5 comments about Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3.

1. At this late date, it strikes me that these two warhorse conertos aren't worth recording unless pianist and conductor really believe in them. Such musicians are rare, because Rachmaninov is the most retro of retro composers, a blend of White Russia under the czars and Hollywood in the age of JOan Crawford. Here we get an odd couple pairing of a hyper-modern conductor and a Russian pianist who is presumably to the manner born. The result is technically all it should be, but there's no real commitment to either work. Salonen in particular is going through the motions, supplying a lush carpet of sound and little more. Within ten bars of the opening to the Second Concerto all rhythmic vitality has been lost, and we are submerged in a murky fog that never lifts.
   
   In all, if you want gorgeous sound, a plush orchestra, and Bronfman's pedigree technique, all are present. But for the real spirit of Rachmaninov, turn to the composer himself or Sviatoslav Richter, and Martha Argerich.



2. The performance and the recording quality is top notch. A real gem. The sound quality is much better than the other very popular album by Byron Janis.



3. Yefim Bronfman and Esa-Pekka Salonen are musically related, or so it would seem from their frequent collaborations both in concert and in recordings (see also their Bartok recordings). Though this recording was made in 1990 it remains one of the finest performances of both the Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor and the Concerto No. 3 in D minor. And now with the reissue under the Essential Classics by Sony at the incredibly low bargain price this CD is one that is a 'must own' for any classical music lover.
   
   Bronfman is one of today's most highly regarded musicians and pianists: he is intelligent, sensitive, technically sure, limitlessly powerful in his ability to draw beautiful sounds from the piano while allowing the usual 'impossible difficult' passages to seem like play, and he is a poet. These attributes serve him well in these performances. He is able give expansive verve to the extended melodic lines without dwelling too long to make them indulgent, and he drives through the rapid sections like a man of fire with dexterity and fleetness of passage.
   
   Salonen is completely at home with Bronfman's approach to these concerti. Conducting The Philharmonia he draws orchestral singing that duets with Bronfman's lines, underlining the tenderness and echoing the line inventions in an utterly equal partnership. This is immaculate collaboration and results in two performances of Rachmaninov's most popular works that rank with the very finest in the recorded repertoire. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, April 06



4. Mr. Bronfman's performance of the concerto is technically impeccable, as is the case with all of the pianists today. Scales are even, not a single note is left out or is played without care, and the incredibly speed with which he plays is bound to awe any audience. However, musically speaking, it is questionable.
   
   The opening glissando, and the entire solo introduction, is without much dynamic difference nor heart - however, it is technically perfect: not one note is missed. The inner voices of Ab and G that commence the arpeggios in the introduction are hardly, if not at all, brought out. The marked crescendo in the scale following the arpeggios, which is supposed to provide a dynamic contrast to the soft dialogue between the orchestra and the piano immediately following, is not apparent either. Then begins the piano solo. The inner voices here - the scales and arpeggios - are much too loud in comparison to the melody: Ab-G-Ab-G-F-G-F-Eb-F-Eb... and it sounds as if the entire solo is a single phrase.
   
   To skip to the finale of the movement - the orchestra is much too slow in providing the melody. If one listens to Rachmaninoff's recording, one realizes that he played the finale in a fast tempo, only to contrast brilliantly with the climax at which he slows the tempo - this isn't the case here. And Mr. Bronfman plays the ending much too fast. So fast that even Mr. Cziffra might have raised an eyebrow had he played the composition.
   
   In comparison to what I believe is the best recording of this piece, by Arthur Rubinstein, the performance lacks heart, vigor, logic, and warmth - this concerto is a piece that is supposed to bring out tears in the eyes of the listener, or a rush into his or her heart. However, it is technically perfect. Bravo.



