Greetings.
Sometimes I see classical album covers that, for me, have no connection whatsoever to the music on said album. I envision someone in the graphics department at the label shouting "Just throw some clip art or a public-domain stock photo on there and set a release date!" Some covers appear just that ill conceived.
Other times, the cover art/design is so well-connected to the music that it seems to enhance the overall experience, for lack of a better explanation. Like the art almost becomes a visual extension of the music. I refer to actual art (painting, photography, etc...), not a photo of the artist. Or the cover art has a clear connection to the music and makes for a wonderful tie-in to the overall album.
I think artist photos as album cover are.... well.... almost useless really. The Bezuidenhout Mozart keyboard works series on HMU is an outstanding example. Multiple pics of him on the front, back, gatefold, booklet, and even on the disk labels. I want to believe that HMU made this decision, not him.
This is not meant to duplicate/tread upon/revisit the "worst album cover" thread. This is just as I have posed it: what does cover art mean to you, and its connection to/lack of connection to the music on said album.
The preceding is of course only my opinion. I'm more interested in yours and your underlying reasoning and logic. Please do share.
Kind regards,
-09
This question has been posed in different guises here and in other forums and my short answer is always the same: I am not interested in the cover art - good or bad - and would happily buy discs in plain covers.
it is a real toss up for me, i wouldn't mind some authentic art that expands the piece(s) of music.
an example, The Moonlight Sonata.
A full moon, with a piano upon the cover.
another example,
Stravinski's The Rite of Spring A Bonfire with a bunch of Dancers.
Glass' Einstein on the beach... (although i don't know much about the piece)
have a cosplayer of Eistein wearing one of those old school swimsuits with white and red strips, with a low colour resolution (almost 70's style photo.) on a random Beach.
Messiaen's Turangulila Symphonie, A giant turantula the size of a house invading the city.
...then Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A Major, having a fairly psychedelic styled cover.
...i mean this could attract random people. :D and then Classical music will be rulers of music once again.
ANY CD PUBLISHERS TAKE NOTE ON THIS! MAKE THE ALBUM COVERS SUPER WOW!
Album covers are very important to me. Your avatar reminds me of Atom Heart Mother by Pink Floyd.
For example I really like the one below - mainly because I chose it myself ( 8)). It is a painting of terrified sheep with a thunderstorm approaching which I think works well with Walton's First Symphony written in the mid 1930s as the storm clouds of war approached. Also, I relate personally to the sheep under threat as looming catastrophe approaches! This is one of only two CD covers which I ever selected myself - all my other suggestions were rejected by Alto:
[asin]B004JWWTAY[/asin]
Here's the other one I chose - more obvious because the symphony, ostensibly, depicts the event shown in the painting:
[asin]B07922922Q[/asin]
I was listening to this last night having heard it in concert the night before. I think that it is my favourite cover for this symphony - a characteristically anxious looking Shostakovich smoking a cigarette in a train corridor (image not chosen by me). :)
[asin]B000025XTR[/asin]
:O those album covers are perfect adaptations, Though i will have to revisit Shostakovich No. 4 (that one seems a bit off to me.) :3
Quote from: vandermolen on September 05, 2018, 08:27:22 AM
Album covers are very important to me. Your avatar reminds me of Atom Heart Mother by Pink Floyd.
For example I really like the one below - mainly because I chose it myself ( 8)). It is a painting of terrified sheep with a thunderstorm approaching which I think works well with Walton's First Symphony written in the mid 1930s as the storm clouds of war approached. Also, I relate personally to the sheep under threat as looming catastrophe approaches! This is one of only two CD covers which I ever selected myself - all my other suggestions were rejected by Alto:
[asin]B004JWWTAY[/asin]
Here's the other one I chose - more obvious because the symphony, ostensibly, depicts the event shown in the painting:
[asin]B07922922Q[/asin]
I was listening to this last night having heard it in concert the night before. I think that it is my favourite cover for this symphony - a characteristically anxious looking Shostakovich smoking a cigarette in a train corridor (image not chosen by me). :)
[asin]B000025XTR[/asin]
Vandermolen,
Excellent work on your two selected album covers. I also like the Shos 4 cover; I'd not seen that photo of him, and rather fitting for the 4th, as he had to keep it a secret for so long.
-09
Quote from: Omicron9 on September 05, 2018, 11:10:35 AM
Vandermolen,
Excellent work on your two selected album covers. I also like the Shos 4 cover; I'd not seen that photo of him, and rather fitting for the 4th, as he had to keep it a secret for so long.
-09
Thank you Omnicron9. I'm rather proud of the two I selected myself! I'm busy now but I'll try to think of some more.
Nice thread idea by the way.
Actually, here's another one I like - a sepia image of a peasant lighting a cigarette for Miaskovsky's epic, turbulent and moving 6th Symphony which includes songs of revolutionary Russia:
[asin]B000B669G2[/asin]
Another great cover for Shostakovich Symphony 4, capturing the fear and desolation of that terrible period of soviet history. Note the looming figure of Stalin on a poster in the backgtound:
[asin]B000K7VKVQ[/asin]
Quote from: Capeditiea on September 05, 2018, 08:59:23 AM
:O those album covers are perfect adaptations, Though i will have to revisit Shostakovich No. 4 (that one seems a bit off to me.) :3
Thanks :)
Great examples so far, vandermolen!
I'm big into album cover art, same with books and posters for movies, and their connection to the material. I feel as if it's even a good first impression of sorts, but it can also prepare you for what you're about to experience.
I'm totally fine with a soloists being on the cover if they are the only performer, some photos are more natural, or candid than others. They can also project a certain mood or emotion that perhaps can offer an insight into the composer's music. Here's Lewis and Uchida with some contrasting offerings. Which do you prefer?
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRZSab9uniGFaHd7W4W5Xc_v6LKHDQ6ZwtjhKt--An7sei1Kdnk)(https://is5-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Features/dd/17/d8/dj.frbdyhvk.jpg/268x0w.jpg)
I'm all in on composer portraits, paintings or photos that are related to, or somewhat related to, the work being performed...
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/419GMB83ERL.jpg)(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0003/332/MI0003332458.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51BJJRFS7PL.jpg)
...but honestly this drives me bonkers...
(https://www.propermusic.com/cache/images/1/2/5/1251cb93603013f7458b258ce747437c.jpg) (https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/178/MI0001178908.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on September 05, 2018, 12:36:06 PM
Great examples so far, vandermolen!
I'm big into album cover art, same with books and posters for movies, and their connection to the material. I feel as if it's even a good first impression of sorts, but it can also prepare you for what you're about to experience.
I'm totally fine with a soloists being on the cover if they are the only performer, some photos are more natural, or candid than others. They can also project a certain mood or emotion that perhaps can offer an insight into the composer's music. Here's Lewis and Uchida with some contrasting offerings. Which do you prefer?
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRZSab9uniGFaHd7W4W5Xc_v6LKHDQ6ZwtjhKt--An7sei1Kdnk)(https://is5-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Features/dd/17/d8/dj.frbdyhvk.jpg/268x0w.jpg)
I'm all in on composer portraits, paintings or photos that are related to, or somewhat related to, the work being performed...
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/419GMB83ERL.jpg)(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0003/332/MI0003332458.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51BJJRFS7PL.jpg)
...but honestly this drives me bonkers...
(https://www.propermusic.com/cache/images/1/2/5/1251cb93603013f7458b258ce747437c.jpg) (https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/178/MI0001178908.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Thank you and very interesting choices. Personally I'd rather have the composer or a painting on the cover than the artist but I really like all three of your Berlioz examples. I think the 'Witches Sabbath' is by Goya - a terrific painting.
Here is a favourite image of Shostakovich, sitting in an empty auditorium, although a book, not CD, cover.
Quote from: Biffo on September 05, 2018, 07:12:54 AM
This question has been posed in different guises here and in other forums and my short answer is always the same: I am not interested in the cover art - good or bad - and would happily buy discs in plain covers.
Completely agreed. I purchase CDs because of the music they contain and do not care about the cover at all.
Quote from: vandermolen on September 05, 2018, 01:05:08 PM
Here is a favourite image of Shostakovich, sitting in an empty auditorium, although a book, not CD, cover.
this speaks levels. :O
Interesting topic for a post. :)
No matter if it's a CD cover or a movie poster a pair of jeans or tin of beans, the mission remains basically the same in that you're selling the idea of something to a majority. And with that in mind if you can cram in integrity in any form - or at least a reasonable facsimile of it, because you're appealing to people who for the most part believe they're discerning and so define and validate themselves (to at least some extent) by the media they consume - then finally, do it under the rule of the all powerful
King and Queen of Time and Money, you've done your job successfully.
As for what remains, stating what you or I actually like and why we do - including any perceived connections - it depends and varies and is always entertaining to read.
e:
Quote from: vandermolen on September 05, 2018, 01:05:08 PM
Here is a favourite image of Shostakovich, sitting in an empty auditorium, although a book, not CD, cover.
