3 comments about Liszt for Lovers: Piano Dreams of Love and Passion.

1. The CD insert design of the Set Your Life to Music series might suggest that this is a collection "Classical Lite." However, while this compilation provides some Liszt's most well-known music, these beautiful and deep pieces should not be mistaken for "easy listening." These are wonderful compositions by a great composer, performed by musicians of the highest caliber (especially Claudio Arrau). This is music to close your eyes to while listening to and enjoying every note and every nuance of the performances.
   
   Most of the selections are performed by Claudio Arrau, one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century, an acknowledged master of the Liszt repertoire and, furthermore, a pupil of one of Liszt's pupils. Arrau plays these selections with power, passion, sensitivity, and highly nuanced delicacy, depending on what a given passage calls for, as he takes the listener through the rising and falling tides of passion in Liszt's music.
   
   The "non-Arrau" selections recorded by Misha Dichter, Wibi Soerjadi, and Zoltan Kocsis are also excellent. All the recorded selections, whether digital or analog, have very clear sound quality. Highly recommended, whether as an introduction to Lizst or to add to several other CDs of music by this great Romantic composer.



2. Both Liszt and Arrau are at their apogee in this CD. This is one the few piano cd's I've heard where Liszt's passionate genius is both appropriately frighteningly strong and beautifully tender (as many of his contemporaries noted 150 years ago). Arrau, always thoughtful, and with his emphasis on touch and color, and delicacy, penetrates to the heart of these sometimes breathtakingly orchestral piano sounds. This is lush arch-romantic piano with a huge nuanced sound, and a constant emotional ebb and flow (and sound volume) as powerful than any other composer of that tempestuous era I have heard. The cd is very clearly recorded with excellent dynamics. Every selection is strong and well chosen and the cd sets a very consistent brooding romantic mood. The best introduction to (and still my favorite) Liszt.



3. As soon as I heard the piano solo, Liebestraume, I immediately purchased this cd particularly because it contains some of the greatest piano pieces ever composed. During Liszt's lifetime, audiences were very appreciative of his talent and ability to express his emotions through the use of his piano. Influenced by Chopin, Franz Liszt ultimately achieved high status as a composer with the ability to play spectacular classical music. Some of the songs included possess titles about nature, and in one of the songs, the piano is played so brilliantly that it feels as if you're actually listening to fountains. Lovers of classical music should purchase this remarkable disc. And best of all, at a low price, this is a great bargain.

5 comments about Dvorák: The Symphonies.

1. Well since I order this from amazon.com, I
   have listen to the whole cycle of symphonies
   several times, and what really cought my attention
   was his early symphonies, in particular the
   story behind the first symphony which I
   will not tell you so you can read it in the
   detailed liner notes of the CD. I don't think
   that I have a particular symphony by Dvorak, I
   like, but rather I say that I like them all equally.
   At the amazon.com price this is really a bargain,
   highly recommended music for all ages and walks of
   life. Kertesz and the Brits did a fantastic work.



2. These Dvorak symphonies, recorded by Kertesz/LSO from 1963-67, are still a fine choice if you are looking for a complete set, followed by Kubelik and Neumann (Supraphon). Symphonies 1-6 and the overtures are all excellent, with a bit of dropoff on 7-9. Not that the last three are bad by any means, but when compared to performances by Talich, Ancerl and Szell they come up a bit short. So, by all means get this complete set (especially at this price), then supplement as (or if) you see fit. The sound is fine throughout. Kertesz also has a set of Dvorak's Symphonic Poems and Overtures on a Decca 2 CD set that is very good, but may be out of print.



3. Excellent performances of wonderful music. Disk creation leaves a little to be desired - it's awkward to start a favorite symphony on track 3 of one disk and then have it end on track two of the next. Shades of the LP era!



4. The Amazon reviewer lists only 3 complete cycles, but this overlooks at least one other cycle by Vaclav Neumann & the Czech Philharmonic that dates from c. 1974 along with the Slavonic Dances.
   
   I bet the ratio of Beethoven Symphony Cycles to either Dvorak or Sibelius over the last 50 years is at least 20 to 1. This is the pity of Classical Music. Beethoven and Mozart have had their music beaten to death over and over and over and over again and the horse is still dead while other great artists have hardly had the whip put to them.
   
   The plus to all of this is that you can actually collect all of the significant Dvorak or Sibelius cycles including this fine set by Kertesz and the London Phil.
   
   The bio on Kertesz in my Vox Box Dvorak Symphonies (LPs) says he died in April 1973 in Israel in a swimming accident.
   
   This is a nice set in decent stereo and will give you the chance to hear the much more seldom performed first 6 symphonies. Like Tchaikovsky's first three, they are not quite the level of the last 3 but they are still a hoot to listen to.



5. These recordings are timeless. Never have I heard music so beautifully played or more rhythmically delineated.That these symphonies still sound so fresh (in spite of some heavy home grown Czech opposition) is a glowing tribute to the memory of Istvan Kertesz and the London Symphony Orchestra.

5 comments about Bach: Greatest Hits.

1. Good good CD with all Bach's greatest hits in good arrangements.
   The different songs give a good impression of Bach's great works.



2. I purchased this for track #10, which I'd happened to hear on the radio...it stayed in my head until I tracked down the CD. I have a relatively basic working knowledge of classical music, so this long playing collection was an excellent and surprising introduction to several of Bach's diverse works...both well known and more obscure. Certainly a worthwhile addition to your classical collection.



3. This CD is an excellent introduction to the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. It's certainly not exhaustive, but it's a start. It also includes pieces from Johann Michael Bach, as well as another composer (whose name escapes me at the moment) whose work was once mistakenly attributed to JSB. This entire series of CDs is perfect for those who wish to learn more about the Classical Masters. Start with this series, and then by all means, delve deeper into their respective repetoires. You won't be disappointed.



4. I don't want to repeat what has been said already but this is a great indroduction to Bach. The variety on this release is good, but like has been said numerous times before, the amount of variety fails to set a single mood. But with a low price and a great deal of variety this is a great CD for those who want to start getting into Bach. Recommended.



5. A smattering of short excerpts -- many not on their native instruments -- to introduce the great literature left to us by J.S. Bach. Some of the versions are truly inspired, a few are not.

   If you like what you hear here, by all means seek out the full-length, original instrument versions!

5 comments about Varese: Arcana; Ameriques; Ionization; Offrandes; Density 21.5; Octandre; Integrales.

1. I can see that Frank Zappa would have been inspired by this music. As a longtime Zappa fan, I can hear plenty in Zappa's music that was modeled after Varese. Still, Varese's pieces on this CD are hardly monumental or awe-inspiring, and this seems to be the kind of music that very much depends on how it's played and interpreted. You don't get much better than Pierre Boulez; if it was, for example, me conducting an ensemble in performing Varese's work, nobody would listen. So it seems that it's not as much the music as the performance. And that Varese cannot be credited with.



2. This album (CD) made it into my collection the same way as a few others who've commented here. One day after listening to Lumpy Gravy I was at the record store holding this CD in my mitts wondering if I really wanted to subject myself to one of Zappa's major musical influences.
   
   This is music either for someone who knows a lot about the structure of sound and can appreciate it for that reason or someone who gets bored listening to the same sort of thing all the time and enjoys variety. This is not what most people would consider the easiest "stuff" to listen to. It has an overall disonance to it that many would consider an assault on their senses. At the same time it also has a mathamatical structure to it that makes it obvious to even the most musically uneducated dullard that this is unique, well thought out sound. To be honest I'd have to admit to not understanding much of this CD but it certainly is interesting and different. Arcana, for instance, reminds me a little of something Gustov Holst might have written if he had been spending time with Carlos Castenada. The entire CD takes the listener through a range of emotions that might go from sombre and desolate to momentarily uplifted likely ending up somewhere between confused and perhaps violated... maybe even satisfied.
   
   This is NOT the sort of thing I could listen to all the time but when the mood strikes there isn't a rendition of Louie Louie that is going to hit the spot that this will. Recommended for someone with a musically adventurous disposition.



3. This is one of the finest set of recording of the Varese repetoire ever made. The french performances are particularly well done with right degree of ensemble and tone required of this difficult music.

   The Octandre is especially good with super attacks from all players...not for the faint of heart.




4. I purchased this cd after reading Frank Zappa's audobiography, where he pays homage to the great Varese for inspiring him. I can see where Varese had an influence on him. This is a strange but good collection of pieces conducted by Boulez, who also worked with Zappa on "Perfect Stranger". If you like Zappa then you will probably appreciate this album. Varese was a very talented composer and this album proves it. Ionization alone proves it, but the rest of the disc is great also.



5. This disc doesn't contain all of Varese's music, but it comes close at 77 minutes. Varese was not nearly as prolific as he was creative! The first recorded Varese I heard was on the VoxBox (called "Ionisation"), and five of the pieces found here are also on that disk, conducted by Cerha. What a contrast! Cerha presents Varese delicately, transparently, without passion. The advantage is that the instruments are clearly delineated. But you are left wondering what the fuss is about -- it doesn't sound very radical. Boulez emphatically captures the chaos, the energy, the alien-ness of Varese! Of course the overall impact is heightened by the inclusion of "Ameriques" and "Arcana," two 20-minute pieces for full orchestra that are bigger and louder than anything included on the VoxBox. The production value is superb -- sharp and clear -- and the packaging is faultless as well. In short, if you only had one recording by Varese, this would be an excellent choice. If you like this, by all means look for Xenakis' "Orchestral Works and Chamber Music" on Col Legno. Varese is a key influence, especially the composition "Arcana"!

5 comments about Sibelius: The Symphonies.

1. People talk about "desert island" lists, but "lived with" lists impress me more. I've lived with the Maazel/VPO Sibelius set for decades, and I still listen to these recordings frequently. After hearing many other performances and interpretations of these symphonies, Maazel's interpretations not only hold up, but almost always exceed them for insight, energy and emotion. I have yet to hear better performances of the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 7th symphonies; the 3rd and 6th are also very good. The sound is fine. At this price, there is no reason to hesitate -- you will enjoy these CDs for a long, long time.



2. Two things: if you are someone who pursues a lot of different recordings of all the famous symphonies, then this is one of your stops. More than likely--as a taster of different readings--you'll find it mixed. The Gramophone Guide praises the Fourth and Seventh in this set. But just about anybody, especially people who aren't that familiar with Sibelius' music, or who don't plan on getting more than one version of each, can enjoy all these performances.
   
   Maazel is a steady hand: he pushes for some definite lines in the music, while cutting back on the "will-o-wisps" aspect. That's not to say the playing is heavy-handed, it isn't. But the emphasis is on themes, rather than mood. Yet mood prevails, especially in the Fourth, which is appropriately mysterious and dark.
   
   The advantage of Maazel's way with Sibelius is that he will make it more accessible for new Sibelius listeners. So I recommend this set for these folks: if you don't yet know your Sibelius, this is for you.



3. I bought this set due my huge respect for Sibelius music. The combined presence of that beloved Orchestra and Lorin Maazel were two great poles of attraction, but at the end the final result was -pitifully- quite irregular.
   
   Let me put on this way; Maazel is outstanding in the First Symphony with two important references; De Sabata New york and Stokowski with the Royal Philharmonic (1977); the Second belongs to Anthony Collins (forget about it any other recording ever made; this is a supreme musical document); the Third has in Collins another serious contender, the Fourth has several and succesful performances: the sublime version of Tomas Beecham, Segerstam, Leonard Bernstein and Ashkenazy.
   
   The Five is weak, and the jewel of the crown is the Sixth Symphony. The Seventh finds Koussevitzkly and Beecham again.
   
   But for all Sibelius fans it is absolutely recommended to make their own conclusions.



4. Having bought supposedly "legendary" and "landmark" Sibelius recordings before and been sorely disappointed, I must confess to having misgivings as soon as I'd pressed the 'order' button for this set. Would all the praise turn out to be the usual hyperbole? I shouldn't have worried...

   There's a real sense of excitement in these recordings and they are full of vitality and character. The Vienna players bring obvious enthusiasm and drive to these wonderful works but there's great subtlety and a deep understanding of the music too. So much so that just hearing them play the 1st (a performance that crackles with an energy that matches the vitality and invention of the writing) reminded me of the awe I felt when I first discovered Sibelius several years ago, and I don't think any CDs I've bought since my first purchase of these symphonies has had that effect.

