Calm Classics [Import]

calm classics [import]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Calm Classics is a superb compilation of the most relaxing classical music. Features performers such as: The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Vienna Chamber Orchestra & The London Symphony Orchestra. Rajon. 2005.

Calm Classics,Calm Classics,Rock/Pop Collections

Calm Classics [Import]
Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Uneven quality but great value
  • A superb collection of Mendelssohn
 Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

OctetsOctets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
QuintetsQuintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
TriosTrios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ConcertinosConcertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
OverturesOvertures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Theatrical, Incidental & Program MusicTheatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
ClarinetClarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
CelloCello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolaViola | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
AnthemsAnthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
HymnsHymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MotetsMotets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
PsalmsPsalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Te DeumTe Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Blowout Box SetsBlowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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All Classical Music BlowoutAll Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Mendelssohn, FelixMendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]
  2. Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
  3. Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)
  4. Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)
  5. Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLJ2
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Uneven quality but great value.......2007-04-30

Brilliant Classics has found a niche with their extremely low-price multi-disc collections of the work of a single composer or performer. The Bach, Mozart and Chopin Complete Editions are legitimately considered to be artistic and economical triumphs. But the Masterworks series are more uneven. Currently available from Amazon France at about a buck per CD, they're still a bargain for those interested in quickly building a music library. But it's worth keeping a few things in mind. Unlike the Bach and Mozart Editions, these are not always historically informed performances. In this Mendelssohn set, the Hanover Band puts in a cameo (in Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), but most of the ensembles use modern instruments, techniques and proportions. This doesn't always work out, as in the case of the ponderously heavy recordings of the String Symphonies by an apparently full complement of Gewandhausorchester Leipzig strings (Mendelssohn likely wrote these early works for a much smaller group). The caliber of the performances varies too, ranging from good to poor, and from marquis musicians such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau to a few Dutch who-dats. The chamber musicians generally acquit themselves well (though the Octet recording is marred by an engineering flaw in the last movement, distortion, at least on my copy). But the symphonies suffer from some substandard performances, such as the Italian Symphony's live recording with not only audience noise but also ensemble flaws such as a distracting clarinet squeak in the first movement's recapitulation. Another strike is the lack of program notes. Brilliant's Complete Editions provide a booklet or CD-ROM with program notes, but here you'll need to do your own research.

Despite these shortcomings, this set is still good value (at least at Amazon France's current price of 31 Euros). And it's a fine way to become acquainted with Mendelssohn's music.

5 out of 5 stars A superb collection of Mendelssohn.......2007-03-24

Let me preface this by saying that most of these works were not new to me - I own many other Mendelssohn CDs and have enjoyed his compositions for some time now. Also, this set is available much cheaper elsewhere, particularly from European retailers.
The symphonies are well-performed. 'Reformation' is an inspired live recording. The 12 string symphonies, written in Mendelssohn's youth, are also included. The concertos are exceptional - the violin concerto is as good as you'll find anywhere. The oratorios Elijah and Paulus are included, as well as the complete chamber works and a diverse assortment of choral works. The last few discs include the Lied ohne worte, the epic organ sonatas, and excellent renditions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Fingal's Cave. While there are a few sketchy performances in the choral and chamber works, the performances and recordings are generally very solid, and the body of work couldn't be better.
Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sawallisch, Bayerischer Staatsoper
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • "Blut-Bruderschaft schwore ein Eid!"
  • A nice ring. Too nice for the price.
  • fanat
  • Look somewhere else for a 'Ring' . . . . . .
  • A good rendering
 Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sawallisch, Bayerischer Staatsoper
Richard Wagner , Julia Varady , René Kollo , Wolfgang Sawallisch , Bayerischer Staatsoper , Marjana Lipovsek , Hildegard Behrens , Helmut Pampuch , Jan-Hendrik Rootering , Hanna Schwartz , Angela Maria Blasi , Christel Borchers , Robert Schunk , Birgit Calm , Hanna Schwarz , Waltraud Meier , Matti Salminen , Nancy Gustafson , Robert Hale , and Kurt Moll
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by WagnerAll Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Wagner: Die Walküre
  2. Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen
  3. Merit - Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen / Knappertsbusch
  4. Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen
  5. Der Ring Des Nibelungen

ASIN: B00000631T
Release Date: 1998-05-19

Tracks:

  1. Das Rheingold: Prelude
  2. Das Rheingold: Scene One: Weia! Wage!
  3. Das Rheingold: Scene One: Hehe! ihr Nicker!
  4. Das Rheingold: Scene One: Garstig glatter glitsch'riger Glimmer!
  5. Das Rheingold: Scene One: Lugt, Schwestern!
  6. Das Rheingold: Scene One: Bangt euch noch nicht?
  7. Das Rheingold: Scene Two: Orchestral Interlude
  8. Das Rheingold: Scene Two: Wotan, Gemahl! erwache!
  9. Das Rheingold: Scene Two: Vollendet das ewige Werk!
  10. Das Rheingold: Scene Two: So schirme sie jetzt
  11. Das Rheingold: Scene Two: Sanft schloss Schlaf dein Aug
  12. Das Rheingold: Scene Two: Schweig' dein faules Schwatzen
  13. Das Rheingold: Scene Two: Zu mir, Freia!
  14. Das Rheingold: Scene Two: Halt, du Wilder!
  15. Das Rheingold: Scene Two: Wie? welchen Handel hatt' ich geschlossen?
  16. Das Rheingold: Scene Two: Immer ist Undank Loge's Lohn!
  17. Das Rheingold: Scene Two: Was ein Dieb stahl
  18. Das Rheingold: Scene Two: Hor', Wotan, der Harrenden Wort!
  19. Das Rheingold: Scene Two: Was sinnt nun Wotan so wild?
  20. Das Rheingold: Scene Two: Auf, Loge! hinab mit mir!
  21. Das Rheingold: Scene Three: Hehe! heh!
  22. Das Rheingold: Scene Three: Nibelheim hier

Tracks:

  1. Das Rheingold: Scene Three: Wer halfe mir!
  2. Das Rheingold: Scene Three: Hierher! Dorthin!
  3. Das Rheingold: Scene Three: Was wollt ihr hier?
  4. Das Rheingold: Scene Three: Habt Acht! Habt Acht!
  5. Das Rheingold: Scene Three: Riesenwurm winde sich ringelnd!
  6. Das Rheingold: Scene Three: Luge du her!
  7. Das Rheingold: Scene Three: Orchestral Interlude
  8. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Da, Vetter, sitze du fest!
  9. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Wohlan, die Niblungen rief ich mir nah'
  10. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Gezahlt hab' ich
  11. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Bin ich nun frei?
  12. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Lauschtest du seinem Liebesgruss?
  13. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Bring'st du gute Kunde?
  14. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Auf Risenheims ragender Mark
  15. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Freia, die schone
  16. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Weiche, Wotan!
  17. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Hort, ihr Riesen!
  18. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Zu mir, Freia!
  19. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Halt, du Gieriger!
  20. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Was gleicht, Wotan
  21. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Schwules Gedunst schwebt in der Luft
  22. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Zur Burg fuhrt die Brucke
  23. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Abendlich strahlt der Sonne Auge
  24. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Ihrem Ende eilen sie zu
  25. Das Rheingold: Scene Four: Rheingold! Rheingold!

