Topic: The GMG essential collection: a desert island briefcaseful

[Lethevich]

If the Verdi Requiem is not an opera, what is?

But where is the cross-dressing?

[karlhenning]

Maybe in the Lacrymosa . . . ?

[mc ukrneal]

There are a few surprising omissions in my opinion:
Prokofiev Peter and the Wolf
Verdi Otello
Holst The Planets
Rimsky-K: Scheherezade

I would also, personally, have limited the composers to three works in order to make room for more variety of composers. If we did that now, we would have to vote off a few works and replace them with something (perhaps from the same person whose choice got the boot).  I would try to focus on composers who have been left out myself (so Prokofiev and Verdi, good as they are, would have less of a priority for me from the 4 I mentioned). Just a thought. If one is looking to have a few polls, this might be fun.

[DavidRoss]

But where is the cross-dressing?

[Bulldog]

There are a few surprising omissions in my opinion:
Prokofiev Peter and the Wolf
Verdi Otello
Holst The Planets
Rimsky-K: Scheherezade

I would also, personally, have limited the composers to three works in order to make room for more variety of composers. If we did that now, we would have to vote off a few works and replace them with something (perhaps from the same person whose choice got the boot).  I would try to focus on composers who have been left out myself (so Prokofiev and Verdi, good as they are, would have less of a priority for me from the 4 I mentioned). Just a thought. If one is looking to have a few polls, this might be fun.

I can't see a reason for reconsideration of any aspect of the poll.  Dave gave us well-defined parameters, and each of us carried through honestly.

As for certain well-known works that are not on the list, let's keep in mind that nobody who submitted entries included those works.  We made our choices based on our priorities; if you don't like the results, you only have yourself to blame.  So, case closed.

Now if Dave wants to go over the 100 mark in order for those popular works to be included, that's his choice to make.  He's the boss of this thread, and I'll certainly go along with his mandates.

While I'm on this little rant, I have to say that I get real tired of board members grousing about polls on the board.  A member plans a poll, develops and initiates it, then records the results.  What he/she often gets in return is a bunch of grumpy responses or replies that are non-responsive.  If you don't like a poll, don't participate.  If you think there's a better way to do the poll, start your own.

Another thing that bugs me are the folks who essentially say, "Oh, I can't possibly make this decision. It's too hard."  What rubbish!!!  Each of us makes multiple decisions every day that are much more significant than making a list of a few recordings.

Well, I'm off to the supermarket to buy tonight's dinner.  It might be too hard to decide what to eat, given all the choices at my disposal.

[MN Dave]

A rant from Don. *marks calendar*

[George]

Well, I'm off to the supermarket to buy tonight's dinner.  It might be too hard to decide what to eat, given all the choices at my disposal.

To read your post, I never would have known that your stomach was empty. 

[karlhenning]

I can't decide what I think of Don's post.

[mc ukrneal]

I can't see a reason for reconsideration of any aspect of the poll.  Dave gave us well-defined parameters, and each of us carried through honestly.

As for certain well-known works that are not on the list, let's keep in mind that nobody who submitted entries included those works.  We made our choices based on our priorities; if you don't like the results, you only have yourself to blame.  So, case closed.

Now if Dave wants to go over the 100 mark in order for those popular works to be included, that's his choice to make.  He's the boss of this thread, and I'll certainly go along with his mandates.

While I'm on this little rant, I have to say that I get real tired of board members grousing about polls on the board.  A member plans a poll, develops and initiates it, then records the results.  What he/she often gets in return is a bunch of grumpy responses or replies that are non-responsive.  If you don't like a poll, don't participate.  If you think there's a better way to do the poll, start your own.

Another thing that bugs me are the folks who essentially say, "Oh, I can't possibly make this decision. It's too hard."  What rubbish!!!  Each of us makes multiple decisions every day that are much more significant than making a list of a few recordings.

Well, I'm off to the supermarket to buy tonight's dinner.  It might be too hard to decide what to eat, given all the choices at my disposal.

No idea why you ranted at me. I am neither unhappy with the results nor upset with the process. I was merely making suggestions if other criteria were to be considered (as well as observing some interesting and popular omissions). Perhaps you were just hungary (I get grumpy myself when I haven't eaten).

[karlhenning]

Goodness knöws, when I'm hungary, I'm magyar than a wet hen!

[MN Dave]

I can't decide what I think of Don's post.

I like it.

[Brahmsian]

I think Don said it best.  I like this list, because it is our list, with our input.  It is unique.   I think this thread should be pin-marked for new users.

Let's just hope that perhaps this list of 100 GMG is Volume I!  Volume II may be in the planning stages. 

[DavidRoss]

I think Don said it best.  I like this list, because it is our list, with our input.  It is unique.   I think this thread should be pin-marked for new users.

Let's just hope that perhaps this list of 100 GMG is Volume I!  Volume II may be in the planning stages. 

I see you and Don both are anticipating me.    Certainly we've yet to exhaust the works many of us deem essential, so if there's enough demand I think a second volume might be helpful to newbies looking to probe a bit deeper.   

[Bulldog]

No idea why you ranted at me. I am neither unhappy with the results nor upset with the process. I was merely making suggestions if other criteria were to be considered (as well as observing some interesting and popular omissions). Perhaps you were just hungary (I get grumpy myself when I haven't eaten).

I really wasn't ranting at you - just used your post as my introduction to the rant.

[Bulldog]

I can't decide what I think of Don's post.

That's a good one.

[DavidRoss]

That's a good one.

Yeah, but what did you get for dinner tonight?  Tamales?  (I'm making red beans and rice with Louisiana hot sausage.)

[Bulldog]

Yeah, but what did you get for dinner tonight?  Tamales?  (I'm making red beans and rice with Louisiana hot sausage.)

Eye-round roast beef, baked potatoes, salad and apple pie.  There's nothing like red meat, and I'm loaded with it.

[karlhenning]

That's a good one.

Knew you'd appreciate it, sir!

[(poco) Sforzando]

But where is the cross-dressing?

I take it you've never heard Pavarotti sing it live.

[kishnevi]

Mrs. Rock thanks you.

Sarge

Always glad to be of service to a lady.  And a warm welcome to her, too. 

I think that's one of only two recordings I owned in both an LP and CD versions, the other being Furtwangler's Bayreuth 9th.