Review (PDF) Concerto For Piano And Orchestra In A Minor Op54 Book And 2 CD Set

                
              
Review (PDF) 
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra In A Minor Op54 Book And 2 CD Set
(Music Minus One). Performed by Kevin Class, piano. Accompaniment: Stuttgart Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Emil Kahn Long popular with audiences and performers alike, the Schumann concerto is felt by many to be one of the greatest concerted piano works. In the words of noted authority Maurice Hinson, Schumann "succeeded in a magnificent manner by composing what is probably the most beautiful of Romantic concertos....This flawless masterpiece is one of the most outstanding and romantically inspired concertos in the repertoire." Integrating the piano and orchestra in an unprecedented manner, it embodies the melodic grace and fine tonal texture so characteristic of one of the great composers of all time. This pack includes a 96-page printed music book, newly engraved and printed on beautiful acid-free ivory paper; and a compact disc containing a complete version with soloist, followed by a second version in full stereo of the orchestral accompaniment, minus the soloist; plus a second compact disc containing the full-speed complete version followed by a special -20% slow-tempo version of the accompaniments for practice purposes.
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: MMO (July 1, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1596150068
ISBN-13: 978-1596150065
Product Dimensions:  9 x 0.3 x 12 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
Average Customer Review:  4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #2,322,672 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)   #86 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Composers > Schumann   #218 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Forms & Genres > Piano Concertos   #632 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Historical Period > Early Romantic
The product I purchased was apparently used and missing the 2nd "practice" CD which has the performance at a slower practice tempo. When I re-read the private seller's description, I see he does mention this, and so I cannot blame him for my oversight.However, even that aside, my problem with the product is that while it serves its function fairly well for the 3rd mvmt, the 1st movement is useless. In the case of classical concerto repertoire, and especially in the 1st movement of this Concerto, there are extended sections for solo piano. Without many more markers (metronomic beats)inserted into this recording, there is no way to guess the tempo the pianist should play to align well with the recording.One should also hope that the "artists" that record these performances were a little more on the mark in terms of what is considered a traditional tempo. For me, his 1st and 2nd movements were significantly under tempo (from the majority of recordings out there), and his 3rd movement was arguably too fast.I still gave the product 2 stars, because the 3rd mvmt was still useable, and it was the challenges of the 3rd mvmt that inspired me to buy the product in the first place.
As an amateur pianist and singer, I am very excited by the products offered by MMO (Music Minus One). Any practicing musician would know that it is not easy to find good accompaniments and a full orchestra accompaniment is almost only available to professional musicians. This certainly makes learning any piano concerto from the romantic period or arias from operas less motivating. MMO offers an impressive collection of music from classical to jazz and pop. The Schumann Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op.54 contains a clearly printed score, a recording with the soloist and the orchestra and then the whole concerto again without the soloist. Although it may not be the best recording of this concerto I have ever heard, I liked this recording of the Stuttgart Symphony Orchestra with Kevin Class as the soloist. The tempo is also very good, which is important. There are tapping sounds at each of the solo entries for one to get use to the tempo. Of course, for real performances one would like to turn these taps off. I have read that this can be done, because the taps are isolated on the right channel and can be emphasized or reduced by adjusting ones stereo's balance control. MMO also offers specialized CD players and recorders which allow their products being played in variable speed while maintaining proper pitch. They are also very helpful and quick in responding to requests.In short I think this is really an excellent product for practicing, auditions and private performances. I do not think I would ever get the chance to 'play with' Stuttgart Symphony Orchestra otherwise. ;-) Hope you will enjoy this product as well!
Nice product for study and for a beautiful evening with friends :) The sound of orchestra is very good. Thanks!
Very good but with some strange tempi
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