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See Terms & Conditions for p&p rates. | |  | Rattle conducts Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky & Rachmaninov
The famous annual Berlin Phil Open-Air concert at the Berlin Waldbühne is attended by more than 20,000 people.The atmosphere is unique and unconventionally relaxed. People bring champagne, salmon and caviar, making the Waldbühne a giant picnic area. Candles are lit, transforming the area into an atmospheric venue for some of the most popular pieces of classical music. The 2009 programme has a Russian feel to it, with classic pieces by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Stravinsky; three pieces of the core repertoire, among the most popular ones. Yefim Bronfman, an artist of international reputation and specialist in the Russian repertoire, achieves a brilliant performance of Rachmaninov's 3rd concerto.This is a superb summer night in Berlin - not only for fans of classical music. NTSC 16:9, PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1 Region code: 0 Booklet Notes: English, German, French Running time: 103 mins Audience: all “Orchestral concerts al fresco don’t get more spectacular or more wide-spectrum than this. Here are Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic in the Waldbuhne, a ravine-hollowed amphitheatre outside the city… It's a gift for the consummate film crew that the 88 rows of seats, filled with brightly coloured picnickers, rise up in the late afternoon sun behind Yefim Bronfman's phenomenally clear, no-nonsense but also weighty and poetic handling of Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto. Great shots, these, and a great performance...” BBC Music Magazine, March 2010 ***** | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Recorded live Nationaltheater, Munich, July 2007
Edita Gruberova (Lucrezia), Pavol Breslik (Gennaro), Franco Vassallo (Don Alfonso), Alice Coote (Maffio Orsini), Bruno Ribeiro (Jeppo Liverotto), Christian Rieger (Don Aposto Gazella), Christopher Magiera (Ascanio Petrucci), Erik Årman (Oloferno Vitellozzo), Steven Humes (Gubetta), Emanuele D'Aguanno (Rustighello), Christian Van Horn (Astolfo) Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper & Bayerisches Staatsorchester, Bertrand de Billy "The raison d'etre of this new production of Lucrezia Borgia at the Bayerische Staatsoper is undoubtedly the great Edita Gruberova. Sopranos come and go, but there is always Edita, who has been in front of the public for almost forty years and still going strong, thank you very much. At the age of 62, many of her contemporaries would likely have retired to a teaching post somewhere, or at least moved on to the old ladies, the maids, the witches, and other assorted "character roles" in opera, or disappeared from public view altogether. Not Edita Gruberova, who remains the undisputed Queen of Bel Canto. …Her coloratura - and the seemingly infinite variations in dynamics - is as amazing as ever. …Lucrezia is not exactly a charming character, poisoning everyone in sight, but Gruberova managed to make her sympathetic.The final scene was a vocal and dramatic tour de force that one rarely encounters these days. She was well partnered by a fellow Slovak, tenor Pavel Breslik, who was an exceptionally fine Gennaro. Celebrated in Mozart, I wasn't prepared for his idiomatic Italian, his plangent timbre and stylish yet heart-onsleeve singing/acting was an unalloyed pleasure. Looking handsome and youthful, he complemented the soprano perfectly…he is a natural candidate for any director wanting to show some flesh onstage, witness his Idamante last season. Christof Loy had him scraping a knee, taking off his shirt ostensibly to wipe off the blood.Another example - the libretto calls for Gennaro to destroy Lucrezia's coat of arms. In this contemporary production, it was replaced by her name in large illuminated letters attached to the gray background. Gennario rips the B off her name and throws it on the stage floor - rather amusing as "ORGIA" remains on the wall, the implications of which rather unmistakable. The production is extremely pared-down, with really no set to speak of, a bare stage save for a few office chairs.Yet there is something to be said about this approach, as it allows one to focus on the emotional and dramatic core of the work. ...Ultimately this is a vehicle for the prima donna so nothing else really matters, especially when the diva delivered in spades like last evening…The third vocal standout was British mezzo Alice Coote as Maffio Orsini.The Gennaro-Maffio duet was a highlight of the evening…her Act Two extended scena was terrific. BONUS: The Art of Bel Canto - Edita Gruberova A Portrait an empathic portrait of the Queen of coloratura, Edita Gruberova, prima donna assoluta. NTSC 16:9, PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1 Region Code: 0 Original language: Italian Subtitles: English, German, French, Italian Booklet Notes: English, German, French Running Time: 129 mins + 54 mins Documentary German FSK: 6 “Christof Loy's serious contemporary production has simple modern clothes… and little scenery… Entries, exits and who is onstage are treated in deconstructionist fashion. This is exciting in Act 2 where the constant presence of the Duca (Alfonso) and his oily henchman Rustighello at Princess Negroni's party is not realistic but hugely underlines the threat to Gennaro, Maffio Orsini and their friends visiting Ferrara. The Slovak soprano legend Edita Gruberová... produces a dramatic performance of concentration, at its most convincing in Act 2 where her age meshes well with the character of distraught mother. The handsome Slovakian tenor Pavol Breslik is a star Gennaro of passion and agility, and Alice Coote is a convincingly butch Maffio. The orchestra play richly for de Billy who sounds at home in this repertoire.” Gramophone Magazine, March 2010 “the major vocal honours of the evening belong to Pavol Breslik as Gennaro. He sings with excellent diction, variety of tone and good characterisation whilst acting with conviction...If the production and staging lacks cohesion and conviction, thankfully those convictions are present in the pit under the direction of Bertrand de Billy.” MusicWeb International, June 2012 | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | El SistemaMusic to Change Life
Music by Ravel, Munoz, Gutierrez, Prado, Marguez, Tchaikovsky, Márquez, Ravel, Beethoven, Mendoza, Piazolla, Ginastera, Hernández, Bernstein & Yánez
A film by Paul Smaczny and Maria Stodtmeier. 'El Sistema', Venezuela's revolutionary system of music education, brings joy and hope to the lives of hundreds of thousands of impoverished children. This lyrical and very moving documentary takes us from the rubbish dumps and barrios of Caracas to the world's finest concert halls. Children from streets dominated by the gun battles of gang warfare are taken into music schools, given access to music, and taught through the model of the symphony orchestra how to build a better society and a better world. Gustavo Dudamel is the most prominent pupil of 'El Sistema', now named as the LA Philharmonic's music director as of the 2009-2010 season. 'El Sistema' shows how Venezuelan visionary, musician and economist, Jose Antonio Abreu, has changed the lives of hundred of thousands of children over the past three decades. Abreu earned several renowned prizes for his achievements,including the Crystal Award of the World Economic Forum, the TED Prize and recently the Polar Music Prize, given by the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. NTSC 16:9, PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1 Region code: 0 Original language: Spanish Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Japanese Booklet Notes: French, German, English Running time: 100 mins + 9 mins (Bonus) “…the main emphasis here is placed upon the missionary zeal of José Antonio Abreu, the visionary politician who masterminded the Sistema… Abreu's staunchly held belief in the capacity of music to better people's lives is nowhere more eloquently illustrated than in the extensive exploration of the performing opportunities that have become available to children living in the crime-ridden ghettoes of the country's main cities.” BBC Music Magazine, Christmas 2009 ***** “This inspiring film, subtitled "music to change life", takes us behind the scenes of the worldwide phenomenon of the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela… Their founding father is José Antonio Abreu, composer, conductor and politician, who cuts an almost mystical figure in this stunningly photographed film by Paul Smaczny and Maria Stodtmeier. El Sistema comes with several awards to its name. Surely it can't be long before its remarkable founder Abreu is the recipient of a prize for peace?” Gramophone Magazine, January 2010 | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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The 2008 reprise of the evergreen Otto Schenk staging with an overwhelming cast, perfect for all Wagner traditionalists. Conductor Christian Thielemann deserves a great deal of the credit for fashioning a multi-faceted drama that is anything but black-and-white in its musical depiction of the characters. Since his Bayreuth Festival debut in 2000,Thielemann has established himself as one of the world's leading Wagner conductors. Among the vocal surprises of this live recording is Adrian Eröd as Beckmesser. Eröd is on a par with the great Wagner baritone Falk Struckmann as Hans Sachs, who injects earthy humour into his role while building a tender rapport with Ricarda Merbeth's Eva.As Walther von Stolzing, Johan Botha is pure tenor gold. NTSC · 16:9, PCM Stereo· DD 5.1· DTS 5.1 Region Code: 0 Booklet Notes: English, German, French Languages: German Subtitles: English, German, French Running Time: 273 mins FSK: all audiences “This is perhaps the finest recording, either on DVD or CD, of Wagner's complex masterpiece… Christian Thielemann… keeps the whole piece, very close to five hours, moving irresistibly, and he has the Vienna Philharmonic playing magnificently, untiringly, and a superb cast. This one has the noblest contemporary Sachs, Falk Struckmann, in top form, and Johan Botha, a man-mountain, as an exceptionally sensitive Walther, and an expressive actor despite his bulk. The Pogner of Ain Auger is phenomenally fine, and Adrian Eröd's Beckmesser is outstanding. Otto Schenk's production is as traditional without a trace of routine. Sticking mainly very closely to Wagner's stage directions - a revolutionary stroke - and well photographed, it illuminates point after point in the action.” BBC Music Magazine, January 2010 **** | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Europa Konzert 2009Recorded live at the Teatro San Carlo, Naples, May 1st 2009
This year's Europa Konzert took place in Naples, Riccardo Muti's home town.The charismatic conductor and the Berlin Philharmonic together with Violeta Urmana, one of the leading sopranos in the Italian dramatic genre, present the overture of Verdi's magnificent opera La Forza del Destino and La canzone dei ricordi (The Song of Memories) for soprano by Giuseppe Martucci (1820-1869). Martucci's song cycle was originally conceived as a work for voice and piano, but found its final form and highest expression in the arrangement for soprano and orchestra. The Lithuanian-born singer has justly became world famous for her interpretation of roles such as Aida, Amelia, Elisabetta, Gioconda, Leonora, Tosca and Norma. She is currently receiving rave reveiws for her Isolde at Bregenz which she takes to the Met and Berlin later this year. Schubert's 'Great Symphony' completes this fantastic concert at the formidable Teatro San Carlo. NTSC - 16:9, PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1 Region code: 0 Original language: Italian Subtitles: English, French, German, Italian Booklet Notes: French, German, English Running time: 90 mins Audience: all “If the journey is comfortable, there are still plenty of features to admire in the driving. The symphony begins in stately fashion, the inner parts in the violas and cellos lovingly brought out...With unobtrusive camera-work, this is a solid achievement.” Gramophone Magazine, May 2010 | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Live from the Haydnsaal at Schloss Esterhazy Eisenstadt, Austria
This performance in the beautiful historic concert hall of Schloss Esterhazy in Eisenstadt (Austria) is a tribute to one of the world's greatest musical genius, Joseph Haydn, on the occasion of his 200th anniversary of death in 1809. Joseph Haydn spent most his life in Eisenstadt at Schloss Esterhazy.The Concert was recorded at the historical venue at Schloss Esterhazy Eisenstadt, Austria in May 2009. The Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra, founded in 1987 by internationally renowned conductor Adam Fischer, consists of musicians from the Vienna Phil and the main Budapest-based orchestras. Thomas Quasthoff's Birthday celebration in November 2009 will draw a lot of attention to this latest recording, (Nov 9, 1959) and he garnered rave reviews for his performances in this role, earlier this year with René Jacobs at the Barbican. This live-broadcast of The Creation represents a DVD media highlight of Haydn-year 2009. NTSC 16:9, PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1 Region code: 0 Original language: German Subtitles: English, French, German Booklet Notes: French, German, English Running time: 108 mins Audience: all “…the chamber choir is finely disciplined and light on its collective feet, the orchestra has good period manners and conductor Adam Fischer provides firm and keenly motivated direction. Baritone Thomas Quasthoff is in a league of his own: there's an intensity to his lyricism that ruses to a sense of wonder as he contemplates the marvels of the natural world, and throughout his singing is purposeful and direct. The filming of this live concert is entirely straightforward and without any fancy camerawork. No extras attached to the DVD, but there's a good general introduction to the piece contained in the accompanying booklet.” BBC Music Magazine, January 2010 *** | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Martha Argerich - Verbier 2007-2008
Bach, J S: | Partita No. 2 in C minor, BWV826 Martha Argerich (piano) | Bartók: | Violin Sonata in E minor, BB28 Martha Argerich (piano) & Renaud Capuçon (violin) | Grieg: | Cello Sonata in A minor, Op. 36 Martha Argerich (piano) & Mischa Maisky (cello) | Lutoslawski: | Variations on a Theme by Paganini, for two pianos Martha Argerich & Gabriela Montero (pianos) | Mozart: | Andante and Variations in G for Piano Duet, K501 Martha Argerich & Stephen Kovacevich (piano) | Shostakovich: | Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 57 Martha Argerich (piano), Joshua Bell (violin), Henning Kraggerud (violin), Yuri Bashmet (viola) & Mischa Maisky (cello) |
A collection of the most wonderful performances given at the Verbier Festival (2007 and 2008) by the legendary pianist Martha Argerich, featuring some of the most talented musicians of today. Martha Argerich proves once again her great pianistic technique in a wave of virtuosity, performing emblematic works of the greatest composers ever. Moreover, she is accompanied by the best and most renowned cellists, pianists and violinists one can imagine: Stephen Kovacevich, Mischa Maisky, Renaud Capuçon… NTSC · 16:9, PCM Stereo Region Code: 0 Booklet notes: English Running time: 125 mins FSK: all audiences “…Argerich's matriarchal presence casts a benign glow over the proceedings, and her keyboard wizardry remains as abundant and remarkable as ever.” BBC Music Magazine, Christmas 2009 **** | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Handel Commemoration
Ulrike Fulde (soprano), Albrecht Sack (tenor) & Felix Plock (bass) Hallenser Madrigalisten, MDR Rundfunkchor, Händelfestspielchor, Chor der Oper Halle, The English Concert & Händelfestspielorchester Halle, Howard Arman April 14, 2009 witnessed the 250th anniversary of George Frideric Handel's death. On this unique occasion two of the world's leading Baroque orchestras, members of four distinguished choruses, three accomplished Handel interpreters as soloists, together with conductor and Händel-Preis winner, Howard Arman, paid homage to the composer by playing the repertoire of the historic first commemoration concert that took place in London's Westminster Abbey in 1784. This outstanding British-German performance in Halle's Marktkirche, where Handel was baptised, represents the media highlight of Handel Year 2009. NTSC 16:9 PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1 Original language: English Subtitles: English, German, French Booklet notes: English, German, French Running time: 103 minutes | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Sir Simon Rattle conducts Beethoven, Bruch & Stravinsky
Each year, the Berliner Philharmoniker celebrates the anniversary of its creation (May 1st, 1882) with an unforgettable concert taking place in a different big European city each time. In 2008, the ‘Europa Konzert’, was held in the Tchaikovsky Academy of Moscow, a holy place for music. The BPO is considered the best orchestra in the world, and it is conducted by the renowned Sir Simon Rattle. Vadim Repin, Prince of the violin - as many people call him - has been compared to Oistrakh. Bruch's is one of the most famous and best-loved of all violin concertos; the Symphony in Three Movements of Stravinsky highlights the virtuosity and the expertise of the Berlin Phil, whilst Beethoven's 7th Symphony shows the incomparable tone pallet of this orchestral limousine. "The musicians are very articulate, they are very open, they are very curious. They always want to know why we are doing something. They don't just do it - they are not an obedient orchestra in that way, but they are a very creative orchestra." Sir Simon Rattle NTSC 16:9 PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1 Booklet notes: English, German, French Running time: 92 minutes “Fans of Vadim Repin's superlative playing will not be disappointed by his typically commanding account of the Bruch Concerto… the Beethoven Symphony has numerous special moments, such as the increasingly hushed strings as the Adagietto theme unfolds. ...the highlight is Stravinsky's Symphony in Three Movements. The slow movement is charmingly laid back, and the outer movements have Rattle's characteristic drive allied to the orchestra's finesse.” BBC Music Magazine, December 2009 “The piano in the Symphony in Three Movements takes the part of a sardonic commentator, sometimes an aggressor, and the dominance of the tonic in the Beethoven has seldom been subjected to such relentless threat. Yet devotees to the wit of his earlier recording with the CBSO may like to note the new balletic delicacy of Rattle's approach to the slow movement of the Stravinsky, perhaps inspired by his recent experiences of conducting The Nutcracker.” Gramophone Magazine, December 2009 | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Karl Böhm - In Rehearsal & Performance 3Recorded at the Vienna Musikverein
The paternalistically strict maestro from Graz, one of the leading conductors of the 20th century, was respected and feared by his musicians as an uncompromising but expert orchestral trainer and an unassailable authority of the first order.This historical documentary grants us an insight into Böhm's ear for detail in rehearsing Schubert's "Great" C major Symphony, while also allowing us to experience the fascinating result of his work in the rehearsal room in the form of the ensuing concert. "Whatever the explanation, it is clear that Böhm maintained the ability to make an orchestra responsive both to the most minute inflections of his baton and to the playing of their colleagues." The Guardian DVD: 4:3 b/w DVD: PCM Stereo, Mono Original language: German Subtitles: German, English, French Booklet Notes: German, English, French Running time: 120 minutes “…Colpi does exactly what Clouzot and Karajan agree is the point of a music film… to place "the spectator in a privileged position whilst you tell him your story" (Clouzot) and to give him "an added sense of the greatness of the music we are playing"… unlike many rehearsal films, the conductor and his men appear at ease while they are observed. ...the rehearsal reveals some hows, and a few whys, to the performance that follows: vibrant, unfussy, lacking the richness and refinement of Böhm's DG recording in Berlin but gaining some careless Viennese rapture in the process.” Gramophone Magazine, March 2010 “his insights in the rehesarsal sequence are deeply absorbing” BBC Music Magazine, April 2010 **** | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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Gramophone Awards 2010
Gramophone Magazine