Ten Favourite Historic (Pre 1950 - Extended by request) Recordings.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

It's funny that you all mostly seems to select orchestral recordings, when I find that chamber music recordings , particularly those with strings, seems to have held up much better sonically than orchestral (and piano) stuff.

My list is only one-half orchestral. I agree that smaller forces come across better in historical recordings but piano to me is the overall standout from the era.

[nathanb]

I mean pre-1945 (or 1950 by request) recordings which have some special insight into the music.

Yeah, I was mostly just being difficult because I'd say the most historic recordings are (1) world premier recordings and/or (2) recordings involving the composer in some way, and the vast majority of my recordings that fall under those criteria would definitely be post-1950. I guess I find it interesting that we deify Furtwangler and Beecham for being just one generation closer to the composers of the past, but nowadays its common for composers to record their own works and nobody cares.

[Sergeant Rock]

I guess I find it interesting that we deify Furtwangler and Beecham for being just one generation closer to the composers of the past, but nowadays its common for composers to record their own works and nobody cares.

I care. For example, I love Hindemith, Stravinsky, Lloyd, Bernstein, Copland, Hanson, Elgar and Alwyn's recordings of their own works.

Sarge

[Sergeant Rock]

It's funny that you all mostly seems to select orchestral recordings, when I find that chamber music recordings , particularly those with strings, seems to have held up much better sonically than orchestral (and piano) stuff...pre 1950 I mainly find orchestral recordings too limited...

I suppose that's true but I'm concerned less with the sound and more with the historic interpretive aspects of the orchestral works. In other words, poor sound doesn't matter as long as I can discern performance practice and style (for example, the string portamento in Elgar's recording of his Enigma Variations).

Sarge

[vandermolen]

Yeah, I was mostly just being difficult because I'd say the most historic recordings are (1) world premier recordings and/or (2) recordings involving the composer in some way, and the vast majority of my recordings that fall under those criteria would definitely be post-1950. I guess I find it interesting that we deify Furtwangler and Beecham for being just one generation closer to the composers of the past, but nowadays its common for composers to record their own works and nobody cares.

I didn't think you were being difficult. Your point is a perfectly valid and interesting one.

[Spineur]

Some fabulous singers from the past can be found in collections like Prima Voce - Nimbus records
The one I will always remember
- Conchita Supervia (Spanish)
- Rosa Ponselle (French)
- Virginia Zeani (Roumanian) below "Se Pieta" from Giulio Cesare
https://www.youtube.com/v/RZfoAT9_UPA

[Florestan]

Two OTOMH

Beethoven - The 10 Violin Sonatas - Fritz Kreisler, Franz Rupp, 1935/36

Beethoven - The Violin Concerto - Bronislaw Huberman, George Szell, Vienna PO, 1934

[Florestan]

These are essential.

[vandermolen]

These are essential.

I'm sure you're right! I have him conducting Symphony 3 and your posting has inspired me to play it again.

[Spineur]

I'm sure you're right! I have him conducting Symphony 3 and your posting has inspired me to play it again.

One always think Rachmaninov playing with much rubatto and self indulgence...
Not so.  Quite the opposite, precise tempo and plenty of rigor.

[Florestan]

One always think Rachmaninov playing with much rubatto and self indulgence...
Not so.  Quite the opposite, precise tempo and plenty of rigor.

A spot-on review of that series: http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2004/July04/Rachmaninov_Vista_Vera.htm