5 comments about Prokofiev: 7 Symphonies; Lieutenant Kijé.

1. Where's the intensity? Where are the ironic twists, the contrasts, the sharpness and acerbicness that are hallmarks of Prokofiev's compositional style? Where is the epic buildup that is the 5th, the War and Peace of Russian symphonies? Seiji Ozawa leads--slogs--the Berlin Philharmonic through some of the smoothest, velvetiest Prokofiev ever recorded. There isn't a hair-raising moment on this disc. But it's not-a-hair-out-of-place perfect. I'd rather have some ratty excitement myself.
   
   Whether it's a charmless "Classical"--lifeless and slow--or an un-otherworldly 3rd or weak and unmuscular 5th or a 7th that lacks all irony and cheerful cynicism, Seiji just misses the boat here. You have to give him credit: at least he misses it consistently. Al the symphonies sound alike, and they all sound like Ozawa when he conducts. He prefers balance and harmony, and that can be good. But Prokofiev deliberately wrote dissonant, even grating sections for expressive purposes, and they are just missing here as even mysterious moments like the slow movement of the 5th are whittled down to plush, lifeless run-throughs. None of the solo passages for winds--and Prokofiev was brilliant at writing very spirited solo passages for winds--have any character here. This is Prokofiev that's nearly Muzak--an amazing feat, really.
   
   While he didn't have the magnificent orchestra that is the Berlin Philharmonic to work with, Gennady Rozhdestvensky and the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra runs rings around Seiji in terms of expression and passion. Other fine recordings are Ormandy in a fine "Classical" (Sony) and 5th (RCA, but good luck finding it except in Japan). Tennstedt for a fine 5th and 7th, Ormandy for a fine 6th (hard to find that too), and Leinsdorf in 2, 3, 5, and 6. As for this set, take a pass, no matter how cheap.



2. Karajan's recording of Prokofiev's 1st and 5th symphonies has long been one of my favorite discs so I decided to take the plunge and get the complete set. Unfortunately Karajan never recorded them all so I got the Ozawa who does a pretty good job although his 5th is nowhere near as good as Karajan's but then again whose is?
   As for the other symphonies I enjoyed them all except the 2nd. The 3rd symphony which is based on music derived from Prokofiev's opera The Fiery Angel (which was never staged during his lifetime) is much better than the opera itself which I thought to be a little static. The 4th symphony was derived from Prokofiev's ballet The Prodigal Son. It's nice but I thought it inferior to the ballet which is one of my all-time favorites. The 6th symphony seems to have a lot of admirers and it's good but I don't see what all the hoopla is about. The real undiscovered gem on these discs is Prokofiev's 7th. I was expecting it to be dull since it was composed towards the end of Prokofiev's life when the Soviet government was forcing it's composers to work in a more conservative style but Prokofiev rose above all that and created a real work of art. It's a shame it's not better known.



3. I hope Seiji Ozawa is happy that there's one place in the world, [...] where his Prokofiev symphony cycle fills people with joy. Most critics were quite disappointed in his approach, which veers erratically between the genteel, the bland, and the explosive. You can hear all three styles in the opening movement of Sym. #1, which jolts from one mode to the next. Ozawa seems at a loss to find eihter the wit or the classical elegance of this beloved student work.
   
   The companion symphony on CD 1 is Sym. #6, which typifies the strength of the whole set--outstanding playing from the Berlin Phil.--as well as Ozawa's besetting weakness: he can't find a consistent style for the work. As a result, he tends to fall back on generalized music-making. You can't tell which sections are meant to be elegaic, mysterious, witty, satiric, or romantic.
   
   Ozawa does well when the music is lyrical, brisk, or lightweight. He softens the brutality of the machine-driven idiom of Sym. #2 and #3, which spares our nerves; I am grateful for that, and for the Berliners' fearless execution. The Third emerges as a sonic blockbuster with great impact--I was genuinely thrilled by Ozawa's reading.
   
   
   By general consensus the masterpiece among Prokofiev's symphonies is the Fifth, which has had some great performances over the years, including Karajan's famous 1968 account with the Berliners. Ozawa's agreeable, suave conducting isn't in the same league, but his performance is better recorded, and for sheer impact it can stand with the best. If only he could have found more bite and elan in the music.
   
   In sum, I can see why critics were decidedly mixed about this set and why the new one from Gergiev is likely to eclipse Ozawa totally.



4. This really is an untterly fantastic box set. I am just learning Prokofiev's symphonic cycle with these, and I would certainly enjoy hearing something better than this!
   
   The sound is exquisite, the orchestra is utterly tops, the music (other than the 1st and 5th of course) is a bit inaccessible for the neophyte (although I did love my mother's old LP of the 4th as a kid) but is glistening here so brightly it's undeniable.
   
   Recommended.



5. Ozawa conducts Prokofiev complete symphonies in Berlin. You can't get any better than that! In true Ozawa fashion, you can hear just about every line, every staff, every note. He is such a perfectionist that if you haven't seen him conduct live, you don't know what orchestral perfectionisim is. Get the scores and follow along and you will see what I mean.

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

5 comments about Classics from the Crypt.

1. I really like the musical selections that are on this CD. The recordings seem to be from years ago and the quality isn't quite as good as modern recordings, but I like the selections a lot.



2. This is a great CD of classical music with a spooky flavor. It is of course perfect for the Halloween season but can be used to good effect any time of the year. Many of the pieces will be very familiar as they are commonly used in movie and television scores to create creepy atmospheres. The exciting, well produced music on the CD can be enjoyed by everyone but these arrangements are an especially good way to introduce kids to some fine instrumental music.



3. I love this collection, if for no other reason than the recording of "Danse Macabre". This is a Halloween classic and is played frequently to great effect. Most recently I heard it played in the movie "Tombstone" (starring Val Kilmer, et al) during the traveling theatre group's play.
   
   This collection takes popular tunes from just as popular films. Of course, all of these can be heard in several films. These are just the most popular... or ones I am familiar with.
   
   1. Toccata & Fugue In D (Phantom Of The Opera)
   2. Danse Macabre (The Bride Of Frankenstein)
   3. Funeral March Of A Marionette (Alfred Hitchcock Presents)
   4. Night On Bald Mountain (Fantasia)
   5. March To The Scaffold (The Shining)
   6. In The Hall Of The Mountain King (Halloween)
   7. Mephisto Waltz (U/A)
   8. The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Fantasia)
   9. Dream Of A Witches' Sabbath (Sleeping With The Enemy)
   
   I don't recognise "Mephisto Waltz", but it's a worthy addition to this collection.



4. this is the best CD i've ever purchased!
   i love classical music! and this CD has one of the best collections ever.
   the main reason why i got this album is because i am a fan of Old Disney cartoons. This Cd has the song in the mikey mouse cartoon the Aprentice, and there is also a song used in the cartoon Hansel and Gretel the song is called "Danse Macabre" and is my favorite. I highly reccomend it.



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

5 comments about Levant Plays Gershwin.

1. We are truly fortunate to have the music on this CD preserved. But the best way to appreciate these recordings is to jump in to the era in which they were made. For more about Oscar Levant, I recommend "A Talent for Genius: the Life and Times of Oscar Levant," by Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger. This book takes you into the adjoining penthouse living rooms of George and Ira Gershwin, where Oscar virtually lived for many years. He also wrote three autobiographies that are wonderful reading: A Smattering of Ignorance, The Importance of Being Oscar, and The Memoirs of an Amnesiac.
   
   Oscar Levant was an amazing talent and wit. His insults to everyone were famous, and you never knew what he was going to say next. But when he sat down at the piano...wow! You'll see what I mean when you listen to this CD.



2. We, in the states, can be very proud of our own American composers such as Ives, Copland, Barber, and especially George Gershwin. I don't think there has been a more accurate musical portrait of New York City than "Rhapsody in Blue". You can just see in your mind the people bustling about, the taxis honking and subways shaking the ground. Then the sweeping horns vividly paint the city skyline in all majesty. Infused with the spirit of jazz (our own American folk-music and art form), the rhapsody exemplifies American spirit of inginuity and progress.
   
   The other pieces are also quite good especially the solo piano pieces which are also quite jazz-like while maintaining the integrity of being truly "Classical".
   
