Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. Ser Op.48: Pezzo In Forma Di Sonatina: Andante Non Troppo - Allegro Moderato
2. Ser Op.48: Waltz: Moderato, Tempo Di Valse
3. Ser Op.48: Elegie: Larghetto Elegiaco
4. Ser Op.48: Finale: Tema Russo: Andante - Allegro Con Spirito
5. Ser in E, Op.22: Moderato
6. Ser in E, Op.22: Tempo Di Valse
7. Ser in E, Op.22: Scherzo: Vivace
8. Ser in E, Op.22: Larghetto
9. Ser in E, Op.22: Finale: Allegro Vivace - Moderato - Presto
10. Intro & Allegro Op.47
11. Ser in e, Op.20: I. Allegro Piacevole
12. Ser in e, Op.20: II. Larhetto
13. Ser in e, Op.20: III. Allegretto

Disc 2:

1. The Lark Ascending, Romance
2. Fant On 'Greensleeves'
3. Fant On A Theme By Thomas Tallis
4. Ser Op.8: Andante Con Moto
5. Ser Op.8: Allegro Ma Non Troppo E Grazioso
6. Ser Op.8: Adagio
7. Ser Op.8: Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Presto

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #39215 in Music
• Released on: 2000-06-27
• Number of discs: 2

Customer Reviews

Altogether Wonderful
I like this cd.

Tchaikovsky's Serenade had some tempi I hadn't been used to, especially in the first movement, but the orchestra made just as wonderful a recording.

Dvorak's Serenade is my favorite among the four, and this recording is great. The orchestra is never too harsh, especially in the second, and fourth movements.

Introduction and Allegro is an interesting piece. I love how full the sound is. Some recordings feature smaller orchestras, and the sound is not as big and lush. As for Elgar's Serenade, it was played precisely. Besides that, i don't have much to say about it.

The Lark Ascending on this cd is a good version, maybe not the best, but there are certainly many ups about it. The violinist is very playful and does a good job of portraying the little bird. I don't listen to Fantasia on "Greensleeves" much. I don't know why. I can't say much about it, but they certainly do a good job of making it sound "English", for that matter. The Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis is fine. I wouldn't choose this version though. The piece just didn't sweep me up, especially during the climax.

Suk's Serenade is a fun piece to listen to. The piece never gets boring, perhaps due to the actual composition but also with help from the orchestra.

Get this cd if you want a collective, but good picture of the String Serenades out there. I would recommend it.

The Best
The music and the musicians of this CD are the of greatest quality. I do not think that many words are necessary, but I must say that this is by far one of my favorite CDs. If you are unsure about classical music or dyed in the wool listener, or a musician, I would recommend this by all means. Even as a musician who has played several of these serenades and heard them many times, I do not tire of hearing them. Coupled with the great sound of the London Chamber orchestra this album is a rare jewel.

Musical bliss
I attended a concert in which the Los Angeles Mozart Orchestra, known better for their Mozart music, performed the Serenade for strings by Dvorak. It is an excellent piece. The Larghetto, the slowest movement in the serenade, is a fine work. It is slow and nearly an adagio for strings, with a serious and meditative tone. The scherzo, like the measure, is a rollicking and bouncy bit of music, with skipping strings and bouncing notes. The scherzos of Mendelsshon I particularily enjoy. Dvorak is'nt exactly like Mendelsshon when it comes to the scherzo form, but he is can alternate from grave to joyous tones.