What are you listening 2 now?

[Maestro267]

Myaskovsky: Symphony No. 27
RFASO/Svetlanov

Utterly gorgeous slow movement here, continuing the fine tradition of E major slow movements in C minor works. (Beethoven PC3, Brahms 1, Rachmaninov PC2 etc.)

[aligreto]

Mendelssohn: 4 Pieces for String Quartet Op. 81 [Gewandhaus Quartet]





Here is more terrific String Quartet writing. I find both the slow movement and the final movement here to be particularly fine and, once again, immaculately played.

[aligreto]

Thanks Fergus! Too tired after work today but hopefully tomorrow.

A wise move, Jeffrey, that could save you many potential problems later.

[aligreto]

Late from the Ministry of Modifying First Impressions:

Perhaps listening to the Op. 80 Divertissement reset my ears. However it may be, I have revisited the Sinfonietta, and I do like it. This time I picked up how, after the Serioso opening statement how the opening material alternates/vies with the more lyrical episodes, at first heralded by the solo violin. The Andante is poignantly lyrical, and while the Presto is not truly "light," it is indeed a fitting conclusion to the piece.  I withdraw my objections, completely.

As a new and fervent admirer of Miaskovsky I am very pleased to read that, Karl. 

[aligreto]

I don't know what it is but that Ensemble 415 is really working for me. I am already through 6/1, 6/2, 6/9, now into 6/3. Like their Albinoni's Sinfonie a Cinque, this is one of the very rare times where I don't feel like switching off Baroque music after 20-25 minutes. Very nimble and light.

That is great news 

[vandermolen]

Myaskovsky: Symphony No. 27
RFASO/Svetlanov

Utterly gorgeous slow movement here, continuing the fine tradition of E major slow movements in C minor works. (Beethoven PC3, Brahms 1, Rachmaninov PC2 etc.)

I find that work very moving. After the valedictory slow movement, I've always regarded the last movement as a paean to life - a kind-of musical depiction of the return of Spring after the Winter, even though the terminally ill composer knew that he would not live to see it himself. I also guess NYM could be thinking of a political 'thaw' as well after the condemnation of his music in 1948, but I don't want to stretch the metaphor too far! Gauk's performance (never on CD) is even more moving but the Svetlanov is great as well.

[Madiel]

Grieg, 2 Elegiac Melodies (op.34)

[Traverso]

Walton

Symphony No.1

Philharmonia Orchestra  Bernard Haitink

Symphony No.2

London Symphony Orchestra  André Previn

[aligreto]

CPE Bach:





Sinfonia for Two Violins, Viola and Basso Wq 182/1 [Café Zimmermann] The opening movement is assertively played and the music is attacked in a very engaging manner. A very stately slow movement is followed by an exciting and buoyant final movement.
Sinfonia for Two Violins, Viola and Basso Wq 182/3 [Café Zimmermann] The opening movement is thrillingly played at breakneck speed. It is very exciting. The slow movement is full of grace and charm as is the final movement. The middle and final movements are very elegantly played.

[aligreto]

Did you just but that very recently, Jan? If so that was very quick delivery!

[Papy Oli]

Milhaud - Suite Provençale

[Traverso]

Did you just but that very recently, Jan? If so that was very quick delivery!

Hi Fergus,indeed  a quick delivery,I found this set in my homeland,I just picked it up at a parcelshop.

[Madiel]

Grieg, Norwegian Dances op.35.

Played with great vigour.

[Que]

Through Spotify:



Dissapointing...

[Traverso]

I don't know of any other performance of Walton's first symphony, what struck me is that I've read such bad reviews, even though I really enjoyed the music, so what's wrong?
Is it because you have a fixed idea of how it should sound and take your standard as a benchmark, does not seem a healthy approach to me.
Please reply, Haitink is an extremely conscientious conductor who does not profile himself at the expense of the music.

[vandermolen]

Walton

Symphony No.1

Philharmonia Orchestra  Bernard Haitink

Symphony No.2

London Symphony Orchestra  André Previn

That's a great set and I don't have a problem with Haitink's performance.

[Traverso]

That's a great set and I don't have a problem with Haitink's performance.

Good to hear Jeffrey,is your new CD player installed 

[vandermolen]

A wise move, Jeffrey, that could save you many potential problems later.

Well Fergus, after having to deal with some examples of 'the dumb hostility of inanimate objects' the new CD player (NAD C538) is up and running! Thank you for your kind interest 
Now playing:
Shchedrin: Symphony No.1
Moscow PO/Nikolai Anosov (same performance as once found on a HMV/Melodiya LP which was also my first encounter with Miaskovsky's tuneful 23rd Symphony):

[vandermolen]

Good to hear Jeffrey,is your new CD player installed 

Yes indeed - thank you! See message above.

[The new erato]

Mendelssohn: 4 Pieces for String Quartet Op. 81 [Gewandhaus Quartet]





Here is more terrific String Quartet writing. I find both the slow movement and the final movement here to be particularly fine and, once again, immaculately played.

I've always thought that Mendelssohn's quartes were the absolutely best part of his oeuvre, forging an intimacy and true feeling that in many of his more public works give way to brilliance.