Search results: Search results

334 results

Products

Prokofiev: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 5 / Mustonen, Lintu, Finnish Radio Symphony

Ondine

$18.99 Sep 08, 2017

This is the second and final disc in a cycle of Sergei Prokofiev’s (1891–1953) piano concertos with pianist Olli Mustonen and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Hannu Lintu. The Gramophone Magazine wrote regarding the first volume in the series: "How many times have I regretted a shortage of fantasy, flair and fairy-tale imagination in recordings of the Prokofiev piano concertos? Well, here is a disc that takes all those qualities to the top."

Prokofiev’s Piano Concertos are among 20th century masterpieces. He wrote this magical work just before World War I. The original score was destroyed during the Russian revolution, and Prokofiev had to re-write the concerto in 1923.

Pianist Olli Mustonen has worked with most of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic and The Royal Concertgebouw, partnering conductors such as Ashkenazy, Barenboim, Dutoit, Eschenbach, Harnoncourt, Masur and Nagano. As a recitalist, he plays in all the significant musical capitals, including Mariinsky Theatre St Petersburg, Wigmore Hall, Beethoven-Haus Bonn, Symphony Center Chicago, New York Zankel Hall and Sydney Opera House. His many albums for Ondine include Respighi’s Concerto in modo Misolidio with Sakari Oramo and the Finnish Radio Symphony and a critically acclaimed disc of Scriabin’s solo piano music. The recent recordings by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra under Hannu Lintu on Ondine have been a fruitful collaboration gathering excellent reviews in the international press.

View Full Page

Prokofiev: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 5 / Mustonen, Lintu, Finnish Radio Symphony
Ondine Sep 2017
CD
$18.99

Shostakovich, D.: Festive Overture / Symphony No. 5
Signum Classics Jan 2008
CD
$19.99

Saint-Saens: Piano Concertos 4 & 5 / Descharmes, Soustrot, Malmo Symphony

Naxos

$9.99 ~~$19.99~~ Save 50% Apr 13, 2018

Romain Descharmes concludes his generally impressive cycle of Saint-Saëns piano concertos with this coupling of the formerly popular Fourth, and the increasingly popular Fifth. His performance of the Fourth, the composer’s most original work in the medium, is impressive. It’s a difficult work to pace; there’s a lot of slow music, and the thematic material is expressively pretty neutral. If the work is “about” anything, it’s a study in thematic metamorphosis and chromatic counterpoint versus diatonic harmony.

Descharmes and conductor Marc Soustrot understand the music well. The opening variations are nicely contrasted, the ensuing Andante attractive in its flow. The long finale effectively integrates the ongoing return of the main themes, with Descharmes weaving into and out of the instrumental textures smartly and sensitively. It’s an interpretation that consistently holds your attention, and rewards your patience.

The “Egyptian” Concerto isn’t quite as good. The outer movements are fine, especially the rollicking finale, but the long central movement could be more effectively shaped, its “orientalisms” indulged just that more characterfully. Still, as in the Fourth, the performance reveals a lot of meaningful detail, especially in the finale, and Descharmes isn’t afraid to take a step back and let other instrumental colors take center stage once in a while. Ultimately this complete set of the five piano concertos stands among the best out there, even if everyone will have favorite individual performances. This is an achievement of which everyone can be proud.

– ClassicsToday (David Hurwitz)

View Full Page

Sale

Saint-Saens: Piano Concertos 4 & 5 / Descharmes, Soustrot, Malmo Symphony
Naxos Apr 2018
CD
~~$19.99~~ $9.99

Beethoven: Symphonies No. 5, 6 & 8 - Integrale des symphonie

B Records

$29.99 Sep 05, 2025

Victor Julien-laferriere and his Consuelo Orchestra continue their complete works of Beethoven's symphonies with a second volume devoted to the famous diptych premiered on 22 December 1808: the Fifth and Sixth Symphonies, so contrasting and yet so close. They have added the Eighth, premiered five years later and sometimes considered the little sister of the 'Pastoral', whose key is F major.

View Full Page

Beethoven: Symphonies No. 5, 6 & 8 - Integrale des symphonie
B Records Sep 2025
CD
$29.99

Widor: Organ Symphonies, Vol. 5 / Blohn

Naxos

$19.99 Apr 09, 2021

Widor’s cycle of ten organ symphonies underwent profound development and transformation over many years. Classical elements became more obviously virtuosic and, by the time of these Op.42 symphonies, his musical language had become monumental. Symphony No. 5 in F minor is world famous for a single movement, its concluding Toccata, a moto perpetuo of astonishing brilliance, but the whole work is imbued with structural and musical genius. Striking rhythms, dynamic contrasts and technical roulades mark out Symphony No. 6 in G minor. Also included is a graceful movement from Symphony No. 8 (8.574207) that Widor later omitted.

View Full Page

Widor: Organ Symphonies, Vol. 5 / Blohn
Naxos Apr 2021
CD
$19.99

Schubert: Symphonies, Vol. 1 – Nos. 3, 5 & 8

Chandos

SACD

$21.99 Feb 01, 2019

Following a highly successful series 'Mendelssohn in Birmingham', the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra with their former Chief Conductor Edward Gardner here presents the first volume in a new surround-sound series: Schubert Symphonies. This first volume comprises of three symphonies spanning across Schubert's short productive composing life. His Symphony No. 3 (1815), with it's extensive and evolving slow introduction modelled on late Haydn is followed by the culminating distillation of Schubertian classicism that is his 'little' Symphony No. 5 (1816). Scored for chamber orchestra, it tells of much more of an influence of Mozart, for whom Schubert seemed to have felt a special affinity with around this time. Completing the album is Schubert's much more intense (with a turbulent first movement and serene second) Symphony No. 8 "unfinished" (1822), of which only the first two movements and a skeleton sketch of a third Scherzo movement were completed.

View Full Page

Schubert: Symphonies, Vol. 1 – Nos. 3, 5 & 8
Chandos Feb 2019
SACD
$21.99

Ries: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5 / Nisonen, Tapiola Sinfonietta

Ondine

$16.99 Oct 11, 2024

Second instalment in the ongoing complete Ferdinand Ries (1784-1838) symphony cycle by Tapiola Sinfonietta and conductor Janne Nisonen includes the composer's Symphonies Nos. 4 and 5. Often remembered in music history as Beethoven's 'right hand', these new recordings by the Tapiola Sinfonietta reveal a major symphonist. The first volume in the series has received oustanding reviews in the German music press.

View Full Page

Ries: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5 / Nisonen, Tapiola Sinfonietta
Ondine Oct 2024
CD
$16.99

Still: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5, Etc / Jeter, Fort Smith Symphony
Naxos Oct 2009
CD
$19.99

DVORAK: SYMPHONIES NOS 5 & 6

MELBOURNE SYMPHONY

SACD

$14.66 Nov 22, 2024

The first in a new cycle of Dvorak symphony recordings, Dvorak: Symphonies 5 & 6 is the second release from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and it's Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Jaime Martin, on the MSO's own record label. Recorded in 2023 at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, these performances-under Concertmasters Dale Barltrop (Symphony No.5) and Tair Khisambeev (Symphony No.6)-were artistic highlights of the MSO's second season under Martin's baton. The artwork approach to the MSO's Dvorak cycle profiles iconic scenes from across Melbourne and the state of Victoria, beginning with the Twelve Apostles of the Great Ocean Road, a day trip from Hamer Hall.

View Full Page

DVORAK: SYMPHONIES NOS 5 & 6
MELBOURNE SYMPHONY Nov 2024
SACD
$14.66

The Royal Edition - Prokofiev: Symphonies 1 & 5 / Bernstein

Sony Masterworks

$17.99 Jan 27, 2010

...[I]n such a spirited reading [as this performance of the Prokofiev First] the parallels between the Prokofiev and the Bizet [Symphony in C] are very much highlighted: the 'classical' symphonies of Prokofiev's title—those, presumably, of Haydn and Mozart — seem comparatively remote. But for all their brilliance elsewhere the players manage to be sinuously winning enough in the Symphony's slow movement... [a performance] of the very first class.

-- Gramophone [5/1969, reviewing an LP release of the First Symphony]

-----------------------------------------

Bernstein gives a highly romantic version of the first movement... [I]t could hardly be better done... The playing throughout the whole symphony is in the highest class and the recording is of the same quality.

-- Gramophone [10/1967, reviewing the original LP release of the Fifth Symphony]

View Full Page

The Royal Edition - Prokofiev: Symphonies 1 & 5 / Bernstein
Sony Masterworks Jan 2010
CD
$17.99

Tchaikovsky, P.: Symphony No. 5 / The Nutcracker Suite
SWR Mar 2009
CD
$20.99

Guitar Recital: Jeffrey McFadden

Naxos

$19.99 Jul 11, 1996

The music of the Paraguayan guitarist-composer Augustin Barrios (1885-1944) has come to the attention of guitarists through the efforts of such artists as John Williams. The music of Barrios is typical of the acculturation that was present in the works of Latin American composers at the turn of the century. His compositional style shows both the influences of European Romanticism and of the nationalistic trends that were prevalent in Latin-American music in the latter half of the nineteenth century. His use of forms ranges from European staples such as the mazurka and waltz to South-American folk-music such as the Danzas Paraguayas. Though not as conspicuously programmatic as some of his other works, La Catedral is said to be based on a personal experience of the composer. Though perhaps apocryphal, the story provides a colorful backdrop to the piece. Finding solace near a quiet church in the bustling city of Montevideo, Barrios was inspired to compose the Andante religioso, with it's chorale-like textures and plaintive harmonies. The ensuing Allegro Solemne is said to represent his return to the noisy soundscape of the city. The prelude, initially composed as a single movement saudade in tribute to his wife, was later added to the piece.

View Full Page

Guitar Recital: Jeffrey McFadden
Naxos Jul 1996
CD
$19.99

Sale

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5 (Live)
Stradivarius Sep 1988
CD
~~$11.99~~ $8.99

Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 5; Fantasia On A Theme By Tho
Telarc Apr 2007
CD
$15.99

Lajtha: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6 / Pasquet, Pecs Symphony

Naxos

$19.99 May 12, 2017

Lázsló Lajtha was one of the most significant Hungarian composers of the 20th century, yet his international recognition suffered under Communist suppression and his remarkable oeuvre remains neglected. Described by the composer as "very tragic, epic, like a ballad", the Fifth Symphony is a heartfelt and forceful statement reflecting persecution and the elusive nature of hope. With its moments of nocturnal enchantment and sparkling humor, the Sixth Symphony is enriched by uniquely colorful orchedstration. These moods are also present in the wittily brilliant overture to Lajtha's ballet Lysistrata.

View Full Page

Lajtha: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6 / Pasquet, Pecs Symphony
Naxos May 2017
CD
$19.99

MAHLER SYMPHONY NO.5

WARNER CLASSICS

Vinyl

$39.49 Nov 01, 2024

In 1999, Sir Simon Rattle was appointed as successor to Claudio Abbado as the orchestra's principal conductor. He gave his first concert as principal conductor on 7 September 2002, leading performances of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 5 and Asyla by Thomas Ades, a "spicy mix of traditional and modern" (The Guardian). These performances received incredible reviews from the press worldwide and the Mahler 5 recording released at that time won many awards, being one of his most successful albums so far. This recording is released on vinyl for the very first time. 'Rattle brings a real sense of structural cohesion and an apposite lightness of touch to passages routinely overweighted in the great performances of the past. The finale, deft, vigorous and full of joy, is sure to impress.' GRAMOPHONE

