What are you listening 2 now?

[JBS]

[kyjo]

Super exciting, well-played, the most convinced I have ever been by Glazunov. Like if Svetlanov had a good Western orchestra (not disparaging Russian orchestras, I love that sound, just trying to describe the results). 4 minutes faster than Serebrier and 2 minutes faster than Mravinsky in the Fourth Symphony. The Fifth is 60-90 seconds faster than Serebrier and Jarvi. And live recordings!

Sounds like I should give this one a spin!

[Mirror Image]

NP: Poulenc Flute Sonata (Philippe Bernold/Alexandre Tharaud)

From this set -

[kyjo]

who doesn't love Brahms 1?

Hah....I don't really! (despite generally being a Brahms fan)

[kyjo]

From the Warner Saint Saens box


Urbs Roma and Organ Symphonies

I've finally (after 4 or 5 decades) found a performance of the Organ Symphony that sounds light and Gallic, and not the overblown mess it usually seems to be.

(Although I still think his other four symphonies are better)

To the bolded text - you're in the minority there! S-S' first four symphonies are delightful but relatively immature works compared to the masterful (IMO) Organ Symphony.

[Madiel]

Saint-Saens, Cello Sonata no.1

[Mirror Image]

Last works for the night:

Fauré Nocturnes Nos. 9-13 (Stott)

[Brian]

While he's having a day of supreme popularity at GMG, I can disclose Saint-Saëns was my #3 most listened to composer in the year 2021 - after never previously cracking the top 20. It was a year of discovery in general for romantic French composers like Massenet, Delibes, Fauré, and Duparc, for me, but the CSS Big Box and his amazing cycle of piano concertos powered him to the front of the pack.

[Mirror Image]

While he's having a day of supreme popularity at GMG, I can disclose Saint-Saëns was my #3 most listened to composer in the year 2021 - after never previously cracking the top 20. It was a year of discovery in general for romantic French composers like Massenet, Delibes, Fauré, and Duparc, for me, but the CSS Big Box and his amazing cycle of piano concertos powered him to the front of the pack.

Great to read, Brian. I've always had an ear for Saint-Saëns, but it seems that my ear has expanded much more this time around. Fauré is another favorite.

[bhodges]

Scriabin: Poème de l'extase (Cristian Măcelaru / Orchestre national de France) - An entrancing live performance posted last November, and well worth a listen. (And yes, the ensemble has an excellent principal trumpet.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImtaS7xhXu0

--Bruce

[Linz]

Brahm's with Gilels, Jochum and the Berliner Philharmoniker

[Que]

While he's having a day of supreme popularity at GMG, I can disclose Saint-Saëns was my #3 most listened to composer in the year 2021 - after never previously cracking the top 20. It was a year of discovery in general for romantic French composers like Massenet, Delibes, Fauré, and Duparc, for me, but the CSS Big Box and his amazing cycle of piano concertos powered him to the front of the pack.

Brian, which recording of the piano concertos would you recommend?

[Florestan]

Hah....I don't really! (despite generally being a Brahms fan)

+ 1.

[Irons]

Wilfred Josephs: Concerto for Brass [Stobart]





I had not previously heard of this composer until yesterday let alone this work. I liked what I have heard here. The music is charming and inventive enough to have some interest. The instruments are well paired together to offer sonic variety within the given range of instruments. There are also interesting elements of drama and tension infused along the way. I like it.

I was hoping you would comment on the Josephs work after the Lloyd post. Do try his "Pastorale" Symphony, Fergus.

[Harry]

Johann Gottfried Walther.
Complete Organ Music.
CD I.

Toccata con Fuga in C.
Alcuni variationi un Sopra un Basso continuo del Signor Corelli.
Fuga in F.
Preludio con Fuga in G, C. D minor, A.
Concerto in G.

Simone Stella plays on a Francesco Zanin organ, 2006.
Recorded in 2013.
Mechanical transmission.
Pitch: A=440 Hz.
Unequal temperament.
Church of Sant Antonio Abate, Padua.


What a pleasure to play this fine set again. A superb organ which is hardly to distinguish from an old instrument. A great organ Zanin has constructed, a true craftsman he is.
Walther may not be on everyone's tongue, but he is an important composer. Johann Sebastian Bach did hold him in great regard, and that must mean something, at least to me. Walther's music is expertly crafted, very accessible, and always close to ones heart. I could play this endlessly and never get bored. The recorded sound is almost State of the Art.

[Harry]

Hieronymus Praetorius.
Organ Works.
CD II.
Leon Berben plays on a Scherer organ, 1612,/Rowan West, 2008.
Mitteltonige Stimmung.
Pitch: A=472 Hz, bei 20 degrees celsius.

Nothing more than high praise.

[Papy Oli]

Good morning all,

Hindemith - Die Harmonie Der Welt

[Madiel]

One of Beethoven's most delicate works, the Serenade for flute, violin and viola.

[Florestan]

Pure bliss.

[The new erato]

From the Westminster set. Sound is so-so.