Beethoven

Starring:Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, Dean Jones, Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castile, Sarah Rose Karr, Oliver Platt, Stanley Tucci, David Duchovny, Patricia Heaton, Robi Davidson, Laurel Cronin, O-Lan Jones, Nancy Fish, Craig Pinkard, Sherri Paysinger, Patrick LaBrecque, Jacob Kenner, Matthew Brooks, Chris Little
Director: Brian Levant
Studio: Not Avail
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Put Charles Grodin together with a 200-pound Saint Bernard and you're likely to come up with some good laughs. In this popular family comedy from 1992 Grodin plays a beleaguered dad who reluctantly lets his kids keep the lost puppy they've adopted. The dog quickly grows into the huge and clever hound named Beethoven. In a marked departure from his nice-guy roles in several Disney comedies from the 1960s and '70s, Dean Jones plays the villainous veterinarian who abducts Beethoven to be a subject in his sadistic animal experiments. The kidnapping sets the stage for a raucous rescue and, of course, an inevitable sequel. Innocuous but harmlessly entertaining, Beethoven is one of those movies that some kids can't get enough of. --Jeff Shannon

Baby Einstein 22 DVD Gift Set!
Average customer rating:

Run, don't walk - to purchase this item

Excellent product

Outstanding Collection!

Could not be happier

Best Baby Einstein deal out there!!

Baby Einstein 22 DVD Gift Set!

Manufacturer: Walt Disney
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Birth-2 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video
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Product Features:

Dolby Digital Surround Sound

Audio Tracks: English, French (7 of the DVDs also include Spanish Audio Tracks)

Bonus: DVD Gift Box

ASIN: B000KTR7GQ

Product Description

DVD SET DETAILS: Condition: NEW, FACTORY SEALED Actors: Baby Einstein Genre: Children & Family - Educational Format: Color, NTSC, Region ALL Running Time: Over 11.5 Hours Total (An Average of 30 Minutes Each DVD) Rating: NOT RATED Included In Set: 22 DVDs and Gift Box Studio: Walt Disney / Buena Vista Home Video DVD SET DESCRIPTION: 1. Baby Favorite's Places - First Word Around Town DVD 2. Baby BachTM Musical Adventure DVD - Award Winning DVD! 3. Baby BeethovenTM Symphony of Fun DVD - Award Winning DVD! 4. Baby da VinciTM From Head to Toe DVD - Award Winning DVD! 5. Baby Einstein Meet the Orchestra - First Instruments DVD 6. Baby Einstein On The Go DVD .. Riding Sailing and Soaring 7. Baby GalileoTM Discovering the Sky DVD - Award Winning DVD! 8. Baby MacDonaldTM A Day on the Farm DVD - Award Winning DVD! 9. Baby MonetTM Discovering the Seasons DVD - Award Winning DVD! 10. Baby MozartTM Music Festival DVD - Award Winning DVD! 11. Baby NeptuneTM Discovering Water DVD - Award Winning DVD! 12. Baby NewtonTM Discovering Shapes DVD - Award Winning DVD! 13. Baby NoahTM Animal Expedition DVD - Award Winning DVD! 14. Baby Santa's Music BoxTM DVD 15. Baby ShakespeareTM World of Poetry DVD - Award Winning DVD! 16. Baby Van GoghTM World of Colors DVD - Award Winning DVD! 17. Baby WordsworthTM First Words Around the House DVD - Award Winning DVD! 18. Language Nursery DVD - Award Winning DVD! 19. Neighborhood Animals DVD - Award Winning DVD! 20. Numbers NurseryTM DVD - Award Winning DVD! 21. World Animals DVD 22. Baby's First Moves

Customer Reviews:

Run, don't walk - to purchase this item.......2007-06-24

For months 2 through 11 - we'd pop one of this bad boys into my laptop, crank it up at dinner time - and actually were able to sit for 25 minutes. A godsend.

Excellent product.......2007-06-13

People keep stating this product is an illegal copy. Well I tell you, I can Not tell this is a copy in anyway. Each DVD has a high quality color picture on top which is flawless; the image in not shifted or lifted in anyway. The box also has high quality color pictures all over and is also flawless; again no lifting of the edges or misalignments. There is even a little magnet imbedded in the box to keep the lid closed. The only questionable aspects are the price, the lack of product inserts, and the DVD sleeves are on the cheaper side. If this product is a reproduction, I am impressed.

I haven't played all the DVD's yet, but I assume they are complete versions.

Outstanding Collection!.......2007-06-05

My kids love them! Why pay more if you can have the exact same dvd for so much less?? It is not worth buying them individualy for ($10 each?)... instead you can pay $3 each!!! So much better. They are the originals! Great collection for babies to toddlers! You can choose the language you want (English, Spanish or French)!! GREAT, GREAT, GREAT!!

Could not be happier.......2007-05-23

I got this set a couple of days ago and I could not be happier. Each DVD is protected in their own sleeve and all the DVDs are in a nice looking box. If you love Baby Einstein this is the set to get.

Best Baby Einstein deal out there!!.......2007-05-23

Whether or not these DVDs are bootlegged is irrelevant to me. Mine actually arrived with 23 DVDs, and each one is exactly the same in appearance and content as the ones you can buy individually for $15 each! You don't get the case for each, which probably includes a description and an age recommedation, so you just have to pop them in the player to see what you are getting. Or I have found other reviews out there with that info if you really need it. But with my little girl, age recommendations aren't that important anyway. She just watches whichever ones are interesting to her that day.

I would recommend this product to anyone. It's definitely the best deal on Baby Einstein that you will find anywhere!

Fantasia (60th Anniversary Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Beautiful
A child's memories
GREAT BUT DATED 3 DISC SET IS NICE BUT......................
I'm a bigger fan of Lilo & Stitch!
Fantasia will amazia!

Fantasia (60th Anniversary Special Edition)
Starring: Leopold Stokowski , Bela Lugosi , Mickey Mouse , Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra , and Walt Disney
Director: Walt Disney , James Algar , Samuel Armstrong , Ford I. Beebe , and Graham Heid
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Fantasia 2000
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Accessories:

Fantasia 2000 (Blisterpack)

ASIN: B00003CX9W
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Amazon.com essential video

Groundbreaking on several counts, not the least of which was an innovative use of animation and stereophonic sound, this ambitious Disney feature has lost nothing to time since its release in 1940. Classical music was interpreted by Disney animators, resulting in surreal fantasy and playful escapism. Leopold Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchestra provided the music for eight segments by the composers Tchaikovsky, Moussorgsky, Stravinsky, Beethoven, Ponchielli, Bach, Dukas, and Schubert. Not all the sequences were created equally, but a few are simply glorious, such as "Night on Bald Mountain," "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," and "The Nutcracker Suite." The animation ranges from subtly delicate to fiercely bold. The screen bursts with color and action as creatures transmute and convention is thrust aside. The painstaking detail and saturated hues are unique to this film, unmatched even by more advanced technology. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-04-04

While it is not plot based or known for a memorable and charming story, it is a wonder to watch. Music creates images in most of us, whether they be memories of something prior, or something conjured up from the sound. Fantasia is based on that idea. Listening to this classic music, set to such elegant and wonderful images is a treat. One of the best of it's kind. Enjoy.

A child's memories.......2007-03-09

This is the first movie I remember seeing as a child. I was probably about 7 years old at the time. I've never forgotten it, and now, after 59 years, I'm viewing it again. It's just as wonderful as it was when I saw it the first time, although there are a couple of "bits" that I don't remember from my first viewing. It keeps me company during my treadmill walks. It does a wonderful job of helping me to pass the time. It's a beautiful combination of art and classical music.

GREAT BUT DATED 3 DISC SET IS NICE BUT.............................2007-03-08

I am a big fan of Disney films. The animated classics will be forever imprinted in my mind. I do have a huge problem with any censorship! Unfortunately, the people at Disney decided to buckle under to it, because of a few cry babies complaining about racial stereotypes in some of their films. I know I am not the first to say this,but really are these people serious? I am Italian and German, do you think I have not seen my share of stereotyping in my 45 years on this planet? Why hasn't Stromboli from Pinochhio been altered for it's depiction of an Italian? It seems we are very selective with what we censor..hhmmm!I don't mind it because I know the characterization is just that and it doesn't reflect the entire race! Please stop censorship of any kind especially regarding these historic works of art. You can not change history you can only learn from it!

I'm a bigger fan of Lilo & Stitch! .......2007-02-17

I bought it when I was on my Disney kick -- was fascinated by it for like a week and then sold it on eBay. It's great for kids though!

Fantasia will amazia!.......2007-02-16

Sorry Disney studios, but my heading was an actual promo quip for the FANTASIA theatrical release.
I was first introduced to the awareness of the Fantasia movie while in elementary school viewing a "prehistoric animation clip" narrated as a seperate dinosaur documentary. Later I learned it was taken from Walt Disney FANTASIA feature. When I finally saw the movie as a whole in the theater, I was mesmerized. "The Dance Of The Hours" sequence was especially memorable, since no one in the audience could stop laughing at the animal ballet antics.
Being a soundtrack collector, even as a young kid, I got the 3 vinyl album issue of Fantasia soundtrack on Buena Vista label, which included a program insert that was as wonderful as the movie. It even included a fold out long colorful poster which had been used to promote the re-release of Fantasia in the 70's.
Therefore I totally agree with people's opinions that this animated feature is relevant to interests of all ages, young children and adults.
I would listen to the classic movie soundtrack over and over, picturing the fantasies in my mind. This is a wonderful addition to any childs collection, whether soundtrack, movie, or both! Do not wait!

Average customer rating:

True Genius
Capturing creativity
Beethoven and the Beatles...
Copying or Correcting?
Silly, but sometimes moving

Copying Beethoven
Starring: Diane Kruger , Ralph Riach , Matyelok Gibbs , Ed Harris , and Bill Stewart
Director: Agnieszka Holland
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000MV8AE0
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Amazon.com

A passionate, powerful drama based loosely on the final months of Ludwig van Beethoven's life, Copying Beethoven finds the maestro a haunted man, composing the most revolutionary yet unappreciated work of his lifetime; largely deaf; disappointed in his relationship with a wastrel nephew; and fascinated by a young, female composer, Anna Holtz (Diane Kruger), who goes to work for him transcribing music. Staying as a guest at a convent and engaged to a stolid engineer, Anna is drawn to Beethoven's tempestuous genius. Half the time he's enchanted by her and seems to see straight through to her soul. The other half, he's shouting at her for her timidity or flattery. Hardly a mouse, Anna fights back. The more she does, the more Beethoven recognizes in her a kindred survivor, someone with whom he can reveal his vulnerability and the burden of his artistry. Ed Harris' Beethoven is wracked by pain but not overwhelmed by it; he looks like a man who understands his responsibility to nature too well to merely disintegrate. ("God whispers in most men's ears," Beethoven says. "He shouts in mine.") Director Agnieszka Holland (Olivier, Olivier) oversees a handsome, alternately tender and brutal drama, with several thrilling moments, including the stunned look of audience members hearing the world premiere of the glorious 9th Symphony. --Tom Keogh

Description

When young Anna Holz (Diane Kruger), a Viennese music student is asked to transcribe scoring notes for the great Ludwig van Beethoven (Harris), she eagerly accepts, despite warnings about his volatile behavior. Part maestro, part mentor and part madman, Beethoven reluctantly relies on Anna to help him realize the culmination of his art.

Customer Reviews:

True Genius.......2007-07-03

This movie portrays a very unique perspective to Ludwig Van Beethoven's musical genius through the relationship we see between Beethoven and a young, aspiring female, composer, Anna Holtz, (Holtz is a fictionalized character) who becomes Beethoven's copyist for the debut of his 9th Symphony.

Copying Beethoven opens in Beethoven's life when he is already middle-aged, deaf, egocentric, already very well know in the music world for his earlier musical masterpieces, difficult to get along with and can be intimidating if not down right rude on purpose. Nonetheless, this doesn't stop Ms. Holtz from becoming Beethoven's copyist and actually giving her opinion on changing/enhancing a section of his 9th Symphony!

Ms. Holtz even helps Beethoven conduct his 9th Symphony for the first time before a live audience. This is a highly anticipated event as to whether it will be great success or be an atrocious failure as there were doubts about how this symphony would play out because no had ever heard of a choral being performed along with a symphony.

However, the performance of the highly anticipated 9th symphony was a huge success. Beethoven and Holtz continued their relationship after the performance of the 9th Symphony when Holtz shows some of her musical compositions to Beethoven in hopes of having him help her with her musical style. At 1st he rudely mocks her musical style, but then in turn helps her with musical compositions--- thus becoming her mentor.

I highly recommend watching this movie. It is very well acted and very well done plot/story wise.

Capturing creativity.......2007-06-27

If you watch this movie and know something about Beethoven's last years, you ask yourself, why would someone possibly want to alter reality in such a way. For many purists this fictionalization of Beethoven's character is very annoying. However, Agnieszka Holland found in this script by Stephen J. Rivele and Christopher Wilkinson a true inspiration to analyze these last fertile years. Anna Holz, the talented copyist that is sent to help the Maestro in the rush to issue the script for the first representation of the 9th Symphony, is actually a device utilized by the director to pose the questions that we would have asked if we had been there. She is the key to comprehension. Anna consents us to discover the significance of the change in key, the effect of a half note, the impact of deafness on composition of music, the value of the interval between the notes. Anna (played with great control and introspection by Diane Kruger) independently of her narrated life, her absent father, her nun aunt, her handsome and stolid fiancée actually is not a character, she does not live a life of her own outside her relationship with Beethoven and the feelings she inspires in the Maestro are purely intellectual. The dissimulated love story is naturally present and it probably reaches its apex right before the start of the choral during the representation of the 9th Symphony, but it is cold, mental, there is no physical passion whatsoever. There is a truly magic moment during which we see the faces of the female singers that are waiting for the cue to start singing.
Ed Harris' Beethoven has all flare and the defects we imagine and know of the genius. His interpretation of brutality toward others and weakness towards his nephew is magistral, but he seems not to have a relationship with Anna. He sees her as an angel, a gift of God, a warning that death is near, an opportunity to think that his genius is understood and will live on. She is a sign of Fate or Destiny maybe?
As in all Holland's movies the cinematography is beautiful and reconstruction of period costumes is perfect. The use of candlelight, and ink, and food renders exactly the right atmosphere.
Once suspended disbelief, this intellectual reconstruction of Beethoven's creativity of the last years is fascinating and a pleasure to see and the temptation to believe its true is really there.

Beethoven and the Beatles..........2007-06-27

Same kind of genius! After watching the movie, you want to listen to the whole collection of Beethoven music... Ed Harris is terrific. I discovered Diane Kruger who is a very good actress...

Copying or Correcting?.......2007-06-25

This is a difficult movie to rate for me because I'm a huge fan of Beethoven's music and I have researched his life and compositions extensively. First, it certainly is worth viewing just because it's about Beethoven but there are a number of scenes that will leave the purists hurling objects at the screen. I mean someone, anyone, correcting Beethoven's music! There's a thunderclap! Beethoven's music has a frugality of content that belies the rich sounds and metaphors it invokes. It contains a sort of musical minimalism and structural form that retains only that which is absolutely necessary. His music is generally made from molecular bits of sound, carefully crafted and shaped to yield an incredible tapestry of sound with tremendous structural unity.

With this in mind, when Anna Holtz corrected the Ninth, I nearly fell off my chair (well, when she showed up as his assistant I was already mystified). Beethoven would've tore her to pieces if she had dared question a note much less correct him. He did not take any meddling in his music kindly; even things as trivial as a listener's lack of attention would enrage him.

The scene with Anna Holtz helping Beethoven conduct the Ninth was not nearly as painful though it was utterly fictional. It helped in terms of an emotional underpinning for the movie. In reality, Beethoven was still conducting when the orchestra had finished performing since he could not tell they had finished (his hearing loss was nearly complete at this point).

The movie does convey his contempt for flattery, his epic rudeness and his radical departure from the norms of composition during his time. On the whole, I really liked the performances of the cast and, undoubtedly, the tremendous music. On balance, definitely worth a spin though not without gaping flaws and glaring historical inaccuracies.

Silly, but sometimes moving.......2007-06-20

I'm a composer. This was going to seem a little silly, unless it got it just right. It didn't, quite.
Some of the dialog--such as B. describing his intentions as he dictates a late quartet--is painfully bad. Also, the Diane Kruger character wasn't interesting enough to carry the movie. The scene of her assisting in the performance of B.'s 9th looked ridiculous, except:

It was B.'s 9th. So it made me cry.

This has an Eastern-European earthiness and also a genuine reverence for music. So it was clunky as heck in spots, even incompetent, but sometimes moving. Good for a laugh and a few tears if you are a musician.

Baby Einstein - Baby Beethoven - Symphony of Fun

Average customer rating:

Great video!
Baby Beethoven - Symphony of Fun, Just Great
save your money and make your own
The best of the collection
Baby Beethoven

Baby Einstein - Baby Beethoven - Symphony of Fun

Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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Accessories:

See And Spy Counting Board Book

Product Features:

Features many of Beethoven's favorite compositions
Includes parents guide to video
Enhances motor skills
Length of DVD: 59 minutes
Length of VHS: 29 Minutes

ASIN: B00006II6R
Release Date: 2002-10-22

Amazon.com

Classical music has been scientifically proven to encourage cognitive development in young children. Baby Beethoven, a 29-minute Baby Einstein production, presents excerpts from five of the composer's most famous symphonies, as well as incidental music, in a child-friendly, sensory-rich format. Familiar Beethoven themes like the Ode to Joy from his Ninth Symphony are playfully rendered on electric piano and accompanied by colorful images of toys in action, puppetry, and babies at play. The musical excerpts are relatively short and the imagery is quick-paced and varied enough to grab the limited attention span of viewers age 1 to 36 months. Unlike previous Baby Einstein presentations, each symphonic excerpt (though not the incidental music) is labeled--a feature that encourages further exploration of favorite pieces. Baby Beethoven is an aural and visual feast that promotes creativity, mental awareness, and an appreciation for classical music in infants, toddlers, and their parents. --Tami Horiuchi

Product Description

Baby Beethoven Video Baby Einstein's Baby Beethoven video contains visual treats and musical masterpieces to stimulate and delight your baby. The Baby Beethoven video is a captivating experience that exposes babies and toddlers to the beauty and benefits of classical music. Baby Beethoven mesmerizes little ones with stimulating, colorful images. Baby Einstein's Baby Beethoven video includes a parent's guide to the video to enhance both baby and parent's knowledge of Beethoven's classics.

Customer Reviews:

Great video!.......2007-06-16

My son has the entire Baby Einstein collection and LOVES them. I highly recommend purchasing "Baby Mozart" and "Baby Beethoven" first. He started watching these at four months. Now, he is two and enjoys the more advanced ones much better, but this one was a life saver the first year. As far as the reviewer who said do yourself a favor and buy a camcorder . . . sure, these videos are simplistic and maybe that person could have made a better DVD in their basement, but they didn't, and the maker of Baby Einstein is a millionaire. They are not "horrible, horrible" videos. Many infants and young children LOVE them, and other "fancier" videos will bore them for the most part. My son was mesmerized, and that is all that counts! Socks for puppets and all! It is worth your money to try one, although I would try "Baby Mozart" first.

Baby Beethoven - Symphony of Fun, Just Great.......2007-06-03

Baby Einstein is a wonderful line of videos to help aid in your child's development. Get them off to a very good start with these videos, and this special one, Baby Beethoven - Symphony of Fun. Get them well on the way to a successful future now! Don't wait!

save your money and make your own.......2007-02-28

Why people like Baby Einstein dvds is beyond me. Do yourself a favor, buy a camcorder, a pair of socks for hand puppets and make your own. these were clearly made in someone's basement, horrible horrible dvds. We bought the set and only opened 3, now it just takes up space. there are much better dvds out there.

The best of the collection.......2007-02-05

If your deciding on which Einstein Video to buy, this is the one. I have the whole collection, and this is the one my 4 month old son can watch over and over again. He will sit for over an hour watching this video in repeat play. The others only keep his interest for short periods of time. I even enjoy the music of Beethoven in the background. If you don't have any of the collection, definitely start with this one.

Baby Beethoven.......2007-01-21

This is another wonderful Baby Einstein video. The music is great and my granddaughter really likes this one. She recognizes Beethoven's music now after watching this video over the last year. She asks for Baby Beethoven at least once a week.

Average customer rating:

Excellent value!
Great price
Satisfaction
Not all the movies are great but it's the best version to buy
Great value if purchased at Sam's Club

The Beethoven Pooch Pack
Starring: Beethoven-Pooch Pack
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Comedy | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Napoleon
Homeward Bound - The Incredible Journey
Air Bud - Seventh Inning Fetch
Homeward Bound II - Lost in San Francisco
Air Bud - World Pup

ASIN: B0009ZE9XU
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Product Description

Beethoven, America s lovable St. Bernard, is in his biggest doggone collection ever. From his beginnings as a puppy on the run from dognappers to his travels across America, this collection features all five hilarious adventures. When the Newtons first bring home a tiny St. Bernard puppy, they would have never guessed how much his larger-than-life personality would change their lives forever. Each film features Beethoven s drooling, disaster-prone antics, but he always finds a way to save the day in the end!
Follow Beethoven as he wins the hearts of Charles Grodin, Judge Reinhold, Kathy Griffin, John Larroquette, Bonnie Hunt and a host of others in these fun-filled classics.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Excellent value!.......2007-02-13

My daughter fell in love with Beethoven after seeing the first movie. So of course she wanted to see the whole collection. Well buying the Pooch Pack is much cheaper than buying them separately, and heck, even cheaper than having to keep renting them all (ha)! This is a great collection of movies for little ones, and you can't beat the price. I just wish they spread them out more evenly, or over 3 discs instead of only 2 with the majority of them on the first one. I also don't care for the double sided DVDs, as my daughter is not used to handling that type and it could very well become scratched on one side. That reason causes this rating to lose 1 star. Other than that, you will love the Pooch Pack.

Great price.......2007-01-10

Lots of fun to watch and loved the price. We have had some fun family movie nights with Bethoven and his clan!

Satisfaction .......2007-01-09

I was very pleased with the Beethoven Pouch Pack. I think that this package was mailed out immediately after the order was received. Thank you so much, Linda

Not all the movies are great but it's the best version to buy.......2006-07-06

I bought this boxset only because I wanted to see the first one. But the single DVD of the first (and probably only great) "Beethoven" is full screen. This boxset has "Beethoven" (and its four sequels) in its original widescreen format. This DVD set has all 5 movies spread out over two discs.

Great value if purchased at Sam's Club.......2005-11-04

This set is at Sam's club for 15 something a whole 11 dollars less then Best Buy and other outlets. Then each movie comes out to be about 3 dollars, although the 5th movie was awful and not worth watching. I love the 1-3 movies and 4 is ok

A Piano Evening with Martha Argerich [DVD Video]

Average customer rating:

Let's be honest
Another Outstanding Argerich Performance
Why she is the greatest of the age, and perhaps of all time...

A Piano Evening with Martha Argerich [DVD Video]

Manufacturer: Tdk DVD Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

Schumann & Martha Argerich
Barenboim on Beethoven - The Complete Piano Sonatas Live from Berlin
Kissin in Tokyo - Yevgeny Kissin
Volodos Plays Liszt
Haydn: Piano Works [DVD Video]

ASIN: B000NOIWV2
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Customer Reviews:

Let's be honest.......2007-05-24

I'll get right to the point. The orchestra is so atrocious as to make this DVD almost unlistenable. If you want to see a performance of the Schumann sonata, perhaps this is for you. But be warned. If you can get through the Triple Concerto without cringing, you are a better man than I. The Prokofiev? A student work by a second-rate composer, performed by a third-rate orchestra. Gee, does it get any better than that? Even the redoubtable Argerich can't rescue this disaster.

Another Outstanding Argerich Performance.......2007-05-22

While I agree with the previous reviewer (M.G.) that this is a marvelous DVD, I had some trouble getting past all his hagiographic gushing about Martha Argerich, larded as it is with superlatives. Admittedly she is an amazingly talented pianist, certainly among the greatest of our age, but his claims for her abilities -- 'perhaps (the greatest) of all time' -- seems over the top. Has he ever heard Liszt, Alkan, Thalberg, Busoni, or Godowsky, or whoever play? One notices also that in his review he doesn't mention either the conductor, Argerich's long-time collaborator both as conductor and duo-pianist, Alexandre Rabinovitch (or Rabinovitch-Barakovsky as he's called here), or the young and enthusiastic Flanders Sympnony Orchestra. He is so focused on Argerich that he doesn't mention the one piece not involving the piano, the concert's opening work, the invigorating Classical Symphony of Prokofiev. Nor does he mention that this is an outdoor concert, although it must be said that from an audio point of view, one would never have known it; the audio is just fine, as is the camera work.

But he is right in saying this is clearly Argerich's show. Following the Prokofiev symphony is his all-too-rarely-played First Piano Concerto in D Flat which, when I hear it, always makes me feel all's right with the world. That long vaulting first melody in the first movement is a creation of genius. Argerich plays the whole thing with panache and grace as well as surpassing virtuosity.

And since this is a 'Piano Night with Martha Argerich' the pattern of most orchestral concerts is broken by the appearance next on the bill of Schumann's First Violin Sonata with Renaud Capuçon and Argerich. Schumann wrote reams of chamber music and most of it gets played a lot, but one rarely hears the violin sonatas for some reason. It's certainly not because the First Sonata is a weak work; indeed, it is a quintessentially Romantic piece which, if one allows it, can sweep one away in a storm of emotion. I particularly liked Capuçon's tender approach to the delectable middle movement and his scampering lightness in the finale. Capuçon is a rising violinist star in the international music world and his playing here makes it clear why. But he is as much as anything else a chamber music player, often with his equally talented brother Gautier, a cellist. So this is not a virtuoso violinist star turn, but a truly collaborative effort and it is not surprising that Argerich is no shrinking violet as an accompanist; this is as it should be. Indeed, the piano is an equal partner to the violin in this sonata.

The concert concludes with Beethoven's Triple Concerto with Argerich, Capuçon and the latter's brother, Gautier, cello. It is often said that the triple concerto has an 'easy' piano part, especially when it is compared with the violin and cello parts. I've never quite understood this notion, as there are some pianistic fireworks that only very good pianists can bring off. Further, the pianist provides much of musical glue for the work just as the piano often does in piano trios. This is fairly typical mid-period Beethoven (1804) coming as it did just before the Fourth Piano Concerto. The performance here is exalted. The frères Capuçon are marvelously matched tonally and musically and Argerich is clearly of one mind with them; her experience as a chamber music player is, of course, well known and that comes in particularly helpful here. The orchestra, for all its enthusiasm, is perhaps a notch or two below world-class. This didn't bother me particularly but it does bear mentioning. Rabinovitch conducts with sensitivity and a freedom of pulse that allows the soloists to breathe.

One notes that Argerich plays from score in the Triple Concerto and I say huzzah to that. I've never quite understood while soloists must play from memory. But a discussion of that is, I suppose, for another day.

A hearty recommendation, and especially for Argerich's legion of fans.

Scott Morrison

Why she is the greatest of the age, and perhaps of all time..........2007-05-04

This is a remarkable DVD, featuring Martha Argerich--arguably the greatest pianist of all time--and two rising musical names: Renaud Capucon, violin, and Gautier Capucon, cello. While the brothers Capucon deliver beautiful and nuanced playing, this is really Argerich's show (as usual). I am constantly amazed at how she manages to elevate the playing of those around her to new heights. She simply has such technical and musical command of her instrument which is really unlike any other pianist, even to the point of paling brilliant contemporary virtuosos like Pollini and Zimerman and past masters like Arrau, Michelangeli, and Richter. Her performances on this DVD exhibit simply jaw-dropping virtuosity (inhuman, really) and incredibly nuanced music-making, intuitive to the core but always fully realized. Watching her hands and arms work, you can't help but think this woman was born to play the piano; and listening to her music making, you realize you are witnessing a truly legendary musician. Her technique is so transcendental that she simply can do anything she likes at the piano, eliciting a million different musical colors and shades, and such rhythmic drive and intensity as to phrase a musical line in infinitely different ways.

The program includes Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 1 with Argerich as soloist, Schumann's Sonata for Piano and Violin in a minor with Renaud Capucon and Argerich, and the Beethoven Triple Concerto with all three performers. I want to stress how amazing the camera work is in this DVD: you get shots of the keyboard and Argerich's hands and arms as if you were standing right next to her turning the pages, really giving you an inside look into a staggering technical mechanism. You also get a variety of different shots around the outdoor auditorium, from an audience perspective and orchestral position.

First, the Prokofiev: as you might expect, this performance begins with all-out pyrotechnics, with Argerich tossing off arm-blurring octaves and chords, thirds and sixths, as if she were having her morning coffee. Her scales--in both hands--are tossed-off at light speed and shimmer with a thousand different tones. She really plays this piece as a true chamber musician, always paying strict attention to the orchestral part and solos from the winds and brass. She also looks like she's having the time of her life, smiling before launching into another mind-numbing display of virtuosity. The middle movement is beautifully executed with slow and mysterious phrasing, shades of texture, and remarkable syncopation. The final movement really illustrates Argerich's rhythmic drive, as she simply explodes into one phrase after the next. The camera work is really amazing in this piece (and throughout), showing the rippling scales and propulsive octaves that bring this piece to a triumphant close.

The Schumann sonata introduces Renaud Capucon, who really seems to be a promising violinist. Here Argerich assumes her chamber music role, with such sensitive and musical--yet free-- playing that it seems she's improvising the sonata here on the spot. Capucon really seems on top of this piece, and the two of them seem like they have been playing chamber music for life. The first movement is played in a sweeping, probing, Romantic style (as is appropriate), with a gorgeous second movement that probes meditatively. The final movement is taken at a great clip, with really fleeting passage work by both artists. Argerich's playing again looks completely effortless, but full of musical coloring and rhythmic articulation.

The final piece of the program is the Beethoven Triple concerto, played by Renaud Capucon and Gautier Capucon--violin and cello, respectively--and Argerich on piano. This is a really grand and noble interpretation of this piece. I've always thought that--somewhat paradoxically--Beethoven and Mozart reveal more of Argerich's inhuman technique than the big Romantics and early twentieth-century composers. Scales in her left and right hands just fly away in dazzling arrays; arpeggios fly with mind blowing clarity and scale; and trills, double and in thirds, are tossed with brilliant ease. Here, Argerich can do whatever she wants and with such spontaneity that it's like listening to this work for the first time. This is not to say that her interpretation is somehow not in the Classical style--to the contrary, it is how Beethoven and Mozart would have dreamed to hear it played. All three musicians really deserve credit for a beautiful performance, as they all three are in tune with chamber-music-like exchanges of passages. The orchestra does an admirable job, as well.

In short, anyone who loves great music making, great chamber music playing, and especially the piano should buy this DVD. I've followed Argerich's career and performances for many years now, and each time I am astounded with what I'm witnessing. She really is in a league by herself, and this DVD is yet another documentation--perhaps the best commercially available recording--of her artistic genius. This DVD really makes you agree that calling Argerich the greatest living pianist--and the greatest of all time--is not mere hyperbole; that Mstislav Rostropovich's characterization of her as "A pianist with no limits at all: none whatsoever" is entirely apt; and that surely her only rivals--though from her recordings of both this is even questionable-- could possibly be Liszt and Chopin themselves, for she is more than a great technician: she is an artist, creator, and musician of the highest possible caliber. She redefines the art of piano playing, taking it to a new plane of music-making and virtuosity. You simply must buy this DVD and prepare to be astounded.

Barenboim on Beethoven - The Complete Piano Sonatas Live from Berlin

Average customer rating:

Barenboim shines
Beethoven comes to life
Essential!
In one word: Awesome!
Outstanding ! One of a kind ! Simply out of this world !

Barenboim on Beethoven - The Complete Piano Sonatas Live from Berlin
Starring: Daniel Barenboim
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

A Piano Evening with Martha Argerich [DVD Video]
Daniel Barenboim: 50 Years On Stage
Grieg, Chopin & Saint Saens Piano Concertos / Previn, Rubinstein, London Symphony Orchestra
Haydn: Piano Works [DVD Video]
Hilary Hahn: A Portrait

ASIN: B000KWZ7VU
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Customer Reviews:

Barenboim shines.......2007-06-23

First of all, let me state at the outset that I am not a fan of the Beethoven piano sonatas. Granted, Beethoven has never been on my top ten list anyway, but while I acknowledge the greatness of the string quartets and (on a slightly lower level) the symphonies, the piano sonatas have always struck me as being third or fourth rate pieces at best. There just isn't the equivalent of an "Eroica" or an Op. 131 among them. I'm sure it's the kiss of death for a pianist to harbour such an opinion, but so be it. The solo piano medium simply did not inspire Beethoven's best efforts, and on top of it, he wrote abominably for the instrument. As a matter of fact, with the exception of Schumann and late Brahms, the solo piano output of all the German/Austrian composers is sub par when compared to their other instrumental music.

So why did I put myself through the torture of sitting through all of these sonatas? First of all, I consider Barenboim to be one of the great musicians of our time, and now that he's in his sixties I wanted to see if his playing has held up and if I still think as highly of it as previously. And secondly, I wanted to see if he could sell me on these pieces; no one else has up to now, but I'm always willing to give it another go, particularly with someone of Barenboim's stature.

So what of Barenboim's playing? It's pretty wonderful, to put it mildly. Granted, it's not immaculate technically, but then it never was, and when the going gets rough it's apt to be a bit messy. So if you're looking for laser sharp accuracy, you're not going to find it here. On the other hand, if you're looking for great musicality and a deep understanding of the composer's style, then we're talking business. Barenboim's playing has always been characterized by a strong structural command wedded to a great coloristic sense, and so it is here. Add to that a feeling of spontanaeity and a palpable sense of adventure, and you can't go wrong. He almost convinces me that these sonatas have real worth.

Almost, but not quite. He comes closer than anyone else I've heard to making the Hammerklavier "come off", but as for the "Waldstein" and "Appassionata".......well, even God, if he existed, couldn't make these pieces seem musically interesting or convincing. But while Barenboim hasn't changed my opinion of the Beethoven sonatas, I've come away from this set with a renewed appreciation of his pianistic artistry.

The quality and format of these discs is top notch, and the two master class discs make the package even more appealing. However, I'm not sure whether I'm struck more by Barenboim's musical insights or by the incredible cluelessness of a pianist such as Lang Lang, who actually has something of a career at this point. I wonder what Barenboim really thought of him, I mean if you could get him to down a few, and really open up........

Go for it! If you like the Beethoven sonatas, it will be the equivalent of a wet dream. If you don't, you'll still be amazed and inspired by the artistry of one of the musical giants of our time.

Beethoven comes to life.......2007-05-26

It is one thing to listen to the Beethoven Sonatas, another to experience Bqarenboim's recreation of this epic soundworld. His interpretations transcend technique. One sees the role of Beethoven in music history and the history of keyboard writing in a whole new way.

Essential!.......2007-04-24

Here is a set that is, and will be for future generations, priceless. If it cost twice as much it would still be worth it, and a great deal.

The complete traversal (in recital) of the Beethoven 32 has been done a number of times since Sir Charles Hallé first accomplished the mammoth task in 1861, but never before has it been caught on film.

Maestro Barenboim is completely up to the task. Having played many of the Sonatas for more than fifty years one is not surprised at his great insights and seriousness, but almost shockingly (when one thinks of how much time he spends with his "non-pianistic" activities) he is also still up to all the considerable technical and endurance demands.

The recitals are filled to the brim with moments of insight, beauty, profundity, joy, power and greatness that are too numerous to mention. Even the occasional interpretive choice that I find puzzling (the decidedly not "Allegro molto e vivace" from Sonata no.13 jumps to mind) does nothing to diminish any of the concerts, no one will ever be able to play all 32 in a way that pleases everyone, it would be folly to even attempt to to do. Instead Barenboim does exactly what he should (unsurprisingly); he plays with great knowledge and understanding, leaving nothing to chance. It would be impossible for me to recommend this any more highly to anyone interested in the Piano, Beethoven or Music.

In one word: Awesome!.......2007-04-13

If any contemporary pianist can be said to "own" the Beethoven piano sonatas, it is Daniel Barenboim. This is his third traversal of the complete sonatas, and by any standard, this latest is his greatest effort - bringing the distillation of a lifetime of living with this music that he has been playing since he was eight years old. In the end, one comes away from these concerts with a renewed appreciation for the range, creativity, genius and sheer daring of Beethoven as a composer.

The sonatas are presented in a series of eight concerts, often with selections from each of Beethoven's early, middle and late years. For example, the first concert presents three sontatas - numbers 1, 18 and 29 (the Hammerklavier). In addition, there are two bonus disks with Barenboim presenting a series of 55-minute master classes with six talented young pianists, each of whom plays a movement from one of the Beethoven sonatas and then Barenboim offers his observations and suggestions, often illustrating his point by playing on his own piano. He comments on a wide range of topics - the sonata at hand, music in general, piano playing and its special demands, life in general - replete with occasional anecdotes and stories. He takes questions from the audience at the end of each session.

For anyone who loves great piano playing, this set is a must.

Outstanding ! One of a kind ! Simply out of this world !.......2007-04-08

It is truly unbelievable what Daniel Barenboim did in the lapse of three weeks in these 8 concerts given in Berlin in 2005, what a precious gift to be able to watch these superb performances of the complete Beethoven 32 Piano Sonatas in wonderful sound and image and a really beautiful camera work, it takes more than eleven hours to play them all, Daniel Barenboim is an extraordinary musical genius, not to mention the superb quality of his playing and the fact that he didn't even read a single note.
I really didn't know Daniel Barenboim is such a fantastic pianist, his playing in this set is simply unsurpassable, he shows a deep feeling and connection with this music, his understanding of the music and the piano in particular is totally amazing and that is completely reflected in the unique way he plays, he is never boring, his interpretations are so vivid, each phrase played with such care and passion, his musicality and expressiveness are outstanding, and his technic is absolutely of the highest level, truly astonishing, it was like the piano was actually singing all the time.
This whole set is a magnificent masterclass by Daniel Barenboim, truly in the same league with the greatest masters of the piano ever.
The format of the film is widescreen not 1.33:1 as advertised above and for the audio we have the option of Dolby Digital 5.0 Surround for optimal sound.
So if you love the piano and feel passion for it do not miss these magnificent, spellbinding, breathtaking and electrifying performances beautifully captured on film.

Orff - Carmina Burana: Battle, Allen, Lopardo, Ozawa, Berlin / Beethoven - Symphony No. 9: Schwanewilms, Groves, Dever, Hawlata, Ozawa, Saito Kinen Orchestra

Average customer rating:

CARMINA BURANA
Lyrics only of Carmina Burana
Dejar de lado la electrónica
Great Choral, Great Orchestra and the GREAT Ozawa.. WOW
This is a great DVD performance

Orff - Carmina Burana: Battle, Allen, Lopardo, Ozawa, Berlin / Beethoven - Symphony No. 9: Schwanewilms, Groves, Dever, Hawlata, Ozawa, Saito Kinen Orchestra
Starring: Orff , Kathleen Battle , Thomas Allen , Frank Lopardo , and Seiji Ozawa
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001Z65PS
Release Date: 2004-06-15

Customer Reviews:

CARMINA BURANA.......2007-06-27

THE JAPANESE CHOIR DO AN EXCELLENT JOB WITH THE LATIN AND LOW GERMAN.

THE SOLOISTS ARE ALSO EXCELLENT .

ONLY REASON I DID NOT GUVE 5 STARS IS BECAUSE NO SUBTITLES WERE AVAILABLE.

JASCONS

Lyrics only of Carmina Burana.......2007-01-04

The Carmina Burana piece is chorus only, no dancers. Carmina Burana is almost meaningless without the Dancers who tell the story. Who can fault Beethoven's Ninth?

Dejar de lado la electrónica.......2006-11-04

La interpretación de la 9ª Sinfonía pudo haber estado mejor en lo auditivo porque el uso del micrófono en el auditorio mezcló la calidad sonora de las voces. Éstas son buenas, pero creo que la acústica natural del recinto pudo haber ayudado a escuchar mejor la interpretación. Podemos tener como referencia la interpretación del Georgian SIMI Festival Orchestra, bajo la batuta del Nodar Tsatishvill, buenísima la acústica, impecables los solistas entre los cuales, la contralto llega a arrebatar totalmente. En esta interpretación de Ozawa, el bajo Franz Hawlata y el tenor Paul Groves estuvieron muy buenos. La soprano Anne Schwanewilms le quita protagonismo a la contralto Barbara Dever, cuya voz es hermosa y carismática pero algo vedada por la soprano, justamente, por la ubicación del micrófono. Se notaba que no se auto-escuchaba y que quería arrebatar al final de la primera presentación de la melodía del cuarteto. El simple uso de lo electrónico impide que comparemos esta interpretación con las memorables de Karajan dirigiendo la Filarmónica de Berlín (con Elizabeth Swarkopf, Marga Höffgen, Ernst Haefliger y Otto Edelmann) y de Karl Böhm, dirigiendo la Sinfónica de Viena (con Teresa Stich Randall, Hildegard Rössl Majdan, Anton Dermota y Paul Schöffler). Carmina Burana es interpretada por un coro increíble. Kathleen Battle se lució con una espléndida y potente voz. Thomas Allen algo apagado y Frank Lopardo con agujeros en el cambio de registro, que no era necesario para una verdadera voz de tenor alto. La orquesta: más que sublime. En pocas palabras, muy buena interpretación.

Great Choral, Great Orchestra and the GREAT Ozawa.. WOW.......2006-01-19

For my nearly 80 years of age,I have a rather large DVD collection and even a larger VHS collection that goes back more than 40 years.

I am not a too emotional person, but this particular DVD had me crying real tears of aesthetic emotion, as I listen and viewed both,Carmina Burana and Beethoven - Symphony No. 9 of this particular DVD.

I have no musical background and I guess I wouldn't know what might be considered a great interpretation of a perfect musical
rendition. But I have over my many years, have attended and heard and seen many of the "Greats" of Classical musical performance. This paricular DVD is by far the most inspiring and most (emotional) moving (musical) experience of all my life. OZAWA is near my age now and is no longer conducting. Because of THIS particular DVD, I have since ordered as many DVD recordings of OZAWA's conducting, as I can afford.

Of all the (thousands) DVD's and VHS that I own, THIS particular DVD is my most treasured visual and audio experience.

J. Levin

This is a great DVD performance.......2005-09-30

The Carmina Burana by Orff is astounding. Ozawa does an amzing job with this work!! Kathleen Battle's voice is so radiant and wonderful for this soprano solo. Frank Lopardo is also wonderful in this extremely taxing solo for tenor (repeated high "D's") that's a scary thought. My personal favorite is Thomas Allen!!! This baritone has such a dark, velvety tone...his "In taberna" solo is glorious!!! It's a baritone solo with repeated high "A's". Wow!! The Beethoven Symphony No. 9 is also breathtaking! Ozawa leads an amazing performance with the Saito Kinen Orchestra. The soloists for this performance are also great, especially tenor Paul Groves!! Great DVD performance!!!

Beethoven - Ode to Freedom (Symphony No. 9 )/ June Anderson, Sarah Walker, Klaus Konig, Jan-Hendrik Rootering, Leonard Bernstein

Average customer rating:

Moving
The best interpretation of the Ninth Symphony I have ever seen.
Grand, Exuberant Paean to Freedom... Fine Multi-Region DVD from EuroArts
At last!
The wait is finally over...

Beethoven - Ode to Freedom (Symphony No. 9 )/ June Anderson, Sarah Walker, Klaus Konig, Jan-Hendrik Rootering, Leonard Bernstein

Manufacturer: Euroarts
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000FVQUNK
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Customer Reviews:

Moving.......2007-04-17

The occasion of this concert was momentous, and what better way to celebrate than with Beethoven's magnificent Ninth Symphony and its customized "Ode to Freedom". I grew up on Bernstein's "Young People's Concerts" and have had a special place in my heart for him ever since. It was startling for me to see him looking sickly at this concert. But in spite of his obvious physical discomfort, he threw himself into the music with full passion, sometimes conducting with his whole body - dancing and jumping at times - and pulled off a heroic performance.

