?
Thanks.
My favorite for the year is Francesco Cera's set of Bach's French Suites.
My favorite is
Bach cello suites / Sigiswald Kuijken , played on violoncello da spalla (Accent).
A strong contender:
Bach: Brandenburg concertos / Suzuki´s second recording (BIS)
Since I probably won't buy any more CDs this year, I might as well list my 2009 Best Buys now.
Brahms: Piano Quintet; String Quartet #1 - Arcanto Quartet Some smoking hot Brahms from some cool young musicians:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ve9saqtNL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Rochberg: Symphony #1 - SRSO/Lyndon-Gee Naxos rescues an epic American symphony from oblivion:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51yL6UrfuBL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Andrew Rangell: A Bridge to Bach I was ridiculed for requesting early Baroque on piano - this disc proves the skeptics wrong:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/616kYPF7hsL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Carter: Complete Piano Music - Oppens And some piano for hardcore modernists:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519n%2BqN%2BMzL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Another candidate - Gustav Leonhardt plays William Byrd. But I just got the disc, and I need to live with it for a while before deciding how good it really is.
My top five so far (these are the recordings which I will nominate for Recording of the Year on MusicWeb):
[1.] Bernstein - Mass - Jubilant Sykes, Baltimore Symphony, Morgan State University Chorus, Marin Alsop, etc. Naxos
[2.] Tchaikovsky - Symphonies Nos 1 and 6 - London Philharmonic, Vladimir Jurowski, LPO
[3.] Beethoven - Complete Cello Music twice over (both HIP and non-HIP performances; 4 discs for the price of 2) - David Hardy and Lambert Orkis, Dorian
[4.] Shostakovich - Symphonies Nos 5 and 9 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Vasily Petrenko, Naxos
[5.] Beriot - Music for solo violin - Bella Hristova, Naxos
There might be some movement in the last two depending on what new recordings come out soon, or what recordings from earlier in 2009 I get to listen to. But the Bernstein Mass is my top choice for sure - just plain dynamite performance, something that will have the word "Legend" slapped on the cover by eager reissuers 100 years from now. The Tchaikovsky is similarly stupendous - best "Winter Daydreams" I've ever heard, great sound, and live performances - and the Beethoven set is invaluable because it has both HIP and modern performances, 2 complete cycles of the cello sonatas for the price of one. Plus, the packaging is lavish and the booklet notes are incredibly helpful. I've included the Shostakovich mostly for Petrenko's amazing Ninth, and the Beriot because Bella Hristova is a marvelous young violinist, but those choices could easily be swayed. Excited to see everybody else's favorites. I might have to add the PentaTone recording of Schubert's Trout Quintet to this list, or Yevgeny Sudbin's new Medtner CD.
(http://smallfiles.naxosdirect.com/templates/shared/images/titles/larger/636943962220__lang-en-us.jpg) (http://smallfiles.naxosdirect.com/templates/shared/images/titles/larger/854990001390__lang-en-us.jpg) (http://smallfiles.naxosdirect.com/templates/shared/images/titles/large/053479091024__lang-en-us.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41eNiHXBPuL._SL500_AA240_.jpg) (http://smallfiles.naxosdirect.com/templates/shared/images/titles/larger/747313226771__lang-en-us.jpg)
Quote from: Brian on November 16, 2009, 10:18:37 AM
[4.] Shostakovich - Symphonies Nos 5 and 9 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Vasily Petrenko, Naxos
I just got this one a few weeks ago Brian. I was particularly impressed with the Symphony No. 9 performance, but not as enthused about the performance on the 5th.
Mine is:
Shostakovich - Symphony No. 11
Kirill Karabits
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
BBC Music
Quote from: Brahmsian on November 16, 2009, 10:20:12 AM
I just got this one a few weeks ago Brian. I was particularly impressed with the Symphony No. 9 performance, but not as enthused about the performance on the 5th.
Heh, after you posted that I edited mine, unawares, to say I was including it mostly for the Ninth. Great finale, huh?
(Not too hot on the second movement of Petrenko's Fifth, but the third has a great climax ... pity the cellos are kind of weak-sounding, though.)
Glad you like Karabits! I saw him live last year and was excited by his performance...
Quote from: Brian on November 16, 2009, 10:25:30 AM
Glad you like Karabits!
I can't seem to help thinking of 'Kibbles & Bits' when I think of his name. ;D
I was sooooo going to start this thread today! :(
1) Xenakis Complete SQs/JACK Quartet
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
I might note that 2009 still has a month and a half to surprise us with excellent recordings. ;)
Quote from: Mensch on November 16, 2009, 12:40:49 PM
I might note that 2009 still has a month and a half to surprise us with excellent recordings. ;)
You must own a calendar.
