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See Terms & Conditions for p&p rates. | |  | Knowledge Is The BeginningDocumentary produced and directed by Paul Smaczny
In a new EuroArts Edition: KNOWLEDGE IS THE BEGINNING - Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra The award winning documentary produced and directed by Paul Smaczny Daniel Barenboim established the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra with the late Palestinian writer Edward Said in order to bring together young musicians from across the political divide in the Middle East. Their hope was that music would heal and help to bring understanding and tolerance of different beliefs and cultures. THE RAMALLAH CONCERT - Live recording at the Place of Culture in Ramallah, 21st August 2005 West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, Mohamed Saleh (oboe), Kinan Azmeh (clarinet), Mor Biron (bassoon) & Sharon Polyak (horn), Daniel Barenboim. Bonus: 63-minutes conversation between Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim, Weimar 1999 (in two parts) Picture format DVD: NTSC 16:9 Sound formats DVD: PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1 Region code: 0 Languages: German, English, French, Spanish Subtitles (Bonus): Deutsch, French, Spanish Running time: 114 mins (documentary), 112 mins (concert) | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Yuri Temirkanov at the BBC PromsRoyal Albert Hall, London, 26 August 1992
Representing the first visit to the Proms by the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, this exhilarating and refreshing concert from 1992 sees the orchestra on top form under Yevgeny Mravinsky’s esteemed successor, Yuri Temirkanov. Temirkanov was appointed Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the orchestra four years prior to this recording, having made his debut with them several decades earlier, which lead to his appointment as Mravinsky’s assistant conductor in the sixties. Temirkanov is not averse to making changes to musical scores, and the Manfred Symphony featured on this DVD is subject to a convincing set of alterations, closing with a reprise of the first movement’s dark coda, a compelling and appropriate substitute for the customary happy ending. Temirkanov’s profound love of Tchaikovsky’s music is evident in this passionate interpretation from an orchestra that was established nearly 130 years ago, and according to Gramophone is one of the top 20 orchestras in the world. A frequent guest conductor of major orchestras in Europe, Temirkanov and ‘his orchestra’, were described in the Corriere della Sera (Milan) as ‘something unique in world music panorama… Amazing musicians, everyone is a soloist, but in perfect ensemble and confluence with others.’ Temirkanov has received many distinguished awards in Russia, such as the President’s Medal from Vladimir Putin, the Abbiati Prize for Best Conductor, and Conductor of the Year in Italy in 2003. Recently, he was made an Honorary Academician of Santa Cecilia. This is the first DVD release of this material. Picture format: 4:3 Running time: 72’ Subtitles: n/a Menu languages: English Booklet languages: E/F/G Region code: 0 Territory Restrictions: None “The Tchaikovsky is a beautiful and dramatic performance, though whether the DVD is worth buying rather depends on your feelings about the last two movements. Both have extensive cuts...and amendments...Overall, the orchestra makes a lovely sound and responds well to Temirkanov's expressive hands.” BBC Music Magazine, July 2012 **** “the orchestra, drilled so long and so relentlessly under the Mravinsky regime, they play with rare warmth and spontaneity; that said, the old discipline kicks in where necessary...really this is a fine tribute to the BBC, whose Proms productions then were often superior to the ones we see now. An indispensable record of a memorable night.” MusicWeb International, June 2012 | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Presto 2
Bach, J S: | Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV1068: Air ('Air on a G String') | Barber, S: | Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 | Bizet: | L'amour est un oiseau rebelle 'Habanera' (from Carmen) | Brahms: | Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90 | Charpentier, M-A: | Overture Te Deum | Chopin: | Prelude Op. 28 No. 20 in C minor Philippe Giusiano (piano) Étude Op. 10 No. 3 in E major 'Tristesse' Philippe Giusiano (piano) | Elgar: | Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major, Op. 39 No. 1 | Grieg: | Peer Gynt Suites Nos. 1 & 2 | Handel: | Sarabande | Liszt: | Ständchen Brigitte Engerer | Lully: | Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs | Mahler: | Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor - Adagietto | Mozart: | Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K550 | Prokofiev: | Romeo and Juliet: Dance of the Knights | Rachmaninov: | Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 Philippe Bianconi (piano) | Ravel: | Boléro | Schubert: | Piano Quintet in A major, D667 'The Trout' Esther Brayer & Jean-Frédéric Neuburger Quatuor Ebène Ständchen 'Leise flehen meine Lieder', D957 No. 4 Brigitte Engerer | Tchaikovsky: | Swan Lake (Prelude) | Vivaldi: | Nisi Dominus (Psalm 126), RV608 with Carlos Mena |
PRESTO 2 is written and presented by Pierre Charvet, of FRANCE5, where Presto is a regular TV programme designed to familiarise viewers with classical music. Directed by François-René Martin, of Mirare, Presto uses split-screen technology and graphic animation by Gregoire Pont, to illustrate four centuries of music, played by François Xavier Roth and his orchestra Les Siècles. 1 DVD, 2h 12min PAL 16:9, Stereo, Language : Fr No subtitles NB: This is taken from a television-programme rather than a recital and therefore features some voice-over during the pieces. | | | Usually despatched in 3 - 4 working days. |
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| |  | Elgar: Symphony No. 2 & Enigma Variations
Solti recorded Elgar’s Symphony No.2 (along with the Cockaigne Overture) on audio around the same time as the Royal Festival Hall performance, to great acclaim. Solti’s recordings were always the recommended version of each work he performed – he had a deep understanding of the repertoire. This DVD is the first audiovisual recording to feature Solti performing Elgar 2, and has never been released before. The Second Symphony is also a record of the first concert Solti conducted as the London Philharmonic’s Chief Conductor in 1975. James Mallinson, one of Solti’s record producers, commented that his audio recordings of the two Elgar symphonies are probably two of his finest recordings due to his open and fresh approach. Solti’s quote at the time of broadcasting the Enigma Variations: “I love Elgar, and for me the Enigma Variations is his masterpiece.” 1DVD Sound format: LCPM mono Picture format: 4:3 Running time: 84’ Subtitles: n/a Menu languages: English Booklet languages: E/F/G Region code: 0 Territory Restrictions: None “It is, quite simply, a codument to treasure, with the LPO...galvanised to thrilling effect by Solti's prodigiously energetic presence on the podium...Both the picture quality and full-blooded (mono) sound are perfectly acceptable...The direction, too, is mercifully undistracting throughout. Most rewarding - and a genuine tonic to boot.” Gramophone Magazine, August 2011 “A highlight of the new ICA Classics Legacy series, Solti's LPO Elgar remains fresh, the passionate vigour of his Second Symphony balanced by one of the most loving Enigma Variations on disc.” BBC Music Magazine, July 2011 ***** | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Europa Konzert 2010 from OxfordRecorded live at Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford, 1 May 2010
For over 20 years, the Berliner Philharmoniker have celebrated their foundation on May 1st with the annual Europa Konzert - this year’s concert takes place in Oxford. The orchestra, under the baton of worldwide renowned musician Daniel Barenboim, welcome cellist Alisa Weilerstein who has attracted widespread attention for playing that combines natural virtuoso command and technical precision with impassioned musicianship. 'Daniel Barenboim´s programme played to the orchestra's strengths, and the sound was sumptuous. The plush strings and refulgent brass permitted him to unfold the introspective third-act prelude to Wagner's Die Meistersinger with glacial slowness, while the energy that pulsed through Brahms's First Symphony, its phrases sculpted in great expressive arcs with every detail and woodwind solo thrillingly realised, was irresistible. Between the prelude and the symphony, Barenboim conducted the young American cellist Alisa Weilerstein in Elgar's Cello Concerto … Barenboim's approach was refreshingly un-English, a bonus in Elgar, and the sound of the orchestra in the climaxes was overwhelming.' Guardian Picture format DVD: NTSC 16:9 Sounds formats DVD: PCM Stereo, DD 5.0, DTS 5.0 Region code: 0 Booklet notes: English, German, French Running time: 