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The Music Room => General Classical Music Discussion => Topic started by: Opus106 on February 07, 2009, 05:31:51 AM

Poll
Question: Your choice for the deserted island?
Option 1: String Quartets
Option 2: Piano Sonatas
Title: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Opus106 on February 07, 2009, 05:31:51 AM
You know the drill: you're on a deserted island blah blah blah...

Please vote. :) You can even choose different artists for each of the sonatas or quartets, but you are left with only one set of works.

Me? I have just begun exploring the early and some middle sonatas, so it'll be a long time before my vote is in.  0:)
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Sergeant Rock on February 07, 2009, 05:59:37 AM
You're a cruel, cruel man, Navneeth....but I'd take the 32.

Sarge
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Renfield on February 07, 2009, 06:03:06 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on February 07, 2009, 05:59:37 AM
You're a cruel, cruel man, Navneeth....but I'd take the 32.

Sarge

QFT. ;D
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: George on February 07, 2009, 06:06:22 AM
Guess.  ;D
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Opus106 on February 07, 2009, 06:10:31 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on February 07, 2009, 05:59:37 AM
You're a cruel, cruel man, Navneeth....but I'd take the 32.

Sarge

That's probably the best compliment a pollster can get.  8)  >:D
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: DavidRoss on February 07, 2009, 06:12:30 AM
As much as I'd hate to give up the quartets, I would probably choose the sonatas as they speak more directly to my soul.  Ask me next week and the choice might be different.  Thankfully, it is not a choice I have to make.

Both, of course, would take a back seat to the symphonies...of Sibelius.  ;D
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: George on February 07, 2009, 06:14:26 AM
Quote from: DavidRoss on February 07, 2009, 06:12:30 AM
Both, of course, would take a back seat to the symphonies...of Sibelius.  ;D

;D
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Opus106 on February 07, 2009, 06:17:58 AM
Quote from: DavidRoss on February 07, 2009, 06:12:30 AM
Ask me next week and the choice might be different.

For a few moments before I submitted this poll, I had checked the option to allow the voter to change his or her choice. But that would've been too kind. :D
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Herman on February 07, 2009, 06:18:39 AM
I would not take any Beethoven to a desert island, or anywhere.

I have plenty of his stuff at home, several complete sets of both the sonatas and the string quartets, but at best I'd take a single quartet.
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Opus106 on February 07, 2009, 06:23:44 AM
Quote from: Herman on February 07, 2009, 06:18:39 AM
I would not take any Beethoven to a desert island, or anywhere.

No, this offer is brought to you by the Consortium of Deserted Islands of Planet Earth. You just have to crash-land or shipwreck at one of those islands and they'll provide with a set of your choosing.

:P
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Sergeant Rock on February 07, 2009, 06:29:43 AM
Quote from: Herman on February 07, 2009, 06:18:39 AM
I would not take any Beethoven to a desert island, or anywhere.

I have plenty of his stuff at home, several complete sets of both the sonatas and the string quartets, but at best I'd take a single quartet.

Herman, you'll never see home again. You're stranded on that island, now and forever.

Now...be a good boy and choose  ;)  :D

Sarge
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Sergeant Rock on February 07, 2009, 06:31:44 AM
In the early moments of this poll, the 32 are the runaway favorites! That surprises me. Maybe the "chamber nuts" aren't awake yet.

Sarge
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: aquablob on February 07, 2009, 06:34:30 AM
I chose the 32, but really, can't I mix and match?

Opp. 90, 95, 101, 106, 109, 110, 111, 127, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135

And that's only 14. Is that a legitimate compromise?

By the way, this is an evil, evil poll.
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: DavidRoss on February 07, 2009, 06:37:03 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on February 07, 2009, 06:31:44 AM
In the early moments of this poll, the 32 are the runaway favorites! That surprises me. Maybe the "chamber nuts" aren't awake yet.
Solo piano isn't chamber music?
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Sergeant Rock on February 07, 2009, 06:40:51 AM
Quote from: DavidRoss on February 07, 2009, 06:37:03 AM
Solo piano isn't chamber music?

Not in the sense I'm talking about. For example, the Gramophone breaks down their reviews into sections, e.g., orchestral, chamber, instrumental...with solo piano music in the last group.

Sarge
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: ChamberNut on February 07, 2009, 06:42:01 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on February 07, 2009, 05:59:37 AM
You're a cruel, cruel man, Navneeth....but I'd take the 32.

Sarge

Navneeth, you are a cruel man!  >:D  I have to go with the quartets. 0:)
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Gurn Blanston on February 07, 2009, 06:45:46 AM
Yes he is, isn't he?

I chose the 16. Looking from a logical standpoint, I heard the 32 literally hundreds of times, and in a pinch I can play them in my head. Even though I have heard the 16 dozens of times, there is still a huge amount of music for me to explore there. Figuring I'll have time on my hands.... :)

8)
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Opus106 on February 07, 2009, 06:49:19 AM
*Schemes the next poll - Mahler v Bruckner symphonies.*
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: aquablob on February 07, 2009, 06:50:41 AM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 07, 2009, 06:45:46 AM
Yes he is, isn't he?

