Brahms; Mozart; Schubert: Piano Sonatas

Advantages: Classic Brendel, good sound
Disadvantages: Classic Brendel

...After having spent quite some time, both in the studio and the concert hall, concentrating exclusively on the Beethoven Piano Sonatas and Piano Concertos, Brendel, whilst always being limited to some, (not inconsiderable, it seems) extent by physical problems in and around the areas of his back and arms, is now free to explore other music avenues. This is the second disk of Brendel's Mozart with which we have been presented over the recent past; the other being his account of two of the concertos. Here we have performances of 3 of the unaccompanied sonatas. Brendel has long been considered as being a Mozartian of zest and insight. But, for me at least, his interprtations of this Master can seem a little quirky. Its as if he doesn't, in some way, relate to the personality and musical language of Mozart with quite the same success as he... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Unparalleled playing, Unbelievably good bargain for 6 CDs!
Disadvantages: Um, paper sleeves? No, seriously, it's great

...This box set comprises recordings from 1985-89, when Horowitz was 81 years old! In 1986 Horowitz returned to Russia after 60 years away to give his monumental Moscow recital of which the live recording is included in this set. I personally find this performance of Liszt's Sonetto 104 del Petrarca to be the finest ever recorded. Alongside this is Scarlatti, Mozart, Rachmaninov, Scriabin, Schumann, Chopin, Moszkowski, and Schubert. Accompanying this recital is 5 other discs of outstandingly unique playing. As he got older, Horowitz's playing became a sort of caricature of itself in the nicest possible way. By this I mean, his dynamics became more extreme, he became more expressive than ever, and his sense of style was heightened to new levels. Horowitz's Mozart playing has been criticized for being too free and not in Mozart... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Soothes your Child instantly
Disadvantages: It could send you to sleep as well!

...Classic Fm for Babies is a must have if you have that child who just refuses to go to sleep.With a running time on each CD more than enough for your child to fall asleep.Classical Music just became Cool Again and is a must have music for babies.If you dont know your Brahms from your Beethoven then who cares because your child doesn't.The soothing orchestral music will calm any child who just wont go sleep put the CD on shut the door and see them in the morning GREAT! .The Double CD is great value as well with 27 tracks with all the well known composers on it Mozart,Chopin and Schubert to name just a few.My daughter who is now 2 listens to it every night and i have had very few sleepless nights.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful