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Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 in E flat "Eroica" - New York Philharmonic; Leonard Bernstein

Posted By : waldstein | Date : 18 Jul 2009 18:58:23 | Comments : 6

Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 in E flat major Op. 55 "Eroica" + How A Great Symphony Was Written
New York Philharmonic Orchestra; Leonard Bernstein
Classical | 1 CD | EAC Rip | 305 Mb | FLAC+LOG+M3U No cue | Scans | 4 RS links
Publisher: Sony Classical

“Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Just what was the Leonard Bernstein phenomenon all about? This disc--part of Sony's ongoing series of reissued performances from the conductor's years with the New York Philharmonic--goes a long way toward recapturing at least two aspects of his protean musical career. Bernstein's astonishing powers of communication as both conductor and teacher permeate this account of the landmark Eroica Symphony (recorded in one day in 1964 under legendary producer John McClure); filling out the disc is a lengthy excerpt from his broadcast discussion of the work, "How a Great Symphony Was Written." The charismatic rapport between Bernstein and his New York colleagues crackles with live-wire intensity. Throughout, the sense of excitement in bringing Beethoven's untamable profusion of ideas to life is unjaded... 		”
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Mussorgsky: Scenes from Boris Godunov; Pictures at an Exhibition; London; Schippers; Ormandy

Posted By : waldstein | Date : 10 Jul 2009 19:25:53 | Comments : 6

Modest Mussorgsky: Scenes from Boris Godunov - George London, bass; Columbia Symphony Orchestra and Chorus; Thomas Schippers; Pictures at an Exhibition (orch. M. Ravel) - The Philadelphia Orchestra; Eugen Ormandy
Classical | 1 CD | EAC Rip | 376 Mb | FLAC+LOG+M3U+Cue | RS links
Publisher: Sony Classical


“At last, Sony offers a domestic reissue of the finest recording of Pictures at an Exhibition in the history of the universe. Well, okay, there are other terrific versions, including Reiner (RCA) and Abbado (DG), but this one has everything--great playing and a big, gutsy interpretation that not only characterizes each section beautifully but also welds the suite together into an extremely satisfying whole. The panoramic final pages, from the start of the tolling bell section, have no peer in terms of detail and sheer sonic splendor, and this is one of the best-sounding recordings that Ormandy and Philly ever got from Sony. So the bottom line is that if you don't own this and you love the work, you need it, and urgently. To be fair, I understand why reissuing it wasn't a priority: Sony has other, excellent versions of the piece, including Bernstein's and Szell's; but even among an embarrassment of riches this is the one to have.
- David Hurwitz		”
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Holst: The Planets Op. 32; Elgar: Enigma Variations Op. 36 - Karajan (Holst); Monteux (Elgar)

Posted By : waldstein | Date : 10 Jul 2009 12:41:12 | Comments : 7

Gustav Holst: The Planets Op. 32 - Wiener Philharmoniker; Wiener Staatsopernchor; Herbert von Karajan
Edward Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op.36 "Enigma" - London Symphony Orchestra; Pierre Monteux
Classical | 1 CD | EAC v0.99pb4 Rip | 405 Mb | FLAC+LOG+M3U+Cue | Full Scans | RS links
Publisher: Decca

“First ever Wiener Philharmoniker recording of “The Planets”, a favorite of Imogen Holst, plus a benchmark recording of Elgar’s Enigma Variations.”

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Franz Liszt: A Faust Symphony - Boston Symphony Orchestra; Tangelwood Festival Chorus; Leonard Bernstein

Posted By : waldstein | Date : 30 Jun 2009 06:32:03 | Comments : 4

Franz Liszt: A Faust Symphony - Kenneth Reigel, tenor; Boston Symphony Orchestra; Tangelwood Festival Orchestra;
Leonard Bernstein conductor
Classical | 1 CD | EAC Rip V 0.99 prebeta 4 | 348 Mb | FLAC+LOG+M3U+Cue | Full scans | Rs links
Publisher: Deutsche Grammophon

“Grand Prix du Disque 1978
Grand Prix International du Disque Liszt (Budapest) 1978
”
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Franz Liszt: A Faust Symphony - Budapest Festival Orchestra and Hungarian Radio Chorus; Iván Fischer

Posted By : waldstein | Date : 30 Jun 2009 06:31:59 | Comments : 4

Franz Liszt: A Faust Symphony,S108 - Hans-Peter Blochwitz, tenor; Budapest Festival Orchestra; Hungarian Radio Chorus; Iván Fischer
Classical | 1 CD | EAC Rip V0.99 prebeta 4 | 278 Mb | FLAC+LOG+M3U+Cue | Scans included | 4shared links
Publisher: Philips

“Ivan Fischer’s latest Budapest Festival bull’s-eye realizes the full breadth of Liszt’s vision, focusing to near-perfection Faust’s anguish (starting with the Allegro impetuoso at 2'28''), Gretchen’s tender modulations (try from 3'38'' on track 2) and the cynical thematic transformations that keep Mephistopheles alive and kicking. It is, above all, a profoundly authentic – or should I say authentically ‘lived’ – production, consistently animated (lightning shifts from piano to forte and back again are meticulously gauged), vividly recorded (note the tuba’s presence at 3'06'' into track 1) and with heavily scored tutti passages granted maximum impact...
For me, Fischer’s Faust Symphony is a clear front runner – more spontaneous than Rattle’s, more agile than Bernstein’s and better focused than Sinopoli’s.
Reviewed: Gramophone 4/1998
”
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Rachmaninov: Symphonies 1-3; Piano Concerto 1-4; Isle of Dead; Symphonic Dances - M. Rudy, St. Petersburg PhO, M. Jansons

Posted By : waldstein | Date : 27 Jun 2009 13:03:16 | Comments : 5

Sergei Rachmaninov: Symphonies 1-3; Piano Concerto 1-4; Isle of Dead; Symphonic Dances -
Mikhail Rudy, piano; St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra; Mariss Jansons, conductor
Classical | 6 CDs | EAC Rip V0.99 prebeta 4 | 1,54 Gb | FLAC+LOG+M3U No cue | Full scans | 4shared links
Publisher: EMi Classics

“David Hurwitz on Symphony No. 3 & Symphonic Dances
One of the great Rachmaninov recordings ever made, these accounts of the Third Symphony and Symphonic Dances by Mariss Jansons and the St. Petersburg Philharmonic recall the heady days of Mravinsky and the (then-named) Leningraders at their finest--only in top-quality sound. The whiplash strings in the second movement of the Symphonic Dances, hair-trigger discipline in the same work's outer movements, and the razor-sharp modernity that Jansons brings to the Third Symphony all combine to make this reissue irresistible. There are too many memorable moments to list here, but the central section of the Third Symphony's slow movement, full of mordant wit, and the rhythmically thrilling ending of the Symphonic Dances come immediately to mind. If you missed this issue the first time, don't let it pass by again. It belongs in every serious record collection. [5/7/2004]
”
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Mozart: Piano concertos Nos. 17, 20, 21, 23, 24 - Rubinstein; RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra; Krips; Wallenstein

Posted By : waldstein | Date : 26 Jun 2009 14:32:46 | Comments : 7

W. A. Mozart: Concertos for Piano and Orchestra No. 17 K. 453; No. 20 K. 466; No. 21 K. 467; No. 23 K. 488; No. 24 K. 49 -
Artur Rubinstein, piano; RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra; Alfred Wallenstein and Josef Krips, conductors
Classical | 2 CDs | EAC V0.99 prebeta 3 Rip | 720 Mb | FLAC+LOG+M3U No cue | Full scans | RapidShare links
Publisher: RCA/BMG

“Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
It's a shame Rubinstein didn't record more of Mozart's music, for his obvious affinity for the composer shines through these 1958-1960 stereo recordings of five concertos. Rubinstein's Mozart is forthright--he refuses to sentimentalize by swooning over the music's beauties or to indulge in larger-than-life playing that would rupture its classical framework. Even in the famous Andante of the 21st Concerto, his melting legato traces the curve of the melody without excess. Moderation was his byword, so while there are times one could wish for over-the-top risk taking--a more unbuttoned Allegro of the K. 453, a tad more melodrama in the first movement of the K. 466, some extra sizzle in the outer movements of K. 488--what we have is built to last for the long term. These are performances you can't get tired of. There's a general sense of rightness about tempo choices, and everything, from the singing tone to the exquisite phrasing to the perfectly managed transitions, reflects a master pianist playing music he feels deeply. The accompaniments are fine and the transfers significantly improved over past issues.
--Dan Davis
”
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Richard Strauss. Don Juan; Death and Transfiguration; Rosenkavalier Suite - New York Philharmonic; Lorin Maazel

Posted By : waldstein | Date : 24 Jun 2009 17:29:00 | Comments : 5

Richard Strauss. Don Juan; Death and Transfiguration; Dance of the Seven Veils; Rosenkavalier Suite - New York Philharmonic; Lorin Maazel
Classical | 1 CDs | EAC Rip | 359 Mb | FLAC+LOG+Cue+MD5 | Full scans | RS Links
Publisher: Deutsche Grammophon