   I'd agree with most in saying that the highlights are the 4th and 7th - the latter performance really capturing the epic sweep and intense beauty of this masterpiece. In passing, is there anything more sublime in all music than the first 10 minutes or so of Sibelius' 7th (and the remaining 10 minutes are pretty good too)? The 1st and the 5th deserve very high praise as well. The 5th is a work I've always admired more than enjoyed but this account grips me from the first note to the last chord. I gather that true aficianados of the 5th have reservations about it, however. Sadly, the 6th is a big disappointment: after a very beautiful opening section it's ruined by very fast tempi in the inner movements and some very rough-hewn playing, and sound, indeed. The first movement of the 3rd is also taken at breakneck speed but still manages to be a rewarding performance.

   True, the '60s sound is a bit on the bright side, very occasionally even coarse, and the discs are not completely free of muddled playing and even a little questionable intonation, but these are rare blemishes so don't be put off. You can hardly go wrong at this price anyway, can you?

   My only caveat would be that I wouldn't really recommend this as your only source of these symphonies - some of the performances are a bit idiosyncratic by current standards for that. Get some good modern recordings as well. For very little money you can't beat Adrian Leaper's superb cycle on Naxos or indeed his later recordings for Arte Nova; both of these contain 7ths that - sorry, purists - leave even Mr Maazel's in the shade. Petri Sakari, also on Naxos, is a good bet too, if a little over praised. But do invest in this excellent little box.




5. I absolutely ADORE the middle CD with 2 and 3 on it... so I usually overlisten to just that one. But while reading the book version of Star Trek V one day, I listened to all seven symphonies in a row. What fun! This is a really great recording. And I am superpicky b/c I like my romantics/postromantics to be just PERFECT, not too fast but not too lugubrious.

   In short, this is a good bet for Sibbe ;-)

No comments about The Story Of Haydn.

5 comments about Copland: Rodeo/Billy The Kid.

1. Loved the music on vinyl and want it on CD. Sounds as good as the original only without the scratches.



2. It does not get better than Bernstein conducting Copland. I have seen both ballets many times and this CD brought back vivid memories. No one has ever captured the sounds, rythms and spirit of the West as well as Copland. The album is a treasure. I never tire of listening to it.



3. Leonard Bernstein's Columbia recording of Copland's "Rodeo" with the New York Philharmonic, made in 1960 still beats the competition hands down for sheer excitement and power. Lenny's "Buckaroo Holiday" (I) is wonderful: very fast and spirited, and no holes barred, like riding a bucking bronco. When I first heard this recording on LP in 1974, I could hardly restrain myself, as it is not only fast, but well accented, and the recording really backs up what Bernstein was trying to do in this piece. Tempos are all sensible, but fast where needed, especially in I and IV, "Hoe down." I have heard other recordings: Dorati/Detroit (London), Johanos/Dallas (Vox), Abravanel/Utah (MCA), and they all have their merits, but for sheer excitement, Bernstein is the best to have.
   
   "Billy the Kid", recorded in 1959, is also well recorded and performed. Bernstein's tempos are sensible, and he does alot with the crescendos and repeats in the final movement, "The Open Prairie" to make it more interesting than some conductors do. I also like recordings of this work by James Judd/New Zealand Symphony (Naxos), Johanos/Dallas (Vox) and Dorati/London Symphony (Philips Mercury - more than just the suite recorded here), but again Bernstein is very fine in comparison with any of them, although he doesn't stand out as much as with "Rodeo."
   
   Recommended, either in this recording, or the Bernstein Century edition, also on Sony Classical, which also includes Bernstein/New York Philharmonic's 1961 Columbia recording of "Appalachian Spring."



4. Bernstein and Copland, two of the giants of the American classical scene are here in this excellent recording of the latter's homage to the Old West. Every major filmed western of the 50's owes its score beginnings to themes found in Copland's music.

   Just take a listen and "saddle up" for the musical ride.




5. No one else has come close to Bernstein's accounts Copland's music- including Copland himself. In every respect, this is best recording of Rodeo I've heard. The tempos are, if anything, a bit on the fast side of average. The recording quality is quite good, though the woodwinds can be a bit too quiet.

4 comments about Schubert: The String Quartets.

