What were you listening to? (CLOSED)

[Wanderer]

What did you think of the Boulez dvd? I have been studiously avoiding it, but of course I'm curious as to your own opinion.

If you mean the visual aspects of the production, I don't think much of it. So far, I've preferred listening to rather than watching it.
As for Boulez conducting, I have no negative comments; I find his approach quite valid and interesting, if a little rushed at certain points. I haven't listened to it for almost a year, though; it'd be interesting to do so again, perhaps in conjunction with the Barenboim DVD Ring cycle, which should be delivered any day now.

[FideLeo]

Hmmm. Now I'm more curious.

Attention however - the soprano singing in the Boulez Ring can really use some enduring, especially
that from Gwyneth Jones, who happens to have a lot of time onstage 

[Ephemerid]

I have never experienced a piece of music that resistant to my liking it  (or I've never experienced myself being that resistant to liking a piece of music  ) I'm still trying though  0:)

Everyone has different methods, but I actually had to listen to each part in reverse order-- the final movement hooked me, but the rest was hard to swallow.  I found listening to parts 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 gradually over time (no pun intended) made it easier for me to absorb.  I listen to it in the right order now.  

[Haffner]

Attention however - the soprano singing in the Boulez Ring can really use some enduring, especially
that from Gwyneth Jones, who happens to have a lot of time onstage 

You know, I have Jones singing Elektra and it's pretty good! But I'm very grateful you warned me.

[Haffner]

If you mean the visual aspects of the production, I don't think much of it. So far, I've preferred listening to rather than watching it.
As for Boulez conducting, I have no negative comments; I find his approach quite valid and interesting, if a little rushed at certain points. I haven't listened to it for almost a year, though; it'd be interesting to do so again, perhaps in conjunction with the Barenboim DVD Ring cycle, which should be delivered any day now.

Do you think you could keep me updated as to your thoughts on both the Barenboim and Boulez, please?

LvB op. 30, 3 (Brilliant edition)

Still enjoying this one!

[FideLeo]

You know, I have Jones singing Elektra and it's pretty good! But I'm very grateful you warned me.

This is quoted from a rmcr newsgroup post:  "I would rather listen to a police siren than to Gwyneth Jones' renowned wobble."  (Michael Scott Rohan)  I guess she was probably a little indisposed when making the Ring. 

[Haffner]

This is a quote from the rmcr newsgroup posting:  "I would rather listen to a police siren than to Gwyneth Jones' renowned wobble."  (Michael Scott Rohan)

(laughing) Now, that's just mean! But I'm definitely warned now!

[Wanderer]

Do you think you could keep me updated as to your thoughts on both the Barenboim and Boulez, please?

Certainly, although bear in mind that it'll be some time before I'll come around to watch the Boulez Ring again, as I'm currently residing away from my main music collection (Boulez Ring included).

[Haffner]

Certainly, although bear in mind that it'll be some time before I'll come around to watch the Boulez Ring again, as I'm currently residing away from my main music collection (Boulez Ring included).

Great! Your comments will be much appreciated.

[Drasko]

I have never experienced a piece of music that resistant to my liking it  (or I've never experienced myself being that resistant to liking a piece of music  ) I'm still trying though  0:)

Tried it three different times with three different pianists (Serkin, Aimard, Batagov) after which decided to shelve it for a few millennia and then retry, maybe.

[Haffner]

I have never experienced a piece of music that resistant to my liking it  (or I've never experienced myself being that resistant to liking a piece of music  ) I'm still trying though  0:)

I can be very helpful at times. Get back to me on this one, please.

[orbital]

Everyone has different methods, but I actually had to listen to each part in reverse order-- the final movement hooked me, but the rest was hard to swallow.  I found listening to parts 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 gradually over time (no pun intended) made it easier for me to absorb.  I listen to it in the right order now.   

Dare I try that? Maybe I will, thank you.

Tried it three different times with three different pianists (Serkin, Aimard, Batagov) after which decided to shelve it for a few millenia and then retry, maybe.

Is the Serkin there as an endorsement among those you've tried?
-edit: Sorry I've just noticed this is not the Quartet

I've pondered if it may be the performance, but I must at the least get to like something about the piece before looking for alternative versions.

[Haffner]

On Rhapsody:

Wagner's Meistersinger (Solti)

Oh, Paradise!

[orbital]

I can be very helpful at times. Get back to me on this one, please.

Help me now! 

[Haffner]

Help me now! 

(laughs) It's seriously doubtful you'll find anything to like about that release, Orbital. But I'd be amazed if I were wrong.

Many call that cd "seminal Death Metal", but the gross ineptitude of the musicians (this facet changed for the better on later releases), coupled with some of the lamest recording "techniques" in recording history, make this one of the only albums one could reasonably refer to as "essentially unlistenable".

[rubio]

Chopin Mazurkas by an old master.

[Harry]

Well, I suppose I am. It's probably a bad case of Fist Recording Bias. Years ago I was lent a compilation of Kirkby singing baroque arias (Handel perhaps), I can't recall the details now, and since then I've had a soft spot for her. I can't say I've been disappointed though...

Now playing:

Beethoven
Sextet in E flat
The Gaudier Ensemble
Helios

Love those horns...

Well you may not know this, but I am known for my love regarding this particular soprano.....and that I have all her records.......

[toledobass]

Listening to Nicola Benedetti for the first time ever. She's playing the Szymanowski concerto and I was immediately drawn in by her sound.  Her crystal clear upper register and beautiful relaxed shifts really catch my attention.  I've never heard the piece before but her playing is so good that she's got me listening very closely.  Glad to have picked this disk up.

Allan

[Brian]

Looks great Brian! How is it?  I've heard a few arrangements by Brahms for Four Hand Piano, including the String Quartet in C minor and the Piano Concerto in D minor, and both were utterly fantastic!!!    I may have to visit Naxos for some more sampling of this.

Hey ChamberNut, these are terrific performances! The Second is very relaxed and "mellow", the pianists really bring out the lyricism and pastoral qualities, at least until they get to the finale. The Third Symphony is even more impressive, a performance I rank with the best orchestral versions. The ending of the finale is exquisite! The whole CD benefits from perfectly selected tempi, striking clarity, and great playing.

[Brian]

For the second time in four days:



One of my new favorite CDs.