Please post your favourite purchases and musical discoveries of the past year here! :)
It is time for a round-up of your amazing musical discoveries in terms of recordings and repertoire of this year.
Pleast post all your favourites of the year, whether long standing or brand new recordings....
Mention as many as you like, and feel free to update in the coming weeks.
Previous issues in this long standing GMG tradition: :)
Your Favourite Purchases & Musical Discoveries of 2020 (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,30433.0.html)
Your Favourite Purchases of 2018 (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,28687.0.html)
Your Favourite Purchases of 2017 (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,27656.0.html)
Top Five Purchases Of 2016 (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,26455.0.html)
Your Favourite Purchases of 2015 (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,25330.0.html)
Best of 2014 - Classical Music Edition (recordings/performances) (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,23737.0.html)
Your Favourite Purchases of 2013 (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,22509.0.html)
Favourite Purchases of 2012 (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21207.0.html)
Here's one (especially for the work by Loeffler and Hanson, although I enjoyed the whole disc):
(//)
I cannot think of a huge discovery, but several smaller ones. E.g. I listened to most of Villa Lobos string quartets probably for the first time with attention, despite having that box on the shelves for years. I also revisited some of Bartok's quartets (although this is music I already knew fairly well).
Of purchases I most vividly recall these three as particularly interesting.
[asin]B00284SDM8[/asin] [asin]B000025L5Q[/asin] [asin]B00000E4VZ[/asin]
A year of 2 halves for me :
January to June: my breakthrough in the French exploration with some favourites.
Debussy (Bavouzet)
Ravel (Quéffelec , Boulez DG & Haitink Orchestral)
Fauré (Domus Qt, Stott)
Saint-Saëns (Nash Ensemble, Florestan Trio)
Franck (Dalberto, Capucon/Wang)
July onwards: : Bach, Bach, Bach...and Baroque.
Cantatas (Gardiner, Herreweghe, Kuijken)
Partitas (Hewitt)
Musical Offering (Linde Consort)
Cello Suites (Fournier)
Brandenburg Concertos (Linde Consort, Musik Antiqua Koln)
French Suites & English Suites (Rannou)
Motets (Herreweghe)
Sonatas for Violin and harpsichord (Grumiaux & Jacottet)
Trio Sonatas (Koopman)
Goldberg (Pinnock)
Organ music (still early days with that but Isoir has worked for me so far)
Top 3:
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAzMzc2Ni4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjEzNzgxNTUxNTN9) (https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkzNjM0MC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NjQ3NTkwNzF9) (https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA1MTEwMC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MDAwODU3NTB9)
Special mentions:
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAwMjM3OC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NDk3NDA2ODF9) (https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODY1MTUxMS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MjYxODEzMDZ9) (https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk1Mzk2MS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NzA2NDkyMzZ9)
A very good year, as it were 8)
1. Reacquainting myself with Dvořák's symphonies through multiple recordings.
2. Reacquainting myself with Penderecki's music and doubling my collection.
3. Franck and Bizet symphonies.
4. Concert performance with young up and coming Canadian violinist performing the Barber Violin Concerto. His name is Blake Pouliot. I believe his name is one to remember!
5. Sharing and receiving music gifts with and from a few members.
I already started this topic (sans the 'Musical Discoveries' aspect of it):
https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,30970.msg1380355.html#msg1380355 (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,30970.msg1380355.html#msg1380355)
Orchestral purchases were down considerably, in favour of chamber music.
Schubert: The Last Four Quartets
Quartetto Italiano
Beethoven: String Quartets Nos. 12, 13, 16, Grosse Fuge
Quartetto Italiano
Beethoven: String Quartets Nos. 14 & 15
Alban Berg Quartett
Shostakovich: Complete String Quartets
Brodsky Quartets
Looks like the only music discovery in 2021 for me was non-classical music: The Australian yacht rock group Air Supply.
Recently I became aware of Richard Strauss' Oboe Concerto*. I happened to hear a bit of it and it got my interest. So that's one work to explore...
* Somehow I wasn't aware of this concerto. Apparently it is considered one of the best oboe concertos ever, but surely not much talked about! ???
Quote from: 71 dB on December 08, 2021, 09:51:15 AMRecently I became aware of Richard Strauss' Oboe Concerto*. I happened to hear a bit of it and it got my interest. So that's one work to explore...