1. While Hadyn is my personal favorite regarding string quartet pieces, I am open to listening to others - Schubert being one of them. This package is sublime - the playing is excellent! It seems to me that the true test of music is to carry the listener away-immersing he/she in the moment. This box set does this from beginning to end. I am very pleased with this purchase! If you enjoy string music, this set is sure make you very happy.



2. I read, in a book on string quartets, the statement: "More than half of the best string quartets had been written when Schubert died in 1828". I agree, but would put the percentage at more like 75 or 80%. The author went on to include all of Schubert's, even those that he wrote as a teenager. I was surprised by this comment, but now, having now heard his complete string quartets, I have to agree. Even his early ones are superb!

   To the recordings: I was just a bit disappointed. The sound seems a bit harsh in places, not as warm as sets I have by the Quartetto Italiano (Beethoven), Melos Quartet (Mozart) and Aoelian Q (Haydn). No doubt they are technically very correct, and show real liveliness - the violins just sound a bit scratchy in places.

   The only other complete set seems to be the Auryn Quartet recording, highly recommended by the Penguin guide, but twice as expensive. Naxos offers 12 or the 15 quartets on 5 separate CDs. I'd liked to have heard the Auryn recording before I'd made the decision to purchase this one - who knows, I might have made the same decision anyway.




3. I agree with the other review, but there is an alternative to this set, by the Auryn Quartet, and it is also excellent. So, buy this set for the right reasons, whatever those are, such as: the sound quality of this Chamber Ensemble (extremely warm)
   or the overall feel of their playing (caring, respectful). Buy the set from the Auryn quartet if you care more about the sound quality of the recording (it is noticeably better) or if you happen to like a younger, slightly more aggressive approach.
   Frankly I have both sets, and love both.



4. I bought this set in Dec. '01 and it has since become a favorite in my collection. Schubert is a great composer and in my opinion, the quartets are where he really shines.
   
   Sadly, it is hard to find recordings of all but the last four. In total, there are fourteen plus two fragments- one incomplete and one lost. They are all here and at such a good deal!

   The first two discs (first five quartets and a fragment) really stand out. These were quartets Schubert composed as a student and they capture well the energy of youth and have a beautifully simple quality that always makes Schubert stand out. The middle discs track his early career with a more mature motif development revealing a taste of the boldness to come from his later quartets. Not as melodic as the first quartets in my opinion, but a treat nonetheless. Then ah! the last three discs. "Rosamunde," "Death and the maiden," Quartettstatz and C 703. Can you possibly go wrong? Don't answer that. You know it doesn't get better!!

   Now we come to recording quality. Well, the Melos Quartet recorded these in the mid 70's. They've been digitally touched up and well done. Still, not convincing enough to sound like new. Treble and Mid is alright but the Bass is really lacking and overall, it still lacks the full sound of recordings from the Emerson and Tokyo quartets. Still, with touchup, these recordings sound more like late 80's- Not Bad!

   This is a great deal for a great price. For better quality, I also picked up Emerson's recording of the late quartets, but you will be hard pressed to find a recording of the early and middle works...and what works they are!!!

5 comments about Mozart for Massage: Music with a Soft, Gentle Touch.

1. I love this CD. It's everything I was hoping for. I actually use it to sleep to and its perfect. A great length, such soothing music that I fall asleep in no time! There's nothing like relaxing to the classics! Highly recommended!



2. I bought this CD and put it in a digital photo frame i bought for my grandparents' 50's anniversary. They really loved it!!! They said the music were great too. The music were relaxing. I also put it in my MP3 players and in my cars and I listen to them everyday. It's great when you are tired or stressed. Great value, don't hesitate and buy it!!!
   I'd give it ten stars if possible!!!



3. I'm a professional massage therapist, and I use this disc in many of my sessions. My clients love it! It lets me concentrate with no unwelcome interruptions, and my clients can relax and focus on their bodies without any surprises (or wierd nature-y new-age noises). Length-wise, it's perfect for an hour-long session. I have other discs from this series as well, and they're all great!



4. This music is so light, I forget that it's on. It's not a bad compilation of Mozart, but definately not one of his best. However, just right for a quiet time in the evening.



5. My clients love it! I need not say more.... Julius Daniels, LM

1 comments about The Stories Of Vivaldi And Corelli.

1. This CD is one of the Music Masters series of classical music history. I highly recommend it. Great value for the money. This will primarily be used for homeschooling.