Description
Classic Expression: Mozart, Debussy, Schumann, Beethoven, Elgar, Bizet (Newsound CD 1998)
This compilation CD, Classic Expression, offers a concise and engaging tour through the greatest hits of the Classical, Romantic, and Impressionist eras, featuring works by six master composers and performances by renowned European orchestras.
UPC: 5035462103605
MPN (Catalog Number): PYCD 360
Label: Newsound
Product Overview
This single-disc album is a perfect introduction for new classical music listeners, collecting iconic movements—including an entire four-movement Mozart symphony—from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. It features major ensembles such as The London Symphony Orchestra and the New Philharmonia Orchestra.
Key Features
- Diverse Repertoire: Spanning from Beethoven's profound piano music to Debussy's evocative Impressionism.
- Iconic Movements: Includes the beloved slow movement from the "Pathetique" Sonata and the haunting Nuages.
- Full Symphony: Features the entirety of Mozart's dramatic and popular Symphony No. 40 in G minor.
- Ensemble Variety: Showcases performances by five different orchestras and conductors.
Historical Facts
- Beethoven's "Pathetique" (Track 1): The subtitle "Pathetique" was given by the composer's publisher, but Beethoven himself approved of it, reflecting the deep emotional distress conveyed in the piece. The second movement (Adagio cantabile) is one of the most serene and famous slow movements in classical music.
- Mozart's Symphony No. 40 (Track 2): One of only two symphonies Mozart wrote in a minor key, it is characterized by its restless, melancholic energy and is a cornerstone of the Classical repertoire.
- Impressionist Mood (Track 5): Debussy's Nuages ("Clouds") is the first of his three orchestral Nocturnes. Debussy stated the movement "renders the immutable aspect of the sky and the slow, solemn motion of the clouds," making it a definitive piece of musical impressionism.
Full Track Listing
| Track | Composer | Work Title | Movement(s) / Description | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beethoven | Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 | "Pathetique" (2nd Movement: Adagio cantabile) | 5:32 |
| 2 | Mozart | Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550 | 4 Movements | 25:03 |
| 3 | Elgar | Serenade For Strings in E minor, Op. 20 | Allegro piacevole / Larghetto / Allegretto | 11:26 |
| 4 | Bizet | L'Arlésienne Suite No. 2 | Intermezzo | 4:46 |
| 5 | Debussy | Nocturnes for Orchestra | Nuages (Clouds) | 7:57 |
| 6 | Schumann | Three Fantasy Pieces, Op. 73 | Movements I, II, & III (Clarinet and Piano) | 11:12 |
| Total Time: | 66:56 |
Publishers & Performance Credits
| Work | Performer(s) | Conductor |
|---|---|---|
| Beethoven (Tr. 1) | Dieter Goldman (Piano) | N/A |
| Mozart (Tr. 2) | The Royal Danish Symphony Orchestra | Werner Ludwig Baum |
| Elgar (Tr. 3) | The London Symphony Orchestra | George Richter |
| Bizet (Tr. 4) | French National Radio Orchestra | Pierre Carbidier |
| Debussy (Tr. 5) | New Philharmonia Orchestra | Claudie Estrier |
| Schumann (Tr. 6) | Joann Becker (Clarinet), Elizabeth Beauchamp (Piano) | N/A |
This compilation is an essential addition for anyone who appreciates the "classic expression" of master composers across different musical eras.
#ClassicalMusic #ClassicalCD #CompilationAlbum #Newsound #BeethovenPathetique #MozartSymphony40 #DebussyNocturnes #Elgar #SchumannOp73 #OrchestralMasterworks
