GMG CDs, DVDs & Downloads of the Year 2007

[Mark]

Given that there's no time like the present (and the fact that we're just two-and-a-bit months off of completing another trip around the Sun), I figured I should get this most inevitable of annual threads started ... at least, for our nominations.

As can be seen from my signature block, my choices of what I consider outstanding CDs released this year (that's January 1st to December 31st 2007 - yeah, I know, seems weird to have this thread so early, right?) is clear, so I won't wax lyrical about them here. But please feel free to do just that about the discs you think deserve recognition.

Maybe in a couple of months, we'll all have several new CDs on our wishlists as a result of this thread.

[DavidW]

As can be seen from my signature block

You better just post what's on your sig Mark.  I'm not the only one that has sigs turned off!

[Mark]

You better just post what's on your sig Mark.  I'm not the only one that has sigs turned off!

Ironically, so do I!

I'll post 'em into the thread later.

[DavidW]

Ironically, so do I!

I'll post 'em into the thread later.

I thought you did, that's why I didn't understand why you told us to read your sig.

[BachQ]

As can be seen from my signature block, my choices of what I consider outstanding CDs released this year

1. So ...... does this include DVDs too? 
2. So ...... it doesn't matter when it's recorded, as long as it's released in 2007?

[locrian]

I'll be turning off sigs if people are going to post images there. That's just plain rude.   

[Sergeant Rock]

Here are my three choices for CD of the Year:

Fabio Luisi's ongoing Schmidt cycle has been an exciting one. The latest addition gives us two rarities: the Concertante Variations on a Theme by Beethoven for Piano Left Hand and Orchestra, and the Concerto for Piano Left Hand:



René Jacobs returns Don Giovanni to the realm of opera buffa (as Mozart intended). With a lighter-voiced Don than the norm (the Don wonderfully differentiated from Leporello), the comic elements are brought to the fore.



The teenage Lise de la Salle show off her range and skill in this 2-CD plus DVD set:




Sarge

[Wendell_E]

You better just post what's on your sig Mark.  I'm not the only one that has sigs turned off!

I didn't know we could do that.  Yeah!

[BachQ]

1. Does this include DVDs too? 
2. It doesn't matter when its recorded, as long as it's released in 2007?

Since Mark is too busy impregnating his signature with CD covers to answer my question, I will take unilateral action:

This is one of the best DVD releases for 2007 ........ pure magic ........

[sidoze]

my favourite CDs this year are by jazz musicians and they're a few years old. Bought a few classical recs but nothing really stuck

[Mark]

1. Does this include DVDs too? 
2. It doesn't matter when its recorded, as long as it's released in 2007?

1. Yes.
2. Yes.

[Mark]

You better just post what's on your sig Mark.  I'm not the only one that has sigs turned off!

Right, here's what's in my signature for those who can't see it (I'll remove these images from my sig in a minute):

   

On the whole, a good year for BIS (who consistently have excellent sound, too).

[Lethevich]

My favourite DVD released this year:



This was from (I think) November 2006, but if the awards ceremony for 2007 is before November, then...

[hautbois]

I have not heard a single recording made after 2007 until this moment! Appaling!

Howard

[bhodges]

Without a doubt, the Netherlands Opera version of Shostakovich Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk is not only the best DVD I've seen so far this year, but is a good candidate for "Favorite Opera DVD Ever."  It was filmed at the 2006 Holland Festival and released in January of this year.  It has an excellent cast (albeit no "superstars"), a superb chorus, an intelligently conceived production beautifully directed and filmed, and in the pit, Mariss Jansons and the Concertgebouw giving a scorching account of the score.

Certainly highly recommended for anyone who likes Shostakovich, but I'd also recommend it for anyone wanting to see how effective opera can be on DVD.

--Bruce

[BorisG]

I will nominate Hamelin Haydn Piano Sonatas, Kantorow Saint-Saens Violin Concerto No. 3, Sudbin Scriabin recital, Demidenko plays Rachmaninov (reissue), and Richter the Master Volume 3 (reissued material).

[hornteacher]

A marvellous live performance DVD for 2007.  My favorite for the year.

[Mark]

A marvellous live performance DVD for 2007.  My favorite for the year.

Do I detect a little Hahn bias here?

[hornteacher]

Do I detect a little Hahn bias here?

Guilty!   

But truthfully its a great concert.  HH plays Mozart's 3rd VC and the orchestra does a fantastic New World.

[Holden]

if this was released this year then it certainly qualifies. If not forget it.