Search - Peter Binder, Carl Orff, Michael Tilson Thomas :: Orff: Carmina Burana

Simply the best

Daniel Graser | Wappingers Falls, New York United States | 03/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"All the elements of a great legendary recording are present on this recording of one of the most powerful, spine tingling pieces of music ever written. The Cleveland Orchestra is as always, flawless and incredibly precise. However, they play with so much conviction and passion under Tilson Thomas that I have to say this may be their best recording since Szell passed away. Tilson Thomas adds another dimension to all the bombast, don't get me wrong, he hits those big moments BIG but he also makes a point of highlighting the un-usual instrumentation, with great results. The chorus sings superbly with very clear diction and wonderful blend of tone. The soloists are the best the work has ever seen. Judith Blegen, the wonderful Metropolitan Opera soprano is so flowing and graceful in her solo it will leave you speechless, Kenneth Riegel who works through a very awkward aria with grace and poise, and Peter Binder the baritone who made me hear the baritone aria as it should be sung, as if I had never heard it before (I've heard 6 recordings of this work). I love Tilson Thomas's conducting, he brings fresh new insights into the pieces while at the same time allowing the music to speak without too much influence from the conductor. Wonderul recording that will leave you floored! Awesome recording, Highest Recommendation."

Has a power like nothing else in the World

Daniel Graser | 01/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have heard quite a few renditions of this famous choral piece and, despite this one being the first one I had ever heard (when I was but 5 or 6), I still feel it captures it best. The tempos are compelling without being hasty or forced and certianly not lagging. The bombast is just right, and as the crescendos and voices rise you can feel the hair on your neck tingle. The soloing is to weep for (and with). There is just something about the coming together of the right directorial, instrumental, and vocal forces in a piece like this that lifts it up high where it threatens to transcend the medium and exist as pure aural bliss."

Best recorded Carmina ever!

yigala | 04/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For a 20th century cantata, Carl Orff's claim to fame sure is one of classical music's most recorded titles. Of the numerous recordings out there, Michael Tilson Thomas' is by far the best! The tempos are brisk and keep the listener longing for more. The audio is superb on this recording, capturing every instrument in this highly percussive piece, including the 3 glockenspiels orchestrated in track #25 "Ave Formosissima." Thomas was able to extract from the orchestra and chorus a strong sense of dynamic contrast and phrasing. Soprano Judith Blegen gives a stellar performance with her seductive chant-like phrasing. One needs not actually see baritone Peter Binder sing the role, you get a sense of his warmth and drama from listening alone! Tenor Kenneth Riegel sings (non falsetto) unlike most tenors who sing this aria, what a voice! Tilson Thomas brings to life the 13th century text with such precision, but never lacks the ever-so-crucial energy needed to sustain a truely great performance. Sample track #2 "Fortune Plango" or #7 "Floret silva" or my favorite (and a hard one to sing) #15 the extremely wordy "In Taberna." There is more to this piece than just track #1 "O Fortuna" which has been widely missused in many films. get your copy today!"