Matthias Bamert's "Halloween Classics" is a spellbinding orchestral journey through some of the most haunting and enchanting compositions in classical music. Released in 1996 under the Chandos label, this album is a meticulously curated collection of 26 tracks, spanning a duration of 2 hours and 25 minutes. Bamert, at the helm of the BBC Philharmonic, masterfully conducts a symphony of eerie melodies and dramatic crescendos that are sure to captivate any classical music enthusiast.
The album opens with Modest Mussorgsky's "A Night on the Bare Mountain," arranged by Leopold Stokowski, setting a tone of mystique and intrigue. It continues with Paul Dukas' "L'apprenti sorcier" (The Sorcerer's Apprentice) and Igor Stravinsky's "The Firebird," showcasing Bamert's versatility and the orchestra's prowess. The inclusion of Camille Saint-Saëns' "Danse macabre" and Franz Liszt's "Hamlet" adds a touch of gothic romance, while Maurice Ravel's arrangement of Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" brings a modern twist to classical masterpieces.
Bamert's interpretation of these pieces is both reverent and innovative, making "Halloween Classics" a standout in his discography. The album is not just a compilation of spooky tunes but a testament to the rich tapestry of classical music, blending well-known compositions with lesser-known gems. Whether you're a seasoned classical aficionado or a casual listener, Matthias Bamert's "Halloween Classics" promises an unforgettable auditory experience.
Tracks
A Night on the Bare Mountain (Arr. for Orchestra by Leopold Stokowski)Modest Mussorgsky, Matthias Bamert, BBC Philharmonic
L'apprenti sorcier (The Sorcerer's Apprentice)Paul Dukas, Yan Pascal Tortelier, Ulster Orchestra
The Firebird, K. 10: IntroductionIgor Stravinsky, Dmitri Kitayenko, Danish National Symphony Orchestra
The Firebird, K. 10, Tableau I: Le jardin enchanté de KastcheiIgor Stravinsky, Dmitri Kitayenko, Danish National Symphony Orchestra
Danse macabre, Op. 40Camille Saint-Saëns, Neeme Järvi, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
The Enchanted Lake, Op. 62Anatoly Lyadov, Vassily Sinaisky, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Hamlet, Op. 77: I. The Ghost of Hamlet's FatherSergei Prokofiev, Valeri Kuzmich Polyansky, Russian State Symphony Orchestra, Tatiana Sharova, Andrei Baturkin
Tam o'Shanter, Op. 51Malcolm Arnold, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Pictures at an Exhibition: IX. The Hut on Fowl's Legs, "Baba-Yaga" (Arr. for Orchestra by Maurice Ravel)Modest Mussorgsky, Valeri Kuzmich Polyansky, Russian State Symphony Orchestra
Špalíček Suite No. 1, H. 214a: IIIa. In the Magician's Palace. Dance of the ShadowsBohuslav Martinů, Neeme Järvi, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Liidia Ilves
Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14, H. 48: V. Songe d'une nuit du SabbatHector Berlioz, Gennady Rozhdestvensky, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
Organ Concerto in G Minor, FP 93: I. AndanteFrancis Poulenc, Ian Tracey, Yan Pascal Tortelier, BBC Philharmonic
Blood of the VampireStanley Black, Barry Wordsworth, BBC Concert Orchestra
Jack the Ripper: Movement IStanley Black, Barry Wordsworth, BBC Concert Orchestra
Jack the Ripper: Movement IIStanley Black, Barry Wordsworth, BBC Concert Orchestra
Jack the Ripper: Movement IIIStanley Black, Barry Wordsworth, BBC Concert Orchestra
Out of Doors, Sz. 81, BB 89: IV. The Night's MusicBéla Bartók, Geoffrey Tozer
Waltz Suite, Op. 110: VI. Happiness (from Cinderella)Sergei Prokofiev, Neeme Järvi, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Symphony in D Minor, Op. 12 No. 4, G. 506, "Nella casa del diavolo": III. Allegro con motoLuigi Boccherini, Cantilena, Adrian Shepherd
Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta, Sz. 106, BB 114: III. AdagioBéla Bartók, Edward Gardner, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Katerina Ismailova, Op. 114: I. AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, Neeme Järvi, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Pictures at an Exhibition: VIII. CatacombsModest Mussorgsky, Valeri Kuzmich Polyansky, Russian State Symphony Orchestra
Pictures at an Exhibition: VIII. Con mortuis in lingua mortuaModest Mussorgsky, Valeri Kuzmich Polyansky, Russian State Symphony Orchestra
String Quartet No. 4, Sz. 91, BB 95: II. Prestissimo, con sordinoBéla Bartók, Chilingirian Quartet
Waltz Suite, Op. 110: II. In the Palace (from Cinderella)Sergei Prokofiev, Neeme Järvi, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Lyric Suite, Op. 54: IV. March of the DwarfsEdvard Grieg, Vernon Handley, Ulster Orchestra
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