Classical music reviews

This recording of Die Zauberflote is probably the best I've heard. It has definitely encouraged me to research more of Ferenc Fricsay's work. He has a wonderful feel for Mozart, and the cast of singers is outstanding. For my ears, Dieskau is perfect for the role of papageno. His beautiful pure sound is the ideal for the buffo character of papageno. The queen of the night is by far the best I've ever heard, and I'm sorry for those of you that are hardcore Sumi Jo fans, but she simply doesn't measure up. The orchestra is wonderful, the dialogue is done tastefully and is a very charming approach for this opera. The only reason it receives 4 stars is because of Greindl. He is, in a sense, very good for the part of the stout sarastro, but his sound really gets on my nerves. The aria/chorus, 'O Isis und Osiris' is, however, a desceptively difficult aria, and few people have been able to pull it off well (I don't particularly like Klemperer's rendition either). Perhaps I'm biased because I, myself am a bass/baritone, but I would really love to hear someone do this aria beautifully, because it really is gorgeous. However, I think this recording is all-around the best I've heard of Zauberflote, and it is an absolute joy to listen to over and over again. I highly recommend it.

This performance takes into account all the philosophical aspects of the opera without neglecting its pure enjoyment.Fricsay�s fast tempi never forget the force and precision of each note and they contribute to achieve a delightful freshness.Everything is vivid and full of charm.
The casting, albeit not ideal, is always competent, and sometimes sublime. Haefliger is a youthful, heroic Tamino. Dieskau's voice is an immense pleasure, although I think his singing is too elaborate for Papageno's rural naivety.And Streich... just listen to her outstanding Queen of the Night.
She makes one's hair stand on end.
If you don�t have it, it�s just unforgivable.

This is a delightful recording that captures the magic of Die Zauberfloete like no other. All of the performances are strong, but Rita Streich's Queen of the Night alone is worth the price of the set. She is simply astounding.

I have both the highlights and the full recording of this version of Figaro. For some reason, though, Amazon doesn't seem to carry the full version, which is too bad. This is one of the few operas I actually think needs the recitiatives.
Anyway, so since the acting doesn't matter too much on a highlights version I won't get into that. The singing is very good, in fact I think it's probably the best version of Figaro out there. The only exception is in regards to Gundula Janowitz's performance of Dove Sono, which seems to be very ill-suited to her voice. The rest of her part is done beautifully. I also think it's sad that Marcellina's aria was left off, since that is always one of my favorite songs and I will never intentionally buy a recording where it has not been included, but due to how frequently it gets cut, I am not surprised.
Anyway, I recommend the highlights version if you are after something you can listen to in the car and don't want to bother with a full three disc set. For all other purposes I would advise you to track down the full-length recording, which is definitely worth it.

as many of the others...because that one song that echoed over the courtyard of Shawshank Prison grabbed me. So, I looked in the credits and discovered this. OK, so it's just the highlights, but it's an AMAZING album from start to finish. Presented with passion, humanity, and sometimes even humor. Sometimes opera will drive me up the wall when I don't like one of the singer's voices, but this one has a wonderful collection of talent, and is very easy to listen to.

This recording is fantastic. Bohm is a lively, exciting conductor who can also make one wet-eyed in the final scene. Prey has the perfect blend of mischievousness and richness of sound for Figaro's character, and he is well-matched by Edith Mathis as Susanna who is delightful and full-voiced. Gundola Janowitz as the Countess is also amazing, and her "Dove sono" is really moving. Fischer-Dieskau is a powerful Count, too. Troyanos (Cherubino) is beyond praise and her "Voi che sapete" ranks with Frederica von Stade. The sound quality is crisp and clear, and the selections are good, though I wish the sextet "Riconosci in questo amplesso" was included. In all, great!!!

I have to agree totally with Coals to Newcastle: this is just a perfect recording. All the voices are excellent, the orchestra, the conductor, everything. But did we forget the music? Sparkling, inspiring, simply wonderful Mozart!

I also agree about Thomas Hampson's Almaviva. Lecherous, sweet, angry, just perfect!

Let me join the crowd and toss on another 5-star recommendation. Others have mentioned the beauty of the voices, but what satisfied me with this recording was the overall beauty of both the sound and the product. The quality of the recording could not be higher, and the MET Orchestra is simply sublime. If you, like many, consider "Figaro" to be the perfect opera, you might well consider this to be the perfect recording of it. The physical product (CD + libretto + box) is of the highest quality, too. A real winner, this!

James Levine's opera recordings with the Metropolitan Opera forces were often compromised by weak casting or sluggish conducting. But that's not the case with this FIGARO. The cast is good all around (Furlanetto's voice is a bit rough, as always, but he doesn't let the side down), and Levine's conducting is really excellent -- on a big, grand scale, and with the balance of comedy and seriousness that this opera needs. One especially nice thing about Levine's conducting is that he allows the brass and timpani to be clearly heard and make a powerful impact, unlike many conductors in this opera (Solti being the worst offender). The sound is generally fine, with a good voice-orchestra balance. This could well be a first choice for a recording of FIGARO with no major weaknesses and many strengths.

This is just about the best money I've ever spent on music. I love Eschenbach's interpretations: tenderness and emotional intimacy in spades---and dazzling effects without self-consciousness or "athletic" display of technique. I would say that he "lets Mozart be Mozart," except that these interpretations have so much personality that Eschenbach's own life-energy must be coming through. I just think that his own personality complements Mozart's perfectly.

I've searched the world over for a box set of all of Mozart's piano sonatas that I liked. The first one I heard was the Glenn Gould version, which in retrospect was not so smart. I like his playing but he hums into the mic during the recording. Real smart.

Anyways, Eschenbach plays these with all the virtuosity and feeling they demand. My favorite piano sonata is Mozart's 12th and he plays it flawlessly; the only thing remotely lacking is that he doesn't quite dig in as much as Alicia de la Roccha does when she plays it on the Allegro movement, but he more than makes up for it with his playing on the Adagio movement.

If it's not your cup of tea it might be worthwhile getting the de la Roccha box set, but personally I think the Eschenbach recording is the best out of all of them.

As I remember, Eschenbach's DGG recording of the Mozart sonatas didn't make a big splash when it was released. Maybe another set of these familiar works wasn't what the reviewers wanted to hear at that time. However, repeated listenings over the past three decades have borne out that these are indeed fine performances, with certain among my favorites. The recording is rather close-up, which suits Eschenbach's generally crisp and bold style. Haven't heard the CDs, but the LPs had the typical DGG bass-shyness of the period. However, lack of thunderous bass is hardly fatal to Mozart piano works.

Listeners may want to investigate a new set by Elizabeth Rich being released on Connoisseur Society. The first two CDs are outstanding, with that company's beautiful recorded sound to boot.

Now an afterthought: In connection with the review I posted in February 2003, I am happy to report that the bass-shyness I noted on the LPs is NOT a problem on the CDs. Apparently good, solid bass was present on the original tapes, but DGG cut it back, as they did on many of their piano recordings of that era.

So I would recommend Eschenbach's CD set heartily. Further, Elizabeth Rich's set on Connoisseur Society is now complete, and no one will regret owning that one as well. (Unfortunately, it's at full price, expensive even on the Web.)

After the other reviewer's comments about the notes, I decided to read them and, yes, they are indeed kind of ditzy. I suspect that the translator is at least partly at fault.

Some of the best vocals of any recording. Mystic Harp has a pleasent beat, but it is the powerful vocals that seperate it from similar recordings.

It is soothing, relaxing, regenerating collection of Music I have found. I can read while listening to this CD, I often go to sleep with the music.
I so wanted to hear Derek Bell when he was alive. The sorrow of the Chieftains is very evident. He was a good and great person in life as well as music. I found harp music too late, but we can all still enjoy Derek Bell's music.

This artist will open a new chapter in your life. I reach for this CD after a long day at the office. The music is a blend of classical, new age. Deeply moving, these songs give you a moment to reflect on love and to explore your inner self. If you play piano, this is a worthy investment. Let "Mystic Harp", melt your stress, and be lifted instantly.

I love this recording for its thought-provoking selections. I wouldn't suggest reading while you listen, you'll get too distracted. Maybe a long soak in the bath and a nice glass of wine. It's great for thinking things over. If I have a criticism, it's the odd themes from Dvorak, Copland, Vaughn Williams and Verdi. Playing just a taste of a theme from something doesn't satisfy. But the Bach, Kilar, Espere and the rest are wonderful.

Every time I find myself awake past midnight, I listen to this CD. It does indeed have that "three-in-the-morning feel". I'm not a classical music buff but every piece on Night Tracks is well-chosen and played beautifully. No matter I stressed out I may feel, this CD never fails to relax me and fill me with peace and tranquility --- I can't recommend it highly enough. The album cover is striking and moody.

This is by far one of my favorite cd's to listen to at the end of a long day. Especially in the winter months curled up by a fire and a good book.

This is a very interesting album released by the canadian duo Danna & Clement.North of Niagara was inspired by Canada's oldest footpath, the one called Bruce Trail.Well, I 've never been there but this music evokes in me colorful pictures of winter and fall; it makes me dream of magenta seas and gives me a clue of what this particular landscape is like.Who said that music can't talk?... Really nice work.I love it. :-)

It's been almost eight years from the time I first heard "Cootes Paradise" on a Hearts of Space compilation to actually buying the album it comes from, but I'm glad I didn't do it earlier as this CD will now remind me of the 2005/2006 transition, a time of contemplation, winter's chill and optimism that this music reflects perfectly.

I enjoy the synthesizer-produced ambient tracks more than the piano pieces (other than "Cootes Paradise," which is remarkable in its minimalism), with "Ravensview" and "Green River Formation" being two gems in particular that I wish were longer than just a few minutes.