View Full Page

MAHLER SYMPHONY NO.5
WARNER CLASSICS Nov 2024
Vinyl
$39.49

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No 5, The Snow Maiden / Dmitriev
Sony Masterworks Sep 2009
CD
$17.99

Penderecki: Orchestral Works Vol 2: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5 / Antoni Wit, Polish Rso

Naxos

$13.99 ~~$19.99~~ Save 30% Feb 01, 2000

It is a trite assumption that by association with Krzysztof Penderecki's Polish identity, a performance of his work by a Polish conductor and orchestra suggests itself to be naturally definitive. In this case however, it may be true. As a former student of Penderecki's, Antoni Wit brings authoritative insight to his direction of the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra on this three volume set of Penderecki's orchestral works. The pieces are not presented chronologically. Instead, each disc pairs earlier and later works, which provides a good comparison of the composer's earliest groundbreaking work to his later neo-romantic symphonies.
The first volume is an interesting mix of music, matching the retrospective Third Symphony with earlier and more innovative works such as 'Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima,' 'Flourescences,' and 'De Natura Sonoris 2.' These are pieces of great sonic and formal experimentation. 'Threnody' uses microtonal wails in the strings to deeply disturbing but beautiful effect. In 'Flourescences,' Penderecki uses percussion and polyrhythm sculpturally as much as to define rhythm. Strange metallic rumbling, a typewriter, and droning glissandi in the strings add to the atmosphere of a world where sounds, not pitch or harmony, govern form.
REVIEWS:
American Record Guide (5-6/00, pp.165-66) - Recommended.

View Full Page

Sale

Penderecki: Orchestral Works Vol 2: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5 / Antoni Wit, Polish Rso
Naxos Feb 2000
CD
~~$19.99~~ $13.99

Nielsen: Helios; Clarinet Concerto; Symphony No. 5

Chandos

SACD

$21.99 Sep 05, 2025

Edward Gardner's series of Nielsen symphonies with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra continues with this recording of No. 5, complemented with the overture Helios and the Clarinet Concerto, featuring Alessandro Carbonare as soloist. Nielsen composed Helios in 1903 on a trip to Greece, as his wife, Anne Marie, a sculptor, had won a grant to copy sculptures on the Acropolis. Over it's ten-twelve-minute duration, the work depicts sunrise, noontime, and then sunset over the Aegean Sea, and is one of the composer's most performed works. The Clarinet Concerto dates from 1928 and is cast in one long movement falling into four sections. It is dedicated to Nielsen's friend Aage Oxenvad who gave the first performance. Composed between 1920 and 1922, the Fifth Symphony is unusually laid out in just two movements - the only piece by Nielsen to adopt this structure. Unlike his other mature symphonies, the fifth lacks a subtitle, and so could be considered to be more 'pure music' compared to the descriptive nature of the others. Nielsen described the symphony as 'the division of dark and light, the battle between evil and good' and the opposition between 'Dreams and Deeds'. Considered by many as a "war symphony", Nielsen insisted that he had not been thinking of World War I whilst he was composing the work, but also commented "not one of us is the same as we were before the war".

View Full Page

Nielsen: Helios; Clarinet Concerto; Symphony No. 5
Chandos Sep 2025
SACD
$21.99

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos 5 & 6 / Klemperer, Vienna Symphony Orchestra
Archipel Jan 2012
CD
$10.99

