Reminiscence

About the Artist
This fulltime guitarist was born and raised in Oklahoma City and grew up in an atmosphere of latin/mariachi music under the inspiration of his father Manuel Cruz. After graduating from Oklahoma City University in 1986 he has focused much of his time touring Colleges, Universities, Festivals, Conventions, Corporate and Private performances throughout the United States, Europe, The Carribean Islands and South America.

Those who have witnessed Cruz’s performance immediately become entranced at the precision, speed and complexity with which his fingers strike the strings of his guitar to create a symphony of sound unusual to just one instrument.

Recordings include (but not limited to)...Throw Another Tape on the Fire, Classical Demands, Those Were the Days, Opening Night, The A.R.T. of Edgar Cruz, Reminiscence, Timeless, Spanish Blood.

He’s been featured frequently on ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS-affiliate television and cable stations. He’s a National Guitar Fingerpicking Champion and has been named the Oklahoma Gazette’s Best Local Performing Artist and Best Acoustic Guitarist for three years in a row.

Future recordings include international, inspirational, broadway, romantic and original works. Videos are also on the drawing board. Edgar is one of the most ambitious and hard working guitarists to date.

Product Description
This release (1998) is a collection of some of the material I've been playing for twenty years. I just have not had a chance to record any of them until now. Some will be on future albums, but until I release the appropriate CD, I thought I'd give the public another variety recording to enjoy. The songs on this album were recorded mostly on the First Place classical guitar I purchased from the "Festival of Guitars" in Paracho, Mexico in 1996.

Reminiscence,Edgar Cruz,Crystal Clear Sound

Average customer rating: THIS IS THE BEST Enchanting Perfection Excellent relaxation music One of the best groups I have heard . . . Possibly the best band to arrive on the scene in the last 3 years

Reminiscence Lunascape Manufacturer: Dancing Ferret ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music | Goth | Industrial Similar Items: Extraordinary Ways The Dawnseeker Mindstalking Nuages du Monde Breathe ASIN: B000AC7OTI Release Date: 2007-07-16

Tracks:

1. Mindstalking
2. Praise Me
3. Tears From The Moon
4. Your Shadow
5. Lane Navachi (Theme From Haunted Castle 3D)
6. State Of Mind
7. Carolyn
8. Yairo
9. Sequoia
10. Inferno
11. Severed Heart
12. Sos Planet (Theme From Sos Planet 3D)

Album Description

Includes the theme songs from "SOS Planet" and "Haunted Castle 3D" movies as well as the Billboard hit single "Mindstalking" and the Top 10 song "Tears From the Moon."

Customer Reviews:

THIS IS THE BEST.......2007-05-06

I just enjoy all the music by lunascape I thought that I would never be able to get but then I found it on amazon that was great

Enchanting Perfection.......2006-12-31

"It just ain't fair
This thing called Loving
When one's still there
And the Other feels nothing
I would have done
Anything for you
I still love you, Baby I do
All day I keep
From falling apart
But at night
When the sky gets dark
Tears from the Moon
Fall down like rain
I reach for you
I reach in vain"

Lunascape invites you into an ambient world of trip hop shimmering with mystery and revelation. Kyoko Baertsoen's sweet vocals have a sultry edge and velvety texture that dances as easily in the darkness as the light.

You can imagine the words of "Carolyn" drifting across an open sea or dream of listening to "Tears from the Moon" on a ship sailing to exotic destination.

"Your Shadow" is exotic and intimate with creative lyrics and slips of sound that seem to layer over each other in a dance of longing and unveiling. Kyoko Baertsoen's vocals are breathlessly beautiful and mingle exquisitely with enchanting lyrics.

"Shadow
Illuminate your soul
Illuminate your soul
Expose the shade
Liquefy your heart
Drown the pain
Fairylight of love
Fades away
The trifle above
Your Shadow
I can never see your
Shadow at night"

This finely crafted album is one that can appeal to fans who love everything from trip hop to ambient escapes. The songs range from darkly sexy to sweetly elegant, but always have a sensuous edge.

If you enjoy Balligomingo and Delerium, this should impress you. I've been beyond impressed and have listened to this album all week, more than once a day!

Highly Collectible! Look for their next album in the spring...