I like that photo too, but mostly because of what I think I know about the person in the photo and it confirms rather than makes me question that belief.
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on September 05, 2018, 12:36:06 PM
...but honestly this drives me bonkers...
(https://www.propermusic.com/cache/images/1/2/5/1251cb93603013f7458b258ce747437c.jpg) (https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/178/MI0001178908.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Taking the gig to shoot stuff like that - when you know exactly how it's going to be used - should be dealt with like a pro but also deep inside give rise to at least a modicum of self loathing. And I'm not criticising the 'orange and teal' aspect of those, because the greatest value in the clichéd use of o&t is that it compliments most skin tones.
I buy the music regardless but a nice bit of cover art gives it that little extra aura of specialness. As I import my CDs to Apple Lossless files then play them through headphones on a high quality music player though I'm free to change the art displayed as I see fit. For example I've split my Pierre Henry 10 and 12 CD box sets into the individual works and added the original album art where I can get it. The pieces now feel more distinct from each other and better evoke their periods. Just showing a photo of a conductor wouldn't give me the faintest idea of what the music might sound like - I'm much more in favour of vandermolen's use of relevant and evocative art, ideally from the same era as the composition, and will perhaps look for something like this if I ever buy such an item.
Quote from: vandermolen on September 05, 2018, 12:01:09 PM
Thank you Omnicron9. I'm rather proud of the two I selected myself! I'm busy now but I'll try to think of some more.
Nice thread idea by the way.
Actually, here's another one I like - a sepia image of a peasant lighting a cigarette for Miaskovsky's epic, turbulent and moving 6th Symphony which includes songs of revolutionary Russia:
[asin]B000B669G2[/asin]
Another great cover for Shostakovich Symphony 4, capturing the fear and desolation of that terrible period of soviet history. Note the looming figure of Stalin on a poster in the backgtound:
[asin]B000K7VKVQ[/asin]
Those are very apropros for those pieces; the Shos 4 almost disturbingly so. And thanks for the complement on the thread idea; this is something about which I've thought for a long time and finally decided to make a thread for it.
Kind regards,
-09
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on September 05, 2018, 12:36:06 PM
Great examples so far, vandermolen!
I'm big into album cover art, same with books and posters for movies, and their connection to the material. I feel as if it's even a good first impression of sorts, but it can also prepare you for what you're about to experience.
I'm totally fine with a soloists being on the cover if they are the only performer, some photos are more natural, or candid than others. They can also project a certain mood or emotion that perhaps can offer an insight into the composer's music. Here's Lewis and Uchida with some contrasting offerings. Which do you prefer?
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRZSab9uniGFaHd7W4W5Xc_v6LKHDQ6ZwtjhKt--An7sei1Kdnk)(https://is5-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Features/dd/17/d8/dj.frbdyhvk.jpg/268x0w.jpg)
I'm all in on composer portraits, paintings or photos that are related to, or somewhat related to, the work being performed...
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/419GMB83ERL.jpg)(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0003/332/MI0003332458.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51BJJRFS7PL.jpg)
...but honestly this drives me bonkers...
(https://www.propermusic.com/cache/images/1/2/5/1251cb93603013f7458b258ce747437c.jpg) (https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/178/MI0001178908.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
I've no problem with a portrait or photo of the composer as cover art. However, the big close-up face shots just scream ME! It makes me wonder if the person in the photo demanded this or if it was all the label's doing. If it's the former..... wow. Just.... wow. My opinion: not only does that kind of thing actually detract from the music, it makes me not want to buy the record. And I buy a ton of CDs. Again, just my FWIW opinions.
-09
Quote from: vandermolen on September 05, 2018, 08:27:22 AM
[asin]B000025XTR[/asin]
But this is what makes it so tricky - I can't stand this cover. Others love it. I also don't mind photos of performers on the cover. Some are better than others, but the concept doesn't bother me (though it wouldn't be a first choice either). It's very much a subjective thing.
Oh, and whether it connects to the music, don't really care. Probably, this is because most music isn't program music or linked to some subject/idea. This is more of a romantic notion, so other types of music are less likely to have a connection anyway.
Quote from: mc ukrneal on September 06, 2018, 07:18:51 AM
Oh, and whether it connects to the music, don't really care. Probably, this is because most music isn't program music or linked to some subject/idea. This is more of a romantic notion, so other types of music are less likely to have a connection anyway.
I understand your point.
I'm not making a case for one being better than the other. It's just something about which I have thought over many years, and was/am interested in the opinions of others on the same topic.
I could have also said album covers which show some thought and are aimed at having some connection to the music. One example of this approach might be Arvo Part's "Te Deum," issued by ECM New Series.
On the other hand, ECM NS will often have a monochromatic album cover displaying only the title/composer/performer and nothing more. E.g, Keith Jarrett's Goldberg Variations. Tastefully executed perhaps, but no connection to the music.
Or I could say album cover art that isn't a photo of the performer, clip art, or public domain photography.
Or maybe all of those.
Regards,
-09
This is my favourite cover for the Walton Symphony 1 - even better than the one that I chose myself!
[asin]B003V5CTM8[/asin]
The tankie album cover is meant to be ironic or just colorful, but like it
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61PxUudBVsL._SX425_.jpg)
what do BF's string quartets have to do with a ferry at sea?
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/513ktKC61HL._SX355_.jpg)
for cheesy covers for great classic albums there is this:
(https://img.discogs.com/30LIHgQhScRImEB6QJPTooSlJGk=/fit-in/450x450/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1628538-1324176752.jpeg.jpg)
Quote from: bwv 1080 on September 12, 2018, 01:03:57 PM
The tankie album cover is meant to be ironic or just colorful, but like it
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61PxUudBVsL._SX425_.jpg)
what do BF's string quartets have to do with a ferry at sea?
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/513ktKC61HL._SX355_.jpg)
for cheesy covers for great classic albums there is this:
(https://img.discogs.com/30LIHgQhScRImEB6QJPTooSlJGk=/fit-in/450x450/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1628538-1324176752.jpeg.jpg)
All very fine - the last one gets a high score in the cheesy category - I agree.
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra's Haydn symphony series has some fun with a few of the titles that were given to these works. I think these are clever and fun, but also very well done while still making a connection to the music...
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71FIgRlzMtL._SL1000_.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61usxqA0h6L.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A1ggoBHkh9L._SL1500_.jpg)
LOL those are great covers :D.
I only have two of the CDs but the Shaping the Century box sets have a very neat and relevant design theme. The full sets must look beautiful.
[asin]B0091Q82GS[/asin] [asin]B0091Q81VO[/asin]
Quote from: vandermolen on September 12, 2018, 12:22:09 PM
This is my favourite cover for the Walton Symphony 1 - even better than the one that I chose myself!
[asin]B003V5CTM8[/asin]
Excuse me for being provincial but what is it? Looks a bit like the ferris wheel at Coney Island.
(I downloaded it on amazon for my listening pleasure thanks).
Some of my favorites:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61KC2ahA3xL._SS500.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/416HM29112L.jpg)
(if there is a better summation of what listening to Bruckner is like I have not seen it)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81vV5wAz9wL._SX425_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/619B9z0g1PL._SS500.jpg)
(I just like the picture)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41e74XLWb6L._SX450_.jpg)
(initially I didn't get it but someone on this forum pointed out that mutt is the symbol of the British Empire LOL ! Also I found this on Wikipedia:
Bulldogs have been rated one of the least intelligent breeds; they were ranked 78th out of 80 by obedience experts in Working/Obedience Intelligence.Then it is pretty funny.
Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on September 15, 2018, 04:29:41 PM
Excuse me for being provincial but what is it? Looks a bit like the ferris wheel at Coney Island.
(I downloaded it on amazon for my listening pleasure thanks).
Some of my favorites:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61KC2ahA3xL._SS500.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/416HM29112L.jpg)
(if there is a better summation of what listening to Bruckner is like I have not seen it)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81vV5wAz9wL._SX425_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/619B9z0g1PL._SS500.jpg)
(I just like the picture)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41e74XLWb6L._SX450_.jpg)
(initially I didn't get it but someone on this forum pointed out that mutt is the symbol of the British Empire LOL ! Also I found this on Wikipedia:
Bulldogs have been rated one of the least intelligent breeds; they were ranked 78th out of 80 by obedience experts in Working/Obedience Intelligence.
Then it is pretty funny.
That cover for Shostakovich 7 is spot-on if you know the back-story of 7. Thanks for posting it.
-09
If you do an image search for Shostakovich #7 on Google you find a mostly appropriate mix of Soviet propaganda posters or WW2 photos for CD covers, except for this:
(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/018/MI0001018361.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
(https://i.imgur.com/NOvLUzR.jpg)
If there is a connection I have yet to work it out what it is!
