What are you listening 2 now?

[Mirror Image]

Sibelius Symphony No. 3, Saraste conducting the Finnish RSO live




Sarge

Very nice, Sarge. I definitely prefer this symphony set from Saraste to his earlier one on RCA.

[Papy Oli]

A first listen to Peterson-Berger. Symphony No.1.

[aligreto]

Miaskovsky: Symphony No. 27 Op. 85 [Svetlanov]





That steady, soulful march at the very beginning leads into a burst of excited energy. Powerful and atmospheric plaintive music is greatly enhanced by wonderful orchestral colour and tones. He really was excellent at this aspect of composition. Beguiling, sweeping strings and plaintive woodwinds tell a story of their own. Things become somewhat agitated and tense around centre movement but things eventually settle down and we gradually build the tension to a turbulent and compelling conclusion to the third movement.
Those opening chords of the slow movement are sublime, dramatic and disconcerting all in one. The theme is taken up by ardent strings and then plaintive woodwinds. The brass fanfares sound like a cry to the heavens and we conclude with a deep sense of resignation and acceptance. This movement has been described [many times by Jeffrey] as valedictory and now that I have heard it I can avow the sentiment. What a message to leave behind you. This is sublime music.
However, we resurrect the spirit in the opening of the final movement and hope springs eternal in an exuberant and buoyant orchestral display. This is determined, spirited and passionate music; defiant almost as is well declared in the finale.



Well, I have finally reached the end of my Miaskovsky odyssey you will be all glad to know 

[André]

Saint-Saëns symphony no 3. This time around, the sound of these old recordings prevents a full recommendation. Saint-Saëns' luminous winds and luscious string tapestry greatly benefit from modern, stereo sound. The performance is extremely fine, very exciting and the organ makes a fine contribution. The Franck symphony was recorded a few years before but despite its early vintage Franck's dark colourings and Toscanini's deft handling of textures perfectly withstand the absence of modern sound. I'm a big fan of Toscanini's art and this is one of the best recordings of RCA's Toscanini Edition.

[aligreto]

Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 8 Op. 13 "Pathetique" [Bachaus]

[Brahmsian]

Miaskovsky: Symphony No. 27 Op. 85 [Svetlanov]





That steady, soulful march at the very beginning leads into a burst of excited energy. Powerful and atmospheric plaintive music is greatly enhanced by wonderful orchestral colour and tones. He really was excellent at this aspect of composition. Beguiling, sweeping strings and plaintive woodwinds tell a story of their own. Things become somewhat agitated and tense around centre movement but things eventually settle down and we gradually build the tension to a turbulent and compelling conclusion to the third movement.
Those opening chords of the slow movement are sublime, dramatic and disconcerting all in one. The theme is taken up by ardent strings and then plaintive woodwinds. The brass fanfares sound like a cry to the heavens and we conclude with a deep sense of resignation and acceptance. This movement has been described [many times by Jeffrey] as valedictory and now that I have heard it I can avow the sentiment. What a message to leave behind you. This is sublime music.
However, we resurrect the spirit in the opening of the final movement and hope springs eternal in an exuberant and buoyant orchestral display. This is determined, spirited and passionate music; defiant almost as is well declared in the finale.



Well, I have finally reached the end of my Miaskovsky odyssey you will be all glad to know 

It has been a real pleasure to follow your odyssey, Fergus. 

[Karl Henning]

It has been a real pleasure to follow your odyssey, Fergus. 

Verily.

[aligreto]

It has been a real pleasure to follow your odyssey, Fergus. 

That is kind of you to say, thank you.
It has been a wonderful revelation for me and I was genuinely sorry that it ended.
As I have said before, there is nothing like hearing music that makes a big impression on you for the first time.

[aligreto]

Verily.

Cheers, Karl.
I trust that you keep well.

[Karl Henning]

Cheers, Karl.
I trust that you keep well.

Had a good OT session this afternoon, doing the tasks of today much easier than even a couple of weeks ago.

[aligreto]

Had a good OT session this afternoon, doing the tasks of today much easier than even a couple of weeks ago.

Excellent news, Karl. I am very pleased for you. 

[Karl Henning]

Excellent news, Karl. I am very pleased for you. 

Many thanks!

[Mirror Image]

Dipping into this new acquisition:

Strauss
Schlagobers ("Whipped Cream") Suite
Bamberg SO
Rickenbacher



Utterly delightful. The whole premise of this ballet is ridiculous of course and it was a disastrous premiere for Strauss, but I think it's wholly successful work in that it shows him in a light-hearted mood. Fun!

[Cato]

Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 8 Op. 13 "Pathetique" [Bachaus]

My favorite set! 

[Brahmsian]

Dipping into this new acquisition:

Strauss
Schlagobers ("Whipped Cream") Suite
Bamberg SO
Rickenbacher



Utterly delightful. The whole premise of this ballet is ridiculous of course and it was a disastrous premiere for Strauss, but I think it's wholly successful work in that it shows him in a light-hearted mood. Fun!

It is a wonderful work. Definitely enjoy this piece John.

[Karl Henning]

Copland
Pf Cto
(the composer playing)

Schuman
Concerto on Old English Rounds
and:
https://www.youtube.com/v/ejH-vc5oz_M

[Mirror Image]

It is a wonderful work. Definitely enjoy this piece John.

It sure is. Some virtuosic writing, too. Poor old hornists and violinists have some difficult parts I'd imagine.

[André]

Crossley-Holland's symphony is a pleasant work, composed late in the last century (1988-1994) yet unabashedly tonal, with plenty of celtic folk influences. It is very well orchestrated to boot. The cover art features a period poster from a travel agency advertising trips to the Isle of Skye. Quite appropriate to the music at hand.

A suite made up from orchestrations of short instrumental works by Ireland follows. Most of the items were orchestrated by other hands with Ireland's blessing. Beautiful playing and recorded sound. A nice disc.

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

Kapralova orchestral works.

[Mirror Image]

NP:

Shostakovich
Symphony No. 8 in C minor, Op. 65
Moscow PO
Kondrashin