~The Rebecca Review

Excellent relaxation music.......2005-12-27

Lunascape is a Belgium group that needs more global attention. Most people don't even know them unless they've had a chance to hear "Lane Navichi" from the great IMAX 3D film "Haunted Castle". "Reminiscences" is a best-of compilation album, collecting songs from "Reflecting Seyelence" and "Mindstalking", the groups first two albums. "Mindstalking" is still available, though the CD single is more dominant and comes up the most in Net searches. "Reflecting" is impossible to find now on the web, at least it was when I recently did an extensive search for the album. So, having "Reminiscenes" is great, but for a compilation, it should have had every song from the last two albums on it instead of just 12 tracks. At least these are excellent songs, with "Lane Navichi" and "Tears From The Moon" being the best (in my opinion). Kyoko Baertsoen has a powerfully beautiful voice. At times, she sounds similiar to Dolores O'Riordan from "The Cranberries", other times like Sinead O'Connor, then you mix in a bit of "Enya", "Delerium" and "Enigma". Put all that together and "Lunascape" is created. For those that have heard and love the "Lane Navichi" song, only the few lines of the song are in English, as well as the ending, all the rest is improvisational gibberish. Hard to tell, isn't it? I always think Kyoko's words sound Gaelic. Anyway, this is an excellent album and worth having if you like the singers and groups I mentioned.

One of the best groups I have heard . . ........2005-09-01

It is great to see that Lunascape has come to America after having to import there first 2 album in the past. Also enjoyed seeing their website [...] and listening to some of their music that is currently not available on any of the Eurpoean or American albums. Kyoko has an amazing voice that you will not forget and her appearance is Haunted Castle will not let you forget the lyrical qualities of the music.

Possibly the best band to arrive on the scene in the last 3 years.......2005-08-21

Finally!! Lunascape have an American release. I first heard their track "Sequoia" online. Since then, I have imported both of their European releases. Kyoko has one of the best voices since Sinead O'Connor and their music is gorgeous on every level. This band DESERVES the highest praise for making such phenomenal music.

BUY IT and you will LOVE IT

Average customer rating: Garbage luxurious tone wow! Beautiful, Haunting and Lingers in the Mind Sweet tone

Nina Kotova - Chopin, Faure, Falla, Glazunov, et al Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | 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 Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Nina Kotova: Concerto for Cello & Orchestra ASIN: B00001IVPE Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

1. Nocturne, Op. 19, No. 4 In D minor
2. Romance (Ne poi, Krasavitsa, Op. 4)
3. Elegie In D Flat, Op. 17 (Pensee a Liszt)
4. Etude, Op. 25, No. 7
5. Pouchka: Danse Russe
6. Elegie
7. Le Coq d'Or: Hymn To The Sun (Turkish Princess)
8. Sketches From The Catwalk: 1. Allegretto, ma non troppo
9. Sketches From The Catwalk: 2. Lento tranquillo
10. Sketches From The Catwalk: 3. Rubato - Marcia. allegro
11. Preludia, Op. 11, No. 1
12. Reminiscense
13. RAYMONDA: Entracte (To Scene II)
14. Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
15. Dark Blue: 1. Dark Blue
16. Dark Blue: 2. Melting Matters
17. Dark Blue: 3. Conversation Of Two
18. El Amor Brujo: Ritual Fire Dance

Amazon.com

Described as "a major Russian prodigy," Nina Kotova, daughter of two musicians, had a promising musical beginning, but had to leave Russia and spent some years modeling and composing before returning to the cello. This debut recording proves that she is indeed very talented, but is designed mainly to display her tone, which is full and pure in every register and rather beautiful, if without much variation. The program consists of short pieces, mostly transcriptions, predominantly Russian and predominantly slow, sentimental, and melancholy. Kotova made many arrangements herself, presumably including the orchestrations, and there are also several of her own compositions. She describes the latter as representing real-life events and experiences; several contain elements of jazz and improvisation. The orchestrations throughout are full of color and sound effects, but seem more suitable as accompaniments for films than for concert pieces. The playing reflects the rather limited expression and mood of the music, and is clean, disciplined, and controlled. It will be interesting to see how this gifted player approaches a musically more substantial, varied program. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Garbage.......2002-10-17

This was my first exposure to Ms Kotova's work, and I have to say it does not inspire me to listen to her more. Perhaps I should have started with some other work of hers. The folks who glow about her tone, etc obviously have no exposure to REAL cellist. Suffice it to say, if you are a true classical music fan, run away from this garbage as fast as you can. If, on the other hand, you live by the brilliance of cHarlot Church, or Andrea Bocelli, then this is exactly the sort of thing for you. For those who sincerely want to hear what alternatives there are to this cellist, may I suggest anything by Janos Starker or Mischa Maisky, and Anner Bylsma for variety. THEN we can talk cello.

luxurious tone.......2002-02-08

I have the great pleasure of living in the city as Ms. Kotova,
Dallas, Texas. Although I do not know her well, her playing is
stunningly beautiful and this CD brings the best out in her. i
look forward to her next CD

wow!.......2001-11-14

What a gorgeous tone, expressive, delicate and powerful all at
once. I look forward to the next CD, hopefully concerto
repertoire.