Quote from: bwv 1080 on September 17, 2018, 06:43:05 AM
If you do an image search for Shostakovich #7 on Google you find a mostly appropriate mix of Soviet propaganda posters or WW2 photos for CD covers, except for this:
(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/018/MI0001018361.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Lovely.
Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on September 15, 2018, 04:29:41 PM
Excuse me for being provincial but what is it? Looks a bit like the ferris wheel at Coney Island.
(I downloaded it on amazon for my listening pleasure thanks).
Some of my favorites:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61KC2ahA3xL._SS500.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/416HM29112L.jpg)
(if there is a better summation of what listening to Bruckner is like I have not seen it)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81vV5wAz9wL._SX425_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/619B9z0g1PL._SS500.jpg)
(I just like the picture)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41e74XLWb6L._SX450_.jpg)
(initially I didn't get it but someone on this forum pointed out that mutt is the symbol of the British Empire LOL ! Also I found this on Wikipedia:
Bulldogs have been rated one of the least intelligent breeds; they were ranked 78th out of 80 by obedience experts in Working/Obedience Intelligence.
Then it is pretty funny.
Nice selection. I can't lay my hands on the Walton CD and I'm off to work - but when I find it I'll let you know if it is recorded in the booklet. It could be Blackpool Pier - Walton came from the North of England originally.
Definitely my fav... definitely best connection with the music, even the album title is 'foot perfect'.
(https://images2.imgbox.com/72/b0/c0FFJ44d_o.jpg)
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on September 14, 2018, 03:42:08 AM
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra's Haydn symphony series has some fun with a few of the titles that were given to these works. I think these are clever and fun, but also very well done while still making a connection to the music...
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71FIgRlzMtL._SL1000_.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61usxqA0h6L.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A1ggoBHkh9L._SL1500_.jpg)
Interestingly, the series started with different, unfunny covers (e.g. for 48+49 and 44+77) and some exist also in different variants. The three you picked, are among the best (also among the best recordings from the series, although the more dramatic pieces like 45 can seem a tad "neutral" with the Orpheus).
Teldec had a bunch of rather funny covers in the 1980s, e.g. the original issues of Inbal's Brucker series and the Liszt/Beethoven. Check out the others, e.g. Eroica, they are funnier, I had some problems with the graphics insertions.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51La3Vq%2BLjL._SX425_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41BVTXR76XL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/B1JDAAWaywS._SL300_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81vuvkAwwrL._SL300_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81U4vJT8d3L._SY355_.jpg)
noticed this today on streaming. who's the target audience?
When I started collecting records the Nonesuch LPs were both inexpensive and colourful with their almost psychedelic art covers. I confess to having bought some records on that basis alone (had little or no idea what the music was like).
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/HPUAAOSwnDxUdE5l/s-l640.jpg)
(https://img.discogs.com/TnKZ1MYITFyk5M5vXO6Fn2DDs3M=/fit-in/600x605/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-9109536-1474929395-2031.jpeg.jpg)
(https://img.discogs.com/PYPFs1DhAn2LPWNGNatekS2grwM=/fit-in/581x581/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3129081-1317119845.jpeg.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81SaIiSSBDL._SX522_.jpg)
(https://img.discogs.com/ie-6l9C2CSvSk4hqK3q7hnmoYXY=/fit-in/600x604/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6791365-1457358655-2599.jpeg.jpg)
Quote from: bwv 1080 on September 12, 2018, 01:03:57 PM
The tankie album cover is meant to be ironic or just colorful, but like it
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61PxUudBVsL._SX425_.jpg)
The covers in that series were all Soviet posters from the time period of the SQs in each volume, that one dating from c 1970.
Quote from: André on December 15, 2018, 04:48:34 PM
When I started collecting records the Nonesuch LPs were both inexpensive and colourful with their almost psychedelic art covers. I confess to having bought some records on that basis alone (had little or no idea what the music was like).
Those are lovely covers, it's great to get a bit of enjoyable art along with the music 8).
Quote from: milk on December 15, 2018, 02:58:02 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81U4vJT8d3L._SY355_.jpg)
noticed this today on streaming. who's the target audience?
I could while away many a happy hour with this album. One day I might even try listening to it :P.
Quote from: milk on December 15, 2018, 02:58:02 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81U4vJT8d3L._SY355_.jpg)
.... who's the target audience?
The same audience these are targeted at, I presume :D:
[asin]B01FY8AZR0[/asin]
[asin]B01E5JRJC8[/asin]
Quote from: milk on December 15, 2018, 02:58:02 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81U4vJT8d3L._SY355_.jpg)
noticed this today on streaming. who's the target audience?
