On the Corner

On the Corner

ASIN: B00000292K

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
On the Corner is probably the most controversial recording Miles Davis ever released. Savaged by critics and "fans" alike at the time of its release, this visionary recording has become the cornerstone for any number of progressive musical movements both inside and outside jazz. In fact, in its use of ritualistic trance rhythms derived from Indian classical music and the black inner city, fat, vamping Fender bass lines, and a freely inflected cacophony of electric keyboards, guitars, and percussive colors, On the Corner not only reflects Davis's fascination with the music of such disparate influences as Sly Stone, James Brown, Ornette Coleman, Paul Buckmaster, and Karlheinz Stockhausen, but anticipates contemporary hip-hop and jungle sounds as well. With his electrified, wah-wah colored trumpet, Davis emulates the phrasing of blues guitarists like Hendrix, while arrangements such as the title track and "Black Satin" delve into collective improvisation, with an avant garde edge over infectious dance beats. --Chip Stern

Tracks:

Scarlatti: Keyboard Sonata in C Major K. 159
Bach: Two-Part Invention No. 13
Debussy: "Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum" from Children's Corner
Chopin: Mazurka in F-sharp Minor
Bach: "Prelude" from Partita No. 3 for Solo Violin
Chopin: Etude in C-sharp Minor
Chopin: Mazurka in F-sharp Minor
Bach: Three-Part Invention No. 10
Tchaikovsky: Melody in E-flat
Brahms: "Presto in G-Minor I after Bach"
Bach: "Prelude" from Suite for Unaccompanied Cello 1
Bach: Three-Part Invention No. 15
Paganini: Moto Perpetuo
Scarlatti: Keyboard Sonata in D Minor K. 213
Bach: Two-Part Invention No. 6
Beethoven: "Adagio sostenuto" from "Moonlight" Sonata
Bach: Two-Part Invention No. 11
Beethoven: Seven Variations on "God Save The King"
Bach: Three-Part Invention No. 7
Paganini: Moto Perpetuo (Bluegrass version)

Amazon.com

Bela Fleck is one of the greatest five-string banjo players performing today. Beginning in the 1970s, he honed his lightning-fast chops performing bluegrass, then moved on to contemporary jazz and fusion sounds. With this album, he broadens his horizons once again by performing an entire program of classical music transcriptions. Reminiscent of classical guitar albums by John Williams (who makes a guest appearance here), the disc traverses a wide range of repertoire--from Chopin mazurkas to Bach's Two and Three Part Inventions. Throughout, Fleck displays a feathery touch on his banjo, and his instrument offers a pleasant, brassy tone with very little twang. The technique he displays on Perpetual Motion is astounding and a refreshing change of pace from the smooth grooves found on the banjoist's Flecktones recordings. The arrangements are generally minimalist and understated, but violinist Joshua Bell, bassist Edgar Meyer, mandolinist Chris Thile, and percussionist Evelyn Glennie join in on this groundbreaking disc. Bluegrass purists may be disappointed (this is a far cry from the free-spirited, folksy abandon found on Sony's Short Trip Home and Appalachian Journey CDs), but classical fans will be astounded by how perfectly natural Fleck's banjo sounds on these works. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Amazing and beautiful.......2007-01-02

Fleck's 2001 disc `Perpetual Motion' is by far his most ambitious foray into virtuosity, performing classical works by Bach, Scarlatti and Chopin.

And he does it without really showing off. He only tackles mazurkas, fugues and Bach classical inventions on the five-string banjo, a simple instrument for which this music was never conceived.

I once flirted with playing the banjo, and it wasn't an easy task, even trying to play 'Uncle Pen'.

But the man must be possessed to play it like Bela does. Alternating between delicate and complicated, slow to fast, Fleck gets about as much out of the humble banjo as anyone possibly could. He plays it precisely and with a light touch, with respect for the music and his instrument.

Some reviewers think it pretentious of Fleck to attempt a banjo foray into the classical genre. That's bunk. How is virtuosity measured, after all? By playing many genres: classical, bluegrass, pop, jazz, Indian, fusion. And by playing them well.

Fleck wasn't awarded a Grammy for this recording just by looking pretty. He earned it.

Another Bela Fleck Masterpiece!.......2006-09-17

Who knew there could be classical banjo. It may sound dumb to some of you, but Bela Fleck pulls it off perfectly. I prefer the jazz fusion of his work with the Flecktones, but that does not mean this is not brilliant. Technically speaking, Bela and all of his collaborators are the best around, and who can argue with the songwriting of the classical composers(no one openly insults Mozart). If you haven't heard Bela Fleck, here's some advice. Get one of his Flecktones albums if you're into jazz, rock, or funk, this if you like classical, and his Newgrass Revival, Strength in Numbers, or Sam Bush stuff if you're a bluegrass fan.

Definitely a Winner.......2006-07-05

It is apparent to my ears why this CD won a Grammy. It takes familiar classical music pieces and puts the distinct Bela Fleck style on them. The pairing of the banjo with different instruments makes this album texturally interesting for the ear and one does not tire of the selections, even if they are familiar. My favorite pairing is the marimba with the banjo. The liner notes are interesting, as is Bela's story on how difficult it was to make the album. It was definitely worth his time and the listener's .

Soul Food.......2006-01-30

This is exquisite! The best of human experience encoded on a simple CD disk.

AN AMAZING WORK ! ! !.......2005-11-12

I was searching a classical music CD for a long time which is something different.Which consists variety of instruments. Like guitar,violin,banjo,mandolin...for example.Something different and also exiting music.This CD fullfills my wishes. The music like this doesn't come up very often I suppose!
Béla Fleck did a great job by working with people who is masters of their instruments like John Williams etc. This causes the CD to be more joyful.You won't get bored to listen it again and again!
Anyway ,either you are a fan of classical music or not, you won't be dissapointed with this.I guarantee :)

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Average customer rating:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover
Top Shelf
TERRIFIC CD'S
Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs
Great Compilation!

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Broadway: The American Musical
Broadway: The American Musical
Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals

ASIN: B00064ADMK
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
Swanee- Al Jolson
When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
My Man- Fanny Brice
Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
Body And Soul- Libby Holman
Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
Night And Day- Fred Astaire
Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
You're The Top- Ethel Merman
Summertime- Anne Brown
September Song- Walter Huston
My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence

Tracks:

Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
People- Barbra Streisand
Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
Come Follow The Band
Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

Memory- Betty Buckley
I Am What I Am- George Hearn
Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
With One Look- Glenn Close
On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
Seasons Of Love-
Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway

Average customer rating:

The ultimate blues and boogie band!

Street Corner Talking/Hellbound Train
Savoy Brown
Manufacturer: Beat Goes On
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Raw Sienna/Looking In
Blue Matter/A Step Further
Lion's Share/Jack the Toad
Shake Down/Getting to the Point
Steel

ASIN: B000GIW8VU
Release Date: 2006-09-11

Tracks:

Tell Mama
Let It Rock
I Can't Get Next to You
Time Does Tell
Street Corner Talking
All I Can Do
Wang Dang Doodle
Doin' Fine
Lost and Lonely Child
I'll Make Everything Alright
Troubled by These Days and Times
If I Could See an End
It'll Make You Happy
Hellbound Train

Album Description

2006 digitally remastered two-fer from the legendary Savoy Brown featuring two of their most popular albums (Street Corner Talking from 1971 and Hellbound Train from '72). The line-up on these albums feature the ever-present Kim Simmonds on guitar with Dave Walker (vocals), Andy Sylvester (bass), Paul Raymond (keyboards) and Dave Bidwell (drums), all of the formerly of Chicken Shack! Standard jewel box in a slipcase with extensive liner notes. BGO.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered, Slip Cased Edition of Two of the Best Albums in the Savoy Brown Catalog on a Single Compact Disc! These Albums Datie from 1971 and 72 Respectively and Feature the Ever-present Kim Simmonds on Guitar with Dave Walker (Vocals), Andy Sylvester (Bass), Paul Raymond (Keyboards) and Dave Bidwell (Drums) - all Ex-chicken Shack. During the 70's and 80's Savoy Brown (With Varied Lineups) Spent all of their Time in the United States Trying to Break that Vast Market. Includes Extensive Liner Notes.

Customer Reviews:

The ultimate blues and boogie band!.......2006-10-27

Kim Simmonds has been Savoy Brown for doggone near 40 years now (Shakedown came out in 1967). Every incarnation of the band has had Simmonds on guitar. Early formation saw part of the band (Dave Peverett, Roger Earl, and Tone Stevens) split to form FOGHAT.

Just like there's no mistaking Simmonds' guitar, the same can be said for Chris Youlden's voice. And this two LP combo on one CD gives you a few of Savoy's best tracks.

First, I think 'Tell Mama' is one of my all-time favorite songs PERIOD! Here it is from the Street Corner Talking release. 'Let It Rock' is another goodie. 'Can't Get Next To You' is a Motown ditty that's been redone a time or two by different folks. I think Rare Earth did a great job on it, but Savoy Brown does a darned fine job, as well.

'Troubled By These Days And Times' and 'If I Could See n End'... Hmmm. Prophetic titles, eh? (Hockey term)

'Wang Dang Doodle' is spectazmagoric! I made that up, but I think you get the idea.

But to round out the whole thing is the epic tale of the 'Hellbound Train.'

"I'm goin down the road on the hellbound train. Take a last look baby 'cause you won't see me again."

What to expect? Very good guitar. Unique vocals. What I classify as psychedelic blues. Extended jams to showcase Simmonds talent.

What not to expect? Mainstream, Clapton/King blues. Foghat-esque boogie. Two or three minute songs. Can't tell a good story in that length of time!

When you get tired of hearing the various 'new' bands who sound the same vocally or sound the same as far as guitar is concerned, etc., just grab any of the early Savoy Brown albums - this pair is a great place to start!

Average customer rating:

Electronic Classics
Tomita, Will You Enjoy His Splendor?
Complete list of Tomita's classical albums...
A millenium must-have.
Cleverly-synthesized, familiar classical tunes

Tomita's Greatest Hits CD

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Debussy: Snowflakes Are Dancing, Prelude, etc / Tomita
The Tomita Planets
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition
Kosmos
Different Dimensions: Anthology

ASIN: B000003EO5
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Also Sprach Zarathustra: Fanfare
Grand Canyon Suite: On The Trail
The Pachelbel Canon
Syncopated Clock
Bolero
'Star Wars' Main Title
Suite Bergamasque: Clair De Lune
Close Encounters Of The Third Kind
Symphony No. 5: 2nd Movement: Allegro Marcato
Children's Corner: Golliwog's Cakewalk
Firebird Suite: Infernal Dance Of King Kastchei
Hora Staccato
The Planets: Mars, The Bringer Of War
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Great Gate Of Kiev

Customer Reviews:

Electronic Classics.......2006-12-03

As far as I know, Isao Tomita is not an original artist in the sense that he composes new works. He is, however, an original artist who puts a new spin on existing compositions and reinterprets them in a new and, mostly, delightful way.

The selection on this album come right out of a "pops" concert given by any symphony orchestra but they are not performed my symphonic orchestras. They are performed electronically by Tomita. This results in some parts being more emphasized than one would expect to hear in a concert hall. It is a new experience.

This work is new and different in its presentation. It is quite enjoyable.

Tomita, Will You Enjoy His Splendor?.......2004-01-08

If you've never heard any Tomita then answer these questions:

1. Do you have a taste for classical music?
Good, you should know some of these peices, and be able to enjoy them.

2. Do you enjoy odd music, peices that are unique?
I personally don't have a taste for synth. But Tomita is very unique and is very enjoyable to listen to.

3. Do you hate pop music?
This shows your intellegence level. Like pop music? Then you are just another sheep and should NOT buy this album. Dislike pop music? You sir or madame may just show a ray of intellegence and should consider this.

This is a nice addition to your collection if you are a serious musician or student of music, (and I don't mean high school band class, I mean like music theory).

Enjoy the sonic explorations into the mind of Tomita.

Complete list of Tomita's classical albums..........2002-03-05

5 stars for the music, but why do all the Tomita compilation CDs have almost the same tracks with so much available?

A big box set of every classical Tomita album would be even better. Most of the CDs out of print for years are absolutely fantastic. Four of his albums would fit two on one CD. Here's the complete list...

Snowflakes Are Dancing 1974 (11 Debussy pieces) The newly remastered CD is an audiophile recording, adds Prelude To The Afternoon of a Faun and is available for a good price.

Pictures At An Exhibition 1975 (Mussorgsky)

Firebird 1976 (Stravinsky: Firebird. Debussy: Prelude To The Afternoon of A Faun. Mussorgsky: Night On Bald Mountain)

The Planets 1976 (Holst)

Kosmos 1978 (Star Wars Title. Space Fantasy- R. Strauss: 2001 Title, Wagner: Ride of The Valkyries and Tannhauser Overture. Honnegar: Pacific 231. Ives: Unanswered Question. Rodrigo: Aranjuez. Grieg: Solveig's Song. Dinicu-Heifetz: Hora Staccato. Bach-Tomita: The Sea Named Solaris)

The Bermuda Triangle 1979 (Sibelius: Valse Triste. And excerpts from... Williams: Close Encounters. Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Scythian Suite, Symphonies 5 and 6, Violin Concerto 1. My favorite electronic CD.)

Bolero 1980 (Ravel: Daphis and Chloe. Pavane for A Dead Princess. Bolero. Mother Goose Suite)

The Grand Canyon 1982 (Grofe)

Canon of The Three Stars 1984 (Pachelbel: Canon. Rachmaninoff: Vocalise. Albinoni: Adagio. Bach: Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring. 4 pieces from Villa Lobos: Bachianis Brasileiras 2, 4, and 7)

Live At Linz, Austria 1985 (With speakers on both sides of the Danube River and live soloists. Includes 7 pieces from previous albums plus Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring. Japanese Traditional: Cranes In Their Nest. Vaughn Williams: The Lark Ascending. Wagner: Tristan Und Isolde-Liebestod. Beethoven: Ode To Joy with full Choir.)

Live In New York 1988 (Includes 7 pieces from previous albums plus Dukas: Fanfare. Mahler: Symphony 3 in D Minor - 5th Movement. Traditional: Chinese War Lord Going Home. Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue. Fisher-Dvorak: Goin' Home. My favorite live concert CDs.)

A millenium must-have........1999-11-05

This is the true reason God invented the CD player. Ravel's "Bolero" and Holst's "Bringer of War" are standouts, in my opinion. If Mr. Tomita is still living, perhaps, he can grace us with Camille Saint-Saens' "Organ Symphony" or "The Carnival of the Animals" electronically interpreted.

Cleverly-synthesized, familiar classical tunes.......1998-11-02

I use this CD with elementary school children. It's classical music with an electronic twist--fun, sometimes surprising, and well-done!

Average customer rating:

When weird isn't good
A funk concerto....
not a jazz review
Miles was always ahead of his time
The Groove Is Too Good

On the Corner
Miles Davis
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

A Tribute to Jack Johnson
Miles in the Sky
Miles Smiles
In a Silent Way
Filles De Kilimanjaro (Deluxe Edition) (Bonus Track)

ASIN: B00004VWAF
Release Date: 2000-08-01

Tracks:

On the Corner/New York Girl/Thinking of One Thing and Doing Another
Black Satin
One and One
Helen Butte/Mr. Freedom X

Amazon.com

In 1969, the house of jazz was shaken to its foundations when Miles Davis began to dabble in elements of rock when he recorded Bitches Brew. Many of his faithful quickly fell by the wayside with what they considered this outrageous gesture. Nonetheless, a younger audience quickly arose to embrace what he was doing. But when On the Corner was issued in 1972, it seemed that everyone jumped ship: Miles's effort to bring together the latest developments in European experimental music (Stockhausen's "Mixtur," for example) and Black American funk (Sly Stone) fell on dead ears. What's more, the art work on the cover was peculiar, there was no list of musicians, and the signature Davis trumpet sound was largely buried in the mix. Now, almost 30 years later, time has caught up to Davis, and this record seems the clear ancestor of hip-hop, trance, jungle, and other musics whose methods involve slowly revealing their meaning through repetition, small variation, and funk without cease. Though broken into tracks, it seems more like a single groove, swirling with every trend that was in the air at the time. Forget about conventional melody, harmony, and structure. Davis erased those elements along with the hierarchy that rules them. New digital remastering makes this methodology seem much clearer, and the prejudices of 30 years ago may yet fade into the distance. --John F. Szwed

Customer Reviews:

When weird isn't good.......2007-07-04

Okay, first off I'd like to say I have a lot of respect for this record. This is a mix of rock, funk, jazz and Indian music - I can't think of a single album that sounds even remotely like this one. It's a daring move. It's totally unique. It was very avant-garde, and well-performed. Some people see this is as a masterpiece, and judging by those terms, it's hard to argue with them.

It just isn't very good. In fact, it's my least favorite Miles Davis album.

Miles was a genius, of course. The Coltrane years and the Shorter/Hancock/Carter/Williams years are very rewarding. And while I'm not a huge fusion fan, I do LOVE In a Silent Way, and I like about half of B*tches Brew, half of Jack Johnson, bits of Live-Evil (What I Say rules!) and all of Pangaea. I do not, however, even remotely enjoy On the Corner. I don't hear any melodies in this at ALL. In fact, I don't hear much music in this at all. It's like Miles told his band, "Okay, we're gonna forget songwriting... more guitar! More keyboards! More drums! More percussion! More overdubs! More bizarre noises! No, no, MORE of it! Let's try to make this the loudest, nastiest, least listenable record of all time!" And when it came to "least listenable ever", they didn't QUITE pull it off (that title would go to the Byrds' Dr. Byrds and Mr. Hyde). Black Satin is just awful. It's not a song. It's just a mess of noise panning from one speaker to the other. And it's the BEST SONG ON THE ALBUM! Now, that's only because it's the shortest: I'd much rather hear it than On the Corner or Mr. Freedom X, which both do the same thing for twenty minutes. And I like longer songs, if they're done well (B*tches Brew itself, Shh/Peaceful, In A Silent Way/It's About That Time, Right Off, What I Say, Zimbabwe, All Blues, Sid's Ahead and Walkin' being examples from the Miles catalogue). What I don't like is twenty minutes of what my ears consider equal to the audio recording of a monkey mud wrestling match. That doesn't fly.
Let nobody say I don't like Miles Davis, because I'll tell you right now, Kind of Blue, 'Round About Midnight and In a Silent Way are three total essential beautiful masterpieces. I just don't like On the Corner. I hate it with a passion, in fact. I've heard it described as a love-it-or-loathe -it deal - in fact, by 1972 Miles' audience was already cut down to fusionheads and devotees who would praise anything he put out, and this managed to hack some of them off. I hear this as everything that could've gone wrong with fusion going wrong.
Just so you know, I'm not a jazz purist - I like rock and funk, among other genres, quite a lot. And I think that In A Silent Way (along with the good halves of Jack Johnson and B*tches Brew) were the only times that Miles succeeded in doing good things with those two genres.

A funk concerto...........2007-03-31

I really, really dig this album. I got into it right away. I've always loved later Miles, from 1965-1975, starting with Nefertiti and going straight through to Panagea. This is a sonic assault, in which Miles takes everything that was influencing him at the time, from Sly and the Family Stone to Hendrix, and weaves it into an electric jazz/funk fusion. Critics, who have always tried to get to Miles (the liner notes of the CD has some great quotes about how Miles feels about critics), went into coniptions over this album. They were still reeling from Bitches Brew, and Miles threw this in their face. Brilliant, Miles, brilliant! This started Miles's final excursion until he retired in 1975. This period in Miles's creative journey probably could be classified as acid funk/jazz fusion, with worldly elements thrown in for good measure (tabla, tamboura, sitar). To me, it's just Miles bringin' the brillance. The tracks are all connected with each other, so they play like a massive funk suite, which is sweet. Let's call it Miles Davis's 1st funk concerto....

not a jazz review.......2006-12-12

I don't typically like jazz. Don't know anything about it really. People who like jazz would probably not get much from my review.

Although I typically buy from lounge, one of my fav CD's is a Bill Lasswell's (Panthalassa) reworking of Miles Davis' "In a silent way" (which I just could not listen too until BL smoothed it out).

This CD is equally jarring (to my ears) and took a few listens before I could find the rythm. It starts out absolutely jamming "on the corner" and you are pulled into an image of a hip jazz band letting her rip, clappers and toe tappers all gathered around one of those street corner barrels putting out fire and warmth. There is a funky/jazz sound here but by the end of the second song I am worn out and ready to shut her down. That does give me 26 minutes of interesting music though and I am glad to have it.

I'm exploring jazz because it seems creative. Miles is surely that! If like me, you are mostly into the groove/funk/chill of lounge music but also interested in stretching your sound a bit, you might want to give this CD a try.

Miles was always ahead of his time.......2006-09-06

This 1972 release is intense. Period. And don't let the cover art fool you - the cartoon images on the front cover have nothing to do with the seething fury that lurks within the CD case. In fact, come to think of it, a Jackson Pollock would have been more far more appropriate as cover art and is certainly more in keeping with the music. Editorial comments aside, this is yet another remarkable Miles album and was his most controversial.

Alongside Miles (electronically altered trumpet) is a large ensemble including: John McLaughlin and David Creamer (electric guitar); Herbie Hancock and Harold Williams Jr. (electric organ, possibly moog synthesizer); Jack DeJohnette (drums); Don Alias and James Mtume (percussion); Michael Henderson (electric bass guitar); David Leibman and Carlos Garnett (tenor saxophone); Teo Macero (saxophone); William Hart (drums and percussion); Badal Roy (tabla); and Colin Walcott (sitar).

This particular iteration of the Miles Davis band had an unbelievably disciplined rhythm section. In fact, the machine-gun like and staccato bursts on the drums and the endless ostinato on the bass guitar seemed to draw the most fire from critics when the album was released. I happen to like the approach quite a bit because it reminds me somewhat of the meditative drones that minimalist composers like Terry Riley were writing at the time. The soloists are also excellent (of course) and weave their parts seamlessly into the hypnotic trance set up by the rhythm section. Unfortunately, you do not hear too much of Miles - this was another thing the critics harped on. The synthesizer textures are pretty interesting as are the tabla and percussion parts (the sleigh bells come to mind) - they add a very interesting dimension to the music.

Like a lot of Miles output during this period, the pieces are long: Tracks 1-4 comprise a 20 minute or so suite, while Helen Butte clocks in at 16'07". Musically, the pieces incorporate elements of German avant-garde composer Karlheinz Stockhausen, some free jazz, and American minimalism, although influences taken from James Brown and other soul/funk musicians can be heard as well. I have to admit though - this is unlike any funk I have ever heard before. In fact, it lurches along in fits and starts and quite frankly, is about as funky as a seizure. Or a sneezing fit.

Well I could easily go on and on raving about this album and the enormous contribution Miles made to music but I won't. This is supposed to be a review after all. If you enjoyed On the Corner, you might also like Live at the Fillmore East (March 1970); Bitches Brew (1970); Live Evil (1971); and A Tribute to Jack Johnson (1971). This is all simply amazing stuff.

The Groove Is Too Good.......2006-06-20

At the time of its release, On the Corner drew the ire of many reviewers because - it was written - it could not be considered a "jazz" album. The album is brilliant and the only problem I had with the original release on LP was the length; I wanted more music!

The dilemma by placing too much faith in the musings of music critics throughout the electric period of Miles was the seemigly placement of each album in a vaccum, as if the artist wasn't building on a concept. And Miles - as always was the case - was creating a sound for concerts and in the studio.

By bringing funk to the forefront of the sound, Miles was essentially placing the final paint strokes on a canvas - merging his studio and live ideas in a tight package - that is still misunderstood in 2006.

Miles bolstered the sound with a larger studio group, including such regulars like Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, Jack Dejohnette, Dave Liebman and Michael Henderson.

A great live companion piece to On the Corner is Dark Magus, which chronicles one of the last concerts before Miles went into a nearly seven year retirement.

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Liebman standing proud on the corner
Dave Liebman--our most versatile jazz sax player alive?

Back on the Corner
Dave Liebman
Manufacturer: Tone Center
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Mysterious Shorter

ASIN: B000LXSSVY
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Tracks:

5th Street
Ife
Bass Interlude
Black Satin
Bela
Drum Interlude
New Mambo
Acoustic Guitar Interlude
Mesa D'Espana
Electric Guitar Interlude
J.B. Meets Sly/5th Street Reprise

Album Description

Back On The Corner refers to a return to that cutting edge musical philosophy that made Miles Davis' "On The Corner" record a musical milestone in 70's progressive jazz. Former Miles/Elvin Jones' saxophonist Dave Liebman, Anthony Jackson ( Steely Dan, Chic Corea ), Mike Stern (Miles Davis, Solo Artist) together with Liebman `s regular group members,Tony Marino, Marko Marcinko and Vic Juris turn in an incredible set inspired by this important moment in musical history.

Customer Reviews:

Liebman standing proud on the corner.......2007-05-09

The Miles Davis CD "On The Corner" is still a controversial disc. Miles wanted to appeal to a younger generation, but its radical sound and Columbia's lackluster marketing combined to ensure it wasn't a hit. David Liebman played on "On The Corner" and some of the '70's Davis albums. For "Back On The Corner" he gets his usual band, plus Anthony Jackson and Mike Stern to pay homage to "On The Corner". The CD starts with a Liebman original. It fuses together 70's and contemporary jazz sensibilities. Next is "Ife" and the highlight, "Black Satin". "Black Satin" is my favorite part of "On The Corner", and the Davis composition is the best song on "Back On The Corner". "Bela" and "Mesa D'Espana" are two soft tunes, and "New Mambo" is more upbeat. Those three are more contemporary jazz than groovy fusion. The funky final song channels the spirit Davis was going for by going to his influences, and is a fun way to end the CD. Like the best jazz tribute albums, it pays tribute without trying copy what once was.

Dave Liebman--our most versatile jazz sax player alive?.......2007-03-04

I'm beginning to think so, what with his impeccable collection of recent discs, including, not only this one, but Saxophone Summit, featuring Joe Lovano and Mike Brecker (on one of his last recordings); Flashpoint, featuring Aydin Essen, Anthony Jackson, and Steve Smith; Three for All, comprising Liebman, Steve Swallow, and Adam Nussbaum; To Music, featuring Jim Robitaille, winner of the Ninth Annual Thelonius Monk International Composers Competition, and so many and varied performances that he certainly deserves the title of most accomplished and selfless contributor to contemporary jazz recordings. His generosity of spirit, his willingness to subordinate his monster chops to whatever vibe is going down, bear witness to a man who cares a lot more about making whatever session he's on work optimally than stamping the proceedings with his own, admittedly, high-powered chops and conception.

The thing that amazes about Liebman is the consistently high level of his contributions, no matter how arcane or quotidian the session. Here, in this highly charged fusionistic setting, he never ceases to amaze, whether spinning off brilliantly conceived solo flights of fancy, or plying his unique wooden flute stylings.

Liebman, having recruited fusion monsters Mike Stern (guitar) and Anthony Jackson (bass) to his regular working outfit (Tony Morino, bass; Vic Juris, guitar; and Marko Marcinko, drums), shows not only his respect for his core band members, but a willingness to expand his musical palette to energize the fusion vibe inherent to a project such as this.

Personally, I don't pick up on that much of an electric Miles vibe going down here. But the killer fusionistic vibe conjured by these outstanding musicians maps out a territory entirely apposite to that which Miles evoked in the late eighties and early nineties, and gloriously extends that sensibility into the new millennium.

Music of great power and vision.

Horowitz Plays Mussorgsky, Scriabin, Prokofiev, and others

Average customer rating:

Horowitz Review
No better place to hear musical genius!
Incredible performance, scratchy sound.
I undoubtedly declare that Horowitz is the best.
Horowitz is amazing as usual, BUT...

Horowitz Plays Mussorgsky, Scriabin, Prokofiev, and others

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Horowitz Encores
Horowitz Plays Scriabin
Prokofiev: Sonata No.7/Toccata, Op.11/Barber: Sonata, Op.26/Kabalevsky: Sonata No.3/Fauré: Nocturne No.13/Poulenc: Pr
Horowitz Plays Rachmaninoff/Concerto for Piano in Dm; Sonata for Piano No2/Vladimir Horowitz, Pianist
Horowitz: The Last Recording

ASIN: B000003F1S
Release Date: 1992-03-10

Tracks:

Promenade
The Gnome
Promenade
The Old Castle
Promenade
Tuleries
Bydlo
Promenade
Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks
Samuel Goldenberg & Schmuyle
Limoges-The Market
Catacombs
Con Mortuis In Lingua Mortua
The Hut on Fowl's Legs
The Great Gate at Kiev
Etude Op.2 No.1 in C-Sharp Minor
Prelude, Op. 11, No. 5 in D
Prelude, Op. 22 No. 1 in G-Sharp Minor
Danse Excentrique
Sonata No. 9 , Op. 68: Sonata No. 9 , Op. 68 - Black Mass
Dumka, Op. 59
Variations On A Theme From 'Carmen'
Sonata no. 7, Op. 83: III: Sonata no. 7, Op. 83: III. Precipitato
Humoresque, Op. 10, No. 5
Barcarolle, Op. 10, No. 3
Serenade To The Doll, No. 3, Children's Corner
The Stars And Stripes Forever

Amazon.com essential recording

Horowitz's Pictures is one of his most controversial recordings. In true Romantic tradition, he made changes in Mussorgsky's much-maligned score. Ignore those strict constructionists who hold that the composer's word is law, and you'll revel in the sheer high spirits and unabashed virtuosity of this electrifying performance. Few make this piece as exciting as Horowitz. The fillers offer his inimitable versions of various Russian favorites along with his not-to-be-missed transcriptions of Carmen highlights and a Sousa Stars and Stripes Forever as you've never heard it. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Horowitz Review.......2007-01-10

This recording was made in 1947 and the recording quality reflects that. It sounds like the CD was made from a scratchy record with no clean up.

I have heard better Horowitz performances. This one is very mechanical, without much color or feeling.

No better place to hear musical genius!.......2005-08-22

Horowitz' arrangement of Stars and Stripes Forever is possibly the most incredible piece I have ever heard (and I don't even like that song very much.) If you have never heard it in its entirety, you have really been missing something. The first half is really good but the second half is mind-blowing. Horowitz was a genius!!!

The other works on the disc are great too but I prefer more recent recordings such as Evgeny Kissin's Pictures at an Exhibition. Of course it's not that Evgeny plays it better than Vladimir but the recording quality has much improved since 1947.

Whatever you do, don't miss Stars and Stripes Forever. You will never forget it.

Incredible performance, scratchy sound........2000-12-17

A very good CD, but some of the titles are also on the Encores CD, and all the titles except the Rachmaninoff (recorded in 1979) are in mono. Besides the Rachmaninoff, the recording dates range from 1928 (whew!) to 1956. That said, this is Horowitz! It's great! I'd pay the money for the Prokofiev and Danse Excentrique alone. I just want to warn you that this is not the crystal-clear CD sound we're used to.

I undoubtedly declare that Horowitz is the best........2000-12-03

You may know that Horowitz is a TOP pianist. But there is a one more. This recording is the most suitable recording that shows the differences beteween Horowitz and other pianists. In other words, this recording represents the genuine playstyle of Horowitz. One of the conspicuous specialty of Horowitz is ffff. The Grate Gate At Kiev (Pictures at an Exhibition) needs exteremly strong finger power.(Self-confidence of piano touch) Also to "Prokofiev sonata No.7","The Stars and Stripes Forever", the same can be told. I want to say, It`s needless to say who is the second, at least in these pieces. ( the gap between 1st and 2nd is too wide )(And, I`m not saying abut all the pieces of Horowitz. I`m only telling you about the pieces in this record.) I have an absolute pitch, and can compose a little.So believe me. Have a nice day!

P.S. To music lover who want`s to listen awesome 'Carmen Vars.' : Horowitz recorded 'carmen vars' not only once. (because it revised several times.) Carmen.V. in this CD is different from "Horowitz Encore". After buing this record, listen carefully the samples (in Horowitz Encore). They are not the same. (Both has it`s tastes.)

Horowitz is amazing as usual, BUT..........1998-09-27

Horowitz is amazing as we have all come to expect, but at the time that Mussorgsky's PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION was recorded, recording techiniques had not been perfected as they have today. The rest of the CD is outstanding. If you are a Horowitz fan, I highly recommend this recording.

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An amazing CD!
Moving
A Beautifully Satisfying Listening Experience
An Extraordinary Collection
Graceful

A Woman's Heart: A Decade On
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Celtic Corner
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Woman's Heart 2
A Woman's Heart
No Mermaid
Don't I Know
Best of Dolores Keane

ASIN: B000089YB0
Release Date: 2003-02-18

Tracks:

This is to Mother You - Sinead O'Connor
I Know My Love - The Corrs and The Chieftains
Poison Tree - Marcia Howard and Mary Black
24 Hours - Frances Black
To Ramona - Sinead Lohan
Fields of Gold - Eva Cassidy
Spanish Lady - Maighread and Triona Ni Dhomhnaill
Lark In The Clear Air - Cara Dillon
Bless the Road - Mary Black
Sorry To Say - Juliet Turner
The White Strand Sling - Sharon Shannon
Carrick-a-rede - Cathie Ryan
Where Have All The Flowers Gone - Dolores Keane and Tommy Sands
Please Heart, You're Killing Me - Eleanor McEvoy
Sweet By and By - Dolly Parton and Altan
Wild and Free - Mary Coughlan and Cafi Orchestra
Mystic Lipstick - Maura O'Connell
Down To The River To Pray - Alison Kraus

Amazon.com

Since it was released a decade ago, A Woman's Heart, a survey of Irish female singers and instrumentalists, has become one of the best-selling Celtic music albums ever, and volume 2 sold almost as well. The present incarnation reunites the original participants but also includes Irish-American voices. Dolly Parton's "In The Sweet By And By" and Alison Krauss's "Down To The River To Pray" recall an old-time Appalachian tent revival. Accordionist Sharon Shannon and The Wild Bullocks resemble a hip ceili big-band on "The White Strand Sling." The Corrs obsess over an attractive deceiver on "I Know My Love," while Sinead O'Connor is tenderness incarnate on "This Is To Mother You." But Dolores Keane's rendition of "Where Have All The Flowers Gone" is beyond poignant. Her silky alto, flanked by a mournful cello, two male singers, and a distant children's choir, imbues a classic anti-war ballad with renewed urgency and pathos. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

An amazing CD!.......2005-06-27

I was on a tour of Southern Ireland last year, and the tour guide played this as we drove from Dublin to Cork. The first chance I got, I went into a music store and purchased a copy for myself.

The beautiful ballad by Sinead O'Conner is worth the price of admission alone. It is a song to play when you need comforting, and a reminder that everything will indeed get better. The tour guide shared with me that he purchased it for that song alone.

Everytime I play it my mind goes back to that tour and watching the beautiful green hills and small villages of Ireland go by.

Buy this one...you won't regret it.

Moving.......2005-02-05

A friend gave me this last week. It's hard to stop playing it. "This Is To Mother You," "Fields of Gold," and "Down To The River To Pray" are especially moving. I highly recommend this CD.

