My favorite Hungaroton discs. What are yours?
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA1MTc1My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MTY1NzI2NDd9)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81nlX-beuYL._SS500_.jpg)
(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/ma/qg/eutbhfk3fqgma_600.jpg)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA1NTQ1My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MjE2ODc4MDl9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA1NjYwNC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MjMyMjMzNDB9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA1MzAwNy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MTgyMjEzMzR9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk3MzkyMC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDUwODA5Nzh9)
And maybe this, though it's a long time since I heard it.
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk3MzIwMy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDQyMTA0MDN9)
^
They all look cool and hip, Mandryka! I will check them out. Especially the Cziffra and the Bakfark (never heard of him) look interesting.
Have a nice weekend!
Let's see...
Certainly the Bartók Complete Edition:
(https://cdn10.bigcommerce.com/s-62bdpkt7pb/products/9954/images/77410/Bartok_COMPLETE_BOX_1__00738.1559205237.1280.1280.JPG?c=2)
But also these:
(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/da/un/t9fp8g83kunda_600.jpg)(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/wc/if/epgupzzssifwc_600.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Z6%2BaAl7dL._SL1105_.jpg)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkyNjEzNS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDQzMDU2MDB9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk3MzA4NC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDQyMTA0NDV9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk3MzA1OS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDM3MTE3MDJ9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk4MzUwNy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDM2MjQwNDJ9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA0NDk4OC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDM3ODg3MjR9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk3MzE0NS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDQ0NjkwNTN9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk3Mzc5Ni4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDQyMTA0Nzl9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk3MzQ0Mi4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDY2MjI5NTJ9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk3MzI0OS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDM2MjM5ODB9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODQyNDc4Ni4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1MTkwNTcyNTl9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk3MzIwOC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDM2MjM5NzZ9)
^
Yes the Ferenczy album has an aura! It's a charismatic performance. The Kurtag and Stravinsky albums look very interesting. I will check them out.
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 07, 2022, 07:26:11 PM
Let's see...
Certainly the Bartók Complete Edition:
(https://cdn10.bigcommerce.com/s-62bdpkt7pb/products/9954/images/77410/Bartok_COMPLETE_BOX_1__00738.1559205237.1280.1280.JPG?c=2)
But also these:
(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/da/un/t9fp8g83kunda_600.jpg)(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/wc/if/epgupzzssifwc_600.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Z6%2BaAl7dL._SL1105_.jpg)
They are excellent recordings! Do you have the physical box set of Bartok? I would be envious if you own the box. I just don't know the Respighi album, and the cover art looks wonderful (purple, black and gray are my fav colors). I must check it out.
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 08, 2022, 06:00:10 AM
^
Yes the Ferenczy album has an aura! It's a charismatic performance. The Kurtag and Stravinsky albums look very interesting. I will check them out.
The Ranki/Rollo Mozart PC 27 is very good. I played it for the first time in a long time this morning and was very impressed. Andrianne Csengeri in Kurtag is special -- the one in the pic is good, but they're all good. Cziffra made several recordings in for Hungaroton -- they're all outstanding. Ranki's Haydn is quite distinctive -- I like what he does with the music more than anyone else who uses a modern piano.
I also listened to the Faidit CD last night -- the singers are very fine I think. And some of the Bakfark - I have the whole set and it's too much for more than half an hour, but it's fine music, committed and characterful playing and the lute sounds slightly like a banjo, which is good.
Quote from: Mandryka on May 08, 2022, 06:02:54 AM
The Ranki/Rollo Mozart PC 27 is very good. I played it for the first time in a long time and was very impressed. Andrianne Csengeri in Kurtag is special -- the one in the pic is good, but they're all good. Cziffra made several recordings in for Hungaroton -- they're all outstanding. Ranki's Haydn is quite distinctive -- I like what he does with the music more than anyone else who uses a modern piano.
Yes, you seem to like Ranki. I am embarrassed to say that I don't know about him. I will check the recordings. I will comment on Cziffra and others later.
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 08, 2022, 06:00:39 AM
They are excellent recordings! Do you have the physical box set of Bartok? I would be envious if you own the box. I just don't know the Respighi album, and the cover art looks wonderful (purple, black and gray are my fav colors). I must check it out.
