingly, the peaks come in the arias from her signature roles in Mozart's Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Cosi fan tutte; Richard Strauss' Ariadne, Rosenkavalier, and Arabella, which rise to real ecstasy; and arias from Weber's Freischütz and Smetana's Bartered Bride, which are wonderfully intimate and touching. She is less convincing in roles she never sang on stage, and the "childish" voice she cultivated especially for Hänsel and Gretel is unnatural and contrived. The same is true of the last two "popular" numbers, which sound condescending and artificial. The songs, however, have all her customary finesse and inwardness; the Wolf group, perhaps chosen for its gentle humor, is charming, while Strauss' "Four Last Songs" (represented by two) shimmer and soar. Schwarzkopf's singing had instantly recognizable characteristics: a tendency to hold back both vocally and emotionally, giving a sense of noble restraint, but also of cool detachment; excessive use of color and nuance, creating a fussy, calculated and somewhat artificial air. Only rarely does she "let go" with full voice and spontaneous feeling. However, as these recordings show, she invariably inspires admiration and captures ear and heart through the inimitable, glorious beauty of her voice. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Fine anthology but still prefer her "Four Last Songs" recording.......2006-11-06

The engineering and audio quality of these 1960's performances are surprisingly good. The songs are wonderfully peformed and cover a range of periods and styles, but I find myself returning to her recording (also re-released on CD) of Strauss' "Four Last Songs", which I would give 6 stars -- my favorite recording of all time.

RIP DAME ELIZABETH (1915-2006).......2006-08-04

This set is a fine tribute to this extraordinary singer and musician. I was saddened to read about her passing. She had a long life (90 years) and inspired a whole generation of singers and music lovers throughout the world.

SCHWARZKOPF ----- ONE OF THE GREATS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY.......2006-01-29

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf's career is what legends are made of. She is every bit as fundamental to classical singing in the twentieth century as is Maria Callas. Schwarzkopf sang with refinement, polish, beauty of voice, and meticulous articulation. She was the greatest Mozart and Strauss soprano of her day; her ability to sing the operetta music of Lehar, Suppe', and Johann Strauss has not been equalled; she performed with distinction orchestral compositions of Mahler, Brahms, Bach, and Handel; her Schubert, Schumann, Wolf, and Mahler lieder were exemplary. She sang many operatic roles, far more than many people realize, and was certainly the definitive Marshallin in "Rosenkavalier" throughout the 1950's and 1960'. I saw her many times in recital in Chicago, and even at the time of her farewell (which I was fortunate enough to see), she was sublime. All of the superlative qualities of Schwarzkopf are generously demonstrated throughout these two wonder CD's. Virtually every item is magnificent (though obviously some will prefer some to others) and has the detailed Schwarzkopf imprint stamped right into the music. This CD, great as it is, represents only a very small part of the greatness of Schwarzkopf. I already own tons of her operas and recitals, from which many of the items here come from. But for the sake of completeness, I will probably add it. A person who loves great singing can never have too much of the art of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. She's a vocal icon.

¡PERFECT!.......2005-02-10

I only want to say that you can hear, in this double cd, one of the great singers of all time. Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Why? Because she sings all the arias and lieder with pure of tone, brilliance, perfect inflexion, modulation, excellent control breath, measured vibrato, and, all above, great emision of colours. She is master in this art.

PERFECTA INTERPRETACIÓN.......2005-02-09

La mejor recopilación de la discografía de Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Su belleza de voz, la impecable hilación de frases, y, sobre todo, su expresiva interpretación son algunas de las sorpresas que se podrán escuchar en estos dos discos. Sin duda, UNA DE LAS MEJORES SOPRANOS DEL SIGLO XX.

Average customer rating: Great playing, great listening

The 20th-Century Cello Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Berio, Luciano | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by George Crumb | Crumb, George | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Dutilleux | Dutilleux, Henri | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Henze | Henze, Hans Werner | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Kodály, Zoltán | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Ligeti, György | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Reger, Max | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Webern | Webern, Anton von | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reger, Max | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Matt Haimovitz: Goulash Matt Haimovitz - Mozart The Mason Truls Mørk ~ Britten - Cello Suites 1-3 Bartok: Violin Concertos, Viola Concerto, 6 Duo for 2 Violins, Violin Rhapsodies; Yehudi Menuhin Schnittke: Complete music for cello and piano ASIN: B0009A420A Release Date: 2005-08-09

Tracks:

1. Canto Primo: Sostenuto E Largamente
2. I. Fuga: Andante Moderato
3. II. Lamento: Lento Rubato
4. Canto Secondo: Sostenuto
5. III. Serenata: Allegretto (Pizzicato)
6. IV. Marcia: Alla Marcia Moderato
7. Canto Terzo: Sostenuto
8. V. Bordone: Moderato Quasi Recitativo
9. VI. Moto Perpetuo E Canto Quarto: Presto (Sostenuto)
10. I. Fantasia: Andante Epressivo E Con Molto Rubato
11. II. Tema Pastorale Con Variazioni/Tema: Grazioso E Delicato/Variation I: Un Poco Piu Animato/Variation II: Allegro Possibile E Sempre Pizzicato/Variation III: Poco Adagio E Molto Espressivo/Coda: Tempo Primo
12. III. Toccata: Largo E Drammatico-Allegro Vivace
13. I. Massige Achtel
14. II. Sehr Bewegt
15. III. Ausserst Ruhig
16. I. Un Poco Indeciso
17. II. Andante Sostenuto
18. III. Vivace
19. Prologue: Lent
20. Serenade: Moderement Anime. Fantasque Et Leger
21. Finale: Anime
22. Lento Maestoso-Largamente
23. I. Dialogo: Allegro
24. II. Scherzo-Pizzicato: Allegretto
25. III. Elegia: Lento
26. IV. Marcia: Energico
27. V. Moto Perpetuo: Presto

Tracks:

1. I. Praludium: Vivace
2. II. Adagio
3. III. Fuge: Allegro
4. I. Lebhaft, Sehr Markiert. Mit Festen Bogenstrichen
5. II. Massig Schnell, Gemachlich. Durchweg Sehr Leise
6. III. Langsam-Ruhig
7. IV. Lebhafte Viertel. Ohne Jeden Ausdruck Und Stets Pianissimo
8. V. Massig Schnell. Sehr Scharf Markierte Viertel
9. Espressivo Assai-Tempo Giusto-Piu Lento-Calmo
10. I. Declamato: Largo
11. II. Fuga: Andante
12. III. Scherzo: Allegro Molto
13. IV. Andante Lento
14. V. Ciaccona: Allegro
15. I. Prelude: Allegro Energico-Molto Meno Mosso E Misterioso-Tempo I-Tranquillo
16. II. Dialogue: Andante-Piu Mosso E Poco Stringendo-Tempo I
17. III. Scherzo: Allegro
18. IV. Berceuse: Lento E Dolce
19. V. Fantasy: Con Fantasia
20. VI. Epilogue: Adagio Molto
21. I. Preludio: Andante, Rubato
22. II. Fuga-Burletta: Allegro Moderato
23. III. Sarabanda: Lento Molto
24. IV. Giga: Prestissimo
25. I. Psalm 93: Moderato
26. II. Cantillation: Moderato

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro Maestoso Ma Appassionato
2. II. Adagio
3. III. Allegro Molto Vivace
4. I. Introduzione (Lento)
5. II. Marcia (Allegro)
6. III. Canto (Con Moto)
7. IV. Barcarolla (Lento)
8. V. Dialogo (Allegretto)
9. VI. Fuga (Andante Espressivo)
10. VII. Recitativo (Fantastico)
11. VIII. Moto Perpetuo (Presto)
12. IX. Passacaglia (Lento Solenne)
13. Four Russian Melodies: Mournful Song (Under The Apple Tree): Molto Semplice/Autumn: Vivace/Street Song (The Grey Eagle): Pesante/Grant Repose Together With The Saints: Lento
14. Intime, Comme En Parlant
15. (Introduktion)-Vivace
16. I. Dialogo: Adagio, Rubato, Cantabile
17. II. Capriccio: Presto Con Slancio

Customer Reviews:

Great playing, great listening.......2005-08-12

This set has wonderful qualities on quite a few levels.

What you have here are clear modern renditions of pieces by some of the best known composing names of the last century, recorded in modern sound by one of my personal favorite cellists around today. Haimovitz always brings a very clearheaded yet informed approach to his readings (Not to mention daring- I highly recommend his readings of the Bach Solo Cello Suites) but I think what impresses me most of all here is his musicality and sense of structure. A few of these works could quite easily be reduced to meaningless gibberish by a lesser musician, but Haimovitz sails through them with assurance and style. He seems to have very clear ideas about the way things should sound... but moreover, he sounds like he's having fun, and it comes across.

I would highly recommend this set even at regular price, but for 3 CDs at midprice, it can't be beat.

Average customer rating: Good -- but not great Outstanding, yet Affordable Mahler Set Ignore the name(s): Listen to the Music! An exceptionally fine bargain best overall cycle

Mahler: Symphonies 1-10; Das Lied von der Erde Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mahler: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; Adagio Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in c minor [Hybrid SACD] Prokofiev: The Complete Symphonies Shostakovich: The Complete Symphonies - Mariss Jansons (10 CD) Mahler - The Symphonies plus Das Lied von der Erde Boxset / Leonard Bernstein, Wiener Philharmoniker, London Symphony Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra ASIN: B000BQ7BX2 Release Date: 2006-01-10

Tracks:

1. I. Langsam, Schleppend, Wie Ein Naturlaut - Im Anfang Sehr Gemachlich - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
2. II. Kraftig Bewegt, Doch NIcht Zu Schnell - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
3. III. Feirlich Und Gemessen, Ohne Zu Schleppen - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
4. IV. Sturmisch Bewegt - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
5. I. Allegro Maestoso. Mit Durchaus Ernstem Und Feierlichem Ausdruck - Krisztina Laki