   These versions are old but worth it. The sound quality is somewhat lacking, but the there is a certain spontineaty to Levant's performance; as if he is one with the music of Gershwin.
   
   Comparisons for Rhapsody in Blue:
   
   Bernstein (piano & conductor)
   Earl Wild/Arthur Feidler/Boston Pops Orch.



3. I first knew Oscar Levant as a film star. Never the lead, but a fabulous sidekick for many of the leading men of the era. He always took a turn at the piano in his films. When a movie features that kind of thing, it's usually a piece of fakery. I noticed, though, that Levant was actually doing his own piano playing.
   
   This led me to start looking into his career as a pianist. Turns out he's an incredibly good interpreter of Gerschwin tunes (one of my favorite composers).
   
   Two reasons I don't give this a five star rating: not all the recordings are ones I'd have chosen for myself and I wonder if they could have done better with the digitizing of the music. Nevertheless, this is an excellent addition to a Gerschwin collection. Unfortunately, it's also just about the only Levant music CD available.



4. This disc is not what you want if you are looking for a mainstream Gershwin disc. It isn't that the interpretations re bad, but the sound is not admirable. If you are a Gershwin connosieur, sure, this is a great disc. But don't get it unless you know you want it.



5. KNOWING THAT LEVANT AND GERSHWIN WERE CLOSE FRIENDS, COMBINED WITH THE SPECIAL ARTISTRY OF LEVANT, PROVIDES MORE THAN ENOUGH REASON TO PURCHASE THIS CD. LEVANT'S INTERPRETATION OF GERSHIWIN'S MUSIC IS INDEED SPECIAL.

4 comments about Brahms for Book Lovers: A Cozy Companion for Reading.

1. This relaxing compilation of mostly sonatas are representative of Brahms' moody, gentle ruminations and meditations on love and life. These selections highlight the intimate Brahms, most famous for his lullaby (cradle song), baring his soul in music which is warm, friendly, and beautiful.
   
   This music is 'laid back;' it has secrets but is in no hurry to reveal them. It's like reading a novel where things are seldom what they seem at the beginning. It subtly works its way into the consciousness with its tender beauty. The moderate, easy-going gait of the music puts the listener into a relaxed mood, perfect for reading. By the time the reader reaches the end of the story, changes have occurred. As it is in novels, it is in the music of the romantic period. This one will help you to unwind at the end of a busy day.



2. If you could put all of Brahms' chamber music in a big vat, churn it like butter and then skim off the creamiest, sweetest part from the top, you would likely get nearly all of the music on this CD. This collection of slow movements here shows Brahms in his finest and most lyrical moods and is really some of his most beautiful and inspired music. By the way, "chamber music" refers to compositions for 2-8 instruments intended for a more intimate environment (as compared to a large orchestra or symphony). This compilation of Brahms' intimate chamber music is not by any means one of those thrown-together collections of "nice music" but is a high-quality, deserving intro to Brahms that you can be proud to own. It is my favorite in this Philips' series. Notably, some of Brahms' most melting and alluring clarinet music is featured on this disc (clarinet sonatas, trio and quintet arrangements). Brahms' clarinet chamber music is some of the most unique and most loved in all the classical chamber-music repertoire. In particular, the legendary Clarinet Quintet is his finest composition whose dreamy, "autumnal" slow movement (featured on this disc) is particularly magical and beguiling. In fact, I would say that movement alone is probably among my favorite three movements in all of classical music.
   
   All of these compositions are true masterpieces written in the late 19th century ("Romantic era"). As such a few selections tend to demand more attention with their soaring violin lines, complex harmonies, more intense minor keys and surging "romantic" dynamics - making them a bit less condusive fo reading or dosing off. But, this should not bother all who are not easily distracted with such expressive music. (Some other CD's in this series provide a more relaxing, non-intrusive setting for long sessions on the sofa reading such as the Bach, Baroque and 'quiet Mozart' CD's as well as 'Beethoven for Book Lovers'). Personally, I think this amazing CD is best suited for really getting into and learning the music of Brahms rather than merely as a backdrop for reading. Regardless, the compositions, performers and sound quality are all excellent, making this Brahms' collection one in scope and quality way beyond what the cute cover graphics would suggest. Having superb musicians like the legendary Arthur Grumiaux (violin) and George Pieterson (clarinet) or the Quartetto Italiano assure the finest, silky-smooth and captivating performances of this staturesque music. But, in particular, the three clarinet pieces on this CD are among the finest - the creme - of all 19th-century classical chamber music and are a true highlight to be savored. There's not one selection on this CD that is not superb really. Most recommended - 5 stars.



3. Brahms was a somber, yet tender and sensitive spirit. All of the works
   of this CD are a testament to that fact. He is one of the great
   Chamber Music composers in history. At first you may think this is a
   background music CD; and of course, you can use this CD for reading,
   but I have to warn you that Brahms Chamber Music is
   infectious. Certain passages, as gentle and yet surprising as they
   are, will pull you right out of what you are doing and demand your
   attention. Not in a brash or dramatic way, but gently; like someone
   tugging at your arm to lead you to a new World. Brahms wasn't
   composing background music. In this music he makes some of his most
   heartfelt statements. It's like having someone talk to you in a quiet
   and pleasant tone. It makes you just want to go on listening and
   listening. This CD has inspired me to begin to collect all of his
   Chamber Music. Listen to Violin Sonata No. 2; It begins so gently, yet
   it overflows with emotion. Try the Piano Trio No. 3 in C
   Minor-lyrical is the word for that one. I like this CD as a book
   reader. I like it even more as a music lover!



4. I'm not usually one for "anthology" recordings, especially ones that cut and snip the "good stuff" out of larger pieces, but the premise behind this series of "book lovers" cds is hard to argue with. Who hasn't wanted to have some good music in the background to listen to when reading, reflecting, or generally retiring for the evening. This cd, in spite of its piecemeal nature, is easy to listen to or, perhaps, even better, easy not to listen to if you become enthralled in your novel.

5 comments about Beethoven, Sibelius: Violin Concertos.

1. David Oistrakh plays the Sibelius as if he is in constant battle with the orchestra, putting himself in technical danger all the way through, and giving true desperation to an already magical peice of music.
   If you love this concerto as I do, then you should own a copy of the heroic Oistrakh right next to your sinister Heifetz!
   I was very pleased with the francescatti violin in the Beethoven concerto. I found myself whistling along with him (which doesn't happen often enough these days)and in a good mood the rest of the day!



2. I've owned this CD and the Heifetz/Reiner Beethoven for years, and it's hard to imagine that both violinists were playing from the same score. Francescatti makes a regular practice of holding a note just a bit, to shape a phrase or add emphasis. Heifetz makes a consistent practice of avoiding this and moving briskly on--which raises the issue of tempo: in the first movement, Heifetz takes a full 2 minutes less than Francescatti (despite Heifetz' somewhat elaborate cadenza), and the remaining movements are similarly timed. As he bustles along, Heifetz tends to vary the force of his notes more subtly than Francescatti, who deploys a wider range of volume levels.
   
   As a result, lovers of the Francescatti approach may find Heifetz clipped, brusque and impersonal, while lovers of the Heifetz approach may find Francescatti slow, heavy and mushy. Or to put it in positive terms, Heifetz excels in maintaining and building rhythmic energy, while Francescatti is best in developing the emotional content of the work and letting it "breathe." It took me a long time to come to appreciate both approaches, and I signal this as a study in contrast. At this low price, you can buy both and decide for yourself. (My favorite? This one.)



3. 
   Zino Francescati was a very solvent violinist with a pleasant tune and a warmth temperament. His phrasing was kind and delicate, and this is perhaps his main virtue and his main defect, because many works don't resist such approach.
   
   But in this case, Beethoven' s Violin Concerto works out because the sublime inspiration of this Opus, allows to be expressed under this considerations and particularly this vision is carefully performed in this case.
   
   Elegance and refinement feature this version. So please, don't miss it.
   
   In the case of Sibelius violin's concerto, there are better options in the market such Ginette Neveu, ivry Gitlis and Jasha Heifetz.



4. Francescatti's Beethoven concerto is shapely and engaging, and the playing is warm and refined throughout. My ultimate preferences with this piece are Shumsky's 1988 recording with the Philharmonia Orchestra under Davis, and Menuhin's recording under Furtwangler, but I admire Francescatti's beautiful lines and devoted intelligence. The reason, however, for seizing this remarkable offer (who knows anymore how long any recording will remain available!) has to be Oistrakh's incomparable recording of the Sibelius under Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orch. Of the many versions of this great work, for me, there is none that matches this particular Oistrakh/Ormandy recording. Of more recent versions, Cho-Liang Lin turns in a stupendously musical performance of this piece - convincing and beautiful. I believe five or six D. Oistrakh recorded versions of this concerto remain in print; his Melodiya recording with Rozhdestvensky is a rival, but Ormandy's command of the glacial cast of Sibelius' orchestral writing is just amazing, and, underpinning Oistrakh's inimitable conception, the playing of the Philadelphia Orch is rich and perfectly attuned to Sibelius. The remastered sound is first-rate, you'd think it was a modern recording. Whether you love this concerto, or dont yet know it, you've found here a defining performance to reveal its mysteries. I've treasured this recording for thirty years, and urge you to give it a hearing.



5. I don't play the violin at all, but I love these two concerti (They're among my favorites for violin).
   
   The Beethoven is pretty good, actually very good. This is one of the first pieces I heard live at a concert. The length of the whole piece doesn't matter when you're actually listening to it. I've heard more romantic versions, but I actually prefer Francescatti's interpretation. It's very fine, nothing too showy to make the music more than what it is. For a more "modern" recording, I would choose Hilary Hahn's.
   
   I haven't listened to the Sibelius as much as the Beethoven on this CD, but I actually prefer this playing to the artists of today, such as Bell, Chang, etc. Oistrakh's tone is wonderful.
   
   I would definitely recommending this CD to anyoone, to introduce these pieces to a new listener, or to add this to a classical music connoisseur's collection.

5 comments about 25 Classical Dance Favorites.

1. This disc reminded me of Leonard Bernstein's conducting: somehow many of his conducting session became marches. Many tracks on this disc is like that. I am a novice when it comes to classical music, so part of allure of this disc was that it contained many titles I didn't recognize, so it wasn't a total loss. I guess I should have read the track listing more carefully... what is Washington Post by Sousa doing on dance compilation?



2. There are quite a few tracks on here that do well for recital music. THere's different ones from the unoriginal swan lake's and nutcracker..my students loved to hear what came next....it gets better towards the end of the cd!



3. For those who would enjoy a fast, fun, and cheerful kind of classical music, I guess this cd is a very good choice. Also, if you want to make your kids a classic music lover, you could start with this fun, lighthearted music.



4. I agree that this is indeed absolutely beautiful light classical music. It is indeed a perfect beginning to a lifelong passion to have classical music playing in the background or to turn up the volume and immerse yourself in it. But it consists of mostly ballet music, several marches, polkas, an entrance of the gladiators, a gavotte and just to show that he can-can, a delightful little march by Beethoven of all people (Turkish March). Or can you dance to the continuous hypnotic rhythm of Ravel's Bolero? Quite tiring, I would think. Nevertheless, great music at an astounding price. Consider buying all or most of the "25 Favorites" series. You will not regret it



5. If you like to dance and you like classical, this cd is a must have. Who says you can't dance to classical? This CD proves those who think so wrong. Highlights include Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty, Mendhelsson's Midsummer Night's Dream, Gounod's Dance of the Slave Girls and Faust, Dvorak's Slavonic Dance, Offenbach's can-can (yeah!) Katchaturian's Sabre Dance and Ravel's Bolero. All these are excellent. Sousa Marches are here too. You must get this CD if you are a serious lover of the classical. In fact, this was my first Classical CD. Make it a part of your life and dance to the great beats of the classics ! Yeah I'm serious.

No comments about Story Of Berlioz In Words And Music.

5 comments about Toot Suite.

1. This is a first rate recording and one that any enthusiast must have in their library.



2. I've always loved Maurice André, who, sadly, is now past his use-by date. Nobody played the wicked little clarino trumpet better than he, nobody could extract such gorgeous, burnished tone from a bit of brass tube. The greatest André crossover is "Trompettissimo", now inexplicably deleted, where the young André performs feats of trumpetting that are scarcely credible. This is not as good, but it is still a bright little record, one of a series of jazz suites by Claude Bolling and his trio with distinguished classical soloists (Yo-Yo Ma, Jean-Pierre Rampal, etc.). They are a bit formulaic, but they do make pleasant listening, with André on trumpet, clarino and flugelhorn. If you want bright, bouncy listening brilliantly played, you should try this.



3. I bought this album on record when it first came and out and it was never off my system. The playing is superb by all, very tight in the accompaniments. I have over 40 CD recordings of Maurice Andre and this rates as one of his best.
   His playing is unsurpassed in my mind he seems to have the right style for everything he plays and his sound is just beautiful. If anyone wants a lesson in trumpet playing listen to this or any of his other brilliant recordings (the Hummel with the Berlin Phil is stunning).



4. Bolling, while being a beast on jazz piano, is best know for his compositional skills. Listen to this album and you'll know why. Each piece has it's own distinct style, but all have that amazing jazz groove without being pure jazz. In addition, Maurice Andre is considered to be the greatest classical trumpeter of all time, and this album shows off his many skills, from the mellow flugelhorn to his brilliant pic trumpet work, he is a master of all styles. Jazz fans, pianists and trumpeters will love this album, as well as classical buffs looking for something different. Truly great stuff here.



5. Anyone who loves trumpet, jazz piano, or just plain jazz will love this CD. Composer/pianist Claude Bolling has the ability to write great melodies that you'll find yourself playing over and over in your mind. You just can't have a bad time listening to this CD. Maurice Andre is right on target, giving listeners a good sampling of trumpet colors (C trumpet, Eb trumpet, cornet, piccolo trumpet, flugelhorn). The musicians sound like they are having a great time playing, and they play expertly. Give this one a try.

5 comments about Star Wars Trilogy: The Original Soundtrack Anthology.

1. To me this is one of the greatest soundtracks ever produced. If you are a Star Wars fan then this is for you. This CD sounds great!! This is some of the most evocative, exciting and entertaining music in the history of movies. Like the movies themselves, this soundtrack will keep you on the edge of your seat, crying, laughing and smiling the entire time and brings to mind the images of the movies as if you were watching it while listening. This soundtrack belongs in your collection of Star Wars memorabilia. John Williams and the London Symphony have a masterpiece in this soundtrack and you will listen again and again enjoying it more each and every time you listen.



2. I have three words: BUY THIS ANTHOLOGY. It is John Williams at his greatest in my opinion. It is Star Wars at its greatest. The "Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)" is so awesome. Actually, ALL of it is awesome. "The Throne Room" is among my favorites of the tracks. Really, this anthology encompasses the epic of Star Wars.



3. This is a great recording of John William's soundtrack for Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. The LSO plays very well. The music is very good, and has many memorable themes throughout the soundtrack. This is one of my favorite soundtracks! You should listen to it if you haven't.



4. I recieved this set for my Birthday a few years ago, and this, (along with my other Star Wars and John Williams CD's) remains at the front of my CD collection. It's mixtures and arrangements of the score are truly the best, (helmed by John Williams himself) and the London Symphony plays wonderfully.
   
   When all is said and done, these are perfection.



5. Audiophiles, take note -- portions of this anthology sound like they were hastily transferred to digital from a second or third generation copy of the master tapes. There is audible tape dropout in certain parts, as well as some hiss. Now hiss, in and of itself is not a big deal -- I actually prefer that it be left in, for the most part. But the dropouts are unforgivable. I've also heard an occasional crackling distortion, either from the original tapes or digital clipping. This recording was made in 1977, not 1957... why should there be these problems? This stuff is all too audible through a pair of Beyerdynamic DT-880 headphones.
   
   Anyway, I haven't heard other remastered editions, but I recommend avoiding this one for the most part. Certain songs sound excellent, but many are marred by master tape issues to the point where they become difficult to listen to through good headphones, breaking the mood of the piece.