Releases you'd like to give and receive this Christmas

[Mark]

This month's Gramophone carries a feature where several of its reviewers were asked to name one disc (CD or DVD) released in 2007 which they'd happily and confidently give as a Christmas present, and another they'd like to find under the tree for themselves. So, why don't we do the same?

The disc I'd give is, without question, is this absolute gem of a performance of Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto (to say nothing of the equally impressive Medtner pairing). Superb sound, superb playing - a top recommendation:



And for myself? Well, how about this from Herreweghe - a conductor I only encountered for the first time this year, but whose work has greatly impressed me:




So, what would you give and receive?

[PerfectWagnerite]

Not sure about giving since I know no one else who really likes classical music and whom I would consider giving to, but i wouldn't mind getting this:

[Brian]

Well, Christmas has already come early for me, really! 

This is the CD I actually will be giving for Christmas (that Sudbin disc can be confidently given for sure!):



This is to convince my parents to come to Houston in April. The HGO will be doing La boheme with Ms. Martinez as Mimi, and I hope that when they hear this disc they will not be able to stop themselves from coming to hear her extraordinary voice. And also buy my ticket. 

And these are on my Christmas list:







Although I think I may have forgotten to tell people about the second one. 

[Mark]

Love the cover of the Stanford disc - very atmospheric.

As for the CD you're giving, have you heard it? I presume yes. Funny, but it got an absolute slagging in the British classical music press (unless I'm very much mistaken ).

[rubio]

This is the perfect Christmas gift - the Bach Christmas Oratorio by Veldhoven/The Netherlands Bach Society. The packaging is velvet and purple - beyond de luxe. And the performance is *sterling* . It goes to my mother.



For sure I will not receive any classical CD's, as few of my close friends like this music.

[Brian]

Love the cover of the Stanford disc - very atmospheric.

As for the CD you're giving, have you heard it? I presume yes. Funny, but it got an absolute slagging in the British classical music press (unless I'm very much mistaken ).

Yes, I have heard and enjoyed it. As for the British press, here's what Gramophone said, which seems to stick with the general trend of "pretty good singer, ignore the orchestra":

Ana María Martínez has already won plaudits for roles at Covent Garden – Donna Elvira and Violetta – and for her recordings of stage works by Albéniz among others. This solo recital, recorded more than five years ago, is further confirmation of her gifts. Her voice has the typical ring and timbre of a Latin singer – she hails originally from Puerto Rico – and she has the spirited delivery that goes with the Latin temperament. There is nothing half-hearted in her delivery of this eclectic programme. Oddly arranged it may be but it serves to show off her appreciable talents.

She has just the right tranche of élan to encompass her opening shots – Delibes's Les filles de Cadix and Juliette's 'Je veux vivre', the coloratura neatly executed. The first of her three Puccini items, 'O mio babbino caro' demonstrates her ability to draw a refined legato across the grateful phrases and she does the same in an enchantingly fresh account of 'Chi il bel sogno di Doretta'.

Vocally speaking 'Un bel dì' is exemplary in tone and phrasing but here her Achilles' heel, one from which so many singers today suffer, is most apparent – a failure to make use of consonants to give the text real meaning as, say, Victoria de los Angeles in this aria so unerringly does. The same is true of her otherwise ravishing account of 'Vilja' – Hanna is one of the roles she has already taken on stage.

Where words are not of the essence, in Canteloube's Baïlèro and the famous Villa-Lobos item, the beauty of the singing carries all before it, but best of all are the two songs from zarzuelas, with the popular 'Violettes impériales' the jewel in the recital's crown, though – as recorded – here and elsewhere Martínez's tone can harden in the upper extremities. The orchestral support is more notable for vigour than subtlety.

Don't know what anybody else has said ... I kind of stumbled upon it myself.

[Mark]

Yes, I have heard and enjoyed it. As for the British press, here's what Gramophone said, which seems to stick with the general trend of "pretty good singer, ignore the orchestra":

Could be that I'm thinking of another singer entirely, then.

[greg]

i still have this in mind:

[Mark]

i still have this in mind:

To give or get?

[greg]

To give or get?

To get, of course! 

who would i give it to?...... hm, probably the only one who would appreciate it would be my dog.... he could bite the CD case as much as he wants!

[Solitary Wanderer]

Well, friends and family know not to risk buying me music because my tastes are so eclectic.

I've just ordered my Xmas gift which should arrive the week of Xmas:











This is such a wonderful series! I want them all! 

I don't know anyone I can buy classical music for  I give some of my off casts to my Mother.

I've bought my wife the following CDs for Xmas:

[gmstudio]

i still have this in mind:

  Mine just arrived from Amazon.  Get it! Get it!  It's fantastic.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

For sure I will not receive any classical CD's, as few of my close friends like this music.

If you're in the States gift cards from Borders = Amazon = classical CD riot!

[Lethevich]

I've just ordered my Xmas gift which should arrive the week of Xmas:



This is such a wonderful series! I want them all! 

I think Harry mentioned them possibly being boxed up semi cheaply in the near future - if that is the case, then I would recommend not buying any more single ones

[Harry]

That is the case, but do not ask me when.....

At the moment there is a special deal in Holland, 13,90 euro's for each copy, still, that is a lot of money, despite the lower price....

[Wanderer]

Well, friends and family know not to risk buying me music because my tastes are so eclectic.

I've just ordered my Xmas gift which should arrive the week of Xmas:











This is such a wonderful series! I want them all! 

Excellent choices, there; these are some of the most successful issues in the series. Scwarwenka 4, Henselt, Medtner 1/piano quintet and Alkan's Concerti da camera are all very impressive; the concertos by Dohnanyi and d'Albert also have some very memorable moments.

[marvinbrown]

Not sure about giving since I know no one else who really likes classical music and whom I would consider giving to, but i wouldn't mind getting this:

  I couldn't agree more PW  .

  marvin

[BachQ]

I'd like to receive DG's boxset of Complete Brahms ........

I'd like to give DG's boxset of Complete Brahms ........

[Norbeone]

I'd like to (and I am, incidentally) getting the Complete Glenn Gould Original Jacket set for christmas!      Can't wait for it, all 80 Cds worth! 




I'm indifferent to giving......

[Solitary Wanderer]

I think Harry mentioned them possibly being boxed up semi cheaply in the near future - if that is the case, then I would recommend not buying any more single ones

That is the case, but do not ask me when.....

At the moment there is a special deal in Holland, 13,90 euro's for each copy, still, that is a lot of money, despite the lower price....

Excellent choices, there; these are some of the most successful issues in the series. Scwarwenka 4, Henselt, Medtner 1/piano quintet and Alkan's Concerti da camera are all very impressive; the concertos by Dohnanyi and d'Albert also have some very memorable moments.

Well, that would be a super boxset. I will buy 5 every two months and complete the set by next Xmas...unless the boxset appears before then.

Yes, its a great series with lots of memorable music