Recordings That You Are Considering

[Harry]

On George's rec., the suites on the Opus Kura label:

Good day to you Bill, I hope all is well again with you and family?

[Lethevich]

After listening to Klemperer's Phil/EMI stereo beethoven 5th, I was wondering, did Celi go even slower than this? I am in a perverse mood, it seems...

[Harry]

After listening to Klemperer's Phil/EMI stereo beethoven 5th, I was wondering, did Celi go even slower than this? I am in a perverse mood, it seems...

[Brian]

Yeah, we look forward to a review of Dvořák performances from Texas - about as interesting and relevant as hearing about the latest trends in Country Music from reviewers in North Korea....

Bad analogy: I for one would find it very interesting to hear what North Koreans think about country music. 

[Que]

After listening to Klemperer's Phil/EMI stereo beethoven 5th, I was wondering, did Celi go even slower than this? I am in a perverse mood, it seems...

You obviously need his '56 mono recording - big difference.
Maybe I'm perverse as well - but his stereo cycle is not that interesting IMO..

Q

[Keemun]

Keemun, later this summer I will be writing a big comparative review of all the major Dvorak symphony cycles. I have access to and will be reviewing the following - Kubelik, Kertesz, Rowicki, Suitner, Neumann [digital], Anguelov, Gunzenhauser, Pesek, and Jarvi. It should be a fun and challenging endeavor, and will probably take weeks to finish ... but I really do look forward to listening to 81 Dvorak symphony performances! 

If it sways your vote any, Mark loves the Anguelov set, as do I, though my primary preference is currently Suitner. Disclaimer: I have yet to listen in full to Kertesz, Rowicki, Neumann, Pesek and Jarvi.

Thanks, Brian, I look forward to your review.   Let me know when it's done.

[SonicMan46]

Bad analogy: I for one would find it very interesting to hear what North Koreans think about country music. 

Brian - LOL @ that comment; actually, country music is well loved by many Asians (possibly even some from North Korea, who could provide valid opinions -  ) - I remember years ago taking my mother to Branson, Missouri (family - not me - had moved from Michigan to Hot Springs, Arkansas in the early '70s); we saw a number of shows there, including a variety one that featured a 'country fiddler' named Shoji Tabuchi - he apparently saw Roy Acuff in Japan back in the '60s, and was completely smitten by the music - came to America and is still playing - that night, he did play a pretty mean & speedy Wabash Cannonball on the fiddle! 

[George]

On George's rec., the suites on the Opus Kura label:

Are you considering this or did you buy it?

[George]

Opus Kura VS Pearl:

I compared the first minute of three different movements from the third suite. Here's my findings:

1. Noise - Pearl has LESS noise! But the noise is variable so it's more noticeable. Opus Kura wins here.

2. Dynamics - Opus Kura has a louder overall pressing. The noise level is louder too. Opus Kura wins again.

3. Frequency Range - The Opus Kura has deeper bass and clearer overall sound. Opus Kura wins yet again.

4. Room Sound - The Opus Kura sounds more natural, the Pearl has that hollow historical sound. Opus Kura again.

5. Extras - The Pearl has some (6 short) extra works. This is the only area in which they are superior IMO.

In case in wasn't already crystal clear, the Opus Kura is the clear winner here. 

[Keemun]

George (or anyone else), do you have any thoughts on how this Naxos release compares? 

[George]

I haven't heard it, sorry.

[Bogey]

Are you considering this or did you buy it?

It is only a matter of days on this one.

[12tone.]

George (or anyone else), do you have any thoughts on how this Naxos release compares? 

Um, you'll probably want to get the Menuhin.

[Daverz]

Um, you'll probably want to get the Menuhin.

Not sure I want to hear Menuhin on violin let alone 'cello.

[MN Dave]

Stay off the crack, 12 Tone! 

[eyeresist]

Keemun, later this summer I will be writing a big comparative review of all the major Dvorak symphony cycles. I have access to and will be reviewing the following - Kubelik, Kertesz, Rowicki, Suitner, Neumann [digital], Anguelov, Gunzenhauser, Pesek, and Jarvi. It should be a fun and challenging endeavor, and will probably take weeks to finish ... but I really do look forward to listening to 81 Dvorak symphony performances! 

If it sways your vote any, Mark loves the Anguelov set, as do I, though my primary preference is currently Suitner. Disclaimer: I have yet to listen in full to Kertesz, Rowicki, Neumann, Pesek and Jarvi.

I'm hoping to do a detailed comparison of my Dvorak sets in the near future - I have Gunzenhauser (idiomatic but dull sound), Kertesz (enthusiastic but not idiomatic, over-bright sound), Suitner (sometimes good, a bit stiff and Teutonic), Pesek (idiomatic, good sound, perhaps lacking in commitment), and most recently Anguelov, which I found disappointingly square and stiff. I'll probably add Rowicki and Neumann at some point.

[12tone.]

In all seriousness, I first started with Yo Yo Ma then got the Rostropovich cycle.  I'll put the Rostropovich as my favorite.  

[12tone.]

What are some good sets of complete Mozart SQ's?  List your favorites!

[Daverz]

I'm hoping to do a detailed comparison of my Dvorak sets in the near future - I have Gunzenhauser (idiomatic but dull sound), Kertesz (enthusiastic but not idiomatic, over-bright sound), Suitner (sometimes good, a bit stiff and Teutonic), Pesek (idiomatic, good sound, perhaps lacking in commitment), and most recently Anguelov, which I found disappointingly square and stiff. I'll probably add Rowicki and Neumann at some point.

If it's a more Czech orchestral sound you're looking for then I'd definitely get one of the Neumann cycles.   There were actually two Neumann cycles, but the only one I've heard is this digital one, which has excellent sound.  You can get the earlier cycle from Japan (see the English comments on that page).

Also look out for recordings by Talich, Sejna, and Ancerl.

I only have the middle Rowicki set (4, 5, 6), and it's excellent.

[toledobass]

It is only a matter of days on this one.

hmmmm

Will get the Miles Tokyo out to you in a few days.

:P