Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms :: Steinway Legends: Grand Edition/Various (Box)

What results do you get when you mix Decca, Philips, Deutsch

Gregory E. Foster | Portland, ME, USA | 04/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, GRAND, indeed is the word for this spectacular collection of solo piano recordings by the creme-de-la-creme of Decca's, Deutsche Grammophone's, and Philips' vaults.........AWESOME by ALL measure!



Two discs each, in individual deluxe folders, from the archives of Decca, DGG, and Philips........featuring Claudio Arrau, Mitsuko Uchida, Vladimir Horowitz, Maurizio Pollini, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Emil Gilels, Martha Argerich, Wilhelm Kempff, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, and Alfred Brendel........what a list, huh?



And, Wait!.....It gets Better!!! Included on each individual collection are rare, long out of print, recordings....the best of each artist's familiar recordings, and....unknown, never-released recordings.....could it get any better than this???



YES! A bonus disc of "Steinway Legends in the Making".......featuring the incredibly gifted artists Lang Lang, Helene Grimaud, and Yundi Li....how great it is to hear these young artists against their towering predecessors of keyboard artistry.



Also included is a forty page deluxe book with tons of photos and memorabilia from Steinway. Remember, all these pianists were solid, dedicated, Steinway artists, and would not play anything else.



While the presentation of these recordings simply could never match or meet the level of the performances themselves (lucky us that they were recorded and preserved so we may hear them again and again, just as fresh and wonderful as the first time), the package IS pretty darned AWESOME!!! The whole collection, book included, fits inside a perfectly proportioned Steinway Piano shaped box, complete with opening lid and support to hold it up, revealing the frame and strings below, which also lifts up to reveal the booklet and individual folders and discs beneath. The entire "piano" itself slips into an oversized slipcase.



What a unique and beautiful set this truly is. Sadly, it was released as a deluxe set in very few numbers. But, luckily, the individual two disc sets by each artist are available separately, so at least the recordings are available still to those who want them.***



Luckily, I knew about this collection many many months before it's limited release and had pre-ordered my set (very happy bear, indeed). It's a joy just to look at this set, and also to know that these "performances" are here in my home for me to enjoy over and over again and again.



To my knowledge, I am unaware of individual companies working together before (Decca, DGG, Philips, and Steinway in this case) to present this type of collection as a "unified" set, and we truly are very lucky beneficiaries of this wonderful partnership of these companies.



My only "complaint"......the outer slipcase that the "piano box" slides into is made of a very inferior weight of paperboard to support such a heavy presentation as this, and is so flimsy that it will not stand up to much use before it simply disintigrates. Sort of too bad, as the rest of the set/presentation is so first rate...shame on you folks...I can't think of anybody who would not have paid a few dollars more for a suitable slipcase for this beautiful set. ~operabruin



***June 22, 2007...I just found out that this set is now, once again, available! Do yourself a favor, and get a copy NOW, before it is gone again! I just found it on another site [classical only online seller], and when I came back here to amazon to make this notation, I also see that they have it in stock again!!! What a stroke of luck for those of you who want this set. Trust me, it is just beautiful, and one of the most unique items you have ever seen! ~operabruin"

Steinway Ledgends

A. Acosta | Seal Beach, CA | 03/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The quality of the pianos and recording is breath taking says my friend, a professional tuner and former buyer of American & European pianos . And I was just stunned by the playing of these masters...the Liszt pieces of Kempff were were a revelation as was Gilels, and the supreme Horowitz..What is astounding to me is the presence of the piano ( played with a moderately good system only); it is as if they were there in the room."