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See Terms & Conditions for p&p rates. | |  | Sir Thomas Beecham: The Classical Tradition
Haydn: | Symphonies Nos. 93 - 104 (the London Symphonies) The Seasons | Mozart: | Symphony No. 29 in A major, K201 Symphony No. 31 in D minor, K297 'Paris' Symphony No. 34 in C major, K338 Le nozze di Figaro, K492: Overture Don Giovanni, K527: Overture Symphony No. 35 in D major, K385 'Haffner' Symphony No. 36 in C major, K425 'Linz' Symphony No. 38 in D major, K504 'Prague' Symphony No. 39 in E flat major, K543 Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K550 Symphony No. 41 in C major, K551 'Jupiter' Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K216 Divertimento in D major, K131 Divertimento No. 15 in B flat major, K287 |
There can be few, if any, musicians who have singlehandedly done so much in the establishment of resources for musical performance than Sir Thomas Beecham. During WWI he conducted and supported financially both the Hallé and London Symphony Orchestras and the Royal Philharmonic Society. In 1915 he formed the Beecham Opera Company which trained many young British singers in this field. Eight years later this became the British National Opera Company and was absorbed into Covent Garden in 1932 when Beecham returned to be its Musical Director. To quote David Cairns “We are nationally and individually a more musically aware people because of him and what he gave us”. A forceful statement, true, but whose life could ever challenge it? Dissatisfied by conditions and practices, notably the supply of deputies for rehearsals, prevalent in British orchestras, he formed the London Philharmonic Orchestra that same year. Beecham was now able to be at the fulcrum of all developments in music in Britain. WWII put an end to this halcyon period. With Covent Garden shut he travelled, primarily in America, and did not return to Britain until 1944. The London Philharmonic had now become a self-governing body so Beecham, then aged 67, launched the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This was the orchestra with which he committed to disc so many classic recordings with which EMI Classics marks the 50th anniversary of his passing. It is true that Beecham had particular favourites in composers – Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Berlioz, Bizet and Puccini spring immediately to mind; also his love for Handel – even though his performances were always BIG-scale! He was an early champion of Richard Strauss and became a most effective exponent of Sibelius. His name will always be inextricably linked with that of Delius whose music Beecham seemed to know better even than the composer and it is appropriate that they are buried not far apart in the graveyard at St. Peter’s Parish Church, Limpsfield, Surrey. He was knighted in 1916, the year he succeeded to his father’s baronetcy, and made a Companion of Honour in 1957.This affable, brilliant, usually charming, ever-communicative, quick-witted – even, at times, to the point of cruelty, dedicated conductor was also the most gifted executive musician England has ever produced. He was fortunate that his grandfather, a chemist, had created the highly successful pharmaceutical manufacturing business which bore his name. His father, who had started in the company whilst still a teenager, was also fond of music so he was prepared to fund his son’s enthusiastic appetite to attend operas and concerts both here and abroad. Born on 29th April 1879 in St. Helens, he attended public school at Rossall where his talent at the piano became a legend (the only boy ever to have been allowed a grand piano in his study!). From there he briefly attended Oxford (Wadham) but the composition classes, with Charles Wood in London and Moszkowski in Paris, were funded privately. As a conductor he was purely self-taught. He formed an orchestra in his home town and deputised for Richter at a Hallé concert when his father was mayor. His career path was clear: he would use his financial resources to support the art which he enjoyed with the aim of bringing it to as many as possible. At the age of 30 he launched the Beecham Symphony Orchestra, all young and carefully chosen. They would tour, play for opera and ballet and give concerts of adventurous music. London duly welcomed him for a season of intensive opera performances and over the next three years introduced many new ones to British audiences, including by Strauss, Delius and the Russians. He also brought Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes starring Nijinsky and Karsavina to the British stage. “Beecham's Mozart is often surprisingly sprightly - he reminds me of Charles Mackerras in some of the Symphonies' outer movements - and lovingly shaped...Beecham conducts the London Symphonies with real affection for Haydn's wit, and The Seasons has a fine 1950s cast” Gramophone Magazine, July 2011 **** “The recordings sound admirably full-bodied, with sound that is both full and vivid. The RPO performances are both sensitive and invigorating. The art of phrasing is one of the prime secrets of great music-making, and no detail in these performances goes unattended. They also have both drama and warmth and at times a unique geniality.” Penguin Guide, 2011 edition “The finesse of the detail, the fierce attack, individual flair, corporate precision, blazing warmth: the sum total is playing of tangible personality and, often, ineffable beauty.Compared with Beecham, most current conductors seem egotistical bullies or robotic machines....[Listen to...the bounce of his Haydn; or [Mozart's] infinite subtleties of light and shade” The Times, 18th February 2011 ***** | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Great Classical Symphonies
Beethoven: | Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 55 'Eroica' Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93 Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 'Pastoral' Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 'Choral' | Haydn: | Symphony No. 45 in F sharp minor 'Farewell' Symphony No. 88 in G major Symphony No. 92 in G major 'Oxford' Symphony No. 94 in G Major 'Surprise' Symphony No. 100 in G major 'Military' Symphony No. 101 in D major 'The Clock' Symphony No. 95 in C minor Symphony No. 103 in E flat major 'Drum Roll' Symphony No. 104 in D major 'London' Symphony No. 96 in D major 'Miracle' Symphony No. 98 in B flat major Symphony No. 102 in B flat major | Mozart: | Symphony No. 41 in C major, K551 'Jupiter' Symphony No. 35 in D major, K385 'Haffner' Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K183 Symphony No. 38 in D major, K504 'Prague' Symphony No. 39 in E flat major, K543 Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K550 Symphony No. 29 in A major, K201 Symphony No. 34 in C major, K338 Symphony No. 36 in C major, K425 'Linz' |
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| |  | Haydn Anniversary: Bernstein Conducts Haydn
This 12 disc box set brings together for the first time Leonard Bernstein’s great recordings of Haydn’s orchestral and choral works with the New York Philharmonic. | | | Usually despatched in 3 - 4 working days. |
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| |  | The Great Symphonies
Beethoven: | Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (complete) Staatskapelle Dresden, Herbert Blomstedt | Brahms: | Symphonies Nos. 1-4 (Complete) Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, Jaap van Zweden | Dvorak: | Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Yehudi Menuhin Serenade for Strings in E major, Op. 22 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Yehudi Menuhin Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Paavo Järvi | Haydn: | Symphony No. 101 in D major 'The Clock' Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra, Adam Fischer Symphony No. 102 in B flat major Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra, Adam Fischer Symphony No. 103 in E flat major 'Drum Roll' Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra, Adam Fischer Symphony No. 104 in D major 'London' Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra, Adam Fischer | Mahler: | Symphony No. 2 in C minor 'Resurrection' Residente Orchestra The Hague, Hans Vonk Symphony No. 4 in G major Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, Hartmut Haenchen Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Václav Neumann Symphony No. 9 in D major Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Václav Neumann | Mendelssohn: | Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11 Radio Kamerorkest, Frans Brüggen Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 52 'Lobgesang' Radio Filharmonisch Koor & Orkest, Edo de Waart Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56 'Scottish' Radio Kamerorkest, Arnold Oestman Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90 'Italian' Radio Kamerorkest, Frans Brüggen Symphony No. 5 in D major, Op. 107 'Reformation' Radio Kamerorkest, Jos van Immerseel | Mozart: | Symphony No. 30 in D major, K202 Mozart Akademie Amsterdam, Jaap Ter Linden Symphony No. 31 in D minor, K297 'Paris' Mozart Akademie Amsterdam, Jaap Ter Linden Symphony No. 36 in C major, K425 'Linz' Mozart Akademie Amsterdam, Jaap Ter Linden Symphony No. 38 in D major, K504 'Prague' Mozart Akademie Amsterdam, Jaap Ter Linden Symphony No. 39 in E flat major, K543 Mozart Akademie Amsterdam, Jaap Ter Linden Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K550 Mozart Akademie Amsterdam, Jaap Ter Linden Symphony No. 41 in C major, K551 'Jupiter' Mozart Akademie Amsterdam, Jaap Ter Linden | Schubert: | Symphony No. 3 in D major, D200 The Hanover Band, Roy Goodman Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, D485 The Hanover Band, Roy Goodman Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D759 'Unfinished' The Hanover Band, Roy Goodman Symphony No. 9 in C major, D944 'The Great' The Hanover Band, Roy Goodman | Schumann: | Symphony No. 1 in B flat major, Op. 38 'Spring' Academy Of St. Martin-In The-Fields, Sir Neville Marriner Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 97 'Rhenish' Academy Of St. Martin-In The-Fields, Sir Neville Marriner |
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“Dorati's famous integral recording of all 104 of the published Symphonies now returns in a Decca bargain box containing 33 CDs. It still holds its place in the catalogue as the only complete set to contain everything Haydn wrote in this medium, including the Symphonies 'A' and 'B', omitted from the original numbering scheme because at one time they were not thought to be symphonies at all. The survey also encompasses additional alternative movements for certain works (notably Nos 53 and 103) and alternative complete versions of the Philosopher Symphony and No 63, which are fascinating.
