Beethoven: Complete Works for Solo Piano, Vol 1 [SACD]

Frank Bridge - Piano Music rediscovered

Advantages: Excellent selection and performance of piano works by Frank Bridge
Disadvantages: A few pieces are not very interesting

Frank Bridge was an early twentieth century English composer. His works are not widely known, but are played increasingly, and more recordings are becoming available. Some of his later works, such as his piano sonata, were influenced by Scriabin. This CD is the second of three, and covers a wide range of styles, but mostly in his earlier style. Most of the pieces on this CD are fairly easy to listen to, and can be enjoyed by the majority of classical music lovers. The opening piece, Etude Rhapsodique, is an etude appropriately played by Jacobs, in the grand manner (of Liszt and other nineteenth century virtuosi), full of late nineteenth century panache, but with Bridge's own distinctive voice. The second piece, Berceuse, is played beautifully, a gentle piece as the name would suggest (a lullaby) but again with Bridge's own ...

skriabini 02.04.2006 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Frank Bridge: Piano Works Vol.2

The essence of Beethoven's style

Advantages: dynamic and gripping
Disadvantages: none

Fantastic to have another additional collection of all five of Beethoven's piano concerti. Spanning his life we can really get to grips with his evolving use of the orchestra in these works. From the Third's action packed finale to the Fourth's beautiful expressions to the grandeur of the much loved Fifth. The playing is precise, dramatic and full of energy; as indeed it should be. Aimard's playing is always well crafted and beautifully shaped. This is an insightful disk and has taken the musicians an awful lot of hard work. A must-have for any lover of Beethoven's piano music. If you usually go for his chamber music or string quartets why not branch out and explore Aimard's wonderful take on these concerti? Well worth buying and indeed an inspiration for myself and other pianists alike. ...

BlueImpromtu 09.08.2006 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos 1 - 5

Kill Bill Vol. 1 review

Advantages: Great music, engaging story
Disadvantages: Not one for the faint-hearted

classic Tarantino, the dialogue is sharp but also a tad on the surreal side. It sounds script like, but very natural, if that makes sense. It's such a fun film, although it is very bloody and gory, it's never serious, and the script reflects that. The acting is great, with everyone playing their roles well. The action is intense and very well done, with music kept at a minimum so you can hear every bone cracking and every stab with the blade. The music is superb. Quentin Tarantino always knows the perfect music to go with his films, and this is no exception. Combining soft soulful music with contemporary Japanese pop, it's a very eclectic mix but works very well together. And even Ennio Morricone makes an appearance, his song "Death Rides a Horse" is used when The Bride and O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu) are staring each other out. The song reminds ...

Walter_Kovacs 19.12.2008 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Kill Bill Vol.1 (DVD)