Hah! That's actually an excellent cover!
I once wrote a poem which contains the lines:
Someone, somewhere still listens to
The violin --- woman with a wooden body.(translated from the original Romanian)
So I'd say that whoever does not see any resemblance between the cover above and this:
(https://luthiervidal.com/5968/violin-luthier-vidal-avance-.jpg)
is not a true poet.
:laugh:
True Florestan, I did notice this one.
[asin]B000BB193K[/asin]
Just listen to the samples LOL :P.
Quote from: milk on December 15, 2018, 02:58:02 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81U4vJT8d3L._SY355_.jpg)
noticed this today on streaming. who's the target audience?
Quote from: ritter on December 16, 2018, 03:31:01 AM
The same audience these are targeted at, I presume :D:
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[asin]B01E5JRJC8[/asin]
I recall that, somewhere around the start of 2013 (Anno Domini), our administrator got a warning from Google for a violation of 'decency' rules or something like that, and that it could have consequences (don't recall what kind of consequences... probably had something to do with advertising and/or blocking GMG from search results). The Google turmoil was caused by a picture of yours truly, of an unclothed female violinist who had fallen and was lying next to a broken violin. Nothing indecent to be seen, except for a nip slip, but Rob got the Google warning nevertheless.
Curious what will happen with these naughty naughty naughty pics...
Sorry to divert attention away from the more captivating images above but just wanted to say that I think this painting is a great choice for Shostakovich's 13th Symphony commemorating the wartime massacre at Babi-Yar. I much prefer it to the semi-abstract later release of the same recording at mid-price.
(//)
Quote from: vandermolen on January 01, 2019, 12:32:26 PM
Sorry to divert attention away from the more captivating images above but just wanted to say that I think this painting is a great choice for Shostakovich's 13th Symphony commemorating the wartime massacre at Babi-Yar. I much prefer it to the semi-abstract later release of the same recording at mid-price.
A powerful image. Is the artist credited?
Another Shostakovich cover I find haunting, the title as much as the painting itself by V A Serov "The Winter Palace is Ours".
(https://img.discogs.com/x9a1nHMsb8cDFJGllExlXCqVwIA=/fit-in/600x596/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-4459597-1365454706-2900.jpeg.jpg)
The original issues of Jansons' DSCH series also had authentic Soviet cover art
[asin]B000BL98M4[/asin]
This one is cheesy but well done:
[asin]B0021BUTXE[/asin]
cf. a cover with the original Friedrich painting (Kaufmann apparently lost his walking stick, though)
[asin]B00000E3H1[/asin]
Another good one although as it often happens with Baroque music the painting is about a century older than the music. It gets worse with Dürer or even Italian quattrocento paintings for JS Bach covers. Would anyone ever think of using a Tiepolo cover for Brahms or Bruckner...?
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Quote from: Jo498 on January 02, 2019, 02:41:54 AM
This one is cheesy but well done:
[asin]B0021BUTXE[/asin]
cf. a cover with the original Friedrich painting (Kaufmann apparently lost his walking stick, though)
[asin]B00000E3H1[/asin]
Interesting - did that steep sided mountain that would have been below the Decca logo fall down?
Maybe. A lot can happen in 200 years. In time the Rockies may crumble, Gibraltar may tumble. They're only made of clay...
Or it is just covered by mist.
Quote from: Jo498 on January 02, 2019, 04:57:14 AM
Maybe. A lot can happen in 200 years. In time the Rockies may crumble, Gibraltar may tumble. They're only made of clay...
Or it is just covered by mist.
True, the Rotorua hot spring terraced pools in New Zealand were advertised as the Eighth Wonder of the World until being trashed by a volcano in 1886. It's not mist in your picture though as the ridge beyond would not be visible. Maybe the older painting has had a bit of artistic licence applied for drama and balance.
It was certainly edited out in the Decca Cover. But the Friedrich is not a realistic landscape either, I am sure. There is a picture by him of the Watzmann and as far as I recall the view depicted also uses some artistic license. (And he was criticized for this by contemporaries.)
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Der_Watzmann_(Gem%C3%A4lde)
Quote from: Jo498 on January 02, 2019, 05:46:09 AM
It was certainly edited out in the Decca Cover. But the Friedrich is not a realistic landscape either, I am sure. There is a picture by him of the Watzmann and as far as I recall the view depicted also uses some artistic license. (And he was criticized for this by contemporaries.)
