Customer Reviews

Humoresque

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Nadja's childhood attachment to these selections transcends time and is evident in these haunting, almost spiritual performances.

I have not (yet) seen the 1940's film Humoresque, but this re-created soundtrack makes it a must-see. This CD combines classical music and early 20th century popular masterpieces (Cole Porter, Gershwin). Nadja displays virtuosity and heart-rending tenderness. The piano accompaniment, and the occasional vocals (on the Porter/Gershwin), are themselves perfection. This CD immediately joins the "stranded on a desert island" list. Nadja explains in detail (in the accompanying liner notes) the film, the soundtrack, and their impact on her.

I saw the movie Humoresque when I was a child and like Nadja I never forgot either the story or the glorious music. Her recreation of the soundtrack is simply perfect. Look for the Tristan and Isolde Fantasie, which is not only the highlight of the album but the finest adaptation of T&I ever composed. This is a collector's item whether you are a Nadja Salerno Sonnenberg fan, a movie buff or just a lover of the violin. Magnificent!

Both the Movie and the Music are worthy of more than 5 stars. They both will bring more than a few tears to your eyes. See it, hear it, it's a must!

Nadja Salerno Sonneberg had this wonderful idea to record a replay of the original soundtrack of Humoresque. In her forword (in the booklet what comes with this CD)she reveals her main reason to start this project. And how she succeeded in this effort. It sounds almost exactly like teh original production, only better because of the record technics in 1998 were better than those of the '40-ties.For those who are dissapointed that there exist no original soundtrack recording of Humoresque this excellent CD by Nadja Salerno Sonnenberg of the wonderful musical arrangements by Franz Waxman is the best one can get! Isaac Stern would be proud of her and her co musicians.
Chapeau Nadja! Chapeau Franz Waxman!

Gifted violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg takes center stage in this delightful CD of the music from the noir classic that starred Joan Crawford and John Garfield. Though strong undercurrents tug at violinist Garfield and patron Crawford throughout the film, the music score is beautiful, including works by Franz Waxman, J.S. Bach, Edouard Lalo, and Cole Porter, and the compositions are reprised here by Salerno-Sonnenberg with the backing of the London Symphony Orchestra. The excellent linear notes also provide a detailed account of the film and the story line. This CD is a great listening experience for fans of Salerno-Sonnenberg and this fine film.

...it's all great. This fine album represents Nadja's tribute to the 1947 movie classic. The title cut opens and closes the disc...in between one finds a selection of fantastic encore pieces. Particularly fine is the "Carmen Fantasie", but the entire recording is a pleasure to listen to.

Nadja plays this music like she was born to it, and maybe she was. I can find fault with some of her concerto offerings, but the smaller pieces are always well done. Highly recommended....