Amadeus: The Complete Original Soundtrack Recording
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Free Music Notes for Amadeus: The Complete Original Soundtrack Recording
Free Music Review: Genius!
Hit: 5 Stars
In this CD you hear Mozart's genius at its most obvious. There is simply nothing more to be said. Thats it in a nutshell.Free Music Review: Captivating, unique, ingenious...Mozart
Hit: 5 Stars
Fantastic, no words can describe itFree Music Review: Complete?
Hit: 4 Stars
Okay, I want to start off by saying that even this set is not "complete." Several pieces, that were in the film are missing. Papageno's aria from 'Flute', Martern aller Arten from 'Seraglio' and the opening to 'Figaro', to name a few. However, this really is a great recording and a wonderful introduction to Mozart. Marriner is a wonderful conductor, but there are moments on this disc that are simply inadequate - namely The Queen of the Night's aria from 'Flute.' I have heard many many better readings than this. Christina Deutekom under the direction of Solti, with the Vienna Philharmonic is simply incredible as the Queen. This recording (complete) is hard to find, but amazon has a highlights version. It's the best 'Flute' out there.
The Commendatore Scene from 'Don Giovanni' is well done, but pales in comparison to what Eberhard Wachter did under the direction of Guilini - this recording has been called the greatest opera recording ever. One critic said there's a better chance we will see pigs fly than there is that a 'Don Giovanni' will be made that can rival Guilin's.
The scenes from 'The Marriage of Figaro' also pale in comparision to what Guilini, Solti, Bohm, and Muti for that matter have done.
So, I guess it's the opera scenes that I find most laking in this set, but as a whole it's truly a wonderful intro to Mozart's music.
If you want to explore his operas further, I recommend.
Marriage of Figaro - Guilini's all star set is highly regarded, but being that it's on 2 discs - two arias have been omitted. Solti's reading is excellent as well and complete. Bohm's complete recording is a true gem. Lastly, Muti's reading (while not with the best cast) features the Vienna Philharmonic, who truly blows any other orchestra in the world away and this set is worth it alone to hear this orchestra play this score.
Don Giovanni - The Guilini set with Sutherland, Schwartzkopf, Taddei, and Wachter. It is simply incomparable.
Magic Flute - Solti's 1970's reading with Prey, Duetekom, and the Vienna Philharmonic is unmatched in singing and energy. Again - the Vienna Philharmonic outshines any other orchestra I've heard play this score. Highlights is available on Amazon. Be cautious, Solti did another 'Flute' with the Vienna Philharmonic, with Sumi Jo at the helm. It's ok. Bohm's is also stupendous and a bargin at a cheap price.
Cosi fan tutte - totally overlooked in Amadeus, this is the third and final collaboration between Mozart and DaPonte (Figaro and Don G. being the first two). Cosi contains some of Mozart's most sublime music and features some of his best ensemble work. Ludwig, Schwartzkopf, Taddei, Kraus, and Berry under the direction of Bohm is your absolute best bet.
"Bach sits at the left hand of God. Beethoven sits at the right hand of God. Mozart sits in God's lap!"
Free Music Review: Beautiful, but not genuine
Hit: 4 Stars
How could anything by Mozart that is recorded by such professionals be anything but beautiful? The selection of music is superb, magnificently performed and recorded.
I was disappointed though, that some of the music is not that used in the film. For example, the "Queen of the Night" Aria was sung by June Anderson according to the film credits, but is not on the CD. The soprano on the CD is lovely but June really was special in the film. Also many of the recording in the film were in English were as they are not on the recording. Good English recordings are difficult to find.
Overall, 5 stars for quality, but loses one star for the lack of "trueness" to the film.
Free Music Review: This CD is very enjoyable!
Hit: 4 Stars
However, I was dissappointed in the tampered with version of Eine Kline Nachtmusik. It was weak and very ineffective. Why mess with perfection. On the whole, though, the arrangements were excellent, particularly the excerpts from Requiem Mass and Sinfonia Concertante K. 364. The soprano soloists have beautiful voices as well. Anyone who loves Mozart as I do will also enjoy the beautiful renderings of this album. Thank you.