The one recording you think everyone should bin

[Harry]

Oh yeah? I wouldn't wish half the stuff you listen to on my worst enemies.

Thank you my friend, much obliged I am sure!

[PerfectWagnerite]

Thank you my friend, much obliged I am sure!

Not that I wouldn't listen to them myself of course

[PSmith08]

Thielemann's Alpensinfonie. The only record, of which I didn't have a duplicate, that I've ever just given away. His Parsifal redeemed him ( ), but nothing will fully ameliorate that Alpensinfonie.

Lothar Zagrosek's Rheingold. The orchestral contribution is really splendid, and - for that reason - I still listen to it on occasion; however, some of the singers I cannot deal with. Wolfgang Probst's vibrato is just too annoying for me. If, like Hotter for Solti, vocal problems begin to creep in after Rheingold, that's OK. However, the young god should sound like it. Künzli's Loge almost - almost - makes up for it; however, I wouldn't wish this recording on an enemy. Wagner deserves better, even if they don't.

[Mark]

What is it about Thielemann's work that seems so sharply to divide critical opinion? Some say he's the new Karajan (or at least, made in 'His' image), while others find his direction torturous to the point of shapelessness. There was a discussion recently on radio about his Brahms Symphony No. 1, and the presenter played the opening. Then he played a newly reissued Szell recording of the same work, and my God - what a difference! The Szell outclassed the Thielemann without argument.

[karlhenning]

Karl, you are aware in which thread this discussion of your music is taking place, aren't you?

Arrrgggghhh !!!

[PerfectWagnerite]

Thielemann's Alpensinfonie. The only record, of which I didn't have a duplicate, that I've ever just given away.

I don't think that recording is that terrible. Actually it has some good moments like the low brass in the beginning. But did you ever read the LINER NOTES in that disc, I almost threw up. Here is an excerpt (all in the words of Thielemann):

A conductor has got to love Richard Strauss if he is the least bit interested in orchestral color.

That[Alpensinfonie] really does sound a lot like music [no sh*t Sherlock].

Take for example the eccentric opening on low trombones...how do you come up with such an idea? This is amazing music. It never ceases to fascinate me.

C'mon, you can't be a serious conductor and come up with such trite remarks. It is almost as bad as Marin Alsop saying how it is a pleasure to work with a "great" Mahler orchestra like the London SO.

[George]

You'd treat your enemies to such great music?

Haven't you heard? He's gentle in manner.   

[karlhenning]

C'mon, you can't be a serious conductor and come up with such trite remarks. It is almost as bad as Marin Alsop saying how it is a pleasure to work with a "great" Mahler orchestra like the London SO.

It all started with "Berlioz Takes a Trip," you know . . . .

[PerfectWagnerite]

It all started with "Berlioz Takes a Trip," you know . . . .

Let's not compare Ms. Alsop with Lenny please. Lenny was a natural, Alsop just sounds so reheased and patronizing.

[orbital]

Indeed, there is no shame at all, Harry. Next month, I shall download a Jando Haydn disc at random and let you know what I hear.

I have never heard a Jando CD, but I know that he has a reputation for humming along.

My entry is this:

It actually gave me nausea 

[karlhenning]

I have never heard a Jando CD, but I know that he has a reputation for humming along.

No man ever caught up with a bad rumor . . . .

[orbital]

No man ever caught up with a bad rumor . . . .

Happens all the time of course, but I just did a search (http://www.google.com/search?q=jando+humming  ) and there are reviews upon reviews claiming the same exact thing, be it Haydn, Schubert or WTK. Perhaps it is subtle enough for some people to not notice it.

[Iago]

Any atonal crap

[Mark]

Happens all the time of course, but I just did a search (http://www.google.com/search?q=jando+humming  ) and there are reviews upon reviews claiming the same exact thing, be it Haydn, Schubert or WTK. Perhaps it is subtle enough for some people to not notice it.

Well, it seems I stand corrected and owe Harry an apology:

Harry, I'm sincerely sorry I challenged and doubted you.

All I can say in my defence is that I own probably 10-15 discs on which Jando plays, and even through headphones at more than safe volume, I've not yet heard any humming.

Ho hum ...

[George]

FWIW Mark, nor have I. 

[Mark]

FWIW Mark, nor have I. 

Thanks. Thought I was going insane.

[karlhenning]

Well, and I was sure that the humming Harry heard was all the busts of Telemann, Gounod & al. vibrating atop his speakers 

[George]

Thanks. Thought I was going insane.

Well, as long as you don't find Jando to be one of the great pianists. 

[Mark]

Well, as long as you don't find Jando to be one of the great pianists. 

Got no firm opinions on pianists, George. Not an area to which I pay much heed ... evidently.

[karlhenning]

Toscachichi