Classical Music

The greatest symphony from the greatest symphonist of the mid-20th century, Dimitri Shostakovich's tenth was written soon after the death of Stalin and is commonly interpreted as theh triumph of the composer over the oppresive age of Stalinism. A thrilling and electrifying performance of this piece by Pavel Kogan and the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra is captured on this DVD. The magnificent concert also includes virtuoso encores: compositions by Glasunov, Tchaikovsky, Wagner and again, Shostakovich.

Release Date: 1997-10-28, Rating: NR (Not Rated)

German composers are spotlighted in these performances by the London Symphony presented for the first time in stunning six-channel surround sound. This volume includes works by Beethoven, Handel, Pachelbel and Bach. Special Features include: -Beautiful presentation of Program Notes and photographic stills -Plays on ALL DVD players -Supports Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 formats -Stunning six-channel surround sound audio -More than twice the quality of today's CD whether played through stereo or six-channel surround -Can be enjoyed as an audio experience alone or in conjunction with a TV to access the visual content

Release Date: 2004-08-17, Rating: NR (Not Rated)

This 1984 BBC series, of which this is the first installment (later episodes trace the symphonic genre through to Shostakovich), was intended to provide new listeners of classical music with a bit of historical background along with the music. The remarkably facile Andre Previn ably performs double duty as host and conductor, introducing the compositions in the easygoing, unprepossessing manner that has made him so popular a performer, composer, and personality. His brief statements are adequate for what they are, albeit of no greater depth or insight than a particularly well-written album liner note. If the inspiration for this series was the many fine, informative programs Leonard Bernstein hosted for television over the years, it must be admitted that when it comes to educating an... Less

QUEEN SYMPHONY, THE

Release Date: 1993-03-23, Rating: NR (Not Rated)