Tracks:

  1. Die Walkure: Orchestral Prelude
  2. Die Walkure: Act One - Scene One: Wes Herd dies auch sei
  3. Die Walkure: Act One - Scene One: Einen Unseligen labtest du
  4. Die Walkure: Act One - Scene Two: Mude am Herd fand ich den Mann
  5. Die Walkure: Act One - Scene Two: Friedmund darf ich nicht heissen
  6. Die Walkure: Act One - Scene Two: Die so leidig Los dir beschied
  7. Die Walkure: Act One - Scene Two: Ich weiss ein wildes Geschlecht
  8. Die Walkure: Act One - Scene Three: Ein Schwert verhiess mir der Vater
  9. Die Walkure: Act One - Scene Three: Schlafst du, Gast?
  10. Die Walkure: Act One - Scene Three: Der Manner Sippe
  11. Die Walkure: Act One - Scene Three: Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond
  12. Die Walkure: Act One - Scene Three: Du bist der Lenz
  13. Die Walkure: Act One - Scene Three: O susseste Wonne! Seligstes Weib!
  14. Die Walkure: Act One - Scene Three: Siegmund heiss' ich und Siegmund bin ich!

Tracks:

  1. Die Walkure: Prelude
  2. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene One: Hojotoho! Hojotoho!
  3. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene One: Der alte Sturm, die alte Muh'!
  4. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene One: So ist es denn aus mit den ewigen Gottern
  5. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene One: Heiaha! Heiaha! Hojotoho!
  6. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene Two: Schlimn, furcht' ich, schloss der Streit
  7. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene Two: Als junger Liebe Lust mir verblich
  8. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene Two: Ein andres ist's: achte es wohl
  9. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene Two: So nimmst du von Siegmund den Sieg?
  10. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene Two: So nimm meinen Segen, Niblungen-Sohn!
  11. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene Three: Raste nun hier, gonne dir Ruh!
  12. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene Three: Hinweg! Hinweg! Flieh die Entweihte!

Tracks:

  1. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene Four: Siegmund! Sieh auf mich!
  2. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene Four: Erdenluft muss sie noch atmen
  3. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene Four: Weh! Weh! Sussestes Weib
  4. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene Four: Zwei Leben lachen dir hier
  5. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene Five: Zauberfest bezahmt ein Schlaf
  6. Die Walkure: Act Two - Scene Five: Wehwalt! Wehwalt!

Tracks:

  1. Die Walkure: Act Three - Scene One: Ride Of The Valkyries - Hojotoho! Hojotoho!
  2. Die Walkure: Act Three - Scene One: Schutzt mich und helft in hochster Not!
  3. Die Walkure: Act Three - Scene One: Nicht sehre dich Sorge um mich
  4. Die Walkure: Act Three - Scene One: Steh, Brunnhild'!
  5. Die Walkure: Act Three - Scene Two: Hier bin ich, Vater: gebiete die Strafe!
  6. Die Walkure: Act Three - Scene Three: War es so schmahlich, was ich verbrach
  7. Die Walkure: Act Three - Scene Three: Deinen leichten Sinn lass dich denn leiten
  8. Die Walkure: Act Three - Scene Three: Du zeugtest ein edles Geschlecht
  9. Die Walkure: Act Three - Scene Three: Leb wohl, du kuhnes, herrliches Kind!
  10. Die Walkure: Act Three - Scene Three: Der Augen, leuchtendes Paar
  11. Die Walkure: Act Three - Scene Three: Loge, hor! Lausche hieher!
  12. Die Walkure: Act Three - Scene Three: Magic Fire Music

Tracks:

  1. Siegfried: Prelude
  2. Siegfried: Act One - Scene One: Zwangvolle Plage!
  3. Siegfried: Act One - Scene One: Hoiho! Hoiho!
  4. Siegfried: Act One - Scene One: Willst du denn nie gedenken
  5. Siegfried: Act One - Scene One: Vieles lehrtest du, Mime
  6. Siegfried: Act One - Scene One: Einst lag wimmernd ein Weib
  7. Siegfried: Act One - Scene One: Und diese Stucken sollst du mir schmieden
  8. Siegfried: Act One - Scene Two: Heil dir, weiser Schmied!
  9. Siegfried: Act One - Scene Two: Du ruhrtest dich viel auf der Erde
  10. Siegfried: Act One - Scene Two: Viel, Wanderer, weisst du mir
  11. Siegfried: Act One - Scene Two: Viel, Wanderer, weisst du mir
  12. Siegfried: Act One - Scene Two: Nun, ehrlicher Zwerg
  13. Siegfried: Act One - Scene Two: Ein weiser Niblung
  14. Siegfried: Act One - Scene Two: Sag mir, du weiser Waffenschmied
  15. Siegfried: Act One - Scene Three: Verfluchtes Licht!
  16. Siegfried: Act One - Scene Three: Heda, du Fauler!
  17. Siegfried: Act One - Scene Three: Bist de es, Kind?
  18. Siegfried: Act One - Scene Three: Fuhltest du nie im finstren Wald
  19. Siegfried: Act One - Scene Three: Her mit den Stucken
  20. Siegfried: Act One - Scene Three: Notung! Notung!
  21. Siegfried: Act One - Scene Three: Hoho! Hoho! Hohei!
  22. Siegfried: Act One - Scene Three: Notung! Notung!

Tracks:

  1. Siegfried: Prelude
  2. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene One: In Wald und Nacht
  3. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene One: Zur Neidohle fuhr ich bei Nacht
  4. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene One: Fafner! Fafner! Erwache, Wurm!
  5. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene Two: Wir sind zur Stelle!
  6. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene Two: Dass der mein Vater nicht ist

Tracks:

  1. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene Two: Forest Murmurs
  2. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene Two: Du holdes Voglein
  3. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene Two: Haha! Da hatte mein Lied...
  4. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene Two: Was ist da?
  5. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene Two: Wer bist du, kuhner Knabe
  6. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene Two: Ist mir doch fast
  7. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene Three: Wohin schleichst du
  8. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene Three: Was ihr mir nutzt
  9. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene Three: Willkommen, Siegfried
  10. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene Three: Heiss ward mir
  11. Siegfried: Act Two - Scene Three: Hei! Siegfried erschlug nun...
  12. Siegfried: Prelude
  13. Siegfried: Act Three - Scene One: Wache, Wala!
  14. Siegfried: Act Three - Scene One: Stark ruft das Lied

Tracks:

  1. Siegfried: Act Three - Scene One: Dir Urweisen ruf ich ins Ohr
  2. Siegfried: Act Three - Scene Two: Dort seh ich Siegfried nahn
  3. Siegfried: Act Three - Scene Two: Wie sieh'st du denn aus?
  4. Siegfried: Act Three - Scene Two: Zieh hin!
  5. Siegfried: Act Three - Scene Three: Selige Ode auf sonniger Hoh'!
  6. Siegfried: Act Three - Scene Three: Das ist kein Mann!
  7. Siegfried: Act Three - Scene Three: Heil dir, Sonne!
  8. Siegfried: Act Three - Scene Three: So starb nicht meine Mutter?
  9. Siegfried: Act Three - Scene Three: Dort seh' ich Grane
  10. Siegfried: Act Three - Scene Three: ...heilig schied sie aus Walhall!
  11. Siegfried: Act Three - Scene Three: O Siegfried! Siegfried!
  12. Siegfried: Act Three - Scene Three: Wie des Blutes Strome
  13. Siegfried: Act Three - Scene Three: Fahr hin

Tracks:

  1. Gotterdammerung: Prologue: Vorspiel
  2. Gotterdammerung: Prologue: Welch Licht leuchtet dort?
  3. Gotterdammerung: Prologue: Dammert der Tag?
  4. Gotterdammerung: Prologue: Dawn Of Day
  5. Gotterdammerung: Prologue: Zu neuen Taten, teurer Helde
  6. Gotterdammerung: Prologue: Mehr gabst du, Wunderfrau
  7. Gotterdammerung: Prologue: O heilige Gotter
  8. Gotterdammerung: Prologue: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
  9. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene One: Nun hor, Hagen
  10. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene One: Ein Weib weiss ich
  11. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene One: Vom Rhein her tont das Horn
  12. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene Two: Wer ist Gibichs Sohn?
  13. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene Two: Begrusse froh, o Held
  14. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene Two: Vergess' ich alles

Tracks:

  1. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene Two: Gutrune
  2. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene Two: Bluhenden Lebens
  3. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene Two: Was nahmst du am Eide nicht teil?
  4. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene Two: Hier sitz' ich zur Wacht
  5. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene Three: Altgewohntes Gerausch
  6. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene Three: Hore mit Sinn, was ich sage!
  7. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene Three: Welch banger Traume Maren
  8. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene Three: Blitzend Gewolk
  9. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene Three: Brunnhilde'! Ein Freier kam
  10. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene Three: Jetzt bist du mein

Tracks:

  1. Gotterdammerung: Act One - Scene Three: Prelude
  2. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene One: Schlafst du, Hagen, mein Sohn?
  3. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene Two: Hoiho! Hagen!
  4. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene Two: Hoiho! Hoihohoho!
  5. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene Two: Rustet euch wohl
  6. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene Two: Gross Gluck und Heil
  7. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene Four: Heil dir, Gunther!
  8. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene Four: Brunnhild', die hehrste Frau
  9. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene Four: Gegrusst sei, teurer Held
  10. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene Four: Einen Ring sah ich an deiner Hand
  11. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene Four: Betrug! Betrug!
  12. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene Four: Helle Wehr! Heilige Waffe!
  13. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene Four: Glaub, mehr zurnst es mich als dich
  14. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene Five: Welches Unholds List
  15. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene Five: Vertraue mir, betrogne Frau!
  16. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene Five: Auf, Gunther, edler Gibichung!
  17. Gotterdammerung: Act Two - Scene Five: So soll es sein!
  18. Gotterdammerung: Prelude
  19. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene One: Frau Sonne sendet lichte Strahlen
  20. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene One: Ein Albe fuhrte mich irr

Tracks:

  1. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene One: Siegfried!
  2. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene One: Ein goldner Ring glanzt dir am Finger!
  3. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene One: Behalt ihn, Held
  4. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene One: Weialala leia
  5. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Two: Hoiho!
  6. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Two: Trink, Gunther, trink!
  7. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Two: Mime hiess ein murrischer Zwerg
  8. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Two: In Leid zu dem Wipfel
  9. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Two: Was hor' ich?
  10. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Two: Brunnhilde, heilige Braut!
  11. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Two: Funeral March
  12. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Three: War das sein Horn?
  13. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Three: Hoiho! Hoiho!
  14. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Three: Siegfried - Siegfried erschlagen!
  15. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Three: Schweigt eures Jammers jauchzenden Schwall
  16. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Three: Starke Scheite schichtet mir dort
  17. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Three: Wie Sonne lauter strahlt mir sein Licht
  18. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Three: O ihr, der Eide ewige Huter!
  19. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Three: Mein Erbe nun nehm ich zu eigen
  20. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Three: Fliegt heim, ihr Raben!
  21. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Three: Grane, mein Ross, sei mir gegrusst!
  22. Gotterdammerung: Act Three - Scene Three: Zuruck vom Ring!

Amazon.com

Those without access to video disc players can now enjoy this 1989 Ring production, although stage noises and singers husbanding their resources come off less forgivingly in an audio-only context. But the recording is surprisingly crisp and vibrant, save for distortion in loud tuttis. Wolfgang Sawallisch has a sixth sense for pacing, proportion, and keeping singers secure. A bargain worth considering, but no texts are included. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars "Blut-Bruderschaft schwore ein Eid!".......2007-05-15

Okay, so we have the Solti, Bohm, Karajan, Levine, Janowski, Goodall, and Sawallisch Rings on the market (I haven't listened to the other Ring recordings yet, sorry to say). And all of these leave me to one conclusion: the many differences lead me to believe that all of these ring sets have their own authenticities and setbacks. And here they are:

TIMING (Estimate):
Solti's Ring: 14 hours, 30 minutes
Bohm's Ring: 13 hours, 30 minutes
Karajan's Ring: 14 hours, 50 minutes
Goodall's Ring: 16 hours, 50 minutes
Janowski's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes
Levine's Ring: 15 hours, 20 minutes
Sawallisch's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes

CONDUCTING:
Solti: Solti's conducting is driven with sheer muscle, but sometimes he makes the Ring overemotional. His Walkure & Gotterdammerung Preludes are clear examples: they're annoyingly bombastic. Nonetheless he almost seldom loses control with anything. His clear focus on the drama is astonishing.

Bohm: I must say his live Bayreuth recording brings out some of the best. He puts more faith in the orchestral score, but he also gives it more intensity. His tempi are some of the quickest, but they still don't seem rushed at all (except maybe "Wohin schleich'st du eilig und schlau"). I especially like his "Forging Scene" & "Hagen Summons the Vassals"; both are the most energetic on disc.

Karajan: Karajan's chamber approach is very interesting. Instead of going for the drama or the energy, the conductor goes for the beauty. Almost everything in his Ring sounds very ethereal because of his excessive use of lyricism. His orchestral preludes (except Walkure Act 1) sound more beautiful than others, and much of the soft parts (such as Siegfried Act Three Scene Three) are controlled nicely. His "Funeral March" and "Immolation" are recommendable. Siegfried Act Three Scene Two could have improved with more tension.

Goodall: Oh, boy. While I do praise Goodall with his amazing attention to detail, his ridiculously sluggish tempi will tick some Wagnerites off: everything is slower than adagio moderato. But I did enjoy listening to the slow beauty of his "Wotan's Farewell/Magic Fire Music". This was recorded live and sung in English.

Janowski: This is a very classical Ring. Instead of bombast, spacious, or lyrical passion, maestro Janowski gives us the straightforward approach. He goes straight for Wagner's original intentions (precise tempi, dynamics, flow of leitmotivs, etc.), which makes this another exquisite Ring. "Hagen Summons the Vassals" is probably the fastest I've ever heard (along with Sawallisch's). Rheingold Scene Four can be best described as "sensational".

Levine: While he does stay true to the score like Bohm, this conductor makes for a somewhat dull Ring. His handling of the orchestra is nice, but the moderately slow tempi he chooses is flawed. It should be more animated. His beautiful "Funeral March" and "Erda's Warning" are two of the few flawless features.

Sawallisch: I guess you can say that Sawallisch is half-Karajan, half-Janowski. While he does stay true to the orchestral score like Janowski, he also puts in a little Karajan-like lyricism. At some points he loses track with orchestra and singers (as does every live recording) but Bohm has more control. This was also recorded live.

ORCHESTRA:
Solti's Vienna Philharmonic: The woodwinds are the most beautiful in Solti's Ring (the "Forest Murmurs" is clear evidence of that). French horns and Wagner tubas make this a recommended listening. The strings in "Heda Heda Hedo" could've added a bit more work, but they are strikingly spectacular everywhere else. The orchestra gives it their all in Siegfried Act Two & Three, but they are at their weakest in Walkure Act One & Three (Bohm's Bayreuth does it better). Overall, it's the loudest and certainly most bombastic out of all the Ring orchestras combined.

Bohm's Bayreuth Festival: The ultimate Wagnerian orchestra gives it their all. The brass both high and low are the most powerful, while the woodwinds are the most delicate. The strings are muffled only a few times, otherwise the eighteen anvils are perfectly loud and clear. Erda's scenes aren't as effective as Janowski's, but the entire Walkure is more successful than Janowski's when it comes to tone & technique. Overall, this orchestra is the most dramatic.

Karajan's Berlin Philharmonic: The entire orchestra sounds polished, not to say that it is bad. Indeed the drama is still there, but much of the suspense is lacking (the scenes with Fasolt and Fafner come to mind). The brass sometimes overpowers the strings, which can be a serious problem. Gotterdammerung "Three Norns" Scene sounds very mysterious, very eerie.

Goodall's English National Opera: This orchestra sounds nice, even if the sluggishness can bring them down at times. The Flight of the Valkyries doesn't sound too good in a slow tempo, but the entire orchestra does sound lucid here. Siegfried Act One Prelude is the creepiest. All of the leitmotivs are heard loud and clear, just like in Janowski's version.

Janowski's Staatskapelle Dresden: This orchestra has the same force & flair as does Bohm's Bayreuth Festival, only Dresden sounds much clearer due to the fantastic digital sound. Even minor details are found in this Ring. I can hear harps in Flight of the Valkyries! The strings imitate the Siegfried forest very well, while the woodwinds representing the songbird are wonderful (but not as wonderful as Solti's songbird). Dresden's "Magic Fire Music" (along with Berlin's) is the most extravagant.

Levine's Metropolitan Opera: The brass and woodwinds are the true stars. The strings sound too tired to continue on in Siegfried & Gotterdammerung. The Finale to Rheingold is absolutely stunning (the trumpets and trombones will not disappoint), and the Second Act of Walkure is the most impressive, the most refined.

Sawallisch's Bavarian State: Wrong notes in this live recording won't matter, as the entire orchestra gets everything going in all four nights at the opera. The strings never surrender to imperfection, and the winds are marvelously aligned. I just wish that some of the singers would keep up with the orchestra.

SINGERS:
-Wotan
Solti: Hans Hotter is the superior Wotan. He sounds powerful throughout the Ring (except Rheingold, in which a less stellar George London performs).

Bohm and Janowski: Theo Adam in Bohm's live recording is another treat. While he is not as equally impressive as Hotter, he can certainly conjure up everlasting emotions. Adam sounds weaker in Janowski's studio recording, but he still doesn't disappoint.

Karajan: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau plays Wotan in "Rheingold," while Thomas Stewart replaces Fischer-Dieskau in "Walkure" and "Siegfried". I don't think Fischer-Dieskau was a good choice; he sounds too humane and too light. Stewart makes an astounding improvement in both "Walkure" and "Siegfried".

Goodall: Norman Bailey has that divine spark that Hotter used to cherish. He's heavy and unblemished, and he handles the English text with flair and sheen.

Levine: James Morris is a notch below Hotter, Adam, and Bailey, but he overpowers Fischer-Dieskau pretty much throughout the Levine's Ring.

Sawallisch: I may be biased, but Robert Hale just didn't do it for me. He sounded dull and tedious, and his Wotan's Farewell wasn't enough to sadden me.

-Brunnhilde
Solti and Bohm: Birgit Nilsson is the best Brunnhilde on the market. Her Valkyrie cry is delightful, and her final scene in Gotterdammerung is brilliant beyond belief.

Karajan: Regine Crespin is without a doubt one of the finest Brunnhildes after Nilsson. She's fantastic in Walkure Act Three. I just wish she stayed on as the Valkyrie later on in the Ring (Helga Dernesch is no good in Gotterdammerung, sorry to say).

Goodall: Rita Hunter is at her strongest in Walkure and Siegfried. She is at her weakest in Gotterdammerung. What may have caused her downfall in the fourth installment? "The world may never know."

Janowski: Jeannine Altmeyer is basically the most controversial Brunnhilde on CD. Some people say that she's too light and weak, while others say she sounds young and very enchanting. I'm with those who think Altmeyer was a good choice, but you yourself (the shopper) are going to have to decide whether she's good or not.

Levine and Sawallisch: Hildegard Behrens is just like Nilsson and Crespin: while she's not the best, she is definitely another perfect Brunnhilde of choice. She's at her most dazzling when she performs Walkure (Levine) and Siegfried (Sawallisch).

-Siegmund & Sieglinde
Let's see. For the Siegmunds, we have James King for Solti and Bohm. Jon Vickers for Karajan, Alberto Remedios for Goodall, Siegfried Jerusalem for Janowski, Gary Lakes for Levine, and Robert Schunk for Sawallisch. For the Sieglindes, we have Regine Crespin for Solti, Leonie Rysanek for Bohm, Gundula Janowitz for Karajan, Margaret Curphy for Goodall, Jessye Norman for both Janowski and Levine, and Julia Varady for Sawallisch. Hmm . . . Jerusalem is good . . . and so is Vickers . . . Janowitz is charming, and so is . . . Oh, what the heck? All the singers for Siegmund and Sieglinde are fantastic. Two exceptions, though: Robert Schunk doesn't sound heroic enough, and Jessye Norman for Levine's Ring doesn't sound young and innocent enough.

-Siegfried
Solti and Bohm: Wolfgang Windgassen may very well be the best Siegfried for the ages. His `Forging Scene" in both renditions are defiantly inspiring. His last scene in Gotterdammerung is celestial and overwhelming.

Karajan: Jess Thomas (Siegfried) and Helge Brilioth (Gotterdammerung) may not be as ideal as Windgassen, but they do know how to be a magnificent heldentenor. Thomas pulls it off with Act One and Three.

Goodall: Wow! What a singer that Alberto Remedios! He never drags in either of the last two installments, and he uses the correct emotions in every scene that he is in.

Janowski and Sawallisch: Rene Kollo's Siegfried is a poetically expressive one. In Janowski's version he sounds playful when he's in Mime's home, and he sounds willed when he's in the Gibich Hall. He is not good enough in Sawallisch's version, however. His tiresome "Forging Scene" is obvious evidence of that.

Levine: Oh, Reiner Goldberg. At least you tried. Seriously, he sounds too tedious (especially in Gotterdammerung Act Three Scene Two) and too old. I don't know Levine should've chose Kollo when he recorded his Ring.

-Alberich
Solti and Bohm: Gustav Niedlinger has a heaviness that overwhelms a few other baritones. When he sings his only sequence in Gotterdammerung Act Two Scene One, his emotion is so pure that his son Hagen would've drowned himself in tears (Too melodramatic? Sorry about that.). The only problem is that his character sounds too one-dimensional. Alberich isn't just some cardboard-cutout bad guy. He has a very good reason why he wants to take revenge on the world. Overall, Niedlinger is amazing throughout Wagner's Ring (He deserves many awards for "Bin ich nun frei?").

Karajan: I guess you can say that Zoltan Kelemen tries his best throughout. He is not good in Rheingold, but he gets better in Siegfried and Gotterdammerung.

Goodall: Derek Hammond-Stroud is three-dimensional, but not that much. Still, he can sound very demanding in Rheingold Scene One and Siegfried Act Two Scene One.

Janowski: Siegmund Nimsgern may be the most humane Alberich yet, but it's all good. He sings with more passion than Kelemen and more robustness than Hammond-Stroud. Niedlinger's ferociousness puts him below, however. "Schaf'st du, Hagen, mein sohn?" is noteworthy.

Levine and Sawallisch: Ekkehard Wlaschiha is one hell of a vigorous Alberich. I praise him in Rheingold Scene One and Three. His performance in Siegfried (both versions) could've improved with more distrustfulness towards Mime and the Wanderer.

-Mime
Solti and Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is the creepiest Mime ever known to humankind. This dwarf outsings other Mimes on the market. When he sings "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" his anger and fear is the most effective to almost all Ring listeners.

Bohm: Erwin Wohlfahrt wins second place. He gives a first-rate performance in Siegfried Act One, but loses some of his edge in Act Two. He is an exceptional Mime nonetheless. Look for him in Karajan's Rheingold, also.

Goodall: Gregory Dempsey isn't emotional enough. He doesn't sound fearful or depressed at all, which makes him the dullest Mime for the Ring.

Janowski: Peter Schreier is for Siegfried, while Christian Vogel is for Rheingold. Vogel is less than perfect, while Schreier is way beyond outstanding. Schreier is less ghoulish and more benevolent, more three-dimensional than Stolze and Wohlfahrt. The only flaw I can find is his handling of "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" He could've added a bit more fear in that sequence.

Levine: Heinz Zednik is yet another excellent mime. He is equal to Schreier when it comes to humaneness and lyricism. His performance in Rheingold Scene Three is pure gold, while his performance in Siegfried (particularly "Willkommen, Siegfried!") is a stunning achievement.

Sawallisch: Helmut Pampuch is just like Schreier and Zednik: he's very VERY good. Nuff said.

-Loge
Solti: Set Svanholm may be the weakest Loge. He is not very ominous throughout all of his scenes, and his lack of a sinister atmosphere is greatly affects the entire Rheingold. But he'll soon be forgotten later on in the Ring.

Bohm: Why the heck would the conductor have Wolfgang Windgassen play both Siegfried AND Loge? The demi-god needs to sound different from a son of a Walsung. Still, it's satisfactory, and his "Ihrem ende eilen sie zu" gives great foreshadowing.

Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is easily the most entertaining Loge to listen to. His scenes in Scene Three are delightful.

Goodall: Emile Belcourt isn't as good as Stolze, but he certainly can make some of the best of an English-speaking Loge.

Janowski: Peter Schreier is the most eccentric out of all of them, and that's a fact. Much of his singing involves imagination, peril, vengeance, and deviousness. Belcourt depends only on imagination and deviousness, Stolze only vengeance and deviousness, and Windgassen only peril. His odd conversations with Alberich and the gods/goddesses are classic.

Levine: Siegfried Jerusalem doesn't seem like a good choice for Loge. He's better off playing Siegmund or Siegfried, but not a demi-god.

Sawallisch: Robert Tear is on par with Stolze and Schreier. Sometimes he takes things too low, but all is forgiven with his management of character development.

-Everyone Else
Uh-huh, what can I say? Everyone else does a good job in all Ring recordings (maybe not in Swarowsky's version). Matti Salminen is the perfect Hagen (Janowski, Levine, and Sawallisch), while Kirsten Flagstad is the most brilliant Fricka (Solti). The Norns and Rheinmaidens do a splendid job in Solti, Janowski, and Levine. The Vassals (male choir) are at their unsurpassed in Bohm and Goodall. The only flawed Erda is Anne Collins (Goodall), maybe too light and too heavy at times. All in all, no one here is graded C or lower.

CONCLUSION: I have yet to listen to Barenboim's Bayreuth presentation and the essential mono recordings (Furtwangler, Krauss), but I'm pretty sure that have their advantages and disadvantages. So there you have it. We have the histrionic Solti, the energetic Bohm, the otherworldly Karajan, the spacious Goodall, the calculated Janowski, the relaxed Levine, and the serious Sawallisch Rings. They have their own authenticities and setbacks, and they certainly have their own significances for Ring listeners everywhere.


Sir Georg Solti: Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sir Georg Solti

Karl Bohm: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen

Herbert von Karajan: Der Ring des Nibelungen / Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic

Reginall Goodall: Wagner: The Ring Cycle (Box Set)

Marek Janowski: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen

James Levine: Der Ring Des Nibelungen

4 out of 5 stars A nice ring. Too nice for the price........2007-01-05

This is the first ever ring I heard, being the second the Levine's DVD collection and the third is Böhm's. This set is very decent, sometimes Kollo's voice sounds too tired but hell, it's a LIVE recording! Not even singers like Windgassen are made of steel.

Das Rhinegold.
I liked it. The first scene is weak at some point but is decent. The storm aria on the fourth scene is the part I disliked the most. Wotan is marveolous and Fafner is outstanding. Take a second listening to Fricka.

Die Walkure.
God! What a marvelous performance! But not totally by Behrens. Siegmund and Sieglinde are romantic and distillate love on the "wintersturme" part. The Ride of the Walkyries is excelent, perfect. More beautiful even than in Solti's. And the "Lehb Wohl" aria of Wotan at the end made me get goosebumps: in one word: perfect. You can note that Behrens gets tired by the end of the Third act but with the amount of singing..... it's something normal.

Siegfried.
The weakest part is the final part of the Forging Scene. At that point, Kollo is tired... VERY tired. Mime is decent. Fafner, once again, is perfect. The Wanderer is very well sung.

Gotterdammerung.
Marvelous performance by Salminen. It's the Gotterdammerung to listen, unless you want to pay 60 bucks or more for Karajan's.

Herr Sawallisch is great. Has a very particular read of the Wagnerian partiture but he's great, almost as perfect as Böhm. It's a light ring cycle... and costs the half as Karajan's or Solti's. Buy it.

5 out of 5 stars fanat.......2007-01-03

From the German conductors I love Sawallisch most . It is the surprisingly sensitive, cultured and very original conductor. Among the executors there is no with a uninteresting vote and boring manner of performance. Robert Tear, probably, most remarkable Loge from everyone, whom I heard. Sieglinde, Siegmund and Hunding
Are worthy of admiration. Brunnhilde - Behrens has, probably, not best soprano in a history of a global opera, but her actor's work in a combination to a very good vote makes unforgettable impression. Siegfried Rene Kollo - unique Siegfried, which image I accept certainly. Hagen is magnificent.
Wotan amazes with humanity of an image. This record - one of my most favourite records " Der Ring des Nibelungen ".

2 out of 5 stars Look somewhere else for a 'Ring' . . . . . ........2004-12-10

Now that a lot of decent recordings of the 'Ring' are available at discount price (Levine, Janowski) this set has become nothing more than a waste of money. Truly, this is overall the second worst 'Ring' I have ever heard. Sawallisch's conducting is good, but he seems to think he is conducting music from the classical era & not the romantic. Frankly this concept doesn't work & I find myself constantly annoyed by his concept combined with the weird tempo & the orchestral balance that favours the strings & percussion over everything else. The singers are thrown well ahead of the orchestra, and even this doesn't help this mediocre cast. Kollo should have retired well before this recording, often he resorts to shouting & by the end of Siegfried & Gotterdammerung sounds as if he is going to die from sheer exhaustion, that, and being lazy about rhythm & pitch makes for an unpleasant performance. A pity, I always liked Kollo, and this recording just makes one miss the voice he used to have. Beherns never had a true Wagnerian soprano voice, and by this time all the Brunhildes & Isoldes through the years have taken their toll. Constricted in the lower passages, a hollow middle & lurching at high notes she has to fight constantly to rise above the orchestra, dramatically she is as fine as ever. Hale's Wotan, while easy on the ears, is too light to cope with all the notes, and his German diction is terrible. Fortunately, a few years ago I saw him as the Wanderer in 'Siegfried' & both problems improved considerably. The Walsung twins are vocally mis-matched. Varady's fine Siegliede is teamed up with a rather wooden & effortful Siegmund from Schunk. Only the basses in cycle have any success. Moll makes for an outstanding Hunding & Fafner; easily conveying both power & menace in these two roles. Salminen's Hagen is a good as ever, with a larger than life portrayal of pure evil. Wlaschiha's Alberich is far from disappointing, not as good as the DVD from the Met, but not chopped liver either. All in all, a rather mediocre release that you should have no qualms passing over.

4 out of 5 stars A good rendering.......2003-01-20

Sawallisch's rendering flows naturally, as Boehm's, without the artificial climaxes Solti made in his widely admired set. The nuances and subtleties in music and texts are taken care of. But the cast is barely competent. The main complaint is on Behrens and Hale. I have never heard her live in opera house, but from her performance in this set and Levine's, I really cannot praise her much. Her voice is often strenuous and hard to the ears. In the middle range, the voice is hollow, which makes her sound more like a lunatic woman than a stout Bruennhilde. Hale's sweel and beautiful voice is a real pleasure, but his Germna diction can turn me off from time to time. Moreover, I feel he screws up my enjoyment in the Wotan's farewell to Bruennhilde by singing ahead of the right beat the first "Leb wohl". That mistake puts the orchestra in a mess for quite a while. Kollo's siegfried is dramatically satisfactory. Varady and Zednik are simply wonderful.
In general, this set can rank with any other Ring set, but, in my opinion, should not be anyone's first Ring.
The Calm: Inspired 20th Century Classics
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Terrific, rarely heard music
 The Calm: Inspired 20th Century Classics

Manufacturer: Black Box Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by AdamsAll Works by Adams | Adams, John | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MacMillanAll Works by MacMillan | MacMillan, James | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MessiaenAll Works by Messiaen | Messiaen, Olivier | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PartAll Works by Part | Part, Arvo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SatieAll Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. The Music of Life/Joseph Curiale
  2. Awakening
  3. John Adams: The Dharma at Big Sur/My Father Knew Charles Ives
  4. Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna, etc. / Salamunovich, Los Angeles Master Chorale

ASIN: B000058UUT
Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

  1. Honey: Jesus
  2. Messiaen: Louange a l'Eternite de Jesus
  3. Part: Spiegel im Spiegel
  4. Messiaen: Louange aL'Immortalite de Jesus
  5. Satie: 6 Gnossiennes
  6. Satie: 6 Gnossiennes
  7. Satie: 6 Gnossiennes
  8. Satie: 6 Gnossiennes
  9. Satie: 6 Gnossiennes
  10. Satie: 6 Gnossiennes
  11. Curiale: Forgiveness - Movement 2
  12. Satie: Le Fils des etoiles - pastorale kaldeenne: La vocation
  13. Satie: Le Fils des etoiles - pastorale kaldeenne: L'initiation
  14. Satie: Le Fils des etoiles - pastorale kaldeenne: L'incantation
  15. Honey: Morning
  16. MacMillan: Angel
  17. Adams: Alone...again or at last

Amazon.com

Black Box may be one of the preeminent record labels for modern composers, but that doesn't mean its music can't be soothing. On The Calm, we get a 17-track sampling of some lesser-heard 20th-century pieces that are all (you guessed it) calming. Paul Honey's atmospheric track from Two Days, Nine Lives sets the opening tone for this disc, while tracks featuring the music of Erik Satie and Olivier Messiaen are a little less predictable but still soothingly meditative. Arvo Pärt's "Spiegel im Spiegel" gives a listener a hint of his "holy minimalism" style of composing; it's a gorgeous piece and well-played by violinist Rebecca Hirsch. John Adams's electronic keyboard-based "Alone ... again or at last" is an odd closer; it sounds more like smooth jazz than classical music. Still, as classical compilations go, this set is one of the most eclectic and interesting available. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Terrific, rarely heard music.......2002-07-06

The title of this compilation is incredibly accurate IF you enjoy modern music. It doesn't really fit the traditional, mainstream definition of relaxing music -- nice, quiet Mozart or Vivaldi, for example. It does, however, feature beautiful, powerful, sublime modern music. Each track is a revelation, from the more familiar Messiaen and Satie to the rest of the album, all pieces that I had not heard before. Paul Honey, Joseph Curiale, and James MacMillan all deserve a wider audience. Hopefully, their inclusion on this compilation will help them gain that audience.
Peace: Pure Classical Calm
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great Bliss for Your Buck!
 Peace: Pure Classical Calm

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
RequiemsRequiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Peace: A Choral Album for Our Times
  2. The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II
  3. The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace
  4. Agnus Dei: Music of Inner Harmony
  5. The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B00070EBR6
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

  1. Agnus Dei - National Youth Choir Of Great Britain
  2. Gollum's Song - Nic Raine
  3. II. Adagio - Julia Thornton
  4. In Trutina - Janice Watson
  5. Gnossienne No.1 - Anne Queffelec
  6. Eddie - Michael Nyman
  7. Puer Natus Est Nobis - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo, Silos Ismael Fernandez De La Cuesta
  8. Meditation - Paul Tortelier
  9. Agnus Dei - Winchester Cathedral Choir, David Hill
  10. II. Andante - Diana Ambache
  11. Air 'On The G String' - English Chamber Orchestra
  12. The Swan - Susan Tomes
  13. II. Adagio - Sharon Isbin
  14. Requiem - Stephen Farr
  15. Venus, The Bringer Of Peace - Sir Charles Mackerras

Tracks:

  1. II. Largo - Christopher Warren-Green
  2. Canon In D - Halle Orchestra
  3. II. Largo Ma Non Tanto - Alison Bury
  4. Lascia Ch'io Pianga - Fabio Zanon
  5. Guitar Concerto In D - Sharon Isbin
  6. Aria - Maggie Cole
  7. Ombra Mai Fu - Gerard Lesne
  8. II. Andantino - James Galway
  9. Liebestraum No.3 - Kun Woo P aik
  10. Bailero - Arleen Auger
  11. Gabriel's Oboe - Ennio Morricone
  12. Pie jesu - Edward Saklatvala
  13. Variation 18 - Mikhail Pletnev
  14. Song For Athene - Winchester Cathedral Choir, David Hill
  15. II. Andante - Dmitri Alexeev
  16. Benedictus - National Youth Choir Of Great Britain

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great Bliss for Your Buck!.......2007-01-13

Wonderful combination & range of classical music from both centuries past and current day. Included are two disks of soothing, relaxing bliss.
Paul Kletzki
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • An EMI house conductor with a devoted cult following
  • Great Conductors of 20th Century= Best Reissues of the 21st
 Paul Kletzki

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

DancesDances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BerliozAll Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SchubertAll Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by WagnerAll Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
OverturesOvertures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Theatrical, Incidental & Program MusicTheatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
National Philharmonic Orchestra LondonNational Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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  1. Great Conductors of the 20th Century: Rudolf Kempe

ASIN: B00006IGIR
Release Date: 2003-02-11

Tracks:

  1. Benvenuto Cellini: Overture - Philharmonia Orchestra
  2. I. Andante - Allegro Con Anima - Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
  3. II. Andante Cantabile, Con Alcuna Licenza - Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
  4. III. Valse. Allegro Moderato - Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
  5. IV. Finale. Andante Maestoso - Allegro Vivace - Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
  6. No. 5: Entr'Acte Nach Dem 3. Aufzug - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
  7. In D Major, Op46 No.6 - Paul Kletzki
  8. In C Minor, Op.46 No.7 - Paul Kletzki
  9. In C Major, Op.72 No.7 - Paul Kletzki

Tracks:

  1. Ouverture 'Meeresstille Und Gluckliche Fahrt', Op.27 - Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
  2. I. Allegro Non Troppo - Paul Kletzki
  3. II. Andante Moderato - Paul Kletzki
  4. III. Allegro Giocoso - Poco Meno Presto - Tempo I - Paul Kletzki
  5. IV. Allegro Energico E Passionato - Piu Allegro - Paul Kletzki
  6. No.5: Traume - Hugh Bean
  7. Capriccio Italien, Op.45 - Philharmonia Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars An EMI house conductor with a devoted cult following.......2005-11-22

Sometimes one feels that the Great Conductors series is just a convenient way for EMI to push recordings that otherwise wouldn't sell. I don't think there's much market for these performances from the Polish-born, Swiss-naturalized Paul Kletzki. When he died in 1973 Kletzki had had a strong career as a perennial guest condcutor around Europe--he appears on these two CDs with five different orchestras from London to Prague. Kletzki made lots of records for EMI, but none that I've heard really rose to any level of inspiration.

In fact, I would rate this set as one of the poorer compilations in the whole series. The big works here are a live Tchaikovsky Fifth with the Bavarian Radio Orchestra (stereo, 1967) and a less well recorded Brahms Fourth with the Czech Phil. (stereo, 1965). Neither strikes me as anything but ordinary, or worth salvaging, really, despite their honest, sober ways. Neither orchestra sounds at its best. Nor are the minor works, such as a cautious Benevenuto Cellini Over. and a decent enough Mendelssohn Calm Sea and Happy Voyage Over., anything notable.

The happiest item is the Capriccio Italien that wraps up CD 2, a 1958 studio recording with the Philharmonia. It is fresh and lively, without a trace of bombast or fakery. I liked it better than anything else here, but one bright performance can't save the dullness of the rest. Overall, this is a perfect set to keep around in case somebody claims that Kletzki was great just becasue his records are out of print.

5 out of 5 stars Great Conductors of 20th Century= Best Reissues of the 21st.......2003-03-29

It's sad that the "Great Conductors of the 20th Century" reissue series has not gotten more notice on Amazon and in other places, because it has my vote for the best reissue program thus far of the 21st Century. Drawing from the archives of all the major classical labels (EMI, Sony, BMG, DG, Decca, Philips, Supraphon, etc.), EMI and IMG Artists have assembled a wonderful series of affordable two-disc sets by the leading conductors of the last century. And unlike its counterpart, "The Great Pianists of the 20th Century," which are basically compilations of material already available on other CDs, the "Great Conductors" features rare and, for the most part, previously unreleased performances!

This particular CD, Volume 20, features the great Paul Kletzki, a conductor who is woefully underrepresented on CD at the present time. (His wonderful recordings of Sibelius, Prokofiev, Beethoven, and others are currently unavailable -- in fact the only decent recordings of his that are in print is the Chopin Piano Concerto with Pollini, and only a couple of Mahler discs!) As the track information is not abundantly clear above, allow me to mention that these two discs feature memorable stereo performances of Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony and Capriccio Italien, Brahms' 4th Symphony, 3 of Dvorak's Slavonic Dances, an excerpt from Schubert's ballet "Rosamunde," and a Wagner song. There are also two mono performances from the early 50s --Berlioz's "Benvenuto Cellini" Overture and Mendelssohn's "Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage" Overture. Kletzki, who was probably best associated with the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Czech Philharmonic, also performs here with Bavarian RSO, Royal Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, and Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Francaise.

Whether you are a serious collector of classical music or a beginner, the "Great Conductors of the 20th Century" has something for everyone. If the prized, rare performances previously unreleased on CD (or ever!) doesn't excite you, then use this as an opportunity to check out one of the greatest conductors ever recorded. Chances are, since stores are offering increasingly homogenized classical music sections, this conductor isn't even in your collection. And that would truly be a shame.
Mendelssohn: Die erste Walpurgisnacht
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Spectacular!
  • Great stuff.
  • Vintage Edda Moser
 Mendelssohn: Die erste Walpurgisnacht

Manufacturer: Berlin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

OverturesOvertures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Queen

ASIN: B0000035OH
Release Date: 1993-12-07

Tracks:

  1. Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Op.60: Ov: I. Das Schlechte Wetter
  2. Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Op.60: Ov: II. Der Ubergang Zum Fruhling
  3. Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Op.60: No.1 Es Lacht Der Mai
  4. Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Op.60: No.2 Konnt Ihr So Verwegen Handeln
  5. Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Op.60: No.3 Wer Opfer Heut' Zu Bringen Scheut
  6. Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Op.60: No.4 Verteilt Euch, Wack're Manner, Hier
  7. Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Op.60: No.5 Diese Dumpfen Pfaffenchristen
  8. Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Op.60: No.6 Kommt Mit Zacken Und Mit Gabeln
  9. Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Op.60: No.7 So Weit Gebracht, Dass Wir Bei Nacht
  10. Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Op.60: No.8 Hilf, Ach Hilf Mir, Kriegsgeselle
  11. Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Op.60: No.9 Die Flamme Reinigt Sich Vom Rauch
  12. Konzertarie, Op.94: Infelice! Ah, Ritorna, Eta Felice - Edda Moser
  13. Ov in C, Op.101 - Gewandhausorchester Leipzig/Kurt Masur
  14. Das Marchen Von Der Schonen Melusine, Op.32 - Gewandhausorchester Leipzig/Kurt Masur
  15. Meeresstille Und Gluckliche Fahrt, Op.27 - Gewandhausorchester Leipzig/Kurt Masur

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Spectacular!.......2004-08-11

This piece is spectacular. It is lush, romantic, grand, suspensful and dramatic. It tells the story of Goeth's ballad of the same name or The first Walpugis Night. A study on the Faust tale written in 1799.
Mendelsshon tells this tale with fantastic results. A real favourite of mine.

5 out of 5 stars Great stuff........2003-10-03

It's too bad Mendelssohn died so young. If he lived to a healthy old age, I'm sure he would have given Richard Wagner some serious competition. Just listen to "Die erste Walpurgisnacht"! It has all of Wagner's strengths, but none of his weaknesses. To elaborate, it has the same clarity of expression, the same melodic genius, and the same level of overall craftsmanship that can be found in Wagner's better operas. Where Mendelssohn one-ups Wagner is that he did it earlier, and he had the decency to trim it down to something that doesn't over-tax the performers and fits on a single CD with room to spare.

I know I'm going against the pros on this, because to most of them, Wagner is God, and Mendelssohn is a putz, but I honestly think they're both great.

