Customer Reviews

Karajan: Adagio

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Karajian's Adagio is, as the title of this 1994 album culled from previous recordings of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, a CD devoted to the "adagio," a slow, gentle tempo that first became widely used in the Baroque period of music. An adagio can be either part of a greater whole (the Allegretto or 2nd Movement from Beethoven's Seventh Symphony in A major) or a complete self-contained composition (the "Valse Triste/Sad Waltz by Sibelius).

The best known pieces in this collection from Deustsche Gramophon are perhaps Pachelbel's Canon in D, which features a gentle melody that is played first by one section of the orchestra, then repeated and taken up by other sections, becoming more intricate as the piece ascends to a shimmering conclusion. The other widely known composition, Tomaso Albinoni's Adagio in G minor, sounds as if it was a Baroque piece from the late 17th Century, but it was neither composed by Albinoni nor is it a Baroque-period work. It's actually a 20th Century forgery executed by Albinoni's biographer Remo Giazotto. Nevertheless, it's a powerful and deeply moving piece, marked by the somber interplay of organ and strings. (This piece was used, with great effect, in the latter section of Australian director Peter Weir's 1980 film Gallipoli.)

Karajan's Adagio spans several centuries and musical eras, from the aforementioned Baroque to the post-Romantic 20th Century. In addition to Albinoni/Giazotto, Pachelbel, Sibelius, and Beethoven, listeners will find compositions by Mozart, Massenet, Vivaldi. Brahms, Grieg, Mahler, and J.S. Bach. With such a diverse group of composers, even though the pieces are leisurely and gentle, they also express a wide range of musical moods, ranging from the pathos of Grieg's Anse's Death to the pastoral tranquility of Mozart's 4th Movement from his Divertimento in B-flat major.

I can't believe no one has reviewed this yet! This CD is especially ideal for (but not limited to): relaxing, falling to sleep, romantic evenings, baby/child naptime. Albioni's Adagio (not to be confused with the title of the CD)is a tad long, but has spectacular moments. The Adagio from Mahler's 5th is heartbreakingly beautiful, as is the Meditation from Thais. Rarely has such exquisiteness been packed into a single CD. Don't think, just buy.

Karajan was an amazing conductor. Precise, demanding, exacting, but also emotional and deeply sensible to nuances and subtleties of the various works and comosers he conducted. He's amazing with Beethoven and Wagner, for instance.

With Pachelbel, however, something didn't click. I have at least three Karajan recordings of the Canon in D -as well as over 50 other versions- and none are as brief, "martial", cut-and-dry, hurry-up-and-leave like Karajan's. Don't ask me why, but it would seem that conducting Pachelbel was something he didn't enjoy.

The rest of the album, however, is very enjoyable, smooth, melodious, and thoroughly enjoyable and commendable.

So, in a nutshell: if you've had it with Pachelbel's Canon in D, this is a great recording for you. If, on the other hand, you really love the Canon, skip it while playing this album or, for that matter, any of Karajan's recordings of it, where you'll also find this report, as I have collected them all: my acoustical masochism knows no boundaries.

I hope this helps you in your selection. Enjoy!

Disappointed is the Canon of Pachelbel. The score is partly omitted and the temp is too rhythmical like a march. On the other hand the Adagio of Albinoni is orchestrated beautifully except the pipe organ which sounds after-recording. The Air is normal.
If you wish the baroque music above, compare others.

Unlike some recordings of works that demand your attention, as one reviewer pointed out this can be the backdrop for romance, (dare I say) easy listening, or playing with the kids or grandkids. It is a wonderful canvas upon which to paint your day.

von Karajan and the Berliner Philharminiker are probably the only remnants of a time that shook the world, both before, during and after. They and their progeny stayed the course. The DG recording is wonderful, kind of a collection of other tracks on other recordings.

von Karajan has always worked towards the prize of achieving the most perfect musical sound. He does not fall short here. 5 Stars. Wonderful music. Larry Scantlebury

This has to be one of the most beautiful CDs ever created. I never tire from listening to it.

The CD was and continues to be a great favorite of mine. All the administrative work by Amazon was flawless.

This CD is a wonderful compilation of amazing and beautiful pieces and movements. The Massenet is gorgeous, Grieg is breathtaking, and Mahler... well all I can say is WOW ::sigh:: The Beethoven was performed a bit fast for my personal tastes but still a beautiful performance. This is definitely a disc no one should be without.

I have about 400 Classical CDs. This is my favorite. Well performed & an excellent recording. Most excellent!