SYMPHONY NR. 1 & NR. 5
LPO Apr 2019
CD
$15.99

Gary Bertini conducts Mahler's Symphony No. 5

SWR

$20.99 Apr 11, 2025

'The Fifth is a cursed piece. Nobody understands it,' said Gustav Mahler in March 1905 after a performance of his Fifth Symphony in Hamburg. He had been working on his new symphony for almost three years before it premiered on 18 October 1904: in Cologne, with the Gurzenich Orchestra and Gustav Mahler at the podium. To many of his contemporaries, the work seemed too bold, too radical - perhaps also insufficiently explained, given that programmatic explanations had been added to the so-called 'Wunderhorn' Symphonies Nos. 2 to 4. Not only the number and the order of the movements seemed new, but stylistically Mahler also broke new ground with his Fifth. But now, all at once, his musical language changed, a transformation that evidently gave him some unease later. Shortly before his death, he made corrections to the instrumentation. Today the work is considered the beginning of his new creative phase, which culminated in his Ninth Symphony and it's one of his most popular symphonies. Gary Bertini was born in Bessarabia (now Moldova) in 1927. After the Second World War, he studied at the Milan Conservatory, then at the Tel Aviv Academy of Music (where he graduated in 1951), and finally at the Paris Conservatory and the ecole Normale de Musique. He founded and directed first the Rinat Choir - later named the Israel Chamber Choir - and then the Israel Chamber Ensemble with which Bertini made numerous appearances in Europe and the USA. Over the years, he has been principal conductor of the Frankfurt Opera and the Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra, artistic director of the New Israel Opera, and music director of the Rome Opera and the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. Bertini's breadth of repertoire was very impressive, reaching from the 16th century to contemporary composers.

View Full Page

Gary Bertini conducts Mahler's Symphony No. 5
SWR Apr 2025
CD
$20.99

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No 5, Etc / Szell, Cleveland So

Sony Masterworks

$11.98 Jun 06, 2006

George Szell wasn't known for his Tchaikovsky, and he didn't record all that much of him. There's a very good Fourth Symphony on Decca (with the LSO), and of course he played the major concertos when necessary, but this release constitutes his outstanding contribution to the Russian composer's discography. There's certainly value in scarcity, for this Fifth Symphony is one of the great ones: magnificently played (of course), urgent and dynamic in the first movement, passionate but always flowing in the second, elegant in the waltz, and triumphant but never needlessly bombastic in the finale. Listeners who view Szell as a "strictly by the score" interpreter, largely on account of his treatment of tempo, will be surprised to hear an added cymbal crash in the finale's coda. It's all good, clean fun.

The same holds true for the Capriccio, a bubbly performance given additional brilliance thanks to Szell's willingness to let the trumpets strut their stuff (also true in the symphony) and to the orchestra's hair-trigger rhythmic precision. Szell may not have let his hair down often, but there's a difference between discipline and inhibition. His best performances, as here, offer plenty of the former with no trace of the latter. The sonics show their age in a high level of hiss and a certain want of timbral richness, but better this than a remastering that chops off the treble and robs the music of its natural brilliance. That, thank God, you can still hear in abundance. This is a release that Szell fans will surely want to acquire, assuming of course that you don't already own one of its prior incarnations.
--David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com

View Full Page

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No 5, Etc / Szell, Cleveland So
Sony Masterworks Jun 2006
CD
$11.98

BEETHOVEN: SYMPHONIES 3 & 5
LPO Mar 2019
CD
$15.99

Bruckner: Symphony No. 5 / Jarvi, Residentie Orchestra The Hague

Chandos

SACD

$13.99 Apr 27, 2010

Symphony No. 5 is widely considered as the finest among the nine numbered symphonies of Anton Bruckner, and ranks among his most famous works. In their first recording on Chandos for almost ten years, the Residentie Orchestra The Hague here performs the work under its chief conductor, Neeme Järvi, who has conducted the symphony with orchestras across the globe, and is recognised as one of the key interpreters of it. The reputation of the Residentie Orchestra The Hague as one of the finest orchestras in Europe makes it an appropriate figurehead for The Hague as a cosmopolitan city of justice, peace and culture.

View Full Page

Bruckner: Symphony No. 5 / Jarvi, Residentie Orchestra The Hague
Chandos Apr 2010
SACD
$13.99