The one recording you think everyone should bin

[Tsaraslondon]

Tsaras, it is not my objective to be controversial but it is the whole point of this thread to mention "famous" recordings that disappointed. And that is the interesting thing about it. I could mention some obscure ones if you like? (Or all the "famous" recordings I do like - which would be a by far greater number.)
And why mention Giulini's Don and Klemperer's Fidelio? Because I found them disappointing, that's why.

I like the Callas/De Sabata Tosca btw...

I also like/adore Klemperer's Brahms, mentioned by others as dissapointing - see me getting upset over it?

Q

But my point is that, although the Klemperer Fidelio, for instance, might not be my favourite recording of the opera, to suggest that one should bin it, is to suggest that it is enirely without merit, which it isn't. Ditto many of the recordings suggested in this thread. I also deplore this American obsession that anything recpmmended by Gramophone, should be ignored, and this attitude, that we Brits praise to the hilt anything recorded by British artistes, when this is patently not true.

[Don]

I also deplore this American obsession that anything recpmmended by Gramophone, should be ignored, and this attitude, that we Brits praise to the hilt anything recorded by British artistes, when this is patently not true.

Although I certainly don't feel that Gramophone recommendations are meaningless, I do detect some British bias from that magazine as well as British websites such as Gramophone. 

I want to emphasize that I expect such bias and consider it normal and healthy.

[Bogey]

*Thanks! I listened to some samples. Sounds faster than Pinnock. I'm not sure if that's what these concertos need.  **The fact that it's not complete set shows disrespect. "Corelli is a minor composer so we only record half of the set."

*Maybe not....just suits my taste more.


**So, I guess your generalization of "disrespect" would have to be grafted onto all those that have recorded excerpts from this complete set?  Would this generalization also apply to recordings of other excerpts of other compositions by other composers?  I agree I rather have a "complete" recording of any work, but I cannot say that I equate the recording of an excerpt with the word "disrespect".  I just cannot see La Petite Bande sitting in the studio saying, "Corelli's Op. 6 ain't worth the effort to record from start to finish....let's "dis" him and only record half.  That will show him what we think of his work."  

By the way, FWIW, I decided to look up their discography....guess what?  They did record Nos. 7-12 in 1977....probably just never made it to disc, or is out of print.  Guess they added No. 5 along the way since it is on the disc.  Here is the link:

http://www.lapetitebande.be/

[Que]

But my point is that, although the Klemperer Fidelio, for instance, might not be my favourite recording of the opera, to suggest that one should bin it, is to suggest that it is enirely without merit, which it isn't. Ditto many of the recordings suggested in this thread. I also deplore this American obsession that anything recpmmended by Gramophone, should be ignored, and this attitude, that we Brits praise to the hilt anything recorded by British artistes, when this is patently not true.

Tsaras, of course Klemperer's Beethoven is not without merit. But I think it is in any case overrated.

What one recording, or perhaps more, do you think is nowhere near as good as reviewers/fan say? What are the over-rated recordings out there?

I did not take the title of the thread literally: the opening post speaks of overrated and that's a good criterion.
It would be silly to fall in a simplified dichotomy: either must-have or complete garbage. But putting so called "must-haves" in perspective a bit, seems a healthy idea. We don't ALL have to like ALL recordings branded as "great" or famous. And minority views should be allowed to be expressed - right?? 

I agree with Don: Gramophone and Penguin have their merit, but there certainly exists a Britsh bias. British conductors, Britsh composers, British singers.
But I dont mind. There is also an American bias, a French and a German. As an Dutch outsider I'm neutral.

Q

[Hector]

Maybe you are puzzled but I mentioned two recordings.
FYI there was a Fidelio thread on the old GMG and a lot of favourites were mentioned other than the Klemperer.

Yes, I have and know my own preferences, thank you very much.

Yours too  ,

Q

Tsaras, it is not my objective to be controversial but it is the whole point of this thread to mention "famous" recordings that disappointed. And that is the interesting thing about it. I could mention some obscure ones if you like? (Or all the "famous" recordings I do like - which would be a by far greater number.)
And why mention Giulini's Don and Klemperer's Fidelio? Because I found them disappointing, that's why.

I like the Callas/De Sabata Tosca btw...

I also like/adore Klemperer's Brahms, mentioned by others as dissapointing - see me getting upset over it?

Q

That's it, you backpedal like mad.

It is not just simply a question of taste that you lack, here.

Mind you, I suspect that if you kept a thread going long enough there would be more like you trashing the recognised "Greats."

No, don't get upset, in fact don't bother to reply, that'll show me...oh, you already have!

[Hector]

Tsaras, of course Klemperer's Beethoven is not without merit. But I think it is in any case overrated.

I did not take the title of the thread literally: the opening post speaks of overrated and that's a good criterion.
It would be silly to fall in a simplified dichotomy: either must-have or complete garbage. But putting so called "must-haves" in perspective a bit, seems a healthy idea. We don't ALL have to like ALL recordings branded as "great" or famous. And minority views should be allowed to be expressed - right?? 

I agree with Don: Gramophone and Penguin have their merit, but there certainly exists a Britsh bias. British conductors, Britsh composers, British singers.
But I dont mind. There is also an American bias, a French and a German. As an Dutch outsider I'm neutral.

Q

I always used to say when in a hole it is best to stop digging.

It clearly states One recording you think everyone should bin. You offered several.

Now you berate Gramophone for favouring Brits like C. Kleiber and Klemperer.

Being Dutch is no excuse. Some of us expect more from our European partners.

Don't worry, you are not alone. Somebody wants to bin Kertesz's Dvorak. Perhaps. they have played it to much?

[Que]

That's it, you backpedal like mad.

It is not just simply a question of taste that you lack, here.

Mind you, I suspect that if you kept a thread going long enough there would be more like you trashing the recognised "Greats."

No, don't get upset, in fact don't bother to reply, that'll show me...oh, you already have!

Hector, I really don't know what you're on about.

It clearly states One recording you think everyone should bin. You offered several.

Quite so, I overlooked that. 

Q

[Mark]

Who knew Beethoven could be so dull?

Having recently posted in the 'Barenboim' thread that this set didn't do it for me, I found myself laughing out loud when I read this. There's something to be said for his Symphonies Nos. 7 and 8, but the rest left me cold ... especially his No. 9, during which my mind wandered. Wildly. I still insist that, of the interpretations of Beethoven's Symphonies that I've heard, I'd go for Abbado's VPO set on DG every time if I want something that's 'big-boned', romantic and unidiomatic.

A Tallis Fantasia of stunning mediocrity.

Okay, we're on hallowed ground, here. The Tallis Fantasia is a favourite of mine, and I'd let the Devil take my unborn child if it was the only way I could hang on to two particular recordings of this work, both conducted by Sir Andrew Davis. Having said this, I'd be sad to see this recording by Judd slip from my grasp. I downloaded this CD some months ago, and it's been on my MP3 player more times than any other album. I admit, that's for the Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1. But I do also very much enjoy the Tallis Fantasia. Okay, it's far from 'ideal' in the opinions of some, but it has a charm and a quality that's quite endearing ... and the more I hear it, the more it appeals. If you're looking to bin a recording of this work, Lenny's disaster with the NYP from 1976 is a prime candidate. That man murders the piece in a torturous rendition that makes for the most painful 17+ minutes of music I've ever suffered.

[Mark]

This recording has received near-hysterical praise in some quarters (particularly, the British classical press):

Vanska: Beethoven Symphony No. 9

Now, I don't mean to sound cussed, but why, exactly, is this good? I've tried to 'get it' on 12 separate occasions, always reapproaching it with the idea in mind that I missed something the last time. Even Barenboim's Ninth got some reaction from me ... this just leaves me cold every time.

[Harry]

Well that's alright Mark, don't fret about it dear fellow.
Karajan is the best shot you can give to a better interpretation, and if HIP, look no further than Gardiner.

[12tone.]

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[Mark]

We have lots of discussion here about recordings we all recommend. But what about those we recommend others DON'T buy? Well, now we have a thread for this, too.

I'm going to kick off with this lacklustre effort:



Now it's your turn.

[Harry]

Well, it of course bringing the wrath of GMG over me, but I would select Wagner.
If it would cause as much pain as it does me, I would not even wish that to them.

[The Mad Hatter]

My first copy of the Beethoven symphonic cycle - one of only two CDs I've ever just given away. It was the Georgian SIMI Festival Orchestra conducted by Some Guy, and the performances were just dribble: overzealous timpanists; underwhelming singers; very little sense of direction with the melodies...just absolutely appaling versions of great pieces, topped off with unexpected background noises (what sounds like a car driving by in the fifth).

[Mark]

Well, it of course bringing the wrath of GMG over me, but I would select Wagner.
If it would cause as much pain as it does me, I would not even wish that to them.

Come on, Harry. Have you a particular recording in mind?

[BachQ]

Gimme a break ..........

I dissent

[BachQ]

Well, it of course bringing the wrath of GMG over me, but I would select Wagner.

You'd treat your enemies to such great music?

[Daverz]

One of the few things I've ever returned immediately because the performance disgusted me was the Ashkenazy/Perlman/Harrell Tchaikovsky Piano Trio.  I just couldn't believe how sloppy they sounded.  Particularly Harrell.  I took it back and got Pletnev/Oliveira/Rosen instead, and that is one of the best recordings of this work ever.

[Harry]

Come on, Harry. Have you a particular recording in mind?

Yes, all of them!

[hornteacher]

Any piano recording where the pianist hums along!  I literally yell at the CD.  SHUT UP!