What are you listening 2 now?

[Traverso]

Buxtehude

   Praeludium In D Dur, BuxWV 139   
   Erhalt Uns, Herr, Bei Deinem Wort, BuxWV 185   
   Praeludium In G Moll, BuxWV 150   
   Kommt Her Zu Mir, Spricht Gottes Sohn, BuxWV 201   
   Praeludium In G Moll, BuxWV 148   
   Jesus Christus, Unser Heiland, BuxWV 198   
   Nun LOb, Mein Seel, Der Herren, BuxWV 215   
   Praeludium In E Moll, BuxWV 143   
   Ach Herr, Mich Armen Sünder, BuxWV 178   
   Praeludium In F Dur, BuxWV 145   
   Komm. Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott, BuxWV 200   
   Ich Dank Dir, Lieber Herre, BuxWV 194   
   Praeludium In Di Moll, BuxWV 140   
   Vater Unser Im Himmelreich, BuxWV 219   
   Praeludium In G Moll, BuxWV 149

[Tsaraslondon]

Anne-Sophie Mutter's virtuosity and fabulous technique is not in doubt, but there are times where the freedom it allows her can get in the way of the music, which I feel is what happens here in the Tchaikovsky, which was recorded live in Vienna. It was no doubt thrillingin the concert hall, but I'm not sure it responds to repeated hearings. Tempi are stretched to the limit, both slow and ultra fast, as in the final movement, which is unbelievably fast, but with every note in place. The playing throughout is sensational, but some will no doubt feel we get too much of Mutter and not enough of Tchaikovsky. I have equivocal feelings. It's not how I'd always want to hear the work played, but I don't mind giving it the occasional airing and just giving in to Mutter's uber-Romantic approach to it.

The Korngold concerto was recorded in the studio and suits Mutter's intense Romanticism rather better. In fact I'd suggest that this is one of the best performances in the catalogue. I first heard it on the radio blind, but even before the announcer had confirmed it, I knew I was listenin to Mutter. Previn, as always at his best in Korngold, supports her every step of the way, and I'd say the disc was worth acquiring for the Korngold alone. Presumably, if buying the download, you can do that anyway.

A disc of two halves.

[The new erato]

New release? What do you think of it?

[aligreto]

A Secret Labyrinth: Van Nevel - CD 3: Music from the Court of King Janus at Nicosia






It is wonderful to be able to hear the progress in the development of the music in this set. The harmonies, counterpoint and musical accompaniment all are raised to another level here when compared to heretofore. Once again all of the vocal presentations are excellent. The music itself is somewhat restrained and low key, even the solo instrumental music. However, it is always very engaging. "Personet armonia" is particularly fine and noteworthy.

[aligreto]

It's a shame it wasn't wonderful [A Hand of Bridge], isn't it? I'm not a fan of works like this either.

Yes, I was very disappointed with this work. Everything that I have heard thus far from Barber I have enjoyed which probably made my disappointment greater. However, I will not be deterred 

[aligreto]

That's one of my favourite Lyrita CDs Fergus, featuring three fine symphonies. I've head a few Cooke symphonies and IMO No.3 is by far the best. Great cover image!

Cheers, Jeffrey. That cover image reminds me of some of the photographs you post in the Favourite Walks thread 

[The new erato]

Now no 1 from this:

[aligreto]

Guillaume Du Fay

Triste Plaisir

Again this beautiful recording that might be better listened to in parts but is undeniably of an exceptional beauty.
They are worth more to me than all of Shostakovich's symphonies put together, but this is of course my limited opinion.
Optimal expressiveness with minimal means and of great poetic beauty. Anyone who claims that contemporary music is more meaningful, richer in content and artistic value has never listened properly.. I am a musical omnivore but I do have my musical preferences and those are mainly determined by Bach and earlier music. With all due respect Boulez is more music of the head, Dufay on the other hand speaks to me on a more personal field.
Music is an abstract art form where for me, especially in early music, a richness is offered that is incomparable, in the sense that my personal being is involved and yet has a universal character.
These are just thoughts and subject to change, the fact is that early music in particular appeals to me in a fullness that I do not experience in contemporary music despite my appreciation.
Let me be clear I love Boulez but purely as an experience the early music offers me a richer experience in which I feel more fully involved.
An exception to this for me is the music of Messiaen.
Of course there are more examples, I'm just speaking in general. 

To be clear I use the term "early" in the sense of Bach and earlier.

It is interesting to read your thoughts, Jan. You seem to like this CD very much.

[Traverso]

It is interesting to read your thoughts, Jan. You seem to like this CD very much.

I hope you will l like it as well Fergus.

Putting your thoughts into words is sometimes very difficult. What I wrote has a general character. Of course I love Mozart and I am always captivated by the final movement of his last symphony.
Of course my preferences also have to do with my temperament, it's all very psychological.
There are research methods to determine why you like Beethoven and not Wagner.
The striking thing here is that many people do not want to know this. 

[Harry]

Pjotr Il'yich Thaikovsky.

Symphony No. 4 in F minor.
Serenade for Strings, in C major.
Elegy in Memory of I.V. Samarin.

Gothenburg SO, Neeme Jarvi.

[Papy Oli]

Good morning all,

Finished this one from yesterday :

Shostakovich - Symphony No.5 (Barshai)




now playing : A first listen to this composer : Arne - Six Favourite Concertos (Parley of Instruments). Very promising.

[Traverso]

Bruckner

Symphony No.3

[Traverso]

Good morning all,

Finished this one from yesterday :

Shostakovich - Symphony No.5 (Barshai)






now playing : A first listen to this composer : Arne - Six Favourite Concertos (Parley of Instruments). Very promising.

The Parley of Instruments  are often very good. 

[Papy Oli]

The Parley of Instruments  are often very good. 

I do enjoy their sound so far. That's only the second album of theirs I know (the other being German Consort Music 1660-1710). Any other CD's of theirs worth investigating please, Jan ?

[vers la flamme]

Malcolm Arnold: Symphony No.9, op.128. Andrew Penny, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland

[vandermolen]

Cheers, Jeffrey. That cover image reminds me of some of the photographs you post in the Favourite Walks thread 

Thanks Fergus - although a bit more dramatic than my photos. It does remind me of High Cup Nick, which I did come across many years ago when walking the Pennine Way.

[vandermolen]

Bruckner

Symphony No.3

I like the 3rd. What's this performance like Jan?

PS I've just noticed that it features in my Decca Eloquence Bruckner box set - so I can find out myself!

[aligreto]

Dvorak: Symphony No. 2 [Rowicki]





I really like this work. It has a wonderful grand sweep to it throughout the work, even in the wonderful slow movement. I find the music to be buoyant and exciting. This presentation also has a particularly fresh feel to it. I also find the orchestration to be wonderful and particularly effective.

[aligreto]

Putting your thoughts into words is sometimes very difficult. What I wrote has a general character. Of course I love Mozart and I am always captivated by the final movement of his last symphony.
Of course my preferences also have to do with my temperament, it's all very psychological.
There are research methods to determine why you like Beethoven and not Wagner.
The striking thing here is that many people do not want to know this. 

Some people are interesting, Jan, and some people are not. Some people are interested and some people are not. That is the way of things, Jan.

[aligreto]

Thanks Fergus - although a bit more dramatic than my photos. It does remind me of High Cup Nick, which I did come across many years ago when walking the Pennine Way.

I bet that was an exhilarating trek, Jeffrey.