What were you listening to? (CLOSED)

[TheGSMoeller]

Have you decided which version you prefer?  I like the organ+chorus version best, after that the chamber orchestra, with the full orchestra arrangement my least favorite incarnation.  Although, my esteem is so high for the work, none of them do I find less than enjoyable.

Agree with your last statement, SA. I'm pleased with any version that's played well.

But my favorite recordings are of the chamber ensemble. I find a lighter ensemble and even choir offer a more intimate atmosphere. Plus, I love the solo violin in the Sanctus over the full section.

[Opus106]

First Listen Friday

Henri Dutilleux
Symphony No. 1
Bordeaux Aquitaine National Orchestra | Hans Graf

http://www.youtube.com/v/1A1hTlYCFwo

[Mirror Image]

First Listen Friday

Henri Dutilleux
Symphony No. 1
Bordeaux Aquitaine National Orchestra | Hans Graf

http://www.youtube.com/v/1A1hTlYCFwo

Such a delectable work, Opus.

[Opus106]

Such a delicious work, Opus.

Indeed. Loved the rapid changes of instruments in the scherzo; very 'colourful' (I wonder if there is a wilder performance... I know you're a fan of the Tortelier ). Into the third movement now.

[Mirror Image]

Indeed. Loved the rapid changes of instruments in the scherzo; very 'colourful' (I wonder if there is a wilder performance... I know you're a fan of the Tortelier ). Into the third movement now.

Baudo's on Harmonia Mundi is really good. You may try seeking that one out, but, yes, Tortelier's is my favorite. Much better than the Graf whose orchestra isn't quite up to the BBC Philharmonic's standards.

Here's a link to the Baudo:

[asin]B0009JOMRY[/asin]

Pay no attention to the 3-star review. It was clearly written by an incompetent person.

[Lisztianwagner]

Franz Liszt
Tasso, Lamento e trionfo

[asin]B000009CMQ[/asin]

[Opus106]

Baudo's on Harmonia Mundi is really good. You may try seeking that one out, but, yes, Tortelier's is my favorite. Much better than the Graf whose orchestra isn't quite up to the BBC Philharmonic's standards.

It might have been due to inattentiveness, but I missed the YouTube video with Toretelier's recording, which was second in the search result, right after Graf's. Maybe another day.

Here's a link to the Baudo:

[asin]B0009JOMRY[/asin]

Thanks, John. I'm also considering the relatively new box from EMI with its mix of genres and famous works.

[Mirror Image]

It might have been due to inattentiveness, but I missed the YouTube video with Toretelier's recording, which was second in the search result, right after Graf's. Maybe another day.

Thanks, John. I'm also considering the relatively new box from EMI with its mix of genres and famous works.

You're welcome, Navneeth. The EMI box is decent. I think Plasson is the weak link in the box. Tortelier, again, clearly has the better understanding of the music and the orchestra to back it up. I listened to the Chung recording of the concerti the other night. Not bad at all. Still in heavy competition with the Tortelier though. I think one thing about the Tortelier set that helps it standout, besides the outstanding conducting and orchestral playing, is the audio quality. Chandos has really done a great job engineering these recordings. But I can see that the price of the Tortelier set could put some people off. I was lucky to buy for $38, but that's the cheapest I've seen it since then.

[Opus106]

Yes, the price has always been the deal-breaker with the Tortelier set.

Thread Duty:

Moved on to 'Timbres etc.' (Graf, again). One thing I noticed when I listened to HD for the first time (Métaboles), is how much one can simply immerse oneself in the sounds. I'm finding that quality here, again, in the first movement. It's a pity that I'm not listening to it under optimal circumstances for the 'effects' to manifest themselves properly.

[Mirror Image]

Thread Duty:

Moved on to 'Timbres etc.' (Graf, again). One thing I noticed when I listened to HD for the first time (Métaboles), is how much one can simply immerse oneself in the sounds. I'm finding that quality here, again, in the first movement. It's a pity that I'm not listening to it under optimal circumstances for the 'effects' to manifest themselves properly.

For me, YouTube is only a listening tool. It's not the final result. The quality, in most cases, can't even begin to compare with a good home stereo. How can it, especially when the CD is ran through a Marantz amplifier and a pair of Polk Audio speakers? There's simply no comparison, but YouTube helps give you an idea of how it will sound. There's no substitute for the real thing.

Of course, there's always the argument seeing in the orchestra live is the actual real thing, which I won't refute.

[madaboutmahler]

Good evening, everyone!

[asin]B0009VYP92[/asin]
Serenade for Strings

So very beautiful, and wonderfully performed.

[Opus106]

For me, YouTube is only a listening tool. It's not the final result. The quality, in most cases, can't even begin to compare with a good home stereo. How can it, especially when the CD is ran through a Marantz amplifier and a pair of Polk Audio speakers? There's simply no comparison, but YouTube helps give you an idea of how it will sound. There's no substitute for the real thing.

Actually, I was referring to the arrangement of the orchestra that Dutilleux wanted for this particular piece and the "sound space" that it would create. Even a CD played by a hi-fi system would likely be only an approximation.

[Mirror Image]

Actually, I was referring to the arrangement of the orchestra that Dutilleux wanted for this particular piece. Even a CD played by a hi-fi system would likely be only an approximation.

I see. [inserts foot in mouth]

[Mirror Image]

Good evening, everyone!

[asin]B0009VYP92[/asin]
Serenade for Strings

So very beautiful, and wonderfully performed.

Great work, Daniel, but Introduction & Allergro is my favorite for strings by Elgar.

[North Star]

Good evening, everyone!

[asin]B0009VYP92[/asin]
Serenade for Strings

So very beautiful, and wonderfully performed.

Evening, Daniel!
I'll probably soon expand my Elgar collection, and this set looks like a very economical way - I'm also considering the Barbirolli box on EMI, or perhaps the Collector's Edition (would be nice for the chamber works, for example). I've already got the CC & Sea Pictures from Barbirolli, though (with du Pré & Baker.)

[Opus106]

I wouldn't even dick around .. the Tortelier set is the one to own for this great orchestral music .. the quality of the set is reinforced by the Master's own stamp of approval.
For the 40$ range-tag it's totally worth it, and you won't be disappointed.

Don't egg me on too much or I might end up buying it.

[Mirror Image]

I wouldn't even dick around .. the Tortelier set is the one to own for this great orchestral music .. the quality of the set is reinforced by the Master's own stamp of approval.
For the 40$ range-tag it's totally worth it, and you won't be disappointed.

[asin]B00004YU78[/asin]

Agreed, but not with the way you said it. It doesn't get much better than Tortelier's performances in Dutilleux's orchestral music. And, yes, that's true Dutilleux said Tortelier was his favorite conductor of his music.

[listener]

There's also the Virgin set of 5 discs for EUR 8.60 at
http://www.amazon.es/Dutilleux-Orchestral-Piano-Chamber-Master/dp/B008BT1060/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1356645479&sr=1-1

[Mirror Image]

Now listening:

[asin]B000000AUB[/asin]

Listening to Violin Concerto (Concerto Accademico). A beautiful work.

[madaboutmahler]

Great work, Daniel, but Introduction & Allergro is my favorite for strings by Elgar.

I do love the Introduction and Allegro, but the tranquillity and magic of the Serenade makes an even more special work for me. It's one of my all time favourites!

Evening, Daniel!
I'll probably soon expand my Elgar collection, and this set looks like a very economical way - I'm also considering the Barbirolli box on EMI, or perhaps the Collector's Edition (would be nice for the chamber works, for example). I've already got the CC & Sea Pictures from Barbirolli, though (with du Pré & Baker.)

Good evening, Karlo! Great - well, I have not listening to Davis' set through yet, but the performance I have heard are extremely good. It's a set that I would highly recommend based on what I have heard so far. I'm sure John would prompt you to get Barbirolli regardless too though!