Rossini: Overtures; Introduction, Theme and Variations

Gioachino Rossini (Composer), Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
• Composer: Gioachino Rossini
• Audio CD (March 12, 1996)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B000001GO8
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,069 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Tancredi

2. L'italiana in Algeri

3. L'inganno felice

4. La scala di seta

5. Il barbiere di Siviglia

6. Il Signor Bruschino

7. La cambiale di matrimonio

8. Il turco in Italia

9. Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet and Orchestra in E flat major: Andante (sostenuto

10. Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet and Orchestra in E flat major: Tema (Allegretto)

11. Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet and Orchestra in E flat major: Var - I Piu mosso

12. Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet and Orchestra in E flat major: Var - II

13. Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet and Orchestra in E flat major: Var - III

14. Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet and Orchestra in E flat major: Var - IV: Largo minore - Piu mosso - A tempo

15. Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet and Orchestra in E flat major: Var - V: Maggiore

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding CD, May 10, 2000

By 

D. B. Rathbun (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rossini: Overtures; Introduction, Theme and Variations (Audio CD)

The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra plays these pieces better than they have ever been played. The performance is astoundingly clean. The recording is exemplary. The price is almost criminally low. Why Deutsche Grammophon took this out of print in the first place is a mystery. The fact that they've reissued it at midprice is a GIFT to the civilized world. The same could be said of their reissue of Emerson doing the Dvorak 12th quartet, Tchaikovsky 1st, and Borodin 2d quartets. The BEST part of this CD is that the performances are using ORIGINAL orchestrations--orchestrations that have inexplicably fallen out of practice in concert performances of the overtures--that let Rossini's humor in the pieces shine through (e.g. piccolo rather than flute in Italiana in Algeri). Even if you have a recording of Rossini overtures, this one uses the original orchestrations, includes some rarer overtures, and has the clarinet bonus track, and I guarantee the performances are better than any ever recorded. In sum, buy this CD now and be glad for the rest of your life that you did.

5 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Well played technically ,but..., March 29, 2004

By 

Dennis J. Marconi "dinojmarco" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rossini: Overtures; Introduction, Theme and Variations (Audio CD)

I have two major issues with this cd:

1) why was the William Tell overture omitted? Anyone who has heard it in its 12 minute entirety cannot help but be impressed. It's one of the best, if not the best, overture Rossini wrote. Listen to Gardelli or Chailly conduct this overture in their respective versions of the entire opera.

2) I enjoy Orpheus and admire their technique, but at times they can sound a bit too mechanical. In this issue, I found that they were unable to convey some of Rossini's playfulness,warmth and humor.

So with all due respect, I cannot share the enthusiasm of others regarding this disc.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rossini Overture, November 20, 2009

By 

Joellen Mcburney - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rossini: Overtures; Introduction, Theme and Variations (Audio CD)

Product arrived on time and was enjoyed by elderly man who requested it. Classical music is usually enjoyed by seniors who have early memories brought back as they listen.