The remastering confirms the excellence of the vintage Decca sound. No more needs to be said, except that the one minus point in these very convincing modern-instrument performances is Dorati's insistence on measured, often rustic tempos for the minuets. For those who can run to the complete series this is self-recommending – a source of inexhaustible pleasure.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010 “Dorati was ahead of his time as a Haydn interpreter when, in the early 1970s, he made this pioneering integral recording of the symphonies. Superbly transferred to CD in full, bright, immediate sound, the performances are a consistent delight.” Penguin Guide, 2011 edition | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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“It was little short of tragic that the very last box of symphonies in Adám Fischer's Haydn series for Nimbus, Nos 21 to 39 plus the Symphonies A and B, appeared just as the demise of that label was announced in January 2002. The final box was the finest of the series, but all too few copies reached the shops, making this 33-disc box covering all the symphonies very welcome indeed, even if over the 14 years that it took to complete the project, the quality and style varied.
That final box of 20 symphonies was a superb culmination to the project. Not only are they a fascinating sequence of works written in the 1760s when the young Haydn was busy experimenting, the performances are outstanding.
They were recorded as recently as 2000 and Haydn Orchestral 551 2001, and far more than the earliest recordings in the series, they take full note of period practice while staying faithful to modern instruments.
More than ever one registers the individual virtuosity of the various soloists in the orchestra, often challenged to the limit by fast speeds. So a movement like the variation finale of No 31, the Hornsignal, features a sequence of brilliant soloists such as Haydn might have been writing for in his Esterházy orchestra – violin, cello, horn and so on, even double bass. It's a performance full of panache, with the four horns braying out superbly.
Other striking symphonies in the group include No 22 in E flat, The Philosopher, with its extraordinary parts for two cors anglais. Also the Alleluia Symphony, No 30 in C, with trumpets and drums dramatically added to the usual published scoring – brought in later, according to HC Robbins Landon, by Haydn as an option.
The minor-key works in this last batch, such as the Lamentatione, No 26 in D minor, and best of all, No 39 in G minor, are fine examples of Haydn's Sturm und Drang manner, with Fischer heightening dynamic contrasts to good effect.
No 39 brings an example of Fischer's mastery when he enhances the tension of the nervy opening and exaggerates the pauses; he's far more effective in that movement than Dorati .
While with those symphonies recorded at the beginning of the project, from 1987 to 1990, comparisons with the Dorati series have the merits of each balanced fairly evenly, the advantage certainly tips in favour of Fischer as the project developed. For the London Symphonies, Nos 93 to 104, the first to be recorded, the Nimbus engineers – working in the very hall at the Esterházy Palace which Haydn used – produce rather washy sound, whereas the works recorded later benefit from a sharper focus. In those early recordings, too, the slow movements tend to be taken at the sort of broad speeds of tradition, with warmly expressive phrasing.
At that point, no doubt, Fischer was just beginning to woo his select band of Austrian and Hungarian musicians away from their usual Romantic manners. In his notes Fischer makes a point of describing the unfolding development of the project over 14 years. He becomes increasingly aware of historically informed style, notably in faster speeds for both slow movements and minuets (which increasingly acquire a scherzo-like flavour), giving him a clear advantage over Dorati. Also the string playing comes closer to that found in period orchestras, with lighter phrasing and less marked use of vibrato.
That development is noticeable as early as the recordings made in 1994-5, when most of the Sturm und Drang symphonies were covered – broadly those in the late 40s and early 50s in the regular Breitkopf numbering. Finales in particular, taken fast, have all the bite and wildness one could want, with pinpoint attack. The very earliest symphonies in numerical order, Nos 1 to 20, were recorded early in the project between 1989 and 1991, with results that are more variable. The finale of No 12, for example, marked Presto, is taken surprisingly slowly, almost like a minuet. No 13, very adventurously for that early period, uses four horns, yet because of the reverberant acoustic they don't ring out as prominently as those used in works like the Hornsignal, recorded later.
