Waltzes, Two-Steps, & Other Matters of the Heart [Live]

Waltzes, Two-Steps, & Other Matters of the Heart [Live]

ASIN: B00001X54O

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Calling Gerry Hemingway a drummer is a little like calling John Coltrane a saxophonist. The description is apt, of course, but barely approximates what's going on behind the instrument. In Hemingway's case, he's spent years playing with Anthony Braxton, enlisting fellow Braxton bassist Mark Dresser in this quintet, his most monstrously talented band. Though this is just one dimension of Hemingway's past, it's illustrative of his approach to blending composition and improvisation. With Dutch superstars Wolter Wierbos (trombone) and Ernst Reijseger (cello) alongside expat Michael Moore (alto sax, clarinets), the quintet's front line is given to fat 'bone solos that squiggle and blurt, not to mention looping reed interludes that seem hand-in-glove with the cello. There's always room for Hemingway to steer and plenty of places to head while he's at the helm. Waltzes moves from a kind of slow, uphill climb to various descents, each into territory riveted to the beat by Dresser and Hemingway, who verily pounds his drum kit with great heft. --Andrew Bartlett

Tracks:

Waltz In Seven
Full Off
Gitar
Gospel Waltz
XI
Toombow
Ari

Amazon.com

Calling Gerry Hemingway a drummer is a little like calling John Coltrane a saxophonist. The description is apt, of course, but barely approximates what's going on behind the instrument. In Hemingway's case, he's spent years playing with Anthony Braxton, enlisting fellow Braxton bassist Mark Dresser in this quintet, his most monstrously talented band. Though this is just one dimension of Hemingway's past, it's illustrative of his approach to blending composition and improvisation. With Dutch superstars Wolter Wierbos (trombone) and Ernst Reijseger (cello) alongside expat Michael Moore (alto sax, clarinets), the quintet's front line is given to fat 'bone solos that squiggle and blurt, not to mention looping reed interludes that seem hand-in-glove with the cello. There's always room for Hemingway to steer and plenty of places to head while he's at the helm. Waltzes moves from a kind of slow, uphill climb to various descents, each into territory riveted to the beat by Dresser and Hemingway, who verily pounds his drum kit with great heft. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Soundtrack to a lost Coen Bros. Appalachian deconstruction.......2004-02-10

But don't let that put you off. This is visceral, sanguine, entirely accessible music, despite the perps' impeccable avant-garde bona fides.

Listen. These wacked-out lads--brilliant American expat reedsman Michael Moore, trombonist extraordianre Walter Wierbos, Puckish cellist Ernst Reijseger, PoMo bass player Mark Dresser, and demented rhythm maestro and leader Gerry Hemingway--have put together a disc of astounding consequence, sorta like if Charles Ives wrote music that people actually liked to listen to. That's right, there's a distinct Americana vibe happening here--admittedly a wacky one, but still recognizable and very attractive. This is music YOU NEED TO HEAR.

A live recording, one would never know it, what with the breathtakingly precision, uncanny band interaction, and lack of annoying audience intrusion.

Ranks up there with Extended Play by The Dave Holland Quintet as one of the very best live recordings ever put to disc.

Great CD!.......2000-09-01

This recording by the talented composer and drummer Gerry Hemingway is one of his best. The experience this CD will take you through is great, if you keep an open mind. It is not for the faint of heart, as some of it is very free, with much dissonance. Hemingway's writing is fantastic, with each tune producing a great vibe. The supporting cast is of the highest caliber, with the New York bassist Mark Dresser, and the last three, Wolter Wierbos on trombone, Michael Moore on reeds, and Ernst Reijseger on cello, are some of the finest imrovising musicians from Holland. The underrated Wierbos creates such great sounds out of his horn that people should soon start paying attention. His dynamic range and sonic laying create many special moments on this CD. His partner in the horn lineup, Michael Moore, is also at his best on this CD. His ability to use the three different instruments presented by him on this CD in different and original ways is phenomenal. Reijseger also plays beautifully, straddling the roles of accompanist and melodic representative in a great manner. If you are looking for a journey played by some of the best musicians alive today, then this is the CD for you!

Average customer rating:

Kind of Amazing
Almost painfully beautiful music/playing
Absolutely Ravishing!
Absolutely Ravishing!
Absolutely Incredible!

Fritz Kreisler Complete RCA Recordings

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Violin Mastery: Interviews with Heifetz, Auer, Kreisler and Others (Dover Books on Music)

ASIN: B000003FGN
Release Date: 1995-11-07

Tracks:

No. 2, My Homeland: Bohemian Fantasie
Old Folks At Home
Caprice viennois, Op. 2
Humoresque, Op. 101, No.7, In G-Flat
Thais: Meditation: (C-8944-2)
Thais: Meditation: (C-8944-3)
Tambourin chinois, Op.3
Liebesleid
Liebesfreud: (C-8951-1)
Liebesfreud: (C-8951-2)
No. 2, My Homeland: Bohemian Fantasie
Hungarian Dancer No. 5, In G Minor
Variations On A Theme Of Corelli
Caprice viennois, Op. 2
Moment Musical, D.780 - 3
Les fetes d'Hebe: Tambourin
Souvenir de Hapsal, Op. 2: Chant sans paroles, No. 3
Chanson - Meditation
Partita No. 3, BWV 1006, In E Major: Gavotte
Orphee et Euridice: Melodie and Andante from 'Dance of the Blessed Spirits'
Schon Rosmarin
Andantino
Chanson Louis XIII And Pavane

Tracks:

Partita No. 3, BWV 1006, In E: Preludio
Liebesleid
Berceuse
Chanson - Meditation
Ombra mai fu: Largo
Aus Wien
No. 1, Songs Without Words, Op. 62 - Lieder ohne Worte - Romancess sans paroles: May Breezes
Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser: Austrian Imperial Hymn
No. 5 Of 7 Melodies: Angel's Serenade
Le Nil
Jocelyn: Lullaby - Berceuse
Ave Maria, D.839
Humoresque, Op. 101, No.7, In G Flat
Standchen, No. 4, Schwanengesang, D957: Serenade
Cavalleria Rusticana (Adapted From The Intermezzo): Ave Maria
(Melody Adapted From) Bach's Prelude No. 1, Well-Tempered Clavier, Book. I: Ave Maria
Larghetto, Sonatina, Op. 100, In G: Indian Lament
Concerto For Two Violins, BWV 1043, In D Minor: Vivace
Concerto For Two Violins, BWV 1043, In D Minor: Largo ma non tanto
Concerto For Two Violins, BWV 1043, In D Minor: Allegro

Tracks:

Aus Wien
Songs Without Words, Op.62: May Breezes, No. 1
Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser: Austrian Imperial Hymn
Op.46, No. 2 And Op.72, No.1 In G Minor: Slavonic Dance
Slavonic Dance, Op.72, No.2, In E Minor
The Rosary
Serenade espagnole
Tambourin chinois, Op.3
Mazurka, Op.67, No.4, In A Minor
Mighty Lak' a Rose
La serenata
Connais-tu le pays?
Serenata
Carme
Ballgerfluster, Lieder, Op.73: Flirtation, No.2
No.27, Lieder, Op.326: Calm As The Night
No.3, Souvenir de Hapsal, Op.2: Chant sans paroles
Partita, No.3, BWV 1006, In E Major: Gavotte
Wienerisch (Impression No. 12)
(Based On 'Du alter Stefansturm' From 'Der liebe Augustin' By Johan Brandl: The Old Refrain
Andaluza, Op.37, No.5: Spanish Dance
Berceuse romantique, Op.9
Songs My Mother Taught Me, Op.55, No.4
Thais: Meditation

Tracks:

Liebesfreud
Aubade provencale (In The Style Of Couperin)
OId Folks At Home
Hungarian Dance No.5 In G Minor
No.2 from My Homeland: Bohemian Fantasie
Serenade
Les contes d'Hoffman: Barcarolle
Quartet, Op.11: Andante cantabile
Quintet, B. 11, No.5 In E Major: Minuet
Rondino On A Theme By Beethoven
L'Arlesienne: Adagietto
Underneath The Stars
The Big Show: Poor Butterfly
Rosamunde: Ballet Music No.2
Dream Of Youth
Minuet, Op.14, No.1 (Paraphrase By Kreisler)
Polichinelle
Moment misical, D.780-3
Les fetes d'Hebe: Tambourin
Beautiful Ohio
Paradise
La gitana
Gypsy Serenade
Sadko: Song Of India

Tracks:

Forsaken
No.1, Bandana Sketches, Op.12: Nobody Knows de Trouble I've Seen
Homoresque, Op.101, No.7 In G-Flat
When Night Descends, Op.4, No.3
O Cease Thy Singing, Maiden Fair, Op.4, No.4
The Last Hour, Op.34, No.6
Since You Went Away
Apple Blossoms: Who Can Tell?
Mary: The Love Nest
On Miami Shore
No.6, Lyric Pieces, Op.43: To Spring
Waltz, Op.39, No.15 In A Major
Melody In A Major
Toy Soldiers' March
Aucassin And Nicolette
Souvinir
Le Coq d'Or: Hymn To The Sun
Scheherazade, Mvt.III (adapted By Kreisler): Chanson arabe
Lotus Land, Op.47, No.1
Pale Moon (Indian Love Song)
Scheherazade, Mvt. IV (Adapted By Kreisler): Danse orientale
Cherry Ripe
Entr'acte, Op.46, No.2
Mazurka, Op.33, No.2 In A Major

Tracks:

Melodie, Op.16, No.2
Der Opernball: Im Chambre separee: Midnight Bells
Love Sends A Little Gift Of Roses
The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise
Concerto, Op.35 In D Major: II. Canzonetta
Elegie slave, Morceaux, Op.53: Slavonic Lament, No.1
Symphony No. 96, 'Miracle': Menuet
Old French Gavotte
Poupee valsante
Molly On The Shore
Pierrot's Dance Song
Thais: Meditation
Slavonic Dance, Op.72, No.2 In E Minor
Dirge Of The North
The Old Refrain
Minuet, Op.14, No.1
Melody In A Major
Orange Blossoms: A Kiss In The Dark
Ombra mai fu: Largo
Caprice viennois, Op.2
Chansonette
Souvenir de Hapsal, Op.2: Chant sans paroles No.3
Symphonie espagnole, Op.21: Scherzando
Caprice antique
Legend Of The Canyon

Tracks:

Two Russian Folk Songs
Aloha Oe
American Indian Songs, Op.45: From The Land Of The Sky-Blue Water, No.1
'New World' Symphony (Adapted By Kreisler): Negro Spiritual Melody
Menuets BWV Anh 114 & 115, Anna Magdalena Notebook: Menuet
La ritrovata figlia di Ottone II: Gavotte, No.22
The Student Prince: Deep In My Heart, Dear
Rose Marie: Indian Love Call
Andantino
At Dawning
Kreisler Serenade
Invocation
The Rose And The Nightingale, No.2, Songs, Op.2: Oriental Romance
Pieces, Op.10: Humoresque, No.2
Daisies, Op.38, No.3: Albumblatt
Frasquita: Hab' ein blaues Himmelbett: Serenade
Caprice viennois, Op.2
Liebesfreud
Liebesleid: (CVE-8950-6)
Liebesleid: (CVE-8950-7)
Blue Skies
Dance Of The Maidens, Op.48
Shepherd's Madrigal

Tracks:

Gypsy Caprice
Schon Rosmarin
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Cancion, No.6
Espana, Op.165: Malaguena, No.3
Humoresque, Op.101, No.7 In G-Flat
Petite Suite: En bateau, No.2
Ruralia hungerica, Op.32c: Presto
Ruralia hungerica, Op.32c: Gypsy Andante (Andante rubato, alla zingaresca)
Ruralia hungerica, Op.32c: Molto vivace
Preludes, Book I, No.8: The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
Souvenir
Thais: Meditation: (CVE-8944-8)
Thais: Meditation: (CVE-8944-9)
Mighty Lak' A Rose
The Rosary
Old Folks At Home
La Vida breve: Danza espagnola
Espana, Op.165: Tango, No.2
Tambourin chinois, Op.3
Dance Of The Marionette
Rapsodie espagnole: Habanera
Nocturnal Tangier
Rondino On A Theme By Beethoven

Tracks:

Sonata, Op. 30, No.3 In G Major: Allegro assai
Sonata, Op. 30, No.3 In G Major: Tempo di minuetto, ma molto moderato e grazioso
Sonata, Op. 30, No.3 In G Major: Allegro vivace
Sonata, Op.45, In C Minor: Allegro molto ed appassionato
Sonata, Op.45, In C Minor: Allegretto espressivo alla Romanza
Sonata, Op.45, In C Minor: Allegro animato
Sonata, D.574, In A Major: Allegro moderato
Sonata, D.574, In A Major: Scherzo: Presto; Trio
Sonata, D.574, In A Major: Andantino
Sonata, D.574, In A Major: Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Op.46, No.2 And Op.72, No.1: Slavonic Dance (In G Minor)
Slavonic Dance, Op. 72, No.8 In G Major
Der Oppernball: Im Chambre separee: Midnight Bells
Sonatina, Op.100 In G Major: Indian Lament
Songs My Mother Taught Me, Op.55, No.4
Piece en forme de habenera
Londonerrry Air
Chanson Louis XIII And Pavane (In The Style Of Couperin)
Schon Rosmarin
(Based On) 'Du alter Stefansturm' From 'Die Liebe Augustin' By Johann Brandl: The Old Refrain
Siete canciones populares spanolas: Jota, No.4
Orphee et Euridice (Andante From 'Dance Of The Blessed Spirits'): Melodie
Polichinelle
La Precieuse (In The Style Of Couperin)
Rosamunde: Ballet Music No.2
Mvt. I, Concerto No.1 In D Major (Arranged By Kreisler): Concerto In One Movement