Yep, I own the physical set. 8) Everything I post on this forum in the "Listening" thread, here or anywhere is actually from my own CD collection. I only buy CDs unless I absolutely cannot find the recording I'm looking for and I have no other choice but to buy it as a digital download. Thankfully, this has only happened a few times.
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 08, 2022, 06:23:28 AM
Yep, I own the physical set. 8) Everything I post on this forum in the "Listening" thread, here or anywhere is actually from my own CD collection. I only buy CDs unless I absolutely cannot find the recording I'm looking for and I have no other choice but to buy it as a digital download. Thankfully, this has only happened a few times.
That's nice! Please be careful about the storage of discs. Some of my box sets got mold a few years ago!
Quote from: Mandryka on May 07, 2022, 10:33:44 AM
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA1NTQ1My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MjE2ODc4MDl9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA1NjYwNC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MjMyMjMzNDB9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA1MzAwNy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MTgyMjEzMzR9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk3MzkyMC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDUwODA5Nzh9)
And maybe this, though it's a long time since I heard it.
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk3MzIwMy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDQyMTA0MDN9)
The Sweelinck album sounds excellent. Great compositions, vivid performance, and cool/elegant sound of the instrument. This is a great recording IMO. While I am not familiar with Frescobaldi, the organ album sounds very good as well. The performance was lyrical and the organ sound was warm and atmospheric. I knew some Cziffra recordings from Hungaroton, but not this one. The album is great with interesting arrangements and characteristically opulent performance by Cziffra. The Brahms-Hungarian Dance, his arrangement, is so wild and crazy! I love it. This is a significant/unique album. The Bakfark sounds too old and medieval to me personally though the sound of lute is very attractive. But I may change my mind in near future as I do always. Due to the distinctive rhythm, I could see that you like it a lot. Unexpectedly I was fascinated by the Faidit. Such a noble, playful, and enigmatic music! Is this a palace/court music in the 12/3th century? Is this a music of the Byzantine Empire or Holy Roman Empire? The songs spoke, and smiled, to my heart. Thank you for posting this album and I will explore the genre.
Also I saw some recordings by Ranki and Beethoven sonatas by Annie Fischer on the streaming services. I will check them out this week. Have a great week, Mandryka!
Yes, there's a lot to enjoy in Hungaroton. But my reason for posting is to say that if you really want to hear the Hungarian dances played in a jaw dropping way, you need to find this
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mE7JROCzL._SX466_.jpg)
One thing which makes the Faidit so nice is the singing of Gérard Le Vot. He's got a couple of other Troubadours recordings.
The only other thing I've enjoyed from Peter Ella is an Art of Fugue on harpsichord - I'm not sure where I got it from.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515dN+EzokL._SX425_.jpg)
I can't understand absence of Pal Kadosa
Offhand:
Kurtág - Works for soprano and ensemble; Kafka-Fragmente - Adrienne Csengery
Brahms - Chamber music for strings; piano and clarinet quintets - Bartók Quartet, György Konrád, Ede Banda, Desző Ránki, Béla Kovacs
Schubert - String Quintet - Bartók Quartet, Miklós Perényi
Chopin - Complete mazurkas - Gábor Csalog
Schubert - Complete piano sonatas - Malcolm Bilson
Brahms - Cello sonatas - Miklós Perényi, Zoltán Kocsis
Bartók - String quartets - Mikrokosmos Quartet
Bartók - String quartets - Takács Quartet
Stravinsky - Les Noces 1917 and 1923 versions - Péter Eötvös
Schumann - String quartets, with Schubert Trout Quintet - Takács Quartet, Zoltán Kocsis
Veress - Symphony No. 1, Clarinet Concerto - Tamás Pál et al.
Balassa - Music for string orchestra - Budapest Strings, Béla Drahos
Plus a lot of other stuff like András Schiff playing Scarlatti and Beethoven, the Lajtha string quartets, the Kocsis conducting Bartók series, Ránki playing Mozart and so on that I have somewhere (not to mention the Annie Fischer Beethoven cycle)
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 08, 2022, 02:26:56 PM
That's nice! Please be careful about the storage of discs. Some of my box sets got mold a few years ago!
No problem here. We run two dehumidifiers in our house and they're set to automatic. They only come on during the warm months, so May through early September. They're an enormous help, especially where I live where the humidity is rather in-your-face.
Some favourites:
- Liszt, Christus Oratorio/Dorati
- Liszt, some of the choral music (Faust etc), Psalm 13, orchestral songs
- Bartok & Kodaly editions generally
- Lajtha, Symphonies 4+9/Ferencsik
- Lajtha, Harp Quintet etc.
- Andras Mihaly, Cello Concerto/Perenyi
- Gyorgy Kosa, Miniatures, Cello Sonata etc.
I bought quite a few of their contemporary, Hungarian LP stuff in the old days, but it's been a long time since revisiting the music (Balassa, Weiner, Sary, Kadosa, Istvan Lang, Soproni, Gyula David, Tardos, Szervansky, Viski, Kosa, Mihaly, Sarkozy, Farkas and others). I might dig into it again.
Quote from: Mandryka on May 08, 2022, 06:42:02 PM
Yes, there's a lot to enjoy in Hungaroton. But my reason for posting is to say that if you really want to hear the Hungarian dances played in a jaw dropping way, you need to find this
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mE7JROCzL._SX466_.jpg)
One thing which makes the Faidit so nice is the singing of Gérard Le Vot. He's got a couple of other Troubadours recordings.
The only other thing I've enjoyed from Peter Ella is an Art of Fugue on harpsichord - I'm not sure where I got it from.
Just ordered the cd! I am in the middle of international travel, but will get the disc next month.
Yes, I like the vocalist- spontaneous and unpretentious singing. Will check his other recordings.
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 09, 2022, 11:31:01 AM
Just ordered the cd! I am in the middle of international travel, but will get the disc next month.
Yes, I like the vocalist- spontaneous and unpretentious singing. Will check his other recordings.
Isn't the 'Senlis' available as part of the 40 CD box set or am I wrong here?
Does anyone know the connection between the Brahms waltzes and the Liszt Rhapsodies? Presumably one inspired the other, or was this sort of stuff common at the time?
Astonishing that Cziffra could think of giving a concert with 21 Hungarian Waltzes! Who would do that now? In a way, it's too much - like the world's greatest display of fireworks which goes on slightly longer than it should. After a while you feel the need for an introspective intimate spiritual slow movement, but there ain't one!
I listened to quite a bit of the Senlis box last night. In addition to the Brahms there's a fabulous Couperin recital, a Chopin recital which didn't have an impact on me, though it could be excellent. There's also a Liszt recital, but I couldn't possibly listen to the Brahms AND the Liszt in the same week, so I didn't play it.
Sound is listenable, in a way rather good in that the piano timbre is caught - but clearly old live recordings. I think that old sound has its own charms actually, all part of the experience.
It was reasonably common, I think, cf. also the later "Hungarian Concerto" by Joseph Joachim or certain pieces by Strauss (Csardas, Gypsy Baron etc.). But supposedly a direct biographical link was that the young Brahms toured with the hungarian violinist Remenyi and they might have played some hungarian/gypsy tunes as encores or in any case Brahms got into contact with that kind of music via Remenyi. In any case it apparently was already "tamed" and partly adapted to the tasts of Salon and concert hall, not the raw authentic ethnic music collected by Bartok a generation or two later.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ede_Rem%C3%A9nyi
Quote from: Mandryka on May 08, 2022, 06:02:54 AM
The Ranki/Rollo Mozart PC 27 is very good. I played it for the first time in a long time this morning and was very impressed. Andrianne Csengeri in Kurtag is special -- the one in the pic is good, but they're all good. Cziffra made several recordings in for Hungaroton -- they're all outstanding. Ranki's Haydn is quite distinctive -- I like what he does with the music more than anyone else who uses a modern piano.
I also listened to the Faidit CD last night -- the singers are very fine I think. And some of the Bakfark - I have the whole set and it's too much for more than half an hour, but it's fine music, committed and characterful playing and the lute sounds slightly like a banjo, which is good.
While Ranki's Mozart PC and Haydn recordings sound very good, I was impressed by his Ravel works. A lot of space and delicate nuances in his very sensitive performance- a sort of "iki" style. ;D
The Kurtag is innovative and new music. Atmospheric and inspiring.
Quote from: Mandryka on May 09, 2022, 07:51:48 PM
Does anyone know the connection between the Brahms waltzes and the Liszt Rhapsodies? Presumably one inspired the other, or was this sort of stuff common at the time?
Astonishing that Cziffra could think of giving a concert with 21 Hungarian Waltzes! Who would do that now? In a way, it's too much - like the world's greatest display of fireworks which goes on slightly longer than it should. After a while you feel the need for an introspective intimate spiritual slow movement, but there ain't one!
I listened to quite a bit of the Senlis box last night. In addition to the Brahms there's a fabulous Couperin recital, a Chopin recital which didn't have an impact on me, though it could be excellent. There's also a Liszt recital, but I couldn't possibly listen to the Brahms AND the Liszt in the same week, so I didn't play it.
Sound is listenable, in a way rather good in that the piano timbre is caught - but clearly old live recordings. I think that old sound has its own charms actually, all part of the experience.
There is no strong evidence for connection. However, possibly, L may have influenced B according to this author. Just a possibility. Please read pp 16-7.
https://macsphere.mcmaster.ca/bitstream/11375/11150/1/fulltext.pdf
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on May 11, 2022, 01:42:05 PM
While Ranki's Mozart PC and Haydn recordings sound very good, I was impressed by his Ravel works. A lot of space and delicate nuances in his very sensitive performance- a sort of "iki" style. ;D
The Kurtag is innovative and new music. Atmospheric and inspiring.
What Kurtag? I have a radio recording of a concert with him playing some Bach/Kurtag.
For iki style Ravel try Pogorelich's waltzes. Ranki made a recording of a couple of movements from Ma mère l'oye with Kocsis, from memory it was good, but Im not sure.
I forgot a good Hungaroton - I'm a bit allergic to the music, but I can tolerate this performance.
(https://i.discogs.com/hcPc1umLQYqwLYOMm69vWGdnJY_f6R4Szow0GNIE69g/rs:fit/g:sm/q:40/h:300/w:300/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTg1MzU2/MTItMTUyNjIzOTUy/Mi01NzUwLmpwZWc.jpeg)
Quote from: Mandryka on May 11, 2022, 06:56:15 PM
What Kurtag? I have a radio recording of a concert with him playing some Bach/Kurtag.
For iki style Ravel try Pogorelich's waltzes. Ranki made a recording of a couple of movements from Ma mère l'oye with Kocsis, from memory it was good, but Im not sure.
I meant Kafka Fragments. The music is surreal and aesthetic. I like it a lot.
Not a big fan of Pogorelich, but will look for the recording, plus the Ranki/Kocsis.
The Ranki/Ravel above was probably played slow, but it didn't sound slow. A lot of air and space- like Miles Davis. Each notes breath and shine. The recording sound is not crystal clear, but it is good/fair.
Quote from: Mandryka on May 08, 2022, 06:42:02 PM
Yes, there's a lot to enjoy in Hungaroton. But my reason for posting is to say that if you really want to hear the Hungarian dances played in a jaw dropping way, you need to find this
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mE7JROCzL._SX466_.jpg)
One thing which makes the Faidit so nice is the singing of Gérard Le Vot. He's got a couple of other Troubadours recordings.
The only other thing I've enjoyed from Peter Ella is an Art of Fugue on harpsichord - I'm not sure where I got it from.
The Cziffra 4 disc box arrived. Such a fun, great recording. The Hungarian Dance is wonderful and incredible.
I forgot to mention the disc below. Especially, Rhapsody in Blue is amazing. Of course Cziffra sounds passionate and wonderful, but the orchestra performs excellent too imo. Cziffra and the orchestra are Hungarians, but by listening to their performance I am certain that they understand and dig the bluesy/jazzy feel of the work. The music swings.
(https://rovimusic.rovicorp.com/image.jpg?c=6Fs7ESRcQvOtasB71Px9gg4Q1ghY8VaPylnm7PwcKNY=&f=4)
On the LP front Hungaroton is a treasure-trove for a collector.
(https://i.imgur.com/7769IDx.jpg)
Names like Miklos Perenyi (cello) and Konstanty Kulka (violin) set the vinyl pulse racing but even more interesting are artists every bit as good as those in the West but completely unknown due to their Soviet masters not allowing them out of the Eastern Bloc.
Qualiton was a sister label of Hungaroton.
(https://i.imgur.com/5DpA1eL.jpg)
Quote from: Irons on June 03, 2022, 12:26:06 AM
On the LP front Hungaroton is a treasure-trove for a collector.
