Suk, Josef

Average customer rating:

Loved "Summon the Heroes"
Inspirational music during awards
Rousing but....
Enjoyable romp through Olympic Themes
One of the most uplifting and motivating albums!!!

Summon the Heroes

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004WK4E
Release Date: 2000-08-29

Tracks:

Summon The Heroes - John Williams/Boston Pops Orchestra
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna - Tanglewood Festival Chorus/John Oliver
Bugler's Dream/Olympic Fanfare And Theme - John Williams/Boston Pops Orchestra
Canto Olympico: Ode To Zeus - Tanglewood Festival Chorus/John Oliver
Javelin - John Williams/Boston Pops Orchestra
Olympic Hymn - Tanglewood Festival Chorus/John Oliver
Festive Overture, Op.96 - John Williams/Boston Pops Orchestra
Conquest Of Paradise (Theme) - Tanglewood Festival Chorus/John Oliver
Ben Hur: Parade Of Charioteers - John Williams/Boston Pops Orchestra
Toward A New Life - John Williams/Boston Pops Orchestra
Chariots of Fire (Theme) - John Williams/Boston Pops Orchestra
The Olympic Spirit - John Williams/Boston Pops Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Loved "Summon the Heroes".......2007-03-17

Great soul-stirring music! Highly recommended for anyone who loves Olympics orchestral and similar music.

Inspirational music during awards.......2007-01-22

I use the music on this CD as background when I give awards during track. It's very inspirational & uplifting to the athletes. They love it.

Rousing but...........2006-02-24

This CD, with John Williams at the baton, summons the heroes in a rousing manner with a wide range of Olympic as well as "heroic" (e.g., "Parade of the Charioteers" from "Ben Hur")selections. Three of the twelve tracks were written by Williams himself with his "Olympic Spirit" being recorded for the first time. The electrifying "Ode to Zeus" by Mikis Theodorakis is probably the single greatest selection.
In an amazing oversight, however, this CD does not include the Olympic Theme.

Enjoyable romp through Olympic Themes.......2005-09-01

In the US at least, John Williams is known more for his movie scores (Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark to name a few), but he has put his stamp on the Olympics with his several themes and fanfares for the Olympics. Dating back to 1984, Mr. Williams has composed many well known fanfares to the Olympics, and this compilation contains several of his fanfares in addition to music used in other Olympics. The original release for the disc was 1996, which makes it current through the Atlanta Games; if you're looking for the work that John Williams composed for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics (2002), you have to go with American Visions (I believe that's the title).

On the whole, the music is well done, but I'm more used to the faster pace of the Parade of the Charioteers found on Eric Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops' Hollywood's Greatest Hits Vol. 1.
One other quibble (minor, really) is that people tend to think of the 1984 Olympic Fanfare as being always merged with the traditional Olympic Fanfare, but you can find it separately on By Request by John Williams and the Boston Pops. You'll also have to hunt around for the full composition of what people consider the traditional Olympic Fanfare on another disc, but that's a minor issue.

One nice item on the disc is The Olympic Spirit, which was composed for the NBC Broadcast of the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, but never used. My children really like that piece a lot, and usually request it to be replayed when it finishes.

One of the most uplifting and motivating albums!!!.......2005-07-19

When I first listened to this album, I was in awe of the beauty and grandness of the music composed/performed by John Williams. John can make composing music an exalted art. His music is purely genius and captures the ideas of the album in which the score is in. Back to the album . . . it is AWESOME! This includes many well-known songs but also many undiscovered treasures. Of the twelve songs, I especially enjoyed:
Track One-Summon the Heroes
Track Three-Bugler's Dream/Olympic Fanfare and Theme
Track Twelve-The Olympic Spirit
Bottom Line: BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!!!!! A TREASURE!!!!!

