Leaving Home: Orchestral Music in the 20th Century

You looking to find the "Leaving Home: Orchestral Music in the 20th Century" Good news! You can purchase Leaving Home: Orchestral Music in the 20th Century with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $118.29 $91.93   

Product Description

This set includes all 7 volumes of the series hosted by Sir Simon Rattle with performances by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Leaving Home: Orchestral Music in the 20th Century Review

I don't profess to be an expert on 20th century classical music. Or classical music for that matter. However, I can say without a doubt that this is the most entertaining classical DVD collection I've ever watched. I've been hogging these from the library, and I want to buy my own set before they disappear.

Like the average person who is interested in modern classical music, there aren't a lot of outlets for self-education. You have to dive right in and listen to CD's, or hope that there is a performance within driving distance. These DVD's are a godsend.

Sir Simon's sheer enthusiasm about these pieces is contagious. He reminds me of an American Bernstein - he educates and explains the music to the average listener. Still, one is not going to enjoy every piece of music that is featured. Some of the Stockhausen and Boulez compositions were in outer space.

The American selections were fantastic. I forgot how great the West Side Story Symphonic Dances are. Rhapsody in Blue was wonderful, and so were the more sublime Charles Ives and Elliot Carter selections.

This DVD must have been filmed in hi-def because when the Birmingham Orchestra is featured, you feel like you are right on the stage with them. The featured vocalists are all outstanding, including one who sang a Kurt Weill piece and another who sang an opera by Bela Bartok.

When the orchestra is not on the screen, then abstract images are shown. These include woods, a castle or a cityscape. These are very well chosen and augment the meaning of the music.

Sound and video quality are excellent throughout. There are not a lot of extras, but the few that were included were well chosen, such as a complete performance of one of the featured compositions, or an audio track with additional information about the composer.

For anyone who has always wanted to take a journey through the landscape of modern classical music, I would not hesitate to order this collection.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Leaving Home: Orchestral Music in the 20th Century" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Leaving Home: Orchestral Music in the 20th Century ...