(https://i.imgur.com/7769IDx.jpg)
Names like Miklos Perenyi (cello) and Konstanty Kulka (violin) set the vinyl pulse racing but even more interesting are artists every bit as good as those in the West but completely unknown due to their Soviet masters not allowing them out of the Eastern Bloc.
Qualiton was a sister label of Hungaroton.
(https://i.imgur.com/5DpA1eL.jpg)
Mihaly Bacher recorded some lovely Mozart sonatas with Denes Kovacs. They're in the Denes Kovacs series on Doremi.
Quote from: Irons on June 03, 2022, 12:26:06 AM
On the LP front Hungaroton is a treasure-trove for a collector.
They look interesting! I will look for the recordings!
(https://i.discogs.com/2Va70pe1galSSPI2ZH6BFPu_7L23qj4b3R1UMbVJ3M4/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:589/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTQ3NDMz/NTQtMTQ3NzA0Nzg1/OS00NjExLmpwZWc.jpeg)
Quote from: Mandryka on June 03, 2022, 01:08:54 AM
Mihaly Bacher recorded some lovely Mozart sonatas with Denes Kovacs. They're in the Denes Kovacs series on Doremi.
Good to hear he resurfaced. A fine pianist.
(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music/b4/d5/f9/mzi.ridcdent.jpg/632x632bb.webp)
(https://e.snmc.io/i/600/s/8bccaa6b4a875e12aa4f72f3e72c190b/7398740/aladar-racz-the-classic-of-the-cimbalom-Cover-Art.jpg)
Another Qualiton recording. The Bartok SQ went on to record complete Beethoven String Quartets for Hungaroton. This issue particularly interesting for Lajtha.
(https://i.imgur.com/0eiv5H0.jpg)
Bartok Quartet does a good job on the Bartok string qts, but IMO the one's to beat are still the first Julliard Quartet versions from the Sixties (Columbia) and the Budapest Quartet on Hyperion.
There are some nice oddities stuff on Hungaroton, the artwork of which caught my eye and made me grab them:
Quote from: Scion7 on November 21, 2022, 04:22:43 AM
Bartok Quartet does a good job on the Bartok string qts, but IMO the one's to beat are still the first Julliard Quartet versions from the Sixties (Columbia) and the Budapest Quartet on Hyperion.
There are some nice oddities stuff on Hungaroton, the artwork of which caught my eye and made me grab them:
No argument there. I listened to Bartok's 3rd Quartet from the Julliard SQ only last week. On LP the set is (in)famous as a system test. Can sound shrill and hard but from well balanced and sorted
vinyl playing setup sounds wonderful. The stereo Bartok set on DG from the Hungarian SQ is excellent too.
Edit: The 60's set from the Julliard is the second set of the Bartok quartets of three. Earlier set in the 1950's.
Quote from: Irons on November 21, 2022, 01:55:20 AM
Another Qualiton recording. The Bartok SQ went on to record complete Beethoven String Quartets for Hungaroton. This issue particularly interesting for Lajtha.
(https://i.imgur.com/0eiv5H0.jpg)
Cool and sharp cover!
Quote from: Scion7 on November 21, 2022, 04:22:43 AM
Bartok Quartet does a good job on the Bartok string qts, but IMO the one's to beat are still the first Julliard Quartet versions from the Sixties (Columbia) and the Budapest Quartet on Hyperion.
There are some nice oddities stuff on Hungaroton, the artwork of which caught my eye and made me grab them:
The cover art of Liszt piano album looks terrific. I think the below is the cover of the cd. Certainly I prefer the original jacket. Anyway I will check the album.
(https://i.discogs.com/Gez8NBbpef5JfjO83hX2S8oc1LJb8HjZgDm5m1lqXso/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:593/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTEzODg1/ODQ2LTE1NjQ1MTE3/NzgtNzU4Ny5qcGVn.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cslbfga.jpg)
Quote from: Irons on November 26, 2022, 12:11:42 AM(https://i.imgur.com/cslbfga.jpg)
I checked the album via Youtube, and it is a very likable recording!
Music of 300 years on Cimbalom. Agnes Szakaly.
(https://is2-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music/e1/4f/b6/mzi.uirqzryu.jpg/632x632bf.webp)
The discs devoted to Lajtha definitely are some of my favorites:
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/HCD31979.jpg)(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/HCD32542.jpg)
+ the next three discs of his string quartets.
And this:
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/HCD31556.jpg)
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on November 30, 2022, 04:39:23 PMI checked the album via Youtube, and it is a very likable recording!
(https://i.imgur.com/cslbfga.jpg)
Gave it a spin today to refresh my memory. With the exception of Children's Dances (1945) all items from the first quarter of 20c and yet sound so modern. I am blown away by Dances of Marosszék which is more monumental then the title suggests. Later, Kodaly was to orchestrate the work of which Dorati recorded with Musica Hungarica on Mercury.
Kodaly: The Peacock/ Bartok: Dance Suite. György Lehel, Symphony Orchestra of the Hungarian Radio and Television. It appears that the recording was re-issued from DG later.
(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music/42/7f/ae/mzi.bvujptvc.jpg/632x632bf.webp)
(https://i.discogs.com/Z_bLt3hDG_eh4RKh80qrofm8myG-S4GGiuBFl8YJYWw/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:581/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTUxNTgw/MDItMTU5Mjg2OTY4/NC00MjUxLmpwZWc.jpeg)
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 14, 2023, 06:40:34 AMKodaly: The Peacock/ Bartok: Dance Suite. György Lehel, Symphony Orchestra of the Hungarian Radio and Television. It appears that the recording was re-issued from DG later.
(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music/42/7f/ae/mzi.bvujptvc.jpg/632x632bf.webp)
(https://i.discogs.com/Z_bLt3hDG_eh4RKh80qrofm8myG-S4GGiuBFl8YJYWw/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:581/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTUxNTgw/MDItMTU5Mjg2OTY4/NC00MjUxLmpwZWc.jpeg)
Great covers.
Bartok and J.S. Bach piano concertos. Hungarian State Orchestra · János Ferencsik · Tibor Wehner.
(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Features/b2/f9/b8/dj.ojirfmbt.jpg/632x632bb.webp)
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 01, 2024, 10:30:59 AMBartok and J.S. Bach piano concertos. Hungarian State Orchestra · János Ferencsik · Tibor Wehner.
(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Features/b2/f9/b8/dj.ojirfmbt.jpg/632x632bb.webp)
I would guess by colour and style both covers from same period.
Quote from: Irons on February 07, 2024, 12:14:40 AMI would guess by colour and style both covers from same period.
Yes, they look like they are from same period. Some tracks could be the same recordings. I guess last name comes first followed by the first name in Hungarian (just like Japanese).
Miklos Perényi, a fine cellist, made many recordings over a long period for Hungaroton - unlike in the West artists were not given much opportunity to switch labels.
(https://i.imgur.com/IOrgHDk.jpg)
Question for you all: What is (was) the difference between Hungaroton and Qualiton? Here in the States, I used to order CDs from Qualiton [which sadly closed up shop]. Did it have to do with which market the recordings were sold in? Qualiton also sold other labels here.
Looking at Wiki, it seems that it was called Hungaroton back when it was state owned and then changed names?
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 08, 2024, 04:56:13 AMQuestion for you all: What is (was) the difference between Hungaroton and Qualiton? Here in the States, I used to order CDs from Qualiton [which sadly closed up shop]. Did it have to do with which market the recordings were sold in? Qualiton also sold other labels here.
Looking at Wiki, it seems that it was called Hungaroton back when it was state owned and then changed names?
PD
As always, rhyme and reason has no place as far as record labels are concerned. Qualiton and Hungaroton are essentially the same animal with both sporting a yellow label on LP records. The Bartok String Quartet recorded the complete Beethoven string quartets on three LP boxes an example.
Box 1- Early Quartets, Qualiton LPX 11423-25
Box 2- Middle Quartets, Hungaroton LPX 11470-72
Box 3- Late Quartets, Hungaroton SLPX 11673-76
Quote from: Irons on February 08, 2024, 07:09:47 AMAs always, rhyme and reason has no place as far as record labels are concerned. Qualiton and Hungaroton are essentially the same animal with both sporting a yellow label on LP records. The Bartok String Quartet recorded the complete Beethoven string quartets on three LP boxes an example.
Box 1- Early Quartets, Qualiton LPX 11423-25
Box 2- Middle Quartets, Hungaroton LPX 11470-72
Box 3- Late Quartets, Hungaroton SLPX 11673-76
Oh, why don't they make things easy! :(
PD
For some reason, when I think of Hungaroton, the first artist's name that comes to mind is Sylvia Sass. Then I remembered the first Hungaroton CD I bought was one of her singing Verdi arias. (The copy of Schwann catalog I received from the guy at Tower Records contained several pages of Hungaroton ads, resulting in me getting familiar with the label and making some purchases. That's in the mid-80's.)
Quote from: springrite on February 08, 2024, 08:10:53 AMFor some reason, when I think of Hungaroton, the first artist's name that comes to mind is Sylvia Sass. Then I remembered the first Hungaroton CD I bought was one of her singing Verdi arias. (The copy of Schwann catalog I received from the guy at Tower Records contained several pages of Hungaroton ads, resulting in me getting familiar with the label and making some purchases. That's in the mid-80's.)
I don't recall hearing of her before now. How did you like the Verdi disc?
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 08, 2024, 10:34:46 AMI don't recall hearing of her before now. How did you like the Verdi disc?
PD
She's dramatic and very much into the character (in a similar like Callas) but occasionally may be screechy (for opera it's not always a bad thing, really). She's also beautiful.
Explanation from Wikipedia:
Hungaroton is the oldest record and music publisher company in Hungary.
Hungaroton was founded in 1951, when its only competitors in the Hungarian music market were record labels like Melodiya, Supraphon and Eterna [de] from other socialist countries. Previously called Qualiton, its name was changed to Hungaroton in the mid-1960s, though the Qualiton brand remained as a label for operetta and gypsy music releases. Also new popular music, rock and jazz labels (Pepita, Bravó, and Krém) were founded.
In the early 1990s the massive import of foreign records caused a serious decrease in Hungaroton's sales. Although the original company went into liquidation, new and smaller companies arose on the ruins of Hungaroton. The Hungaroton Gong and Hungaroton Classic companies went private in 1995, and were reunited in 1998 under the name Hungaroton Records Publisher Ltd.
Nowadays it publishes approximately 150 new records per year, half of it classical and half of it popular music.
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 08, 2024, 11:01:22 AMExplanation from Wikipedia:
Hungaroton is the oldest record and music publisher company in Hungary.
Hungaroton was founded in 1951, when its only competitors in the Hungarian music market were record labels like Melodiya, Supraphon and Eterna [de] from other socialist countries. Previously called Qualiton, its name was changed to Hungaroton in the mid-1960s, though the Qualiton brand remained as a label for operetta and gypsy music releases. Also new popular music, rock and jazz labels (Pepita, Bravó, and Krém) were founded.
In the early 1990s the massive import of foreign records caused a serious decrease in Hungaroton's sales. Although the original company went into liquidation, new and smaller companies arose on the ruins of Hungaroton. The Hungaroton Gong and Hungaroton Classic companies went private in 1995, and were reunited in 1998 under the name Hungaroton Records Publisher Ltd.
Nowadays it publishes approximately 150 new records per year, half of it classical and half of it popular music.
I'm still rather confused as I just found the history of Hungaroton on their website (glad that they are still around!). It's here: https://hungarotonmusic.com/our-history
From it:
"Hungarian Record Productions (MHV), the predecessor of Hungaroton, was founded in 1951 by the Hungarian state. It followed private-owned publishers previously owned by Hungarian, later by international companies, as a monopoly. From that time on almost only socialist countries brands (first of all Melodia, Supraphon and Eterna) meant competition for the Hungarian company for almost four decades long in Hungary. As a result of MHV's market position the whole Hungarian classical and pop music, even the best actors made their records at MHV. The archive counted a valuable set of ten thousand records.
Export started to grow stronger from the mid-60s, the brand name Qualiton was changed to Hungaroton. Qualiton remained the brand name for Hungarian music, Gipsy music and operetta. Later from the 1970s in terms of some internal commercialization individual pop music brands (Pepita, Bravó, Krém) were set up within the company. The 1970s and 1980s meant the Golden Age. The most popular pop singers and pop groups easily reached the then awarded Gold Record after one hundred thousand records were sold. Classical records were sold all over the world in large numbers thanks to their excellent art and technical qualities and their relatively low price."
So, where did "the brand name Qualiton" come from and when?
PD
Quote from: springrite on February 08, 2024, 08:10:53 AMFor some reason, when I think of Hungaroton, the first artist's name that comes to mind is Sylvia Sass.
For me it is Tatrai Haydn that always springs to mind:
(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F512LvTapG2L.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=18a9d144c97385e6ca106c8f595a84f75a6b447c4c3614b0da915e668e076a5c&ipo=images)
I don't know the recordings, but Mr. Hurwitz likes them.
Oh actually it is not that I love the recordings, but it is that was my introduction to the label.
My favorite Hungaroton is the Annie Fischer Beethoven sonatas set.
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 08, 2024, 11:01:22 AMExplanation from Wikipedia:
Hungaroton is the oldest record and music publisher company in Hungary.
Hungaroton was founded in 1951, when its only competitors in the Hungarian music market were record labels like Melodiya, Supraphon and Eterna [de] from other socialist countries. Previously called Qualiton, its name was changed to Hungaroton in the mid-1960s, though the Qualiton brand remained as a label for operetta and gypsy music releases. Also new popular music, rock and jazz labels (Pepita, Bravó, and Krém) were founded.
In the early 1990s the massive import of foreign records caused a serious decrease in Hungaroton's sales. Although the original company went into liquidation, new and smaller companies arose on the ruins of Hungaroton. The Hungaroton Gong and Hungaroton Classic companies went private in 1995, and were reunited in 1998 under the name Hungaroton Records Publisher Ltd.
Nowadays it publishes approximately 150 new records per year, half of it classical and half of it popular music.
Not to argue with Wikipedia but not as straight forward as that. The Beethoven set I mentioned was recorded in 1973 and released on Qualiton.
https://www.discogs.com/release/10205117-Bart%C3%B3k-Quartet-Beethoven-String-Quartets-Op-18-Nos-1-6
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 08, 2024, 03:30:42 PMI don't know the recordings, but Mr. Hurwitz likes them.
I have a bunch of those and enjoy them; I should revisit them. I was fortunate as someone had donated a bunch of them to a library and I was able to pick them up inexpensively.
Quote from: DavidW on February 08, 2024, 04:22:59 PMOh actually it is not that I love the recordings, but it is that was my introduction to the label.
My favorite Hungaroton is the Annie Fischer Beethoven sonatas set.
I've heard good things about her Beethoven, but haven't heard any of them. Roughly when did she record them David?
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 09, 2024, 05:30:15 AMI've heard good things about her Beethoven, but haven't heard any of them. Roughly when did she record them David?
PD
Given the SQ I think the 60s but don't quote me on that!
IIRC late 1970s or even into the 1980s but Fischer didn't authorize the release, so they were only published after her death in the 1990s.
Quote from: Jo498 on February 11, 2024, 08:06:11 AMIIRC late 1970s or even into the 1980s but Fischer didn't authorize the release, so they were only published after her death in the 1990s.
Don't get me wrong, I like the SQ, but wow for that time period I do expect more.
Hindemith: Der Schwanendrehr.
Inspired to omit violins and violas from orchestra in a viola concerto.
Quote from: Irons on February 22, 2024, 11:32:44 PMHindemith: Der Schwanendrehr.
Inspired to omit violins and violas from orchestra in a viola concerto.
Nice recording! I mentioned it on the first post on this thread, but your cover art looks much better than the one I posted.
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA1MTc1My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MTY1NzI2NDd9)
Quote from: Roy Bland on May 08, 2022, 07:06:39 PM(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515dN+EzokL._SX425_.jpg)
I can't understand absence of Pal Kadosa
I see your point. Kadosa's violin concertos are excellent. Muscular and rhythmic, the first made an immediate impression with echoes of Prokofiev's violin concertos. The second has at it's core an ingenious set of variations.
Quote from: Irons on March 05, 2024, 12:14:48 AMI see your point. Kadosa's violin concertos are excellent. Muscular and rhythmic, the first made an immediate impression with echoes of Prokofiev's violin concertos. The second has at it's core an ingenious set of variations.
I see that Prestoclassical has his piano music available for sale (download). Was any of his music ever released on CD?
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 05, 2024, 10:20:33 AMI see that Prestoclassical has his piano music available for sale (download). Was any of his music ever released on CD?
PD
Violin Concerto is here
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODkxNTQzMi4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2ODA0MjEyNDd9)