Average customer rating:

Altogether Wonderful
The Best
Musical bliss

String Serenades

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphoses; Concert Music for Strings and Brass; Bartók: The Miraculous Mandarin - Suite
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Scandinavian String Music
Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings
Tchaikovsky & Dvorak: Serenades for Strings

ASIN: B00004LCB1
Release Date: 2000-06-27

Tracks:

Ser Op.48: Pezzo In Forma Di Sonatina: Andante Non Troppo - Allegro Moderato
Ser Op.48: Waltz: Moderato, Tempo Di Valse
Ser Op.48: Elegie: Larghetto Elegiaco
Ser Op.48: Finale: Tema Russo: Andante - Allegro Con Spirito
Ser in E, Op.22: Moderato
Ser in E, Op.22: Tempo Di Valse
Ser in E, Op.22: Scherzo: Vivace
Ser in E, Op.22: Larghetto
Ser in E, Op.22: Finale: Allegro Vivace - Moderato - Presto
Intro & Allegro Op.47
Ser in e, Op.20: I. Allegro Piacevole
Ser in e, Op.20: II. Larhetto
Ser in e, Op.20: III. Allegretto

Tracks:

The Lark Ascending, Romance
Fant On 'Greensleeves'
Fant On A Theme By Thomas Tallis
Ser Op.8: Andante Con Moto
Ser Op.8: Allegro Ma Non Troppo E Grazioso
Ser Op.8: Adagio
Ser Op.8: Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Presto

Customer Reviews:

Altogether Wonderful.......2005-12-25

I like this cd.

Tchaikovsky's Serenade had some tempi I hadn't been used to, especially in the first movement, but the orchestra made just as wonderful a recording.

Dvorak's Serenade is my favorite among the four, and this recording is great. The orchestra is never too harsh, especially in the second, and fourth movements.

Introduction and Allegro is an interesting piece. I love how full the sound is. Some recordings feature smaller orchestras, and the sound is not as big and lush. As for Elgar's Serenade, it was played precisely. Besides that, i don't have much to say about it.

The Lark Ascending on this cd is a good version, maybe not the best, but there are certainly many ups about it. The violinist is very playful and does a good job of portraying the little bird. I don't listen to Fantasia on "Greensleeves" much. I don't know why. I can't say much about it, but they certainly do a good job of making it sound "English", for that matter. The Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis is fine. I wouldn't choose this version though. The piece just didn't sweep me up, especially during the climax.

Suk's Serenade is a fun piece to listen to. The piece never gets boring, perhaps due to the actual composition but also with help from the orchestra.

Get this cd if you want a collective, but good picture of the String Serenades out there. I would recommend it.

The Best.......2003-01-26

The music and the musicians of this CD are the of greatest quality. I do not think that many words are necessary, but I must say that this is by far one of my favorite CDs. If you are unsure about classical music or dyed in the wool listener, or a musician, I would recommend this by all means. Even as a musician who has played several of these serenades and heard them many times, I do not tire of hearing them. Coupled with the great sound of the London Chamber orchestra this album is a rare jewel.

Musical bliss.......2000-08-13

I attended a concert in which the Los Angeles Mozart Orchestra, known better for their Mozart music, performed the Serenade for strings by Dvorak. It is an excellent piece. The Larghetto, the slowest movement in the serenade, is a fine work. It is slow and nearly an adagio for strings, with a serious and meditative tone. The scherzo, like the measure, is a rollicking and bouncy bit of music, with skipping strings and bouncing notes. The scherzos of Mendelsshon I particularily enjoy. Dvorak is'nt exactly like Mendelsshon when it comes to the scherzo form, but he is can alternate from grave to joyous tones.

Average customer rating:

BACH FREATEST HITS
Of course
Beautiful Music!

Bach: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003F5A
Release Date: 1991-09-06

Tracks:

Toccata & Fugue in D Minor
Air On The G String
Sleepers, Wake
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 - Allegro
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Orchestral Suite No. 2 - Minuet & Badinerie
Sheep May Safely Graze
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 - Allegro assai
'Little' Fugue In G Minor
Brandenburg Concerto No.3 - Allegro
Chaconne

Customer Reviews:

BACH FREATEST HITS.......2005-09-08

IT IS A VERY GOOD CD TO HAVE AND MAKE PART OF THE OWN COLLECTION. i REALLY LIKED MY SHOPPING.

Of course.......2004-06-23

The classical music component of my CD collection is admittedly lacking. These beautiful renditions of music composed by one of the great geniuses of the human race go a long way toward rectifying that imbalance.

