I know Mark has a British composer thread going, but was wondering what specific recordings you folks would recommend. Links are, as always, appreciated.
Quote from: Bogey on November 09, 2007, 07:23:40 PM
what specific recordings you folks would recommend. Links are, as always, appreciated.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FvvmBv%2B0L._SS500_.jpg)
Quote from: Herzog Lipschitz on November 09, 2007, 07:31:17 PM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FvvmBv%2B0L._SS500_.jpg)
Ciel ! :o
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41MKVZJWFCL._AA240_.jpg)
This recording doesn't seem to have been surpassed. A similar disc (below) is also very good.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21iNLoD7uDL._AA130_.jpg) (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Britten-Orchestral-Works-Benjamin/dp/B00005NIF7/ref=sr_1_1/202-4995110-5499069?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1194674829&sr=1-1)
By the way, click and check what Amazon UK is trying to bundle it with - WTF?
(http://cover6.cduniverse.com/MuzeAudioArt/Large/82/932082.jpg)
I don't know if my favourite recordings are those I'd also recommend.
Bax 3rd symphony, my favourite is Barbirolli and the Hallé but I'd recommend the Vernon Handley or Lloyd-Jones versions with an emphasis on the latter. I would de-recommend the Bryden Thomson version.
Of the other Bax symphonies, I recommend the Lyrita reissues as they arise (having compared the LPs with more recend CD releases by Handley, Thomson etc.) and for the fourth, at last, the Thomson version with the Ulster Orchestra. I think it's his only Bax Symphony recorded with that orchestra and for once it comes off well. His other recordings with the LPO suffer several problems but above all the wrong recording acoustic for Bax' chromatic harmonies.
Is this separate thread useful though? The other one allows people to cite their favourites.
Quote from: Herzog Lipschitz on November 09, 2007, 07:31:17 PM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FvvmBv%2B0L._SS500_.jpg)
Very wicked, Duke ;D
Sarge
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Moeran-Symphony-E-J/dp/B000N8UVRQ/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/202-1388559-5827052?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1194701252&sr=8-1
Quote from: Bogey on November 09, 2007, 07:23:40 PM
I know Mark has a British composer thread going, but was wondering what specific recordings you folks would recommend.
For the most part I'll avoid the usual suspects and, instead, offer some off-the-beaten path gems. These are gold, Bogey! Gold! ;D
Stanford's symphonies are hit and miss (more miss than hit) but the Rhapsodies are uniformly delightful:
(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/gm2/StanIrish.jpg)
George Lloyd, a composer of the second half of the 20th century who never abandoned tonality or followed any fashionable trends:
(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/new/Lloyd8.jpg)
I'm always looking for a way to include the McEwen quartets in my posts ;D
(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/web/McEw2.jpg)
This twofer is, I think, the best introduction to Havergal Brian's music:
(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/gm2/Brian78931.jpg)
And let's not forget there was English music before the late 19th century: and this is one of GG's best recordings:
(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/new/GGbog.jpg)
And one on the beaten path:
Brigg Fair,
In a Summer Garden, the Florida Suite,
On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring,
Summer Night on the River, the
Dance Rhapsodies, the
North Country Sketches, and an orgasmic
Walk to the Paradise Garden:
(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/gm2/DeMack.jpg)
Sarge
I endorse, of course, Sarge's Brian recommendation.
But - I also recommend Frank Bridge's 'Oration' on Lyrita, a cello concerto in all but name, and (on the beaten track, more or less) Meredith Davies' recordings of Delius's Requiem and 'Idyll' and Sir Charles Groves' 'Mass of Life'. I like Boult's performance of Holst's 'Perfect Fool' ballet best.
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on November 10, 2007, 05:41:08 AM
I'm always looking for a way to include the McEwen quartets in my posts ;D
(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/web/McEw2.jpg)
Can't say I blame you, Sarge! That is really an incredible work of ...................music. Makes one wish all CDs had ...............music like that. ;D
Second the Stanford Irish Rhapsodies recommendation. Also the excellent violin concerto of Samuel Coleridge Taylor is worth investigating; the whole piece has the feel of a gentle-hearted Dvorak had he spent a few more years in the Americas, and the slow movement is incredibly beautiful. Hyperion has a great recording as part of their Romantic Violin Concerto series.
Is it not universally agreed that these are very fine recordings indeed:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41MDJET9RXL._SS500_.jpg)
I confess to not having heard them, so here's a CD I can recommend thanks to extensive listening:
(http://www.blackpointmusic.cz/shop/images/covers/NAXOS8553696.jpg)
Quote from: Mark on November 10, 2007, 12:24:02 PM
I confess to not having heard them, so here's a CD I can recommend thanks to extensive listening:
Here's another disc Mark can recommend ;)
(http://www.naxosdirect.com/templates/shared/images/titles/largest/747313576623.jpg)
Quote from: brianrein on November 10, 2007, 02:50:35 PM
Here's another disc Mark can recommend ;)
(http://www.naxosdirect.com/templates/shared/images/titles/largest/747313576623.jpg)
;D
Seriously, everyone who loves British 20th century pastoral music NEEDS this disc in their collection. Along with this one:
(http://www.robertplane.com/images/cd-finzi.jpg)
Not owning either of these two discs should be made a crime. ;D
(http://img.verycd.com/posts/0707/post-324771-1184648314.jpg)
Or failing that, highlights from the set on one CD:
(http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/5675522.jpg)
And this glorious disc:
(http://www.emiclassics.com/pack_image.php?icpn=0724356726420&size=190)
Peregrine, you beat me to it.
I'd also recommend, of course
(http://www.musica.co.uk/images/coverart/5628862.jpg)
Not just for the Cello Concerto, but for Baker's still unrivalled version of Sea Pictures.
Also this:-
(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/dec99/gerontius.jpg)
on balance, still my favourite version.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AH0Y1KT3L._SS500_.jpg)
(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2000/apr00/elgar-VW.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51GM1CRA9CL._AA240_.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518QF4N7D5L._AA240_.jpg)
and that should be enough for now.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41NDYRPX96L._AA240_.jpg)
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/02/ciu/82/06/e98836c622a0341c5b3d5110._AA240_.L.jpg)
Also, check out this THREAD (http://www.good-music-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,4392.0.html) on the OLD FORUM on early 20th century English composers - many of the same recommendations, plus plenty more - looking forward to future posts here! :D
Quote from: Mark on November 10, 2007, 12:24:02 PM
Is it not universally agreed that these are very fine recordings indeed:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41MDJET9RXL._SS500_.jpg)
I struggled not to recommend a full cycle, but if I did, that Handley RVW would be it. Haitink and Boult are brilliant, but Handley nails them all (some certainly better than others, but the overall consistency is immense), and in great sound with very generous extras.
I can't pick between the Chandos and Naxos Bax cycles though, both are very competitive.
Excellent recommendations so far, especially Grainger's Warriors with Gardiner (there's no excuse for not getting that hybrid SACD), Barbirolli's Dream of Gerontius and Handley's Vaughan Williams symphonies.
I would further recommend Sinopoli conducting Elgar's First Symphony (I have it coupled with the P&C Marches, however there's this (http://www.jpc.de/image/w300/front/0/8169169.jpg) DG mid-price twofer floating around at the moment, which I'm very seriously considering buying...).
Thanks to Sarge I have Elgar's 2nd by Sinopoli and while it is an interesting way to perform Elgar I'd still recommend his symphonies on Naxos.
Quote from: Lethe on November 10, 2007, 09:19:51 PM
I struggled not to recommend a full cycle, but if I did, that Handley RVW would be it. Haitink and Boult are brilliant, but Handley nails them all (some certainly better than others, but the overall consistency is immense), and in great sound with very generous extras.
I can't pick between the Chandos and Naxos Bax cycles though, both are very competitive.
Previn's RVW is awfully good, too, but Handley's cycle is hard to beat. I like him for Bax, too.
