Bloch: Israel Symphony

Advantages: This is a recording containing excellent content, with wonderful sound quality due to top-notch recording technique, and the presence of stellarly talented artists.
Disadvantages: It is often disappointing to be listening to a wonderful piece of music only to discover that merely a portion of the piece is contained on the recording.

...This is an eclectic and, at the same time, fascinating recording. It contains some of the more interesting repertoire of one of the USA's most famous and talented symphony orchestras, along with an assortment of conductors long-attached to the CSO. In short, my favorite piece among all of those contained in this collection, is the Mahler Symphony No. 8. For anyone who knows this piece, they will be more than pleased by this performance. The conducting, orchestra playing, choral singing and preparation, and soloist singing is almost unmatched. Especially notable is the performance of the Mater Gloriosa, a somewhat thankless role, performed especially beautifully by soprano Jann Jaffe. Of course, anyone who knows the piece cannot help but be drawn to this music. This famous "Symphony of a Thousand" is a masterpiece whose listening... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Beatuful redentions of highly celebrated works
Disadvantages: Would be nicer with a broader selcetion on disc

...Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a household name, even among non-classical music lovers - he is - for many - the definition of music. This CD houses 2 works by the genius - Symphony No.40 in G minor and Symphony No.41 - Jupiter. Mozart wrote No.40 after the death of his infant daughter - this is potrayed immediatly through the minor key in which the piece begins in. It later modulates to a major key which denotes his hopefulness of moving on and closing the bereavement door. The piece culminates in a repetition and develoment of the 1st section to reiterate his pain and sorrow. Symphony No. 41 was completed just 1month after no.40, in the summer of 1788. It is nicknamed ' The Jupiter Symphony' due to its power and percieved size, particularly in the finale, where a memorable theme is heard alongside with others that have featured earlier... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Awe inspiring memorable music.
Disadvantages: Long - 2 hrs 20 mins

...of all Handel's works. The music in Messiah is dramatic and theatrical and relates the life of Christ from the Revalation to his Resurection. The oratorio is divided into three main sections. The first part dramatises the great expectancy in Israel for the promised Messiah. It draws upon some of the great prophecies of the Old Testament that foretell his coming and the work he will accomplish. A beautifully haunting melody of the Pastoral Symphony plays as shepherds tend their flocks on the hillside of Judea. The peace is suddenly broken as the music dramatises the fear and amazement of the shepherds when the angel appears proclaiming the birth of the Lord. The music rises to a crescendo of excitement, culminating in an angelic chorus: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, goodwill towards men." (Luke 2:10-14) The music... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful