Rhapsodies [Hybrid SACD] [Hybrid SACD - DSD]

Franz Liszt (Composer), George Enescu (Composer), Bedrich Smetana (Composer), Richard [Classical] Wagner (Composer), Leopold Stokowski (Conductor), RCA Victor Orchestra (Orchestra), RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Symphony of the Air (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: RCA Victor Orchestra, RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra, Symphony of the Air
• Conductor: Leopold Stokowski
• Composer: Franz Liszt, George Enescu, Bedrich Smetana, Richard [Classical] Wagner
• Audio CD (July 26, 2005)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Hybrid SACD - DSD
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B0009U55T2
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,410 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #9 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Romantic (c.1820-1910) > General AAS
  • #12 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Modern, 20th, & 21st Century > General Contemporary
  • #19 in Music > Classical > Forms & Genres > Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music > Tone Poems

Track Listings

1. Hungarian Rhapsody, for orchestra No. 2 in C sharp minor, S. 359/2 (LW G21/2)

2. Roumanian Rhapsody No. 1, for orchestra in A major, Op. 11/1

3. Vltava (The Moldau), symphonic poem (Má Vlast No. 2), JB 1:112/2

4. Prodaná nevesta (The Bartered Bride), opera, JB 1:100: Overture

5. Tristan und Isolde, opera, WWV 90: Act 3. Prelude

6. Tannhäuser, opera, WWV 70: Overture and Venusberg Music

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stokowski In His Element, June 9, 2006

By 

Thomas M. Slover (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rhapsodies [Hybrid SACD] (Audio CD)

While I am not partial to Wagner or Liszt, the glory of these performances is found in the compositions of Enescu and Smetana. Often dismissed because of his theatricality, here Stokowski shines with brilliance in music so suited to his flamboyant, some would say gushy, nature. The Moldau flows beautifully along its varied course under this capable baton, filled with the vitality of a first-time hearing of this familiar but wonderful standard. Not so well known to all is the Enescu Roumanian Rhapsody. Stokowski imbues such diverse coloration and rhythmic insistance as to mesmerise on each listening. More than an historical document, these recordings could well become your favorite performances of these works. Though recorded before the age of DDD digital techniques, the sound is brilliant, realistic and energizing. Available in both hybrid SACD and standard CD formats. Most highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous CD, January 13, 2012

By 

Norm Hinrichs (Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rhapsodies [Hybrid SACD] (Audio CD)

I had the original Rhapsodies release on Living Stereo LP back in the day. The original record did not include the music of Wagner, only the Liszt, Enesco and Smetana works. The Wagner pieces were will-played, but I was not exactly "bowled over" by them. The Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody #2 and Enesco's Romanian Rhapsody #1 were my favorites on the album, though I like Smetana's Moldau. For posterity this CD has much to recommend it. Stokowski conducts the first 4 pieces with feeling and conviction. It is worth having to remember of one the finest conductors in the 20th Century.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Georges Enescu, March 26, 2010

By 

Virginia Engineer (Northern Virginia) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Rhapsodies [Hybrid SACD] (Audio CD)

Georges Enescu (Romanian Rhapsody No. 1) alone makes this CD worthwhile. Franz Liszt (Hungarian Rhaposody No. 2) and Bedrich Smetana (The Moldau and The Bartered Bride) are shining bonuses. For some reason, I'm less impressed by Richard Wagner (Tristan und Isolde and Tannhauser).