Even in these early symphonies, recorded near the beginning of the project, the trios in Minuets have solo strings, and regularly the vigour and thrust of Allegros is exhilarating, with rhythms lifted and admirably crisp ensemble.
This is a set guaranteed to encourage collectors to delve into works which from first to last convey the joy in creation that's the unfailing mark of this ever-welcoming master. If you have an MP3 player or listen via your computer Nimbus offer the entire cycle on eight discs of MP3 files, easily downloaded for use with your iPod.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010 | | | Usually despatched in 4 - 5 working days. |
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| |  | The Complete Haydn Symphonies
Sinfonia Finlandia Jyväskylä, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Cologne Chamber Orchestra, Toronto Chamber Orchestra, Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia, Swedish Chamber Orchestra & Capella Istropolitana, Patrick Gallois, Nicholas Ward, Helmut Mühler-Brühl, Kevin Mallon, Bela Drahos & Barry Wordsworth One of the most extraordinary bequests in the history of music, Haydn’s symphonies established his reputation as the greatest composer of his time. This comprehensive boxed set – including not only Nos 1–104 but also No. 105 (Sinfonia concertante) and the less familiar No. 107 (‘Symphony A’) and No. 108 (‘Symphony B’) – celebrates both a highly commended symphonic series and a supremely imaginative composer who changed the course of classical music. | | Naxos - 8503400 (CD - 34 discs) Normally: $138.50 Special: $110.80 |
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This 37-disc box set is the only brand new and fully digital recording of the complete symphonies of Haydn. Performed by the Stuttgarter Kammerorchester (Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra) and conducted by Dennis Russell Davies, the recordings were done live in connection with concerts of the whole cycle. The series received fantastic reviews by the press, and The Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra was awarded the European Chamber Music Prize in 2008. Available at a fantastic price, the set is released to tie in with the 200th anniversary of the composer’s death in 2009. Packaged in individual cardboard wallets with a sturdy outer box, this limited edition set includes a booklet with texts in both English and German. “A lovely bumper bundle...The first set recorded in digital sound, its clarity suits the players’ bounce and bite.” The Times, 12th December 2009 **** “This complete edition by the Stuttgarter Kammerorchester under the baton of Dennis Russell Davies is of equivalent standard to Haydn's achievement, a remarkable body of work in which it's possible to get happily lost for days.” The Independent, 18th December 2009 ***** “The Trauer Symphony (No 44) receives a truly exciting performance, demonstrating also that Davies is ever alert to a sudden dynamic shift or a surprise accent. …works such as the sublime No 42 and the outdoor finale of the almost entirely neglected No 71 demonstrate the pedigree of these fine wind-players. By the time they reach the "Paris" Symphonies and their successors (Nos 88-90 especially) they're in a true purple patch in performances that can hold their own against many on record.” Gramophone Magazine, January 2010 | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Bruno Walter: The Edition
Barber, S: | Symphony No. 1, Op. 9 New York Philharmonic | Beethoven: | Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (complete) Columbia Symphony Orchestra & Westminster Choir Coriolan Overture, Op. 62 Columbia Symphony Orchestra Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 73 'Emperor' Serkin New York Philharmonic Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61 Szigeti New York Philharmonic Triple Concerto for Piano, Violin, and Cello in C major, Op. 56 Hendl, McClure, Rose New York Philharmonic Egmont Overture, Op. 84 | Brahms: | Symphonies Nos. 1-4 (Complete) Walter rehearses Beethoven - Columbia Symphony Orchestra Double Concerto for Violin & Cello in A minor, Op. 102 Francescatti, Fournier Columbia Symphony Orchestra Variations on a theme by Haydn for orchestra, Op. 56a 'St Anthony Variations' Columbia Symphony Orchestra Tragic Overture, Op. 81 Columbia Symphony Orchestra Schicksalslied, Op. 54 Occidental College Concert Choir, Columbia Symphony Orchestra Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45 Occidental College Concert Choir, Columbia Symphony | Bruckner: | Symphony No. 4 in Eb Major 'Romantic' Columbia Symphony Orchestra Symphony No. 7 in E Major Columbia Symphony Orchestra Symphony No. 9 in D Minor Columbia Symphony Orchestra Te Deum in C major, WAB 45 Westminster Choir, New York Philharmonic | Dvorak: | Slavonic Dance No. 1 in C Major, Op. 46 No. 1 New York Philharmonic | Haydn: | Symphony No. 88 in G major Symphony No. 100 in G major 'Military' Symphony No. 102 in B flat major Symphony No. 96 in D major 'Miracle' | Mahler: | Symphony No. 1 in D major 'Titan' Columbia Symphony Orchestra Symphony No. 4 in G major Halban Columbia Symphony Orchestra Symphony No. 2 in C minor 'Resurrection' Columbia Symphony Orchestra Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor New York Philharmonic Symphony No. 9 in D major Columbia Symphony Orchestra Das Lied von der Erde Miller, Haefliger New York Philharmonic | Mendelssohn: | Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 Milstein New York Philharmonic | Mozart: | Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K183 Symphony No. 28 in C major, K200 Symphony No. 29 in A major, K201 Symphony No. 35 in D major, K385 'Haffner' Symphony No. 36 in C major, K425 'Linz' rehearsal & performance Symphony No. 38 in D major, K504 'Prague' Symphony No. 39 in E flat major, K543 New York Philharmonic Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K550 New York Philharmonic Symphony No. 41 in C major, K551 'Jupiter' New York Philharmonic Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K216 Columbia Symphony Orchestra Violin Concerto No. 4 in D major, K218 Columbia Symphony Orchestra Serenade No. 13 in G major, K525 'Eine kleine Nachtmusik' Columbia Symphony Orchestra Requiem in D minor, K626 Westminster Choir, New York Philharmonic | Schubert: | Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, D485 Columbia Symphony Orchestra Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D759 'Unfinished' Columbia Symphony Orchestra Symphony No. 9 in C major, D944 'The Great' Columbia Symphony Orchestra Incidental music to Rosamunde, D797 Columbia Symphony Orchestra | Schumann: | Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54 Istomin Columbia Symphony Orchestra Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 97 'Rhenish' | Strauss, R: | Don Juan, Op. 20 New York Philharmonic Tod und Verklärung, Op. 24 New York Philharmonic |
Walter rehearses Beethoven - Columbia Symphony Orchestra Mozart: Minuet and Trio Nos. 1 & 5, German Dances, Overtures Strauss Jr.: Waltzes / Brahms: Hungarian Dances - Columbia Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic Walter rehearses the Siegfried-Idyll, Preludes and overtures - Occidental College Concert Choir, Columbia Symphony Orchestra
39 CD-box with recordings of Bruno Walter’s later years in a high quality LP-sized box. 32 page LP-sized booklet with elaborate liner notes in German and English. This box set contains the complete symphonies of Beethoven and Brahms, the later symphonies of Mozart, symphonies of Mahler and Bruckner, CDs with rehearsals and many more. The German born conductor Bruno Walter (1876-1962) was known primarily for his interpretations of the Viennese school. Though out of step with 20th century trends he was such a fine musician that he became a major figure - filling the wide gulf between the extremes of his day - Arturo Toscanini and Wilhelm Furtwängler. He was an associate of Gustav Mahler and a long and faithful proponent and interpreter of Mahler's music. He conducted the world premieres of “Das Lied von der Erde” (1911) and the “Symphony No. 9” (1912). In 1925, he helped institute the Salzburg Festival and was named musical director of the Berlin Staatsoper. In 1929, Walter had a falling out with the Berlin opera management and departed to succeed Wilhelm Furtwängler at the Leipzig Gewandhaus. In 1933 he left Germany when the Nazis came to power and went to Austria and from there in 1938 to France. Walter finally left Europe in 1939 and settled in the United States where he already had a strong following. He built up a reputation as a respected conductor under whom musicians enjoyed working. Amongst other orchestras, he frequently conducted the New York Philharmonic. In 1957 a West Coast recording ensemble named Columbia Symphony Orchestra was specially put together for Walter to produce new recordings of famous works by Bruckner and Mahler in stereo.
Extra postage costs:
As this set is very heavy (around 3kg) we unfortunately need to charge some extra postage costs to certain countries.
UK and most of Western Europe: No extra charges - Normal rates apply.
