Recordings That You Are Considering

[Roasted Swan]

Mackerras has recorded a ton of Czech music. What is the connection there...? Is he just very fond of that repertoire?

he studied in Prague (I assume it was Prague!) and was introduced to Janacek amongst others so on his return he promoted this (relatively) unknown composer - hence his first recording of the Sinfonietta etc..

[Todd]

he studied in Prague (I assume it was Prague!) and was introduced to Janacek amongst others so on his return he promoted this (relatively) unknown composer - hence his first recording of the Sinfonietta etc..

Mackerras was born in 1925 and Janacek died in 1928.  Even if Mackerras was introduced to Janacek, which seems doubtful, what is the significance of that?

[Madiel]

He was introduced to the music of Janacek.

[Mandryka]

[vers la flamme]

Berberian singing Berio is always a winning combo. What's Segerstam doing there though? I'd expect this kind of repertoire to be outside of his wheelhouse, but perhaps I'm underestimating his versatility.

[MusicTurner]

Nice to see a younger Segerstam .

He has recorded a lot of advanced contemporary music, including Nørgård, Danish and Finnish composers, Schnittke, Henze, Lutoslawski, Penderecki etc.

[Jo498]

I have this but listened at most once and this was probably two years ago, so I cannot comment. I even have another recording of Rihm's Fremde Szene III in a box (Zurich trio)

[Mandryka]

Berberian singing Berio is always a winning combo. What's Segerstam doing there though? I'd expect this kind of repertoire to be outside of his wheelhouse, but perhaps I'm underestimating his versatility.

The real question for me is whether I like Epifanie enough to spend a tenner on the CD -- there are lots of recordings of Coro, including one with the composer at the helm. The Orfeo CD is on youtube.

[Mandryka]

I have this but listened at most once and this was probably two years ago, so I cannot comment. I even have another recording of Rihm's Fremde Szene III in a box (Zurich trio)

Yes -- one reason for this is that it has a recording of Fremde Szene II. Anyway it's cheap enough so I ordered it.

[Jo498]

I do remember that I generally liked it and I also liked another mixed recital disc on Ars Musici with the Trio Jean Paul (I think they have since then also done the complete Schubert trios but of course there is not really a dearth of the latter compared to Rihm or even compared to Schumann.)

[prémont]

Berberian singing Berio is always a winning combo. What's Segerstam doing there though? I'd expect this kind of repertoire to be outside of his wheelhouse, but perhaps I'm underestimating his versatility.

He is very versatile. He has even recorded Bach's concerto for two violins BWV 1043 playing first violin with Okku Kamu playing second violin.

[vers la flamme]

Regarding Berio... I do not have a recording of Sinfonia, an egregious omission I will soon rectify. I think I'm torn between three relatively recent recordings...:







Thoughts on these...?

[Daverz]

Regarding Berio... I do not have a recording of Sinfonia, an egregious omission I will soon rectify. I think I'm torn between three relatively recent recordings...:







Thoughts on these...?

I know that Hurwitz is officially an ass on GMG, but I think he is a fairly reliable guide in music he is enthusiastic about:

https://www.youtube.com/v/fg41iLBEdAo

[vers la flamme]

I know that Hurwitz is officially an ass on GMG, but I think he is a fairly reliable guide in music he is enthusiastic about:

https://www.youtube.com/v/fg41iLBEdAo

Sorry, Daverz, but he's an ass to me too. I can't bear his smug face or his voice. Do you have a bullet-point summary of this video? 

[Daverz]

Sorry, Daverz, but he's an ass to me too. I can't bear his smug face or his voice. Do you have a bullet-point summary of this video? 

If you click on the '...', you can get a transcript.  His top choice is Chailly.

[asin] B00000E45Y[/asin]

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/search?search_query=chailly%20berio

[Brian]

I think his accent is endearing.

[T. D.]

I have an old Sinfonia with Boulez and Swingle Singers, and am not in the market for another recording (love the piece, but rarely go for multiples).
Of the ones you're considering, I'd prefer the Ondine due to the couplings.
FWIW, Hurwitz reviews the Ondine here: https://www.classicstoday.com/review/berios-sinfonia-becomes-basic-rep-ondine/
and considers the Chailly mentioned above the "Reference".
Disclaimer: I pay little heed to DH's reviews, especially in the modern / contemporary sector. Not just DH; I've never cared much for CT's treatment of modern music. I do consult CT now and then for standard repertory, opera and some early music.

[Mandryka]

[Mahlerian]

Regarding Berio... I do not have a recording of Sinfonia, an egregious omission I will soon rectify. I think I'm torn between three relatively recent recordings...:

Thoughts on these...?

I have a few versions of Sinfonia, but none of those three. I do like this relatively recent one from Eotvos:

[vers la flamme]

I pulled the trigger on Morlot/Seattle because I like the pairings best. I've been wanting to get a recording of the orchestrated Boulez Notations. We'll see what I think... I do want to explore Berio's work further. He was a great composer.