What were you listening to? (CLOSED)

[val]

FAURÉ/DEBUSSY:      Sonatas for cello & piano              / Tortelier, Hubeau

Extraordinary. Tortelier and Hubeau are intense, deeply eloquent in Fauré's Sonatas. Their version of Debussy's Sonata is perhaps even better than the one of Gendron/Français.

One of the most beautiful CD with cello music that I know.

[Willoughby earl of Itacarius]

Sometimes I wonder why a CD becomes the most loved one in your collection, yet as insignificant as it may seem, this one has become just that. I must have played this disc hundreds of times, because it appeals to me in a emotional and intellectual capacity. The music to begin with, written by : Robert Jones, Tobias Hume and Giles Farnaby, then, both counter tenors, which are on this occasion in excellent form, and fitting in timbre to a point. Michael Chance and David Cordier were both on the top of their art, and never surpassed this recording in any way. Tragicomedia directed by Stephen Stubbs, contributed highly to this most successful enterprise, not to forget the excellent recording, ( 1988) done by Tony Faulkner a sound wizard as there ever was. Even the cover art is very fitting to the atmosphere this CD creates, Edward Herbert, First Baron Herbert of Cherbury, 1610-1614, by Isaac Olivier. (1617) First one in my collection despite countless other favourites, it makes my heart rejoice greatly.

[Henk]

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What are your impressions of Ligeti, Lethevich? His music fails to me at leaving a lasting impression on me.

[Que]

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A Passion somewhat sounding like an opera buffa from the Classical era in Neapolitan style?

Music of suprising quality in a superb performance - fascinating!

Q

[Willoughby earl of Itacarius]

I am strangely attracted to Karl Amadeus Hartmann's music, which is at first not very inviting music at all, and at times rather harsh and unforgiven, but the way he orchestrates makes for repeated forays into this highly complex composer. And today I tackled the 7th for large orchestra again, a fairly depressive work, that doesn't make you happy at all, but it is not for this I listen to them, its the expression of what he wants to say that attracts me. Barren, desolate landscapes, devoid of all, but infused with surrealistic images that haunt me while listening. Frequently to my mind came the images Charlotte Bronte creates in "Jane Eyre",  "But far away, over wind and water, poured a wild, melancholy wail, it was sad to listen to, and I ran off again".
Sound is excellent, as to my ears the performance, the melancholy tendencies come off very well.

[Lethevich]

What are your impressions of Ligeti, Lethevich? His music fails to me at leaving a lasting impression on me.

I don't know all of his music well, but I love the piano works, and greatly enjoy the quartets and concertos. The quartets are a missing link between Bartók and spectralism, and the concertos feel perfectly written for the soloists. Most of all it is fun - I do not find much post-war music to express joy to me with any success, whether the composer intends it or not.

[Papy Oli]

Good morning all   

Even better the second time round ! 

goof afternoon all 

Leos Janacek
On an Overgrown path / tema con Variazioni / In the Mist
Paul Crossley (Piano)
CD 1 from this set

[Willoughby earl of Itacarius]

Symphony no. 8.

As in my review of the 7th, it fits to the eight! Fascinating music.

[The new erato]

Shostakovich Quartets 9 & 10, Fitzwilliams

After listening to 1-8 with the Pacifica (and waiting for the rest of their cycle) I needed to finish the series. So I will do the rest with the Fitzwilliams.

[nesf]

Dorati - The Rites of Spring

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I could listen to various versions of this ballet all day!

Haha! My 5 year old who normally decries classical music is dancing to it!

[Sergeant Rock]

Dorati - The Rites of Spring
Haha! My 5 year old who normally decries classical music is dancing to it!

Ha! You're raising a little barbarian there, are you? Cute 

Sarge

[madaboutmahler]

Thanks for the info madaboutmahler!
Is this the one you mean?


And this one?

Yes, those are the ones! Highly recommended!

Q's advice is excellent, and I think it's a great suggestion that you could come and join the Mahler-Mania thread, which is in the 'Composer Discussion' area of the forum.

Hope you have a nice day, Mark!

p.s: Ilaria is certainly correct in saying that Leonard Bernstein was one of the greatest Mahlerian conductors of all time. All of his performances of the Mahler symphonies come highly recommended too, especially no.3 and 6 from me! Take your time though, you don't need to go and purchase all of these rapidly! But if you do want a first complete Mahler cycle, I would recommend the Bernstein set on DG.

[Sergeant Rock]

Clara Schumann, Romance in A minor op.21/1, Konstanze Eickhorst, piano




Sarge

[Willoughby earl of Itacarius]

As far as I read, nobody seems much interested in the composer Natanael Berg, which is a pity, for he writes highly original music, that is very captivating, and absolutely melodious in every way. Original, with a gift of painting with his music colourful images of great beauty. In Ari Rasilainen, Berg found a good advocate, to further the interest in his music. The Norrkoping SO is well rehearsed in this music for it seems they have it in their blood, and need no incentive to play this well, for their excellence is insistently on and under the surface. I wrote about this CD in previous reviews 1-3-2012 and 17-3-2012. If interested you may find there more info.

[Willoughby earl of Itacarius]

Violin concerto in A major. Its easily on the same level as Jean Sibelius. See my reviews on 1-3 and 13-3-2012.

[madaboutmahler]

Couldn't resist... so, now:

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Symphonic Dances from Westside Story

I love this piece so much.

[Karl Henning]

Symphonic Dances from Westside Story

I love this piece so much.

No wonder: those dances are great fun!

[madaboutmahler]

No wonder: those dances are great fun!

Certainly, Karl! Such a brilliant piece! And the subtle sections are truly beautiful too.

[Sergeant Rock]

Karl Henning, Lunar Glare Op.98 

Sarge

[Karl Henning]

Even through the glare, I see that. Thanks, Sarge!