Beautiful, Haunting and Lingers in the Mind.......2001-11-03

I bought Nina Kotova's debut CD after my parents mentioned how thrilled friends of theirs in Salt Lake City had been after attending one of her concerts. I played this CD two or three times a week for six months until other members of my household started pleading for more musical variety. I still put it on occasionally, and more often when I'm alone. It has a haunting quality to it, a sweet beauty and melancholy that linger in the mind long after the music is over. I have bought it as a gift to friends and family members, including a long-term houseguest of ours who practically requested it when she left. Kotova's life story is fascinating -- persecution, exile to two countries, further musical studies, modeling (!), etc., but the main theme in her life and that of her parents is love of music, and it shows on every track of this CD. It is a wonderful debut piece for a relatively young artist. I keep checking back here to see if she has come out with a new CD, and I look forward to hearing her over the years as she matures as an artist.

Sweet tone.......2001-07-27

I discovered Kotova through a Readers Digest article, and was intrigued, so I bought the disc. The many short selections of the cd is not enough to fully determine what she can bring to the great masterpieces. Based on the selections contained on the cd, one can immediately tell that she is a great cellist with a deep resonant tone. The standards, like Vocalise and Petroushka are well played. The other pieces have been orchestrated by Kotova, which makes the interpretation unique. I always enjoy hearing common pieces in new setting. Let's wait till Kotova tackles some warhorses, like the Shostakovich concerto, or the Bach concertos. If it's anything like her performances here, they will be welcomed by the classical community.

Average customer rating: Hanson could definitely write for the piano! A "must buy" at any price... Hanson's Piano Music receives a Well-Deserved Recital

Howard Hanson: Piano Sonata Poemes Erotiques Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Hanson | Hanson, Howard | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Ballets | Hanson, Howard | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Howard Hanson: Organ Concerto; Fantasy Variations; Nymphs and Satyr; Summer Seascape; Pastorale; Serenade Alan Hovhaness: Symphony No. 60; Guitar Concerto; Khrimian Hairig Rorem: Flute Concerto; Violin Concerto Edmond Dédé: Orchestral Works Howard Hanson: Orchestral Works, Vol. 1 ASIN: B00004SYGC Release Date: 2000-05-16

Tracks:

1. Two Yuletide Pieces, Op.19: Impromptu
2. Two Yuletide Pieces, Op.19: March Carillon
3. Poemes Erotiques, Op.9: Peace
4. Poemes Erotiques, Op.9: Joy
5. Poemes Erotiques, Op.9: Desire
6. Son in a, Op.11: Andante Espressivo
7. Son in a, Op.11: Elegie Herbique
8. Son in a, Op.11: Triumphal Ode
9. Three Miniatures, Op.12: Reminiscence
10. Three Miniatures, Op.12: Lullaby
11. Three Miniatures, Op.12: Longing
12. Three Etudes, Op.18: Studio Ritmico
13. Three Etudes, Op.18: Studio Melodico
14. Three Etudes, Op.18: Poema Idillico
15. Enchantment
16. For The First Time (Orchestral Score 1963; Pno Score 1970): Bells
17. For The First Time (Orchestral Score 1963; Pno Score 1970): Tamara And Peter Bolshoi
18. For The First Time (Orchestral Score 1963; Pno Score 1970): The Deserted House
19. For The First Time (Orchestral Score 1963; Pno Score 1970): The Eccentric Clock
20. For The First Time (Orchestral Score 1963; Pno Score 1970): Deep Forest
21. For The First Time (Orchestral Score 1963; Pno Score 1970): Clowns
22. For The First Time (Orchestral Score 1963; Pno Score 1970): Dance
23. For The First Time (Orchestral Score 1963; Pno Score 1970): Serious Conversation
24. For The First Time (Orchestral Score 1963; Pno Score 1970): Kikimora
25. For The First Time (Orchestral Score 1963; Pno Score 1970): Mist
26. For The First Time (Orchestral Score 1963; Pno Score 1970): Fireworks
27. For The First Time (Orchestral Score 1963; Pno Score 1970): Dreams
28. For The First Time (Orchestral Score 1963; Pno Score 1970): Slumber Song

Amazon.com

Best-known for his unashamedly romantic cycle of seven symphonies, Nebraska-born Howard Hanson (1896-1981) was a formidable pianist in his youth (he seriously considered a career as a concert virtuoso). All but two items here predate Hanson's three-year residency in Rome (where he studied under Respighi after winning the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1921). In the three Poèmes erotiques of 1917-18 (a fourth was lost), the ambitious Sonata in A minor (1918), and the Three Miniatures (1918-19), extravagant virtuosity goes hand-in-hand with a heart-on-sleeve emotional fervor. Both the Three Etudes (1920) and Two Yuletide Pieces (1919) are cleaner-cut; indeed, the latter diptych has all the potential for popular appeal. Other stand-out items include the winsome miniature Enchantment (1935), as well as Hanson's effective 1970 piano transcription of his own 1962 orchestral suite, For the First Time. Thomas Labé is a passionate, occasionally strident advocate of this rare repertoire. An enterprising anthology with excellent booklet notes and a decent recording, to boot--well worth snapping up at Naxos's absurdly low price. --Andrew Achenbach

Customer Reviews:

Hanson could definitely write for the piano!.......2001-11-28

Howard Hanson was a romantic, no bars about it. And for the time he lived and composed in, was anachronistic. His piano music was a surprise and delight from the first time I put it in the player. Long flowing lines, beautiful figured melodies. The sound of Labe's playing is full and lush, perfectly fitted to Hanson's simple yet beautiful development of melodic ideas. If you like the Howard Hanson symphonies, you should dig his piano music. It is the genesis of his later work. This is good stuff from one of our greatest composers.

A "must buy" at any price..........2001-03-17

...Howard Hanson's piano music is chock-full of romantic melodies, yet there is a very contemporary feel that permeates the basic structure of the music. There isn't a bad cut in the bunch, but I'm particularly partial to the Sonata in A Minor, which is aclassic-in-waiting, needing only broader exposure for its proper recognition. The Poemes Erotiques each fetchingly convey their name demotions: peace, joy and desire. The Three Etudes and Three Miniatures are full of feeling and emotion, and For the First Time,originally scored for orchestra, sounds (to me, anyway) even morenatural in this piano setting. Much, much credit must go to Thomas Labe, who not only plays this music with passionate intensity and virtuosity, but who also completed the Sonata, based on Hanson's own hand-written, but incomplete score. His understanding and love of this music is apparent through out the CD. The sound quality is top notch as well. Out of my nearly 100 classical CD's, this one jumped to my top echelon very quickly and has stayed there. Go get it - this is great piano music, at a great price.

Hanson's Piano Music receives a Well-Deserved Recital.......2001-01-19

Thmas Labé is eminently qualified to bring Howard Hanson's works for piano into the current repertoire. He has embraced this task with the authority of a musicologist as well as the enthusiasm of one who enjoys the lush sounds of the piano. As a result we have a refreshing experience of hearing little-known works that deserve more public performances.

Labé is well-known for viruoso playing, beginning with his recording of "The Virtuoso Johann Strauss" in 1992 on the Dorian label. However, with this album and fresh material, he comes of age both as a performer capable of an enormous range of color and an original interpreter of American keyboard literature.

Average customer rating:

Summit - Reunion Cumbre Gerry Mulligan , and Astor Piazzolla Manufacturer: Trov ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B000268AZE Release Date: 2007-03-02

Tracks:

1. Twenty Years Ago
2. Close Your Eyes and Listen
3. Years of Solitude
4. Deus Xango
5. Twenty Years After
6. Aire de Buenos Aires
7. Reminiscence
8. Summit

Average customer rating: Very good reading, but not the best, of really lovely music Wonderful music, but I'm not sure I like the interpretation Absolutely breath-taking Firkusny redraws a misguided portrait.

Leos Janácek: Piano Works Leos Janacek , Rudolf Firkusny , Rafael Kubelik , and Members of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Janácek, Leos | ( J ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Janácek: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2 Leos Janácek: A Recollection Leos Janacek: String Quartet No. 1 "Kreutzer Sonata" / String Quartet No. 2 "Intimate Letters" / Violin Sonata - Prazak Quartet / Vaclav Remes / Sachiko Kayahara Hindemith: The 3 Piano Sonatas Schoenberg: Verklärte Nacht, Pelleas und Melisande / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra ASIN: B000001GXO Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

1. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: Tema con variazioni - Leos Janacek
2. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: I. Our evenings - Moderato - Leos Janacek
3. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: II. A Blown-Away Leaf - Leos Janacek
4. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: III. Come With Us! - Leos Janacek
5. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: IV. The Madonna Of Frydek - Leos Janacek
6. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: V. They Chattered Like Swallows - Leos Janacek
7. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: VI. Words Fail! - Leos Janacek
8. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: VII. Good Night! - Leos Janacek
9. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: VIII. Unutterable Anguish - Leos Janacek
10. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: IX. In Tears - Leos Janacek
11. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: X. The Barn Owl Has Not Flown Away! - Leos Janacek
12. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: XI. Andante - Leos Janacek
13. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: XII. Allegretto - Leos Janacek
14. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: XIII. Piu mosso - Leos Janacek
15. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: XIV. Vivo - Leos Janacek
16. Auf verwachsenem Pfade: XV. Allegro-adagio - Leos Janacek
17. Erinnerung: Reminiscence - Leos Janacek

Tracks:

1. Klaviersonate 1. X. 1905: The Presentiment - L. Janacek
2. Klaviersonate 1. X. 1905: Death - L. Janacek
3. Im Nebel: I. Andante-Poco mosso-Tempo I-Adagio-Con moto - L. Janacek
4. Im Nebel: II. Molto Adagio-Presto-Grave-Tempo I - L. Janacek
5. Im Nebel: III. Andantino-Poco mosso-Tempo I - L. Janacek
6. Im Nebel: IV. Presto-Andante-Tempo I-Adagio-Vivo-Andante-Tempo I-Adagio - L. Janacek
7. Concertino: I. Moderato - L. Janacek
8. Concertino: II. Piu mosso-Presto-Prestissimo - L. Janacek
9. Concertino: III. Con moto-Lento-Tempo I - L. Janacek
10. Concertino: IV. Allegro-Presto - L. Janacek
11. Capriccio: I. Allegro-Vivace-Maestoso-Presto - L. Janacek
12. Capriccio: II. Adagio-Vivo-Tempo I - L. Janacek
13. Capriccio: III. Allegretto-Allegro-Allegretto - L. Janacek
14. Capriccio: IV. Andante-Maestos vivo-Tempo I-Allegro-Grave - L. Janacek

Customer Reviews:

Very good reading, but not the best, of really lovely music.......2004-02-16

As a long-time fan of Janacek, I know this recording from LP. It is quite well played, and is one of the only recordings out there of Janacek's wonderful and generally neglected piano works. My only problem with it is that I also have a recording of some of this music (also on LP, and not available on CD, alas) by Ivan Moravec. Like many of Moravec's recordings, that one ruined anyone else's interpretation for me - it is delicate, nuanced and in places capable of moving one to tears. Firkusny's playing is more straightforward, maybe a trifle colder, but the quality of the music still comes across.

Wonderful music, but I'm not sure I like the interpretation.......2003-01-18

Janacek is one of my favorite composers; I am currently learning "On the Overgrown Path" on the piano. I bought this CD based on the glowing reviews on this site.
I myself don't much care for Firkusny's style. I am only a student. More importantly, I think, I am an American; perhaps I'm too ignorant of Czech style to appreciate the interpretation. That said, I want more clarity. I want the rubato to be more overt. I love the music, but I want it to be more overwhelming---I really like the Guarneri Quartet's interpretation of the string quartets.
I'd be interested in hearing Schiff's interpretation of this music; I'm not sure I'd recommend Firkusny unless you are a scholar or a true devotee of Czech style.

Absolutely breath-taking.......2000-06-20

This is, simply put, one of the best CD sets out there. Janacek truly had a gift for writing piano music, and, equally so, Firkunsky had a gift for interpreting them. Every piece on these discs is a gem, from the peaceful "On the Overgrown Path" to, my personal favorite, the intense and mature "Capriccio", these CDs have no weak points. If you are at all a fan of Moravia's greatest composer, or if you are looking for an introduction to his works, this is a can't miss.

Firkusny redraws a misguided portrait........1999-01-15

These are the first Janacek CDs I have purchased. Previously I heard some of the operas and had been only mildly interested in the great Czech. From those earlier experiences I had drawn a certain image of Janacek that these CDs have forced me to reimagine. "On The Overgrown Path" is performed with such simple warmth that it is overwhelming. "Reminiscence", according to the CD jacket, was Janacek's final work. It is an historic half a minute. The two movement sonata - the last movement to which Janacek apparently tore to pieces and hurled into a river - is a wonderful blend of Czech morbidity and intermittent promise. This is an awesome release that any pianophile absolutely must own. I would have given it ten stars if I could.

Average customer rating: Collection of Reflective Songs The Quiet side of Horowitz Horowitz Plays Popular Classics

Vladimir Horowitz: A Reminiscence Manufacturer: Sony Classical ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Busoni | Busoni, Ferruccio | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Domenico Scarlatti | Scarlatti, Domenico | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Scriabin, Alexander | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Impromptus | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | 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 General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Scriabin, Alexander | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005M0LL Release Date: 2001-07-17

Tracks:

1. Impromptu in G flat, Op.90 No.3
2. Waltz in c#, Op.64 No.2
3. Prld in b, Op.28 No.6: Lento Assai
4. Prld in D flat, Op.28 No.15: Sostenuto
5. Son in D, K.491 (L.164): Allegro
6. Orgel-Buchlein, BWV 639: Chorale Prld: 'Ich Ruf' Zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ'
7. Mazurka in e, Op.41, No.2: Andantino
8. Prld in g#, Op.32
9. 'Moonlight' Son: I. Adagio Sostenuto
10. Moments Musicaux, Op.16, No.3
11. Consolation in E, R.12, No.2
12. Feuillet D'Album, Op.45 No.1: Andante Piacevole
13. Etude in A flat, Op.8 No.8: Lento (Tempo Rubato)
14. Feuillet D'Album, Op.58: Con Delicatezza
15. Prlds, Book II: VII. La Terrasse Des Audiences Du Clair De Lune: Lent
16. Prlds, Book II: V. Bruyeres. Calme
17. Kinderszenen, Op.15: Von Fremden Landern Und Menschen
18. Kinderszenen, Op.15: Traumerei

Amazon.com

This compilation, taken from live and studio recordings of the 1960s and '70s, is described as a selection of pieces especially beloved by both Horowitz and his audiences. They are largely popular fare, none longer than six and a half minutes, some less than two. All are originally for piano, except Busoni's arrangement of a Bach Chorale Prelude; all are complete works except the first movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. Arranged arbitrarily without regard to chronology, stylistic unity, or contrast of tempo, the program resembles encore pieces performed according to the artist's whim, perhaps to create the illusion of spontaneous choice.

