Glass: The Perfect American

This Wagner opera is rarely performed because of the scandals that engulfed the Magdeburg Theatre when it was performed in 1836 under the title The Novice of Palermo, and became known as a cursed opera from which the composer had to distance himself. Wagner's adaptation of the story reflects the rebellious mood of a Revolutionary Germany, vindicating sensual love and attack the fanatical repression of sexuality by a puritanical and hypocritical authority. As the prose says, "Shame to him whose cruel striking/Kills for faults of his own liking!". One of the most extraordinary musicals based on a text by Shakespeare, especially worthy of a new performance as it is four hundred years since the death of the Bard.

Surely Bach’s French Suites, which he composed during his years at Cöthen (1717–1723), are among the finest inducements to practise that any teacher has ever made to a pupil. In this case Bach wrote them for his young wife, Anna Magdalena. The over-riding impression left by these suites is one of endearing tunefulness. Clavier-Übung II is a later collection of didactic keyboard pieces. It comprises two greatly contrasted works: the Italian Concerto and the Overture in the French Style. These performances admirably demonstrate the thoughtful and persuasive approach that András Schiff adopts when performing Bach. Recorded live at the Bachfest 2010, Protestant Reformed Church of Leipzig, 11 June 2010 Repertoire J.S. Bach: French Suites Nos. 1–6, Overture in the French Style in B minor, Italian Concerto in F major, BWV 971

The incomparable Sergiu Celibidache leads the Munich Philharmonic through works by Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy in this rare recorded performance from 1994. Celibidache's intense passion infuses selections including Ravel's "Alborada del Gracioso," "Rhapsodie Espagnole" and "Bolero," as well as Debussy's "Prélude à 'l'Après-midi d'un Faune" and "Images: No. 2. Iberia."

"Les Pianos De La Nuit" is a collection of piano recitals performed live in the heart of Provence during the International Piano Festival of La Roque D'Antheron in July and August 2002. Conceived specifically for DVD release, these virtuoso performances by contemporary artists can claim authoritative status as classic 21st-century archival footage. Tracklisting: BARTOK Bela : - Piano sonata Sz.80 BB.88 BEETHOVEN Ludwig van : - Piano sonata no°27 op.90 LISZT Franz : - Les jeux d'eau à la Villa d'Este, for piano in F-sharp major S.163/4 - Danse macabre (Saint-Saëns), for piano S.555 - Hungarian rhapsody no°5, for orchestra in E minor S.359/5 "Héroïde-élégiaque" SCHUBERT Franz : - Piano sonata in E minor D.566

'Münchner Klaviersommer' was an annual concerts series that took place from 1981 to 1998 in Munich, Germany. Although the festival's name suggests a strong focus on piano music, it featured countless famous musicians from jazz and classical music – not just pianists. The concerts were usually held in July at The Gasteig, home of the Munich Philharmonic. In 1988, vocalist Bobby McFerrin appeared...