5. It doesn't get any better than this. As good, yes, but not better. I know whereof I speak; I am a pianist and teacher and I own seven cd's of the Rach 3. Each pianist has a slightly different approach--not enough to change the essence of the piece, but enough to put his own signature on it. I continue to be amazed at how many pianists can play it--being that it is recognized the world over as the most difficult concerto in the literature. Every time I hear a new pianist play either the 2nd or 3rd, I hear some phrase or section as though for the first time. Passages I never noticed in other interpretations are suddenly "out there" and give me a new and fresh take on them. The insert says nothing about Mr. Bronfman, which is a shame.
   He has an exquisite touch and incredible technical skill. I hope to hear more of his work.

5 comments about Barber's Adagio.

1. I purchased this CD only to listen to Samuel Barber's "Adagio For Strings, OP.11". This piece has often be played in funerals. Though I felt drawn to it because of three reasons: 1) The music feels like coming together after a devastating storm has just passed.. 2) The music at times feels like deeply mourning the loss of a dearly loved one ... 3) Play this music when you retire to bed at night.. close your eyes, and relax. The music embraces you and carries you far into the regions of your own heart... what swells thereof you shall see.. Let go, let God, love yourself :-)



2. Bernstein's usual wonderful interpretations of 5 pieces.
   This is probably the best performance of Barber's Adagio you can find and I have heard them all. One other note is Williams' Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis... it is spellbinding. This cd is definately worth the price if you are into slower strings.



3. Barber's Adagio for Strings has become my favorite piece of music ever since hearing this recording several years ago. I definitely recommend this for anyone who likes violin music.



4. This sounds like a great recording of the Adagio adopted for orchestra.
   I personally discovered another cd called Cathedral Classics recorded by Dale Warland Singers which gives a superior recording of the same music.
   Dale Warland gives an unmatched quality that is available on the Internet.



5. This music brings thoughts to my mind. I relax and think about good memories. But something in the music makes me sad sometimes and I can't stop listening to it because it is so beautiful. I want this CD to be played at my funeral. Only because it would bring good thoughts to people who know me now, but also just because it is so serene.

5 comments about Saint-Saëns: Greatest Hits.

1. Don't get me wrong on the rating; the CD is good and the recordings and performances are great, but to call something a greatest hits collection, there really needs to be more of the greatest hits and not just the filler they have included. All of the songs are wonderful but if you are a new Saint-Saens lover you will need more.
   Camille Saint-Saens was the master French impressionist, the wizard of piano and organ composition, one of the greatest composers ever. He is definitely top 5 in my book.
   The problem with this recording is simply what is provided on the CD, or more appropriately, what is not provided. There are far too many omitions to count this as a greatest hits collection.
   Bare minimum, a greatest hits collection for Saint-Saens must contain the entire 3rd symphony (the "organ" symphony), the Carnival of Animals (and if not all 14 pieces, at least include Aquarium with The Swan and Finale), at least one of his cello concertos (which are mysteriously absent from all Saint-Saens best of or greatest collections and that is truly a shame), and at least one of his violin concertos.
   What is provided on this disc is wonderful. Samson et Dalila is signature Camille, Danse macabre is another wonder, Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso is Saint-Saens perfection, and his Piano Concerto No. 2 is marvelous. But there is just so much more to Saint-Saens.
   So, for the price at which Sony provides these marvels of greatest hits, it is a very good deal, but I would recommend another collection if you truly want to experience Saint-Saens' greatest works.
   The price is slightly higher, but the inclusion of the entire Carnival and the entire Organ Symphony along with other works excluded here makes it a much better collection. Just consider the Phillips' release before you purchase so you don't have to go back later. The Best Of Saint-Saëns
   Enjoy!



2. This music take me away from every day troubles and brings my soul to a beutiful world of music.Saint-Saent's vision of music is different, his creations are sensitive and intence. He is agreat talent.



3. I think that the sound of Saint Saens Music is very unique. I think that anyone out there wanting to listen to some excellent writing I assure you that Saint Saens has written it. On behalf of Amazon I would definitely rate this music 5 stars. I thank Amazon for a perfect portrayal of his works. You shoppers out there might want to take a look at buying this.

