What were you listening to? (CLOSED)

[Brian]

Comparing these two recordings for a new review I'm writing of the one on the left:

   

Frankly, if I were Maria Kliegel, the album on the left would be an insult to me. The Joost Ben-Sasson performance is mediocre at best and abominable at worst - totally cold and emotionless.

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

Scriabin: Poem of Ecstasy (Antal Dorati/Concertgebouw, live recording, March 15, 1984) - Sensational.

--Bruce

I am almost certain I attended that concert. I remember I found Dorati's conducting sloppy, and that the ecstasy (for me at least) certainly did not set in... I must look for my notebooks from those years, because I wrote quite an extensive review (for my own use).

Perhaps he conducted it several times that season and I was so unlucky as to be present on the wrong night!

Later - no, I was there. Found my notes... Perhaps I'll translate some of them when I have more time...

[bhodges]

I am almost certain I attended that concert. I remember I found Dorati's conducting sloppy, and that the ecstasy (for me at least) certainly did not set in... I must look for my notebooks from those years, because I wrote quite an extensive review (for my own use).

Perhaps he conducted it several times that season and I was so unlucky as to be present on the wrong night!

Later - no, I was there. Found my notes... Perhaps I'll translate some of them when I have more time...

Well, at least on a couple of hearings I didn't find it sloppy, but of course, it's easier discerned in person!  (I'll have to relisten.)  Would be very interested in your comments from that time!  (Feel free to PM, since this thread tends to become an avalanche and things get lost.)

--Bruce

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

Well, at least on a couple of hearings I didn't find it sloppy, but of course, it's easier discerned in person!  (I'll have to relisten.)  Would be very interested in your comments from that time!  (Feel free to PM, since this thread tends to become an avalanche and things get lost.)

--Bruce

Expect a PM, Bruce! (soonish)

[Brian]

Well, at least on a couple of hearings I didn't find it sloppy, but of course, it's easier discerned in person!  (I'll have to relisten.)  Would be very interested in your comments from that time!  (Feel free to PM, since this thread tends to become an avalanche and things get lost.)

That is what the "Classical Chat Thread" is for!

Quoting David W.: "There seem to be two different approaches to the listening thread.  One is to do thread duty and let people know what you are currently listening to.  The other is to discuss what you're listening to.  Due to the high traffic on the thread latter is buried or ends up with replies separated by pages and pages.  I thought we might try something different.  If you want to post your thoughts and discuss them with others over current listening, reading or whatever is on your mind, post it here and it won't vanish."

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

That is what the "Classical Chat Thread" is for!

And an excellent thread it is, too (just checked). Perhaps I'll put my piece there (when I have translated it).

[Solitary Wanderer]

Brahms ~ Double Concerto

[Brian]

What a great cover.

[Brian]

Since I've left the "Mozart a Fraud" thread for good, I'm celebrating:

MOZART | Symphony No 25
Danish National Chamber Orchestra
Adam Fischer

[SonicMan46]

What a great cover.

Brian - ate at our mountain bistro last night, that was my dinner -     Venison tenderloin, medium rare w/ a couple of veggies and a few glasses of Pinot Noir - the cover art on that label can be 'off the wall' but always of interest & provocative - BUT, how about the music - thanks?   Dave 

[SonicMan46]

Schumann, Robert - Solo Piano Works - still trying to 'fill-out' my Bob Schumann solo piano collection; two 'new' arrivals today of older recordings shown below - BOY, those two were young then!  And, Martha was quite appealing - 

 

[George]

BOY, those two were young then!  And, Martha was quite appealing - 

Might not want to Harp on about that! 

[Bogey]

Brian - ate at our mountain bistro last night, that was my dinner -     Venison tenderloin, medium rare w/ a couple of veggies and a few glasses of Pinot Noir - the cover art on that label can be 'off the wall' but always of interest & provocative - BUT, how about the music - thanks?   Dave 

Love that meal as well, Dave!

[George]

Chopin
Piano Sonata 2

Grieg
Ballade in G Minor, op. 24 (Variations on a Norwegian folk melody)

Beethoven
Sonata No. 26 in E-flat, op. 81a, "Lebewohl"

[Sid]

Part - Da Pacem Domine; Lamentate (Hilliard Ens./Lubimov/SWR Stuttgart SO/Boreyko) ECM

This recording offers two recent works by Arvo Part. The first is the a capella Da Pacem Domine, which is quite haunting. The second is effectively a piano concerto called Lamentate. Part composed the work after seeing an artwork in the Tate modern gallery in London. It is a multi-movement work, with louder and faster sections contrasted with quieter and calmer slow sections. The piano solo is almost childlike at times, playing repetitively. As usual, the recording from ECM is excellent, but the total timing of the disc is only about 45 minutes, it wouldn't of hurt to put a third work on it as well.

Myaskovsky - Sinfonietta No. 2; Shostakovich - Chamber Symphony (arr. of String Quartet No. 8 by Rudolf Barshai) (Dalgat String Ensemble/Melia) Naxos

Here are two contrasting works from the Russian string repertoire. Myaskovsky's Sinfonietta is more lighthearted and has overtones of Tchaikovsky. His music also reminds me of Elgar at times. The Shostakovich is very dark, written in memory of those who died in the Dresden bombings. Unlike some similar works written in memory of people who died in the war, such as Richard Strauss' Metamorphosen, the Shostakovich does not offer any ray of light at the end. It is one of the bleakest works in the repertoire, and it was actually played at the composer's funeral. The Naxos recording is clear & crisp.

[George]

Chopin
Scherzo 3

[SonicMan46]

Might not want to Harp on about that! 

Now, George, I guess at my age, I've become more attracted (visually, this is) to younger ladies, but that's OK - there is an OLD saying, I believe - doesn't make a difference where you get your appetite, just make sure that you eat at home! - Dave 

[George]

Now, George, I guess at my age, I've become more attracted (visually, this is) to younger ladies, but that's OK - there is an OLD saying, I believe - doesn't make a difference where you get your appetite, just make sure that you eat at home! - Dave  

Absolutely, of course I was kidding.  

thread duty:

Chopin/Godowsky
Study No. 47 ("Badinage," Etudes op. 10, no. 5 and op. 25, no. 9 combined)
David Saperton  

Wow!

[SonicMan46]

Absolutely, of course I was kidding.  

Oh George, you know that I was just enjoying your response - Dave 

BTW, what do you think of those two older Schumann discs that I just received today (post a page back or so) - quite excellent recordings from these 'young' performers, i.e. Agerich & Perahia - 

[George]

Oh George, you know that I was just enjoying your response - Dave 

BTW, what do you think of those two older Schumann discs that I just received today (post a page back or so) - quite excellent recordings from these 'young' performers, i.e. Agerich & Perahia - 

The Argerich is wonderful! Aurally and visually.  I have the entire solo DG box set. Haven't heard the Perahia.