I chose the 16. Looking from a logical standpoint, I heard the 32 literally hundreds of times, and in a pinch I can play them in my head. Even though I have heard the 16 dozens of times, there is still a huge amount of music for me to explore there. Figuring I'll have time on my hands.... :)

8)

I like this post.
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Dr. Dread on February 07, 2009, 07:03:14 AM
Quote from: aquariuswb on February 07, 2009, 06:50:41 AM
I like this post.

Damn Gurn and his logic.  ;D
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Gurn Blanston on February 07, 2009, 07:04:34 AM
Quote from: mn dave on February 07, 2009, 07:03:14 AM
Damn Gurn and his logic.  ;D

;D

Well, I suffer from taking all questions seriously... :)

8)
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: DavidRoss on February 07, 2009, 07:30:41 AM
Quote from: opus67 on February 07, 2009, 06:49:19 AM
*Schemes the next poll - Mahler v Bruckner symphonies.*
Mahler polls have been done to death here.  The Mahler v Bruckner poll on the old forum is here (http://www.good-music-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,3847.0.html).  Looks as if the posts remain, but the poll data is not available.
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Wanderer on February 07, 2009, 07:34:18 AM
Definitely the sonatas and I'm pretty positive I'd also find a way to smuggle in op.95 (and a piano). Incidentally, I'm only voting because it's a deserted and not a desert island (although I wouldn't say no to a dessert island).
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Todd on February 07, 2009, 07:41:02 AM
The sonatas, without a doubt.  But which set?  That's a bit tougher. 
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: George on February 07, 2009, 07:47:42 AM
Quote from: Todd on February 07, 2009, 07:41:02 AM
The sonatas, without a doubt.  But which set?  That's a bit tougher. 

If they let me bring two, the second choice would be tough, but my first choice would be easy.
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Wanderer on February 07, 2009, 07:51:16 AM
The initial post implies one could bring every recording of one's choosing, multiple versions per work. Given the sacrifice required, it's only fair.
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Todd on February 07, 2009, 07:52:12 AM
Quote from: Wanderer on February 07, 2009, 07:51:16 AMThe initial post implies one could bring every recording of one's choosing, multiple versions per work. Given the sacrifice required, it's only fair.


Whew!  That makes the choice even easier. 
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: George on February 07, 2009, 07:54:47 AM
Quote from: Wanderer on February 07, 2009, 07:51:16 AM
The initial post implies one could bring every recording of one's choosing, multiple versions per work. Given the sacrifice required, it's only fair.

I sense two interesting offshoot threads:

1. Your favorite performances of each of the 32 LvB sonatas

2. Your favorite performances of each of the 16 LvB Quartets.

8)
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Renfield on February 07, 2009, 07:57:59 AM
Quote from: George on February 07, 2009, 07:54:47 AM
I sense two interesting offshoot threads:

1. Your favorite performances of each of the 32 LvB sonatas

2. Your favorite performances of each of the 16 LvB Quartets.

8)

These are equivalent to 48 "interesting offshoot threads", if I may note. :P
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: George on February 07, 2009, 08:00:59 AM
Quote from: Renfield on February 07, 2009, 07:57:59 AM
These are equivalent to 48 "interesting offshoot threads", if I may note. :P

You certainly may, but the handy numbering I provided should leave little room for confusion.

Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Todd on February 07, 2009, 08:15:27 AM
Quote from: George on February 07, 2009, 07:54:47 AM
I sense two interesting offshoot threads:

1. Your favorite performances of each of the 32 LvB sonatas

2. Your favorite performances of each of the 16 LvB Quartets.


An interesting idea - who starts off?
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Renfield on February 07, 2009, 08:16:59 AM
Quote from: George on February 07, 2009, 08:00:59 AM
You certainly may, but the handy numbering I provided should leave little room for confusion.

My note of caution was more in reference to the potential volume of the project! :o
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Wanderer on February 07, 2009, 08:18:42 AM
Quote from: George on February 07, 2009, 07:54:47 AM
I sense two interesting offshoot threads:

I'd guess there are no offshoots allowed; once stranded, you're stuck to the one island (and thread) forever... 
;D
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Sergeant Rock on February 07, 2009, 08:23:08 AM
Quote from: George on February 07, 2009, 07:54:47 AM
2. Your favorite performances of each of the 16 LvB Quartets.

I don't have enough recordings of op.18 or op.59 to make a serious list of favorite performances but of the late quartets:

127 Végh
130 Budapest (1933/34)
131 Végh
132 Fitzwilliam
133 Hagen
135 Emerson

Sarge
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Sergeant Rock on February 07, 2009, 08:26:39 AM
Quote from: Renfield on February 07, 2009, 08:16:59 AM
My note of caution was more in reference to the potential volume of the project! :o

Holden (I think) started a series of favorite Beethoven sonatas threads, one thread per sonata...but it soon petered out. Too vast a project? Too little interest?

Sarge
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Jay F on February 07, 2009, 08:33:13 AM
I would bring Paul Lewis' Beethoven Piano Sonatas, if I were to take anything by Beethoven to a desert island, which would never happen. I like the String Quartets, but when I have a headache, and I have them very often, strings, and nothing but strings, are hard for me to listen to. Not so with the piano, or even chamber music that features a piano.
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: George on February 07, 2009, 08:34:10 AM
Quote from: Todd on February 07, 2009, 08:15:27 AM

An interesting idea - who starts off?

Whoever posts first (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,10947.new.html#new)  8)
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: George on February 07, 2009, 08:34:53 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on February 07, 2009, 08:26:39 AM
Holden (I think) started a series of favorite Beethoven sonatas threads, one thread per sonata...but it soon petered out. Too vast a project? Too little interest?

Sarge

That's why I think one thread for each set would be better. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,10947.new.html#new)

Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Opus106 on February 07, 2009, 08:44:28 AM
Quote from: Wanderer on February 07, 2009, 07:51:16 AM
The initial post implies one could bring every recording of one's choosing, multiple versions per work. Given the sacrifice required, it's only fair.

Sorry, it was not meant to imply that. :) And given that I'm a cruel man, it's only fair that I allow only one recording per work. :D
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Todd on February 07, 2009, 09:24:19 AM
Quote from: opus67 on February 07, 2009, 08:44:28 AMAnd given that I'm a cruel man, it's only fair that I allow only one recording per work.


Cruel does not begin to describe you, vile sir!
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: DavidRoss on February 07, 2009, 10:00:43 AM
Quote from: Wanderer on February 07, 2009, 07:34:18 AM...I'm pretty positive I'd also find a way to smuggle in op.95....
Damn but you're good!
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Wanderer on February 07, 2009, 10:05:21 AM
Quote from: opus67 on February 07, 2009, 08:44:28 AM
Sorry, it was not meant to imply that. :) And given that I'm a cruel man, it's only fair that I allow only one recording per work. :D

I thought it mightn't. However, the wording of your initial post doesn't exclude that possible interpretation if one were inclined towards it (did you really think we weren't going to exploit every loophole in order to get as many recordings as possible on the island?).  0:)

Quote from: Todd on February 07, 2009, 09:24:19 AM
Cruel does not begin to describe you, vile sir!

Vile he may be, but he does kindly leave his pronouncements open to interpretation.   8)
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Opus106 on February 07, 2009, 10:10:00 AM
Are you a lawyer by profession, Wanderer? ;D ;)

Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Renfield on February 07, 2009, 10:25:32 AM
Quote from: opus67 on February 07, 2009, 10:10:00 AM
Are you a lawyer by profession, Wanderer? ;D ;)



Tut-tut, lawyers weren't those originally concerned with definitions and loopholes, nor necessarily the most qualified to address such issues. ;)

(See the Emil Gilels thread. >:D)
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Opus106 on February 07, 2009, 10:36:10 AM
Quote from: Renfield on February 07, 2009, 10:25:32 AM
Tut-tut, lawyers weren't those originally concerned with definitions and loopholes, nor necessarily the most qualified to address such issues. ;)

(See the Emil Gilels thread. >:D)

Oh, do you mean those mathematicians who don't need waste paper baskets? 

>:D
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Wanderer on February 07, 2009, 10:43:50 AM
Quote from: opus67 on February 07, 2009, 10:10:00 AM
Are you a lawyer by profession, Wanderer? ;D ;)

Yes. Loopholes are our specialty.  $:)


Quote from: Renfield on February 07, 2009, 10:25:32 AM
...concerned with definitions and loopholes...

(See the Emil Gilels thread. >:D)

You mean something like this?

"Gilels = Genius. That is all."


No loophole out of this one.  0:)
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: Renfield on February 07, 2009, 11:29:56 AM
Quote from: opus67 on February 07, 2009, 10:36:10 AM
Oh, do you mean those mathematicians who don't need waste paper baskets? 

>:D

Quote from: Wanderer on February 07, 2009, 10:43:50 AM
You mean something like this?

"Gilels = Genius. That is all."


No loophole out of this one.  0:)


For the present, and despite my ingenious(!??) attempt to call upon noble ancestors Socrates and apprentice-of-Socrates, supreme masters of loopholes and definitions, respectively, I must admit my appeal to authority has been cleverly foiled. $:)


(More off-topic yet: I have a very close friend studying Law in Athens, Wanderer!

Rather, two of them - but the latter does not really care for the discipline and only chose it for bragging rights, leading to my eventually being called to deliver a most satisfying "I told you so" concerning the wisdom of that decision. ;D)


Now let me end this digression, as well, before I risk creating yet another one out of acquired habit! :o ;)
Title: Re: [Desert Island] Beethoven's 16 v 32
Post by: premont on February 07, 2009, 12:07:11 PM
I should without doubt bring the 32 with me to the desert island. And I would take the Kempff mono or the Backhaus stereo, probably the former - chosen among about 45 sets.

My aquaintance with the 16 is rather new, - I decided half a year ago to investigate them more throughly, and for that reason I acquired all in all 16 different complete sets. I am not sure, that I at the moment would be able to choose between them, even if the Vegh stereo is a strong contender by now.