A Beautifully Satisfying Listening Experience.......2004-09-22

A Woman's Heart 1 and 2 introduced me to a number of wonderful Celtic artists, most notably Dolores Keane. (Like "Mary29" I was also prompted to go out and buy as many of her CD's as I could find.) Though I thoroughly enjoyed all of the songs on "A Decade On" I was completely blown away by "Mystic Lipstick" (written by Christy Moore and sung here by Maura O'Connell), quite possibly the most hauntingly beautiful song I've ever heard. I have to believe the woman in this song is actually Ireland ... "She keeps fools for counsel, she keeps the wig and gown. The cloth and the bloody warfare, the stars and stripes and crown. And still we pray for a better day now, God willing it's for the best. But I've just seen the harp on the penny with a dollar on (...)." The imagery and heartbreak of the lyrics are conveyed perfectly by Maura O'Connell's beautiful interpretation and voice. Worth every penny for this song alone, this is one CD that I'm going to be playing over and over. (And I'll soon be having some Maura O'Connell CD's to keep my Dolores Keane CD's company :-)

An Extraordinary Collection.......2004-05-07

I learnt of this album by listening to RadioCelt.com, and put it on my Christmas wish list on the the buoyant strength of "This is to Mother You" by Sinead O'Connor and the astonishing conviction of "Down to the River to Pray", by Alison Krauss.

I was pleased when my wife gave it to me... until I listened to it. THEN I was completely blown away. The moods range from tender to playful, yet each and every song bears an insight into the sorrows and joys not only of being a woman, but of being a member of the human race. It's an intriguing mix of original work, traditional songs, and covers of other artists' work. Well worth buying!

Graceful.......2004-04-05

I first heard this CD on National Public Radio, possibly on Fresh Air. The pieces they played were beautiful, and on that basis alone, I ordered Vol. 1 and 2 of A Woman's Heart. You will find a wide range of Celtic music, some romantic, some almost to a dance beat. This is trully music from a woman's heart, not trying to out-rock the men. Enjoy it while it is still available. it's so tender, it may go out of style.

Average customer rating:

Very touched
In Memorium
Priceless Souvenirs from a Rare Genius: Ave Atque Vale
Poetry without words
What Is Technically Difficult Is Not Always Pleasant To Hear

William Kapell Edition (Box Set)

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Prokofiev: Sonata No.7/Toccata, Op.11/Barber: Sonata, Op.26/Kabalevsky: Sonata No.3/Fauré: Nocturne No.13/Poulenc: Pr
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Plays Schubert
Furtwangler Conducts Beethoven - Beethoven: symphonies no 3,4,5, & 9, Leonore
A State of Wonder: The Complete Goldberg Variations (1955 & 1981)

ASIN: B00000B9MR
Release Date: 1998-09-29

Tracks:

Mazurkas: Op. 6, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 7, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 7, No. 5
Mazurkas: Op. 17, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op 17, No 3
Mazurkas: Op. 17, No. 4
Mazurkas: Op. 24, No. 1
Mazurkas: Op. 24, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 30, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 33, No. 1
Mazurkas: Op. 33, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 33, No. 4
Mazurkas: Op. 41, No. 1
Mazurkas: Op. 41, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 50, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 50, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 56, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 59, No. 1
Mazurkas: Op. 59, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 63, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 63, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 67, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 67, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 67, No. 4
Mazurkas: Op. 68, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 68, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 68, No. 4
Mazurkas: Op posth. - 'Notre temps'
Mazurkas: Op posth - In B Flat

Tracks:

Sonata No. 3, Op. 58 In B Minor: Allegro maestoso
Sonata No. 3, Op. 58 In B Minor: Scherzo: Molto vivace
Sonata No. 3, Op. 58 In B Minor: Largo
Sonata No. 3, Op. 58 In B Minor: Finale: Presto, non tanto
Waltz, Op. 18 In E Flat Major
Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 In B-Flat Minor: Grave; Doppio movimento
Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 In B-Flat Minor: Scherzo
Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 In B-Flat Minor: Marche funebre
Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 In B-Flat Minor: Presto
Nocture, Op. 9, No. 1 In B Flat Minor
The Sheperd's Complaint: No. 5, Songs Without Words, Op. 67
Romance, Op. 28, No. 2 In F Sharp
Sonata No. 16, K. 570 In B Flat: II. Adagio

Tracks:

Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Introduction: Allegro vivace; Variation I: (Precedente)
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Tema: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation II: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation III: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation IV: Piu Vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation V: Tempo precedente
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation VI: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation VII: Meno mosso, a tempo moderato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43:: Varation VII: Tempo 1
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation IX: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation X: Poco marcato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XI: Moderato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XII: Tempo di minuetto
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XIII: Allegro
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XIV: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43:: Varation XV: Piu vivo scherzando
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XVI: Allegretto
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XVII: [Allegretto]
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XVIII: Andante cantabile
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XIX: A tempo vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XX: Un poco piu vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XXI: Un poco piu vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XXII: Un poco piu vivo (Alla breve)
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XXIII: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XIV: A tempo un poco meno mosso
Concero No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Moderato; Allegro
Concero No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Adagio sostenuto
Concero No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Allegro scherzando
Prelude, Op. 3, No. 2 In C Sharp Minor
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 24 In D Minor
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 10 In C Sharp Minor
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 5 In D Major

Tracks:

Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Andante; Allegro
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Tema: Andantino
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Variation I: Listesso tempo
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Variation II: Allegro
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Variation III: Allegro moderato (poco meno mosso)
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Variation IV: Andante meditativo
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Variation V: Allegro giusto
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Tema: Listesso tempo
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Allegro ma non troppo
Concerto: Allegro mastoso
Concerto: Andante con anima
Concerto: Allegro brillante
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 14 In E Flat Minor
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 10 In C Sharp Minor
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 5 In D Major

Tracks:

Concerto No. 2, Op. 19 In B Flat Major: Allegro con brio
Concerto No. 2, Op. 19 In B Flat Major: Largo
Concerto No. 2, Op. 19 In B Flat Major: Rondo: Allegro scherzando
Moment Musical: Moment Musical In F Minor, D. 780, No. 3
Waltz: Waltz In B Major, D. 145, No. 2
Waltz: Waltz In B Major, D. 145, No. 6
Waltz: Waltz In E Major, D. 365, No. 26
Waltz: Waltz In F Major, D. 365, No. 32
German Dances: German Dance In B Flat Major, D. 783, No. 6
German Dances: German Dance In B Flat Major, D. 783, No. 7
Waltz: Waltz, In F Major, D. 365, No. 34
Landler: Landler, In G Major, D. 734, No. 1
Landler: Landler, In D Major, D. 734, No. 2
Impromptu: Impromptu In A Flat Major, D. 935, No. 2
Romance: Romance In F Sharp Major, Op. 28, No. 2
Intermezzo: Intermezzo In E Major, Op. 116, No. 6
Sonetto No. 104 del Petrarca - Liszt
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 11 - Liszt
Mephisto Waltz No. 1 - Liszt

Tracks:

Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Ouverture
Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Allemande
Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Courante
Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Aria
Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Sarabande
Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Menuet
Suite In A Minor, BWV 818: Allemande
Suite In A Minor, BWV 818: Courante
Suite In A Minor, BWV 818: Sarabandes 1 & 2
Suite In A Minor, BWV 818: Gigue
Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 380 - L. 23
Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 2. Adagio
From Iberia: Evocacion
Piano Playtime: No. 1: Waltz Of The Rainbow
Piano Playtime: No. 4: By The Brook
Piano Playtime: No. 5: Dancing Bagpipes
Piano Playtime: No. 6: Tricky Trumpet
Children's Corner: Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum
Children's Corner: Jimbo's Lullaby
Children's Corner: Serenade For The Doll
Children's Corner: The Snow Is Dancing
Children's Corner: The Little Shepherd
Children's Corner: Golliwog's Cakewalk
Toccata ostinato

Tracks:

Sonata In G Minor, Op. 19: Lento; Allegro moderato
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 19: Allegro scherzando
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 19: Andante
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 19: Allegro mosso; Meno mosso; Moderato; Piu vivo
Sonata In F Minor, Op. 120, No. 1: Allegro appassionato
Sonata In F Minor, Op. 120, No. 1: Andante un poco adagio
Sonata In F Minor, Op. 120, No. 1: Allegretto grazioso
Sonata In F Minor, Op. 120, No. 1: Vivace
Sonata In D Minor, No. 3, Op. 108: Allegro
Sonata In D Minor, No. 3, Op. 108: Adagio
Sonata In D Minor, No. 3, Op. 108: Un poco presto e con sentimento
Sonata In D Minor, No. 3, Op. 108: Presto agitato

Tracks:

Piano Sonata (1941): Molto moderato
Piano Sonata (1941): Vivace
Piano Sonata (1941): Andante sostenuto
Nocturne In E - Flat - Op 55, 2
Mazurka In C - Op 33, 3
Polonaise-Fantasie In A - Flat - Op 61
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Gnome
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Old Castle
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Tuileries
Pictures At An Exhibition: Bydlo
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Ballet Of The Unhatched Chicks
Pictures At An Exhibition: Samuel Goldenberg And Schmuyle
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Limoges - The Market
Pictures At An Exhibition: Catacombs
Pictures At An Exhibition: Con mortuis In lingua Mortua
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Hut On Fowl's Legs
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Great Gate At Kiev
No 1 - Kinderszenen: About Foreign Lands And People
Sonata In E (K 380) - L. 23

Tracks:

Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV. 828: Allemande (Beginning)
Sonata No. 10 In C Major, K. 330: 1. Allegro moderato (Beginning)
Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58: 1. Allegro maestoso (Beginning)
Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58: 3. Largo
Mazurka In A Flat Major, Op. 17, No. 3
Sonata No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 108: 2. Adagio
No. 4, Songs Without Words, Op. 67: Spinning Song
Interview With William Kapell

Amazon.com essential recording

Blessed with transcendent technique and an affinity for big, bold Romantic works, William Kapell has been hailed as America's greatest homegrown pianist. This comprehensive collection of his complete recorded output, previously unreleased recordings, and broadcast tapes adds luster to a reputation that's become legendary since his tragic death in a plane crash at age 31. The earliest recordings, from the mid-1940s, bristle with raw energy and virtuosic flourishes tempered by an innate musicality that rises above mere display.

The disc coupling Khachaturian and Prokofiev concertos is charged with excitement; the Rachmaninoff pairing of the Paganini Variations and the Concerto No. 2 weds the Grand Romantic style to poetic lyricism; and an inspired Liszt group is charged with dynamic energy. Best may be the two Chopin discs: spontaneous, rhythmically flexible sonatas and mazurkas. The later recordings demonstrate the repose that comes with artistic maturity, and the "live" broadcasts reveal Kapell's warmth and spontaneity in concert. Splendid transfers help make this long-awaited set appealing to music lovers in general, as well as piano buffs. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Very touched.......2006-09-24

I wrote my doctoral dissertation on William Kapell (we share the same school, and my teacher was a student of his), and to still see the outpouring of admiration and love for Kapell's art is still very moving for me.

In Memorium.......2005-10-29

I heard William Kapell play the Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini with the fledgling Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in the late 1940's or very early 1950's. My only memory of the occasion is that I was enthralled. Kapell has held me in thrall ever since.

A few years later, in the middle 50's, I bought Kapell's recording of the same work, with Fritz Reiner and the Robin Hood Dell Orchestra (alias of The Philadelphia Orchestra). I still have that LP, though I wore it out long ago. It was the beginning of my musical education. But since 1998, we have had this wonderful box of reissues from the vaults of RCA. The sound is mostly excellent, considering the age of the monophonic originals. To this day, Kapell's Rachmaninov Rhapsody remains-in my opinion-the most impassioned, yet the most musical, reading of the piece ever recorded. No one had, or has, Kapell's combination of white-hot temperament, technical brilliance, and musical insight. We have had musical geniuses; technical wizards abound. It is the combination of these gifts, as Kapell possessed them in particular, married to his incendiary passion, that made him unique.

He was still learning, and he was learning at such an astounding rate! He had moved from Khachaturian to the most unforgettable Chopin B minor Sonata ever recorded in little more than a decade. His deep throated, noble, and articulate Bach has caused some to speculate that Glenn Gould might have found his inspiration in Kapell. One Gould biographer, and a New York critic, wrote that the reverse was true. The critic acknowledged the error, in print, noting that Kapell could not have been influenced by Gould's style since he had been dead for two years by the time of Gould's debut recital in New York City in 1955.

The lyrical side of romantic music is not what Kapell was or is known for, not his "style" as people remember him now. But listening to the lyrical music in this set shows a side of him that was, nevertheless, as real as any, and perhaps more revealing. It also gives us a notion of what we might have expected of William Kapell had he lived a normal span of years and played a normal variety of music. In a live performance, he plays Chopin's Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 1, with melting legato and exquisite timing: his innate sense about when to tug on the beat and when to surge forward makes the music breathe. His use of dynamic variety demands the greatest respect: at one point, the repetition of a melodic phrase is but a pale echo of its first statement. His tonal palette is no less wondrous. When a deep bass note suddenly appears, early in the A section of the ABA structure, it sounds-not loud nor quiet, not muffled nor distinct-but awesomely subterranean. Kapell begins the piece without much sustaining pedal, but in the B section, he subtly adds more and more. Then, when the A section returns near the end, the pedal disappears. This dramatic change in color-along with Chopin's change of key-seems like the parting of clouds. We are in the hands of two masters here, Chopin and Kapell. Kapell gave this performance in Carnegie Hall in February of 1945, when he was twenty-two years old.

In the Bach and Chopin works I've discussed, the steely, percussive tone that some speak of is nowhere to be heard. Rather, we hear a full, rich, and complex piano tone. In the Chopin Sonatas, the Debussy pieces, and the Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Debussy, and Albeniz, the sound Kapell produces is beautiful and varied.

He was a chamber musician of the first order, as his collaborations with Heifetz prove. (He was one of the very few musicians who had the force of personality to make Heifetz accompany HIM. And you can hear it.) And if you've never heard Rachmaninov's great Cello Sonata, played here with the grand Russian/German cellist Edmund Kurtz, you're in for a treat. There are several fine, modern stereo recordings, but this one is special. The piano part is very important-Rachmaninov did write it, after all-and Kapell is magnificent. This was Rachmaninov's next published work after the 2nd Piano Concerto, to give you an idea of its melodic grandeur. If there is a flaw here, it is that the piano is recorded too far back, relative to the cello.

Kapell died on October 30, 1953. He had just turned thirty-three. He played his last recital in Geelong, Australia, on the 22nd. It included the Chopin 2nd Piano Sonata which contains the well-known "Marche funèbre." That performance is included here, transferred from the original acetates. It is a great performance but very hard to listen to now, in light of what was to follow just over a week later. I am writing this one day short of the 52nd anniversary of Kapell's death. Had he lived until today, he would be younger than either Earl Wild or Ivan Moravec, both of whom are still making magnificent music. For those of us who love William Kapell's music, it is heartbreaking to consider, and fruitless. Thank Heaven we have recordings like the ones in this set. They are essential for any lover of good music.

John Pendley

Priceless Souvenirs from a Rare Genius: Ave Atque Vale.......2005-10-28

During the last century we have had many tragic losses in the arts, often affecting men and women who are at the peak of their careers, shimmering with excellence, only to be silenced by death and all too often, by accidental death. The names of Anton Webern, Fritz Wunderlich, WG Sebald, Sylvia Plath, Dinu Lipatti, and so many others arise, but none as tragic as the death of William Kapell in 1953.

William Kapell is still considered by most as the America's greatest pianist, even fifty odd years after his death at the age of 31 in a plane crash. Those who heard him perform still rhapsodize over the magic he created. Those of us who are left with only recordings, such as this spectacular boxed set of all of his recordings, can only be uplifted by the man's genius, his extraordinary technical facility, and his intuitive, profound approach to the great works of music.

All styles of music were easily accessible to Kapell. Listen to the Mozart, Bach, Scarlatti, Paganini and Mendelssohn and try to imagine performances of more clarity and finesse than these. His Chopin is well represented in this set and glows with the uncanny power and tenderness that Chopin combined in his works. His works for solo piano by Rachmaninov and Shostakovich are the gold standard, and yet his Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Mussorgsky and Liszt raise the bar for excellence that has since not been excelled. Joyously this set includes concerti including Prokofiev, Beethoven, Khachaturian, and Rachmaninov with the various conductors who saw Kapell's gifts and championed them.

The memory of this great artist is felt throughout the year, but never as acutely as on October 29th which marks the date of his cruel death. The world was brightened for too short a time by William Kapell, yet because of his recorded legacy his legend lives on. This is an impossibly fine box set of treasures. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, October 05

Poetry without words.......2004-12-14

In listening ot this collection, I think of the other 20th century pianistic genius who died tragically young: Dinu Lipatti (d. 1950). Both men excelled at Chopin but each had a thoroughly individual sound. In addition to Chopin, the Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev are especially fine. Highly recommended.

What Is Technically Difficult Is Not Always Pleasant To Hear.......2004-10-02

Piano enthusiasts might find this set incredible, but I prefer my music to be pleasant. Consider your tastes before buying.

Complete Masterworks Recordings, 1962-1973

Average customer rating:

Horowitz: good. Amazon: good. Sony Classical: BAD.
ARE YOU CRAZY RICH OR CRAZY STUPID?
merely spectacular!
I have never regretted buying this...
The greatest 20th Cent. pianist at his best!

