Fritz Kreisler: The Complete RCA Recordings

Fritz Kreisler (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Fritz Kreisler
• Audio CD (November 7, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 11
• Label: RCA Victor Gold Seal / BMG Classics
• ASIN: B000003FGN
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #433,072 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #89 in Music > Classical > Instruments > Reeds & Winds > Saxophone
  • #96 in Music > Classical > Ballets & Dances > Mazurkas

Track Listings

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A Fritz Kreisler recording can always be recognized by the violinist's beefy, baritonal sonority, inimitable portamento, and communicative warmth. Most of the repertoire here consists of the short, encore pieces that prevailed in the era of 78rpm records, many penned or arranged by Kreisler, who was always on the lookout for memorable tunes. Familiar classics like the duets with John McCormack, and Schubert, Beethoven, and Grieg sonata collaborations with Rachmaninoff turn up alongside rare alternate takes and Kreisler's lone recording as a piano soloist in Dvořak's Humoresque. One should savor these musical sweetmeats in small portions, rather than wolfing down each disc in chronological gulps. Ward Marston's transfers are beyond praise. -- Jed Distler

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Incredible!, December 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Fritz Kreisler: The Complete RCA Recordings (Audio CD)

I would give this set a 10 stars, if I were allowed to. Kreisler has been my favorite violinist as far as I can remember, and have never gotten tired of his playing (and never will be either!) His playing has deceptive ease and elegance that makes people forget how phenominal his technique was(just listen to his crystalline trills and amazing articulation of fast runs). And even at his sweetest moments, his performance always had strong backbone and never sank into tasteless sentimentality. Kreisler's playing was really one of the kind and anyone who loves violin should listen to his recordings. I cannot recommend this set highly enough! The CD transfer is excellent.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Ravishing!, March 23, 2001

By 

Brian Conatser - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fritz Kreisler: The Complete RCA Recordings (Audio CD)

Ever since he first toured The U.S as a child in 1888 with pianist Moritz Rosenthal Fritz Kreisler's musical talents have left us spellbound. His playing combines a searching intelligence with intense and delightful musicality, his mellow honey-like tone appeals to the heartstrings, and awakens enthusiasm in his listeners. He was a great violinist who at the same time could touch and charm his audience. I highly reccomend this set to all lovers of the violin!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First releases, unissued takes and concerto excerpts make this set a treasure, August 26, 2007

By 

music lover (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fritz Kreisler: The Complete RCA Recordings (Audio CD)

I was delighted to hear the many never-before-available recordings in this set. While Kreisler's name is obviously eternally linked with his masterful, unique and inimitable approach to encore peices (in which he consistently demonstrates unerring rhythmic control), he also remains singularly engaging in the weightier sonata repertoire also represented in this collection. Especially intriguing are excepts (w/piano) from the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto and Lalo's Symphonie Espagnol. (I had no idea he'd recorded these.) Kreisler's eternally youthful readings make this a set to grow old with. Every aspiring violinist deserves to apprehend the possiblity, to awaken the dream, of making an individual imprint through what they re-create as well.