However, the record's variety showcases one of the greatest pianists of his or any other time from every angle of his multifaceted artistry, and the selections include many composers with whom Horowitz was closely associated. A Scarlatti Sonata displays his pristine, crisp touch and rock-steady rhythm. Two Debussy Preludes are a swash of colors. A Liszt Study has feathery delicacy. The Moonlight sings with such moving simplicity that one wishes he had played the whole sonata. His Schubert, Chopin, and Schumann are lovely and poetic, but sometimes a bit overdone. Schumann's "Träumerei" is so dreamy that it almost goes to sleep. Perhaps closest to his heart and best suited to his pianistic and musical style are two Rachmaninoff and three Scriabin pieces. All are slow and very romantic, impressionist, improvisatory, rhetorical, and passionate. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Collection of Reflective Songs.......2002-02-18

This CD is a great collection because all the songs fit together to create one mood. These songs show how well Horowitz plays the more reflective and relaxing pieces. I would give it five stars, except I was disappointed to find the live pieces have a constant coughing in the background. It's not too noticable unless you are listening for it or using headphones. It's still a very worthwhile CD if you don't already have a Horowitz collection.

The Quiet side of Horowitz.......2001-12-18

Not Another Horowitz disc? one may be entitled to exclaim. For
there are many CDs available by this titan, repackaged under various titles such as 'Horowitz: A Tribute' and 'Horowitz: The Indispensable'. Horowitz is remembered foremost for his WHAM BHAM THUMP trickle BAM BOOM tickle HWAAAIYAH ~ahhhh~ type playing and most Horowitz-collection albums reflect this. But this CD is different. There is no flash. There are none of his Liszt-Revisited show stoppers. As such, the title is misleading - for a reminiscence of Horowitz would surely involve some reference to his bombastic playing. A more appropriate title for the gathering of pieces here would be 'Horowitz: Tamed by Age' Listening to these pieces makes one realise that Horowitz was equally at home in slow, quiet pieces as he was in fast, fortissimo music. Take, for example, the Traumerei by Schumann. He doesn't make it sound like a 'dream' but makes it sound more like a simple resignation. The phrasing of the moonlight sonata (he later stated that he thought it should be played much faster but was too much of a 'coward' to record it so!) is superb. Also found are a couple of Scriabin pieces, which Volodos plays as encores these days. All in all, a valuable release worth investigating.

Horowitz Plays Popular Classics.......2001-07-26

"To be more than a virtuoso, you must first be a virtuoso." Ferruccio Busoni

Although this CD of previously released material is being promoted as a companion to the video documentary "Vladimir Horowitz--a Reminiscence," there is little connection between the two. Rather than release a CD of pieces which Horowitz was heard playing in the film, Sony has instead chosen to release an album of "popular" piano classics. Most of the pieces on this CD are relaxed and contemplative, and there is none of Horowitz trademark diabolical virtuosity here. Nevertheless, his years with Columbia Masterworks (now Sony Classical) were fruitful ones, and the pianist won the majority of his Grammys while under contract to that label from 1962 to 1973.

Horowitz was never considered one of Schubert's greatest interpreters, but this performance of the G-flat Impromptu is notable for the pianist's uncanny ability to balance the melody against the flowing accompaniment, and for its natural phrasing and tonal beauty.

The Chopin pieces are from various Horowitz albums, including some live material. Although the playing is uniformly outstanding, one wishes Sony had included more Mazurkas, a form in which Horowitz excelled. (At 62 minutes, there would have been room for at least two more.) Early on, Horowitz was lauded for his interpretations of the music of Rachmaninoff, his friend and mentor. The two brief pieces here, recorded live in 1968, are played with characteristic brooding melancholy. The LP from which these works were taken won Horowitz one of his many Grammys.

Two of the three Scriabin pieces here are from Horowitz' legendary all-Scriabin LP, recorded in 1972, another Grammy winner. The third piece was recorded at the same time, but not released until 1992, despite being top-flight Horowitz and Scriabin.

Although it duplicates items which Horowitz fanatics already have, this CD is ideal for the Horowitz newcomer. It is also an excellent refutation for those who still like to pigeonhole Vladimir Horowitz as a mere virtuoso.

Average customer rating: Faultless!