Complete Masterworks Recordings, 1962-1973

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon
Liszt: Piano Works
Chopin: The Piano Works
Martha Argerich Collection (Box) [Germany]
Horowitz Encores

ASIN: B000002909
Release Date: 1993-10-05

Tracks:

Sonata In E Major, K 531 (L430): Allegro
Sonata In A Major, K322 (L483): Allegro
Sonata In G Major K455 (L209): Allegro
Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': II. Adagio cantabile
Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': III. Rondo. Allegro
Impromptu In G-flat Major, Op. 90 (D899) No. 3: Andante
Etude in C minor, Op. 10 No. 12: Allegro con fuoco
Etude In C-sharp Minor, Op. 25 No. 7: Lento
Scherzo No. 1 In B Minor, Op. 20: Presto con fuoco
3 Preludes - From Book II: IV. Les fees sont d'exquises danseuses. Rapide et leger
3 Preludes - From Book II: V. Bruyeres. Calme
3 Preludes - From Book II: VI. General Lavine - eccentric.
Poeme In F-sharp Major, Op. 32 No. 1: Andante cantabile
Etude In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: Andante
Etude In D-Sharp Minor, Op. 8 No. 12: Patetico

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: I. Grave- Doppio movimento
Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: II. Scherzo
Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: III. Marche funebre. Lento
Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: IV. Finale. Presto
Etude-Tableau In C, Op.33 No.2: Allegro
Etude-Tableau In C, Op.33 No.2: Appassionato
Arabeske In C, Op.18: Leicht und zart
Kinderszenen, Op.15 - Scenes From Childhood: 1. Von fremden Landern und Menschen
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 2. Kuriose Geschichte
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 3. Hansche-Mann
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 4. Bittendes Kind
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 5. Gluckes genug
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 6. Wichtige Begbenheit
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 7. Traumerei
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 8. Am Kamin
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 9. Ritter vom Steckenpferd
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 10. Fast zu ernst
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 11. Furchtenmachen
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 12. Kind im Einschlummern
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 13. Der Dichter spricht
Toccata In C, Op.7: Allegro
Hungarian Rhapsody No.19 In D Minor: Lento patetico (Lassan)- Vivace (Friska)

Tracks:

Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante moderato
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegretto
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante e cantabile
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante e cantabile
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante moderato
Keyboard Sonatas: Vivo
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro

Tracks:

Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C, BWV 564: I. Preludio, quasi improvvisando. Tempo moderato
Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C, BWV 564: II. Intermezzo. Adagio
Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C, BWV 564: III. Fuga. Moderamente sherzando, un poco umoristico
Fantasie In C, Op.17: I. Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschalflich vorzutragen
Fantasie In C, Op.17: II. Massig. Durchaus energisch
Fantasie In C, Op.17: III. Langsam getragen. Durchweg leise zu halten
Piano Sonata No.9, Op.68 'Black Mass': Moderato quasi andante-Molto meno vivo-Allegro-Piu vivo-Allegro...
Poeme In F-Sharp Major, Op.32 No.1: Andante cantibile

Tracks:

Mazurka In C-sharp Minor, Op. 30. No. 4: Allegretto
Etude In F major, Op. 10 No. 8: Allegro
Ballade No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 23: Largo - Moderato - Meno mosso - Presto con fuoco
Serenade For The Doll. Allegro ma non troppo
Etude In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: Andante
Etude In A-Flat Major, Op. 72 No. 11: Presto e con leggierezza
Traumerei
Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K.331: I. Tema.Andante grazioso e variazioni
Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K. 331: II. Menuetto - Trio
Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K. 331: III. Rondo alla Turca
Polonaise-Fantaisie In A-Flat Major, Op. 61: Allegro maestoso

Tracks:

Mazurka In B minor, Op. 33 No. 4: Mesto
Nocturne In E Minor, Op. 72 No. 1: Andante
Piano Sonata No. 10, Op. 70: Moderato - Allegro - Puissant, radieux - Allegro - Piu vivo - Presto - Moderato
Piano Sonata In F Major, Hob. XVI: 23: I. Allegro
Piano Sonata In F Major, Hob. XVI: 23: II. Adagio
Piano Sonata In F Major, Hob. XVI: 23: III. Finale
Blumenstuck In D-Flat Major, Op. 19: Leise bewegt
L'ISLE JOYEUSE: Quasi una cadenza - Tempo.
Vallee d'Obermann: Lento assai - Piu lento - Un poco piu di moto ma sempre lento - Presto - Lento

Tracks:

Ballade No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 23: Largo - Moderato - Meno mosso - Presto con fuoco
Nocturne In F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1: Andante
Polonaise In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 44: Tempo di polacca - Doppio movimento, tempo di Mazurka - Tempo I
Sonata In E major, K 380 (L23): Andante commodo
Sonata In G major, K 55 (L335): Allegro
Arabeske In C Major, Op. 18: Leicht und zart
Etude In D-Sharp Minor, Op. 8 No. 12: Patetico
Traumerei
Variations On A Theme From Bizet's Opera 'Carmen'

Tracks:

Sonata In E-Flat Major, Op. 12 No. 2: III. Rondo
Adagio sostenuto In F Major
Sonata In B-Flat Major, Op. 25 No. 3: II. Rondo
Sonata In A Major, Op. 50 No. 1: II. Adagio
Corale Prelude 'Lch ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ'
Sonata In F-Sharp Major, K 319 (L35): Allegro
Sonata In G Major, K 260 (L124): Allegro
Sonata In C Major, HOB. XVI: 48: I. Andante con espressione
Sonata In C major, Hob. XVI:48: II. Rondo
Sonata No. 28 In A Major, Op. 101: I. Allegretto ma non troppo
Sonata No. 28 In A Major, Op. 101: II. Vivace alla Marcia
Sonata No. 28 In A Major, Op. 101: III. Adagio ma non troppo, con affetto - Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': I. Adagio sostenuto
II. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2'Moonlight': III. Presto agitato
Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein-Sonata': I. Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein-Sonata': II. Introduzione. Adagio molto - attacca
Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein-Sonata': III. Rondo. Allegro moderato - Prestissimo
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, 'Appassionata': I. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, 'Appassionata': II. Andante con moto -attacca
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, 'Appassionata': III. Allegro, ma non troppo - Presto

Tracks:

Mazurka in A minor, Op. 17 No. 4: Lento, ma non troppo
Etude in G-flat major, Op. 10 No. 5: Vivace
Introduction & Rondo In E-Flat Major, Op. 16: Introduzione. Andante - Rondo. Allegro vivace
Waltz in A minor, Op. 34 No. 2: Lento
Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op. 53: Maestoso
Mazurka in F-sharp minor, Op. 59 No. 3: Vivace
Mazurka in C-sharp minor, Op. 50 No. 3: Moderato
Mazurka in D-flat major, Op. 30 No. 3: Allegro non troppo
Mazurka in E minor, Op. 41 No. 2: Andantino
Mazurka in D major, Op. 33 No. 2: Vivace
Etude in C-sharp minor, Op. 10 No. 4: Presto
Etude in E major, Op. 10 No. 3: Lento, ma non troppo
Etude in C minor, Op. 10 No. 12: Allegro con fuoco
Prelidu In B Minor, Op. 28 No. 6: Lento assai

Tracks:

Posonaise in A major, Op. 40 No. 1: Allegro con brio
Prelude in D-flat major, Op. 28 No. 15: Sostenuto
Etude in E-flat minor, Op. 10 No. 6: Andante
Etude No. 2 in A-flat major from 'Trois Nouvelles Etudes': Allegretto
Mazurka In F Minor, Op. 7 No. 3
Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op. 64 No. 2: Tempo giusto
Variations On A Theme By Clara Wieck From Sonata No. 3 In F Minor,Op. 14: Andantino
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: I. Ausserst bewegt
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: II.Sehr innig
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: III. Sehr aufgeregt
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: IV. Sehr langsam
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: V. Sehr lebhaft
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VI. Sehr langsam
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VII. Sehr rasch
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VIII. Schnell und spielend

Tracks:

Impromptu In A-Flat Major Op. 90 (D899) No. 4: Allegretto
Impromptu In F Minor Op. 142 (D935) No. 1: Allegro moderato
Impromptu In A-Flat Major Op. 142 (935) No. 2: Allegretto
Impromptu In E-Flat Major Op. 90 (D899) No. 2: Allegro
Consolation In E Major S. 172 (R.12) No. 2
Pour les arpeges composes: Dolce e lusingando
La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune: Lent
Etude In A Minor Op. 104b No. 3: Allegro vivace
Scherzo & March S. 177 (R.20)

Tracks:

Feuillet d'album In E-Flat Major Op. 45 No. 1: Andante piacevole
Etude In F-Sharp Minor Op. 8 No. 2: A capriccio, con forza
Etude In B-Flat Minor Op. 8 No. 11: Andante cantabile
Etude In D-Flat Major Op. 8 No. 10: Allegro
Etude In A-Flat Major Op. 8 No. 8: Lento (Tempo rubato)
Etude In F-Sharp Major Op. 42 No 3: Prestissimo
Etude In F-Sharp Major Op. 42 No. 4: Andante
Etude In C-Sharp Minor Op. 42 No. 5: Affannato
Etude Op. 65 No. 3: Molto vivace
No. 1: Allegretto
2 Poemes Op. 69: No. 2: Allegretto
Vers la flamme Op. 72: Allegro moderato
Feuillet d'album Op. 58
Fairy Tale In A Major Op. 51 No. 3
Sonata No. 2 In B-Flat Minor Op. 36: I. Allegro agitato
Sonata No. 2 In B-flat, Minor, Op. 36: II. Non allegro
Sonata No. 2 In B-Flat Minor, Op. 36: III. Allegro molto
Prelude In G-Sharp Minor Op. 32 No. 12: Allegro
Moment musical In B Minor Op. 16 No. 3: Andante cantabile
Etude-Tableau In E-Flat Minor Op. 33 No. 5: Non allegro - Presto
Etude-Tableau In C Major Op. 33 No. 2: Allegro
Etude-Tableau In D Major Op. 39 No. 9: Allegro moderato (Tempo di Marcia)

