Too soon?
Post your favourite purchases...
...of the year, whether long standing or brand new recordings....as many you like...feel free to update in the coming weeks.
I haven't posted in this type of thread last year for some reason, so it's bit fuzzy when I got what, but these were definitely in my listening focus this year, even if I got them earlier.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/917%2B2pBqDzL._SL1500_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ERyTm21-L.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81fEfr7s6DL._SL1500_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81THzH-vFfL._SL1200_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81PeIcN5A1L._SL1459_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ClCccVPbL.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81Hj2JhnitL._SL1500_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51B38kCv2CL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/510ScgdsUNL.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Fb11MPN-L._SL1076_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/818MsTO2H4L._SL1500_.jpg) (https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51fxwZzB8xL._SS500.jpg)
other good stuff that could have easily made it onto the list:
mondonville isbe vashegy
rameau nais vashegy
eton choirbook huelgas
vaughan wiliams pastoral elder
luc ferrari l'oeuvre electronique (box)
grisey temps et l'ecume
brahms 4 fischer
rachmaninov 2,4 trifonov
cypriot advent antiphons huelgas
zemlinsky die seejungfrau storgards
josqin motets weser-renaissance
mahler 2 tennstedt (lpo live)
(https://cdn-s3.allmusic.com/release-covers/500/0003/422/0003422384.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/713uHMAfpaL._SY355_.jpg)
Plus:
The Great Big Salonen Box
The Great Big Szell Box
[asin]B005HLJNHI[/asin]
[asin]B005V8K6XC[/asin]
[asin]B005HYNCTK[/asin]
[asin]B01K3DIUJG[/asin]
[asin]B0002I745O[/asin]
And honorable mentions for two Tasmin Little discs:
Brahms - Violin Sonatas - Tasmin Little, violin and Piers Lane, piano
Britten - Violin Concerto - Tasmin Little on violin, Piano Concerto - Howard Shelley on piano, conducted by Edward Gardner with the BBC Philharmonic
Easily top of my list:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41NEPCdxOjL._SX425_.jpg)
(this performance can also be found on YouTube - not that there's much to see - black-garbed pianist on darkened stage ...)
then
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61c6EIKng1L._SS500.jpg)
not a recent recording, but new to me
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81WannFuS-L._SY355_.jpg)
(VW 5th, Britten Sea Interludes)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71fVKaSVOqL._SY355_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71DkrVjF3sL._SX425_.jpg)
(for the Kindertotenlieder)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51K7qKnG8QL._SS500.jpg)
Vol 33 on tangent piano - probably my favourite of several from this excellent series
... and one I actually bought in the last week of 2017, but have played so many times since
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51x3PLRHkjL._SS500.jpg)
The thing that pops into my head when I read "Your Favourite Purchases of 2018" is Sollazzo Ensemble's Parle qui veut. There have been lots of other things, but they've been more gifts than purchases as it were -- René Zosso and Anne Osnowycz songs with hurdy gurdy, for example. And Leonhardt's D'Anglebert suite.
There is also the extraordinary Rubsam Goldberg Variations, and the extraordinary Egarr Byrd.
I picked up an incredibly large amount of stuff this year and haven't had a chance to listen to all of it. (Assuming "purchases" includes all acquisitions.) These are standouts
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61tZb%2BKiKwL.jpg) (https://img.discogs.com/nGH28RgvfROk4-12f_wzLevAwUY=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-11818414-1522918310-3120.jpeg.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61nR9nhpNwL.jpg) (https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0003/365/MI0003365906.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61NBsob%2BdxL._SS500.jpg) (https://www.music-bazaar.com/album-images/vol30/1082/1082968/2948522-big/Domenico-Scarlatti-Sonates-Zylberajch-cover.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/616O3NWEr%2BL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/817YLScQ41L._SY355_.jpg) (https://www.dustygroove.com/images/products/f/finnissy~~~_catanastr_101b.jpg) (http://frozenreeds.com/blogi/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fr7-22-high-res-1024x1024.jpg) (https://d27t0qkxhe4r68.cloudfront.net/images/records/0000008432526v1.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51yqqvjmSxL._SY355_.jpg) (https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/124/MI0001124659.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61WDGHqlFSL._SY355_.jpg) (https://img.cdandlp.com/2017/12/imgL/119023478.jpeg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51R1oQrM-qL.jpg)
Favorite purchases in 2018 of recordings released in previous years...
