Wow!
[asin]B006KAWI2C[/asin]
Help me out with this thing. What are the go-to discs in here? Don't say "all of them". $:)
Quote from: mn dave on December 31, 2013, 09:06:41 AM
Wow!
[asin]B006KAWI2C[/asin]
Help me out with this thing. What are the go-to discs in here? Don't say "all of them". $:)
No, just some of them...
Not helpful. :)
For less than $1 per disc, Rubenstein fans should not hesitate, unless you already have a substantial collection already.
I am not that big a fan, so I think I'd pass. If this is Richter (probably 102,398 CDs) or Sofronitsky, then I might consider...
Well however one feels about Rubinstein, a big part of this set is all the superb musicians he plays with.
(http://aces.jaggedpeak.com/Images/WaitingCustomer.jpg)
Quote from: mn dave on December 31, 2013, 09:15:21 AM
Why not?
I can't be everyone's biggest fan. Besides... Well, as usual, I am just looking for reasons not to buy before I buy it.
Quote from: springrite on December 31, 2013, 09:18:47 AM
I can't be everyone's biggest fan. Besides... Well, as usual, I am just looking for reasons not to buy before I buy it.
Don't do it. It will haunt the rest of your days.
Quote from: mn dave on December 31, 2013, 09:19:36 AM
Don't do it. It will haunt the rest of your days.
Either way it will. I blame you for it. Or maybe I should blame Conan.
Quote from: springrite on December 31, 2013, 09:23:54 AM
Either way it will. I blame you for it. Or maybe I should blame Conan.
Conan has escaped into the Boomerang Nebula.
OK, I am waiting for the $109.81 become available.
Quote from: springrite on December 31, 2013, 09:26:22 AM
OK, I am waiting for the $109.81 become available.
Happy New Year! Welcome to Hell! ;D
CD 1-5 THE EARLY RECORDINGS 1928-1935 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 6-10 THE EARLY RECORDINGS 1931-1939 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 11-14 THE EARLY RECORDINGS 1938-1949 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 15 RACHMANINOFF - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 ~ RUBINSTEIN * NBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * GOLSCHMANN
CD 16 GRIEG - PIANO CONCERTO * LISZT - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * RCA VICTOR S. O. * DALLAS S. O. * DORATI
CD 17 TCHAIKOVSKY - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * MINNEAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * MITROPOULOS
CD 18 CHOPIN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 ~ RUBINSTEIN * NBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * STEINBERG
CD 19 SCHUMANN - PIANO CONCERTO ~ RUBINSTEIN * RCA VICTOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * STEINBERG
CD 20 BEETHOVEN - PIANO SONATAS NO. 23 "APPASSIONATA" & NO. 18 "THE HUNT" ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 21 BEETHOVEN - PIANO SONATA NO. 8 "PATHÉTIQUE" * SCHUMANN - FANTASIESTÜCKE ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 22 FALLA - NOCHES EN LOS JARDINES DE ESPAÑA * MOZART - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 23 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 23 SCHUMANN - PIANO QUINTET ~ RUBINSTEIN * PAGANINI QUARTET
CD 24 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3 ~ RUBINSTEIN * NBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * TOSCANINI
CD 25 SCHUBERT - PIANO TRIO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * HEIFETZ * FEUERMANN
CD 26 BEETHOVEN - PIANO TRIO NO. 7 "ARCHDUKE" ~ RUBINSTEIN * HEIFETZ * FEUERMANN
CD 27 BRAHMS - PIANO TRIO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * HEIFETZ * FEUERMANN
CD 28 FAURÉ - PIANO QUARTET NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * MEMBERS OF THE PAGANINI QUARTET
CD 29 RAVEL - PIANO TRIO * MENDELSSOHN - PIANO TRIO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * HEIFETZ * PIATIGORSKY
CD 30 TCHAIKOVSKY - PIANO TRIO ~ RUBINSTEIN * HEIFETZ * PIATIGORSKY
CD 31 CHOPIN - SCHERZOS NOS. 1-4 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 32 PIANO ENCORES BY ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN
CD 33 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 4 ~ RUBINSTEIN * ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA * BEECHAM
CD 34-35 CHOPIN - THE COMPLETE NOCTURNES ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 36 CHOPIN - 24 PRÉLUDES, OP. 28 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 37 BRAHMS - PIANO SONATA NO. 3 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 38 CHOPIN - POLONAISES OPP. 26, 40, 44 & 53 "HEROIC" ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 39 CHOPIN - PIANO SONATA NO. 2 "FUNERAL MARCH" * DEBUSSY ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 40 BRAHMS - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 ~ RUBINSTEIN * BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * MUNCH
CD 41 RACHMANINOFF - RHAPSODY ON A THEME OF PAGANINI * SZYMANOWSKI - SYMPHONIE CONCERTANTE ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 42-44 CHOPIN - THE COMPLETE MAZURKAS * POLONAISE-FANTAISIE * GRANDE POLONAISE BRILLANTE ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 45 SCHUMANN - CELLO CONCERTO * BRAHMS - CELLO SONATA NO. 1 ~ PIATIGORSKY * RUBINSTEIN
CD 46 FRANCK * STRAUSS - VIOLIN SONATAS ~ RUBINSTEIN * HEIFETZ * SÁNDOR
CD 47 BRAHMS - INTERMEZZI * CAPRICCIO * RHAPSODIES ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 48 CHOPIN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC * WALLENSTEIN
CD 49 SCHUMANN - CARNAVAL * FRANCK - PRÉLUDE, CHORAL ET FUGUE ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 50 BRAHMS - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * REINER
CD 51 RUBINSTEIN PLAYS GRIEG
CD 52 CHOPIN - WALTZES ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 53 BEETHOVEN - PIANO SONATAS NO. 23 "APPASSIONATA" & NO. 8 "PATHÉTIQUE" ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 54 RUBINSTEIN PLAYS LISZT
CD 55 FALLA * GRANADOS * ALBÉNIZ * MOMPOU ~ RUBINSTEIN * SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * JORDA
CD 56 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * SYMPHONY OF THE AIR * KRIPS
CD 57 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 ~ RUBINSTEIN - SYMPHONY OF THE AIR * KRIPS
CD 58 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3 ~ RUBINSTEIN * SYMPHONY OF THE AIR * KRIPS
CD 59 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 4 ~ RUBINSTEIN * SYMPHONY OF THE AIR * KRIPS
CD 60 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 5 "EMPEROR" ~ RUBINSTEIN * SYMPHONY OF THE AIR * KRIPS
CD 61 SAINT-SAËNS - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 * FRANCK * VARIATIONS SYMPHONIQUES ~ RUBINSTEIN * WALLENSTEIN
CD 62 RACHMANINOFF - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 * LISZT - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * REINER * WALLENSTEIN
CD 63 SCHUMANN - PIANO CONCERTO ~ RUBINSTEIN * RCA VICTOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * KRIPS
CD 64 RUBINSTEIN PLAYS CHOPIN
CD 65 BEETHOVEN - PIANO SONATAS NO. 21 "WALDSTEIN" & NO. 18 "THE HUNT" ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 66 CHOPIN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 * GRANDE POLONAISE BRILLANTE ~ RUBINSTEIN * WALLENSTEIN
CD 67 BRAHMS - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 ~ RUBINSTEIN * RCA VICTOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * KRIPS
CD 68 CHOPIN - SCHERZOS NOS. 1-4 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 69 CHOPIN - BALLADES NOS. 1-4 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 70 BEETHOVEN - VIOLIN SONATAS NO. 9 "KREUTZER" & NO. 5 "SPRING" ~ RUBINSTEIN * SZERYNG
CD 71 GRIEG - PIANO CONCERTO * LISZT - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * WALLENSTEIN
CD 72 RACHMANINOFF - RHAPSODY ON A THEME OF PAGANINI * FALLA - NIGHTS IN THE GARDENS OF SPAIN ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 73 BRAHMS - PIANO SONATA NO. 3 * INTERMEZZO OP. 116/6 * ROMANCE OP. 118/5 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 74 MOZART - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 24 * RONDO K. 511 ~ RUBINSTEIN * RCA VICTOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - KRIPS
CD 75 CHOPIN - PIANO SONATAS NO. 2 "FUNERAL MARCH" & NO. 3 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 76 CHOPIN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * NEW SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF LONDON * SKROWACZEWSKI
CD 77 GRIEG - PIANO CONCERTO * FAVORITE ENCORES ~ RUBINSTEIN * RCA VICTOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * WALLENSTEIN
CD 78 HIGHLIGHTS FROM RUBINSTEIN AT CARNEGIE HALL
CD 79 BRAHMS - VIOLIN SONATAS NO. 2 & NO. 3 ~ RUBINSTEIN * SZERYNG
CD 80 BEETHOVEN - VIOLIN SONATA NO. 8 * BRAHMS - VIOLIN SONATA NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * SZERYNG
CD 81 MOZART - PIANO CONCERTOS NO. 23 & NO. 21 ~ RUBINSTEIN * RCA VICTOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * WALLENSTEIN
CD 82 BEETHOVEN - PIANO SONATAS NO. 14 "MOONLIGHT" * NO. 26 "LES ADIEUX" * NO. 8 "PATHÉTIQUE" ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 83 SCHUMANN - CARNAVAL * FANTASIESTÜCKE ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 84 TCHAIKOVSKY - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * LEINSDORF
CD 85 MOZART - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 20 * HAYDN - ANDANTE & VARIATIONS ~ RUBINSTEIN * WALLENSTEIN
CD 86 MOZART - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 17 * SCHUBERT - IMPROMPTUS D 899/3-4 ~ RUBINSTEIN * WALLENSTEIN
CD 87 CHOPIN - WALTZES NOS. 1-14 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 88 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 5 "EMPEROR" ~ RUBINSTEIN * BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * LEINSDORF
CD 89 A FRENCH PROGRAM - RAVEL * POULENC * FAURÉ * CHABRIER ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 90 BEETHOVEN - PIANO SONATAS NO. 23 "APPASSIONATA" & NO. 3 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 91-92 CHOPIN - POLONAISES & IMPROMPTUS ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 93 LISZT - PIANO SONATA IN B MINOR * SCHUBERT - "WANDERER" FANTASY ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 94 CHOPIN - BARCAROLLE * 3 NOUVELLES ÉTUDES * BOLÉRO * FANTAISIE * BERCEUSE * TARANTELLE ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 95 BRAHMS - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * LEINSDORF
CD 96-98 CHOPIN - THE COMPLETE MAZURKAS ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 99 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3 ~ RUBINSTEIN * BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * LEINSDORF
CD 100 BRAHMS - PIANO QUINTET ~ RUBINSTEIN * GUARNERI STRING QUARTET
CD 101-102 CHOPIN - THE COMPLETE NOCTURNES ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 103 SCHUMANN - PIANO CONCERTO * NOVELETTES ~ RUBINSTEIN * CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * GIULINI
CD 104 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 4 ~ RUBINSTEIN * BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * LEINSDORF
CD 105 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * LEINSDORF
CD 106 CHOPIN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 * FANTASY OP. 13 ~ RUBINSTEIN * THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA * ORMANDY
CD 107-109 BRAHMS - THE 3 PIANO QUARTETS * SCHUMANN - PIANO QUINTET ~ RUBINSTEIN * GUARNERI STRING QUARTET
CD 110 SCHUBERT - PIANO SONATA NO. 21 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 111 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 ~ RUBINSTEIN * BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * LEINSDORF *
CD 112 SCHUMANN - KREISLERIANA * VOGEL ALS PROPHET * ARABESKE ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 113 SAINT-SAËNS - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 * FALLA - NOCHES EN LOS JARDINES DE ESPAÑA ~ RUBINSTEIN * ORMANDY
CD 114 THE BRAHMS I LOVE ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 115 DVO'ÁK - PIANO QUINTET ~ RUBINSTEIN * GUARNERI STRING QUARTET
CD 116 BRAHMS - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 ~ RUBINSTEIN * THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA * ORMANDY
CD 117 RACHMANINOFF - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 ~ RUBINSTEIN * THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA * ORMANDY
CD 118 DVO'ÁK - PIANO QUARTET ~ RUBINSTEIN * GUARNERI STRING QUARTET
CD 119-120 BRAHMS - THE 3 PIANO TRIOS * SCHUMANN - PIANO TRIO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * SZERNYG * FOURIER
CD 121 FAURÉ - PIANO QUARTET NO. 1 * STRING QUARTET ~ RUBINSTEIN * GUARNERI STRING QUARTET
CD 122-123 SCHUBERT - PIANO TRIOS NOS. 1 & 2 ~ RUBINSTEIN * SZERNYNG * FOURNIER
CD 124 BRAHMS - CELLO SONATAS NOS. 1 & 2 ~ RUBINSTEIN * PIATIGORSKY
CD 125 BEETHOVEN - PIANO SONATA NO. 18 "THE HUNT" * SCHUMANN - FANTASIESTÜCKE ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 126 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 5 "EMPEROR" ~ RUBINSTEIN * LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA * BARENBOIM
CD 127 MOZART - THE 2 PIANO QUARTETS ~ RUBINSTEIN * GUARNERI STRING QUARTET
CD 128 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 4 ~ RUBINSTEIN * LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA - BARENBOIM
CD 129 BEETHOVEN * PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3 ~ RUBINSTEIN * LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA * BARENBOIM