The best interpretation of the Ninth Symphony I have ever seen........2007-03-21

Indeed, as it should have been interpreted, as a "Hymn to freedom" in stead of a "Hymn to joy". It is clear that Leonard Bernstein imposes his majesty and the solemnity in this masterpiece from the first bars of the symphony. It is important to point out that all Orchestra is integrated for the best soloist of the main orchestras in the world, such as London Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris, etc...., it means the compromise of the main countries involved strongly in the second world war, now are joined in a great communion of spirituality.

The recitative of the soloist Jan Hendrik Rootering as a bass, is really spectacular at the middle of the recitative in the fourth movement, and also the voice of the soprano, specially in the passage of the highest note assigned to this tessitura in the score.
The performance of the Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks and the Rundfunkchor Berlin are also spectacular in tempo and interpretation. The addition of the Kinderchor der Philharmonie Dresden (boys Chorus) plays an important roll not only in the enrichment of the soprano voices but also philosophically in the fraternity of the humanity as Beethoven would have wanted it.

Despite that Bernstein has his years above, the expressiveness of his conduction is unique and can be noted in the entire symphony, especially in the strength of the second movement and the spiritual beauty of the third one.
The sound is very good, but it seems to me that the recording is a very little low and little saturated in the bass registers. In any case it is an extraordinary living performance in homage to Beethoven, to the "freedom of the human rights", and to the greatest conductor of the twenty century. Do not hesitate in buying it.

Grand, Exuberant Paean to Freedom... Fine Multi-Region DVD from EuroArts.......2006-11-26

I concur with the sentiments of the previous reviewers. This is a fine performance and an historic one that should have a proud place in anyone's musical collection. This celebratory Christmas Day Concert (1989) marked the fall of the Berlin Wall and the symbolic end of the Cold War. It was an eminently festive and joyous occasion that befits Beethoven's beloved work. It was broadcast live across the world and was recorded for posterity on both audio and video. In its spirit of brotherhood, the concert comprised performers culled from both sides of the once-divided city and from the four former occupying powers, all gathered together and led by that most inspirational of musicians, Leonard Bernstein. Even though he is in his 70s, the performance is bursting with energy and exuberance and the finale is a real paean to joy. Most people will know this as the Beethoven Ninth where Bernstein substituted the original word "Freude" (Joy) with "Freiheit" (Freedom), turning the famous choral finale into an "Ode to Freedom" (An die Freiheit). Seeing him here brimming with joy, passion and life, it's hard to believe that in less than a year, he would be gone.

I'd like to correct a few mistakes on Amazon's webpage. I got my disc through Amazon. It is a EuroArts Region 0 disc (playable worldwide), not Region 2. (All the EuroArts DVDs I receive from Amazon US are Region 0). It is presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect (Full screen), not 1.77:1 or 16:9 widescreen as Amazon and the DVD's own backcover states. Picture quality is good, considering that it was recorded on video for a live TV-broadcast. Images are fairly sharp. Colors are strong and natural. It doesn't come up to the quality of the Bernstein-Mahler set but it is very good nonetheless. Sound is excellent and is available in PCM Stereo, DTS and DD 5.1.

At last!.......2006-11-10

I have waited many years to get a better copy of this historical and moving
performance of the Ninth than the one I downloaded from television at the
time of the telecast. Sad to see Lenny so sick, but politically pleased
that he, a Jew, could do this in the heart of Berlin!

The wait is finally over..........2006-08-13

For those who have been dying to own a video-recording of Leonard Bernstein conducting Beethoven's Ninth Symphony commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall, the wait - and all this torture and frustration we had in the past - is finally over...

For the first time on DVD, we can watch this legendary and moving concert at our own homes. We no longer have the excuse of not being able to relive this event because of limited production of video tapes and worse yet, laser disks. We may have seen snippets of it in documentaries and such, but say goodbye to that too!

For those who don't know, this is a DVD worth watching. It's a piece of history in itself. The performance was held on Christmas Day, 1989, about a month and a half after the collapse of the Berlin Wall. Celebrating the reunion of Germany and the rest of the world, Leonard Bernstein, a prolific American conductor and composer (including the musical "West Side Story") led a combined force of musicians from East and West Germany, as the United States, Britain, France, and Russia. A youth chorus was also invited for even more diversity. In the final movement of the symphony, he changes the word "freude" (joy) to "freiheit" (freedom), perhaps to give more emphasis that people are free from Communism, not to mention a possible fact that Schiller initially titled his poem "Ode to Freedom". Whatever the changes made, indeed "all men become brothers" in the concert... for the moment at least...

Bernstein, having less than a year to live, conducted the internationally combined orchestra rather slowly, much slower than what he did in his two previous recordings - not exactly preferable to my taste; I'm most used to the relatively fast-paced recordings of Herbert von Karajan, Eugene Ormandy, and Claudio Abbado. Nevertheless, Lenny, the four soloists from respective countries, the choruses, and the orchestra sang from their innermost heart and soul. Some of the parts were done much better than what other conductors have done. The jubilant coda in the last movement in particular is performed with top-notch speed and almost inexplainable ecstacy, as if Lenny was storing his passion and power for that defining moment. The ovation was also a moving moment; it seem to never stop as the audience showed their gratitude and appreciation to the performers.

For those who do know this, never hesitate to buy if, even if you own the audio-only version. Time to use both your eyes and ears to witness this historic and moving occasion.

(Just to let you know, the performance - excluding the "breaks" between movements and the applause - lasted more than 80 minutes. In the CD recording it lasted roughly 78 minutes. That is because it omitted the repeat in the "A" section of the second movement, to avoid using two disks, as each CD fits 80 minutes worth of music... although newer CDs are able to fit a little more than 80 minutes...)

Itzhak Perlman: Beethoven/Brahms Violin Concertos

Average customer rating:

Meet my standard, and I want the DVD to play longer
An adequate performance
One of the best DVDs of classical music.
Itzhak Perlman does honor to Beethoven and Brahms

Itzhak Perlman: Beethoven/Brahms Violin Concertos
Starring: Beethoven , Brahms , Perlman , Bpo , and Barenboim
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( I ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0009IXRGC
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Customer Reviews:

Meet my standard, and I want the DVD to play longer.....