Rest of World: Varies by country. Please contact us for further details. | 
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| |  | Claudio Abbado: The Symphony Edition
Beethoven: | Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (complete) | Brahms: | Symphonies Nos. 1-4 (Complete) Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80 Tragic Overture, Op. 81 Alto Rhapsody, Op. 53 Schicksalslied, Op. 54 Nänie von Friedrich Schiller, für Chor und Orchester, Op. 82 Variations on a theme by Haydn for orchestra, Op. 56a 'St Anthony Variations' Serenade No. 1 in D major, Op. 11 Serenade No. 2 in A Major, Op. 16 | Bruckner: | Symphony No. 1 in C minor Symphony No. 4 in Eb Major 'Romantic' Symphony No. 5 in B flat major Symphony No. 7 in E Major Symphony No. 9 in D Minor | Haydn: | Il mondo della luna Overture Symphony No. 93 in D major Symphony No. 96 in D major 'Miracle' Symphony No. 98 in B flat major Symphony No. 100 in G major 'Military' Symphony No. 101 in D major 'The Clock' Symphony No. 102 in B flat major Symphony No. 103 in E flat major 'Drum Roll' Sinfonia Concertante in B flat major, Op. 84, Hob. I/105 | Mahler: | Symphonies 1-9 (complete) | Mendelssohn: | Symphonies Nos. 1-5 A Midsummer Night's Dream Overture, Op. 21 The Fair Melusine Overture, Op. 32 Hebrides Overture, Op. 26 Ruy Blas Overture, Op. 95 Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, Op. 27 Trumpet - Overture Op. 101 | Mozart: | Symphony No. 29 in A major, K201 Symphony No. 33 in B flat major, K319 Symphony No. 35 in D major, K385 'Haffner' Symphony No. 38 in D major, K504 'Prague' Symphony No. 39 in E flat major, K543 Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K550 Symphony No. 41 in C major, K551 'Jupiter' | Schubert: | Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (Complete) Rosamunde: excerpts |
In more recent years, every Abbado recording has been an event, something special – whether his Mahler symphonies with Berlin, or the Mozart, Bach and Pergolesi projects with “his” Orchestra Mozart. And, of course, as a sponsor and champion of new orchestras he is unrivalled – not least with his most recent creations, the Lucerne Festival Orchestra and the Orchestra Mozart. THE SYMPHONY EDITION – OVERVIEW His Grand-Old-Man status assured Abbado remains a modest, unassuming but tenaciously demanding orchestral leader. Now, to celebrate the maestro’s reaching his 80th year, we have prepared an ambitious Symphony Edition as a birthday tribute: • Limited-edition 41-CD box set • Complete recordings of eight great symphonists – Mozart (with Orchestra Mozart), Haydn, Beethoven (with Berliner Philharmoniker), Schubert, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Bruckner and Mahler (with Berliner Phliharmoniker and Lucerne festival Orchestra) • Featuring seven of the orchestras with whom Abbado is most closely associated (Orchestra Mozart, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, London Symphony, Berliner Philharmoniker, Wiener Philharmoniker, Mahler Chamber Orchestra and Lucerne Festival Orchestra) • Complete symphonic cycles of Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Mahler (see attachment for complete track list). • All recordings have been personally selected by Claudio Abbado IN PARTICULAR… • Bruckner’s First Symphony – a special “addition”: at Abbado’s request, we have licensed a live recording of Bruckner’s First Symphony with the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, being released here for the first time anywhere. • He had previously recorded the first version (the “Linz” version, 1866) of the Symphony with the Wiener Philharmoniker, but has since discovered and championed the later expanded “Vienna” version (carried out by Bruckner in 1890–91) – a not uncontroversial step! • Is this such a big deal? Anyone who has heard performances of the symphony that Abbado has given with the orchestra on tour in recent months will know that this is an electrifying account, one that changes the way we should regard the work. It’s the first CD to go for in the Edition (and will be offered as advance music)! • In sum, a superb addition to the Symphony Edition, and to Abbado’s discogaphy (also to be released in a separate Bruckner box later). • Parallel to this Edition, Decca is releasing a 7-CD set of the early Abbado recordings on Decca PACKAGING • The attractive cube features four striking, dynamic portraits of Abbado from the 1970s to the present day. • The 96-page four-language booklet has an interview with Abbado by journalist Julia Spinola (formerly of the Frankfürter Allgemeine) plus many photos. |
| DG - 4791046 (CD - 40 discs) Normally: $116.25 Special: $91.25 |
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