Amazon.com

It may surprise you to learn that, despite his untouchable reputation with the public, Vladimir Horowitz enjoyed a certain dubious reputation with the critics. For many, he was the epitome of the witless virtuoso, all technique and vulgar display, and no brains. There was some truth in this to the extent that he really could be variable on record, but by general consensus his Masterworks recordings show him at his absolute best. Aside from his famous Carnegie Hall concerts from 1965, you get stunning performances of music by Schumann, Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin, Scriabin, and above all, Scarlatti--the composer that Horowitz, more than anyone, put back on the map for pianists the world over. A great set. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Horowitz: good. Amazon: good. Sony Classical: BAD........2004-05-24

I bought this set in December, and because I have so many classical CD's (more than 300), it took me 5 months to realize that the set contained TWO volume 8's and NO volume 9's. Worried that it might be too late, I e-mailed Amazon. Their first reply was that the replacement was already on its way (with return shipping paid for as well). Wow, that was a relief!

When I got the new set, I decided to study it closely and make sure that everything was good. It turns out that several of the discs (in both sets) had holes through the aluminum reflective layer -- which seemed to be because it was too thin to begin with. One disc was cracked, and another looked like the aluminum was "rotting out" on the edge. You would think that for $230, Sony Classical would put more quality into their discs. So what good is "Super Bit Mapping" and "High Definition Remastering" if the discs are so cheap that the player will misread the data? And I don't have much confidence that the discs will last many years, either.

Fortunately I got to pick the best discs from the 2 sets, so I won't need to replace this one for another. But I certainly lost respect for Sony Classical.

And kudos to you Amazon; you're really looking out for your customers!

ARE YOU CRAZY RICH OR CRAZY STUPID?.......2002-08-25

Why would any one in the right mind plunk down [money] for 13 CDS by the same pianist? Is it so you can brag about owning 11 years' worth of the same old thing? Or did you get it as a gift designed to impress but not really to listened to? Now you could probably get [money] for it whether you used it or not. Columbia Masterworks should have brought along new and younger talent. For my bet I can't think of many American pianists who are currently recording. Do we have to recycle Schumann, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, Scriabin, and others over and over? This is the Twenty-first Century. We should at least be thinking of Twentieth Century piano works. I can get 10 CDs by 10 pianists currently recording if I look to Europe.

merely spectacular!.......2001-03-10

I've only had this set about a week and have already indulged three complete listenings; it's a gold mine! - the power of preaching is persuasive in the Temple of Horowitz! I'm taken aback by the unity and continuity of sonics, an excellent and remarkable display of high engineering art. Everything important is here (almost! I wish some of the Scriabin Preludes had been included). There are sketches of incomparable pianism and supreme intelligence in these discs: Liszt's 'Vallee d'Obermann', and the Consolations; Debussy's 'L'isle joyeux' - so 'russian playing french'! - Scriabin's 'Vers le flamme' and the Black Mass sonata - one simply can't climb out of the volcano, it's terrifying and beautiful! - and the Scarlatti and Chopin. Only Gilels approaches Horowitz's indigenous understanding of Chopin. In the course of thirteen discs the glory can start to crash in around you, but at the last moment of endurance along comes 'Serenade of the Doll', or one of the Consolations. The Bach-Busoni is cerebral and fine. Horowitz gets rapped for the wrong romanticism - it's the romanticism of artistic intelligence that his art claims! I love that famous C clunker at the beginning of the Bach-Busoni in the Return to Carnegie Hall recital; more than that, I appreciate how Horowitz played his public pride in it, no retouches, etc. Shrewd, and very real, I think. He was a pianist of enormous humility on the inside, so completely knowing of his gifts - one of the reason his playing was something special. He possessed the often disregarded ability to stand completely outside his playing and admire it as one might a beautiful woman, with complete humility. It affords us the privilege of reaping joy after joy of a remarkable art the likes of which will surely stand true for a long time. 200 bucks is a lot of money, I probably would have thought it too much for the convenience of a collection; I'm glad someone else didn't feel that way, and gave me the set! - now I find it curiously too clever a package to be considered merely a consolidation of recordings into a 'set' - there is something indefinably congruent about these recordings. They fit together with harmonious intent, and shine and shadow the land with a marvelous music. Highest recommendation without reservation.

I have never regretted buying this..........2000-08-22

Considering that this set is devoted to a single instrument played by one artist in a 12-year period, the depth is mind-blowing. If variety is the spice of life, than this set is a very warming set indeed.

For the most part, Horowitz communicates a deep respect for the specific style of each composer: his Scarlatti is done articulately and without any smear with the pedal. His Liszt is demonic. His Rachmaninov is dazzling, with all of the "superfluous" notes (!) and Russian virtuosity in tact. Horowitz's Schumann is sensitive, passionate and Romantic.

And then there are his interpretations of Chopin. To me, Vladimir Horowitz is one of Chopin's best ambassadors. In particular, I draw attention to the Polonaise-Fantaisie in Vol. 3 and the mazurkas and etudes of Vol. 7.

For a good summary of this collection, listen to Vol. 4, "The Legendary 1968 TV Concert." Applause is omitted between selections, and the repertoire is tailored to Horowitz's pianistic gifts.

The first disc of Vol. 3 (Including the Bach-Busoni Toccata and the Schumann Fantasy) is not top-notch piano-playing... It's a little sloppy and inaccurate. I'm sure there are other minor slips elsewhere in this collection, but here they are most obviously seen.

Regardless, this collection is a MUST for Horowitz fans. Save up your money little by little and go and buy it. It is truly the most rewarding purchase of classical music I have ever made.

The greatest 20th Cent. pianist at his best!.......2000-04-15

If you were to take a set of piano music from only one performer to a desert island, this would be the set. Vladimir Horowitz was a pianist of incredible, almost unique, technical prowess capable of creating wonderful piano textures and tone colorings, and possessing his own dark, distinctive sound on a wonderful Steinway he had transported to each of his concerts or studio recording sessions. Of almost limitless ability, he suffered criticism from music critics because he severely limited his performing repertoire and stayed away from the concert stage for several prolonged periods because of his terrible insecurity and stagefright. He was especially criticized in his early years for bravura performances which were brilliant, but loud and not always tasteful. He was known for giving his enthralled audiences what they wanted, but it should be remembered that he championed Scarlatti and almost single-handedly brought him back into the performing world from near-oblivion, and it was Horowitz who premiered several important works by twentieth century composers such as Barber and Khatchaturian. He kept the works of the mysterious and exotic Alexander Scriabin from disappearing from piano benches in the conservatories, and he created some of the most imaginative and thrilling encore transcriptions ever heard in the concert hall. In later years, his repertoire expanded and he played some wonderful Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven, much of which is featured in this set. The highlight of this disc collection from the early 60's through about 1973 is the historic return concert at Carnegie Hall in 1965. After a self-imposed exile from public performing for 12 years, he made this famous recital which is one of the most memorable in the history of recorded piano performance. Although he made several nerve-induced mistakes in the opening Bach piece, he settled down quickly and delivered a thrilling performance, highlighted, for me, at least, by the Chopin Ballade in G minor, which took away my breath and featured one of the most dazzling climaxes I have ever heard on a piano. His incredible performance possessed a youthful vitality which belied his 62 years. Throughout the other discs in this set one hears Horowitz at his best: still technically awesome yet more musically mature and capable of producing little miracles from pieces well-known, and less-known. No longer pandering to the expectations of the audience, he gave as his encore at the Carnegie Hall return concert, a precious, child-like Traumerei from Kinderszenen. The Schumann featured on these discs includes some of the most beautiful offerings available anywhere of this composer, including a wonderful Fantasy in C and perhaps the best performance ever on record of Kreisleriana. The Schubert impromptus are little miracles, and the Debussy that's thrown in makes us fantasize about the other French music he could have given us! His wonderful Chopin reminds us there are other views besides Rubinstein's to this most-important-of-all piano literature, and his Rachmaninoff is glorious. Performing into his eighties, he was a wonder of music and the 13 discs offered here give a personal record of a dazzling career from his very best years. It might be pointed out that several pieces are offered more than once in the set as they were recorded in several concerts and studio sessions and it is interesting to hear the differences in his performances. One might wish that his piano oeuvre had included more composers and a wider range of pieces, but this collection certainly highlights the work he was best known for, including as it does the various Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Liszt, Schumann, Scarlatti, Scriabin, Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Clementi, and Beethoven gems he was noted for throughout his long career. Anyone loving the piano, or just beautiful music must hear these discs!

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music