The Piano Works of Leos Janácek Manufacturer: Helicon Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Janácek, Leos | ( J ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00000JCIU Release Date: 1999-06-29

Tracks:

1. Sonata, October, 1905 'From The Street: The Presentiment
2. Sonata, October, 1905 'From The Street': The Death
3. On An Overgrown Path - Book I: Our Evenings
4. On An Overgrown Path - Book I: A Blown Away Leaf
5. On An Overgrown Path - Book I: Come With Us
6. On An Overgrown Path - Book I: The Madonna Of Frydek
7. On An Overgrown Path - Book I: They Chattered Like Swallows
8. On An Overgrown Path - Book I: Words Fail
9. On An Overgrown Path - Book I: Good Night!
10. On An Overgrown Path - Book I: Unutterable Anguish
11. On An Overgrown Path - Book I: In Tears
12. On An Overgrown Path - Book I: The Barn Owl Has Not Flown Away
13. On An Overgrown Path - Book II: Andante
14. On An Overgrown Path - Book II: Allegretto
15. On An Overgrown Path - Book II: Piu Mosso
16. On An Overgrown Path - Book II: Allegro; Adagio
17. On An Overgrown Path - Book II: Vivo
18. A Recollection
19. In the Mist: Andante
20. In the Mist: Molto Adagio
21. In the Mist: Andantino
22. In the Mist: Presto

Customer Reviews:

Faultless!.......2001-11-20

All the selections are beautiful and faultlessly executed.
Never a dull moment.

Average customer rating:

Music of the Ukraine Manufacturer: Asv Living Era ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000030WJ Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

1. Sym No.1: First Movt: Orchards Blooming In The Carpathians (Allegro Moderato)
2. Sym No.1: Second Movt: Reminiscence Of Opryshki-Avengers Of The Populace (Allegro Vivace)
3. Sym No.1: Third Movt: On The High Meadow (Largo Ma Non Troppo)
4. Sym No.1: Fourth Movt: Festivity Of The Populace (Allegro Non Troppo)
5. Hutsul Tryptich: I. Childhood
6. Hutsul Tryptich: II. Ivan And Marichka
7. Hutsul Tryptich: III. Ivan's Death
8. Carpathian Con

Average customer rating:

Janácek: Piano Music, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Janácek, Leos | ( J ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Janácek: Piano Music, Vol. 1 ASIN: B0000014A4 Release Date: 1996-11-19

Tracks:

1. Vars For Zdenka Op.1
2. Three Moravian Dances: I. Ej, Danaj!: Allegro/II. Celadensky: Con Moto/III. Pilky: Andante
3. A Recollection: Con Moto
4. Music For Exercise Gymnastique I-V
5. In The Mist (Originial Version Of The 4th Movt)
6. In The Mist: Andante
7. In The Mist: Molto Adagio
8. In The MIst: Andante
9. In The Mist: Presto
10. Con: Moderato
11. Con: Piu Mosso
12. Con: Con Moto
13. Con: Allegro - Thomas Hlawatsch/Bela Nagy/Vilmos Olah/Csba Bahacsi/Geza Banhegyi/Istvan Hartenstein/Karoy Ambrus

Average customer rating: Heart over Head Lovely, Dark, and Deep Janacek with no bite Out of this world! Haunting and Timely

Leos Janácek: A Recollection Andras Schiff Manufacturer: Ecm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Janácek, Leos | ( J ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Schiff, András | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Leos Janácek: Piano Works Andras Schiff: In Concert Bartók: Violin Sonatas J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations Songs of Debussy and Mozart ASIN: B000059X1W Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

1. In The Mist: I. Andante
2. In The Mist: II. Molto Adagio
3. In The Mist: III. Andante
4. In The Mist: IV. Presto
5. Son 1.X.1905: The Presentiment/Die Ahnung - Con Moto
6. Son 1.X.1905: The Death/Der Tod - Adagio
7. On An Overgrown Path I: Our Evenings - Moderato
8. On An Overgrown Path I: A Blown Away Leaf - Andante
9. On An Overgrown Path I: Come With Us! - Andante
10. On An Overgrown Path I: The Madonna Of Frydek - Grave
11. On An Overgrown Path I: They Chattered Like Swallows - Con Moto
12. On An Overgrown Path I: Words Fail! - Andante
13. On An Overgrown Path I: Good Night! - Andante
14. On An Overgrown Path I: Unutterable Anguish - Andante
15. On An Overgrown Path I: In Tears - Larghetto
16. On An Overgrown Path I: The Barn Owl Has Not Flown Away! - Andante
17. On An Overgrown Path II: I. Andante
18. On An Overgrown Path II: II. Allegretto
19. On An Overgrown Path: I. Piu Mosso
20. On An Overgrown Path: II. Allegro
21. On An Overgrown Path: III. Vivo
22. A Recollection: Con Moto

