Brilliant Classics must-haves

[FideLeo]

The Scott Ross is the set I have tried to obtain so many times, only to come out empty handed.   Please let me know where it is available!

Have you tried FNAC?  only 2 x 136 Euro...availability: 2-3 wks

[FideLeo]

I didn't even notice there were two different instruments involved.

That would be strange -- because the two types of instrument used by Borgstede are very different:
a 17th-century Flemish Ruckers and a 18th-century French Hemsch (both replicas).  In most cases
the differences would be quite audible to listeners with much experience in harpsichord music recordings. 
I didn't notice the difference because I didn't even get to Borgstede's livre IV at all, where he
changed instruments.  I actually regretted having bought the Borgstede after listening to only a couple
of discs in the set.

[Bunny]

Have you tried FNAC?  only 2 x 136 Euro...availability: 2-3 wks

I ordered the set from FNAC last year and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, and finally wrote to them.  Apparently although they list the set, it's not in stock and they were unable to get one for me.

I had the same experience with Tower a couple of times.

[The new erato]

That would be strange -- because the two types of instrument used by Borgstede are very different:
a 17th-century Flemish Ruckers and a 18th-century French Hemsch (both replicas).  In most cases
the differences would be quite audible to listeners with much experience in harpsichord music recordings. 
I didn't notice the difference because I didn't even get to Borgstede's livre IV at all, where he
changed instruments.  I actually regretted having bought the Borgstede after listening to only a couple
of discs in the set.

Well, I listened to the set over a period of approx 3 months; as is my way with large setss. I played several of the discs multiple times though, but there was usually a period of over one week between consecutive discs. I am planning on playong the sett again so will keep your comments in mind!

[Bunny]

We've really become distracted from really purpose of this thread! It's time to get back on topic.  0:)

Here are two more B/C sets I enjoy.

The Vivaldi Concerto Collection contains mostly HIP performances by these ensembles: The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble, Musica ad Rhenum, Il Giardino Armonico, English Chamber Orchestra, and Florilegium.  The Flute Concertos are performed by Jed Wentz on traverso and Musica ad Rhenum.  Both are great additions to any collection.

 

[Harry]

We've really become distracted from really purpose of this thread! It's time to get back on topic.  0:)

Here are two more B/C sets I enjoy.

The Vivaldi Concerto Collection contains mostly HIP performances by these ensembles: The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble, Musica ad Rhenum, Il Giardino Armonico, English Chamber Orchestra, and Florilegium.  The Flute Concertos are performed by Jed Wentz on traverso and Musica ad Rhenum.  Both are great additions to any collection.

 

Great additions indeed!

[MichaelRabin]

Thanks guys for the Tchaikovsky/Muti replies.  Now a question about Beethoven Sym/Blomstedt - is Classics Today right to give that 10/10 rating as well?

[Bunny]

They are at least a 10/9; nowadays with the use of dsd, sacd, dvd-a sonic technology has improved since these were recorded. However, they were recorded in first rate analog sound which is better than early digital recordings. 

In this set you get excellent performances with the unique sound of the SKD.  Blomstedt's performances are much more interesting than the later SKD Philips cycle with Colin Davis on the podium.  As the icing on the cake, the 9th is probably one of the best sung 9ths around.  There is not a clanker in the set.  The set is available so cheaply that it's one cycle you cannot afford not to get it.

[SonicMan46]

Cello Concertos - late Baroque & Classical Eras - multiple composers; check out the MusicWeb Review for listing of works & comments; I've listened to this 7-CD set twice, and performances are consistently excellent - I've posted several times in the 'Listening Thread' but w/o a response - if you are interested in the cello & the pre-classical & classical eras, in which this music was composed, then this set is a worthy consideration - 

[MichaelRabin]

Thanks for your thoughts on the Beethoven set Bunny.

[ChamberNut]

Does anyone have the Shostakovich complete quartets set by Rubio on the Brilliant label?

And if so, how is it?

Or should I spend extra money to get the Borodin SQ set on Chandos?  Consensus seems to be that the Borodin SQ is the definitive for Shostakovich's SQs.

[Harry]

Does anyone have the Shostakovich complete quartets set by Rubio on the Brilliant label?

And if so, how is it?

Or should I spend extra money to get the Borodin SQ set on Chandos?  Consensus seems to be that the Borodin SQ is the definitive for Shostakovich's SQs.

Many of us have Ray!
I think its smashing, both in sound and performance.
I have the Borodins too, but I would choose the Rubio's if again having the choice.

[ChamberNut]

Many of us have Ray!
I think its smashing, both in sound and performance.
I have the Borodins too, but I would choose the Rubio's if again having the choice.

Thanks, Harry. 

[SonicMan46]

Does anyone have the Shostakovich complete quartets set by Rubio on the Brilliant label?

And if so, how is it?

Or should I spend extra money to get the Borodin SQ set on Chandos?  Consensus seems to be that the Borodin SQ is the definitive for Shostakovich's SQs.

Well, here's a good summary from the DSCH Journal - don't have the 'complete' cycle w/ the Borodin Quartet, but own the one w/ the Shostakovich Quartet, recordings from the late '70s-80s - quite well received & recommended, but listing at $40 on the Arkiv Music site (think I paid half of that but can't remember where or when!) - 

However, I would like to supplement that set w/ a more modern sound - think I'll add the Rubio performances to my 'want list' - 

[Harry]

However, I would like to supplement that set w/ a more modern sound - think I'll add the Rubio performances to my 'want list' - 

That, you certainly will not regret!

[Bunny]

Does anyone have the Shostakovich complete quartets set by Rubio on the Brilliant label?

And if so, how is it?

Or should I spend extra money to get the Borodin SQ set on Chandos?  Consensus seems to be that the Borodin SQ is the definitive for Shostakovich's SQs.

I've heard excellent things about the Rubio set.  For the price, how can you go wrong?  I have the Emerson Qt. and the Fitzwilliam Qt. sets, so I'm not looking for anything presently.  Both of those sets are excellent as well, although I do prefer the Emerson which I was incredibly lucky to pickup at BMG Music a couple of years ago as a "free" selection.

[stingo]

I found the Shostakovich complete edition at the amazon marketplace for around $80. Waiting for it to come in. I have the symphonies already, but nothing else by him, so I'm eager to delve in.

[alkan]

Did anyone buy the Handel orchestral works set  (Concerti grossi op3 and 6, fireworks and water) by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields?           I'm quite tempted by this one, and it's very cheap.

[Harry]

Did anyone buy the Handel orchestral works set  (Concerti grossi op3 and 6, fireworks and water) by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields?           I'm quite tempted by this one, and it's very cheap.

For the price its a steal.
Have it and think its a good investment.
Crisp playing and good sound.

[prémont]

Did anyone buy the Handel orchestral works set  (Concerti grossi op3 and 6, fireworks and water) by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields?           I'm quite tempted by this one, and it's very cheap.

It is played on modern instruments and is a bit old fashioned in playing style.
When listening to it I am constantly reminded of the fact, that I prefer period instruments and a more free playing style for Händels instrumental music.