Beautiful Music!.......2000-10-26

Bach was a genius. At moments of this CD, we hear this. I would buy this CD just for "Chaconne", a 17 minute, highly emotive masterpiece which is performed here particularly well. Bach has an intimate understanding of the most profound and advanced depths of music, and it can be heard on Chaconne during its climax. Some other songs, such as "Air on a G String" and "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" are also quite exceptional. What makes this CD special is the performances and the sound engineering, which are sweet. Admittedly, some of the organ concertos on this CD may sound a bit banal. But you must buy this CD for "Chaconne" and "Air on a G String"! I find Bach to be incredibly inspiring.

Average customer rating:

Heart on the sleeve
STEPHEN AND STEVEN ARE A GREAT MUSICAL TEAM

Brahms: Cello Sonatas

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Fauré: Complete Works for Cello

ASIN: B000BOIWU0
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Tracks:

Allegro Non Troppo
Allegretto Quasi Menuetto
Allegro
Waldesruhe Op.68 No.5
Rondo In G Minor Op.94
Ballade In D Minor Op.3 No.1
Serenade In A Major Op.3 No.2
Allegro Vivace
Adagio Affettuoso
Allegro Passionato
Allegro Molto

Amazon.com

Steven Isserlis is not only one of our best, but one of our most adventurous cellists, always searching out neglected works as well as both personal and artistic links between composers. On this recording, the Brahms Sonatas flank less-familiar pieces by two composers intimately related to each other and also connected with Brahms: Dvorák and his pupil and son-in-law, Josef Suk. In "Silent Woods," arranged from one of his own piano duets, Dvorák's gift for capturing the sounds and atmosphere of nature beautifully evokes the forest's repose and awakening. The Rondo contrasts a song-like, pensive, gracious theme with more vigorous, brilliant episodes; minor and major alternate and combine in the coda. Suk's Ballade is passionate, dramatic and rhapsodic; the Serenade is a lively, charming dance, whose light-heartedness is interrupted by a startling modulation like a passing cloud. The playing throughout is superb: technically impeccable, tonally beautiful, warm and varied, deeply expressive. With the close rapport of frequent partners, Isserlis and the splendid pianist Stephen Hough engage in wonderful conversational interplay. They give Brahms' first sonata an inward, autumnal mellowness and the second - amazingly written 20 years later - a youthful, vigorous exuberance; the sunlit Finale floats on air. One can hardly imagine a better performance. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Heart on the sleeve.......2006-02-19

Isserlis' playing seems even more passionate than in previous recordings, if that is possible. The tone is juicy and emotional, with a great range of colors, matching the musical content. The vibrato is so incredibly expressive; it is a lesson for other cellists. The gems are the two pieces by Suk and the Dvorak. "Silent Woods" is played very poetically, with a touch of melancholy. The partnership with Hough is ideal, perfect balance and blend. Sure, the balance is set in the studio by the engineers, but if you hear the duo live, you will see that the recording matches the perfection of balance on stage. The two Brahms sonatas are played with great respect for the architecture of the works, but with a refreshing approach to timing and phrasing. The first movement of the E Minor Sonata has a beautiful pace, telling a musical story that is captivating. Perfect tempo, unlike older recordings by Du Pre or Rostropovich that are ponderous. Drama is present throughout. This is a great recording, very inspiring, worthy of a Grammy. Hope it gets nominated.

STEPHEN AND STEVEN ARE A GREAT MUSICAL TEAM.......2006-01-24

As I have previously expressed on this board, I feel that Stephen Hough and Steven Isserlis make a stupendous duo for chamber music. Individually they are, of course, masters of their chosen instrument. When they team up, the sparks DO fly in a most marvelous way. This album of the Brahms's Cello Sonatas is no exception. These works, to me, are at the pinnacle of chamber music for cello and piano. I personally don't feel that there are any better that have been written. Brahms obviously loved the cello and the piano; these works could have only been written by someone that had a deep affection for both instruments. The aforesaid certainly comes through most clearly in this recording! Always the sensitive artist, Hough never over powers Isserlis's cello (as could so easily be done in these works). Nevertheless, he plays his part passionately as does Isserlis who spins out Brahms's melodies beautifully with none of those (what I call) "glottal" (aka rough/harsh) attacks on the strings. In other words they form a team-a sublime Chamber Musical team that, in this album, is at the very peak of its form.

