What are you listening 2 now?

[Mandryka]

https://frabernardo.com/portfolio-item/gombert-motets-3-beauty-farm/

Now streaming.

[VonStupp]

It just occurred to me that as much as I like DFrOSch, I have never heard the Suite from the opera. What's in the Suite, and any suggestions as to recordings?

JBS, yes the Symphonic Fantasy was put together by Strauss himself. It should be noted though, Strauss reduces the orchestra from its large proportions in the actual opera.

As far as what it includes in its 20-minute Suite form, here is a rundown:

The Symphonic Fantasy begins with the three-note descending motif in bass winds intoning "Kaikobad," naming the Empress's divine father. This is entwined with a quick motif associated with the Nurse. The main section is based on a melody from an Act I orchestral interlude meant to show the Dyer's goodness. The shimmering music of the following extended section comes from a scene in which the Nurse shows the Dyer's Wife the glittering, luxurious world that could be hers if she sold her shadow. This is followed by a lilting theme representing the Dyer's Wife's ideal lover conjured up by the Nurse and a passage reconstructing an Act III duet between the Dyer and his wife, solo trombone taking the Dyer's vocal part. The transformation that the Dyer and his Wife and the Emperor and Empress attain as a reward for self-reflection and self-denial surges through the final orchestral climax.

https://www.bso.org/works/symphonic-fantasy-on-die-frau-ohne-schatten

I have had the Dorati with Detroit on Decca/London for a good long time, but the Schwarz and Falletta are probably easier to source brand new or streaming. In addition to the ones you've already found, there is also Oue and Thielemann, so there are plenty around.

VS

[vandermolen]

Nikos Skalkottas: The Sea.
Iceland Symphony Orchestra/Byron Fidetzis.


 

Most interesting! What's the music like Manabu?
Good to see The Return of Godzilla 

[vandermolen]

A chance to hear both Markevitch's 1951 mono account and the justly famous version recorded in 1959. Both feature the Philharmonia and both were recorded in Abbey Road Studio No 1, though the stereo version was never planned, the sessions having been set aside for Klemperer. He fell ill and the EMI, not wanting to lose the sessions, decided to invite Markevitch to re-record The Rite of Spring in stereo, the producer and his team spending a sleepless night scrabbling around to find the extra musicians needed.

The improved stereo sound picture certainly makes a difference and this is one of the most thrilling performances of the score ever committed to disc. This Testament issue is an excellent transfer and I'd still place it near the top of the very long list of good recordings.

A great disc!
I discovered the work through the CFP recording.

[Papy Oli]

Earlier on:

Strauss - Also sprach Zarathustra / Capriccio, moonlight music / Rosenkavalier Waltz Suite (Kempe)

Now :

Some Kozeluch symphonies by Concerto Köln

[vandermolen]

Thank you very much. He was a 57-year old coworker, who, two days after talking with him at work, suddenly passed after a doctor visit.

There are many moments like this that certainly put life in perspective. We worked together the last decade or so.

VS

Sorry to hear that.

[Operafreak]

Schubert - Duos for piano & violin- Isabelle Faust (violin) & Alexander Melnikov (piano)

[VonStupp]

Sorry to hear that.

Thank you. It was a lovely, upbeat memorial service, only interrupted by the clergyman's phone alarm reminding him to take his evening medicine. 

Gustav Mahler
Symphony 8 in E-flat Major

Sylvia Greenberg, Lynne Dawson, Sally Matthews - soprano
Sophie Koch, Elena Manistina - alto
Robert Gambil -tenor, Detlef Roth - baritone
Jan-Hendrik Rootering - bass

Berlin Radio Chorus
MDR Lepzig Chorus
Windsbacher Boy Choir

Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin
Kent Nagano

The last version I will survey before the performance tomorrow. It has been fun revisiting Mahler's themes after so long, a work I haven't visited too often.

At 88 minutes, Nagano's is by far the longest version I have heard, although I haven't met Sinopoli's recording.

This one really brings out the Mahlerian mystery and lyricism, particularly the (64 minute!) 2nd movement.

VS

[Biffo]

Brahms: Piano Quartet in G minor, Op 25

Renaud Capucon violin
Gérard Caussé viola
Gautier Capucon cello
Nicholas Angelich piano

[Traverso]

Bach


CD 2

[Papy Oli]

Rued Langgaard - Symphony No.4

[Florestan]

Schubert: Lieder orchestrated by Reger
Henschel, Stachelhaus; Russell Davies: Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra

This is for people who wish Schubert Lieder sounded more like Wagner.

Perish the thought! Count me out, out, out! 

[Florestan]

Thank you. It was a lovely, upbeat memorial service, only interrupted by the clergyman's phone alarm reminding him to take his evening medicine. 

A fitting reminder, actually. 

[Lisztianwagner]

Arnold Schoenberg
Suite Op.29

[Traverso]

Deutsche Barock Kantaten (III)


One of the gems in this set can be found on this CD, "Es ist g'nug" an anonymous work sung by Greta de Reyghere soprano.

[Tsaraslondon]

A great disc!
I discovered the work through the CFP recording.

I used to have the CfP LP. I can't remember if it was my first recording of the work, but it fast became my favourite.

[Spotted Horses]

Malipiero Symphony No 4 (dedicated to the memory of Natalie Kousevitsky) de Almeida.



This is a relatively early work, and more romantic in style than Malipiero's later works. Recording is opulent and with a more reverberant sound stage than later issues in the series. It results in a gorgeous, non-strident rendering of the extensive brass parts. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[Papy Oli]

Nielsen - String Quartet in F minor op.5

[Mirror Image]

Thank you very much. He was a 57-year old coworker, who, two days after talking with him at work, suddenly passed after a doctor visit.

There are many moments like this that certainly put life in perspective. We worked together the last decade or so.

VS

Sorry to hear about your loss. My only hope is this coworker is in a better place now.

[Mirror Image]

Now playing Vaughan Williams Flos Campi with Philip Dukes/Hickox/Northern Sinfonia/Sinfonia Chorus: