What are you listening 2 now?

[Todd]

[Traverso]

Schubert Impromptus D.899



Apparently I haven't listened to these for five-and-a-half years. Oh dear.

Are you finally done with the Bach Suzuki recordings?   

[Madiel]

Are you finally done with the Bach Suzuki recordings?   

Ha! No. Haven't touched them in ages. Too much podcast listening in the mornings. Cantatas feel like morning music.

[Traverso]

Le Banquet du Voeu (1454)


The Feast of the Pheasant

[Brian]

Kirshbaum looks like a Beatle in this photo.

[aligreto]

Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 [Furtwängler]





Straight off, this is a recording which suffers from relatively poor sonics, because of its age [1951]. It is therefore not one for those who can only tolerate sonic perfection.

However, it is a wonderfully noble and expansive live presentation. This reading of the opening two movements is all of ruminative and contemplative yet it also has a somewhat light and optimistic tone and atmosphere. It is also a very lyrical reading and being expansive, the music breathes freely without ever sagging. It also retains all of the tension and drama inherent in the work.

The slow movement is taken at an extremely slow pace; perhaps the slowest that I have ever heard. I do not usually like this movement to be taken particularly slowly as it usually leads to saccharine sweet readings. But this is definitely not the case here. The tone is more one of yearning here. It is both elegant and enchanting without being overly intense or melancholy. It never falters and still retains all of the intensity and passion inherent in the music. I cannot remember hearing another interpretation of this movement quite like it. Remarkable!

So, what of the final movement? Well following the tone of the slow movement this opened in a declamatory way, announcing itself as having arrived. The orchestra sounds rich and opulent in the lower registers. The build up in the first two sections is initially suitably slow and steady until we hit the big theme. Then the intensity kicks in. All of the solo vocalists perform very admirably. The choir is also explosive in the requisite places. The big regret here is that the magnificence of the choir is not fully captured in the recording. It is too recessed and "muddy" in the recording and suffers as a result for it. This imbalance is such a pity given, even with these restrictions, how powerful it still sounds and the impact that it still has. It is still a magnificent performance.

What an occasion that performance must have been!

[MusicTurner]

There is of course also the Tahra Lucerne recording, in good sonics.

[aligreto]

There is of course also the Tahra Lucerne recording, in good sonics.

Pardon my ignorance is that with the same forces at the same event?

[SonicMan46]

Balakirev, Mily - Piano Music, V. 4/5 w/ Nicholas Walker - the pianist has recorded 6 volumes for Grand Piano which I've been buying in twos since original release - last year the record company boxed them up (looks like from the link in original jewel boxes so not a space saver - 3rd pic below) - the box is $48 USD on Amazon USA probably cheaper elsewhere, including their MP?  If I had waited, likely would have just bought the box.  Dave

   

[VonStupp]

George Dyson
Symphony in G

City of London Sinfonia - Richard Hickox

I am of two minds about this symphony. I never feel as if I have arrived at any point in this work, but it is still an enjoyable ride nonetheless.

Regardless, I am indebted to the late Sir Richard for his unflappable dedication to the music of Dyson.

VS

[Karl Henning]

One of the first CDs I purchased, coupled with 5th Symphony I recall. Loved "Night Ride" ever since.

Nice!

[Karl Henning]

Johann Sebastian Bach.

The Concertos for two Harpsichords.

BWV 1060 in C minor, 1061 in C major, 1062 in C minor.

Trevor Pinnock plays on a David Rubio, Cambridge 1979, after Blanchet, 1733.
Kenneth Gilbert plays on a David Rubio, Cambridge, 1974, after Taskin, ca 1770.

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock.

Absolutely gorgeous. And fine sounding Harpsichords.

Nice, too!

[Karl Henning]

Toch, String Quartet No 7, Buschbinder Quartet



I am finding Toch's string quartets more satisfying than his symphonies. The Quartet No 7 is an early work, with a vaguely neoclassical feel. Toch is said to have based his string Quartet style on Mozart, I think I can hear that in this work, as well as an approach to harmony and voice leading influenced by Brahms. I think the most striking movement is the second, Andantino, in which a central scherzo-like section is bracketed by slow, sensuous music. The initial slow section stops and the central section suddenly starts without preparation, but leads continuously to a return of the slow music, revealing a connection between the two.

Nice, and thanks for the reminder!

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

Ned Rorem: Piano Concerto No. 2.



 

[Karl Henning]

TD:

JSB
BWV 24: Cantata № 24, « Ein ungefärbt Germüte »

Ginastera
String Quartet № 2, Op. 26
Ensō Quartet

Bartók
String Quartet № 3, Sz. 85
The Belcea Quartet

[Papy Oli]

Stravinsky - Renard the Fox

[Karl Henning]

Ned Rorem: Piano Concerto No. 2.



 

What do you think?

[Karl Henning]

Stravinsky - Renard the Fox

Sweet!

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

What do you think?

I want to know what you think! 
Likable and accessible though the music is slightly closer to film music.
I like his symphonies as well.

[Karl Henning]

I want to know what you think! 
Likable and accessible though the music is slightly closer to film music.
I like his symphonies as well.

I don't know much of Rorem's music. In fact, I ask myself if I know any...?