Quote from: Mensch on November 16, 2009, 12:40:49 PM
I might note that 2009 still has a month and a half to surprise us with excellent recordings. ;)
Indeed; BIS has a couple exciting recordings coming up:
(http://www.naxos.com/SharedFiles/images/cds/others/BIS-SACD-1662.gif) (http://www.naxos.com/SharedFiles/images/cds/others/BIS-SACD-1728.gif)
Gluzman playing Barber's Concerto and Bernstein's Serenade, and Sudbin doing concertos by Rachmaninov and Medtner.
Plus, one or two new releases should be expected from Paavo Jarvi's cycle of the Beethoven Symphonies.
Quote from: MN Dave on November 16, 2009, 12:41:49 PM
You must own a calendar.
I know. That's sooooo 20th century. ::)
Quote from: Brian on November 16, 2009, 12:47:27 PM
Indeed; BIS has a couple exciting recordings coming up:
(http://www.naxos.com/SharedFiles/images/cds/others/BIS-SACD-1662.gif) (http://www.naxos.com/SharedFiles/images/cds/others/BIS-SACD-1728.gif)
Gluzman playing Barber's Concerto and Bernstein's Serenade, and Sudbin doing concertos by Rachmaninov and Medtner.
I myself am eagerly awaiting this which comes out tomorrow:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Av0q8bb%2BL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Quote from: Mensch on November 16, 2009, 12:48:47 PM
I know. That's sooooo 20th century. ::)
I myself am eagerly awaiting this which comes out tomorrow:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Av0q8bb%2BL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Beat me to it! There's also a complete Mahler cycle due out from Warner's Svetlanov edition, plus a new recording of Gershwin's opera Porgy and Bess by, of all conductors, Nikolaus Harnoncourt.
Does it have to be discs released in 2009 or can I simply list faves I bought this year? Or a mixture?
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on November 16, 2009, 05:47:05 PM
Does it have to be discs released in 2009 or can I simply list faves I bought this year? Or a mixture?
Released in 2009, but for you, we make the exception! ;D
Quote from: MN Dave on November 16, 2009, 06:05:41 PM
Released in 2009, but for you, we make the exception! ;D
;D
I only ask because the only thing I recollect buying from 2009 is this disc, which despite the drab sound is one of those instances of Richter walking on water:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51wyzOlMzIL.jpg)
But far and away my most exciting purchase this year is this recording of Prokofiev's operatic superwork:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BKW1QJ2FL.jpg)
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on November 16, 2009, 05:47:05 PM
Does it have to be discs released in 2009 or can I simply list faves I bought this year? Or a mixture?
I don't think any of the discs I listed were released in 2009, although they are all recent. Who cares, anyway?
There are so many variables here. Best work? Best performance? Best sound? Best eye-opener (aka new discovery)? I need to think.
Quote from: Brian on November 16, 2009, 10:18:37 AM
My top five so far (these are the recordings which I will nominate for Recording of the Year on MusicWeb):
[3]. Beethoven - Complete Cello Music twice over (both HIP and non-HIP performances; 4 discs for the price of 2) - David Hardy and Lambert Orkis, Dorian
... and the Beethoven set is invaluable because it has both HIP and modern performances, 2 complete cycles of the cello sonatas for the price of one.
Thanks, Brian. I didn't know this recording. Lambert Orkis did something similar with the Beethoven's Appassionata some years ago (on Bridge). :)
I haven't purchased many this year but this one is very good.
(http://blog.cleveland.com/musicdance_impact/2009/03/medium_cello.jpg)
I don't buy a whole lot of new cd's hot off the press but this is one I'm quite impressed with, particularly with the Fauré and the Ravel.
(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2009/Jan09/Ravel_ebene_5190452.jpg)
Quote from: Herman on November 17, 2009, 11:08:27 AM
I don't buy a whole lot of new cd's hot off the press but this is one I'm quite impressed with, particularly with the Fauré and the Ravel.
(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2009/Jan09/Ravel_ebene_5190452.jpg)
This is the disc that won Gramophone's "Recording Of The Year" for 2009.
I know, what can I do?
They have to get it right at least once in a century.
Quote from: Amvend on November 18, 2009, 04:15:30 AM
They have to get it right at least once in a century.
Boy, they sure got it out of the way too early. Makes for awful reading for the next 90 years.
I have many, but three of them stand out. I sincerely think them the best recordings I bought this year. That is, so far!
And this 5 cd box, which was a gift from a friend living in New York.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=s9_al_bw_feat?ie=UTF8&docId=1000448551&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-8&pf_rd_r=0VT8C2NWKRE8F9KPZ977&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=497928851&pf_rd_i=1252438011
:D
http://blog.allmusic.com/2009/07/03/best-of-2009-so-far/
:D
Quote from: Amvend on November 18, 2009, 10:39:10 AM
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=s9_al_bw_feat?ie=UTF8&docId=1000448551&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-8&pf_rd_r=0VT8C2NWKRE8F9KPZ977&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=497928851&pf_rd_i=1252438011
:D
Holy smoke! 25 discs of the year? That's easy. What's hard is to pick ONE.
