What are you listening to now?

[JBS]

Cool.
The Simonov is complete in as much as it's a recording from a performance of the ballet. And I just had a look at the liner notes and it states it's the 'reconstructed' version first premiered in 1980. But I've only seen the ballet once and that's not enough for me to notice any changes or omissions.
I should've mentioned the reason I'm talking about getting the Naxos is because the Simonov has sound quality similar to a bootleg recording from the audience.

Ah , the Naxos is not reconstructed has good SQ. So you need the Naxos.
Also the Naxos liner notes draw heavily on the original scenario, which as unmitigated agitprop, are a hoot.

[Daverz]

Sgambati symphonies.  FLAC download from Presto.

[asin]B07D31RXPS[/asin]

First time hearing No. 2.  Not as good as No. 1, but still quite enjoyable.

[asin] B0791WTPWB[/asin]

The works are:

Suite concertante (oboe)
Clarinet Concertino
Concertino for Oboe, Clarinet and Strings
Adagio for String Orchestra

Not a great fan of the oboe, so I'm enjoying the Clarinet Concertino and the greater timbral variety of the Concertino for Oboe and Clarinet.

[NikF]

Ah , the Naxos is not reconstructed has good SQ. So you need the Naxos.
Also the Naxos liner notes draw heavily on the original scenario, which as unmitigated agitprop, are a hoot.

Sounds like all round good stuff. It'll be in my next order.

[TheGSMoeller]

Haydn's 49th Symphony, from Freiburg B.O. and Gottfried Von Der Goltz...

[SymphonicAddict]

Very interesting, Caesar. Considering I'm not a great fan of Smetana's orchestration (too much darn triangle! ), I ought to check this out!

Possibly this arrangement will appeal more to your tastes then (additionally, there is no that annoying triangle sound  ). At least to me it was quite cool.

[SymphonicAddict]

I've just come across this CD of some Sibelius works. I'm impressed because of how good it is. The 3 pieces are brought with great understanding, enthusiasm and majesty. The orchestral sound is so convincing. I think I've found a strong candidate for my favorite Sibelius' 2nd Symphony recording. And the ending... glorious as it could not be less!

[SymphonicAddict]

Sgambati symphonies.  FLAC download from Presto.

[asin]B07D31RXPS[/asin]

First time hearing No. 2.  Not as good as No. 1, but still quite enjoyable.

There is also a recording on YouTube of the 2nd Symphony by another orchestra. I must check out this new recording to compare them (including the 1st Symphony by both the Naxos and the cpo recordings).

[Que]

Morning listening is an old favourite, one of the first Early Music discs I bought:

[asin]B000092OSR[/asin]

Motets for three or four voices from the songbooks of the Dukes of Lorraine.
Some composers from the region mixed in with bigger names: Loyset Compère, Pierquin de Thérache, Alexander Agricola, Jacob Obrecht, Josquin Desprez, Mathieu Lasson.

Performers: Akira Tachikawa, countertenor; Gerd Türk, tenor; Dominique Vellard, tenor; Jacques Bona, bass.

Q

[Harry]

Morning listening is an old favourite, one of the first Early Music discs I bought:

[asin]B000092OSR[/asin]

Motets for three or four voices from the songbooks of the Dukes of Lorraine.
Some composers from the region mixed in with bigger names: Loyset Compère, Pierquin de Thérache, Alexander Agricola, Jacob Obrecht, Josquin Desprez, Mathieu Lasson.

Performers: Akira Tachikawa, countertenor; Gerd Türk, tenor; Dominique Vellard, tenor; Jacques Bona, bass.

Q

That is a fine line up of my fav artists. Must try to get this recording.

[Roasted Swan]

I've found a strong candidate for my favorite Sibelius' 2nd Symphony recording. And the ending... glorious as it could not be less!

You might be interested to know that Mackerras found a mistake in the published usual version of this symphony with a (repeating) timpani figure at the end of the work missed out - which he reinstates here - its just a little pointing the main pedal roll by adding the 5th above at the beginning of every phrase.  Perhaps other/newer versions now do this too I don't know but I think Mackerras was the first.  There are many fine discs in this RPO/Tring series - the Handley/Rach Symphony 2 is especially good.

[Madiel]

This forum does influence listening choices sometimes. But sometimes it's oblique.

[Karl Henning]

Cool.
The Simonov is complete in as much as it's a recording from a performance of the ballet. And I just had a look at the liner notes and it states it's the 'reconstructed' version first premiered in 1980. But I've only seen the ballet once and that's not enough for me to notice any changes or omissions.
I should've mentioned the reason I'm talking about getting the Naxos is because the Simonov has sound quality similar to a bootleg recording from the audience.

Ah , the Naxos is not reconstructed has good SQ. So you need the Naxos.
Also the Naxos liner notes draw heavily on the original scenario, which as unmitigated agitprop, are a hoot.

Jeffrey's given you pearls here 

[Marc]

I'm alone in the 'archivist's room' at work right now, so I can pick my own music... long live YouTube.
Playing Volume 1 (Leipzig Chorales et al) of the Bach organ integral by Bram Beekman.
On that splendid Schnitger et al organ, Der Aa Kerk, Groningen. NL.

Just mono, just less than average SQ, but still: yummy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NpFOrSWZ58

[Traverso]

Bach

CD 10

[cilgwyn]

Dello Joio - The Triumph of Joan Symphony

How polystylistic and authentic this is. Certainly it has a VW-ish grandeur to it, some Baxian-less-diffuse stuff, some cragginess of Hindemith (?), the Hanson's spirit and a voice of his own. Worth listening and deservedly recommended. Last, but not least, the performance makes justice to the work, vivid sound, a noticeable experience.

+ me (and vandermolen!!) I think it is a very fine symphony. I agree about the grandeur,of some of the writing;and quite thrilling in places. It comes across as a fine performance. I remember taping it off the radio,years ago. The earlier Louisville recording,possibly? (I was beginning to worry that I was the only one who enjoyed this symphony?!) I've liked everything I've heard by Dello Joio,so far. I have also enjoyed mono recordings of his New York Profiles for orchestra and an old 78 recording of his Concerto for harp and orchestra,which I downloaded from one of those vinyl and shellac blogs (which might still be up there?).

[cilgwyn]

Stanford: Symphony No. 2 [Handley]





The first movement, Allegro appassionato, is quite upbeat and jaunts along at a steady pace. The second movement, Lento espressivo, is just that; it is a very appealing slow movement full of pensive lyricism. There is some wonderful scoring and orchestral textures in here too. The Scherzo is strong, buoyant and inventive. The final movement proclaims a powerful song which is wonderfully scored. The playing throughout is excellent.

I'm finally beginning to appreciate Stanford's orchestral music. This after buying all the Chandos releases of the symphonies,some years ago,and,feeling less than impressed.......and I did try hard;listening to them,over and over again. The breakthrough came when I got back the cd of his Seventh symphony,which I had given to my late mother. I remember putting it on and thinking how much I liked the theme in the opening movement;but even more importantly,admiring the wonderful clarity of his orchestration. It seems to have a cleansing quality,like clear spring water. The 'fill-ups' (horrid term) include his Concert Piece for organ and orchestra, Op. 181,which I also enjoyed. What a fine piece. The organ in the recording really is quite thrilling. Since then I have bought a cd of his Fourth Symphony (the original cd's all having gone to a charity shop) which was the symphony I most fancied hearing again. I remembered quite liking the opening theme. Again,a fine piece. It's as if I'm listening through new ears. There is hope for Stanford sceptics,after all!! His church music is magnificent,I might say. Interestingly,a cd of a recording of his opera The Travelling Companion,based on the Hans Christian Andersen tale,is going to be released. I can't recall when? I hear his String Quartets are also admired,by some;and recordings of them have received very good reviews.

[North Star]

Elgar
Symphony No. 1
BBC Symphony
Andrew Davis
[asin]B0009VYP92[/asin]

[Traverso]

Hans Werner-Henze

Symphony No.2, 3 & 4

[North Star]

Hans Werner-Henze

Symphony No.2, 3 & 4

What do you think of Henze? I'm mostly familiar with the solo guitar works (the Royal Winter Music is brilliant) but have been reluctant to explore further.

[Traverso]

What do you think of Henze? I'm mostly familiar with the solo guitar works (the Royal Winter Music is brilliant) but have been reluctant to explore further.

I can't help you in this matter. I just listen to the second disc of this box and the symphonies are very accessible and worthwhile.I just jumped in without asking too many questions.I have to give it more time and listening in order to say anything  sensible ( hopefully)
It doesn't cost you much but there is no libretto wich might be a handycap if you don.t speak German.
I think it is safe to recommend this box,it is a musical journey of an important composer wich might be reason enough to purchase this box.
It is not the first time that I listened to a piece and didn't like it the first time and appreciate it later on,I should say,go for it.

https://www.dodax.nl/nl-nl/muziek-cds-dvds-vinylplaten/concerten-symfonien-orkestmuziek/hans-w-henze-hans-werner-henze-the-complete-deutsche-grammophon-recordings-dpF3RV2DM7RIF/