83 mins FSK: 0 “There's no old man's regret in [Weilerstein's] performance, which is passionate and full-blooded, and shot through with grief and longing rather than any nostalgia...Barenboim has always been an excellent Brahmsian...and he rounds the concert off with a richly satisfying account of the First Symphony. No real surprises, but not far from perfection” BBC Music Magazine, January 2011 ***** “The young American cellist Ailsa Weilerstein simply steals the show. Her musicianship is absolutely stunning. She captures a perfect balance between introversion and songfulness, sensitivity and whimsy, seemingly at one with the music...The filming captures the event's rapt atmosphere, if a bit busily.” Classic FM Magazine, June 2011 **** “[The Elgar] is gripping from the very start...[Weilerstein] never holds back and takes some impressive risks, perhaps inspired by an accompaniment that convinces me, for the time, of the Berlin Philharmonic being the finest orchestra for Elgar, as well as for everything else.” Gramophone Magazine, August 2011 “[In the Brahms and Wagner] the Berliners' majestic playing is deeply impressive, their timbral and intonational blend bordering on the miraculous...playing at this level of achievement still has the power to have one shaking one's head in disbelief at its sheer expertise...[Weilerstein] plays with compelling flair and understanding” International Record Review, January 2012 | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | An Evening with Renée FlemingRecorded live at Waldbühne, Berlin, 2010
The Waldbühne in Berlin, one of the most appealing outdoor amphitheatres on the European continent, is the home of the Berliner Philharmoniker’s summer concerts. With over 20,000 attendances, these are some of the most popular classical music concerts in the world. This year the Berliner Philharmoniker play under the baton of Ion Marin, one of the most exciting conductors on today’s musical scene. They welcome "America's Beautiful Voice", Grammy Award winning soprano Renée Fleming, who has a devoted international following wherever she appears. Her career has been built on success across a wide range of musical styles, but she is best-known for her excellence in opera worldwide. The device of the evening was “Night of Love”- the most beautiful Opera Arias in combination with atmospheric instrumental pieces. Picture format DVD: NTSC 16:9 Sounds formats DVD: PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1 Region code: 0 Booklet notes: English, German, French Subtitles: English, German, French Running time: 130 mins FSK: 0 | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Classical Destinations IIGreat Cities and their Music
Albéniz: | Tango (No. 2 from Espana, Op. 165) arr. Kreisler Richard Tognetti (violin) | Bartók: | Romanian Folk Dances for orchestra, Sz. 68, BB 76 | Britten: | Simple Symphony: Playful Pizzicato | Debussy: | String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10: Scherzo ACO principals | Elgar: | Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op. 20 - Allegro piacevole Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op. 20 - Larghetto Salut d'amour, Op. 12 Helena Rathbone (violin) | Handel: | Concerto grosso, Op. 6 No. 10 in D minor, HWV328: Finale Water Music Suite No. 1 in F major, HWV348: Air Suite from F major: Hornpipe from Water Music | Holst: | St Paul's Suite, Op. 29 No. 2: Ostinato St Paul's Suite, Op. 29 No. 2: Dargason | Prokofiev: | Sonata for Two Violins in C Major, Op. 56 Richard Tognetti, Satu Vänskä (violins) | Rachmaninov: | Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 Richard Tognetti (violin) | Ravel: | Deux mélodies hébraïques: Kaddisch | Respighi: | Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 3, P. 172: II. Arie di Corte | Rossini: | La scala di seta Overture | Saint-Saëns: | Introduction & Rondo capriccioso, Op. 28 Richard Tognetti (violin) | Strauss, R: | Morgen, Op. 27 No. 4 Sara Macliver (soprano) | Szymanowski: | String Quartet No. 2, Op. 56: Vivace, Scherzando ACO principals |