I love Brahms and I especially love his chamber music. This recording of the Cello sonatas certainly satisfies, in a big way, my insatiable appetite for chamber music by Brahms! In addition to the Brahms, included in the album are works by Suk and Dvorak works which are wonderful with Stephen and Steven investing them too with their usual divine artistry. As a recent convert to the music of Suk, I particularly enjoyed the two works by that composer

Believe me, I've spent many enjoyable hours listening to this album-I just can't take it off of my CD player! Therefore, I listen to it repeatedly. If you love Brahms's chamber music, as I do, buy this CD. Your ears will thank you!

The Devil's Trill: Showpieces for violin & piano

Average customer rating:

a feast of violin virtuosity

The Devil's Trill: Showpieces for violin & piano

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
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David Oistrakh
Poulenc: Concerto champêtre; Concerto for two pianos; Organ Concerto

ASIN: B0002VEPR6
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

I. Larghetto Affettuoso
II. Allegro (Tempo Giusto Della Scuola Tartinista)
III. Andante - Allegro Assai - Andante - Allegro Assai - Andante - Allegro Assai
Cadenza - Adagio
III. Clair De Lune
IV. Jota
Extase Op.21
Valse-Scherzo Op.34
I. Love-Song
Three Hungarian Folk-Dances
Legende Op.17
Mazurka Op.26

Customer Reviews:

a feast of violin virtuosity.......2006-03-02

What a tone! David Oistrakh was a virtuoso, of that there is no doubt. What makes his playing stand apart, though, is his rich, full, round tone. Oistrakh does not draw attention to his technical skill, he draws attention to the music.

These duets, with Vladimir Yampolsky on piano, were recorded at Abbey Road in London in early 1956, and first released by EMI in 1957. It's a fine set of "showpieces," beginning with Tartini's sonata in G minor, "The Devil's Trill." Slow lyrical numbers like Debussy's "Clair de lune" and Ysaye's "Extase" are interspersed with livelier numbers such as de Falla's "Siete canciones populares espanolas" and Koday's "Three Hungarian Folk-dances."

This is an easy recommendation for anyone who loves great violin music, another truly "Great Recording of the Century" from the EMI vaults.

Suk: Summer Tale / Fantastic Scherzo - Charles Mackerras / Czech Philharmonic

Average customer rating:

Some parts are questionable
Enticed by Fantastic Scherzo, Moved by A Summer Tale
Massive and Mahlerian
Great music by a neglected composer

Suk: Summer Tale / Fantastic Scherzo - Charles Mackerras / Czech Philharmonic

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00002MXNF
Release Date: 2000-03-14

Tracks:

Summer Tale Op.29 : Voices of life and consolation
Summer Tale Op.29 : Noon
Summer Tale Op.29 : Intermezzo - Blind musicians
Summer Tale Op.29 : In the power of phantoms
Summer Tale Op.29 : Night
Fantastic Scherzo Op.25

Amazon.com

Cross the openhearted geniality of Dvorák with the large scale and experimental fervor of Mahler and you have Josef Suk, a pupil of Dvorák whose life was changed forever when his wife (Dvorák's daughter) died young. The resulting anguish is where the Mahler element comes in. These works are not as filled with pain and grief as Suk's astonishing Asrael Symphony. In fact, the Scherzo is as happy as Dvorák's famous Scherzo capriccioso. But the broad range and sheer size of Summer Tale (about 50 minutes) are thoroughly Mahlerian, the music consistently involving and captivating. Mackerras, who studied under the great Czech conductor Vaclav Talich, is as completely attuned to Suk's idiom as the orchestra is, and the resulting performances, abetted by excellent sound, are real winners. Highly recommended, especially to lovers of late romanticism. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Some parts are questionable.......2005-09-13

Summer Tale Op.29 : "Voices of life and consolation" and Summer Tale Op.29 : "Noon" are difficult to hear. The music starts off very low in volume and then reaches a very loud pitch. I was disappointed in this section, but the rest of the CD was wonderful.

Enticed by Fantastic Scherzo, Moved by A Summer Tale.......2004-09-02

Like many classical music lovers, I was more familiar with Joseph Suk's biography than I was with his music. His happy years as a husband with a famous father-in-law (Antonin Dvorak) and the loss he felt when his wife died is a somewhat well known tale, as is the darkness of his music after he was widowed. Yet with the exception of his march "Toward a New Life" and perhaps his "Serenade for Strings," which is often paired on recordings with his father in law's work of the same title, I did not know any of his music. Then our local classical station, WCRB began playing "Fantastic Scherzo" with some regularity. I mistakenly thought it was a piece by Dvorak until I heard the announcer state the work's title. I decided this work is a must have, and so I purchased the recording.