   RIGHT AWAY!!!
   -Nick




4. I have come accross very few CD's that have 74 minutes of music that I enjoy. This CD is one of those. Mason Jones does a great job on Morceau, everyone likes danse bachannalle, the piano concerto is great, it's just a really enjoyable CD to own. I recommend it highly, it's one of my favorites.



5. As all good elementary school music teachers know, Saint-Saëns could evoke emotions from a rock. I don't know if it's his masterful command (or creation) of the idioms of music, or whether it's the formal structure of his compositions, but there's never any confusion about how one feels when listening to this Apollo.

   This Sony recording supposedly collects his best. It does and it doesn't. The "Danse Macabre"--a perennial Saint Saëns fave--is definitely better than any others on the market--crisper, livelier, and ... er... creepier. And the Bacchanale is also superbly done. (Don't take my word for it though--you can compare these yourself from the various samples.) But as great as these individual pieces are, Sony failed to bring to the "Swan" the rest of the zoo from "Carnivale des Animaux," and, worse, they forgot the "Aquarium," too! Plus, the "Organ Symphony" *must* be heard in its entirety to sound like the serious piece of music that it is.

   I haven't found the noumenal Saint-Saëns collection yet. But this one surely isn't phenomenal.

5 comments about Brahms: Hungarian Dances Nos. 1-21.

1. I could not agree more with Jeffrey Lipscomb's review. The Hungarian Dances are about fire and virtuosity! They cannot be finessed. Most modern performers over think their interpretations and over practice the difficult passages. It just kills this sort of music. Dull. Dull. Dull. They are DANCES! Think of a fast sports car on a winding mountain road with one hand on the wheel. The problem with the serious performances Mr. Lipscomb enumerated is that they are serious!
   
   Through sheer inadvertency, Gabor's Remington goons captured a truly exhilarating performance from Albert Spalding half-a-century ago. It was the cheap "ONE TAKE ONLY! DONE!" attitude that forced first-rate musicians to fall back on ACTUALLY PERFORMING THE MUSIC WITH VERVE!
   
   No, I won't sell you my 50 year-old copy and you would not like it anyway. Vinylite's crackle is an acquired taste and real performances always have mistakes! None-the-less, I have heard student performances of the Hungarian Dances broadcast from Central Europe that are more enjoyable as music-making than the dross the major labels have heaped on a jaded public in the last 25 years.



2. This disc is a true joy- snatch it up while you can, especially at Naxos prices. It is by far one of the best (if not the best) cycles of Brahms' fully orchestrated Hungarian Dances out there, period. The Budapest Symphony Orchestra under Bogar turn in positively joyful readings full of the special bohemian orchestral sound found so rarely in any orchestra outside the region: a tiny bit ever so pleasingly off kilter with excitement. Naxos' sound, while I do not believe the best they've ever presented, is still consistently full and balanced and good enough to warrant no complaints from me. This disc is a keeper, for sure.



3. I feel as if I'm in the minority here when I say that this recording is a little bland.
   
   While the price is a definite bonus (and you won't feel too bad in losing $7 for the CD if it turns that you don't like it), the recordings just don't do it for me even though I can tell that Bogar and the Budapest Symphony Orchestra play with gusto and the sonics are quite good and balanced.
   
   When I first listened to this CD, I was feeling as if I were listening to a non-descript Western European or North American orchestra playing the dances a little more quickly than usual. Nothing more, nothing less.
   
   My overall favourite recording of these dances is the one issued in 1985 by Hungaroton involving Ivan Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra. (N.B. This recording by Hungaroton is different from the one made by the same performers for Phillips in 1999. To my surprise, the older recording from Hungaroton sounds better than the newer one by Phillips. Who would have thought that 14 years would make a difference?)
   
   The recording for Phillips (now issued by Eloquence) of the Hungarian Dances with Kurt Masur and the Leipzig Gewandhausorchester is surprisingly good and it's my favourite recording of the dances by a non-Hungarian orchestra.