Quote from: 71 dB on November 11, 2007, 12:10:21 AM
Thanks to Sarge I have Elgar's 2nd by Sinopoli and while it is an interesting way to perform Elgar I'd still recommend his symphonies on Naxos.
Interesting. Sounds as if you've come a long way in the past couple of years since claiming you were unable to hear differences in performances. Or are you recommending Naxos on price alone?
I have many favourite English recordings - I've listed them many times elsewhere on the forum, so I won't post them again.
One great CD is this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Charles-Villiers-Stanford-Sonata-Ballata/dp/B0002IQMY8/ref=sr_1_1/002-1405439-7612854?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1194789331&sr=8-1
My cello teacher playing two world premiere recordings and the 2nd recording of the second Standford Sonata. The second sonata and the Ballata are particularly treasurable.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61zozdeRhsL._SS500_.jpg)
Quote from: longears on November 11, 2007, 04:44:58 AM
Interesting. Sounds as if you've come a long way in the past couple of years since claiming you were unable to hear differences in performances. Or are you recommending Naxos on price alone?
The price is one asset but I do understand the differenced in performance with Elgar's music. Somehow the multidimensional structures tell me if the performance works or not.
If it's Beethoven's piano music I don't have a clue what's good playing and what's not. ;D
Quote from: Bogey on November 09, 2007, 07:23:40 PM
I know Mark has a British composer thread going, but was wondering what specific recordings you folks would recommend. Links are, as always, appreciated.
Sir Macolm Arnold, Dances. Naxos 8.553526
Samuel Arnold (1740-1802), Overtures, Incidental Music to Macbeth. Naxos 8.557484
--World Premier Recordings--and this is wonderful music, from someone not widely known.
Sir Arnold Bax, Tone Poems. Chandos 8307
William Boyce, Eight Symphonies, Op. 2. Naxos 8.557278
Sir Edward Elgar, Works for String Orchestra. Nimbus 5008
_____________, Symphony No. 1, Imperial March. Naxos 8.550634
_____________, Symphony No. 2. Naxos 8.550635
Philip Feeney, Dracula (ballet music). Naxos 8.553964 Some of his Cinderella ballet music is on Naxos 8.553495.
Holst, St. Paul's Suite and Warlock, Capriol Suite are on Nimbus 5032
Sir Arthur Sullivan, The Gilbert and Sullivan Overtures. Naxos 8.554165
Thomas Tallis, Spem in alium, Missa Salve intemerata. Naxos 8.557770
Ralph Vaughan Williams, Tallis Fantasia, Oboe Concerto and other works. Nimbus 5019
Quote from: BorisG on November 10, 2007, 05:31:13 PM
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/02/ciu/82/06/e98836c622a0341c5b3d5110._AA240_.L.jpg)
Absolutely great choice! Definitive performance of the Second Symphony.
Sarge
(http://www.naxosdirect.com/templates/shared/images/titles/largest/730099200028.jpg)
Arnold is one of my favourites. His 5th is great.
Quote from: 71 dB on November 11, 2007, 05:44:28 AM
Somehow the multidimensional structures tell me if the performance works or not.
Yes! Yes!
Quote from: 71 dB on November 11, 2007, 05:44:28 AM
If it's Beethoven's piano music I don't have a clue what's good playing and what's not.
Yes! Yes!
Here are a couple from Classics For Pleasure:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RYBQZNS2L._SS500_.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31QS0DCV7TL._SS500_.jpg)
QuoteHis other recordings with the LPO suffer several problems but above all the wrong recording acoustic for Bax' chromatic harmonies.
So many of the orchestral works of Bax are only available from Thomson and the LPO. Do you not find them adequate?
Quote from: tjguitar on November 11, 2007, 02:42:27 PM
So many of the orchestral works of Bax are only available from Thomson and the LPO. Do you not find them adequate?
I think the Tone Poems and concerti are beautifully done by Thomson with either Ulster or LPO, simply because they are better music than the symphonies. Not even Handley could save them.
Quote from: BorisG on November 11, 2007, 04:22:47 PM
I think the Tone Poems and concerti are beautifully done by Thomson with either Ulster or LPO, simply because they are better music than the symphonies. Not even Handley could save them.
I don't know. it's tough. I thoguht Handley's Tone poem disc from a couple years ago was quite good. Also his recording of the Spring Fire "symphony" (tone poem?) from the 80s, one of my favorite bax discs. Or are you strictly talking about Handley's recordings of the symphonies?
I like the symphonies, but I prefer the tone poems for the most part. But "better music"? What exactly do you mean?
Quote from: drogulus on November 11, 2007, 01:32:10 PM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RYBQZNS2L._SS500_.jpg)
This one looks extremely good :D Another to add to my enormous to-buy list...
Difficult choice and decision.
Anything NOT conducted by Sinopauling or Hickups.
Sammons' and Harrison's Elgar might be a surprise to those that do not know it.
Campoli in the Elgar Violin Concerto, perhaps.
Lyrita has yet to issue a duff record. Braithwaite's Holst being a current favourite (has this, seemingly, ignored conductor made a bad recording?).
Another current favourite is the Boult/Lyrita of Butterworth, Howells, Hadley and Warlock. I doubt whether these performances will ever be surpassed. Boult believed in the music.
As I said, difficult, indeed.
Quote from: tjguitar on November 11, 2007, 02:42:27 PM
So many of the orchestral works of Bax are only available from Thomson and the LPO. Do you not find them adequate?
I think they were recorded at All Saints, Tooting, which has an acoustic more like a cathedral; an echo that blurs Bax' chromatic harmonies - the changing harmony has to compete with the echo of what came before. The bite of some passages gets lost. In the 3rd for instance, the Allegro Moderato in the first movement (bar 71) worse at the Allegro Feroce (115) lose definition. (Although I couldn't cope with Thomson's weird tempi in the 3rd anyway, the last movement especially). Just my view, though.
I just put this set on my wish-list after a decent sampling:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SYGB5PAQL._AA240_.jpg)
Quote from: Anancho on November 12, 2007, 07:38:09 AM
I think they were recorded at All Saints, Tooting, which has an acoustic more like a cathedral; an echo that blurs Bax' chromatic harmonies - the changing harmony has to compete with the echo of what came before. The bite of some passages gets lost. In the 3rd for instance, the Allegro Moderato in the first movement (bar 71) worse at the Allegro Feroce (115) lose definition. (Although I couldn't cope with Thomson's weird tempi in the 3rd anyway, the last movement especially). Just my view, though.
Yeah I don't disagree. i haven't even heard the Thompson symphonies, I was mostly talking about the tone poems and others symphonic works, Winter Legends for instance.
Many of the works I have only heard the Thomson version of, perhaps thats why they don't bother me as much. The Thomson symphonies were well out of print by the time I started listening to Bax, but I have pretty much every thing else he did for the label of Bax that was reissued on the "Orchestral Works" series.
I have many. Here are a few:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416SdSkhFEL._AA240_.jpg)
Britten, Bridge, Bax, and Stanford on one disc :)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QBHXJ7A6L._AA240_.jpg)
One of his most entertaining extended works, the Florida Suite.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41B74RF5AHL._AA240_.jpg)
Volume 3 in a series, with the famed Tintagel, along with some of Bax's other top-drawer tone poems.
Quote from: James on November 12, 2007, 09:25:43 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51znmKIJmyL._AA280_.jpg)
Crown jewels of British chamber music.
Purcell's pungent, rich and deeply profound Fantazias...
#4, beautiful, intensely chromatic dissonant music...
I have this dics and yes, Purcell's Fantazias are very enjoyable music. :)
Quote from: tjguitar on November 11, 2007, 05:18:50 PM
I don't know. it's tough. I thoguht Handley's Tone poem disc from a couple years ago was quite good. Also his recording of the Spring Fire "symphony" (tone poem?) from the 80s, one of my favorite bax discs. Or are you strictly talking about Handley's recordings of the symphonies?
