Hermann Prey

Containing six discs and 111 tracks, Deutsche Grammophon's 111 Years of Deutsche Grammophon is a sprawling collection of single items drawn largely from its enormous 55 CD 111 Years of Deutsche Grammophon The Collector's Edition…

Franz Schubert: «Schwanengesang» / Johannes Brahms: «Vier ernste Gesänge»
Thomas Quasthoff (Bariton) • Justus Zeyen (Klavier)
EAC+LOG+CUE | FLAC (tracks): 235 MB | Artwork | 5% Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: Deutsche Grammophon # 471 030-2 | Country/Year: Germany 2001
Genre: Classical | Style: Classical Period, Romantic, Vocal

…I studied the Brahms songs in college and found them a bear to sing, particularly the final one, "Wenn ich mit Menschen- und mit Engelszungen redete" ("though I speak with the tongues of men and angels"), with its call for rich, mellow tone at the upper end of the baritone range. So Quasthoff's apparent ease in the most difficult passages impressed me no end, as did, of course, his ability to convey the beauty and power of the texts. In short, at full price, this CD's a bargain.

Opera composer Puccini was a young man when he crafted this splendid work. Its text is the old-fashioned Roman Catholic Latin Mass. The title of the work derives from its longest component, the "Gloria." Youthful exuberance and optimism underlie the work.

The fourth of d'Albert's twenty operas, "Die Abreise" ("The Departure") was premiered in 1898 at Frankfurt. In a single 40 minute act, its story is very slender indeed. A man (Gilfen) suspects his wife (Luise) of being unfaithful to him with a friend (Trott) so pretends to go away on a journey. Returning "unexpectedly" he finds Luise rejecting the advances of Trott who is summarily ejected. A reconciliation between Gilfen and Luise ensues.

Bernstein - the Complete Mahler Cycle on DVD
DVD 6/8: Symphony 8
DVD ISO | 4.19 GB | 2005 | PCM Stereo | NTSC 4:3 | Region 0
Subtitles: Mutli-Language | Cover: N/A | Label: Deutsche Grammophon | 83 minutes

Bernstein Collectors Edition & the Complete Mahler Cycle on DVD
Deutsche Grammophon remembers the legendary Leonard Bernstein

October 14, 2005 will mark the 15th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein's death. This lapse of time has only served to secure Bernstein's prominence as one of the most respected musicians of the 20th century and to affirm his reputation as a master conductor, composer, and teacher. Bernstein's sphere of influence extends past orchestral, operatic, and choral music to Broadway and beyond. His legacy is multiple, including that of a cogent writer, impassioned humanitarian, and engaging lecturer. In all of these capacities, Leonard Bernstein imparted his total enthusiasm for music and its importance in the life of every individual.