GMG Classical Music Forum

The Music Room => Great Recordings and Reviews => Topic started by: Mr. Darcy on February 11, 2009, 09:46:53 PM

Title: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Mr. Darcy on February 11, 2009, 09:46:53 PM
Has anyone else read this review of Zander's new Bruckner 5?:

http://www.classicstoday.com/review.asp?ReviewNum=12089

I thought the album art looked a bit unusual...
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Kuhlau on February 11, 2009, 10:50:18 PM
Hilarious review. You gotta love Hurwitz. ;D

FK
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Dr. Dread on February 12, 2009, 05:19:57 AM
"Call me nave, but I find the prospect to be a real pain in the apse."
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Kuhlau on February 12, 2009, 05:25:38 AM
Quote from: Apollo on February 12, 2009, 05:19:57 AM
"Call me nave, but I find the prospect to be a real pain in the apse."

I know. It's lame.

FK
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Dr. Dread on February 12, 2009, 05:26:07 AM
Quote from: Kuhlau on February 12, 2009, 05:25:38 AM
I know. It's lame.

FK

Lame, but cute lame.
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: karlhenning on February 12, 2009, 05:44:08 AM
Well, a 68-minute symphony is long as it is.

Doing a supplemental disc with 79 minutes of gab about a 68-minute symphony, is inviting comment.
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: karlhenning on February 12, 2009, 05:45:31 AM
For the record:  I'd go hear Ben Zander in person; I've found him a most engaging speaker.  But no way am I listening to 80 minutes of him lecturing on a CD.
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Kuhlau on February 12, 2009, 05:51:17 AM
Quote from: Apollo on February 12, 2009, 05:26:07 AM
Lame, but cute lame.

Granted.

Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on February 12, 2009, 05:44:08 AM
Doing a supplemental disc with 79 minutes of gab about a 68-minute symphony, is inviting comment.

Nice turn of phrase. ;D

FK
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: DarkAngel on February 12, 2009, 07:15:20 AM
That review is a classic.........even by DH standards   ;D

The subtle and not so subtle barbs dealt out with impunity, and the satirical humor is in overdrive, have to admire DH for the creative and entertaining  lengths he goes to disparage this performance and discussion CD........a classic

I have often heard of Bruckner great symphonies referred to as "cathedrals of sound" but never using the cross floor plan of a cathedral as the basis or logic for that comparison. I always thought it was referring to the spiritual/reflective themes and the dense massive build up of sound layers that swell and rise to great peaks or spires of sound......like the spires of a gothic cathedral
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Kuhlau on February 12, 2009, 07:29:21 AM
Quote from: DarkAngel on February 12, 2009, 07:15:20 AM
I have often heard of Bruckner great symphonies referred to as "cathedrals of sound" ... I always thought it was referring to the spiritual/reflective themes and the dense massive build up of sound layers that swell and rise to great peaks or spires of sound......like the spires of a gothic cathedral

You and I, both. It's probably all just in Zander's head ...

FK
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: karlhenning on February 12, 2009, 08:21:45 AM
Quote from: DarkAngel on February 12, 2009, 07:15:20 AM
I have often heard of Bruckner great symphonies referred to as "cathedrals of sound" but never using the cross floor plan of a cathedral as the basis or logic for that comparison. I always thought it was referring to the spiritual/reflective themes and the dense massive build up of sound layers that swell and rise to great peaks or spires of sound......like the spires of a gothic cathedral

No experience quite like killing an analogy by trying to fix details.

Music . . . the Universal Language.  And A-440 is the verb to be.
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: DavidW on February 12, 2009, 09:55:38 AM
Zander's commentary on the Mahler cds was pretentious drivel.  I'm not surprised to learn that his Bruckner symphonies commentary is much the same.  He is fantastic in small doses, but insipid in large doses.
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Brian on February 12, 2009, 11:56:29 AM
Much as I love Zander's "TED Talk" on YouTube, the Hurwitz review was amazing, ferocious, hilarious, and conveyed the essence and effect of the CD just as a great review ought to do. A lot of it had me laughing out loud!

If you enjoyed this, might I recommend Roger Ebert's critique of "He's Just Not That Into You (http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090204/REVIEWS/902049993)"? Possibly the funniest review of anything I've read in a very long time.

Quote from: Roger EbertJanine (Connelly) is married to Ben, who doesn't share her ideas about home decoration, which are that you always make the more expensive choice. Not a lot of guys are into that. If you get one who is, he may make it a general policy and decide to trade you in for an advanced model. Look for a guy who treats you not as an acquisition but as an angel of mercy, the answer to the prayers of the rat he knows he is.
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Mr. Darcy on February 12, 2009, 12:53:48 PM
QuoteIf you enjoyed this, might I recommend Roger Ebert's critique of "He's Just Not That Into You"? Possibly the funniest review of anything I've read in a very long time.

Nice! And, in case anyone's missed it, you must read this passenger complaint to Richard Branson from a Virgin passenger (kind of like a review...). It's inspired!: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/4344890/Virgin-the-worlds-best-passenger-complaint-letter.html
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: karlhenning on February 12, 2009, 12:56:04 PM
I'm just not that into that movie.
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Benji on February 12, 2009, 12:57:53 PM
Quote from: Mr. Darcy on February 12, 2009, 12:53:48 PM
Nice! And, in case anyone's missed it, you must read this passenger complaint to Richard Branson from a Virgin passenger (kind of like a review...). It's inspired!: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/4344890/Virgin-the-worlds-best-passenger-complaint-letter.html

Is that the "It's custard Richard, Custard!" complaint? Loved that!  ;D
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Kuhlau on February 12, 2009, 01:00:07 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on February 12, 2009, 12:56:04 PM
I'm just not that into that movie.

I must confess that the review of it had my mind wandering after just three paragraphs. Guess I wasn't that into it (sorry, Brian). :(

FK
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Renfield on February 12, 2009, 01:11:20 PM
Quote from: Mog: 100% replicant on February 12, 2009, 12:57:53 PM
Is that the "It's custard Richard, Custard!" complaint? Loved that!  ;D

"It's mustard Richard. MUSTARD"

Still laughing.
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Benji on February 12, 2009, 01:13:55 PM
Quote from: Renfield on February 12, 2009, 01:11:20 PM
"It's mustard Richard. MUSTARD"

Still laughing.

Mustard, custard. It's all the same to me.

So do you want to come round for tea and sponge cake?  ;D
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Brian on February 12, 2009, 01:26:23 PM
Quote from: Kuhlau on February 12, 2009, 01:00:07 PM
I must confess that the review of it had my mind wandering after just three paragraphs. Guess I wasn't that into it (sorry, Brian). :(

FK
Sorry, mate.  :(
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Kuhlau on February 12, 2009, 01:32:13 PM
Hey, it ain't your fault, buddy. ;)

FK
Title: Re: Hurwitz Does it Again...
Post by: Renfield on February 12, 2009, 01:46:56 PM
Quote from: Mog: 100% replicant on February 12, 2009, 01:13:55 PM
So do you want to come round for tea and sponge cake?  ;D

Well, let's just say that right now, Thomas Kuhn stands between us. ;D