Tracks:

Caprice viennois, Op.2
Tambourin chinois
Liebesfreud
Liebesleid
La gitana
Schon Rosmarin
Concerto In C Major (In The Style Of Vivaldi): Allegro energico ma non troppo
Concerto In C Major (In The Style Of Vivaldi): Andante doloroso
Concerto In C Major (In The Style Of Vivaldi): Allegro molto
Rondino On A Theme By Beethoven
The Old Refrain
Londonderry Air
Der Opernball: Im Chambre separee: Midnight Bells
Marche miniature viennoise
Rondo all'ongarese, Trio H.XV, No.25: Hungarian Rondo
Chanson Louis XIII And Pavane (In The Style Of Couperin)
The Rosary
The King Steps Out: Stars In My Eyes
RCA Victor Orchestra: Viennese Rhapsodic Fantsietta

Amazon.com

A Fritz Kreisler recording can always be recognized by the violinist's beefy, baritonal sonority, inimitable portamento, and communicative warmth. Most of the repertoire here consists of the short, encore pieces that prevailed in the era of 78rpm records, many penned or arranged by Kreisler, who was always on the lookout for memorable tunes. Familiar classics like the duets with John McCormack, and Schubert, Beethoven, and Grieg sonata collaborations with Rachmaninoff turn up alongside rare alternate takes and Kreisler's lone recording as a piano soloist in Dvořak's Humoresque. One should savor these musical sweetmeats in small portions, rather than wolfing down each disc in chronological gulps. Ward Marston's transfers are beyond praise. -- Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Kind of Amazing.......2005-12-08

First thing I be wondering is where RCA (BMG--now probably Wal-Mart) got the idea that a $120 set of Kreisler faves--most short 78-era items--would be marketable? I'd love to check the Homeland Security records and see just who bought this set. I would never have sprung for it but now that I was given one I have to comment on it. Amazing!

First, there's the playing. This is a professionally ebullient fiddler. Technically astounding, but with the communicative warmth the other reviewers seem to uniformly note. I find violin tiring to the ear sometimes, but not this guy's violin. A joy to listen to.

Second, the selection. Fairly much 11 discs of solid "pop" music--a kind of Fiedlerian dream world where every piece catches the attention usually because of potent melodic pungency. I found myself looking forward to each cut, knowing I would be well-rewarded. Kreisler chose his repertoire well.

Third, oh yeah sure, nostalgia. Everything here is an echo of a world that passed largely by 1914 and was already deep nostalgia for many by the time these last recordings were made in the 1940s. I'm not sure there's anything wrong with that, it's a kind of longing not for an idealized past but for aspects of that past that are clearly missing in the world today (or even back in 1948 when the last tracks were set down). Heck, I listen to Beethoven and find myself getting nostalgic for an era when my local department store music department would make a big deal out of a new Bernstein release and a major network would actually give Lennie time to talk about classical music to the masses.

Anyway, I never intended to own the collection, now I do and I'd replace it in the blink of an eye. Charming and entertaining from disc one to disc eleven.

Almost painfully beautiful music/playing.......2005-05-08

It is one of the real advatages of modern life that we can still hear and be moved by artists from the early 20th century. As listners, there are probably psychological factors that predispose us to be touched by the original rather than someone imitating a style from the past. Part of the psychological impact for me is the nostalgia element and connections this music has to memories of my ancestors who where alive when this music was being played and recorded. But beyond the listener's psychological factor(s) the artists from the early 20th century had a completely different set of musical and non-musical experiences from our contempory artists. A contemporary artist trying to duplicate the style from another era often sounds false and affected. Regardless, ultimately performances have to stand on their own musical merit. These most definately do.

Absolutely Ravishing!.......2001-03-24

Ever since he first toured The U.S as a child in 1888 with pianist Moritz Rosenthal Fritz Kreisler's musical talents have left us spellbound. His playing combines a searching intelligence with intense and delightful musicality, his mellow honey-like tone appeals to the heartstrings, and awakens enthusiasm in his listeners. He was a great violinist who at the same time could touch and charm his audience. I highly reccomend this set to all lovers of the violin!

Absolutely Ravishing!.......2001-03-24

Absolutely Incredible!.......1999-12-10

I would give this set a 10 stars, if I were allowed to. Kreisler has been my favorite violinist as far as I can remember, and have never gotten tired of his playing (and never will be either!) His playing has deceptive ease and elegance that makes people forget how phenominal his technique was(just listen to his crystalline trills and amazing articulation of fast runs). And even at his sweetest moments, his performance always had strong backbone and never sank into tasteless sentimentality. Kreisler's playing was really one of the kind and anyone who loves violin should listen to his recordings. I cannot recommend this set highly enough! The CD transfer is excellent.

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