Smetana: The Moldau

Mendelssohn, Smetana, Stokowski
Bizet: Symphony in C Major/Mendelssohn: A Midsummer's Night Dream Incidental Music/Smetana: The Moldau
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
1. Vltava (The Moldau), symphonic poem (M? Vlast No. 2), JB 1:112/2
2. A Midsummer Night's Dream, incidental music, Op. 61: Overture, Op.21
3. A Midsummer Night's Dream, incidental music, Op. 61: No 1, Scherzo
4. A Midsummer Night's Dream, incidental music, Op. 61: No 7, Nocturne
5. A Midsummer Night's Dream, incidental music, Op. 61: No 5, Intermezzo
6. A Midsummer Night's Dream, incidental music, Op. 61: No.9, Wedding March
7. Symphony in C major ('No. 1'): I. Allegro Vivo
8. Symphony in C major ('No. 1'): II. Adagio
9. Symphony in C major ('No. 1'): III. Scherzo (Allegro Vivace) and Trio
10. Symphony in C major ('No. 1'): IV. Allegro Vivace

Larger Image

CD Details

All Artists: Mendelssohn, Smetana, Stokowski
Title: Bizet: Symphony in C Major/Mendelssohn: A Midsummer's Night Dream Incidental Music/Smetana: The Moldau
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Sony
Original Release Date: 1/1/1992
Re-Release Date: 11/17/1992
Genre: Classical
Styles: Forms & Genres, Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music, Historical Periods, Modern, 20th, & 21st Century, Symphonies
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 074644826425

Synopsis

Amazon.com

Bizet's jolly little symphony was only discovered and premiered in the 1920s, and it immediately established itself as a repertoire staple. Obviously neoclassical in outlook, and scored for a more modest orchestra than Mozart or Haydn would have found familiar, it has an absolutely irresistible charm and melodic appeal. It resembles Prokofiev's Classical Symphony in so many ways that you would think that the composers were contemporaries, rather than separated by more than half a century! Leopold Stokowski was something like 90 when he recorded this sizzling performance. How the man did it was anyone's guess. Just be glad that he did! --David Hurwitz

Similarly Requested CDs

	Elo Greatest Hits Genres: Pop, Rock, Classic Rock Label: Sony
27

	Mason Williams, Mannheim Steamroller Classical Gas Genres: New Age, Pop, Rock Label: American Gramaphone
7

	John Barry Somewhere In Time: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Genres: Pop, Soundtracks Label: Mca
8

	Tim Rice The Lion King: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Genres: Pop, Rock, Soundtracks, Classic Rock, Broadway & Vocalists Label: Walt Disney Records
44

	Rusted Root When I Woke Genres: Pop, Rock, Classic Rock Label: Fontana Island
25

	Various Artists Celtic Christmas: A Windham Hill Sampler Genres: Folk, International Music, Special Interest, New Age, Rock Label: Windham Hill Records
1

	Maxwell Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite Genres: Pop, R&B Label: Sony/Bmg Int'l
17

	Various Artists Swing Greatest Hits Genres: Jazz, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists Label: RCA
1

	Sister Hazel Somewhere More Familiar Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock, Classic Rock Label: Umvd Labels
19

	Ry Cooder, Ibrahim Ferrar, Ruben Gonzalez Buena Vista Social Club Genres: International Music, Jazz, Pop, Rock Label: Nonesuch
32

CD Reviews

95 Year-Old Stokowski Delivers!

goodmusicman | USA | 07/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Contrary to the Amazon.com review, Leopold Stokowski was 95, not 90, when he made this recording of the Bizet Symphony in C with the National Philharmonic Orchesta (born April 1882, recorded May, June 1977). This was one of the very last (if not the last) recordings he made before his death in September of 1977. Well, his age sure doesn't show in this performance! It is an energetic, exuberant, and melodic performance that takes its place alongside the classic accounts by Beecham, Bernstein, and Martinon (it may outclass all three of those in sound quality, though). If you like this symphony, then you need this recording.

The CD also features the best orchestral excerpts from Mendelssohn's incidental music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream." If you do not enjoy choral or vocal music, then this is the best way to listen to some of Mendelssohn's best music. George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra turn in a performance that features qualities for which they have become known: precision and virtuosity (not to mention tunefulness). They also provide a truly excellent account of "The Moldau," the best known section of Smetana's Ma Vlast.

With near-perfect performances of three very enjoyable works, captured in great sound and at a budget price, this CD is one of the very best gems in the Sony "Essential Classics" series. Get it while it's still available!"