The acclaimed actor and writer Simon Callow returns for a second tour as host and narrator of Classical Destinations. This unique TV series combines travel to some of the most amazing cities in Europe with their history, great stories and classical music in a unique and spectacular format. Together with their Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) joins Simon as he discovers the great composers by exploring beautiful cities and regions of Europe that inspired them to write the music that has endured for years. 'I believe we’ve put together a remarkable selection of music that represents the best of the composers featured. The ACO performs in every episode of the series with over 100 minutes of new recordings.' Richard Tognetti Running time: 5hrs 25mins Special Features: 36mins 16:9 Widescreen All regions DVD9: Dual layer | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Open Air - A Night with the Berliner PhilharmonikerRecorded live at the Waldbühne, Berlin, 2002
The extraordinary atmosphere of this Open Air venue is the imagination of this production. More than 20,000 people attended the yearly Open Air Concert of the Berliner Philharmoniker at the Waldbühne in Berlin. The atmosphere is as unique as the Night of the Proms Concert. This is a full programme of musical showpieces and some of the most popular pieces of classical music like Tchaikovsky The Nutcracker, Mascagni Intermezzo, Paganini Il carnevale die Venezia and Sibelius Valse triste. The famous violinist Vadim Repin is clearly happy to indulge, performing here with all the appropriate showmanship and artistry alongside the first-class Berliner Philharmoniker and Mariss Jansons. This isn´t only a production for core classical lovers – this is a night for a wide audience. “Repin’s playing of the Paganini has to be watched to be believed, and the audience, quite justifiably, go wild at the end, causing him to repeat the piece, this time modified for even greater effect, enchanting all present including orchestra and conductor. " John Phillips, MusicWeb International Picture format DVD: NTSC 16:9 Sounds formats DVD: PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1 Region code: 0 Booklet notes: English, German, French Running time: 116 mins Audience: all | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Itzhak Perlman
Elgar: | Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 61 Royal Albert Hall, London, 9/8/1981 BBC Symphony Orchestra, Gennadi Rozhdestvensky | Prokofiev: | Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 19 Royal Festival Hall, London, 22/10/1980 BBC Symphony Orchestra, Gennady Rozhdestvensky | Saint-Saëns: | Introduction & Rondo capriccioso, Op. 28 London Coliseum Theatre 25/10/1970 Sadler's Wells Orchestra, Charles Mackerras |
The great Israeli-born violinist Itzhak Perlman has already left a huge number of sound recordings of his interpretations; but it adds an extra dimension to be able to watch him execute, for instance, the brilliant spiccato bowing in Saint-Saëns's Introduction and Rondo capriccioso.A master of the French style through his teacher Ivan Galamian, Perlman at 25 is seen in the first full flush of his talent.Ten years later, the mature soloist shows his total command of the modern Russian style of Prokofiev - at a BBC Symphony Orchestra golden jubilee concert - and the bitter-sweet romanticism of Elgar's massive, virtuosic concerto. “Perlman is in his prime in the Prokofiev First and the Elgar Concerto, and the steady camerawork doesn't stray far from him or Rozhdestvensky. Both are fiery live performances, as is the even earlier Saint-Saëns.” BBC Music Magazine, June 2009 **** | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | John Scott Whiteley plays the Grand Organ of York Minster
Albinoni: | Adagio for Strings and Organ in G minor arr. Giazotto | Cochereau: | Improvisation sur Haec Dies | Dubois, T: | Fiat Lux | Duruflé: | Fugue sur le thème du Carillon des Heures de la Cathédrale de Soissons Op. 12 | Elgar: | Imperial March, Op. 32 | Gigout: | Pièces (10) pour orgue, 1892: Scherzo (No. 8) Pièces (10) pour orgue, 1892: Toccata in B minor | Mozart: | Fantasia in F minor for a mechanical organ, K608 | Mulet: | Esquisse Byzantine: No. 3 'Rosace' | Mushel: | Toccata | Peraza, F: | Medio Registro Alto, 1er Tono | Thalben-Ball: | Variations on a theme of Paganini for pedals | Vierne, L: | Pièces de fantaisie, 2nd suite, Op. 53: No. 6, Toccata | Wood, C: | Prelude on York Tune |
DVD & CD Recorded and filmed in York Minster on 25-28 February and 28 April-1 May 2008 “…the emphasis is on the player's physical interaction with the manuals and pedalboard. With reference to the latter, this performance of Thalben-Ball's Paganini Variations should be compulsory viewing. Richard Knight's camerawork is superb and Paul Crichton's sound beautifully balanced and warm. A delightful production throughout.” Gramophone Magazine, February 2009 | | | Usually despatched in 8 - 10 working days. |
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