CD 130 BACH-BUSONI - CHACONNE * MOZART - RONDO K. 511 * FRANCK - PRÉLUDE, CHORAL ET FUGUE ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 131 SCHUMANN - SYMPHONIC ETUDES * ARABESQUE * RAVEL * DEBUSSY * ALBÉNIZ ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 132 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA * BARENBOIM
CD 133 BEETHOVEN - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 * PIANO SONATA NO. 18 "THE HUNT" ~ RUBINSTEIN * BARENBOIM
CD 134 SAINT-SAËNS * DEBUSSY * GRANADOS * ALBÉNIZ * SCHUMANN * RUBINSTEIN * MOMPOU * CHOPIN ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 135 SCHUBERT - PIANO SONATA NO. 21 * SCHUMANN - FANTASY IN C * VOGEL ALS PROPHET~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 136-137 THE BENEFIT RECITAL FOR ISRAEL 1975 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 138 BRAHMS - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * ISRAEL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA * MEHTA
CD 139 INTERVIEW CD - ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN IN CONVERSATION WITH MARTIN BOOKSPAN & NATHANIEL JOHNSON
CD 140 BONUS CD - NEW HIGHLIGHTS FROM CARNEGIE HALL, VOL. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 141 BONUS CD - NEW HIGHLIGHTS FROM CARNEGIE HALL, VOL. 2 ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 142 BONUS CD - NEW HIGHLIGHTS FROM CARNEGIE HALL, VOL. 3 ~ RUBINSTEIN
DVD 1 THE BENEFIT RECITAL FOR ISRAEL 1975 ~ RUBINSTEIN
DVD 2 RUBINSTEIN REMEMBERED - A DOCUMENTARY
I am most interested in the DVD and all the chamber music, as well as the early recordings.
OK, so I ordered it...
Hey, it's after the New Year here so for once I did not break my own rules...
Quote from: springrite on December 31, 2013, 09:41:03 AM
OK, so I ordered it...
Hey, it's after the New Year here so for once I did not break my own rules...
Congratulations on your purchase. I trust it will provide much pleasure. :)
Quote from: springrite on December 31, 2013, 09:41:03 AM
OK, so I ordered it...
Hey, it's after the New Year here so for once I did not break my own rules...
Quote from: mn dave on December 31, 2013, 09:27:15 AM
Happy New Year! Welcome to Hell! ;D
You wicked, wicked man!
Why do I feel like Doktor Faust?
A Minnesota Mephistopheles
Quote from: karlhenning on December 31, 2013, 09:54:17 AM
A Minnesota Mephistopheles
"Don't feel like Satan but I am to them."
You're that guy I saw on the MBTA wearing a Twins cap, aren't you?
Quote from: karlhenning on December 31, 2013, 09:58:40 AM
You're that guy I saw on the MBTA wearing a Twins cap, aren't you?
That was indeed one of us.
Quote from: mn dave on December 31, 2013, 09:06:41 AM
Wow!
[asin]B006KAWI2C[/asin]
Help me out with this thing. What are the go-to discs in here? Don't say "all of them".
Brahms. Then non-Brahms chamber recordings.
Quote from: Todd on December 31, 2013, 10:54:58 AM
Brahms. Then non-Brahms chamber recordings.
Finally! Thank you, good sir.
The early Nocturnes and Mazurkas at the beginning of the set.
And check out the book too, it's nice.
Quote from: George on December 31, 2013, 12:40:18 PM
The early Nocturnes and Mazurkas at the beginning of the set.
And check out the book too, it's nice.
Thanks, amigo!
Dave, I've also had fun with the Schumann solo albums and anything where Rubinstein plays chamber music with his friends, notably Henryk Szeryng (Beethoven and Brahms sonatas) and the Guarneri Quartet. I will second Todd's recommendation of the Brahms, and George's of the mazurkas. The concertos with Krips (Mozart, mostly) and Leinsdorf (like Tchaikovsky) are fun.
I'll second Brian's recommendation of the solo Schumann, especially the early Schumann recordings. (check the very useful discography in the book for info)
Third the solo Schumann.
Is there a Rubinstein recording I have heard which I don't like? Yes, but only in the sense that I have a problem with the sonics on almost anything recorded before WWII.
Bearing in mind that I've probably not heard two thirds of his output--
the last recording of the Nocturnes is my personal favorite of any recording I've heard of the Nocturnes (among those I have not heard is his second recording). Also the Waltzes.
the Mozart concertos
the Schumann stuff
Excellent. Thanks to all. :)
I would start with French music, Ravel valses nobles et sentimentales, and then move to the Franck Prelude, Chorale and Fugue, Poulenc's Trois Mouvements Perpétuels, the Fauré nocturne. All of the solo stuff in the Rubinstein Collection Vol 7 is well worth hearing - but it's imperative to check the Navarra in Vol 42, an encore at Carnegie Hall. Away from France and Spain, there's Grieg's Ballade.
In general, the earlier the performance the better.
Quote from: Mandryka on January 01, 2014, 07:57:41 AM
I would start with French music, Ravel valses nobles et sentimentales, and then move to the Franck Prelude, Chorale and Fugue, Poulenc's Trois Mouvements Perpétuels, the Fauré nocturne. All of the solo stuff in the Rubinstein Collection Vol 7 is well worth hearing - but it's imperative to check the Navarra in Vol 42, an encore at Carnegie Hall. Away from France and Spain, there's Grieg's Ballade.
In general, the earlier the performance the better.
Thanks.
Dave, I think the way this thread is tending, you might as well take the entire set as recommended by someone or other.
When I get to actually listening to the box (there's a few things in the lineup ahead of it) I'll do my usual routine of starting at CD 1 and going all the way through it, possibly skipping the performances I own as individual releases. That may be your best bet, too.
For all I know, Dave may already have purchased it and only use this thread to made me break my will.
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on January 01, 2014, 07:25:38 PM
Dave, I think the way this thread is tending, you might as well take the entire set as recommended by someone or other.
If I may UN-recommend something! Today I listened to his Schubert sonata D960 and thought it was not an especially good or remarkable performance. In fact, it ranks among my least favorites.
Quote from: Brian on January 01, 2014, 07:49:38 PM
If I may UN-recommend something! Today I listened to his Schubert sonata D960 and thought it was not an especially good or remarkable performance. In fact, it ranks among my least favorites.
I seem to remember he didn't start playing D960 till late in his career. I also seem to remember that the slow movement is really milked for beauty. I didn't keep my copy so I can't check.
There's an even less impressive D960 from Horowitz.
Quote from: Brian on January 01, 2014, 07:49:38 PM
If I may UN-recommend something! Today I listened to his Schubert sonata D960 and thought it was not an especially good or remarkable performance. In fact, it ranks among my least favorites.
There are two Rubinstein D960s, one I liked, one I did not. The 1969 one that was approved by the pianist I did not like, but the 1965 one I did like.
from the 1999 liner notes:
(http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/4085/wrsf.png)
Quote from: springrite on January 01, 2014, 07:35:52 PM
For all I know, Dave may already have purchased it and only use this thread to made me break my will.
Yes, I already own it and am using this thread for recommendations on how to approach it. I thank all helpful participants!
Quote from: George on January 02, 2014, 12:16:07 AM
There are two Rubinstein D960s, one I liked, one I did not. The 1969 one that was approved by the pianist I did not like, but the 1965 one I did like.
from the 1999 liner notes:
(http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/4085/wrsf.png)
Oh! Thank you very much for posting this. I heard the 1969 performance, and that explains my displeasure. (Mandryka, you're right that he had only started playing it a few years before. The slow movement is 10:30ish in length but seemed fast, to me, at the very onset.) If the giant box has the 1965 version I'll try it sometime soon...
Quote from: Brian on January 02, 2014, 04:32:18 AM
Oh! Thank you very much for posting this. I heard the 1969 performance, and that explains my displeasure. (Mandryka, you're right that he had only started playing it a few years before. The slow movement is 10:30ish in length but seemed fast, to me, at the very onset.) If the giant box has the 1965 version I'll try it sometime soon...
It does.
This is a dangerous thread for me to visit . . . .
Quote from: karlhenning on January 02, 2014, 05:47:36 AM
This is a dangerous thread for me to visit . . . .
As someone who has already gone down that path...
:)
Quote from: karlhenning on January 02, 2014, 05:47:36 AM
This is a dangerous thread for me to visit . . . .
I
think - if I may be allowed to delicately offer a counter-opinion - there's perhaps reason enough to pass on this box if one is already in possession of many of these performances in alternate versions. But that's asking a lot of course...so...if one
isn't in possession of many of these performances in alternate versions...then this might make for the handiest of one-stop boxes.....
...Umm......
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on January 02, 2014, 09:11:53 AM
I think - if I may be allowed to delicately offer a counter-opinion - there's perhaps reason enough to pass on this box if one is already in possession of many of these performances in alternate versions. But that's asking a lot of course...so...if one isn't in possession of many of these performances in alternate versions...then this might make for the handiest of one-stop boxes.....
...Umm......
SO, if you have 72 or more of the 144, pass on it.
If you have less than 72, consider it.
If you have less than 44, buy it.
I have 5. So I bought it.
The danger is acute for me, as I have scarcely any duplication.
Going back to the comfort of my nostalgic squirrels . . . .
Quote from: karlhenning on January 02, 2014, 09:14:28 AM
The danger is acute for me, as I have scarcely any duplication.
Going back to the comfort of my nostalgic squirrels . . . .
You only need to throw away a shoebox to make room, you know.
Quote from: springrite on January 02, 2014, 09:14:08 AM
SO, if you have 72 or more of the 144, pass on it.
If you have less than 72, consider it.
If you have less than 44, buy it.
I have 5. So I bought it.
I'll leave it to others to fill in the blanks. ;D
It's the most massive box I own. I can't imagine one being much larger.
And it's bigger than a shoebox.
Quote from: mn dave on January 02, 2014, 10:05:54 AM
It's the most massive box I own. I can't imagine one being much larger.
And it's bigger than a shoebox.
That's due to the size of your shoe...
Quote from: mn dave on January 02, 2014, 10:05:54 AMI can't imagine one being much larger.
I can:
(http://boxset.ru/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/karajan_crdg.jpg)
Quote from: Todd on January 02, 2014, 10:16:47 AM
I can:
(http://boxset.ru/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/karajan_crdg.jpg)
That's not a box. It's a shelving unit! ;D
Quote from: mn dave on January 02, 2014, 10:22:48 AM
That's not a box. It's a shelving unit! ;D
It's a shoebox closet.
One of my best ever purchases, like Jeffrey I am working my way through from CD 1. The overall quality of the sound is excellent and as an avowed Rubinstein fan I love what I'm hearing. The second set of Chopin Nocturnes might just surpass the third set as my all time favourite. Another recording to really stand out so far is the Tchaikovsky A minor Trio.
For the price this set is a no-brainer. I enjoyed hearing those CDs that I already had in improved sound
I'm listening to CD 6 right now. That's right! CD 6. :)
Quote from: mn dave on January 02, 2014, 05:20:44 PM
I'm listening to CD 6 right now. That's right! CD 6. :)
Which one is that? One of the early Chopins?
Quote from: George on January 02, 2014, 05:26:06 PM
Which one is that? One of the early Chopins?
Mixed bag disc: Debussy, Ravel, Liszt, Rubinstein, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Chopin, Liszt, Schumann, Brahms
Quote from: mn dave on January 02, 2014, 05:34:54 PM
Mixed bag disc: Debussy, Ravel, Liszt, Rubinstein, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Chopin, Liszt, Schumann, Brahms
Cool! I love his early recordings.
Quote from: Brian on January 02, 2014, 04:32:18 AM
Oh! Thank you very much for posting this. I heard the 1969 performance, and that explains my displeasure. (Mandryka, you're right that he had only started playing it a few years before. The slow movement is 10:30ish in length but seemed fast, to me, at the very onset.) If the giant box has the 1965 version I'll try it sometime soon...
Brian, it's on CD 135 (second CD of the Unreleased Recordings doublet).
I just listened to CD 140. It is a random selection of solo piano stuff played live (but never released) in a 1961 concert. It seemed a bit rocky at the beginning, and then was just riveting. He was incredibly popular as a live performer, in spite of not being at all glitzy, and whatever it is (an intimacy? an immediacy that most performers don't have?) it comes through in this disc. It's a shame he didn't allow more of his live stuff to be recorded. As a top star, he was always given terrific recording engineers, that might be part of what makes this disc (and the whole box) so engaging. When he hits the higher end notes, the piano sounds like it's in my study...
Quote from: Baklavaboy on January 06, 2014, 07:02:05 AM
I just listened to CD 140. It is a random selection of solo piano stuff played live (but never released) in a 1961 concert. It seemed a bit rocky at the beginning, and then was just riveting. He was incredibly popular as a live performer, in spite of not being at all glitzy, and whatever it is (an intimacy? an immediacy that most performers don't have?) it comes through in this disc. It's a shame he didn't allow more of his live stuff to be recorded. As a top star, he was always given terrific recording engineers, that might be part of what makes this disc (and the whole box) so engaging. When he hits the higher end notes, the piano sounds like it's in my study...
These are worth hearing
(http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mCc5YBObiLCloDA3rBtS6aA.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61qDwguP4RL._SL500_SX355_.jpg)
I need a magnifying glass for the backs of the "record" jackets. ;D
Quote from: Mandryka on January 06, 2014, 08:44:07 AM
These are worth hearing
(http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mCc5YBObiLCloDA3rBtS6aA.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61qDwguP4RL._SL500_SX355_.jpg)
Amazon has these, but doesn't say anything about them. Live recitals that aren't in the box?
Quote from: Baklavaboy on April 04, 2014, 06:47:00 AM
Amazon has these, but doesn't say anything about them. Live recitals that aren't in the box?
As far as I know they aren't in the box.
Quote from: springrite on January 02, 2014, 09:14:08 AM
SO, if you have 72 or more of the 144, pass on it.
If you have less than 72, consider it.
If you have less than 44, buy it.
I have 5. So I bought it.
I have none - mainly because I've disliked every stereo AR recording I've ever heard. I did quite like his mono Chopin recordings on EMI.... so should I partake?
Rubinstein gave a concert in Amsterdam in September 1954, with the Waldstein, Carnival, the Chopin Barcarolle and some other things. It was recorded and is now available on concertarchive, a yahoo concert sharing private group. Well worth hearing if you like the Rubinstein thing - I'm not as fan as some people here, but some things in this live concert had me strapped to my seat. He was on form that night, the recording gives you a glimpse of why people slept outside the box office to be sure of getting a ticket. The sound is fine.
PM me if you have difficulty getting it.
Brahms Concerto No 2
LSO/Coates 1929
BSO/Munch 1952
RCA/Krips 1958
Philly/Ormandy 1971
Which one do you prefer, and why? Also accepting general comparisons and contrasts without preferences attached.
Quote from: Brian on June 15, 2014, 03:48:16 PM
Brahms Concerto No 2
LSO/Coates 1929
BSO/Munch 1952
RCA/Krips 1958
Philly/Ormandy 1971
Which one do you prefer, and why? Also accepting general comparisons and contrasts without preferences attached.
I have heard only the last two. Krips.
Quote from: Brian on June 15, 2014, 03:48:16 PM
Brahms Concerto No 2
LSO/Coates 1929
BSO/Munch 1952
RCA/Krips 1958
Philly/Ormandy 1971
Which one do you prefer, and why? Also accepting general comparisons and contrasts without preferences attached.
The Krips is a favourite of mine, very inspired. And with favourite I mean that when I want to listen to this concerto, I will reach for this recording first. :) The Coates is mainly interesting as an historical documentation, rushed and with cuts due to the limited recording time. Don't know the other two. Though I vaguely recall auditioning the Ormandy, must not have made a very big impression...
Q
I have had the box for about 4 years and only listened sporadically, partly because I had owned already 20-30 discs with recordings included.
Now I decided to make sure that I listen to everything at least once. I will do this not completely systematically and started with a few odd disks but from next week I will start at the beginning and proceed roughly chronologically. Although I will take liberties if something catches my interest (e.g. if a work or recording is mentioned/discussed in a forum I follow).
In the last few days I already listened to the following disks (I did not listen to the Noches twices, the recording is included twice to reproduce original couplings)
CD 55 FALLA * GRANADOS * ALBÉNIZ * MOMPOU ~ RUBINSTEIN * SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA * JORDA
CD 62 RACHMANINOFF - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 * LISZT - PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 ~ RUBINSTEIN * REINER * WALLENSTEIN
CD 72 RACHMANINOFF - RHAPSODY ON A THEME OF PAGANINI * FALLA - NIGHTS IN THE GARDENS OF SPAIN ~ RUBINSTEIN
CD 89 A FRENCH PROGRAM - RAVEL * POULENC * FAURÉ * CHABRIER ~ RUBINSTEIN
I especially liked the Paganini Rhapsody and the Spanish and French solo stuff. I don't think I had listened to any of these before, maybe to the French one. And I had the Noches already in an earlier coupling in the older edition.
Quote from: mn dave on April 04, 2014, 05:22:49 AM
I need a magnifying glass for the backs of the "record" jackets. ;D
The biggest loss in the pink box reissue of this set is all of the original liner notes from the original issue of the set, where each volume had its own informative notes with lots of great stories about Rubinstein and his recording experiences.
You mean the "brown book" version of the original Collection, I assume? The hardcover companion book of the big box is nice but it has of course more general information. I had a dozen or so of the "brown" collection and frankly I disliked them because discs would get scratches and the spines were almost illegible because of the brown background.
I should add that I managed to listen to all (except for the bonus DVDs and stuff, I think) of the Rubinstein box last summer but was too lazy to keep notes or a "diary" about the process.
Quote from: Jo498 on September 25, 2019, 01:32:03 AM
You mean the "brown book" version of the original Collection, I assume? The hardcover companion book of the big box is nice but it has of course more general information. I had a dozen or so of the "brown" collection and frankly I disliked them because discs would get scratches and the spines were almost illegible because of the brown background.
Yes, I meant the cardboard case version. I originally thought the case might scratch the CDs, but so far, no problems. Plus, I bought the first 30 or so for cheap from a used store. I am grateful for all that extra info in the booklets, which were done in a classy way, with thick paper, great essays, classy font, etc.
I've had the experience that these book-cardboard covers tend to scratch very early on. Basically, some discs sit so tight in there that they got scratched the first time I took them out. Back then I used additional cases for most of them and also stopped buying them.
The first issue of CBS Masterworks Heritage or what they were called, had similar cases although they were not as tight. Neither are the slim cardboard cases of the "Pink Box".
I agree that they are "classy" and prettier than the standard jewel case and also nicer than some other alternative cardboard cases but overall I think the practical deficiencies made them worse than the standard cases.
Quote from: Jo498 on September 25, 2019, 04:29:12 AM
I've had the experience that these book-cardboard covers tend to scratch very early on. Basically, some discs sit so tight in there that they got scratched the first time I took them out. Back then I used additional cases for most of them and also stopped buying them.
The first issue of CBS Masterworks Heritage or what they were called, had similar cases although they were not as tight. Neither are the slim cardboard cases of the "Pink Box".
I agree that they are "classy" and prettier than the standard jewel case and also nicer than some other alternative cardboard cases but overall I think the practical deficiencies made them worse than the standard cases.
I hear you. Since I bought them cheap, the potential scratching doesn't bother me. I had one issue from this series in a jewel case and did not like it. The liner notes were the same, but printed on that flimsy, magazine like paper that they use. So far the scratching hasn't caused any playing issues, but if it comes to that, I have the pink box as a backup. I rarely pull the pink box out, as I always listen to the earlier recordings, all of which I have in the old cardboard-book style cases.
At any rate, I think it's great that we have each found an option that works for us. The music-making is well worth it.
Usually CDs are not affected by slight scratches at all, so I don't want to cause panic. It was a bit of a nuisance when I wanted to sell the doubles and had to admit slight scratches (whereas most stuff in my collection is fairly pristine).
I also tried with my finger to pry the sleeve that it gets a little looser or wider so the CD would get in and out easily. Once that is the case, it's no problem but I really had cases I scratched the first time I tried to get them out. Actually with the CBS masterworks the problem sometimes tends to be too loose fits so one has to be careful that the discs don't fall out!
The special thing of these large AR collections is the previously retired catalogue of mono LPs from the forties and early fifties that were supplanted by the lush stereo recordings RCA made in the sixties. These stereo recordings have been ubiquitous ever since, however the mono LPs have an energy that is not quite there in the stereo recordings.
I am not sure about the late LP and early CD era availability of the late 20 through mid-fifties recordings but at least some of them were available on early CDs. Although I am too young for the LP age (only witnessed the tail end and then I did not collect historical recording) there are bunch of recordings I bought three times: First an early CD issue, then the "cardboard books" Rubinstein Collection (which I got for different couplings or in hope of a better transfer), then the pink box.
More relevant for buyers of today: The only difference between the cardboard books AR collection and the "pink box" seems to be the couplings. The former has filled up discs, the latter has usually LP reproduction (i.e. usually 35-50 min CDs).
This box has been OOP for several years, and yet suddenly Amazon Britain is listing it again, new, for a non-OOP price... odd.
Quote from: Herman on September 30, 2019, 02:22:06 AM
The special thing of these large AR collections is the previously retired catalogue of mono LPs from the forties and early fifties that were supplanted by the lush stereo recordings RCA made in the sixties. These stereo recordings have been ubiquitous ever since, however the mono LPs have an energy that is not quite there in the stereo recordings.
The big pink box also has his recordings from the 1930s, some of which I already had in an EMI Icon box. Where I could make a comparison, the pink box sonics were better than the EMI Icon versions.
Quote from: JBS on September 30, 2019, 11:51:35 AM
The big pink box also has his recordings from the 1930s, some of which I already had in an EMI Icon box. Where I could make a comparison, the pink box sonics were better than the EMI Icon versions.
Having granted access to EMI's original materials of the 78 rpm recordings , RCA redid the transfers from scratch with better results than EMI ever achieved. Same applies to the Heifetz edition BTW.
Q
The "brown book" AR collection predates any Icon boxes, I think. AFAIK these transfers from ca. 1999 were used again for the pink box. Anyway, EMIs track record with historical transfers is fairly poor. Schnabel's Beethoven recordings and other stuff from the 1930s is usually better from other sources than EMI.
Quote from: Jo498 on October 01, 2019, 01:07:50 AM
The "brown book" AR collection predates any Icon boxes, I think. AFAIK these transfers from ca. 1999 were used again for the pink box. Anyway, EMIs track record with historical transfers is fairly poor. Schnabel's Beethoven recordings and other stuff from the 1930s is usually better from other sources than EMI.
Yes, those 1940s - 1950s mono recordings that had been submerged by the stereo RCA recordings resurfaced in the 'brown book' AR Collection. Hopefully these are still circulating?