4. Brahms wrote a great amount of music, including the Hungarian Dances, for piano four-hands. This music was composed for amateur music-lovers to play at home, and it included many reductions of Brahms's orchestral and chamber works as well as original compositions. In its original format, the Hungarian Dances became extremely popular and contributed more than any other work to Brahms's financial success during his lifetime. The music was quickly transposed for other instruments, including violin and piano by Brahms's friend Joachim, and orchestra, by a variety of hands. For those interested, the original four-hand piano version of the Hungarian Dances is available on Naxos in a recording by Kohn and Mathies in volume 2 of an extensive series of Brahms's four-hand piano music. The piano-violin arrangement of the dances is available in a Naxos recording by Bisengaliev and Lenehan. But the subject of this review is the orchestral version.
   
   For modern listeners, the orchestral version of the Hungarian Dances is the most familiar, and this 1988 recording by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra conducted by Istvan Bogar is a classic. This is a relatively early Naxos release which deserves the many accolades it has received. It continues to attract many fine reviewers on this site. The playing is lively and spirited, joyous and melancholy in turn. It captures the gypsy spirit of the Hungarian Dances. For those listeners who need to be convinced that classical music can be lively and fun, this CD is an ideal place to start.
   
   As a young man, Brahms toured briefly with a Hungarian violinist named Remenyi who gave Brahms a lifelong passion for Hungarian and gypsy music. This passion comes through in Brahms's longer and more somber works as well as in these dances. The earlier sets of these dances are based upon authentic Hungarian themes. In the latter dances, Brahms wrote the themes himself, in Hungarian style. The orchestrations were done by Brahms himself, by his friend Dvorak, and by a number of other composers. These are short delighful works, which will make your blood flow and your feet dance. They also are filled with tinges of melancholy and sadness. My own favorite of these works is No. 16, with its slow, melancholy opening and lively conclusion. Every listener will develop his or her own favorites from this set.
   
   This CD of Brahms's Hungarian Dances is an excellent way to get to know a popular and enchanting style of classical music.
   
   Robin Friedman



5. Istvan Bogar may not be a household name to Classical music lovers in the US, but he leads spirited, dashing accounts of Brahms "Hungarian Dances" with a Budapest orchestra which plays very well for him. Tempos are often on the fast side, but always under control, and never breathless. The woodwinds play especially well in their solo licks, and there's always a certain joie de vivre (Joy of living) to these recordings.
   
   The recorded sound is very clear and balanced, in line with Naxos' best recordings offered to the public.
   
   This disc is a bargain: I heartily recommend it.

5 comments about 25 Piano Favorites.

1. This is my favorite classical CD since it is geared to a wide audience. Many of my friends and acquaintances enjoy it, too.



2. I listen to this CD while reading or when I need inspiration to play the piano. There are many classic pieces here that will have many recognizable sections to the non classical music fans. The sound quality is not amazing but the essence and technical difficulty of these pieces can still be heard. Most of the songs are under 5 mins and there is a mix of faster and slower tempos.
   
   This is a bargain bin CD that you usually see at Fry's Electronics. There are more detailed and comprehensive collections out there but for 5 bucks this isn't bad and you basically get what you expect. There are much better classical CD's out there of course but for a beginner compilation album, this one has a great price.



3. This cd of piano classics has become one of my favorites. Since I am a full-time student and work out of my home the music relaxes me during times of rest.



4. This is a good intro CD to famous piano pieces. However, the sound quality is really *poor*. Of course, what do you expect for the price? I'm sure there are better Piano Sample CDs out there that sound much better. It's worth the extra money, trust me.



5. A good compilation of excerpts from the rich and vast piano repertoire. Sure they are merely excerpts and are meant to just introduce the piano to someone unfamiliar with the instrument or classical music, but that doesn't mean that an experienced person can't just pop it into the CD player and enjoy.

   While there's no classic recordings here or big names, most of the tracks are well played and acceptable in sound quality. There are some interesting pieces here that are unfamiliar to most, such as the Dvorak Humoresque or the Paderewski Minuet, as well as classics such as the Debussy Clair de Lune or the Mozart Concerto.

   The rendition of the Rhapsody in Blue is a nice performance with a well done ending that may even be better than some other CD's made by big named pianists.

1 comments about The Story of Mozart.

1. This short CD comfortably displays the basics of Mozart in words and music. If your a classical lover interested in these geniuses, and have a literary love also, then you would enjoy these nicely told stories.
   
   I learned here that Mozart picked up his x-girlfriends sister after she cheated on him; Nice! What a stud.
   
   I purchased CD's like this a year ahead of time to use them as time effective sources for English book reports in school because it takes a load off if you're over pressed and over worked. The narrator I found to be enjoyable also. For a couple bucks I really couldn't beat it.

5 comments about Choral Masterpieces.

1. This is an absolutely beautiful CD of choral music. As one who has been singing in Chorales almost all my life, I am always thrilled when I can find recordings of outstanding and excellent choral music. I purchased two CDs of the Robert Shaw and ASO; one for myself and the other as a Christmas gift to my Choral Director, Dr. Robert Lamb (Doctoral Music Arts in Choral Conducting). Dr. Lamb loves anything done by Robert Shaw and had not heard this one. Although I have not heard of his reaction to the CD as yet, I can say from my listening that everyone who loves choral music, will love this CD. I particularly love the Bach, Handel, and Brahms pieces. Alleluia! Alleluia! Enjoy!



2. -gave this as a Christmas gift to my brother-in-law, a church musician. He has listened over & over & thinks it is really outstanding. Thank you!



3. This is a very great chorus, and one of Haydn's best as far as i am concerned. The pace, grandness and spirit of the piece all conjure in one's imagination the majesty of heaven, and God's throne. I cannot help but be moved to praise the God of the heavens and the earth.
   
   kanmi ogundipe



4. I came home from work one day when my uncle was visiting my wife and myself. He was recently retired from the ministry. He had heard a lot of choral music in his life. My aunt said he had the stereo ( power end of my stereo at the time was an Adcomm 555 amp. conservatively rated at 200 watts RMS per channel) up so loud it was rattling the whole house. I too have come to love this music. I mostly listen to rock and roll; but the way my uncle, and now I, play this thing, it is rock and roll from another era!!!



5. After Mr Shaw spent many years in NYC and Cleveland with RCA Red Label,he came into Atlanta for a big change! Soon he switched to TELARC DIGITAL! I still Joyfully remember our Recording of the Christmas Nativity in Dec of 1975! Sir Robert, conducting with earphones encasing his head shouted: "Stop the taping, there is some Darn Sizzling noise in those Lights!" We may have not heard the word "Damn" lights, that he employed at times!

   On both this newer release of TELARC and the older Recording of The Christmas Nativity, there are Bach's Chorale, Break Forth, Dona Nobis Pacem from the B-Minor Mass, Handel's Hallelujah! Plus the exquisite, Shepherds's Farewell to the Holy Family of Berlioz's The Infant Christ!

   Those who may not be familiar with Berlioz from both recordings, will be richly rewarded by hearing them plus the Rex Tremendae from Berlioz''s Requiem and the other Kyrie from the Bach B-Minor! Absolutely, no other Christmas Music can ever approach these two splendid recordings, which are the basis of the ASO celebrating every Christmas with "Robert Shaw in the Spirit!"

   Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

5 comments about Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away.

1. I don't usually listen to this kind of music, but this one is relaxing. I listen to it while showering, and during studying. This one is unique. I would recommend it to anyone suffering from stress, anxiety, studying, and working. Try it!



2. Met expectations for relaxing music to add to my collection of stress busting CDs. No virtuoso classical performances here, but worth the very reasonable price for an occasional listen to help you unwind.



3. Whether you have cares you want to banish or not, you will delight in this CD. The album is perfectly balanced, and each piece moves seamlessly into the next, never jarring you to attention, but soothing you and leaving you feeling peaceful and relaxed. The album works well at the end of the day, but I have listened to it at the start of the day too, and it created a nice mood for a day just beginning to unfold.
   
   I recommend this album for anyone wanting to enjoy a lovely, unpretentious, and relaxing interlude.



4. The audio samples given here are from the Vivaldi for Valentines CD in this same Philips series. NOT Bach.
   
   The Vivaldi was great, though.



5. Light some candles, run a bubble bath, put in bath beads, pop this CD into your stereo and indulge in a bath that would mean you've pampered yourself in extremis. This particular recording from the popular Set Your Life To Classical series is a real treat for Bathtime, or in my opinion, anytime. It is indeed, as the title suggests, a relaxing serenade to wash your cares away. It is therapy, a perfect companion to a massage, reading a book, drinking tea, anything you can do alone to pamper yourself and to relax. Iona Brown, a female conductor, takes Sir Neville Marriner's place and conducts the Academy of St Martin In The Fields performing such works as the opening track - the Lute Concerto by Vivaldi as well as Track 4's Largo from the Winter movement in The Four Seasons, track 12's Concerto For Two Guitars by Corelli and the Oboe Concerto in D by Telemann. Also featured on here Oboe Concerti by Handel and Water Music Suite, and other conductors featured on here are Raymond Leppard and his English Chamber Orchestra. The Canon in D has never sounded more radiant than on here as it is conducted by Sir Neville Marriner and closes the CD nicely. A more relaxing way to take a bath you'll be hard-pressed to find. This music is gorgeous, it's affordable (on the Used Item section and the regular price) and is as always, a great intro to classical music and a fun, innovative way to enjoy it.

5 comments about Baroque Trumpet Concertos.

1. For this price you cant go wrong. It has all styles, allegro, largo, slow and fast paced with the trumpet and background instruments. Vivaldi and Telemann's pieces are my favorites on this CD, but the rest is great as well. This soothing music that makes you feel great to live at the same time is impossible to pass up. All it took was one sample for me to buy it, and no regrets!



2. I love this CD. The music is very uplifting. If you love Baroque Music then you can't go wrong with this CD. Great Price and Value.



3. I originally purchased this disc as an EMI Classics Red Line release (I think I paid $5.99 for it). It was a steal then, and remains so today on the Seraphin line (simple a reissue of the same EMI Red Line release).

   Maurice Andre is a fantastic trumpet player, and he simply shines on this recording (featuring the Academy of St. Martins on the Field under Sir Neville Marriner). Bargain-priced CDs tend to get the proverbial bum rap, but Seraphin (as usual) offers a first-rate recording that can compete with any full-priced release. I've listened to this disc at least 20 times, and I never tire of it. Andre and Marriner bring to life these works, some by lesser-known composers (like Stolzel, Telemann and Torelli). I can't think of a better introduction to these underrated Baroque artists (with the exception of Sony's 'Baroque in Italy' CD, which sadly is now out-of-print, too).

   This recording, as with so many others, will not be available forever. Given the quality of the recording and beauty of the pieces, I strongly recommend purchasing this disc before it, too, goes out-of-print. It's a great disc at a great price, and would be a welcomed addition to any Classical music collection.




4. This is a great feel-good record. Music to reign by.
   
   The Stölzel concerto for four instrumental choirs is a particular gem, a great piece to cue up and wake up in the morning to. There is nothing particularly deep or heavy here. All of these pieces are light, in major keys. They are well recorded and well played.



5. This CD is just a delight. If you enjoy Baroque, you will find this CD one of your favorites. It has a pleasant register and a lightness that is a pleasure to any ear. An excellent value.

1 comments about The Story of Bach.

1. We are using this series of CDs in our homeschool music program - they are fantastic! We especially love this one about Bach - what an awesome man! The story of his life is told in a way that is very interesting and holds the children's attention while also using various pieces of his music in the narration. It is done VERY well! My children are gaining a tremendous amount of knowlege and appreciation for music through this CD and so are my husband and I!