What were you listening to? (CLOSED)

[karlhenning]

Today i sat down and said, no multitasking, and popped in this recording that left me a bad impression the first time i listened to it. This time, it is stunning. Great sonics! So much clarity without losing warmth, which is absolutely worth every bit of praise. Exuberant and beautiful, typical Mendelssohn, and very well played indeed. Highly recommendable.

Howard, I am so pleased that you have made your peace with the Mendelssohn A Midsummer Night's Dream music!

[karlhenning]

From the box with Reginald Kell recordings in America. The best version of Brahms Sonatas, a remarkable phrasing and elegance in Saint-Saens, the sense of mystery and sensuality in Debussy, the Dance and the dynamic in Bartok.

I would say that this box is the first choice to anyone that likes clarinet and the masterpieces composed for it.

Who are the violinist and pianist on the Contrasts, val?

[Harry]

Jakov Gotovac & Marko Tajcevic.

Symphonic Poems. (1)
Seven Balkan Dances. (2)

Radio Philharmonie Hannover des NDR/Moshe Atzman.

As I said many times before, marvelous music, well recorded, and worth everyones attention.
I purchesed it 6 months ago, and played this little bugger at least 25 times.
That say's something about my enthusiasm, right?!

[longears]

Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf: Harp Concerto; Nicanor Zabaleta, harp; Paul Kuentz Chamber Orchestra/ Paul Kuentz. DG 43969 (on Overnight Classical from Minnesota Public Radio) -- simply dreadful, like watching Rosie O'Donnell trying to be witty.

[Kullervo]

Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf: Harp Concerto; Nicanor Zabaleta, harp; Paul Kuentz Chamber Orchestra/ Paul Kuentz. DG 43969 (on Overnight Classical from Minnesota Public Radio) -- simply dreadful, like watching Rosie O'Donnell trying to be witty.

Oh you're exaggerating!

[springrite]

Oh you're exaggerating!

About Carl Ditters or about Rosie?

(I have a feeling that fans of Rosie O's probably has a stronger and more valid reason for feeling offended)

[Harry]

Dittersdorf survives all slander......such is the quality of the music

[karlhenning]

Janáček
Sinfonietta
Cz Phil
Ančerl

Splendid!

[longears]

Oh you're exaggerating!

Have you heard Ditters's Harp Concerto?

(I have a feeling that fans of Rosie O's probably has a stronger and more valid reason for feeling offended)

Rosie has fans?

[not edward]

Janáček
Sinfonietta
Cz Phil
Ančerl

Splendid!

If this is the Ancerl Gold disc, just make sure to stick around for the spellbinding Martinu that follows.



These are certainly well-crafted, attractive pieces for largely neglected instruments. Whether they are more than that is something I'll consider in future listenings.

[karlhenning]

Martinů
Fresky Piera della Francesca (Frescoes of Piero della Francesca)
Cz Phil
Ančerl

Exquisite!

(Our posts crossed, Edward!)

[johnQpublic]

Elgar - In the South (Gibson/Chandos)
Brahms - Cello Sonata #1 (Ma/RCA)
Faure - Ballade, Op. 19 (Collard/EMI)

[karlhenning]

These are certainly well-crafted, attractive pieces for largely neglected instruments. Whether they are more than that is something I'll consider in future listenings.

The Aho Clarinet Concerto did not make the unalloyedly strong impression upon me which the Lindberg did.  A second listening found me liking a great deal in the middle, but having serious doubts over nearly half the piece.

[karlhenning]

Martinů
Paraboly
Cz Phil
Ančerl

[Kullervo]

Various Haydn symphonies on the big speakers, since everyone else is away.  0:) I'm also doing some random clicking-around online, so they don't have my undivided attention, which is unusual for me. I think Haydn can handle it, though.

[karlhenning]

Martinů
Symphony No. 2
RSNO
Bryden Thomson

Maiden spin of this!

[Hector]

Toch's Symphonies 5, 6 and 7 on CPO and which I bought some months back.

Frankly, I do not think that they are to my taste, although he writes well for the brass. Perhaps I should "rest" them for a period and try again.

Karl's post reminds me that I must get more Martinu on CD. He is criminally neglected in both the concert hall, radio and CD, although we did get a fine performance of the 4th Piano Concerto at the Proms last year. Hopefully, with a Czech in charge of the BBCSO we'll get more!

Finish the daylight hours with 'The Kingdom.' Boult on EMI.

[karlhenning]

Toch's Symphonies 5, 6 and 7 on CPO and which I bought some months back.

And in turn, you remind me to bring Toch back into the rotation!

[Wanderer]

Nikolai Medtner.
Complete piano works, Volume I.
Hamish Milne, Piano.
Recorded 1977, on the label CRD, by Bob Auger.

Primavera, (Spring Tale) Forgotten Melodies, Second Cycle, Opus 39, No. 2.
Meditation, Forgotten Melodies Second Cycle, opus 39, No. 2.
Fairy Tale, E flat major, opus 26, No, 2.
in F minor, (Ophelia's Song) opus 14, No.1.
in E minor, (March of the Paladin), opus 14, No. 2.
in G major, opus 9, No. 3.
in D minor.
in C sharp minor, opus 35, No. 4.
Three Hymns in Praise of Toil, opus 49.
Elegy opus 59, no. 2.
Dithyramb opus 10, No. 2.



Milne is opening my ears for Medtner. The range of emotions this composer has to offer is enormous, for what a great composer he is.
and you can find that genius in the piano works aplenty. I was slowly finding my way into Medtner, but he takes me by storm and thunder. I am listening to some of his Fairy Tales mostly in Minor keys, and amazing they are. Starting with "Primavera" (Spring Tale) forgotten Melodies, Second Cycle opus 39, No. 3, and No. 1, (Meditation) and both works are blowing me out of my chair, what beauty, and perfectly scored compositions they are. The mystery is oozing from the notes. The elegy opus 59, no. 2 is a stunning work too, as are all works. Milne is a fabulous pianist, and allthough I have no one to compare to, I would say from what I hear Milne fits the bill allright. And the recording from trustworthy Bob Auger is a always expertly done, a warm and detailed sound, in a perfect sound stage.
The start of a 7 cd box was successfull. Cannot wait to play it all. Definitively a very good start of 2008.

I'm very glad you like this set, Harry. Medtner is one of my favourite composers and Milne one of his best exponents. Perhaps you'd like to fish in the depths of the forum for the Medtner thread and post some impressions there, too?

[Harry]

I'm very glad you like this set, Harry. Medtner is one of my favourite composers and Milne one of his best exponents. Perhaps you'd like to fish in the depths of the forum for the Medtner thread and post some impressions there, too?

Capital, I will, thank you Tasos.