5 out of 5 stars Vintage Edda Moser.......2002-12-20

This album contains an essential recording by the great Edda Moser. In fact, her version of the aria Infelice! Ah, Ritorna, Eta Felice belongs up there with her definitive recording of Mozart's Populi di Tessaglia. This is singing with drama - a lost art. I have never listened to the rest of the album, but it is certainly worth owning for the aria alone.
Forever Young
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • FOREVER YOUNG...FOREVER.
  • from Solo Piano Publications
  • A Musical Treasure for the Young and Young at Heart
 Forever Young
George Skaroulis
Manufacturer: Evzone Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
Solo InstrumentalSolo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Numinous
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  4. Sanctuary
  5. Generations

ASIN: B000AA4K9C
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

  1. True Colors (Prelude)
  2. (Continued) Introducing Kevin Lawson
  3. Song For Lylah
  4. Row, Row, Row Your Boat
  5. Pure Imagination
  6. The Hands Of Time
  7. This Land Is Your Land
  8. Chasing The Waves
  9. Itsy Bitsy Spider
  10. You Are My Sunshine
  11. My New Friend
  12. Parents
  13. When I Grow Up
  14. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
  15. Forever Young
  16. The Circus Leaves Town
  17. Frere Jacque
  18. Blowing Out The Candles
  19. Ballerina
  20. Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars FOREVER YOUNG...FOREVER........2005-09-21

George Skaroulis new album "Forever Young" is one of his best. George masters classic children's lullabies in his infinite style that will transport you back to your favorite childhood memories. Plus, "Forever Young" features three outstanding vocals. "True Colors" features vocals by KEVIN LAWSON. Kevin's voice meshes with the music and creates a whole new exciting version of this Cindy Lauper classic. "Pure Imagination" features the angelic voice of FELICIA SORENSEN. Being a true fan of the original movie classic "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", I was pleased that George selected this song for his new album. As I listen to "Pure Imagination", I'm transported to a place of dreams and tranquility. The song seems to float in air drifting effortlessly through time. The final track on "Forever Young" is "Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)" and also features vocalist FELICIA SORENSEN. When I first heard this song, I cried. I had recently lost my mom and hearing "Lullaby" reminded me of her spirit. As you listen to "Lullaby", allow the song to enter your heart and think of someone you love. Just when you feel the song has ended, the final verse softly reaches up and touches your soul. "...someday we'll all be gone but lullabies go on and on..." and in George's new album "Forever Young" they do.

5 out of 5 stars from Solo Piano Publications.......2005-09-21

"Forever Young" went through an interesting evolution from its original concept as a lullaby CD to a children's album to a recording for families to enjoy together to the final product, a gorgeous collection of original pieces, traditional children's songs, and a couple of cover tunes, lovingly arranged and soothingly played to calm and uplift a spirit of any age. George Skaroulis has been one of my favorite artists since I discovered his music a few years ago. His sensitive piano touch and gentle spirit come through his music so beautifully that it is no wonder that his music is used extensively by massage therapists and in spas. Seeking to reach a new audience with his arrangements of children's songs, this is very definitely not exclusively a children's album. Skaroulis' arrangements of songs like "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Row Row Row Your Boat" are so elegant that I did an aural double-take the first couple of times I heard them. About half of the twenty tracks are original compositions, and two are remakes from Skaroulis' previous release, "Generations" (2000). The album has a sweet, seamless quality that creates a cozy, peaceful mood, kind of like a favorite "blankie." The album also contains three beautiful vocal selections. Vocals on a mostly instrumental album can be annoying and out of place, but these songs fit perfectly and really need to be included.

"Forever Young" opens with the Cyndi Lauper hit "True Colors." The first part of the song is an instrumental prelude that sets the tone of the album - flowing, peaceful, and full of love. The second part features vocals by Kevin Lawson, who has one of those rough-around-the-edges voices that conveys so much emotion - it made me cry! "Song For Lylah" was composed for the little girl in the cover photos, and is a sweet piano solo. The second vocal is "Pure Imagination" from "Willie Wonka," and features the voice of Felicia Sorensen, who creates a feeling of magic and mystery. "The Circus Leaves Town" and "Chasing the Waves" are classic Skaroulis vignettes - perfect in their brevity. "You Are My Sunshine" was a Skaroulis Family favorite when George was growing up, and this tender arrangement is one of the highlights of the album. "My New Friend" and "Parents" are remakes from the earlier "Generations" CD. "Parents" is an incredible piano and cello duet that could melt the most jaded of hearts. The title track has a gentle, tranquil feeling that flows effortlessly, and the sound of children's laughter in the background adds sparkle. "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Frere Jacque" are two more of the children's songs that are beautifully and elegantly arranged for a more adult taste. The CD closes with another vocal by Felicia Sorensen, this time Billy Joel's "Lullaby (Good Night My Angel)," a deeply touching song that ends the collection on just the right note.

George Skaroulis puts so much of himself into his projects that I don't know how anyone could not be moved by the openness or the depth of emotion in his music. "Forever Young" is an incredibly beautiful album, and I really hope it does bring a new audience to Skaroulis' music. Very highly recommended!

5 out of 5 stars A Musical Treasure for the Young and Young at Heart.......2005-09-21

I am a true fan of all of George Skaroulis' work and was thrilled to hear that he was doing a "children's" cd. Well, what started out as a cd for the little one's turned into a joy for everyone. We play this cd in my 2 year old's room at bedtime and it is absolutely beautiful and soothing. I enjoy listening to it so much with my son, that I want to purchase an additional copy to enjoy myself while I am at work during the day! I highly recommend this cd as well as anything else that George has created. You won't be disappointed!
New Classics for Guitar and Cello
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		New Classics for Guitar and Cello

    Manufacturer: Valley
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
    MeditationMeditation | New Age | Styles | Music
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    3. The Mystery

    ASIN: B00009WW56
    Release Date: 2003-07-22

    Tracks:

    1. Minstrel's Courtyard
    2. Parisian Waltz
    3. Theme For Two Friends
    4. Great Blue Heron
    5. Toronto
    6. Arioso
    7. Calm Before The Storm
    8. Song For Liona
    9. Living Out A Dream
    10. Little Sister's Child
    11. Waiting For Matthew
    12. Estudio Brillante
    13. Recuerdos

    Product Description

    1. Minstrel's Courtyard
    2. Parisian Waltz
    3. Theme For Two Friends
    4. Great Blue Heron
    5. Toronto
    6. Arioso
    7. Calm Before The Storm
    8. Song For Liona
    9. Living Out A Dream
    10. Little Sister's Child
    11. Waiting For Matthew
    12. Estudio Brilliante
    13. Recuerdos

    Format: CD
    Mendelssohn: Overtures
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Mendelssohn: Overtures

      Manufacturer: Berlin Classics
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      OverturesOvertures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
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      2. Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures
      3. John Adams: The Dharma at Big Sur/My Father Knew Charles Ives

      ASIN: B0000035TJ
      Release Date: 1996-10-15

      Tracks:

      1. Ruy Blas in c, Op.95
      2. The Hebrides (Fingal's Cave) in b, Op.26
      3. 'Tpt Ov' in C, Op.101
      4. Fair Melusine in F, Op.32
      5. Calm Sea And Prosperous Voyage in D, Op.27
      Karólína Eiríksdóttir: Spil
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Karólína Eiríksdóttir: Spil

        Manufacturer: A.C. Classics
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B00004R7NH
        Release Date: 2000-03-07

        Rock Music:

        1. Capital Gold 60's Legends [Import]
        2. Charge
        3. Chris Darrow/Under My Own Disguise
        4. Chuck Berry/More Chuck Berry
        5. Complete Recording 1976-1981 [Import]
        6. Cruisin' the Drive In [Import]
        7. Dare! [SACD] [Import]
        8. Does This Look Infected? [Import]
        9. Don't Explain [Import]
        10. En Vers et Contre Vous/But Beautiful [Import]

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