My primary interest in the recording is "Fantastic Scherzo." Sir Charles Mackerras brings out the entire flavor this sumptuous and dreamy piece has to offer. It surprises me that the work is not a more popular concert piece and is not available on more recordings, yet I cannot imagine that the work would be significantly better handled by any other conductor.

Since I purchased the disc primarily for "Fantastic Scherzo," I was not all that interested in "A Summer Tale," at least at first. One day while driving, I decided to give it a listening to, and was amazed at its beauty and complexity. While "Fantastic Scherzo" is a lighter work, reminiscent of his famous father-in-law, "A Summer Tale" reflects other early twentieth century musical influences, particularly Mahler. Listeners will see a variety in the styles of the various movements. As one can except from a conductor such as Mackerras, he explores the work's nuances and subtleties well and is in complete control of the orchestra.

Recordings such as this show that Suk deserves more attention than he often receives. Since most record labels are somewhat skittish (a mild understatement) about releasing new recordings, we may not find all that many new recordings of Suk's work in the near future, but at least we have this recording to give us a glimpse of what we are missing.

Massive and Mahlerian.......2003-07-30

Josef Suk should be far better known, especially when promoted by terrific recordings like this one. Anyone who admires the vast landscapes of Strauss or Mahler should respond to Suk's equally compelling terrain.

The main draw here is "A Summer's Tale," a gigantic tone poem that perfectly harnesses the resources of a huge orchestra -- in this case, the glorious Czech Philharmonic. Sir Charles Mackerras, long an advocate of composers like Janacek and Martinu, here shows that Suk should also be as well-known as either of these.

The filler, the "Fantastic Scherzo," is performed with equal commitment and fervor. (To my ears, the piece needs a new title; it's a little more laid-back and congenial than the word "scherzo" normally indicates.)

Decca's recording is clear, warm and detailed, and only adds to the impact. This is an exceptional recording of seldom-played repertoire, and can't be recommended highly enough. (NB: For those interested in hearing another outstanding version of "A Summer's Tale," a Virgin recording with Libor Pesek and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is also quite marvelous.)

Great music by a neglected composer.......2001-11-17

This was my first exposure to the music of Josef Suk and I was really quite amazed at the quality of much of the music here. "Voices of Life" starts off with a quiet but building intensity , invoking a dramatic sense of something "emerging" from darkness and night. "Noon" is a beautifully orchestrated evocation of, well, noon, with the strings shimmering and radiating with warmth. "Blind Musicians" is a short piece but the sadness it expresses seems endless. "In the Power of Phantoms" is a phantasmogoric nightmare. The final movement is solid; eventful and exciting, but resolving everything with a quiet and noble affirmativeness. I did have some slight reservations about how the whole thing is "put together". The three middle movements bear no relation to each other or the outer movements. The "filler" piece, "Fantastic Scherzo" is a little repetative, and in some places feels "stitched" together, but it features some truly exquisite melodies and striking orchestration. I think any classical music lover will enjoy this disc. That's too broad to be useful. Well, let's just say there are moments in these pieces that remind me of Mahler, Smetana and Dvorak. Maybe that helps. Oh, if you're already familiar with this piece, then you'll should be very happy with this recording. It is impeccably recorded, and both the Czech players and Mackarras have an easily apparent affinity for this music.

Average customer rating:

A Must For Any Child's CD Collection
wonderful CD for soothing little ones

Listen, Learn and Grow Lullabies

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Lullaby Favorites: Music for Little People

ASIN: B00004TTJF
Release Date: 2000-06-13

Tracks:

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, K.265
Lullaby (Wiegenlied), Op.49, No.4
Dance (Pieds-en-l'air)
Clarinet Concerto, K.622: Adagio
Lullaby (Berceuse), Op.16
Songs Without Words No.9, Op.30, No.3
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Of Foreign Lands & People
Kinderszenen, Op.15: Daydream (Traumerei)
Lullaby (Berceuse), Op.57
Lullaby (Wiegenlied)
Flute & Harp Concerto, K.299: Andantino
Songs Without Words No.40, Op.84, No.4
Songs Without Words No.19, Op.53, No.1
Adagio
Lady Radnor's Suite: Slow Minuet

Customer Reviews:

A Must For Any Child's CD Collection.......2006-04-05

As a professional musician, I am always seeking great recordings for my 20 month old son. Since his birth, we have listened to this CD for quiet times and rest/sleep (it is soothing for us as parents too). I have purchased this CD multiple times to give as gifts to new parents. It is a favorite of ours!

wonderful CD for soothing little ones.......2002-02-01

This CD is right up there with the "things we can't do without" along with his blanket and pacifier. My son (now 17 months) has been using this CD since birth to help him go to sleep, and listens to it at every nap and before bed, and is one of the most important of our bedtime rituals. I am a music teacher, and I like that this CD uses the real songs (such as Twinkle Twinkle and Brahms' Lullaby) in the real instrumentation -- not synthesized like so many other children's CD's out there. It calms him down whenever he is sick or upset, and it also calms me down, too! THis is a must for every parent.

Average customer rating:

Intense Smetana, Individualistic Novak

Piano Trios

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Ries: Piano Concertos, Vol. 1

ASIN: B00000AEMG
Release Date: 1998-08-25

Tracks:

Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 15: Moderato assai
Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 15: Allegro, ma non agitato
Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 15: Finale: Presto
Piano Trio In C Minor, Op. 2: Allegro
Piano Trio In C Minor, Op. 2: Andante
Piano Trio In C Minor, Op. 2: Vivace
Elegie (Under the Impressoin of Zeyer's Vysehrad), Op. 23
Trio quasi una ballata In D Minor, Op. 27: Andante tragico - Allegro burlesco quasi scherzo - Andante tragico - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Intense Smetana, Individualistic Novak.......2003-09-09

If you admire Smetanaýs other well-known chamber work, the String Quartet No. 1 ýFrom My Life,ý I think youýll be impressed with Smetanaýs G-minor Trio. This came early in his career (1855), and like the Quartet it is inspired by life eventsýin the case of the Trio, the death of Smetanaýs first child. Unlike the Quartet, however, if the Trio has a specific program itýs pretty much hidden beneath a general air of tragic intensity and, in the last movement, a hounded quality in the principal theme that suggests the composerýs ultimate inconsolability. While the piece has a slightly rambling, start-and-stop quality in spots, this is because it seems to follow Lisztýs principal of thematic metamorphosis, the central scherzo-cum-slow-interlude repeating motifs of the first movementýs principal theme, while the driven finale is often interrupted by a tender, elegiac melody spun off the principal theme. By the time this elegy returns, speeded up, vying with the principal melody for dominance of the end of the movement, it is clear that the composerýs hard-won peace is a troubled one.

After the tragic drama of Smetanaýs trio, Sukýs brief trio, written when the composer was fifteen though revised two years later, is lightweight in both content and emotion. Itýs certainly pretty enough, and the finale has a youthful bounce thatýs attractive, but the cloying slow movement might induce aural hyperglycemia!

Better companion pieces are the Novak Elegy and Trio, especial the Trio, with its fantasia-like structure in which a tragic andante alternates with a allegro burlesco whose burlesque elements are pretty subdued though it has some of the same fragmented quality of Smetanaýs intriguing scherzo movement. Kindred minds at work, obviously. The final appearance of the allegro is feverish, impassioned, before the quietly tragic close with pizzicato strings intoning the three-note motif of the allegro. This is a highly individual, very effective recasting of the traditional piano trio.

Tracks:

Summon The Heroes
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna
Buglers Dream: Olympic Fanfare And Theme
Canto Olympico: Ode To Zeus
Javelin
Olympic Hymn
Festive Overture, Op. 96
Conquest Of Paradise (Theme)
Ben Hur: Parade Of Charioteers
Toward A New Life
Chariots Of Fire (Theme)
The Olympic Spirit

Customer Reviews:

Poor selection..........2000-11-06

Personally, i bougth this CD because i want the official Olimpic Himn, and i thougth this CD include that. Wrong! This fantastic music is not hear. Why? So the selection is not the best! Despite, the quality of the recording and musical direction is very good. The Olympic Spirit is the best theme in the seleccion, Bernstein`s Olimpic Himn is a deception! In the rest, they are good music between same eroded and "dejá vu" themes.

Inspirational cd.......2000-04-29

This cd contains some of the best most inspirational music I have heard. I personally think the best track is "Towards a New Life". Trust me and buy this cd.

Excellent compilation of inspiring scores.......2000-04-13

The majority of "Best of" compilation albums are disappointing, and although this album certainly isn't flawless, it contains some of the greatest invigorating scores ever composed. The album opens with the William's and Arnaud's infamous "Buglers Dream, Olympic Fanfare and Theme" immediately setting the dramatic and inspirational tone. However, the following score - Williams' rendition of "Chariots of Fire" - is not on par in relation of the other tracks. Fortunately the strength of the entire album remains unaffected and you are easily engulfed by passionate classics like "Festive Overture", "O' Fortuna" and "The Olympic Spirit". An amazing addition to any fan of Classical/Orchestral music.

The BEST!.......2000-02-08

I don't know what I was thinking when I wrote my Conan Soundtrack review. I recently started listening to this CD again, and it is very possibly the best hour of music you will ever hear.

Conducted by John Williams, the world's best, and including a couple of songs composed by him too, this CD collects the most epic, heroic, bold songs you will ever hear into one CD.

I can't recommend this one enough. If you only buy one CD, buy this one!

Excellent Music.......1999-10-14

John Williams proves he still has the Right Stuff. With this album, Williams proves he is the master of modern classical music. The fanfares and marches are soul-stirring, and the Olympic Themes are a good reminder of what the Olympics mean to the world. If you're not careful, you might find yourself marching around your cubicle when you listen to this.

Average customer rating:

Bravo to Belohlavek
Pristine and powerful!

Suk: Asrael/Fairy Tale/Serenade

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Suk: Summer Tale / Fantastic Scherzo - Charles Mackerras / Czech Philharmonic
Josef Suk: A Summer's Tale, Op.29
Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances/ Vocalise/ Etudes-tableaux
Jason Vieaux
Peter Lieberson: Neruda Songs

ASIN: B00000IM79
Release Date: 1999-04-13

Tracks:

Asrael Symphony, Op. 27: Part One: I. Andante sostenuto - Andante con moto e resoluto - Piu pesante e maestoso -
Asrael Symphony, Op. 27: Part One: II. Andante -
Asrael Symphony, Op. 27: Part One: lll. Vivace - Andante sostenuto - Appassionato - Maestoso
Asrael Symphony, Op. 27: Part Two: lV. Adagio
Asrael Symphony, Op. 27: Part Two: V. Adagio e maestoso - Allegro appassionato - Adagio e maestoso - Andante maestoso - Adagio e mesto

Tracks:

Pohadka (Fairy Tale), Op. 16: l. About The Constant Love Of Raduz And Mahulena And Their Trials
Pohadka (Fairy Tale), Op. 16: II. Intermezzo: Playing At Swans And Peacocks
Pohadka (Fairy Tale), Op. 16: III. Intermezzo: Funeral Music
Pohadka (Fairy Tale), Op. 16: IV. Runa's Curse And How It Was Broken By True Love
Serenade For Strings, Op. 6 In E Flat Major: I. Andante con moto
Serenade For Strings, Op. 6 In E Flat Major: II. Allegro, ma non troppo e grazioso
Serenade For Strings, Op. 6 In E Flat Major: III. Adagio - Piu andante - Tempo I
Serenade For Strings, Op. 6 In E Flat Major: IV. Allegro gracioso, ma non troppo presto - Vivace

Customer Reviews:

Bravo to Belohlavek.......2003-02-13

I was only recently introduced to the works of Suk, and this 2-CD set is a superb example of why his music is becoming a mainstay of my collection! The Czech Philharmonic really knows how to bring out the best in this music, and I heartily recommend this recording. The Asrael Symphony especially is worth the price alone!

Pristine and powerful!.......2002-01-02

I just received my copy of this recording yesterday and I've listened to it straight through twice already. The quality of the recording is absolutely perfect. The clarity of the gentle, lyrical passages is pure and beautiful. The more powerful passages come through with a thunder that is often missing from classical recordings. I love it!

Of course, the compositions themselves are beautiful and full of emotional expression in a purely and unapologetically late romantic style. The performance by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra is as good as it gets. They know how these pieces need to be played and they do it well.

Do yourself a favor and buy this recording. You will not be dissapointed.

Music Composers:

Music Composers

Music Composers