Recordings That You Are Considering

[Mirror Image]

In a serious way since around 2004, to the extent that it dwarved the rest of my listening by around 2008. It's mostly the fault of this forum, which I've been following since its inception.

Well it's always good to find another hardcore classical listener, we need more! I've already been told by grandfather that my knowledge of classical music is really outstanding for someone who has only been listening to this music for a short period of time. I would have probably started listening 10-15 years ago, but I just didn't know where to dive in, which, as I soon learned, there's really no good starting place. I just went with the flow and here I am.

[Mirror Image]

Talk about making up for lost time. You have left most old-timers in the dust.

Really? That's nice of you to say, Paul!

[kishnevi]

I'm looking at getting these two R. Strauss opera recordings next:

[asin]B000GUJZUU[/asin]

I have it in this rather barebones version (no libretto included)

The sonics are, to use the appropriate euphemism, dated enough to get in my way of enjoying what seems to be a rather good performance--and if I remember correctly, you're not keen on "historical" recordings for exactly that reason, so if you buy it, be aware of what you'll be getting.

I might mention that Decca is releasing a new budget line of operas that includes the Kiri Te Kanawa version.

I'm also considering these:

[asin]B003Y3MYYU[/asin]

Any feedback on these recordings would be much appreciated.

Of course you need to get that one.

[Lethevich]

The sonics are, to use the appropriate euphemism, dated enough to get in my way of enjoying what seems to be a rather good performance

Woah, I recalled it sounding really good for that time - very good orchestra/singer balance, no problems with flatness/presence, etc. I'm a bit worried about my memories of it now - and withdraw my previous assertion about sound quality.

I didn't notice the Wagner - that is my favourite Ring

[Mirror Image]

I have it in this rather barebones version (no libretto included)

The sonics are, to use the appropriate euphemism, dated enough to get in my way of enjoying what seems to be a rather good performance--and if I remember correctly, you're not keen on "historical" recordings for exactly that reason, so if you buy it, be aware of what you'll be getting.

I might mention that Decca is releasing a new budget line of operas that includes the Kiri Te Kanawa version.

Of course you need to get that one.

Thanks, Dave. Wasn't this Arabella recorded in the mid-50s? I could be wrong. I've read no complaints about the audio quality, but this new remaster might have cleared up whatever problems it suffered from.

Yeah, the Bohm is a Ring that continues to be recommended to me. I'll definitely buy it. No worries there. I already have five Ring cycles, so what's one more going to hurt.

[mc ukrneal]

I have already commented on the Wagner Bohm and the Die Frau ohne Schatten, and you know I like them. On Arabella, I would recommned the Tate/Te Kanawa (which Jeffrey mentioned). It was just re-released at mid-price. It is in great sound and the singers are mostly excellent. You might take a look at the Arabella thread for discussion about them.

On Britten, Turn of the Screw is one of the only operas I think you need to see at least once. It is a phsycological drama from the start, and many of the productions show this visually (which adds to the drama and impact). I have always enjoyed the Pears/Britten version of that one, but have not heard the other cd versions to comment. I have seen several of the video versions, which for the most part were quite good.

[jlaurson]

I'm looking at getting these two R. Strauss opera recordings next:


Richard Strauss
Arabella
G.Solti / VPh / Lisa della Casa

Any feedback on these recordings would be much appreciated.

Any (Strauss) recording with Lisa della Casa makes it worth it.
My generic thumbs up (actually a quite specific thumb, in the case of this recordings) for della Casa (her real name!)
always overrides my generic thumbs down for Solti in Strauss.
She's a wonderful clear, unfussy, 'modern' soprano, and near-unbeatable in Strauss.

The DG Rake's Progress is a very fine recording, too.

[Drasko]

Any (Strauss) recording with Lisa della Casa makes it worth it.
My generic thumbs up (actually a quite specific thumb, in the case of this recordings) for della Casa (her real name!)
always overrides my generic thumbs down for Solti in Strauss.
She's a wonderful clear, unfussy, 'modern' soprano, and near-unbeatable in Strauss.

Exactly!!

Jens, have you heard any Rosenkavalier with della Casa (where she sings Marschallin, not Octavian with Reining)? I'm really considering buying the one from 1956 Met with Kempe conducting on Walhall, but can't find anything on sound quality.   

[Drasko]

Woah, I recalled it sounding really good for that time - very good orchestra/singer balance, no problems with flatness/presence, etc. I'm a bit worried about my memories of it now - and withdraw my previous assertion about sound quality.

In my opinion sound quality is very good, it's late 50s (57?) Decca stereo studio recording from Vienna's Sofiensaal. Recording balance favors somewhat orchestra over singers and combined with Solti's usual subtle self can create certain off feeling but it definitely doesn't sound dated in any way to me. Responses to recorded sound are highly subjective though.

[Henk]

In a serious way since around 2004, to the extent that it dwarved the rest of my listening by around 2008. It's mostly the fault of this forum, which I've been following since its inception.

Just get your daily portion of MTV.

[The new erato]

Any (Strauss) recording with Lisa della Casa makes it worth it.
My generic thumbs up (actually a quite specific thumb, in the case of this recordings) for della Casa (her real name!)
always overrides my generic thumbs down for Solti in Strauss.
She's a wonderful clear, unfussy, 'modern' soprano, and near-unbeatable in Strauss.

I strongly agree and bought this reissue because of her, despite the fact that I'm generally pretty allergic to Solti.

[Karl Henning]

Talk about making up for lost time. You have left most old-timers in the dust.

Well, but John shops seriously almost more than listens seriously ; )

[Karl Henning]

In a serious way since around 2004, to the extent that it dwarved the rest of my listening by around 2008. It's mostly the fault of this forum, which I've been following since its inception.

You go, Sara!

[jlaurson]

Exactly!!

Jens, have you heard any Rosenkavalier with della Casa (where she sings Marschallin, not Octavian with Reining)? I'm really considering buying the one from 1956 Met with Kempe conducting on Walhall, but can't find anything on sound quality.

Unfortunately not. If you take the plunge, anyway, report back if it is half-decent at all. I'm too wary of Walhall to do it myself.

[Drasko]

Unfortunately not. If you take the plunge, anyway, report back if it is half-decent at all. I'm too wary of Walhall to do it myself.

Will do. If you decide to reconsider your position on Walhall jpc.de offers it currently for mere 10 euros, and clips sound perfectly acceptable. Unfortunately for me 10 euros price gets offset by 20 euros shipping.

http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/Richard-Strauss-1864-1949-Der-Rosenkavalier/hnum/1129271

Another recording to consider could be 1960 Salzburg production with Karajan on DG. Available only used.

[Mirror Image]

Thanks for the feedback Neal, Jens, and Drasko!

[North Star]

Thanks for the feedback Neal, Jens, and Drasko!

I notice you didn't thank Karl for his insightful comment 

[Karl Henning]

(* chortle *)

[kishnevi]

Woah, I recalled it sounding really good for that time - very good orchestra/singer balance, no problems with flatness/presence, etc. I'm a bit worried about my memories of it now - and withdraw my previous assertion about sound quality.

Your memory is fine:  it sounds "really good for that time", as you put it.   The balance was great, but I thought it was flat--my personal reaction to it, obviously.   Unfortunately, recordings from that time usually don't go down well with me.  In fact, I often have better reactions to late mono than I do to early stereo.  And I know John in particular has issues with sound from that era.

[Todd]

Should I, shouldn't I?