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51rlZx5qjLL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61eJEykt3BL.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41NEPCdxOjL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61QNvYRAUKL._SL1050_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51TbHB2sZoL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81wR5x9VdAL._SL1500_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71gkYx3iJeL._SL1000_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ES5KixEcL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51yuK8OZFqL.jpg)
Favorite purchases of recordings released this year in 2018...
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81u8Iq%2B-SJL._SL1200_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81JEpSiK5WL._SL1500_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71mwJyUAocL._SL1200_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91UrlxLWXXL._SL1500_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Av1L-qSYL._SL1200_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Z1tOpiipL._SL1500_.jpg)
This was the year of the Countertenor for me...
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81YKO5xnnnL._SL1200_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91paTtXsvxL._SL1500_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/614u5BEB1YL._SL1210_.jpg)
Hey Greg, who is Anton Zimmermann? Or is there a discussion about that album elsewhere on GMG? It looks intriguing... (As does the accordion/gamba)
Quote from: Brian on November 30, 2018, 03:21:52 PM
Hey Greg, who is Anton Zimmermann? Or is there a discussion about that album elsewhere on GMG? It looks intriguing... (As does the accordion/gamba)
Brian, this recording was my introduction to Zimmermann, I was completely unfamiliar with even the name before. Below is all that is available from his Wikipedia page...
Anton Zimmermann (1741 in Široká Niva (Breitenau) – 1781 in Bratislava) was a Silesian-born composer and contemporary of Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Zimmermann spent most of his career in Bratislava, then capital of Hungary, where he worked as a composer, violinist, conductor, and artist manager.And regarding the accordion/gamba, I posted a video of them performing on the
Down with Dowland page. It makes for a wonderful combo, I find the instruments blend very well with each other.
Not all purchases, strictly, because these days I'm mostly streaming instead of buying.
In top place I'm putting:
Beethoven: Eroica - Honeck
[asin] B07GJ5G4CZ[/asin]
I was deeply impressed by this Eroica.
These were purchased downloads:
Roussel: Evocations
[asin] B07CCLPMW3[/asin]
Sgambati: Symphonies
[asin] B07D31RXPS[/asin]
Shostakovich Symphonies 4 & 11 - Nelsons
[asin] B07CXC3311[/asin]
Ginastera PC1, Wang/Mena
[asin] B07C5HMXF2[/asin]
Mendelssohn: Midsummer Night's - Gardiner
[asin] B01MZ6IA9W[/asin]
These were streamed on Tidal (lossless CD quality)
Tarp: Orchestral Works
[asin] B07C5NSRYT[/asin]
If you like Riisager or Tansman, you'll like this.
Ravel - Les Siecles
[asin] B079B2ZDKZ[/asin]
Shostakovich: Symphonies - Tatarstan Symphony. I've only sampled a few symphonies from this so far, but it's idiomatic and very well recorded.
[asin] B077MQBZR6[/asin]
Peter Child: Shanti
[asin] B07D76KX5H[/asin]
Rodney Newton
[asin] B0789TKQMZ[/asin]
Debussy: La Mer - Krivine
I was really impressed by the clarity and "rightness" of this La Mer.
[asin] B079ZV79B8[/asin]
Beethoven: Triple Concerto - Paavo Järvi
[asin] B078Y2PCS7[/asin]
John Robertson: Symphony No. 1
[asin] B07D57WC3N[/asin]
Tippett - Brabbins
[asin] B075YB5L3V[/asin]
Kalabis Sonatas
[asin] B07FTSXLDY[/asin]
Hindemith - Paavo Järvi
[asin] B076MDDR79[/asin]
One of the best Hindemith "warhorses" discs in a while.
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 - Urbanski
[asin] B07F3CZZ3K[/asin]
Quote from: aukhawk on November 30, 2018, 05:56:33 AM
... and one I actually bought in the last week of 2017, but have played so many times since
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51x3PLRHkjL._SS500.jpg)
Thanks for mentioning this, I hadn't heard it before. It made me think how personal expressive embellishment is - personal to the listener as well as the pianist. In some hands it sounds self conscious and annoyingly random, in other hands it sounds organic and beautiful.
Klara Min's Mazurkas were for me in the second camp, though whether this was just my mood yesterday I cannot say.
But I have one major reservation, which is for me a deal breaker. It's the piano. The glare and the purity of the sound - a sound imbalanced to favour the high registers, with insufficient transients to make the tone interesting - became too annoying. Why oh why don't pianists think harder about their pianos, make more thoughtful choices?
Probably the major composer of the year for me has been Sir James MacMillan. I've picked up quite a few discs of his music this year, including all three parts of Triduum, The Confession of Isobel Gowdie, Symphony No. 3, A Scotch Bestiary, Piano Concerto No. 2, and the St. John Passion.
Other notable recordings of works I've really grown to love this year include Alfred Schnittke's ballet Peer Gynt, the six symphonies of Carlos Chavez, Arthur Bliss' John Blow Meditations, Ginastera's Cello Concertos and two George Lloyd symphonies, Nos. 5 and 11.
The DHM long box would basically be cheating, so:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/517flh2rkUL._SS300.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51K0jwzrgOL._SS300.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51NXZMJYJ4L._SS300.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61U%2BgXGBy-L._SX300_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZyaiCrEwL._SS300.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41WYLXv4ZDL._SX300_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/514OkrPYGmL._SX300_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51CpZ3bgTpL._SS300.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51rW51tF9OL._SS300.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51EarfyADNL._SS300.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31B1ntUdNtL._AC_US300_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71KExTvyTsL._SX300_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91aQgl%2BQpsL._SX300_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51BwLhQnHSL._SS300.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61DPQVcO0pL._SX300_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81ccLe9XQ-L._SY300_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/8103EG3KcoL._SX300_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61M48H4Vs-L._SS300.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91XYhHsJ8HL._SY300_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61unC2OjPLL._SS300.jpg)
These four discs received my highest ratings during the year. Looking this up just now, all four of them are a surprise to me. I guess I haven't been paying much attention to which discs most appealed to me this year. Hmm. My hedonism must be faltering.
Hahn: Le Rossignol Eperdu
Billy Eidi
Timpani
[asin] B00NO5BVEC[/asin]
On Wings of Jewish Songs
Helene Schneiderman, Jascha Nemtsov
Hanssler
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/518PA49TCnL._SS500.jpg)
Huybrechts: Complete Melodies, Sicilienne
Quatuor MP4 et al.
Cypres
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51sTDAS4p5L._SS500.jpg)
Views from Ararat
Rebekka Hartmann, Margarita Oganesjan
Farao
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/517lB2oC61L._SX355_.jpg)
Some of this I'm streaming but I'll consider them all purchases if I may.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81-PgRO6YnL._SY355_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81FTFZ%2BZQ-L._SY355_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81IkS9fLLxL._SY355_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71sWcJcZwzL._SY355_.jpg)
(https://direct.rhapsody.com/imageserver/images/Alb.24915504/500x500.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61wVQ8skxmL._SX355_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51nZIPjipNL._SR600%2C315_PIWhiteStrip%2CBottomLeft%2C0%2C35_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg)
In order of acquisition
[asin]B076D14CFP[/asin][asin]B01N2WE1L3[/asin][asin]B008F863LY[/asin][asin]B00016L96M[/asin][asin]B000BTE4SO[/asin][asin]B0794MC5F1[/asin][asin]B0031Q8VZ6[/asin][asin]B06Y5Z74DN[/asin][asin]B075GBJD8K[/asin][asin]B07GJ397DV[/asin]
Quote from: Mandryka on November 30, 2018, 08:59:42 PM
But I have one major reservation, which is for me a deal breaker. It's the piano. The glare and the purity of the sound - a sound imbalanced to favour the high registers, with insufficient transients to make the tone interesting - became too annoying. Why oh why don't pianists think harder about their pianos, make more thoughtful choices?
Strangely there's no information about Klara Min's instrument in the sleevenotes of her Chopin recording. Her more recent Scriabin recording is on the pianophile Steinway label - not that that's necessarily a guarantee of anything.
The sleeve features her wearing a ring which I would have thought was pianistically impractical.
(http://ecstatic.textalk.se/shop/thumbnails/shop/17115/art15/h9092/4969092-origpic-fb81da.jpg_0_0_100_100_250_225_0.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81WUIFm2BXL._SX355_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/614T9AZnH7L._SY355_.jpg) (https://gramophoneproduction.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/6_columns_wide/public/Gardiner_SDG_Pilgrimage.jpg?itok=w0WbiNOH) (https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/181/MI0001181507.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91tNfAmSJaL._SL1500_.jpg)
(https://outhere-music.com/cache/im/album_dvd/uploads/albums/55e5aa49c77a0.jpeg) (https://diablusinmusica.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/schubert-the-coplete-songs-collection-37vols.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ol-3xy08L._SX355_.jpg) (http://www.deutschegrammophon.com/imgs/s300x300/4798642.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71E2NIxZnvL._SX355_.jpg)
(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2018/Jul/Koechlin_orchestral_SWR19046.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51v509dw4HL._SY355_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/514AuheZCeL._SY355_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41u8c%2BkBqBL._SX355_.jpg)
(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/180/MI0001180230.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81B361y92SL._SY355_.jpg) (https://www.dacapo-records.dk/sites/default/files/covers/8_206004_rgb.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61eQvMoyQSL._SY355_.jpg)
Part I
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/617MA4rihUL._SS500.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61jhNDS3PzL.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71OzOZmv76L._SX522_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81uVshWHFKL._SX522_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51D6AqeAbeL._SS500.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61DYZlfef-L.jpg)
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRuws-QWINsH2cm3wBIr5yKaaDrbYCEVUeu7JaoEpm0kUqjHNbu1A)
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTowqJ_tf0pk_SqBwibJ_dpeAXkfFC29pkr39CvjN7OrZqJpE5lZA)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51D66ptKCdL._SS500.jpg)
In roughly chronological order:
Jean Guyot
Te Deum laudamus & other sacred music
Cinquecento
(https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/jpegs/034571281803.png)
Gabriel Fauré
Requiem & other sacred music
Yale Schola Cantorum, David Hill (conductor), Robert Bennesh (organ)
(https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/jpegs/034571282091.png)
Christopher Tye
Missa Euge bone & Western Wynde Mass
Westminster Abbey Choir, James O'Donnell (conductor)
(https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/jpegs/034571179285.png)
Franz Liszt
Piano Music
Lucille Chung (piano)
(https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/jpegs/635212053324.png)
The Lily & the Rose
Adoration of the Virgin in sound and stone
The Binchois Consort, Andrew Kirkman (conductor)
(https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/jpegs/034571282282.png)
Tanguero
Music from South America
Christoph Denoth (guitar)
(https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/jpegs/635212053829.png)
Guillaume de Machaut
Fortune's Child
The Orlando Consort
(https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/jpegs/034571281957.png)
Guillaume de Machaut
The gentle physician
The Orlando Consort
(https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/jpegs/034571282060.png)
Antoine de Févin
Missa Ave Maria & Missa Salve sancta parens
The Brabant Ensemble, Stephen Rice (conductor)
(https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/jpegs/034571282657.png)
Quote from: milk on December 03, 2018, 03:52:09 AM
(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51bp7XjbNtL.jpg)
(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61%2BIhIlhB7L.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51D66ptKCdL._SS500.jpg)
Great to see recordings of a favourite lutenist of mine -
Paolo Cherici! :)
Q
I bought a lot in 2018, I'll include just what is making my reference list.
Two fantastic Beethoven piano sonata sets, Wilhelm Backhaus in mono and Andrea Lucchesini. I was also able to see Lucchesini live this year and he gave an absolutely stunning performance of Schubert's D959. Imgur album here (https://imgur.com/a/OVzh9bn). Lucchesini in particular, his trance inducing legato and just how natural he is playing Beethoven's music will have me coming back for a very long time.
(https://i.imgur.com/YhA1auo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3LoFi2x.jpg)
Ekaterina Derzhavina Goldberg Variations, now my favorite performance the Goldbergs.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61om5F2NXzL._SY355_.jpg)
And a new for me performance of Tchaikovsky's 6 symphony which while not an absolute reference is one I enjoyed greatly.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51KtA-vHDnL.jpg)
Ivan Fischer Mahler S3
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51xtDNgdzXL._SX355_.jpg)
Claudio Arrau Complete Philips Recordings- helped fill in many gaps in my collection for a very good price. Between this set, the Early Years Marston Vol 2 (IMHO one of the best Marston releases), EMI box and Sony RCA/Victor box I feel like I now have a great overview of one of my favorite pianists :) I will still continue to look/add to his live releases.
(https://i.imgur.com/y1NuXpj.jpg)
And of course the big Szell box for the sheer number of fantastic performances at a bargain price with remasterings that sound better than my older CDs. More than likely due to a number of the discs being remixed.
Interesting that first two are by female composers:
[asin]B07FDQRLW9[/asin]
[asin]B07CG1QP2R[/asin]
[asin]B01GVYDWL2[/asin]
[asin]B073LWR87S[/asin]
[asin]B07G1XX3H1[/asin]
[asin] B019CNMAM6[/asin]
[asin]B076X47X2T[/asin]
Thanks to Cesar and Kyle for this magnificent work (Bax)
[asin]B0043XCKSU[/asin]
Part Two
(https://media1.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/7393338104827.jpg)
(https://media1.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/9120031340270.jpg)
(https://media1.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/5020926020123.jpg)
(https://media1.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/0028947999836.jpg)
Quote from: staxomega on December 04, 2018, 07:07:24 AM
I bought a lot in 2018, I'll include just what is making my reference list.
Ekaterina Derzhavina Goldberg Variations, now my favorite performance the Goldbergs.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61om5F2NXzL._SY355_.jpg)
It's been quite a while since I played that recording, but I remember it as being indeed very well done.
Quote from: vandermolen on December 04, 2018, 10:33:26 AM
Interesting that first two are by female composers:
[asin]B07FDQRLW9[/asin]
[asin]B07CG1QP2R[/asin]
Both absolute favourites of mine, am playing them every week. Was surprised to find out that Ina Boyle, who doesn't eye very spectular at first hearing (sorry for the ear/eye confusion), keeps on growing on me. Both fabulous discs. And many thanks BTW. ;D
MusicWeb has their Best of 2018 list up (PDF):
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2018/ROTY_2018.pdf
Quote from: Christo on December 04, 2018, 01:03:32 PM
Both absolute favourites of mine, am playing them every week. Was surprised to find out that Ina Boyle, who doesn't eye very spectular at first hearing (sorry for the ear/eye confusion), keeps on growing on me. Both fabulous discs. And many thanks BTW. ;D
:)
I should have included this - a fabulous disc:
[asin]B07HGBM68Z[/asin]
Quote from: Daverz on December 04, 2018, 02:57:02 PM
MusicWeb has their Best of 2018 list up (PDF):
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2018/ROTY_2018.pdf
Thanks for posting this interesting list which reminded me that I definitely should have included this CD of historic performances. It features the most moving performance of Symphony 4 IMHO:
[asin]B07895ZVC1[/asin]
Nelsons DGG recording of Shostakovich's symphonies 4 and 11 (my two favourites) could also have been included as well as Karabits's recording of Walton's symphonies 1 and 2.
Quote from: vandermolen on December 04, 2018, 11:28:58 PM
Thanks for posting this interesting list which reminded me that I definitely should have included this CD of historic performances. It features the most moving performance of Symphony 4 IMHO:
[asin]B07895ZVC1[/asin]
Nelsons DGG recording of Shostakovich's symphonies 4 and 11 (my two favourites) could also have been included as well as Karabits's recording of Walton's symphonies 1 and 2.
I didn't include the Karabits on my list because it was released in 2017. Can't remember if I included it on my 2017 list. I think I did include the Meister Martinu set on my 2017 list.
I have only bought 3 or 4 classical CD's this year but among them, this Concerto Fantasy for two timpanists and orchestra by Philip Glass is one of the most exhilarating pieces i have been blown away by in a long while.
[asin]B0002X4UBA[/asin]
I'm still very pleased with the Pierre Henry 12 CD Polyphonies box I bought when it came out in the spring, it adds completely different material to the 10 CD Odyssee box I already had.
[asin]B0765QZ1LY[/asin]
This though is musique concrete and later in the year I began investigating orchestral music for which the 10 CD Masterworks of the 20th Century has been most enlightening.
[asin]B00TQNMCDU[/asin]
Quote from: Daverz on December 05, 2018, 10:37:12 AM
I didn't include the Karabits on my list because it was released in 2017. Can't remember if I included it on my 2017 list. I think I did include the Meister Martinu set on my 2017 list.
Yes, I think I might have done the same things with the Brabbins 'A London Symphony'.
Quote from: staxomega on December 04, 2018, 07:07:24 AM
I bought a lot in 2018, I'll include just what is making my reference list.
Two fantastic Beethoven piano sonata sets, Wilhelm Backhaus in mono and Andrea Lucchesini..
(https://i.imgur.com/YhA1auo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3LoFi2x.jpg)
Congratulations. :)
Added:
Especially for the poetic 'Symphonic Legend':
[asin]B07HN4B33B[/asin]
Highlights among my purchases of this year:
[asin]B076D14CFP[/asin]
(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51dUzdrperL._AC_US218_.jpg) (http://www.grooves-inc.com/images/cover/079/585/cx0hhr2d.j31)
[asin]B00L5J4QHS[/asin]
[asin]B008XKWAX4[/asin]
[asin]B000NIWI9A[/asin]
(https://img.discogs.com/S4wV75jzH0LXNvzo2aM0yIZ5tYc=/fit-in/335x293/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-5054749-1383263778-6526.jpeg.jpg)
[asin]B07CXC36L3[/asin]
[asin]B079BJTWTY[/asin]
I'm glad to see the love for Schmitt this year!
Some discs I acquired - Ina Boyle was a gracious gift among other gracious gifts by Vandermolen - this year that soon became personal favourites:
(https://s.s-bol.com/imgbase0/imagebase3/large/FC/5/8/6/0/9200000011930685.jpg)(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH20078.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81k6hMLFi0L._SX355_.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61yeeyPFj8L._SY355_.jpg)(https://www.dacapo-records.dk/sites/default/files/covers/6.220535_0.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61ohQ1MP7jL._SX355_.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81kV-mHjZXL._SX355_.jpg)(https://www.luister.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/VAUGHAN-WILLIAMS-A-London-Symphony-1.jpg)
Another couple that I bought (the Second) and only really started playing (the First) this year, are both CPO discs with the two wonderful symphonies by Ben-Haim:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61dn1b5di3L._SY450_.jpg)(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61HLZfYYhZL._SS500.jpg)
Megadittoes on the Ben-Haim discs. Very fine works.
I'll have to try that Ina Boyle disc. I have to admit that I don't find the the Gipps disc essential, but perhaps I still need more time to warm up to the works.
Quote from: Christo on December 09, 2018, 10:58:39 PM
Another couple that I bought (the Second) and only really started playing (the First) this year, are both CPO discs with the two wonderful symphonies by Ben-Haim:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61dn1b5di3L._SY450_.jpg)(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61HLZfYYhZL._SS500.jpg)
I agree with Christo and Daverz - both fine symphonies.
A plus to the Ben Haim discs as well, prompting me to search wider for this composers work.
A late aquisition, just playing disc no 3 now; this may well be a favorite discovery of 2018:
(http://www.platekompaniet.no//globalassets/imported-images/cd/2000693045.jpg)
I have quite a bit of Holmboe but have found him occasionally (too often?) to be a bit of tough going (that famous Hindemith "dryness" that I seldom find in Hindemith), but not so these first 3 discs of marvellous concertos in wonderful sound.
Christo, how would you describe Volkmar Andreae in broad terms as a composer?
Quote from: Brian on December 14, 2018, 05:52:55 PM
Christo, how would you describe Volkmar Andreae in broad terms as a composer?
Hi, KyJo knows him better - I followed his tip and found this CD with the [Second] Symphony in C, Op. 31 as well as all the other pieces very rewarding. The style of the symphony: I'ld say post-Brahmsian in a manner not unlike Franz Schmidt, but much more lyrical alternated with a Brucknerian grandeur; perhaps more akin to Freitas Branco 2 & 3 but again: more spirited. In a blind listening test (great idea BTW :D), few would guess Central Europe; rather Scandinavia, perhaps France. The middle symphonies by Erkki Melartin may make a good comparison. Hope Kyle will serve you better. ;D
My favourite purchases of 2018. :)
I feel that this year was less of a collecting year than last year (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,27656.msg1116674.html#msg1116674), with some notable duds here and there and not many life changing discoveries...
This year was also the first year without my go-to nearby little shop with great bargains. I now have to completely rely on internet sources, which does change the dynamics of my purchases. The "random discovery" factor has been been out of the equation, and I dearly miss it.
But then again, there are always some jewels to be found:
Early Music:
I have been seeking out recordings by the Huelgas Ensemble & Paul van Nevel. These stood out:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61mqyiAuuqL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61quQc3PT7L._SY500_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81-wlo7gUpL._SL1200_.jpg) (https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0000/955/MI0000955291.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51mz5mqVh9L.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/416HN87K9XL.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51EEqU9AXUL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61%2BDotl0wJL._SL1000_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61TJzFBo46L._SS500.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51vFgzMPT2L._SY550_.jpg)
Harpsichord & organ music:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51bCUx1xZAL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41HIt-5wXIL._SX425_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91u-SniJ2ML._SL1500_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61iZZpTbZFL.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/6181x78LoLL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61cVgkpoXLL._SS500.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61lvyzYzDCL._SX500_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61UaicCp2TL._SS500.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31D0C7N8K3L.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71xlL3ADkxL.jpg)
(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/510PLlXcoOL.jpg)
Baroque - general:
I was so impressed with Amarillys Dieltiens' Italian Baroque Christmas album, that I ordered another recording by her - which proved to be as successfull:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61GPauLuphL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51fCFXzDoEL.jpg)
I guess Joseph-Hector Fiocco was my Baroque discovery of the year:
(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0003/300/MI0003300603.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51rDdbvrDjL._SY500_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61A7kOHiqaL.jpg) (https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61aEnrI%2B5TL.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51dMhWgEfGL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/515Nrdt-DDL._SX525_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91AmyQIcYOL._SL1500_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81Z8OC4rOzL._SL500_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51OE7qeKwwL.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41F7HHSAE4L.jpg) (https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51pI2jjnDoL._SY500_QL70_.jpg)
Classical & Romantic:
(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51INXivlwZL._SS500.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/513bqyViUUL.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51QVe0niMzL._SS500.jpg)
Q
2018 was probably my 'lowest' collecting year of the last 3 decades.
OTOH, partly thanks to that, I enjoyed older purchases more than ever. ;)
Here are my 3 favourite purchases of 2018:
The Dufay Spectacle, Motets & chansons of G. Dufay (ca. 1397-1474), Gothic Voices (label: Linn Records).
https://www.amazon.com/Dufay-Spectacle-Gothic-Voices/dp/B07B62QP9V/?tag=goodmusicguideco
Complete Apparaticus Musico-Organisticus, G. Muffat (1653-1704), Adriano Falcioni, organ (label: Brilliant Classics).
https://www.amazon.com/Muffat-Apparatus-Musico-Organisticus-Adriano-Falcioni/dp/B00G76CXQU/?tag=goodmusicguideco
Consolatio, cantatas BWV 22, 127 & 75 of J.S. Bach (1685-1750), Ricercar Consort, Philippe Pierlot (label: Mirare).
https://www.amazon.com/Bach-Consolatio-Ricercar-Consort/dp/B0789TBXFS/?tag=goodmusicguideco
Still digesting the boxed sets from JPC, part of them still on offer:
(https://media1.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/0636943600412.jpg)(http://thomasdausgaard.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/0747313300167.jpg)(https://media1.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/0636943700112.jpg)
(https://media1.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/0730099111140.jpg)(https://media1.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/0747313904686.jpg)
Quote from: Marc on December 27, 2018, 10:57:12 PM
2018 was probably my 'lowest' collecting year of the last 3 decades.
OTOH, partly thanks to that, I enjoyed older purchases more than ever. ;)
Here are my 3 favourite purchases of 2018:
The Dufay Spectacle, Motets & chansons of G. Dufay (ca. 1397-1474), Gothic Voices (label: Linn Records).
https://www.amazon.com/Dufay-Spectacle-Gothic-Voices/dp/B07B62QP9V/?tag=goodmusicguideco
Complete Apparaticus Musico-Organisticus, G. Muffat (1653-1704), Adriano Falcioni, organ (label: Brilliant Classics).
https://www.amazon.com/Muffat-Apparatus-Musico-Organisticus-Adriano-Falcioni/dp/B00G76CXQU/?tag=goodmusicguideco
Consolatio, cantatas BWV 22, 127 & 75 of J.S. Bach (1685-1750), Ricercar Consort, Philippe Pierlot (label: Mirare).
https://www.amazon.com/Bach-Consolatio-Ricercar-Consort/dp/B0789TBXFS/?tag=goodmusicguideco
Oops... forgot this one, a tasty compilation boxset (3 hybrid sa-cd's and a DVD), which was budget-priced this autumn in the Netherlands.
Let's call it an honourable mention then.
:)
Dinastia Borgia, various composers, Jordi Savall et all (label: AliaVox).
https://www.amazon.com/Dinastia-Borgia-VARIOUS-ARTISTS/dp/B0041ENV7U/?tag=goodmusicguideco
Champagne chilled? Dinner preparations done? ::)
Still some time to kill before the arrival of New Year?
Don't forget to post your favourite purchases of 2018!
But of course there will plenty of time for that as well in the early weeks of the new year. :)
Q
Quote from: Christo on December 20, 2018, 10:42:53 AM
Hi, KyJo knows him better - I followed his tip and found this CD with the [Second] Symphony in C, Op. 31 as well as all the other pieces very rewarding. The style of the symphony: I'ld say post-Brahmsian in a manner not unlike Franz Schmidt, but much more lyrical alternated with a Brucknerian grandeur; perhaps more akin to Freitas Branco 2 & 3 but again: more spirited. In a blind listening test (great idea BTW :D), few would guess Central Europe; rather Scandinavia, perhaps France. The middle symphonies by Erkki Melartin may make a good comparison. Hope Kyle will serve you better. ;D
Your description of Andreae's style is spot-on as far as I'm concerned! I'd add that there's perhaps a touch of Zemlinskian expressionism in the darker sections. Also, I'd say his earlier works are more along the Brahms/Dvorak/Grieg axis, and none the worse for that. All in all, a composer well worth exploring - the Guild series is fantastic.
Quote from: vandermolen on December 04, 2018, 11:13:21 PM
I should have included this - a fabulous disc:
[asin]B07HGBM68Z[/asin]
Fabulous, eh? You like this particular performance of
Symphony No. 3 more than Slatkin/Detroit or Bernstein/NYPO on DG?
I suppose it's time to assimilate my own list, I'll limit it to 12 purchases (in no particular order):
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51fnyFAsN4L.jpg) (https://diablusinmusica.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/ravel-complete-works-for-piano-solo-tharaud-na.jpg)
(https://img.cdandlp.com/2018/04/imgL/119137799.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51oScG7gfKL.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71N3rdyrxGL._SL1050_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/512LsL6ncVL.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71ujutu22nL._SL1041_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71HEAxYqOxL._SL1412_.jpg)
(https://img.discogs.com/NVDWJAuLTIV-nURPWpynHGHZTJ0=/fit-in/500x493/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1476173-1317084931.jpeg.jpg) (http://www.nonesuch.com/sites/g/files/g2000005811/f/styles/album_detail__545___545_/public/201611/PAUL%20JACOBS%C2%A0Debussy-Piano%20Preludes%2C%20Books%20I%20%26%20II.jpg?itok=AfUDDsCa)
(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/013/MI0001013954.jpg?partner=allrovi.com) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/817Yogo5gML._SL1200_.jpg)