What are you listening 2 now?

[kyjo]

Another first listen. I haven't heard the other two works yet (both of which will be first encounters with the music when I get to them), but GMG's most controversial conductor delivers the best Metamorphosen I remember hearing.
Combined with the excellent Chandos sonics, this can be considered a reference recording of the Strauss.
Yes, the twisty-turny approach to dynamics and tempo is there, but it WORKS!
He needs to do some Mahler eventually.

Nice! Personally, I'd rather him continue to record lesser-known repertoire than Mahler.

[kyjo]

Sort of like when you can't mention a Malipiero symphony without a certain person chiming in about how disappointing de Almeida is? 

Ouch! You got me there!

[kyjo]

I don't think I've ever heard Mr Wilson.  A quick glance at Presto shows that he's a Chandos conductor who works with second or third tier orchestras, conducts some film scores, and conducts little core rep.  All that indicates he is a B- or C-lister.  Maybe I will investigate his Ravel.

As per usual, your post reeks of pretentiousness. Please explain to me how a conductor recording for Chandos and conducting lesser-known repertoire indicates that they're of little worth.

[VonStupp]

It's a while since I watched or listened (and I certainly have not done a comparison), but I do remember very much enjoying the Gergiev/Mariinka on CD, and the French production on DVD:

Thanks Karl, I will take a looksie and see what I can find. The recording and music really caught me off guard, so I am happy to explore further.

VS

[JBS]

 

Another first listen.


ATM the Nonet which might be called a chamber symphony and gives no hint that the composer was just 18 at the time.

Update: the Piano Trio and Piano Quintet sound like mature late Romantic works (shouldn't be a surprise, considering they were written in 1893).

Entire CD is recommended. KCC's first CD was also good, so it's an outfit to watch for.

[Karl Henning]

Thanks Karl, I will take a looksie and see what I can find. The recording and music really caught me off guard, so I am happy to explore further.

VS

Cheers!

[Todd]

As per usual, your post reeks of pretentiousness. Please explain to me how a conductor recording for Chandos and conducting lesser-known repertoire indicates that they're of little worth.

My original post and your response contain the answers you seek.

[JBS]

Nice! Personally, I'd rather him continue to record lesser-known repertoire than Mahler.

That's true. But his style suggests he would produce results if Chandos ever dipped their toes into Mahler.

[vers la flamme]

Richard Strauss: Don Juan, op.20. Rudolf Kempe, Staatskapelle Dresden

Sounding amazing right now.

[Todd]

Seventy minutes of ancient goodness.  I prefer Perotin on first listen, but both composers sound wonderful, and there's something attractive to the comparative simplicity.  Tonus Peregrinus really deliver the goods.  The French abbey they use sounds gorgeous, with a perfect amount of decay and reverb, and the singers sound splendid, especially the women.  A couple pieces include very audible rainfall which only serves to enhance the listening experience. 

[San Antone]

One of the best Naxos offerings, IMO.

[Linz]

CD1 of VPO The orchestra edition DECCA 65CD with  Monteux Conducting Symphonies 94 and 101 and Karajan No. 104

[Mirror Image]

Now playing Koechlin Vers la voûte étoilée, Op. 129 from this new acquisition:



Wow...this is even better than Holliger's performance on Hänssler (not that it's bad), but the sonics a bit more in-your-face here and you can really hear how all of the textures congeal and go together. This performance from Ariane Matiakh and the Sinfonieorchester Basel is extraordinary. I don't award superlatives like this too often, but I'm truly impressed. It seems this performance has a bit more grit to it and forward momentum. If you're reading this Classicalgeek, Cesar, Jeffrey (Vandermolen), Karl, Kyle et. al., do check this performance out as soon as you can. I'm now going to play it again. I hope more Koechlin comes our way from Matiakh and her Basel forces. Again...wow.

[Mirror Image]

Sort of like when you can't mention a Malipiero symphony without a certain person chiming in about how disappointing de Almeida is? 

You can roll your eyes back into the forward position, SH. I only mentioned my dislike for Almeida a few times and, to my knowledge, I've made no commentary to any your posts about him in this thread. No need to turn this molehill into a mountain.

[Mirror Image]

As per usual, your post reeks of pretentiousness. Please explain to me how a conductor recording for Chandos and conducting lesser-known repertoire indicates that they're of little worth.

Best thing to do with Todd is just ignore him, Kyle.

[Mirror Image]

Richard Strauss: Don Juan, op.20. Rudolf Kempe, Staatskapelle Dresden

Sounding amazing right now.

Pounds the table!

[Spotted Horses]

You can roll your eyes back into the forward position, SH. I only mentioned my dislike for Almeida a few times and, to my knowledge, I've made no commentary to any your posts about him in this thread. No need to turn this molehill into a mountain.

I wasn't talking about you, but if the shoe fits...

[Mirror Image]

I wasn't talking about you, but if the shoe fits...

It's actually a bit too snug on me.

[Que]

Morning listening on Spotify:



I'm very impressed! 
As it is with Maria Christina Kiehr, I hoped as much. Those familiar with her know what to expect.

[MusicTurner]

Reger / piano works / Becker / NCA CD box

A lot of listening to this set these days, it seems suitable for early, sunny summer- and not-so-summer-like days and some relaxed listening.

Becker plays very well. One is often reminded of say the Lyric Pieces by Grieg, or Schumann - of course with Regeresque traits.