Immerse yourself in the hauntingly beautiful world of classical music with Matthias Bamert's "Halloween Classics," released on April 1, 1996, under the Chandos label. This captivating orchestral collection spans a generous 2 hours and 25 minutes, offering a chillingly enchanting journey through some of the most iconic and spookily evocative pieces in the classical repertoire.
Matthias Bamert, a conductor renowned for his dynamic interpretations, masterfully guides the orchestra through a diverse array of compositions. From the dramatic intensity of Mussorgsky's "A Night on the Bare Mountain" to the eerie elegance of Saint-Saëns' "Danse macabre," each track is a testament to Bamert's ability to bring out the rich, haunting qualities of these timeless works.
The album features a mix of well-known pieces and lesser-heard gems, all united by their ability to evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue. Highlights include the enchanting "The Firebird" by Stravinsky, the ghostly "Hamlet" by Thomas, and the whimsical yet sinister "Jack the Ripper" by Gorecki. Each composition is performed with precision and passion, showcasing the full range of the orchestra's capabilities.
"Halloween Classics" is not just a collection of spooky tunes; it's a carefully curated exploration of the darker, more mysterious corners of classical music. Whether you're a seasoned classical aficionado or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Let Matthias Bamert and his orchestra transport you to a world of enchantment and eeriness, where every note tells a story.
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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