Here is my non-vocal disc of the year.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41AS7O-iinL._SS400_.jpg)
Music that was new to me and it swept me off my feet in this passionate performance.
Mike
Quote from: erato on November 18, 2009, 10:46:53 AM
Holy smoke! 25 discs of the year? That's easy. What's hard is to pick ONE.
I dunno, the crediibility of any
the Best Classical CDs of 2009 list that includes
Stokowsky Bach Transcriptions, Vol. 2 - has been seriously undermined, IMO.
:)
Quote from: Franco on November 18, 2009, 11:08:07 AM
I dunno, the crediibility of any the Best Classical CDs of 2009 list that includes Stokowsky Bach Transcriptions, Vol. 2 - has been seriously undermined, IMO.
:)
I didn't say I agreed with the list, only that it is FAR easier to pick 25 than one or two.
Just downloaded Herman's pick.
Alexis Weissenberg, Bach: Keyboard Works.
It contains Bach transcriptions by Liszt, Siloti and Busoni
This is a recording which I think has only just become available outside Japan -- it has been around in Japan for a couple of years I believe. Before that it was on LP.
It's just amazing. So fast at times, it beggars belief that it is a human being, as opposed to a more advanced alien life form, who is playing. There's one track -- a Bach/Busoni called Rejouissez-vous, Chretiens amies -- which is played so fast that he almost loses his grip on the music. But no -- it all stays together.
Sometimes you hear the tender Weissenberg in these pieces -- the Weissenberg of that really early recording he made of the Scriabin Nocturne for the Left Hand.
Sometimes he's the Man of Steel.
This is one of the best CDs I have heard in years.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bach-Keyboard-Works-Alexis-Weissenberg/dp/B000CSUXZW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1258736591&sr=8-4
Quote from: Herman on November 20, 2009, 11:07:04 AM
I hope you'll like it.
I do! Thank you. I must give it fuller attention soon.
(http://www.organum-cirma.fr/organum-cirma/images/stories/discographie/2008-eglise-de-rome-grande.jpg)
This was released December 2008, but I've bought just few 2009 releases and haven't even listened to most of them yet.
I just submitted my list to MusicWeb:
Bernstein - Mass - Jubilant Sykes, Baltimore Symphony, Morgan State University Chorus, Marin Alsop, etc. Naxos
Khachaturian - Cello Concerto - Dmitry Yablonsky, Russian Philharmonia, Maxim Fedotov, Naxos
Tchaikovsky - Symphonies Nos 1 and 6 - London Philharmonic, Vladimir Jurowski, LPO
The list is truncated because an improbable five of my choices have not been reviewed on MusicWeb, and are thus ineligible!:
Beethoven - Symphonies 5 and 1 - Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, Paavo Jarvi, RCA
Beethoven - Symphonies 6 and 2 - Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, Paavo Jarvi, RCA
Beethoven - Complete Cello Music twice over (both HIP and non-HIP performances; 4 discs for the price of 2) - David Hardy and Lambert Orkis, Dorian
Crusell - Clarinet Concertos - Martin Frost, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Okku Kamu, BIS
Shostakovich - Symphonies Nos 5 and 9 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Vasily Petrenko, Naxos
The Well Tempered Clavier Book 1, Maurizio Pollini
I give this one the thumbs up.
DG has not been so good at piano sound over the past decade or so. And Pollini has never been particularly well served by them sonically. With some other recordings I have felt that the sound is too flat (The Chopin Nocturnes for example). Well, flatness isn't quite the problem here.
There's an urban myth that DG's practice is to place a microphone inside the piano - with the consequence that you hear a fair bit of ugly twang. Well, this Pollini record has made me think that the myth may be reality.
The sound is quite resonant. Pollini's touch inclines more to singing legato than detached. But when he feels it is right he makes a more encapsulated tone. He layers the voices beautifully.
But you don't get this CD for the sound.
The interpretation is energetic and intense. Fire. Brisk. To give you an idea - when it first arrived I listened to the whole of Book 1 in one sitting.
Now - I have a miniscule attention span normally . . .
It's the polar opposite of Hewitt's second recording -- the 2007 one -- which I also love for very different reasons.
Two specifics to give you an idea of the style:
There's a nice equilibrium between romantic and objective. If anything it leans towards the objective I think -- but it is warm. Very good, for example, in the E flat minor prelude, where it's tempting to over sentimentalise (is that a word?)
Also, it's quite virtuosic. The E minor Prelude is taken at breakneck speed, I think very effectively.
I've had my eye on that one.
Quote from: Mandryka on November 22, 2009, 07:08:19 AM
The Well Tempered Clavier Book 1, Maurizio Pollini
I give this one the thumbs up.
DG has not been so good at piano sound over the past decade or so. And Pollini has never been particularly well served by them sonically. With some other recordings I have felt that the sound is too flat (The Chopin Nocturnes for example). Well, flatness isn't quite the problem here.
There's an urban myth that DG's practice is to place a microphone inside the piano - with the consequence that you hear a fair bit of ugly twang. Well, this Pollini record has made me think that the myth may be reality.
The sound is quite resonant. Pollini's touch inclines more to singing legato than detached. But when he feels it is right he makes a more encapsulated tone. He layers the voices beautifully.
That "resonant" comment is not attractive, but I guess I'll have to find out for myself.
(http://www.naxos.com/images/cds/others/8.572304.gif)
Vaughan Williams' Piano Concerto, with the Royal Liverpool Phil, cond. James Judd; Ashley Wass (Piano).
My vote goes to this, which only came out just last month. A find for me, flawlessly played by all involved and beautiful recorded. I hope this gets the work a bigger audience, it truly deserves it.
Ben, I heard and enjoyed this piece at last year's London Proms. It seemed an oddly structured work that did not give the pianist all that much to do by way of showing off.
Mike
Technically this isn't Best of 2009, since the date range is Summer 08 to Summer 09.
But those are five choices of mine from that period. The 2009 releases will obviously
feature in my actual Best of 2009 list. (WETA)
Want List 2009 (http://www.fanfarearchive.com/articles/atop/33_2/3320280.aaa_Jens_F_Laurson.html?)
DEBUSSY String Quartet. RAVEL String Quartet. FAURÉ String Quartet • Qrt Ebène • VIRGIN 519045
(also in my Best of 2008 List (http://www.weta.org/fmblog/?p=443))
HAYDN String Quartets: in G, op. 64/4; in g, op. 74/3, "Rider"; in D, op. 76/5 • Minetti Qrt • HÄNSSLER 98.589
BACH "Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland" • Stern • ZIG-ZAG 90104
KURTÁG'S GHOST • Formenti • KAIROS 12902 (2 CDs)
MENDELSSOHN Symphony No. 2, "Lobgesang" • Bernius/Karg, Bernius, Güra/Stuttgart CCh/German CP Bremen • CARUS 83.213 (SACD)
Quote from: knight on November 23, 2009, 10:17:53 AM
Ben, I heard and enjoyed this piece at last year's London Proms. It seemed an oddly structured work that did not give the pianist all that much to do by way of showing off.
Mike
Showing off? Mike, come on, we're British don't ya know?
But you're probably on to something; it's true that there isn't much in the way of bravura, which maybe explains why it hasn't been picked up into the standard repertoire. I have more thoughts on the piece, but they're gestating and i'll release them onto a more specific thread when they're ready to hatch. :)
Quote from: Benji on November 23, 2009, 11:32:37 AM
Showing off? Mike, come on, we're British don't ya know?
But you're probably on to something; it's true that there isn't much in the way of bravura, which maybe explains why it hasn't been picked up into the standard repertoire.
Interesting as this seems the exact opposite of Britten's piano concerto, which is a zip-along, pyro-technical whirlwind of a piece - yet it too remains in the repertory backwater (I love it). No accounting for neglect it seems no matter what a work's stripes. ;D
Biggest let down for me was the Naxos release of Bernstein's Mass. I absolutely adore the excerpted three meditations for cello and orchestra - really and truly amongst the finest cello works of the last century (get Rostropovich with the composer - miles above the competition).
I was absolutely shocked at what a crap piece this turned out to be - prolix, tawdry, uninspired melodically and rather trite in its message and execution. I am a Bernstein fan when it comes to his compositions, but this is completely overblown and I think people are very misguided when they say it is his masterpiece.
I'll have to think about the best recording...
Here's the count-down for 2009.
http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-10.html (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-10.html)
http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-9.html (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-9.html)
Best of the Year [permanent link] (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/search/label/Best%20of%20the%20Year)
I'm pretty sure my topspot will be occupied by the Dacapo disc of Nørgård's symphonies 3&7, but I will need Christmas to tally up.
http://tinyurl.com/yzw5sug
Best of 2009 - Part 8 (http://tinyurl.com/yzw5sug)
http://tinyurl.com/yz7lz3u
Best of 2009 - Part 7 (http://tinyurl.com/yz7lz3u)
http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-6.html
Best of 2009 - Part 6 (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-6.html)
http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-5.html
Best of 2009 - Part 5 (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-5.html)
Quote from: snyprrr on November 16, 2009, 11:46:05 AM
I was sooooo going to start this thread today! :(
1) Xenakis Complete SQs/JACK Quartet
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
Add the Haydn Op.17 on Hyperion.