* Somehow I wasn't aware of this concerto. Apparently it is considered one of the best oboe concertos ever, but surely not much talked about! ???
Strauss'
Oboekonzert is OUTSTANDING, Poju. I love this piece. I love how there's these little rhythmic motifs that get repeated throughout the work in different alterations. And, hey, it's good to see you on here posting again. 8)
I really enjoyed this CD of historic Vaughan Williams releases from the USA. I was especially glad to come across another recording of the 'Fantasia on the Old 104th Psalm Tune' and the Concerto for Two Pianos, both of which I've always liked:
(//)
Quote from: vandermolen on December 08, 2021, 01:59:22 AM
Here's one (especially for the work by Loeffler and Hanson, although I enjoyed the whole disc):
(//)
A big
+1
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 08, 2021, 06:22:17 AM
Orchestral purchases were down considerably, in favour of chamber music.
Schubert: The Last Four Quartets
Quartetto Italiano
Beethoven: String Quartets Nos. 12, 13, 16, Grosse Fuge
Quartetto Italiano
Beethoven: String Quartets Nos. 14 & 15
Alban Berg Quartett
Shostakovich: Complete String Quartets
Brodsky Quartets
Some robust stuff there! The feeling of hearing these works with fresh ears is just rewarding.
Apart from the CD Jeffrey posted, I have these:
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTI1MDkxMy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MzY1NjA3MTN9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTI0NTYyOC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2Mjg1MjI1MjF9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODkwNjMzNy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MjgyMzQ2ODd9)
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273c3e56ffe042688ef1944fb18)
(https://is3-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music124/v4/da/02/06/da02063d-236e-f957-c36f-c2c35b28146e/5020926038920.jpg/600x600bf-60.jpg)
Very remarkable discoveries to me in this year (not new recordings):
Toch: String Quartets
Shchedrin: The Little Humpbacked Horse
Canteloube: Chants d'Auvergne
Kastalsky: Requiem for the Fallen Brothers
Saygun: String Quartets
Doráti: Symphonies
Various composers: Les Mariés de la Tour-Eiffel & L'Éventail de Jean
MacMillan: Symphonies 4 and 5
Boulanger: Psaume 24, Psaume 129 and Vieille Prière bouddhique
Prokofiev: The Stone Flower
Wirén: Piano Concerto
Schnittke: Film music
Brouwer: Guitar Concerto No. 2
Bliss: String Quartets
I added 1,708 albums this year, but more than half of them were upgrades of old MP3/AAC files to lossless ones, so maybe that's why I can't feel any particular sense of attachment to any new releases or purchases. I'll try to sort the two groups out from one another and see if anything stands out in particular.
For new releases, I'd have to think about it more. There are some exciting things I haven't gotten to yet.
Favourite discoveries:
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5b/Natanbrand.jpg)
Hearing Natan Brand's fiery Kreisleriana and consequently falling in love with Schumann's music.
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273f8eebd60076d40b061a1a263)
Josquin's motet Illibata Dei virgo nutrix. I've always loved Dufay, but listening to the later Franco-Flemish School has felt like homework to me, until now. I'm starting to get it....
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71X9TIXx9hL._SS500_.jpg)
The Op.132 from Suske, just wonderful! Now I just need to find a 131 that I like front to back, that one is problematic. Hopefully in 2022...
(https://img.discogs.com/UPThKAo8zExNQjJ7ZQMnc24E-mU=/fit-in/600x591/filters:strip_icc():format(webp):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-7848316-1450094131-6105.jpeg.jpg)
But above all, this thing, especially the Passacaglia and Fugue, (yes, I'm late to the party...) I cannot imagine any music more life-affirming than this!
Still tons of stuff on my to-listen pile, but so far from 2021:
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Q9WEJavkL._SX425_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61lsLzys9xS._SX300_SY300_QL70_FMwebp_.jpg)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61vhF243x2L._SY355_.jpg)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/711LeV9K6JS._SS500_.jpg)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/715av0P31qL._SX425_.jpg)
3 volumes in 2021
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71NGm8T+qdL._SX425_.jpg)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91wTrAMEtfL._SX425_.jpg)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51YWSiaLaQL._UX500_FMwebp_QL85_.jpg)
In reissues, the Ormandy mono box was monumental, but also essential are the two Markevitch boxes.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81DryqC7CzL._SX425_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51n8tskdUqL._SY300_SX300_QL70_FMwebp_.jpg)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81oPjzzouOL._SX522_.jpg)
This year, my favourite purchase (and musical discovery) was this CD:
(https://laboiteamusique.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/8713897904802-600x540.jpg)
It's been years since any work made as strong an impression on me as Florent Schmitt's String Trio, op. 105. A wonderfully dense and rich chamber piece, and a highlight of its composer's Spätstil (which I feel very attuned to).
Other notable purchases:
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WTdCYLfkL._SL1200_.jpg)
Pianism of uncommon sensitivity and elegance.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41KQxXJTgUL.jpg)
Olivier Chauzu's Iberia is top-notch.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61p1Vul9A4L._SL1200_.jpg)
Excellent performances of works dear to me (particularly the SQ No. 2).
(https://img.discogs.com/CQLlO_Fwp1Ujeq_g5KS_MpKpq8w=/fit-in/600x599/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-5028851-1611661812-6146.jpeg.jpg)
I'm not that familiar with Kodaly's music, but these two works won me over immediately (and the performances are gorgeous).
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51bYSFjkVzL.jpg)
A great program of Florent Schmitt's piano music, with Chaine brisée, op. 87 ranking IMHO among his best creations for solo piano (this is one of only two commercial recordings that seem to have been made of the piece).
These privately published recordings of mostly short and simple piano pieces by Howard Skempton played and recorded by John Tilbury. I have no idea why these little pieces should end up sounding to me like the most fabulous music, but they do. Apparently there's a lot of leeway in the scores, deliberately done to make the performer get in touch with his creative side.
https://www.jtilbury.com/howard-skempton/
This year has brought me so many deeply worthwhile discoveries that it seems hardly fair to single out individuals, but it would be remiss of my not to highlight some utter greats. Composers that are clearly not new, but were new to me and have embedded in my regular listening. The first two have become firm favourites that I can't get enough of.
Emil Tabakov
Peteris Vasks
Philip Sawyers
Hans Gal
Peter Maxwell Davies
Johann Nepomuk David
Imants Kalnins
Sunleif Rasmussen
I also need to record how grateful I've been for spending inordinate amounts of time with the Shostakovich SQs, which I had avoided for years, for fear that they would be too challenging.
Thank you, 2021 and to this forum for which I'm glad I stopped lurking at last!
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 08, 2021, 01:16:49 PM
Apart from the CD Jeffrey posted, I have these:
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTI1MDkxMy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MzY1NjA3MTN9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTI0NTYyOC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2Mjg1MjI1MjF9)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODkwNjMzNy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MjgyMzQ2ODd9)
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273c3e56ffe042688ef1944fb18)
(https://is3-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music124/v4/da/02/06/da02063d-236e-f957-c36f-c2c35b28146e/5020926038920.jpg/600x600bf-60.jpg)
Very remarkable discoveries to me in this year (not new recordings):
Toch: String Quartets
Shchedrin: The Little Humpbacked Horse
Canteloube: Chants d'Auvergne
Kastalsky: Requiem for the Fallen Brothers
Saygun: String Quartets
Doráti: Symphonies
Various composers: Les Mariés de la Tour-Eiffel & L'Éventail de Jean
MacMillan: Symphonies 4 and 5
Boulanger: Psaume 24, Psaume 129 and Vieille Prière bouddhique
Prokofiev: The Stone Flower
Wirén: Piano Concerto
Schnittke: Film music
Brouwer: Guitar Concerto No. 2
Bliss: String Quartets
+1 for many of those, especially both MacMillan works. I have the Martinu CD but haven't played it yet. My wife (reluctantly) agreed to get me the Klami etc CD for Christmas ('NOT ANOTHER CD!!!, HAVEN'T YOU GOT ENOUGH ALREADY?, CAN'T YOU GIVE SOME AWAY?). So, I'll look forward to graciously receiving it on Christmas Day ::).
Quote from: vandermolen on December 10, 2021, 08:39:50 AM
('NOT ANOTHER CD!!!, HAVEN'T YOU GOT ENOUGH ALREADY?, CAN'T YOU GIVE SOME AWAY?)
Dear Mrs Davis (if you're reading this), I'll gladly take them all off him. Meeow from Tiddles on the Cat Group.
Quote from: vandermolen on December 10, 2021, 08:39:50 AM
+1 for many of those, especially both MacMillan works. I have the Martinu CD but haven't played it yet. My wife (reluctantly) agreed to get me the Klami etc CD for Christmas ('NOT ANOTHER CD!!!, HAVEN'T YOU GOT ENOUGH ALREADY?, CAN'T YOU GIVE SOME AWAY?). So, I'll look forward to graciously receiving it on Christmas Day ::).
Want to hear your Martinu review Jeffrey!
Quote from: DaveF on December 10, 2021, 09:06:20 AM
Dear Mrs Davis (if you're reading this), I'll gladly take them all off him. Meeow from Tiddles on the Cat Group.
Or she might want to donate them to me, one of the few females here? That would be purrrrfffeect! 🐈 💕 ;D
PD
Quote from: Mandryka on December 10, 2021, 03:29:07 AM
These privately published recordings of mostly short and simple piano pieces by Howard Skempton played and recorded by John Tilbury. I have no idea why these little pieces should end up sounding to me like the most fabulous music, but they do. Apparently there's a lot of leeway in the scores, deliberately done to make the performer get in touch with his creative side.
https://www.jtilbury.com/howard-skempton/
I know I've posted this before (can't recall where), but should investigate these.
I purchased both of Tilbury's Sony Skempton recordings (there was another one) when they were released, was immediately smitten, but tired of both after several hearings. No longer own the recordings, but should revisit the music.
My selections will take thought...I generally fill in collection holes and explore new directions rather than pursuing new releases. So it's not immediately obvious what items were 2021 purchases.
This, hands down:
(https://img.discogs.com/XBHBTZTsb0a9wjpYbYO-S83VH6g=/fit-in/499x499/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3208950-1320601288.jpeg.jpg)
I had it for years but only this very month and year I began listening to it. Go figure.
Quote from: Florestan on December 10, 2021, 12:15:38 PM
This, hands down:
(https://img.discogs.com/XBHBTZTsb0a9wjpYbYO-S83VH6g=/fit-in/499x499/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3208950-1320601288.jpeg.jpg)
I had it for years but only this very month and year I began listening to it. Go figure.
It's amazing you haven't heard this sooner. I don't have the complete set, only the "Elvira Madigan" disc, but it's one of my favorite Mozart recordings.
Quote from: vers la flamme on December 10, 2021, 12:38:45 PM
It's amazing you haven't heard this sooner.
Ain't it? :D
In the category
2021 purchases which I've already listened to I nominate these five:
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71JDqdJuocL._SY355_.jpg)(https://storage.highresaudio.com/web/imgcache/6aab4df0517bf523bf17f794880d7caa/uxq724-mendelssoh-preview-m3_550x550.jpg)(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91d9URqdM3L._SS500_.jpg)(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71O+GFf8lQL._SX355_.jpg)(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/pc/h3/irgucmlzph3pc_600.jpg)
My big discovery of the year is undoubtedly the music of Vasks.
Best group of performers I didn't know about before this year: The Mozartists.
New release of the year: I nominate the best performance of Britten's Opus 10 I have yet heard
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51KOBwY7PyL._SY780_.jpg)
Walton Edition (William Walton) 4 discs set.
Fikret Amirov 10 discs set.
Dmitri Kitayenko Collection.
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 08, 2021, 01:16:49 PM
Apart from the CD Jeffrey posted, I have these:
I really like what I've heard from the Roentgen set so far, but I usually enjoy his music. I have recordings of all the works on the Netopil CD, so I haven't really engaged with it much yet. The Kalevala CD sounds really good (though the Klami sounds like he lifted music from
The Firebird.) I haven't gotten around to the Simpson yet.
Only two purchases:
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61mlQjcul4L._SY355_.jpg)
After nearly 45 years languishing as an LP, this has finally made it to CD. This is my reference version for Op 28 and always has been despite great performances by Arrau (live in Paris), Bolet, Fiorentino and - if you like the visceral - Argerich.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51uQCjwRwjL._SY355_.jpg)
..and a recording that should have been transferred to the digital medium but never has. It's just one year younger than the Orozco. I purchased this from the UK and got a local firm to digitise it for me as I don't have a turntable. One of my projects this holidays is to work out how to post it to Youtube.
Quote from: Holden on December 10, 2021, 04:28:19 PM
Only two purchases:
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61mlQjcul4L._SY355_.jpg)
After nearly 45 years languishing as an LP, this has finally made it to CD. This is my reference version for Op 28 and always has been despite great performances by Arrau (live in Paris), Bolet, Fiorentino and - if you like the visceral - Argerich.
I'll check it out. I see several other Orozco issues on Warner and sublabel Erato on Qobuz:
(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/la/gv/hfddofx4lgvla_600.jpg)
(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/ea/fa/sv3wab9lqfaea_600.jpg)
(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/5b/c0/s55qu87d7c05b_600.jpg)
(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/jc/2c/v6nvf2doa2cjc_600.jpg)
One more I forgot to add earlier:
Beethoven: Complete Violin Sonatas, Cello Sonatas, String Trios and Piano Trios
Barenboim (piano), Zukerman (violin), Du Pré (cello) etc.
Jordi Savall released a recording of Bach's Christmas Oratorio in 2020. I bought it a few months ago and I can say now after having heard a few times that it is as good as Sigiswald Kuijken's recording on the Challenge label, which has been my favorite for a few years (not Sigiswald Kuijken's earlier recording - I only recommend the Challenge recording).
So the Jordi Savall recording is my favorite purchase of the year.
Jordi Savall: https://open.spotify.com/album/1MRVqoodPqX51PznA8VZE6?si=NR57YR3dS1CxJOpBtHsG7w
[asin]B08KR24ZNL[/asin]
S. Kuijken's Challenge recording is out of print on cd, but you can hear it here:
https://open.spotify.com/album/5rMjwcQBP2hkUTCMe3DTR0?si=4Skk_DStR7-NVeZ6a01jPg
Arthur Grumiaux Complete Philips Recordings
Eric Heidsieck - The Complete Erato & HMV Recordings (Warner)
Bach - WTC Book 2 Excerpts; Piotr Anderszewski (Warner)
Beethoven - Complete Piano Sonatas; Irina Mejoueva (Bijun)
Martinu/Bartok - Violin Concertos & Solo Violin; Frank Peter Zimmermann & Hrusa (BIS)
Zimmermann - Violin Concerto, etc; Josefowicz/Lintu (Ondine)
Silver Age - Daniil Trifonov (DG)
Kabeláč - Complete Symphonies; Marko Ivanović (Supraphon)
Enescu - Works for Violin & Piano; Rowland & Kudritskaya (Champs Hill)
Debussy - Preludes I, Estampes; Javier Perianes (Harmonia Mundi)
re-creations - Zlata Chochieva (Accentus)
The Visionaries of Piano Music - Kit Armstrong (DG)
Schubert - Piano Sonatas Vol II; William Youn (Sony)
Quote from: DaveF on December 10, 2021, 09:06:20 AM
Dear Mrs Davis (if you're reading this), I'll gladly take them all off him. Meeow from Tiddles on the Cat Group.
Will pass your good wishes on :)
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 10, 2021, 09:16:56 AM
Want to hear your Martinu review Jeffrey!
PD
See WAYLTN thread PD ;D
Definitely this one! Although I've hardly got beyond Symphony No.6 as I find that one so 'catchy' and memorable. I've enjoyed No.5 and 4 as well:
Also: Ivanovs Symphony No.5 - this brought the work alive for me more than the earlier Marco Polo recording:
(//)
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 10, 2021, 01:58:11 PM
Walton Edition (William Walton) 4 discs set.
Fikret Amirov 10 discs set.
Dmitri Kitayenko Collection.
What great choices!
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 10, 2021, 01:58:11 PM
Fikret Amirov 10 discs set.
Is this something generally available?
I'll start with my favorite musical discovery of the year, The Ghosts of Versailles, the opera was completed in 1990 by John Corigliano, to a libretto by William M. Hoffman. I obtained two recordings this year, see pics below, The LA Opera version on Penatone was released in 2016 and I believe won a few Grammy's, and the Orchestre de l'Opera Royal released in March 2021 on the Chateau Versailles label. I've really fallen in love with this work, it's whimsical and funny, a bit lighter than in tone than what I'm used to with Corigliano.
A quick synopsis taken from Wikipedia...
"The opera is set in an afterlife existence of the Versailles court of Louis XVI. In order to cheer up the ghost of Marie Antoinette, who is upset about having been beheaded, the ghost of the playwright Beaumarchais stages an opera (obviously based on La Mère coupable, although described by Beaumarchais as a new composition) using the characters and situations from his first two Figaro plays."
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81oq2h0M7iL._SL1500_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91ZiQvN4qgS._SL1500_.jpg)
Quote from: vandermolen on December 12, 2021, 02:24:29 AM
What great choices!
I bought the Walton Edition thanks to the recommendations from you and Roasted Swan. I am very happy about the set. Have a great holiday, Jeffrey. I miss your reviews on the Walton thread.
Quote from: Daverz on December 12, 2021, 02:44:12 AM
Is this something generally available?
I bought it on eBay from an Azerbaijani seller after a lengthy negotiation on price. Also, I asked him if he had discs of Vasif Adigezalov, but he said that he only had vinyls. I may have to go to Azerbaijan and Armenia to buy some recordings.
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on December 12, 2021, 04:23:46 PM
I bought it on eBay from an Azerbaijani seller after a lengthy negotiation on price. Also, I asked him if he had discs of Vasif Adigezalov, but he said that he only had vinyls. I may have to go to Azerbaijan and Armenia to buy some recordings.
Good luck if you decide to do it!!! That would be something else.
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 12, 2021, 04:37:19 PM
Good luck if you decide to do it!!! That would be something else.
I think I will after the pandemic. Somehow I have a thing for the music in the Caucasus region. Probably I was an Azerbaijani in previous life.
Quote from: ritter on December 10, 2021, 03:18:11 AM(https://img.discogs.com/CQLlO_Fwp1Ujeq_g5KS_MpKpq8w=/fit-in/600x599/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-5028851-1611661812-6146.jpeg.jpg)
I'm not that familiar with Kodaly's music, but these two works won me over immediately (and the performances are gorgeous).
That is a fabulous recording, Rafael. All of the Kodály recordings I bought on the Hungaroton label have been first-rate. As you mentioned before his blending of Hungarian folk music and Impressionism is certainly a winning combination.
Quote from: Mirror Image on December 13, 2021, 03:49:50 PM
That is a fabulous recording, Rafael. All of the Kodály recordings I bought on the Hungaroton label have been first-rate. As you mentioned before his blending of Hungarian folk music and Impressionism is certainly a winning combination.
I grab onto Hungaroton whenever I see them. :)
PD
Hungaroton had lots of great recordings, obscure operas (Liszt amongst others), early music (Obrecht under Janis Bali etc), but very little seem to have been reissued on physical media.
Quote from: The new erato on December 14, 2021, 04:14:15 AM
Hungaroton had lots of great recordings, obscure operas (Liszt amongst others), early music (Obrecht under Janis Bali etc), but very little seem to have been reissued on physical media.
Are they only doing downloads and streaming these days? I hope not.
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 14, 2021, 03:54:49 AM
I grab onto Hungaroton whenever I see them. :)
PD
Always a good idea. They're difficult to come by --- even more so in an actual music store.
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 14, 2021, 04:29:56 AM
Are they only doing downloads and streaming these days? I hope not.
PD
Sadly, this appears to be the case. :(
There's lots of stuff on Hungaroton I wold have bought if I could see any trace of physical issues. Strange really, at least from an cultural viewpoint, that they don't license the recordings to Brilliant at least.
Quote from: The new erato on December 15, 2021, 02:57:47 AM
There's lots of stuff on Hungaroton I wold have bought if I could see any trace of physical issues. Strange really, at least from an cultural viewpoint, that they don't license the recordings to Brilliant at least.
Great idea!
PD
(https://f4.bcbits.com/img/0024865497_10.jpg)
Oliver's the real deal! This is played often at Castle Mandryka and never fails to please.
Loyset Compère ont outhere music missa Galeazescha music of duke of Milan, this is very nice release for me of 2017 but who care It made my year, hello Que.
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk5NzI1OC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NzEwOTc4Njl9)
The most searing, impassioned performance of Tchaikovsky's Pathétique I've heard.
The orchestral playing is superb (fantastic brass and percussion) and the sound excellent.
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODYzMTUxOC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NjE1MzkwMDR9)
This is incredibly intense music. Ferocious expression, extremely unusual themes and orchestral colours. Easily the most arresting work for double bass in the repertory. Regardless of what one may feel toward the instrument, it leaves a huge impression. The symphony is a gigantic nightmarish run, ghoulish, clownesque and creepy. Put Schnittke 1, Shostakovich 4, Popov 1 and Kancheli 5 in a blender and fasten your seatbelt.
Quote from: André on December 31, 2021, 06:58:53 AM
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk5NzI1OC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NzEwOTc4Njl9)
The most searing, impassioned performance of Tchaikovsky's Pathétique I've heard.
The orchestral playing is superb (fantastic brass and percussion) and the sound excellent.
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODYzMTUxOC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NjE1MzkwMDR9)
This is incredibly intense music. Ferocious expression, extremely unusual themes and orchestral colours. Easily the most arresting work for double bass in the repertory. Regardless of what one may feel toward the instrument, it leaves a huge impression. The symphony is a gigantic nightmarish run, ghoulish, clownesque and creepy. Put Schnittke 1, Shostakovich 4, Popov 1 and Kancheli 5 in a blender and fasten your seatbelt.
I second your view on the Tabakov. He has been one of the pinnacles of new discovery for me on 2021. I find his turbulent, expressive, existential symphonic howl irresistible. #5 is a pinnacle amongst pinnacles in his output.
I woukd won't to thank directo and Ensemble Elam Rotemand his ensemble Profeti Dalla Quinta & Elam Rotem a flabbergeisting fantastic album, whit madrigals, psalms, Sonatas, song's perhaps and on LINN label woaw awesome , the album caled Rossi Il Montovano Nebreo, very clever and riveting album, superbe sounds, very nice instrumentation and vocals may I says more?
Quote from: André on December 31, 2021, 06:58:53 AM
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODYzMTUxOC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NjE1MzkwMDR9)
This is incredibly intense music. Ferocious expression, extremely unusual themes and orchestral colours. Easily the most arresting work for double bass in the repertory. Regardless of what one may feel toward the instrument, it leaves a huge impression. The symphony is a gigantic nightmarish run, ghoulish, clownesque and creepy. Put Schnittke 1, Shostakovich 4, Popov 1 and Kancheli 5 in a blender and fasten your seatbelt.
That mix is dynamite!! I''ll be sure to put the seatbelt on myself.
I know I'm a bit late to the party, but here are my favorite new musical discoveries of 2021:
Composer: George Lloyd. I was aware of his existence, of course, but had never delved into his music until this year. Boy, am I glad I did! It's so refreshing to find a 20th-century composer who simply wrote gorgeous melodies; Lloyd is the sort of composer I want to emulate as I try to write music again. His slow movements are especially masterful.
shout out to Charles Koechlin, who just missed the cut.
Piece: Leonard Bernstein's Serenade after Plato's "Symposium". I listened to the work in detail for the first time this year (I think I've heard it in years past, but it never really registered for me) - and I was immediately taken by it. It's a tour de force for the violin soloist, with rhythmically propulsive outer movement, and some gorgeous, lyrical slower bits. And what Bernstein does with his orchestra of strings, harp, and percussion is nothing short of dazzling. What a remarkable work.
Recording: Carl Nielsen Symphonies with Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic. Top-notch playing, brilliant recorded sound, and insightfully and sensitively interpreted, this has become my new favorite Nielsen cycle, bar none. And it happens to include my preferred recording of my favorite Nielsen symphony, no. 4 (the Inextinguishable), just an all-out stunner of a performance.
Quote from: classicalgeek on January 06, 2022, 01:18:24 PMPiece: Leonard Bernstein's Serenade after Plato's "Symposium". I listened to the work in detail for the first time this year (I think I've heard it in years past, but it never really registered for me) - and I was immediately taken by it. It's a tour de force for the violin soloist, with rhythmically propulsive outer movement, and some gorgeous, lyrical slower bits. And what Bernstein does with his orchestra of strings, harp, and percussion is nothing short of dazzling. What a remarkable work.
It truly is a remarkable work. The more I listen to Bernstein's music, the more I understand what a brilliant mind he had and the fact he was a notable composer on top of being an internationally renown and revered conductor and educator makes him a triple tour-de-force.
Quote from: classicalgeek on January 06, 2022, 01:18:24 PM
I know I'm a bit late to the party, but here are my favorite new musical discoveries of 2021:
Composer: George Lloyd. I was aware of his existence, of course, but had never delved into his music until this year. Boy, am I glad I did! It's so refreshing to find a 20th-century composer who simply wrote gorgeous melodies; Lloyd is the sort of composer I want to emulate as I try to write music again. His slow movements are especially masterful.
shout out to Charles Koechlin, who just missed the cut.
Piece: Leonard Bernstein's Serenade after Plato's "Symposium". I listened to the work in detail for the first time this year (I think I've heard it in years past, but it never really registered for me) - and I was immediately taken by it. It's a tour de force for the violin soloist, with rhythmically propulsive outer movement, and some gorgeous, lyrical slower bits. And what Bernstein does with his orchestra of strings, harp, and percussion is nothing short of dazzling. What a remarkable work.
Recording: Carl Nielsen Symphonies with Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic. Top-notch playing, brilliant recorded sound, and insightfully and sensitively interpreted, this has become my new favorite Nielsen cycle, bar none. And it happens to include my preferred recording of my favorite Nielsen symphony, no. 4 (the Inextinguishable), just an all-out stunner of a performance.
Great stuff!!
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 06, 2022, 02:07:43 PM
It truly is a remarkable work. The more I listen to Bernstein's music, the more I understand what a brilliant mind he had and the fact he was a notable composer on top of being an internationally renowned and revered conductor and educator makes him a triple tour-de-force.
Indeed! Bernstein was a special musician... a talented conductor, composer, and pianist, and like you said, an educator as well!
Quote from: kyjo on January 06, 2022, 07:25:17 PM
Great stuff!!
;D
Kit Armstrong Byrd and Bull
Jordi Savall Beethoven symphonies (including the 6-9 symphonies I just purchased today, though I guess that is 2022!
Oldnslow
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on December 12, 2021, 01:41:05 PM
I'll start with my favorite musical discovery of the year, The Ghosts of Versailles, the opera was completed in 1990 by John Corigliano...
Now to some of my favorite purchases of the year, both released in 2021 or earlier...
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81WtsS+HNuL._SX355_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81QajpjuRtL._SY355_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71de9siIwAL._SY355_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/8167MqYlrhL._SX355_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WROS0CMYL._SX355_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71hfyoYdujL._SX355_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71SfByVEZ5S._SY355_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71HRdn4+-FL._SY355_.jpg)
2021, I didn't buy any new, hot-off-the-press recordings, but invested in older recordings that I hadn't explored yet.
My favorite musical discoveries were Vítězslav Novák's The Storm and Nikotina. The former I found just as I joined GMG this year, the latter was suggested by the forum, and I have been enjoying revisiting them throughout the year.
Thanks everyone! VS
(https://coverartarchive.org/release/f2e1aa6d-2f36-4ef4-b7d5-bb3551fbf368/29363801435.jpg) (https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b2735b1e0c648d4777d58334c571)
Quote from: VonStupp on January 09, 2022, 07:43:05 AM
2021, I didn't buy any new, hot-off-the-press recordings, but invested in older recordings that I hadn't explored yet.
My favorite musical discoveries were Vítězslav Novák's The Storm and Nikotina. The former I found just as I joined GMG this year, the latter was suggested by the forum, and I have been enjoying revisiting them throughout the year.
Thanks everyone! VS
(https://coverartarchive.org/release/f2e1aa6d-2f36-4ef4-b7d5-bb3551fbf368/29363801435.jpg) (https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b2735b1e0c648d4777d58334c571)
I love Nikotina, and as I've said before, I think it would make a great double bill with Riisager's
Benzin (Gasoline).
Yes, Benzin is a barn-burner!
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 09, 2022, 04:19:26 PM
Yes, Benzin is a barn-burner!
I'm afraid Riisager will be left at the wayside as we electrify our transport.
Quote from: Daverz on January 09, 2022, 03:49:00 PM
I love Nikotina, and as I've said before, I think it would make a great double bill with Riisager's Benzin (Gasoline).
:laugh: Yes, it does seem a missed opportunity.
VS