Recordings That You Are Considering

[Lethevich]

The Medtner box is exceptional, very solid recordings of really good music (licenced from CRD*, I believe). For a classicist, Medtner's music may offer additional interest, as though he was a thoroughly Romantic composer, he was one of the few composers who really seems to have understood Beethoven's idiom. To many Romantics inspired by the music, Beethoven was "Eroica", "Fate" and "Choral". Medtner on the other hand understood Beethoven's style in toto - not just advancing from the flowing lines of the 9th, but actually drawing inspiration from the knotty, motivic development that seems to have been lost on many others.

Rach is the opposite of this, so a fine contrast, and another great composer-pianist. I just ordered that set but have yet to receive it, so I have no comments on the actual performances.

*Edit: I initially typed CDR, which is spectacularly misleading in this instance.

[mc ukrneal]

The Medtner box is exceptional, very solid recordings of really good music (licenced from CDR, I believe). For a classicist, Medtner's music may offer additional interest, as though he was a thoroughly Romantic composer, he was one of the few composers who really seems to have understood Beethoven's idiom. To many Romantics inspired by the music, Beethoven was "Eroica", "Fate" and "Choral". Medtner on the other hand understood Beethoven's style in toto - not just advancing from the flowing lines of the 9th, but actually drawing inspiration from the knotty, motivic development that seems to have been lost on many others.

I would second the Medtner. These and quite fine. I cannot comment on the others.

[Florestan]

Thank you, folks. The Medtner box is checked. I am sampling the Ginastera recording on Youtube and I like what I hear, even in poor sound.

[kishnevi]

I have Milnes' recording of the Skazki, which is on Hyperion (and uses the exact same artwork as the Brilliant set for its cover).  Is it part of that Brilliant box?  If not, I may want it myself.  At any rate,  on what I have Milne does a very good job.

There's also Hamelin's recordings--I have the issue of "Forgotten Melodies" separately, but that recording is also available as part of Hamelin's complete sonata set.   

If the Brilliant issue does not include the Skazki performances, or if it does not include a performance of Forgotten Melodies,  you should put those two down for future purchasing.

[Lethevich]

I'm pretty sure the Hyperion recording is different - the Milne box despite its comprehensive nature, is not Medtner's complete works for piano. I'm not sure if it even includes the Forgotten melodies, so those Hyperion discs would make nice companions.

Note to Florestan: I notice that Brilliant has reissued the Medtner box with a different cover (one with a piano on) that is potentially cheaper, at least on Amazon UK.

[Florestan]

The box includes some Skazki and Forgotten Melodies (not all). Is this a big issue?

As for the price, I can buy it in bookstore with slightly more than half of the Amazon.com price. 

How about this one, any opinions?

[Lethevich]

The selection in the box should be more than enough for a first dip!

[mc ukrneal]

The selection in the box should be more than enough for a first dip!

I agree. To get something complete - well that will be more expensive anyway. And Lethe was correct to write the Hyperion and Brilliant boxes, though same performer, are different performances. There are individual discs, by different performers, if you decide you want to complete the set (forgotten Melodies, Skazki, for example).

I don't know the Grieg - sorry. I can only tell you it is not complete judging by the number of discs.

[Florestan]

The complete Medtner box track listing is here.

As for Grieg, it has the complete Lyric Pieces plus some extras; it should be enough methinks.

[Papy Oli]

As for Grieg, it has the complete Lyric Pieces plus some extras; it should be enough methinks.

I have the Austbo Grieg set and am happy with it. I bought it to complement the Gilels CD of Lyric pieces and it fits the bill nicely.

Here are the Arietta and Waltz from the first book to give you an idea :

http://www.mediafire.com/?84wb8cjhxm8ja5f

http://www.mediafire.com/?w1llor97f79qo4c

[jlaurson]

The box includes some Skazki and Forgotten Melodies (not all). Is this a big issue?

As for the price, I can buy it in bookstore with slightly more than half of the Amazon.com price. 

How about this one, any opinions?

Håkon Austbø always recommended! His 'least' is still excellent (definitely worth having) and I would his recorded output (to the extent I know it) thus:

Scriabin - Messiaen - Grieg - Janacek.

http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2005/09/visual-music-musical-vision.html

[Florestan]

Olivier, many thanks for your input. Sounds great indeed.

Jens, I have the complete Scriabin sonatas with Austbo and am perfectly happy with them.

I will surely buy both the Medtner box and the Grieg one. 

[Karl Henning]

Have been considering this one for the better part of a week:

[asin]B00000425M[/asin]

You know it has my vote. Not sure if I'll get anyone else to agree.

I like it very well, Sarge. By the end of disc 1, I started to feel a bit of "Brandenburg fatigue"; but, as with bourbon, as long as I enjoy it responsibly . . . .

[Sergeant Rock]

I like it very well, Sarge. By the end of disc 1, I started to feel a bit of "Brandenburg fatigue"; but, as with bourbon, as long as I enjoy it responsibly . . . .

Yeah, I've experienced that (happens with baroque more than any other period). Two concertos at most for me in a given listening session. Keeps it fresh.

Sarge

[Karl Henning]

Yeah, I've experienced that (happens with baroque more than any other period).

Aye, Sarge.  I think this is part of what has surprised on the upside with Frescobaldi, D. Scarlatti & F. Couperin:  I can binge-listen to them without tiring.  Curious to find that with the Brandenburgs, I still need to exercise restraint . . . .

[TheGSMoeller]

.
[asin]B005R48VVE[/asin]

I almost just had a heart attack, my favorite instrument playing my favorite keyboard music. 
Hasn't been released here in the US, well the disc hasn't but the MP3 has, so I'm only listening to samples.

[Todd]

Jonathan Biss is starting his LvB cycle.  I think I'll buy the recordings.

[Todd]

Looks like the young HJ Lim is also recording an LvB cycle.  I know nothing about her.  Probably have to get this one, too.

[Sergeant Rock]

.
[asin]B005R48VVE[/asin]

I almost just had a heart attack, my favorite instrument playing my favorite keyboard music. 

We may have to start an Accordian Babes thread 

Sarge

[Gurn Blanston]

We may have to start an Accordian Babes thread 

Sarge

Damn, I have to do some digging; somewhere I have a Schwanengesang with accordion accompaniment. That might be either a Babe or else Myron Floren...