Recent posts

#1

The Diner / Re: Last Movie You Watched

Last post by aligreto - Today at 12:20:40 PM

The Banshees of Inisherin isn't an "easy" film, but the story told I found neither impenetrable or cryptic. The film is doing quite well in the Low Countries.
Without sinking into melancholy, this wry comedy talks about what can make everyday life worth living. The film is about lingering routine and how friendships can be subject to "wear".
All actors are very good, but Barry Keoghan, who broke through next to Farrell in The killing of a sacred deer, is exquisite in the role of an (all too honest) simpleton.
As mentioned earlier, I liked the subtle musical score (almost fairy tale, childish "tintinabuling") a lot.

I very much agree with your assessment of the film with regard to "how friendships can be subject to "wear".  Some friendships can even eventually become toxic.
I also agree with your assessment of Barry Keoghan in his "exquisite in the role of an (all too honest) simpleton". His was also a very fine performance amongst all of the others'. 

#2

Composing and Performing / Re: String Quartet, Op. 1

Last post by Crudblud - Today at 12:18:03 PM

A skilful take on the early Second Viennese School sound. Well done.

#3

Composer Discussion / Re: Karol Szymanowski (1882-19...

Last post by Dry Brett Kavanaugh - Today at 12:11:41 PM

I have been unable to resist the temptation to buy John Bingham's Szymanowski as an mp3 even though it's only available from poor quality places like Amazon and Apple. The preludes are streaming, but what interests me is the sonata.


It is a really outstanding performance, not surprisingly given John Bingham's track record of being an outstanding piano player.

Nice, sensitive performance. The composition of the sonata is too similar to Scriabin and it makes me feel uncomfortable a little.

#4

General Classical Music Discussion / Re: What are you listening 2 n...

Last post by aligreto - Today at 12:10:14 PM

Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2 [Gergiev]





This is a monumental work by any standards. I find that the opening movement in this presentation is very lyrical and also very questioning in its nature. This is a big movement by any standards and the level of lyricism is consistently maintained throughout its entirety. I find that there is also an attractive element of poignancy in this interpretation. The intensity levels significantly augment as the movement passes beyond the halfway stage and this, in turn, brings wonderful drama and tension with it. There is a very fine conclusion to this movement here.
Gergiev reflects the nature of the scoring of the second movement with a buoyant and animated performance. There is also the requisite amount of agitation and tension contained in the delivery.
I believe that the main theme of the third movement is hauntingly beautiful and must be one of the most attractive of all Classical Music melodies.
The final movement is wonderfully exciting and energetic with equally wonderfully expansive lyrical passages. There is a very fine conclusion on offer here.
As fine as this presentation is, it does not, however, match the Ashkenazy/Concertgebouw Orchestra performance for me.

[Luigi DallapiccolaUlisse, Prologue and act 1^Lorin Maazel & Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin]

#5

General Classical Music Discussion / Re: What are you listening 2 n...

Last post by Lisztianwagner - Today at 11:45:03 AM

On youtube, first listen to this composition:

Luigi Dallapiccola
Ulisse, Prologue and act 1^

Lorin Maazel & Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin

#6

Composer Discussion / Re: Deutschland Uber Alles

Last post by Mandryka - Today at 11:37:54 AM

I picked up, on a whim, a copy of the Wergo recording of Volker Staub's Suarogate.


I think it is really good!


Does anyone know anything about this composer?

https://www.discogs.com/artist/734401-Volker-Staub

https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volker_Staub

#7

General Classical Music Discussion / Re: What are you listening 2 n...

Last post by Daverz - Today at 11:37:10 AM

Probably a fine recording, but I just wasn't in the mood.

I haven't cared for Faust in HIP mode previously, so I've avoided this one.

#8

Great Recordings and Reviews / Re: Recordings for lute and re...

Last post by Dry Brett Kavanaugh - Today at 11:34:29 AM

If anybody can explain what's going on in the album, I would appreciate it. I guess her instrument, bass viol, is lower than Gamba?

#9

General Classical Music Discussion / Re: What are you listening 2 n...

Last post by absolutelybaching - Today at 11:29:07 AM

Krzysztof Penderecki's
Symphony No. 3

Krzysztof Penderecki, Polish Sinfonia Iuventus Orchestra

As a sucker for anything in the percussion section, I heartily approve of this here symphony...

#10

General Classical Music Discussion / Re: What are you listening 2 n...

Last post by 71 dB - Today at 11:29:00 AM

Paillard J.S.Bach box discs 11 & 12: The Orchestral Suites

I think these have been the least successful recordings so far, but still good.