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Der_Watzmann_(Gem%C3%A4lde)
Unless I have mistranslated (always a possibility) Friedrich never visited the Alps and his painting of the Watzmann was based on a watercolour by Johann August Heinrich and also a painting by Ludwig Richter. It seems likely that his other alpine views, including the one on the DG cover, are fanciful.
At a slight tangent the DG Originals reissue of the Pollini Wanderer Fantasy has the same cover but it is coupled with Schumann's Fantasie, Op 17. I wonder what happened to D845, is it available elsewhere?
Quote from: Irons on January 02, 2019, 12:30:25 AM
A powerful image. Is the artist credited?
Another Shostakovich cover I find haunting, the title as much as the painting itself by V A Serov "The Winter Palace is Ours".
(https://img.discogs.com/x9a1nHMsb8cDFJGllExlXCqVwIA=/fit-in/600x596/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-4459597-1365454706-2900.jpeg.jpg)
Yes, it is called 'Landscape' by Boris Scherbakov. I agree with you about the image on the front of the EMI/Melodiya recording of Shostakovich's 11th Symphony. I remember the LP well as one of my friend's owned a copy. I purchased a copy of the Melodiya release (with a different cover image) at a Soviet Union exhibition in Earl's Court (where I grew up) in the 1970s.
Quote from: Jo498 on January 02, 2019, 02:41:54 AM
Another good one although as it often happens with Baroque music the painting is about a century older than the music. It gets worse with Dürer or even Italian quattrocento paintings for JS Bach covers. Would anyone ever think of using a Tiepolo cover for Brahms or Bruckner...?
[asin]B00000E4G6[/asin]
Yeah, but Arcimboldo and Biber belong mainly to the same mindset, whereas Tiepolo and Bruckner are galaxies apart. Tiepolo would be a mismatch even for Verdi.
True, if I had not found the Arcimboldo painting a good match, I would not have posted it. (I am still debating myself whether I should eventually get the disc, I have about half of the very recordings in different couplings by MAK - and I think I have a whole book on Arcimboldo, so I hardly need the cover...) I think his Seasons were also used for Vivaldi's and Haydn's seasons, though...
Quote from: Biffo on January 02, 2019, 06:01:36 AM
Unless I have mistranslated (always a possibility) Friedrich never visited the Alps and his painting of the Watzmann was based on a watercolur by Johann August Heinrich and also a painting by Ludwig Richter. It seems likely that his other alpine views, including the one on the DG cover, are fanciful.
you are right. But the Richter painting was more precisely depicting the actual landscape and therefore preferred.
Quote
At a slight tangent the DG Originals reissue of the Pollini Wanderer Fantasy has the same cover but it is coupled with Schumann's Fantasie, Op 17. I wonder what happened to D845, is it available elsewhere?
Yes, for some reason they re-shuffled the pieces in the Originals re-issue (or was the first CD issue re-shuffled from the LPs?) which is annoying for me who likes to shelve discs by composer.
[asin]B00006L76P[/asin]
Quote from: Jo498 on January 02, 2019, 07:45:44 AM
you are right. But the Richter painting was more precisely depicting the actual landscape and therefore preferred.
Yes, for some reason they re-shuffled the pieces in the Originals re-issue (or was the first CD issue re-shuffled from the LPs?) which is annoying for me who likes to shelve discs by composer.
[asin]B00006L76P[/asin]
Thanks for the info. The Schubert/Schumann coupling looks interesting but I will check I haven't already got the Schumann in some other combination.
Quote from: Jo498 on January 02, 2019, 05:46:09 AM
It was certainly edited out in the Decca Cover.
It's just a tighter crop than DG's. You can see the bottom of the mountain's left slope at the cover's right edge, just below the Decca logo.
ETA: I am not at all a fan of the Kaufmann superimposition.
Right! That mountain is immediately to the right of the Decca logo just beyond the edge of the part shown on the .cover
Oh yes, the Decca art department wanted Kaufmann to be the dominant figure, not the awe inspiring landscape.
Quote from: vandermolen on January 02, 2019, 06:09:33 AM
Yes, it is called 'Landscape' by Boris Scherbakov.
I was surprised to discover that most paintings by Boris Scherbakov feature tranquil scenes of the Russian countryside. This one, with the title "The Evil of the World: The 20th Century" carries a political message.
(https://01varvara.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/b-a-shcherbakov-the-evil-of-the-world-the-20th-century-1985-e1268032796137.jpg?w=1000&h=644)
Quote from: Irons on January 03, 2019, 12:07:29 AM
I was surprised to discover that most paintings by Boris Scherbakov feature tranquil scenes of the Russian countryside. This one, with the title "The Evil of the World: The 20th Century" carries a political message.
(https://01varvara.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/b-a-shcherbakov-the-evil-of-the-world-the-20th-century-1985-e1268032796137.jpg?w=1000&h=644)
How interesting and many thanks for posting 'The Evil of the World' which I really like (if that's the right word). Anyway it is powerful, dark and moving. The old woman on the left is reminiscent of the man in the image I posted earlier. I must look him up.
Here's one I really like where landscape and music seem to merge together as the area meant a lot to Moeran:
(//)
Quote from: vandermolen on January 13, 2019, 10:46:44 AM
Here's one I really like where landscape and music seem to merge together as the area meant a lot to Moeran:
Lovely countryside. Where is it?
One of my favourite covers is also Moeran which features him with his wife Peers Coetmore. Unfortunately the location of the photo is not given. In my view no performance of the Cello Concerto can measure up to this one. Not because of the playing as Coetmore was elderly and her technique left some to be desired. Moeran wrote the Adagio in the form of a love letter to his wife and despite all the pain and difficulties of their short marriage to hear Coetmore playing this music with such feeling of sadness and loss cracks me up.
(https://i0.wp.com/revolutions33.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC02578.jpg?fit=3648%2C3648&ssl=1)
Quote from: Irons on January 14, 2019, 12:09:16 AM
Lovely countryside. Where is it?
One of my favourite covers is also Moeran which features him with his wife Peers Coetmore. Unfortunately the location of the photo is not given. In my view no performance of the Cello Concerto can measure up to this one. Not because of the playing as Coetmore was elderly and her technique left some to be desired. Moeran wrote the Adagio in the form of a love letter to his wife and despite all the pain and difficulties of their short marriage to hear Coetmore playing this music with such feeling of sadness and loss cracks me up.
(https://i0.wp.com/revolutions33.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC02578.jpg?fit=3648%2C3648&ssl=1)
LP photo Ring of Kerry, Ireland. There's a photo of Moeran and Peers in the Welsh borders which could have been taken at the same location as the Lyrita Cello Concerto cover image. You are right - no other recording comes close in emotional clout as the Coetmore/Boult one despite the imperfection of some of her playing. It is in a class of its own.
Thanks. Looks a good summer break destination. Shame Ken Russell isn't still with us; the life of Moeran would make a super doc-film.
Quote from: Irons on January 14, 2019, 12:09:16 AM
Lovely countryside. Where is it?
One of my favourite covers is also Moeran which features him with his wife Peers Coetmore. Unfortunately the location of the photo is not given. In my view no performance of the Cello Concerto can measure up to this one. Not because of the playing as Coetmore was elderly and her technique left some to be desired. Moeran wrote the Adagio in the form of a love letter to his wife and despite all the pain and difficulties of their short marriage to hear Coetmore playing this music with such feeling of sadness and loss cracks me up.
(https://i0.wp.com/revolutions33.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC02578.jpg?fit=3648%2C3648&ssl=1)
Listening to this performance now on YT. Thank you for posting this.
-09
Quote from: Irons on January 14, 2019, 12:09:16 AM
Lovely countryside. Where is it?
(https://i0.wp.com/revolutions33.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC02578.jpg?fit=3648%2C3648&ssl=1)
Geoffrey Self in his brief book about his friendship with Moeran reproduces this picture and titles it as being "in the Malvern Hills"
Quote from: Roasted Swan on January 15, 2019, 07:53:01 AM
Geoffrey Self in his brief book about his friendship with Moeran reproduces this picture and titles it as being "in the Malvern Hills"
Yes, it occurred to me that the photo might have appeared in that book.
Quote from: Irons on January 15, 2019, 12:13:50 AM
Thanks. Looks a good summer break destination. Shame Ken Russell isn't still with us; the life of Moeran would make a super doc-film.
Yes, he would!
Quote from: Irons on January 15, 2019, 12:13:50 AM
Thanks. Looks a good summer break destination. Shame Ken Russell isn't still with us; the life of Moeran would make a super doc-film.
We have his Delius film to fall back on - love that one.
Quote from: Roasted Swan on January 15, 2019, 07:53:01 AM
Geoffrey Self in his brief book about his friendship with Moeran reproduces this picture and titles it as being "in the Malvern Hills"
Thanks.