"Remember Summer" seems out of place as it is more heavily layered and structured than the other tracks, and includes an accordian which unfortunately gives it the feel of a 1950s Parisian cafe, but it's still listenable. The slide guitar of both this track and "Crawford Lake" are less intrusive than on the Danna album "Sirens" where they take on an almost Hawaiian sound.

I've had this album in my car's CD player for over two months now and listen to at least part of it every day -- normally I grow bored with music after this much air time and might not listen to it for months or even years after, but I've yet to have that happen with "North of Niagara." Somehow it seems to fit every environment or mood I'm in, and it will stay on heavy rotation.

"Silent Lake" was the name of the HOS program where I first met this recording. Although concurring with the general feeling of melancholia addressed by other reviewers, I always saw this audio landscape as more of a reflection of solitude, amplified by the subdued ambient wilderness sounds, much as one would hear along the Bruce Trail.

Of the tracks, "Remember Summer" strikes a particular chord with me. The steel guitar of Kim Deschamps and Gene Goral's accordian add to the reflective nature of the piece.

Highly recommended.

An outstanding piece of music. During certain passages of "Her Knees Deep In Your Mind" and "The Vanished Gardens of Cordoba", when the woodwinds and strings converge on one sustained, unwavering note, to then shift into its minor key... the music seems to almost lift you off the ground. There are many subtleties in these songs, which are crafted very delicately; with counterpoint, codettas, and many classical elements. What a wonderful composer Ray Lynch is!

Complex patterns and harmonies. Humor. Drama. And much much more in this music. Listening is like eating a Cordon Bleu meal. Feast your ears on this one. Talk about satisfaction. Yum!

Relative to non-Ray Lynch music, this CD defintly earned a 5 (which is why I gave it one.) However, if you have not already, I would buy Deep Breakfast or No Blue Thing before this one. For some reason I just like them better. Overall though it is a great CD. Ray Lynch is a great musician and I own all his CDs (expect volume 1, since I already have most of the tracks.)

first off, i am a jazz fan, seldom listen to classical music. however, i came across this music purely by random luck. how lucky i was, this music is amazing. i do not know much about classical music so cannot provide you with the nice comments ala the rest of the reviewers on this board. however, from a jazz fan perspective, this is some truly virtuoso performance. the music is complex yet extremely fun and emotinal to listen to. although the music was recorded over 40 years ago, the quality of the reproduction to CD was fantastic. also, i must mention the chicago symphony was GREAT. my guess is, without the CSO, the impact of this music may be much diminished. great CD, must buy!!!

Did David Bowie steal the themes from Rachmaninoff #2 or did Rach steal them from Davey Jones?

In the chancy business of recording piano concertos, there are so many requirements that it is rare to find a total success. Sometimes pianist and conductor are not in rapport. Aural balancing is sometimes faulty. Interpretation might be valid in parts but lacking in overall perception. The sound spectrum might be limited or distorted.

Several playings of this CD, kindly recommended by a Texas friend, leave me unable to fault it in any way. In the Rachmaninov, the outer movements proceed at an unhurried pace allowing both lyricism and excitement to register, with a poetic account of the second movement separating them. I cannot recall a performance so effective. So architecturally perfect is the Cliburn/Reiner account of the Beethoven "Emperor" Concerto (the one that pianists tell me is the more difficult of the two to play) that it would be misleading to point to any details. This is truly a great recording of the century.

The remastering of these Chicago recordings from the early 1960s is yet another total success.

I took this new CD on holiday through France last week and it was the only one to make it from the car into the apartment. True, it is relaxing but what is unusual is the attention to detail in all aspects.

The compositions are well written and played. Uncluttered, but never dull or simplistic, this solo piano music is not only good to sit and relax to but is an equally good accompaniment to cooking and dining.

After a couple of plays the tracks develop their own character and I especially liked "I'll See You in Heaven".

Not a play-once CD. It's well written, well played and well produced. Recommended.

Your thoughts can soar whilst listening to these piano solos, it relieves your mind.
Reflection has a life in it, which you never tire of.
Parastoo takes you over the shiny mountains and shows you the beauties of life. (Just like the bird itself)
I could imagine heaven in the 6th track - "I'll Meet You in Heaven".
Toy Boats takes me near the beach where I try to bring out a yellow ship,
which is surrounded by other ships. (It's great)
21,is the age I'm entering very soon and I just thought the same.
(Beautiful)
My favorite is Holidays with granddad.
I think everybody needs to have Reflection CD in their house.
I wish you luck and am waiting for more from Piano Solos.

As a fitness center owner and personal trainer I am always in need of quality music for our stretching, yoga, meditation, massages and cooldowns. I have used both of Matthew Feltons CD`s Impression, and Reflection as they seem to be class favorites as well as my own. There is something about the music that touches you, it has a pureness, listen and you will understand.