And, I suppose if I heard it, you could put me on the Ebene bandwagon.
http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-4.html
Best of 2009 - Part 4 (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-4.html)
http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-3.html
Best of 2009 - Part 3 (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-3.html)
Quote from: jlaurson on December 14, 2009, 09:24:31 AM
http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-3.html
Best of 2009 - Part 3 (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-3.html)
That
Brendel Haydn set is indeed superb, I think it is the best thing I have heard him do!
Wasn't expecting too much when I got this from the Haydn thread, but it made me re-think my image of Brendel, has an underlying sparkle and wit that eludes almost any other version, remaster at reduced price is icing on the cake
Quote from: DarkAngel on December 14, 2009, 09:41:41 AM
That Brendel Haydn set is indeed superb, I think it is the best thing I have heard him do!
Wasn't expecting too much when I got this from the Haydn thread, but it made me re-think my image of Brendel, has an underlying sparkle and wit that eludes almost any other version, remaster at reduced price is icing on the cake
I agree. Brendel's sparkle and wit are infectious along with his wonderful use of rhetorical devices.
Quote from: DarkAngel on December 14, 2009, 09:41:41 AM
That Brendel Haydn set is indeed superb, I think it is the best thing I have heard him do!
Wasn't expecting too much when I got this from the Haydn thread, but it made me re-think my image of Brendel, has an underlying sparkle and wit that eludes almost any other version, remaster at reduced price is icing on the cake
But it's quite expensive.
Is this a good alternative?
(http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/4757185.jpg)
It's cheaper at least.
Quote from: Henk on December 14, 2009, 09:52:48 AM
But it's quite expensive.
Is this a good alternative?
(http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/4757185.jpg)
It's cheaper at least.
Well the one you link to has 4 Haydn sonatas, where the more expensive one has 4 CDs full of Haydn sonatas. So it depends on what music you want to hear!
Quote from: Brian on December 14, 2009, 09:54:47 AM
Well the one you link to has 4 Haydn sonatas, where the more expensive one has 4 CDs full of Haydn sonatas. So it depends on what music you want to hear!
Well, if these are the same performances of Haydn sonatas and if this is a nice selection of Haydn sonatas I choose for this much cheaper discs. I like to have some Mozart with it as well.
So can anyone recommend the Mozart performances as well? So is this whole set recommended?
Henk
Quote from: Henk on December 14, 2009, 09:52:48 AM
But it's quite expensive.
Is this a good alternative?
(http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/4757185.jpg)
It's cheaper at least.
It's no alternative at all if you want the multiple recordings Brendel made of Haydn's music. As for being expensive, the cost is perhaps a little over $10 per disc, not much for recordings to treasure.
Quote from: Bulldog on December 14, 2009, 10:03:01 AM
It's no alternative at all if you want the multiple recordings Brendel made of Haydn's music. As for being expensive, the cost is perhaps a little over $10 per disc, not much for recordings to treasure.
I would buy it if I wanted all the sonatas, but I'm satisfied with a selection as well.
Quote from: Henk on December 14, 2009, 10:09:31 AM
I would buy it if I wanted all the sonatas, but I'm satisfied with a selection as well.
Well, the Brendel set is actually just a selection out of Haydn's total sonatas. For all the sonatas, you'd need double-digit cds.
Quote from: Henk on December 14, 2009, 10:09:31 AM
I would buy it if I wanted all the sonatas, but I'm satisfied with a selection as well.
...until you hear Brendel play them... and then you'll still want them all. ;)
Wrote about that double CD here: http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2006/02/brendels-choice.html (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2006/02/brendels-choice.html). I don't have the 2-disc set here to compare, but I'm pretty sure that they are indeed identical with the same sonatas on the 4-CD set. My comments about the humming would certainly indicate that they are. (I'm a tad hesitant to
absolutely confirm them being the same performances because elsewhere Brendel has chosen versions for this "Choice" series that are not necessarily identical with the commercial releases of any given piece; he also had access to taped broadcasts when choosing among alternative takes.)
Quote from: jlaurson on December 14, 2009, 09:24:31 AM
http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-3.html
Best of 2009 - Part 3 (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-3.html)
Another busy year for me. I'm too lazy to pay too much attention to which years the discs are released, though I know some were brand new in '09.
