Search - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Cesar Franck, Richard [Classical] Wagner :: Franck: Les Beatitudes

A tremendous recording

W. Parr | San Diego, Ca USA | 10/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am astonished to be the first listener to comment on this set.

Perhaps others were left speechless, in awe of Franck's score of sweeping majesty,

Kubelik's glorious realization, and flawless performances throughout. Superb sonics

Are a bonus in addition to the bonus tracks of Wagner Wesendonck Lieder sung by

Jessye Norman, conducted by Pierre Boulez. A must-have at any price.

"

Beautiful

Wayne A. | Belfast, Northern Ireland | 11/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought the recording after reading the review below. If anything he's understated his case for the piece and for this sensational recording of it. Everywhere else I'd looked I'd encountered ho hum appraisals of the work, yet historically it seems to have been well-regarded. I was confused by that but this one commentary put me over the edge.



Simply, this is a beautiful piece of music. Over-analyzing it, criticizing it because of alleged subtle flaws, damning with faint praise (the usual is that the long work has "many fine moments") just doesn't make sense. A good to great performance of this sells itself quite well without the millennial cynicism and insensitivity (not meaning callous but simply lacking in sensitivity). Judging from the listings and the many "no longer available"s I fear this heartfelt and spiritual work will disappear from sight sometime soon, probably for a long time. If intrigued, grab this one; the value is incredible. I loved the piece so much I also picked up the Jordan on WEA--not as spectacular an interpretation, and not as amazing soloists, but the finer engineering brings out a lot of the sensual beauty of the piece. I'm happy with both and will part with neither."