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CLASSICAL MUSIC


Great Deal George Szell Can't-Miss Classics Glenn Gould, Carlos Kleiber, Leonard Bernstein	Forgotten Gems Yehudi Menuhin Bargain Box Sets Beethoven, Chopin, Shostakovich

Delivers Classical Music. This month, we're highlighting some of our best offers and classic gems for your summer listening pleasure. Just remember: with some bargain CDs, supplies may be limited.

GREAT DEAL
"Haydn: Symphonies 97, 98, 99"
George Szell, cond.; Cleveland Orchestra.
George Szell was best-loved for his Mozart conducting, but on this disc he and the Cleveland Orchestra give a gorgeous performance of Haydn's Symphonies 97-99. Szell helms the podium with coolness and precision, revealing the inner beauty of Haydn's works. Symphonies 97 and 99, both recorded in 1957, are played to perfection. Read more

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Composers A-L

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CAN'T-MISS CLASSICS
"Bach: Goldberg Variations"
Glenn Gould, piano.
Glenn Gould's blistering 1955 interpretation of Bach's "Goldberg Variations" continues to stun listeners today. Here, you'll find the legendary pianist breaking the mold on Bach, with fast tempos, unique accents, and the occasional hum-a-long. At under $10, this essential disc is a steal. Read more

"Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 7"
Carlos Kleiber, cond.; Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
There may be dozens of solid recordings of Beethoven's Fifth, but none have stood the test of time like Carlos Kleiber's classic from 1975. Here, Kleiber leads the Vienna Philharmonic through a supercharged performance filled with drama and anticipation. An exciting release.

"Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 40 & 41"
Leonard Bernstein, cond.; Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Leonard Bernstein's Romantic interpretation of Mozart's Symphonies 40 and 41 might not be a purist's favorite, but it's certainly entertaining. The Vienna Philharmonic is in fine form, and the recorded sound on this bargain-priced CD is excellent.

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FORGOTTEN GEMS
"Bartok: Violin Concerto, No. 2"
Yehudi Menuhin, violin; Antal Dorati, cond.; Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Yehudi Menuhin and Antal Dorati may be a far cry from the superstar classical performers of today, but their recording of Bartok's Violin Concerto No. 2 is a classic in every sense of the word. Both Menuhin and the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra deliver riveting performances of this lyrical work; it's easily one of Menuhin's finest recordings. Read more

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BARGAIN BOX SETS
"Beethoven: 9 Symphonies"
David Zinman, cond.; Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich.
This landmark set of Beethoven's symphonies helped put David Zinman and the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich on the map. Here, using modern instruments, they provide the world-premiere recording of the new Barenreiter Edition of Beethoven's symphonies. The result is a memorable, bold performance of Beethoven that you won't hear every day. Read more

"Chopin: Complete Piano Music"
Idil Biret, piano.
Here's a box set to raise eyebrows: 15 CDs of Chopin's complete piano music for just 75 bucks. And Turkish pianist Idil Biret proves to be an exciting interpreter of Chopin; she's consistent and in fine technical form. If you want to beef up your Chopin collection in a hurry, here's your chance.

"Shostakovich: Complete String Quartets"
Borodin String Quartet
For most of us, the Borodin String Quartet's recording of Shostakovich's complete string quartets is still the cycle to own. The Russians tap into the emotional core of these works in ways few other quartets can. Though 20 years old, this set is still an important release, and it's a cheaper alternative to more recent Shostakovich sets (such as the Emerson String Quartet's box from earlier this year).

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You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's Classical Music section.