“Lorin Maazel usually is a very good Strauss conductor, and he's at his best in these live recordings. He launches Don Juan with considerable gusto, and only the quiet passage before the famous horn theme sounds as if it could move a bit more purposefully forward. The orchestra plays extremely well, as it does in Death and Transfiguration, an interpretation full of excitement and (at the end) exaltation, and without a trace of the affectation that sometimes mars Maazel's work. The truth is, he has such a fine podium technique that it sometimes seems he does things because he can, rather than because he should--but not here. This performance, and the smoldering, sultry, deliciously trashy Salomé's Dance, are the disc's highlights. The Rosenkavalier Suite closes the program in ebullient fashion, though the music itself isn't quite so much fun as the other items on the program. The live sonics are good, a touch raw at the climaxes, but very acceptable. I do wish, though, that the applause had been edited out. Recommended.
-David Hurwitz
”
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G. Mahler: Symphony No. 6; Kindertotonlieder; Rückert Lieder; C. Ludwig; Berliner Philharmnoniker; H. von Karajan

Posted By : waldstein | Date : 13 Jun 2009 13:43:55 | Comments : 5

Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 6 in A minor; Kindertotenlieder; Rückert Lieder; Christa Ludwig, mezzosoprano; Berliner Philharmoniker; Herbert von Karajan
Classical | 2 CDs | EAC Rip | 605 Mb | FLAC+LOG+CUE | Full scans |7 RS links
Publisher: Deutsche Grammophon

“Karajan's reading of the Sixth, the darkest symphony of Mahler, is a revelation... the combination of polish, rhythmic point and flexibility make for a reading that has both concentration over the broadest span and consistent fantasy and imagination over detail. ..The recording is one of the very finest ever given to Karajan in Berlin, with ample range and richness.... a Mahler recording which sets new standards.
Gramophone (1978)
... magnificently prepared and executed; the orchestral playing is wonderfully beautiful, and the conductor's balancing of his vast forces is magisterially subtle... the controlled power of this account of the Sixth is enormous. Without that, the gorgeousness of the detail might have seemed cosmetic; but the strength of the framework is enough to carry it brilliantly. ..The Andante moderato, in particular, has a grandly sustained radiance that has probably never been matched.
Records and Recording (1978)
”
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Beethoven: The Five Piano Concertos; Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 25 - Leon Fleisher; The Cleveland Orchestra; George Szell

Posted By : waldstein | Date : 03 Jun 2009 20:11:18 | Comments : 6

Beethoven: Piano Concertos (complete) & Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 25, K. 503 -
Leon Fleisher, piano; The Cleveland Orchestra; George Szell, conductor
Classical | 3 CDs | EAC Rip | 888 Mb | FLAC+LOG+M3U+MD5 No cue | Full scans | 10 RS links
Publisher: CBS Masterworks

“The benchmark recording of Beethoven Piano concertos with incomparable Leon Fleisher and George Szell.
As one customer form amazon.com wrote: “This is an outstanding recording. Leon Fleischer and George Szell are a match made in heaven. The standouts in this collection are the Beethoven 4th and the Mozart 25th. George Szell was one of the absolute best conductors of concerti. The musicality and ensemble playing are flawless. The recording of the Mozart 25th is the best I've ever heard. Don't overlook one of Mozart's later masterpieces played so flawlessly. This particular work comes off best with a large modern orchestra,like the CSO, as opposed to a smaller ensemble. Great performances!”
Other reviews from Amazon.com
”
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Berlioz: Requiem Op. 5; Te Deum Op. 22; Orchestre de Paris; Bernstein; Barenboim (Op. 22)

Posted By : waldstein | Date : 28 May 2009 09:55:53 | Comments : 6

Berlioz: Requiem Op. 5; Te Deum Op. 22; Le choeur de l'Orchestre de Paris; Orchestre National de France; Orchestre de Paris; Bernstein; Barenboim (Op. 22)
Classical | 2CD | EAC Rip | 487 Mb | FLAC+LOG+M3U No cue | Full scans |6 RS links
Publisher: CBS Masterworks

“Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Berlioz' Requiem needs a performance of spontaneous brilliance and almost manic intensity to come off. The reason is simple. The big movements--the Dies Irae sequence and Lachrymosa--use a huge chorus and a full orchestra including four brass bands (stationed in the four corners of the concert hall), eight sets of timpani (10 players), and additional percussion. After that, everything else sounds anti-climatic, unless the conductor somehow manages to keep the tension flowing through the quiet (and, let's not kid ourselves, dull) bits. Leonard Bernstein certainly manages the impossible, though God only knows how he does it. The recording helps--it really captures a sense of large forces in a big space, while projecting the aura of mystery that the intimate moments need if they're going to work. --David Hurwitz		”
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Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2 in E minor op. 57 - Royal Philharmonic; Andre Previn

Posted By : waldstein | Date : 21 May 2009 12:45:10 | Comments : 3

Sergei Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2 in E minor op. 57 - Royal Philharmonic; Andre Previn
Classical | 1CD | EAC Rip FLAC | 240 Mb | LOG+M3U No cue | 4shared.com links
Publisher: Telarc

“Andre Previn’s name has become synonymous with the work. In this, his latest version, the interpretation is more daringly expansive and slower to evolve than ever before - he takes nearly eight minutes longer than the more urgent Ashkenazy on Decca - but ultimately the conviction of the performance wins through. The playing is a delight -sample the clarinet solo in the long adagio, surely one of the loveliest tunes ever written, critics notwithstanding! With a generous ambience, natural balance, and 'bloom' so characteristic of Telarc productions, the recording perfectly complements the performance.
Peter Herring, Classical Music on Compact Disc
”
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Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf, Op. 67, Lieutenant Kije - suite; etc - S. Connery; A. Dorati

Posted By : waldstein | Date : 14 May 2009 20:49:23 | Comments : 6

Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf; Lieutenant Kijé Suite; Britten: Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra
Narrated by Sean Connery; Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Antal Dorati
Classical | 1CD | EAC RIP | FLAC+LOG+M3u No CUE | Full scans| 312 Mb | RS Links
Publisher: DECCA/London

“...Why should you buy this recording as opposed to the others on the market though? Well, First there is Dorati- who puts all the dance, gaitey and life into these pieces that are necessary. They sing, they dance, all because of Dorati's expertise with ballet-music. He also gets top-notch playing for the Lt. Kije Suite as well. Secondly, SEAN CONNERY- I laughed out loud when I first realized this icon of dialect was coupled with my favorite conductor on this CD, and later I was even more pleased at how well it worked.
You will surely enjoy both the expert playing, and the narrating of all of these purely fun, purely child-like pieces...
As for sound quality, don't expect too much. It's an old recording. But can anything match the joy of hearing Sean utter, "Birdie and I have caught the wolf"?
From: Amazon.com
”
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Johannes Brahms: Piano Concertos; Leon Fleisher, piano; The Cleveland Orchestra; George Szell

Posted By : waldstein | Date : 14 May 2009 18:53:00 | Comments : 6

JOHANNES BRAHMS: Piano Concerto No.1 in D minor; Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major; Variations & Fugue on a Theme by Handel; Waltzes Op. 39; Leon Fleisher (piano); The Cleveland Orchestra; George Szell
Classical | 2CD | EAC RIP | APE+LOG+M3U, No CUE | Full scans| 568 Mb | RS links
Publisher: Sony Classical- 63225

“The terms "classic" and "definitive", so overused that they are in danger of losing their meaning, absolutely apply to these recordings. The Fleisher/Szell Brahms Piano Concertos, recorded in 1958 and 1962, had not been available since their 1980s incarnation as Odyssey LPs. Now, in amazingly solid, vibrant remastered sound Sony has resurrected these mighty performances, which along with Fleisher's Beethoven concerto recordings, are vital documents of this pianist's early prowess - stunning technique, penetrating musicianship, and well-channeled passion. Szell's fiery, tempestuous reading of the Piano Concerto No. 1's orchestral score (with a riled up Cleveland Orchestra) has never been surpassed, let alone equaled, not even by Szell himself in his subsequent recordings. Fleisher and Szell present the Second Concerto in a grandly classical manner, relating it to Beethoven's Emperor and avoiding the massiveness and bulk of some more recent interpretations. Here the pianist tellingly combines wit and intelligence with a powerful sense of urgency. The same goes for the appended Waltzes and Handel Variations from 1956, which Fleisher plays with such brilliance that we can't wait for the next passage. Sony has jettisoned the original cardboard packaging for the more sturdy jewel box, hence this new review. Whether paper or plastic, get these great performances while you still can
- Victor Carr; Classicstoday.com
”
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Posted by :: Alex | Date :: Aug 20, 2008 19:05:00 | [ 34 comments ]


Karajan in Moscow - Vol. 2: Bach, Shostakovich

Posted By : waldstein | Date : 08 May 2009 21:19:34 | Comments : 7

Karajan in Moscow Vol. 2 - Bach: Brandemburg concerto No. 1; Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10
Classical| 1CD | EAC V.099 prebeta 3 RIP | 351 Mb | FLAC+ M3U+LOG+MD5 No CUE | Full scans | Rapidshare links
Publisher: Melodya| Language: Russian, English

“The second concert was devoted to Bach's Brandemburg Concerto No. 1 and Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony. The orchestra’s commitment was astonishing. Mariss Jansons would recall: “They played at two hundred percent capacity. It was unbelievable”. Shostakovich joined Karajan and the orchestra on stage afterwards, obviously moved by the performance and reception he received. For Karajan, it was possibly the proudest moment of his life... To conductor who would to have been Shostakovich, these things mattered.”

From Richard Osborne’s book: “Herbert von Karajan – A Life in Music”; Pimlico 1999.
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