Tracks:

1. II. Andante Moderato. Sehr Gemachlich - Krisztina Laki
2. II. In Ruhig Fliessender Bewegung - Krisztina Laki
3. IV. Urlicht: Sehr Feierlich, Aber Schlicht - Krisztina Laki
4. V. Im Tempo Des Scherzo. Wild Herausfahrend - Krisztina Laki
5. Wieder Sehr Breit - Krisztina Laki
6. Ritardando...Maestoso. Sehr Zuruckhaltend - Krisztina Laki
7. Wieder Zuruckhaltend - Krisztina Laki
8. Langsam, Misterioso - Krisztina Laki
9. Etwas Bewegter - Krisztina Laki
10. Mit Aufschwung, Aber Nicht Eilen - Krisztina Laki

Tracks:

1. I. Kraftig. Entschieden - Gwendolyn Killebrew
2. II. Tempo Di Menuetto - Gwendolyn Killebrew
3. III. Comodo. Scherzando - Gwendolyn Killebrew
4. IV. Sehr Langsam - Gwendolyn Killebrew

Tracks:

1. V. Lustig IM Tempo UNd Keck Im Ausdruck - Gwendolyn Killebrew
2. VI. Sehr Langsam - Ruhevoll - Empfunden - Gwendolyn Killebrew
3. I. Bed Achtig. Nicht Eilen - Lucia Popp
4. II. In Gemachlicher Bewegung. Ohne Hast - Lucia Popp
5. III. Ruhevoll - Lucia Popp

Tracks:

1. IV. Sehr Behaglich - Lucia Popp
2. I. Trauermarsch (Im Gemessenem Schritt - Streng - Wie Ein Kondukt) - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
3. II. Sturmisch Bewegt, Mit Grosster Vehemenz - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
4. III. Scherzo (Kraftig, Nicht Zu Schnell) - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
5. IV. Adagietto (Sehr Langsam) - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
6. V. Rondo - Finale (Allegro) - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester

Tracks:

1. I. Langsam - Allegro - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
2. II. Nachtmusik I - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
3. III. Scherzo: Schattenhaft - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
4. IV. Nachtmusik II. Andante Amoroso - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
5. V. Rondo - Finale - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro Energico, Ma Non Troppo - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
2. II. Scherzo. Wuchtig - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
3. III. Andante Moderato - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester

Tracks:

1. IV. Finale: Sostenuto - Allegro Moderato - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
2. I. Andante Comodo - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
3. II. Im Tempo Eines Gemachlichen Landlers - Etwas Tappisch Und Sehr Derb - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester

Tracks:

1. III. Rondo Burleske: Allegro Assai. Sehr Trotzig - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
2. IV. Adagio: Sehr Langsam Und Noch Zuruckhaltend - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester
3. I. Adagio - Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester

Tracks:

1. Veni, Creator Spiritus - Maria Venuti
2. Imple Superna Gratia - Maria Venuti
3. Infirma Nostri Corporis - Maria Venuti
4. Accende Lumen Sensibus - Maria Venuti
5. Veni, Creator Spiritus - Maria Venuti
6. Gloria Patri Domino - Maria Venuti
7. Poco Adagio: Waldung, Sie Schwankt Heran - Maria Venuti
8. Ewiger Wonnebrand - Maria Venuti
9. Wie Felsenabgrund Mir Zu Fussen - Maria Venuti
10. Gerettet Ist Das Edle Glied - Maria Venuti
11. Uns Bleibt Ein Erdenrest - Maria Venuti
12. Hier Ist Die Aussicht Frei - Maria Venuti
13. Hochste Herrscherin Der Welt - Maria Venuti
14. Dir, Der Unberuhrbaren - Maria Venuti
15. Bei Der Liebe, Die Den Fussen - Maria Venuti
16. Neige, Neige, Du Ohnegleiche - Maria Venuti
17. Blicket Suf Zum Retterblick - Maria Venuti
18. Alles Vergangliche - Maria Venuti

Tracks:

1. I. Das Trinklied Vom Jammer Der Erde - Marjana Lipovsek
2. II. Der Einsame Im Herbst - Marjana Lipovsek
3. III. Von Der Jugend - Marjana Lipovsek
4. IV. Von Der Schonheit - Marjana Lipovsek
5. V. Der Trunkene Im Fruhling - Marjana Lipovsek
6. VI. Der Abschied - Marjana Lipovsek

Customer Reviews:

Good -- but not great.......2007-07-07

Having listened intently to this set two times now, once with scores in hand, once without, I have to give this set less than a 5 star rating. The sound is adequate, compressed at times, muddy at others. The later symphonies fare better than 1 & 2. Conducting is fine: very straightfoward and unfussy. Plays it straight. And maybe that's a problem. The sixth in particular never really scales the heights or depths. Same story with 8. Layout is weird, but economical. My biggest beef is the orchestral execution. There are a LOT of bloopers that should have been fixed. In a live concert you can accept, even expect, some error in music this difficult. But on recordings they become very irritating. I grant that most people would never notice any, but if you have a good ear and really know this music there are some problems. The worst is an abundance of wrong notes in the 4th movement of the 7th, which otherwise is a superb version -- one of the best. Another easy to spot example occurs at the end of the 6th: why did the cellos leave the bass clarinet to fend for itself just a few bars before the end? Why didn't someone fix this?
I'm glad I heard this set, but there are better, albeit more expensive. As a complete set there isn't any that is altogether perfect, but Solti/Decca, Haitink/Philips, Kubelik/DG and deWaart/RCA come closer.

Outstanding, yet Affordable Mahler Set.......2007-06-10

If you are looking for a great Mahler set that doesn't give you the Walletdämmerung syndrome, yet you also want excellent musicians and soloists and a conductor with a most refreshing and philosophically true understanding of Mahler's music, I would recommend that you purchase this box set of Mahler symphonies with Gary Bertini. Although Gary Bertini was not a big name in the recording industry, he was deemed as a highly esteemable conductor in Europe. His Mahler offers a completely different sound from what you would hear from Bernstein, Abbado, Walter, and Klemperer, much closer to what Rafael Kubelik did with his Mahler, but Bertini offers a degree of transparency in his music that you cannot hear in any other conductor. Despite the transparency, his Mahler does not lack passion. If you want to know what I mean, you must listen to his Symphonies no. 1,2,4,5,6,7,8, and 9. These renditions are ranked with the very best Mahlerians in a very competitive field. Bertini is also supported by an ensemble of an extremely high calibre--the WDR or the Kölner Rundfunks Orchester. They play with a finesse and a grace that rivals the very best Mahler orchestras, including the Vienna Philharmonic, the Bavarian Radio Symphony, and the Concertgebouw. In terms of virtuosity and beauty, the orchestra offers some of the most glorious playing and a crystalline sound balance that you would want in a world-class German orchestra.

The soloists are all excellent too. You have Florence Quivar, Paul Frey, Lucia Popp, Julia Varady, Julia Hamari, and Alan Titus, among others. You must simply hear the alto part that Quivar sings in the Resurrection Symphony!

Included in this already sparkling box set is a Das Lied von der Erde with Marjana Lipovsek and Ben Heppner. While I will always love Klemperer, Ludwig, and Wunderlich, I think this Das Lied von der Erde comes close to being one of the very best recordings of the work. Heppner sings with his usual golden tone and security, and sings the tenor's songs with an abandon and an elan that makes his interpretation very attractive. Lipovsek sings the mezzo parts with a tragically imbued tone that improved over her recording with Solti years earlier. You must listen to what she does in the Abschied. I have never heard a more resentful and reflective understanding of this very complex movement other than Christa Ludwig, Janet Baker, and Kathleen Ferrier.

All in all, a Mahler box set that everyone should get along with Haitink, Chailly, and Kubelik.

Ignore the name(s): Listen to the Music!.......2007-05-07

Gary Bertini and the Cologne Radio Symphony? The Mahler symphonies have been recorded in toto by many of the "biggest" names in music Leonard Bernstein (three times), Solti, Kubelik, Haitink and so on with the best known orchestras in the world ---- Vienna Philharmonic, Concertgebouw, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Berlin Philharmonic, and so on and so on. I've given away my bias by those I've chosen to list and the sequence I've put them in.
And along comes a little known conductor, now deceased, with an orchestra I would not rank with those above; and by virtue of their sheer musicianship they belong alongside all the above. Mr. Bertini's performances hew closer to Mr. Kubelik and Mr. Haitink in being moderate in both tempo and phrasing. At the same time, Mr. Bertini still beings a far greater feeling of intensity and passion than either. Mr. Bertini's performances have a sweep and a grandeur that places them on the same plane as Mr. Bernstein's performances without entirely going "over the top" as Mr. B. was inclined to do.
No: Bertini's recording of the Sixth Symphony does not take us emotionally to the depth of Mr. Bernstein's last recording (DG digital). Nor has Mr. Solti's magnificent performance of the Eighth been surpassed. But I were asked to choose one cycle to live with for the rest of my life, it would be this one.

An exceptionally fine bargain.......2007-03-26

Gary Bertini's EMI Mahler cycle is more or less contemporary with Tennstedt's Mahler cycle on the same label. But, according to the gossip, the company decided to keep Bertini in the vaults since the former and LPO where more publicly known. In my view, however, Bertini's set is clearly superior. The orchestra - Kölner Rundfunk Sinfonieorchester - is outstanding, far better than LPO, and so are most of Bertini's interpretations as well.

Considering that Bertini and the orchestra are not among the obvious "stars", it is an exceptional sleeper. In fact, Bertini was virtually unknown before this cycle made him famous, post mortem.

The cycle combines both live and studio recordings. The live ones were recorded in Japan where the audience knows how to behave. Excellent stereo sound adds to the pleasure.

But one could note that some of Bertini's tempi are among the slowest on record. The final movement of symphony no. 9 stops at 28:34, which is ten minutes more than Walter's 1939 classic. It's even a few seconds slower than Chailly's very slow account on Decca. The finale of the third is six minutes longer than Tennstedt's on EMI. But the adagietto in the fifth stops at just above 10 minutes, so Bertini is not consistently very slow when Mahler's music may invite sentimental conductors to drag. Unlike such conductors, however, Bertini has the ability to keep tension during a long breath, bringing forth interesting details in contextual balance.

Thus the performances of symphonies 1, 5, 7, 8, 9 and Das Lied von der Erde are outstanding, challenging almost every recording in the current catalogue. The remaining symphonies are also convincingly presented, in perfectly consistent performances.

However, one irritating thing with this set is that the fourth symphony is divided over two discs. That EMI decision was not necessary. The cycle could still fit on 11 CDs with a different editing. The policy for all record companies should be to avoid unnecessary splitting.

At a super-bargain price, this is of course the first choice among boxed sets, especially the contemporary ones. All the recordings in this box have something that attracts repeated listening. This is true of Gielen's outstanding cycle too (Hänssler), but it requires you to pay four times the price. Still, Kubelik (DG) remains my favourite cycle. But Bertini's is better recorded.

Warmly recommended!

best overall cycle.......2006-12-09

There's little that I could add to the testimonials that have already been written here . While none of these performances would be an absolute first choice for me, save Bertini's Mahler 8th (which IS extraordinary), all of them have an amazing consistantcy in style, sound quality, and orchestral execution. The inclusion of a really fine "Das Lied von der Erde", expertly sung by Ben Heppner and Marjana Lipovsek, makes this a clear front runner. While Bertini didn't record a complete Mahler 10th symphony (finished by Deryck Cooke and others), his M10 Adagio is outstanding - giving the feeling of completeness on to itself. In fact, other than Leonard Bernstein, I can think of no other conductor who has been so satisfying in capturing the complete emotional range of Mahler's symphonies; going from the fresh and youthful first symphony (and Bertini is truly fresh and youthful); working on up to the cosmic orgasm that is the 8th symphony (and Bertini is cosmically orgasmic here), and still making the drastic shift to the zen-like, other-worldliness of the so-called farewell trilogy: "DLvdE", 9th symphony, and 10th symphony adagio. He runs the entire gamut, Janet.

Much positive has been written about Gielen's fine Mahler cycle. But his box set doesn't include his recording of the Cooke 10th (Chailly's does!), which is really a very good 10th. It's also more expensive. In addition, getting Gielen's Mahler 6th separately also gives you a really fine performance of Alban Berg's "Three Pieces For Orchestra" - a very natural coupling for that dark work. Better to pick and choose with Gielen, I think. If you want a box, get the Bertini.

Average customer rating: The "Clinker" of the bunch

Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set) Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Clarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set] Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set) Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Beethoven: The Masterworks (Box Set) ASIN: B00062FLIS Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

The "Clinker" of the bunch.......2006-12-19

Having collected the entire "The Masterworks" series (including the Bach and Mozart Complete Works) this set is the 'clinker' of the bunch. First off... 6 CD's of Lieder 'historic' (pre-historic) recordings. No Overtures, No Orchestral Seranades, No Haydn Variations?? The performances of the Symphonies and the Concertos are shakey and not very well recorded. Brilliant Classics, who has done such a wonderful job with the Hadyn Complete Symphonies (licensed from Nimbus), the Mozart and Bach Complete sets, has stumbled a bit with this release.

Average customer rating:

Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia Concertante | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set) Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set] Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set) Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set) ASIN: B00062FLJM Release Date: 2004-11-30

Average customer rating: A Soothing And Unique Collection of Bach's Music Wonderful, Heartfelt Candidate for the most beautiful piece of music ever written I'm Enjoying This, My First Real Exposure to Bach, Immensely Bach, Battle, & Perlman at Their Finest

The Bach Album Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Battle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart Kathleen Battle - Bel Canto Arias Kathleen Battle in Concert Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall ASIN: B000001GD3 Release Date: 1992-01-16

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: S-l-o-w and intense Expansive, very expansive account of Brahms masterpiece A noble, profoundly moving performance. Why is it neglected? The greatest Brahms Requiem performance of them all .... At last...

Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem op.45 Lehmann, Stader, Wiener Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Johannes Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45/Alt-Rhapsodie, Op. 53 EMI Great Recordings of Century - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4/Klemperer Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem Op.45 Shostakovich: The String Quartets ASIN: B000001H02 Release Date: 1998-02-10

Tracks:

1. Ein Duetsches Requiem Op. 45, nach Worten der Heiligen Schrift: I. Selig sind, die la Leid tragen
2. Ein Duetsches Requiem Op. 45, nach Worten der Heiligen Schrift: II. Denn alles Fleisch, es ist wie Gras
3. Ein Duetsches Requiem Op. 45, nach Worten der Heiligen Schrift: III. Herr, lehre doch mich
4. Ein Duetsches Requiem Op. 45, nach Worten der Heiligen Schrift: IV. Wie lieblich sind Deine Wohnungen
5. Ein Duetsches Requiem Op. 45, nach Worten der Heiligen Schrift: V. Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit
6. Ein Duetsches Requiem Op. 45, nach Worten der Heiligen Schrift: VI. Denn wir haben hie keine bleibende Statt
7. Ein Duetsches Requiem Op. 45, nach Worten der Heiligen Schrift: VII. Selig sind die Toten

Customer Reviews:

S-l-o-w and intense.......2006-09-28

Like that other famously slow conductor, Celibadache, Fritz Lehmann aims to thorw out all preconcpeitons about the Greman requiem, presenting a soundscape of intense highs and lows. As one can see from the rapturous reviews below, this approach mesmerizes many listeners. Sometimes Celi can't bring off the necessary intensity to hold ones attention, but Lehmann does. I admit I can't listen to more than a few movements of this performance at a sitting. It reminds me of Haydn's Seven Last Words of Christ, which is also built upon one Adagio after another. That's what this reading feels like, but it's deeply committed on all counts. The two soloists are as good as one might wish, the 1955 mono sound is clear and rich, the chorus sings with true religious fervor. If you don't mind an account that literally has not a single moment of allegro, this legendary CD may captivate you, too.

Expansive, very expansive account of Brahms masterpiece.......2006-01-11

This much-admired classic recording of the Brahms Requiem still has much to commend it. Fritz Lehmann's account emphasizes the gravity and majesty of the music and text, certainly a valid approach, through expansive phrasing and slow speeds in general--this CD lasts almost eighty minutes, ten minutes longer than my Telarc recording (in English). It's possible to feel that, however beautiful the results, there's more drive and drama in the music than is found here. Moreover, the glacial pace of the fifth movement sorely taxes Maria Stader, whose vocal timbre suits the music well, but who is forced to take breaths in the middle of phrases usually heard without a break. Otto Wiener copes better and sings his third- and sixth-movement solos with eloquence. The mono sound holds up well after a half-century. I cannot recommend this as anyone's sole recording of this work but it is certainly still worth hearing.

A noble, profoundly moving performance. Why is it neglected?.......2005-09-10

How can this be? One of the greatest recordings ever made of Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem appears not only to be out of print but to being subjected to a dump on the market: brand new copies being sold by Amazon marketplace associates for $.65! I"ve alread had several copies sent to friends and colleagues as gift.

So, don't let the ridiculously low price put you off: if you have any affection for this choral masterpiece or if you don't know it and would like to get to know it, buy this CD, and buy it while it is available at all and at such low prices.

The 1955 mono recording is as clear and rich and full sounding as many a stereo CD made in recent years. The listener can understand every word sung by the Choir of St. Hedwig's Cathedral and the various vocal parts are always distinct, even in the great fugues. The Berlin Philharmonic plays with both delicacy and power. Otto Wiener sings his solo passages in the 3rd and 6th movements with a heartfelt simplicity that only a heart of stone could resist. Maria Stader also brings unaffected musicianship to her solo. Fritz Lehmann has brought the very best out of each and every musician involved in this recording. Whenver I hear it, I don't just hear Brahms' Requiem, I live it.

Only Rudolf Kempe's recording from EMI, also made in 1955 with the Berlin Philharmonic and the Choir of St. Hedwig's, matches Lehmann's achievement. On that recording, the exquisite singing of Eliabeth Gruemmer rises to the same heights as that of Maria Stader, but even the young Fischer-Dieskau does not reach as deeply into the heart of the text and the music as does Otto Wiener.

There are many more recent performances of Ein Deutsches Requiem, all in stereo and most recorded DDD. To find a depth of feeling and a sensitivity of playing equal to the two 1955 recordings, I would turn to those conducted by Philip Herreweghe, James Levine, and Rafael Kubelik, all of which are currently available.

The greatest Brahms Requiem performance of them all ...........2001-05-10

This recording is the performance of the Brahms Requiem on LP that I grew up with. I am a choral singer (with a symphony chorus) and this piece has always been my favorite to perform. I have heard many recordings over the last 40+ years and have sung it many times, and over the years, only a performance I was privileged to sing with En Shao and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra some years ago even approaches this particular recording in its sublime, measured, flowing, and German-to-the-core performance. The orchestra, chorus, soloists, and conducting and pace are without compare if you want to hear authentic Brahms by some of the greatest German/Austrian performers (Maria Stader has the perfect light, lyrical German soprano for the music ~ and of course the young Fischer-Dieskau in his prime). But then I confess that I love the slower tempi and richer sounds that go with the German school of conducting and playing, and that might not be everyone's cup of tea. If that school is to your liking, though, you may never find a better recording.

I have waited literally most of my life to find a better rendering, and have yet to find it, so I am thrilled to be able to replace my old treasured, well-worn LP with a CD of this performance. And at such a price! My day is made!

At last..........1999-03-31

I've owned the LP's of this performance ever since they first came out on Decca Gold Label (Seiji Ozawa "borrowed" my copy in 1975 and I never got it back - I had to find a used copy). This is my absolute favorite of all of the recordings of this wonderful work. The slowing of the tempo in the "tranquillo" section of the second movement will be a surprise to many, but, to me, it is perfect. Unmatched and at a bargain price. Go for it.

Average customer rating: NENA - Alles Gute Review By a Philippine Nena Fan Who Understands German

Alles Gute ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Willst du mit Mir Gehn Nena Live (1998) 99 Luftballons Nena Live Nena Nena Star Boulevard ASIN: B0001HQ2FO Release Date: 2003-11-11

Album Description

Subtitled - The Singles 1982 - 2002. 2003 compilation for the German new wave icon features 38 tracks including a new version of '99 Luftballoons' & two bonus tracks, 'Ecstasy' & 'Oldschool Baby'. Packaged in double gatefold digipak. Sony.

Customer Reviews:

NENA - Alles Gute.......2005-03-17

This is an excellent compilation of all of Nena's singles covering her entire career until 2002. There are 2 CD's with 38 songs.

Review By a Philippine Nena Fan Who Understands German.......2003-11-12

This is the very first compilation which encompasses Nena's career from her days as a member of the Stripes band all the way to the year 2002. Hence, it is not just the Nena singles from 1982 to 2002 which are covered, but actually from 1979 to 2002. This is a double cd compilation album and each cd contains 19 tracks. Here is the tracklisting together with the single involved:

A. Audio CD 1
1. Nur geträumt( NUR GETRÄUMT, CBS 1982 )
2. Leuchtturm( LEUCHTTURM, CBS 1983 )
3. Wunder gescheh'n( WUNDER GESCHEH'N, CBS 1989 )
4. 99 Luftballons( 99 LUFTBALLONS, CBS 1983 )
5. ?( Fragezeichen )[ ?( FRAGEZEICHEN ), CBS 1984 ]
6. Feuer und Flamme( FEUER UND FLAMME, CBS 1985 )
7. Haus der drei Sonnen( HAUS DER DREI SONNEN, CBS 1985 )
8. Laß mich dein Pirat sein( LAß MICH DEIN PIRAT SEIN, CBS 1984 )
9. Mondsong( MONDSONG, CBS 1986 )
10. Hol' mich zurück( HOL' MICH ZURÜCK, RMG 1994 )
11. Dann fiel mir auf( DANN FIEL MIR AUF, POLYDOR 1998 )
12. Jamma nich( JAMMA NICH, POLYDOR 1997 )
13. Im Rausch der Liebe( IM RAUSCH DER LIEBE, CBS 1990 )
14. Ich umarm' die ganze Welt( ICH UMARM' DIE GANZE WELT, EASTWEST 1999 )
15. Auf dich und mich( AUF DICH UND MICH, POLYDOR 1997 )
16. Du kennst die Liebe nicht( DU KENNST DIE LIEBE NICHT, CBS 1985 )
17. Kino( KINO, CBS 1983 )
18. Conversation( CONVERSATION, SONY 1992 )
19. Ecstasy( ECSTASY, CBS 1979 )

B. Audio CD 2
1. 99 Luftballons( New )[ 99 LUFTBALLONS( NEW ), WARNER 2002 ]
2. Irgendwie, irgendwo, irgendwann( IRGENDWIE, IRGENDWO, IRGENDWANN, CBS 1984 )
3. Rette mich( RETTE MICH, CBS 1984 )
4. Carpe diem( CARPE DIEM, EASTWEST 2001 )
5. Was hast du in meinem Traum gemacht( WAS HAST DU IN MEINEM TRAUM GEMACHT, POLYDOR 1998 )
6. Manchmal ist ein Tag( MANCHMAL IST EIN TAG, SONY 1992 )
7. Jung wie du( JUNG WIE DU, CBS 1985 )
8. Ganz gelassen( GANZ GELASSEN, POLYDOR 1997 )
9. Das Lied dieser Welt( DAS LIED DIESER WELT, POLYDOR 1996 )
10. Du bist überall( DU BIST ÜBERALL, CBS 1990 )
11. Ohne Ende( OHNE ENDE, SONY 1992 )
12. Viel zuviel Glück( VIEL ZUVIEL GLÜCK, RMG 1993 )
13. Das ist normal( DAS IST NORMAL, POLYDOR 1998 )
14. Engel der Nacht( ENGEL DER NACHT, CBS 1987 )
15. Ich halt dich fest( ICH HALT DICH FEST, RMG 1994 )
16. Weißes Schiff( WEIßES SCHIFF, RMG 1995 )
17. Laß mich dein Pirat sein( Remix '91 )[ LAß MICH DEIN PIRAT SEIN( REMIX '91 ), SONY 1991 ]
18. Alles was du willst( ALLES WAS DU WILLST, POLYDOR 1997 )
19. Oldschool, Baby( Nena und Westbam )( NENA UND WESTBAM: OLDSCHOOL, BABY, LOW SPIRIT 2002 )

I very highly recommend this compilation double cd album, primarily because it encompasses seven music companies, which have been involved with Nena: CBS, SONY, RMG, POLYDOR, EASTWEST, LOW SPIRIT, and WARNER.

