Search - Stokowski, Sawallisch, Philadelphia Orchestra :: Transcriptions

I was mezmerized!

Mairi M. Douglas | Galena, Illinois USA | 01/21/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have heard other Stokowski transcriptions of classical works over the years. I was not aware he had transcribed Debussy's Clair de Lune or the Sunken Cathedral. I heard these 2 pieces one morning on the local classical music radio station as I was getting ready for work. I am usually rushing out the door, but I had to stop and listen, I was that mezmerized. Playing them on the piano and knowing them through that media did not prepare me for the orchestral gems I heard. Stokowski truly was a genius in that respect. I searched Amazon that same day, and ordered the CD. I rated the CD a "4" because I still need to listen to it several more times, to flesh out all the orchestral nuances of these pieces I have known for years. I fully expect it will become a "5" with continued listening."

Completely Perfect!

Jillybean | Minnesota United States | 03/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album introduced me to Leopold Stokowski. My father purchased it when it was released in 1996 and I fell in love with it. There isn't a single piece I want to skip.



Perhaps my view is extreme, but the orchestrations and arrangements of the music of these great composers lead me to believe Stokowski is every bit their equal!



I must compliment the conductor, Wolfgang Sawallisch and the Philadelphia Orchestra for their wonderful renditions of this music. The pace of each piece is just right--not hurried or dragging. The passion of the music is never lost or diminished.



Finally, the selections of music for this album were magnificent! From the gentle and peaceful beginning of Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze" to the ominous, formidable conclusion of Rachmaninov's "Prelude for piano No.1 in C sharp minor", this album never bore's the listener. There's a huge variety of beautiful, listenable music. The songs do not get tedious and most pieces are shorter in length with a few exceptions. I believe people who aren't huge classical listeners would enjoy this album as well as those who live for it."