The Best of the Best
Morales – Magnificat, et al; Rice & The Brabant Ensemble (Hyperion)
Morales – Missa pro defunctis; McCreesh & Gabrieli Consort (DG)
Haydn – Six Piano Sonatas; Anton Kuerti (Analekta)
Beethoven – Sonatas Opp 10/3 & 57; Russell Sherman (Pro Arte, LP)
Beethoven – Piano Concerto 3; Moravec / Neumann (Supraphon, LP)
Schumann / Ravel – Kreisleriana / Miroirs; Herbert Schuch (Oehms)
Schubert – Wandererfantasie, etc; Michael Endres (Oehms)
Other notables
Morales – Requiem, et al; Mallavibarrena & Musica Ficta (Cantus)
Haydn - Complete Symphonies; Dennis Russell Davies (Sony) [Not done yet, but the first 30 discs make it a safe bet]
Wourinen – String Sextet, et al; Naxos
Beethoven – Diabelli Variations; Takahiro Sonoda (Denon)
Beethoven – Complete Piano Sonatas; Takahiro Sonoda (Denon)
Mozart – Four Sonatas; Krystian Zimerman (DG, LP)
Dvorak – Symphony 9; Carlo Maria Giulini (DG, LP)
Palestrina – Masses; Tallis Scholars (Gimell)
Rosita Renard at Carnegie Hall (VAI)
Weber – Piano Works; Michael Endres (Oehms)
Schubert / Lachenman – Piano Works; Herbert Schuch (Oehms)
Dvorak – Chamber Works; Panocha, et al (Supraphon)
Franck / Szymanowsi – Violin & Piano works; Zimerman & Dancowska (DG)
Not that it matters, but the Danczowska disc is definitely not from 2009. In fact, it was one of Zimerman's first recordings for DG, made in 1980 or 1981 (for LP). I think the earliest CD incarnation was released in 2000 (cover below) - though I'm not 100% sure.
Still, a legendary recording, so always worthy of mention, regardless of the year. ;D
...
Incidentally, there was a DG Bacewicz CD, with Zimerman and Danczowska among the performers, scheduled for release this year (it was [being] recorded in February), but apparently it's been canceled or something because there's no sign of it so far... :-\
Quote from: Maciek on December 14, 2009, 11:06:04 PM
Incidentally, there was a DG Bacewicz CD with Zimerman and Danczowska among the performers, scheduled for release this year (it was [being] recorded in February), but apparently it's been canceled or something because there's no sign of it so far... :-\
A disc I'm eagerly wating for and easily the most interesting recording by DG for quite some time. It it cancelled it's yet another nail in DG's coffin. What we
really need is more arias disc by Netrebko, compilations of older discs by van Otter or bleeding chunks courtesy of Maisky. Good riddance DG!
Lets only hope someone else in that case will be able to pick up the recording for issue. Perhaps its's directly onto Brilliant ;D
Since this is Bacewicz' birthday year it probably won't appear on DG if it hasn't already.
date=1260815071]
http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-2.html
Best of 2009 - Part 2 (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-2.html)
Quote from: erato on December 14, 2009, 11:25:13 PM
Since this is Bacewicz' birthday year it probably won't appear on DG if it hasn't already.
Maybe they're holding it for a surprise last-day-of-the-year release? ::)
Best discoveries of 2009
1 Bate: Symphony 3/Chisholm Pictures from Dante
2 Hurum: Symphony etc
3 Kleiberg: Bell Reef Symphony
4 Koechlin: Vers la Voute etoilee
Only the first one is a 2009 release I think but the others were all great discoveries through this forum.
Quote from: vandermolen on December 16, 2009, 01:01:44 AM
1 Bate: Symphony 3/Chisholm Pictures from Dante
2 Hurum: Symphony etc
3 Kleiberg: Bell Reef Symphony
4 Koechlin: Vers la Voute etoilee
Wow...100% of the composers on this "best of" list are unknown to me, even by name. That's a first! :D
Quote from: Velimir on December 16, 2009, 01:37:10 AM
Wow...100% of the composers on this "best of" list are unknown to me, even by name. That's a first! :D
The first 3 I can understand, but Koechlin shouldn't be. And all the Hanssler discs of his music I've heard are mandatory listening (though I don't have the "Vers la Voute etoilee" - yet).
I received the Bate disc on Saturday and have only played it once, bur it sure is pretty impressive.
Le grand finale.
http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-1.html
Best of 2009 - Part 1 (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-1.html)
Still number two...
Quote from: MN-D4V3 on December 16, 2009, 09:48:56 AM
Still number two...
By the time you had written that, it was already fixed. :-)
Quote from: jlaurson on December 16, 2009, 10:09:21 AM
By the time you had written that, it was already fixed. :-)
Suuuuuure....
By the way, thanks for this. You're worth your weight in CDs.
If you like their Goldbergs, I should plug their fabulous renditions of Bach's Suites and Brandenburgs in Reger's 2piano arrangements on MDG. Long favorites of mine, I wasn't aware of their Goldberg.
Quote from: erato on December 16, 2009, 10:37:59 AM
If you like their Goldbergs, I should plug their fabulous renditions of Bach's Suites and Brandenburgs in Reger's 2piano arrangements on MDG. Long favorites of mine, I wasn't aware of their Goldberg.
Are you confusing Tal & Groethuysen with Trenkner & Speidl?
Quote from: jlaurson on December 16, 2009, 09:47:38 AM
Le grand finale.
http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-1.html
Best of 2009 - Part 1 (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-1.html)
Quote from: jlaurson on December 16, 2009, 10:55:03 AM
Are you confusing Tal & Groethuysen with Trenkner & Speidl?
Yes I am.... :(
But still - wouldn't witdraw one bit!
How nice to see Sony at last releasing decent stuff.
Quote from: erato on December 16, 2009, 11:01:05 AM
Yes I am.... :(
But still - wouldn't witdraw one bit!
How nice to see Sony at last releasing decent stuff.
True. I've
never had nearly as much Sony products on my list as this year. It's almost shocking.
And yes, I have the Trenkner-Speidl Bach. Borrowed the Orchestral Suites from a absolutely lovely ex-girlfriend... and never gave it back. :(
She's happily married now; I've got Trenkner-Speidl to keep me company.
Quote from: jlaurson on December 16, 2009, 11:06:41 AM
She's happily married now; I've got Trenkner-Speidl to keep me company.
Yeah, they're two.....Bittersweet story.
Is the Goldbergs a recent release? They are quite slow getting their releases to Europa BTW, and I can find no trace of this on European lists. A reversal of the usual situation, it seems.
Quote from: erato on December 16, 2009, 11:10:53 AM
Yeah, they're two.....Bittersweet story.
Is the Goldbergs a recent release? They are quite slow getting their releases to Europa BTW, and I can find no trace of this on European lists. A reversal of the usual situation, it seems.
All releases I listed have come out in 2009. In fact, the Goldberg CD is a Sony-Europe disc.
Here's the
German link (http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002E954W4/nectarandambr-21). Here the
French link (http://www.amazon.fr/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002E954W4/nectarandambrFR-21). For
the UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002E954W4/nectarandambrUK-21) it's cheaper to get it from the mainland, me thinks.
Quote from: jlaurson on December 16, 2009, 11:15:31 AM
For the UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002E954W4/nectarandambrUK-21) it's cheaper to get it from the mainland, me thinks.
33 quid, wowza! Wonder about the distribution in the UK, as my usual dealers; presto, mdt and europadisc, draws a blank when it comes to distribution of recent Sony stuff.
http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2008-almost-list.html
Best of 2009 - "Almost List" (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2008-almost-list.html)
Bach-Beethoven-Beethoven-Chopin-Haydn-D'Indy-Rorem-Schubert-Suk-Vivaldi
Quote from: jlaurson on December 16, 2009, 11:15:31 AM
All releases I listed have come out in 2009. In fact, the Goldberg CD is a Sony-Europe disc.
Here's the German link (http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002E954W4/nectarandambr-21). Here the French link (http://www.amazon.fr/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002E954W4/nectarandambrFR-21). For the UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002E954W4/nectarandambrUK-21) it's cheaper to get it from the mainland, me thinks.
I found it listed as a Nov 20th release somewhere, so there is hope it will still appear among my usual channels. BTW a friend of mine in the music distribution business in Norway have some incredible stories to tell about Sony's almost criminally insane and unbelievably sloppy distribution here. Thanks for your lists!
Quote from: Velimir on December 16, 2009, 01:37:10 AM
Wow...100% of the composers on this "best of" list are unknown to me, even by name. That's a first! :D
The middle two were unknown to me too - before I joined this forum - one of the great reasons for doing so (though not according to my bank manager). I hope that you may enjoy these discoveries too.
Quote from: erato on December 16, 2009, 01:56:21 AM
The first 3 I can understand, but Koechlin shouldn't be. And all the Hanssler discs of his music I've heard are mandatory listening (though I don't have the "Vers la Voute etoilee" - yet).
I received the Bate disc on Saturday and have only played it once, bur it sure is pretty impressive.
Let us know what you think when you've heard it more (and also the Chisholm)
Quote from: vandermolen on December 19, 2009, 08:35:22 AM
The middle two were unknown to me too - before I joined this forum - one of the great reasons for doing so (though not according to my bank manager). I hope that you may enjoy these discoveries too.
Or maybe not...I'm moving to a new apt. this weekend, and that involves packing a lot of CDs in boxes...which provokes a number of thoughts, like "Do I really need any more of these?" and "Why did I ever buy this one?"
Yes, this forum can be a mixed blessing in that respect :)
1.- J.S. Bach - Mass in B minor
Gerlinde Sämann (soprano); Patrizia Hardt (soprano); Elisabet Hermans (soprano); Petra Noskaiová (alto); Bernhard Hunziker (tenor); Marcus Niedermeyer (bass), etc.
La Petite Bande/Sigiswald Kuijken
2 SACD
Challenge Classics
2.- J.S. Bach – Cello Suites
Sigiswald Kuijken (violoncello da spalla)
2 SACD
Accent
3.- The Virtual Haydn – Complete Works for Solo Keyboard
Tom Beghin (on 7 historical keyboards in 9 virtual rooms)
4-disc box set (Blu-ray disc)
Naxos
4.- J.S. Bach – Brandenburg Concertos
Bach Collegium Japan/ Masaaki Suzuki
2 SACD
Bis
5.- J.S. Bach – The Art of Fugue
Sergio Vartolo (harpsichord)
Maddalena Vartolo (harpsichord)
2 CD
Naxos
6.- J.S. Bach - Aus der Tieffen
Katharine Fugue (sopran), Carlos Mena (counter-tenor), Hans-Jörg Mammel (tenor), Stephen MacLeod (bass)
Ricercar Consort/ Philippe Pierlot
Mirare
7.- Joseph Haydn – Eight Concerti for Harpsichord, Piano and Organ
Christine Schornsheim
Neue Düsseldorfer Hofmusik/ Mary Utiger
2 CD
Capriccio
8.- Joseph Haydn - Concertos
Lorenzo Ghielmi
Stefano Barneschi
La Divina Armonia
Passacaille
9.- Handel – Organ Concertos Op. 7
Academy of Ancient Music
Richard Egarr
2 SACD
Harmonia Mundi USA
10.- J.S. Bach – The Well-Tempered Clavichord
Jaroslav Tuma (clavichord)
4 CDs
Arta Records
[really from 2008 & 2002, but it's my ranking :)]
Additionally, two important reissues:
1.- J.S. Bach – Complete Organ Works
Bernard Foccroulle
16 CDs
Ricercar
2.- A Secret Labyrinth – A Celebration of Music from the Middle Ages to Renaissance
Huelgas Ensemble/ Paul van Nevel
15 CDs
Sony
:)
P.S.: (Incredibly) I forgot the most important (imo) reissue of the year: Haydn string quartets by the Festetics on Arcana. 8)
Quote from: jlaurson on December 16, 2009, 09:47:38 AM
Le grand finale.
http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-1.html
Best of 2009 - Part 1 (http://ionarts.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-recordings-of-2009-1.html)
Still not working for me; all I see is a picture of Christmas presents. Regardless, if your #1 choice is a Goldberg Variations, I may not be interested; never did learn to like that piece, even with the aid of both decades of Glenn Gould. My roommate loves the piece; maybe I'll tell him.
Quote from: Brian on December 20, 2009, 08:10:49 PM
Still not working for me; all I see is a picture of Christmas presents.
Too hasty, perhaps: Note this sentence: "The 10 Best Recordings of 2009, including the No.1 choice(s), are now posted on Classical WETA."
The latter part linking to this: http://www.weta.org/fmblog/?p=1471 (http://www.weta.org/fmblog/?p=1471)
Quote
Regardless, if your #1 choice is a Goldberg Variations, I may not be interested; never did learn to like that piece, even with the aid of both decades of Glenn Gould. My roommate loves the piece; maybe I'll tell him.
Well... it's definitely not your usual "Goldberg Variations". At all.
Quote from: jlaurson on December 20, 2009, 08:48:01 PM
Too hasty, perhaps: Not this sentence: "The 10 Best Recordings of 2009, including the No.1 choice(s), are now posted on Classical WETA."
The latter part linking to this: http://www.weta.org/fmblog/?p=1471 (http://www.weta.org/fmblog/?p=1471)
Well... it's definitely not your usual "Goldberg Variations". At all.
Hmmm, thanks for the tip; I do dig romantics (and Rheinberger's music for violin and organ recently piqued my interest, on a related note).
How was the Jarvi Ninth? Amazon still lists it as $30, so I'm holding out.
And I can't help but notice your continued awe for the thunderclap that was the Jarvi Eroica - when to me it seemed to be just an excellent but slightly less turbocharged carbon copy of the also-a-thunderclap Dausgaard Eroica from the year before. If/when you hear the Dausgaard, would be very interested in your comparative thoughts. There is a pretty good chance that I am undervaluing the merits of the Jarvi recording just because I heard the other one first.
Track timings, Beethoven's 3rd
Dausgaard...15:47.....12:49....5:22....10:28.....[44:26]
Jarvi.............15:23.....13:18....5:31....10:54.....[45:06]
http://www.classicstoday.com/features/120109-BestofYear.asp