Seiji Ozawa's latest masterpiece, 'Seiji Ozawa & Friends - Classical Variations', is a sublime collection of orchestral works that will delight classical music enthusiasts. Released on 14 March 2025 via Warner Classics, this magnificent album boasts a duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes, ensuring an immersive experience for fans of the genre.
Under the baton of the renowned Seiji Ozawa, the album presents a diverse range of compositions, including Bizet's captivating 'Carmen Suite No. 1' and 'L'Arlésienne Suite No. 2', as well as Stravinsky's iconic 'The Firebird'. The inclusion of Gershwin's 'Variations on "I Got Rhythm"' and 'Suite from Porgy and Bess "Catfish Row"' adds a touch of vibrancy and playfulness to the album, while Tchaikovsky's 'Eugene Onegin, Op. 24, Act 3: Polonaise' showcases the orchestra's technical prowess.
Seiji Ozawa's interpretation of these timeless pieces is characterised by his signature sensitivity and nuance, bringing out the intricate details and emotional depth of each composition. The orchestra's performance is equally impressive, with each musician demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication to their craft.
With its rich tapestry of classical and orchestral works, 'Seiji Ozawa & Friends - Classical Variations' is an album that will transport you to a world of elegance and refinement. Seiji Ozawa's passion for music shines through in every note, making this album a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the beauty and complexity of classical music.
Bizet / Arr. Guiraud: Carmen Suite No. 1: VI. Les toréadorsGeorges Bizet, Orchestre National De France, Seiji Ozawa
Bizet / Arr. Guiraud: Carmen Suite No. 1: I. PréludeGeorges Bizet, Orchestre National De France, Seiji Ozawa
Bizet / Arr. Guiraud: Carmen Suite No. 1: II. AragonaiseGeorges Bizet, Orchestre National De France, Seiji Ozawa
Bizet / Arr. Guiraud: Carmen Suite No. 1: III. IntermezzoGeorges Bizet, Orchestre National De France, Seiji Ozawa
Bizet / Arr. Guiraud: Carmen Suite No. 2: II. HabaneraGeorges Bizet, Orchestre National De France, Seiji Ozawa
Bizet / Arr. Guiraud: Carmen Suite No. 2: VI. Danse bohème "La garde montante"Georges Bizet, Orchestre National De France, Seiji Ozawa
Stravinsky: The Firebird: IntroductionIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: Kashchei's Enchanted GardenIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: Appearance of the Firebird Pursued by Ivan TsarevichIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: Dance of the FirebirdIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: Ivan Tsarevich Captures the FirebirdIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: Supplication of the FirebirdIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: Appearance of 13 Enchanted PrincessesIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: The Princesses' Game with the Golden ApplesIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: Sudden Appearance of the Ivan TsarevichIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: The Princesses' KhorovodIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: DaybreakIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: Ivan Tsarevich Enters Kashchei's PalaceIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: Magic Carillon - Appearance of Kashchei's Guardian Monsters - Capture of Ivan TsarevichIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: Arrival of Kashchei the ImmortalIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: His Dialogue with Ivan TsarevichIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: The Intercession of the PrincessesIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: Appearance of the FirebirdIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: Dance of Kashchei's Retinue Under the Firebird's SpellIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: Infernal Dance of All Kashchei's SubjectsIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: LullabyIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: Kashchei AwakesIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 1: Death of KashcheiIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Tableau 2: Disappearance of the Palace and Dissolution of Kashchei's Enchantments, Animation of the Petrified Warriors, General ThanksgivingIgor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Gershwin: Variations on "I Got Rhythm"George Gershwin, Seiji Ozawa, Alexis Weissenberg, Karl Leister, Berliner Philharmoniker
Bizet / Arr. Guiraud: L'Arlésienne Suite No. 2: I. PastoraleGeorges Bizet, Seiji Ozawa, Orchestre National De France
Bizet / Arr. Guiraud: L'Arlésienne Suite No. 2: II. IntermezzoGeorges Bizet, Seiji Ozawa, Orchestre National De France
Bizet / Arr. Guiraud: L'Arlésienne, Suite No. 2: III. MinuetGeorges Bizet, Seiji Ozawa, Orchestre National De France
Bizet / Arr. Guiraud: L'Arlésienne Suite No. 2: IV. FarandoleGeorges Bizet, Seiji Ozawa, Orchestre National De France
Stravinsky: Movements: I. —Igor Stravinsky, Michel Béroff, Seiji Ozawa, Orchestre de Paris
Stravinsky: Movements: II. —Igor Stravinsky, Michel Béroff, Seiji Ozawa, Orchestre de Paris
Stravinsky: Movements: III. —Igor Stravinsky, Michel Béroff, Seiji Ozawa, Orchestre de Paris
Stravinsky: Movements: IV. —Igor Stravinsky, Michel Béroff, Seiji Ozawa, Orchestre de Paris
Stravinsky: Movements: V. —Igor Stravinsky, Michel Béroff, Seiji Ozawa, Orchestre de Paris
Gershwin: Suite from Porgy and Bess "Catfish Row": I. Catfish RowGeorge Gershwin, Seiji Ozawa, Elaine Donohoe, Berliner Philharmoniker
Gershwin: Suite from Porgy and Bess "Catfish Row": II. Porgy SingsGeorge Gershwin, Seiji Ozawa, Elaine Donohoe, Berliner Philharmoniker
Gershwin: Suite from Porgy and Bess "Catfish Row": III. FugueGeorge Gershwin, Seiji Ozawa, Elaine Donohoe, Berliner Philharmoniker
Gershwin: Suite from Porgy and Bess "Catfish Row": IV. HurricaneGeorge Gershwin, Seiji Ozawa, Elaine Donohoe, Berliner Philharmoniker
Gershwin: Suite from Porgy and Bess "Catfish Row": V. Good Mornin' SistuhGeorge Gershwin, Seiji Ozawa, Elaine Donohoe, Berliner Philharmoniker
Seiji Ozawa, the renowned Japanese conductor, left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. Born in Shenyang, China, in 1935, Ozawa's journey began with piano lessons at the age of seven, setting the stage for his illustrious career. He is celebrated for his dynamic interpretations of large-scale Romantic works and his groundbreaking leadership at prestigious orchestras and opera companies worldwide.
Ozawa's tenure as music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, spanning nearly three decades, solidified his status as a titan of the classical music scene. Prior to this, he led the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony, showcasing his versatility and musical prowess. His influence extended beyond North America, with notable stints conducting the Vienna New Year's Concert and serving as director of the Vienna State Opera.
In Japan, Ozawa's contributions were equally profound. He founded the Saito Kinen Orchestra and the Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto, as well as the Tokyo Opera Nomori, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing musical talent and enriching cultural landscapes. Ozawa's legacy endures as a testament to his passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the art of conducting.
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Seiji Ozawa