Average customer rating: Surprisingly good Great album by any measure! Only one Reich only one Hanzel und Gretyl Hilarious pseudo-German Electro-Metal from Beyond Uber

Uber Alles Hanzel und Gretyl Manufacturer: Metropolis Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt Industrial | Industrial | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Industrial Dance | Industrial | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Transmissions from Uranus 5 Antikörper Eisbrecher Ausgeflippt ASIN: B00008YJDB Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

1. Overtune
2. Third Reich From The Sun
3. Ich Bin Uber Alles
4. Komm Zu Uns
5. Mach Schnell
6. SS Deathstar Supergalactik
7. Let The Planets Burn
8. Intermission
9. 11:11
10. Verbotenland
11. Transplutonian Annihilation
12. Mein Kommandant
13. Untitled

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly good.......2007-01-10

Saw these guys open for the Genitorturers a few years back and was pleasantly surprised at how sharp they were. Uber Alles is by far their best album, fun, completely rocking, a little tongue-in-cheek, and just a good time.

Great album by any measure!.......2006-11-27

As great as Rammstein's music that of HG is a must for intelligent industrial metal listeners.

Only one Reich only one Hanzel und Gretyl.......2005-09-20

My god brillant stuff
read Mein Kampf, fly swastikas, ss stuff
Zeig Heil
wear lots of black and red
and put bunny ears on and bounce around alot!!!
Heil Hanzel und Gretyl

Hilarious pseudo-German Electro-Metal from Beyond.......2005-08-06

I've been heavily into industrial for almost 15 years now, but deep down inside there's still a wylde chylde buttrocker that rides barstools across the club on 80s night screaming along to Quiet Riot. So when I need a break from all the abstract powernoise and clubby electro / EBM that tends to be on constant rotation in my iTunes, I turn to bands like Hanzel und Gretyl.

Honestly, with this album HuG have strayed pretty far from 1997's industrial-rock "Transmissions from Uranus" -- gone are the driving synthetic melodies and cybernetic lyrics. Despite a drum machine, a voicebox and the occasional sample, "Uber Alles" is at its heart a heavy metal record. HuG have a hilarious, almost GWAR-like sense of humor that makes a nice counterpoint to the driving power-riffs and screaming -- think Kompressor crossed with Ministry.

My favorite tracks are probably "Third Reich from the Sun", "Let the Planets Burn", and "Mein Kommandant". "Mein Kommandant" is actually a bit of a throwback to the old Hanzel und Gretyl -- if you like that, I'd recommend also checking out "Transmissions from Uranus".

Overall, I'd give this four stars. There's nothing really to dislike about this album, but then neither is it a work of staggering genius. It's a fun, goofy collection of head-banging dark metal dolled up in Teutonic drag -- Laibach lite for the Ministry set. Highly recommended for those with a sense of humor, and a great antidote to the sludgy dreck that passes for industrial rock these days.

Uber.......2005-06-07

From the moment the first song began, I loved this CD. Each song is incredible. The thing that I really love about this CD though, is how the songs work together. Listening to it from beginning to end, not only sounds good, but almost sounds better. This CD doesn't even compare to most modern music where some songs are good, and the rest are just mush. This CD is like one great song from beginning to end.

World Music:

1. Attitudes [Import]
2. Awake, My Heart! Archaic and Sacred Folk Songs from Estonian Villages
3. Belomancy - Flamenco Gypsy Music
4. Best of Hanne Boel [Import]
5. Best of [Import]
6. Boleros Inigualables [Import]
7. Brasil, Vol. 2 [Explicit Lyrics]
8. C'est Ca Qui Est Bon [Import]
9. Café Cubana
10. Canto Al Programa [Import]

World Music

world music

World Music

Future Discothèque

Poulenc: Figure humaine; 7 Chansons; Un Soir de neige

The Best of Brian Auger [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Be My World [CD-single]

Tenebre: The Complete Original Motion Picture Sound Track [Soundtrack]

Ruff Cut: Original Sounds

Rock & Roll Collection

Reach Up for the Sunrise

Nostalgia Italiana: 1962 [Import]

Piano Trio Op 17 / Piano Trio 1, Op 18

Parting [Import]

Piano Player [Original recording remastered]

Ozomatli

Lonely Nights

Invocation