Amazon.com

It is pianist András Schiff's near total identification with Janácek's idiom that makes these performances so special. This affinity is felt immediately in his reading of In the Mists, in which Schiff is able to evoke the tranquility of the second movement as easily as he captures the folklike simplicity of the third. The date 1.X.1905 in the title of the Piano Sonata refers to the date of the shooting of a Czech worker by Hapsburg troops. The first movement, marked "Presentiment," is spookily atmospheric, while the chilling second movement, "The Death," leaves a powerful impression. Schiff demonstrates exemplary control, so that the effect is peaceful rather than meandering. On an Overgrown Pathis Janácek at his most concentrated: in particular, the very Czech lachrymose quality of "In Tears" is all the more powerful for its simplicity. Janácek's chosen range of keyboard sonorities is remarkably wide, and Schiff manages to use these to convey the full emotional spectrum. Although these performances do not displace Firkusny's for DG, they certainly offer an entirely convincing alternative viewpoint. ECM's exemplary recording sets the seal on this recommendation. --Colin Clarke

Customer Reviews:

Heart over Head.......2005-04-11

Firkusny studied with Janacek...almost all reviewers agree that his interpretation is truest to Janacek's intent. Yet in head-to-head listenings, it's the Schiff performance that I prefer.

I find the Firkusny performance to be clinical and dry as compared to Schiff, who is more lyrical and poetic. Firkusny may be playing it how Janacek intended, but musicians are artists and are free to interpret a piece any way they like. For this piece, I choose Schiff's interpretation.

Lovely, Dark, and Deep.......2002-07-21

It's late November and you're walking out in the woods. There's a crisp coolness underfoot and in the air. And you've just lost a dear friend to time and circumstance....

That is the type of Recollection which this music evokes for me. The excellent liner notes by Imre Kertesz and Robert Cowan refer to how each one of these evocative pieces is like a short story; each contains its own inner world: the "world in a grain of sand." There is the same mystical element present that one encounters in Arvo Part's music, but there is an impressionistic element as well, more lyrical than Debussy, and more emotional.

The magnificent two-movement Sonate (1.X.1905) is easily the highlight of the album. It was written to commemorate a protesting Czech student executed on that date by German troops. The second movement (entitled simply, "Death") still has, as the liner notes aptly say, "the power to shock." There is an existential element to this music, that "poses the eternally unanswered and unanswerable question of the human condition" (Kertesz).

In response to another reviewer who has stated that the recording's sound quality is lacking: I have listened to this recording on my car's cd player, and there it does sound rather like too much of an echo is present. But on my home stereo system, with quality speakers and subwoofer, the slight echo actually enhances the haunting quality of this music. It is, for me, that echo, that silencio between the notes, that makes this music and this performance, unforgettable.

Janacek with no bite.......2002-01-27

Perhaps it's unfair to compare Schiff to Firkusny, who actually knew Janacek and kept his music always close to his heart. I'm not intimating that Schiff does not know these pieces, but to the contrary, he brings a carefully studied and balanced performance of the pieces. However, the centerpiece of this disc, Janacek's piano sonata, is a disappointment. The first movement, "Presentiment", does not have the anger that Janacek intends. Janacek was a very programatic composer, and Schiff somewhat stifles the edgy passion of this movement. The second movement, "Death", is quite good in contrast. Schiff's Schubertian touch adds fine eloquence to this intense and despondent movement. "In the Mists" pieces are played with fine sensibility and sensitiveness, and other miniatures come off with lyricism, but be it his approach or the acoustics or the Bosendorfer piano that Schiff used... there just is no sense of passion, an element of unmediated emotion. Still, the benchmark is my well-traveled double disc Firkusny on Deutsche Gramophone, with a fine, thrillingly jagged account of the first movement of the sonata.

Out of this world!.......2001-10-23

Andras Schiff has received great acclaim for his Bach and Schubert performances. I really can't understand why. However, I do like Schiff's interpretations of Scarlatti, Mozart and 20th century music. I am very fond of his contribution to the Carter disc that he made a couple of years ago. Thus, it came as no surprise when I found out that it was Schiff, whom I heard in some superb Janacek on NPR lately.

I got familiar with these works thanks to the folks at Naxos, but here we get playing at a whole different level. The works are performed with a sense of "bitter-sweetness", that is reminiscent of the late piano works of Brahms. Schiff performs Janacek as the Czech equivalent of Debussy to great effect. For me this works better than Firkushny's more Dvorak-based interpretation.

Schiff's tribute to Janacek is hauntingly beautiful and should make its way to the collection of anyone with a serious interest in the piano repertoire.

One small comment. Uncharacteristically for ECM, the piano sound is a bit disappointing. The timbre tends towards the nasal/metallic and is very much at odds with the sound that I heard Schiff produce in concert

Haunting and Timely.......2001-09-26

In this time of great tragedy in our nation, music helps ease the grief and anxiety we feel our souls. This phenomenal CD of piano music by the polish composer Leos Janacek, played by Andras Schiff, is hauntingly beautiful. The music plays to the heart.

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