I like the symphonies, but I prefer the tone poems for the most part. But "better music"? What exactly do you mean?
Yes, I was referring to the Handley Bax symphonies, which is the new standard these works.
Exactly? To be precise and concise, "better music" means not as boring. Bax is more convincing with shorter themes. This is not news. From my experience reading preferences, listeners are generally more accepting of his tone poems. That is an informal survey which may exceed a 3% error factor. ;D
The Vaughan Williams / Handley set has been mentioned on here above, but i would like to nominate a single recording by the RLivPO / Handley which is the Sinfonia Antartica. For me it has everything; just the right paciing, superb recorded sound, mystery, 'coldness' (if you know what I mean), a cracking tam-tam and the almighty Liverpool Cathedral organ!
I would also nominate the LSO / Hickox recording of the original 1913 version of Vaughan Williams' London Symphony on Chabdos - the second movement is just so beautiful, and the power in the last climax of the finale really satidfying.
Malcolm Arnold - Concerto for 2 pianos (3 hands), most definitely the 1970 recording with the CBSO / Arnold and the dedicatees Sellick & Smith at the pianos on cheapy HMV Classics label (maybe this should also be in the super-duper bargains thread...)
Quote from: techniquest on November 14, 2007, 04:02:34 AM
The Vaughan Williams / Handley set has been mentioned on here above, but i would like to nominate a single recording by the RLivPO / Handley which is the Sinfonia Antartica. For me it has everything; just the right paciing, superb recorded sound, mystery, 'coldness' (if you know what I mean), a cracking tam-tam and the almighty Liverpool Cathedral organ!
.
I agree with you but fear we may be alone on this one.
I, also, like 'Job' in the same box knowing others prefer different performances.
I listened to clips of the
Boult/Lyrita recordings of the Elgar Symphonies (at eMusic) and they sounded very intriguing. Does anyone have an opinion of them?
(http://www.lyrita.co.uk/covers/SRCD0221.jpg)
What's the bit rate for their downloads, I wonder? If it's 192 kbps or better, I'm tempted to sign up and grab them.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RYBQZNS2L._SS500_.jpg)
Quote from: Lethe on November 11, 2007, 10:48:33 PM
This one looks extremely good :D Another to add to my enormous to-buy list...
The surprise is the Delius. It's very good, in a very Delian non-virtuoso way!
eMusic uses Variable Bitrate (VBR) MP3, which is actually more appropriate for classical music than the more common Constant Bitrate. To put it simply, VBR means that the amount of compression used depends on the complexity of the material being encoded. For busier sections of music with many instruments playing, far less compression is applied than in quieter passages. The result is reasonable filesizes and more than reasonable sound quality (for most uses other than with high-end equipment).
Quote from: Mark on November 14, 2007, 01:46:22 PM
eMusic uses Variable Bitrate (VBR) MP3, which is actually more appropriate for classical music than the more common Constant Bitrate. To put it simply, VBR means that the amount of compression used depends on the complexity of the material being encoded. For busier sections of music with many instruments playing, far less compression is applied than in quieter passages. The result is reasonable filesizes and more than reasonable sound quality (for most uses other than with high-end equipment).
Yes, that's good, but at what rate? If it's centered at 192, that would be very good, just about where I would set it, and where most of my homemade MP3s are.
A great disc:
(http://www.compositiontoday.com/images/nmc_covers/nmcd066.jpg)
Also Julian Bream's 20th Century Guitar
Quote from: drogulus on November 14, 2007, 02:14:28 PM
Yes, that's good, but at what rate? If it's centered at 192, that would be very good, just about where I would set it, and where most of my homemade MP3s are.
It must be set around 192kbps, as the files I have from them (and there are many :D) range from as low as 160kbps to the heights at 320kbps.
Strangely enough little chamber music here. Here are two indispensable recordings:
(http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/CDDCS231.jpg)
(http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/5579682.jpg)
And another gem, too often overlooked in preference to Purcell, in a very fine recording:
(http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/4737132.jpg)
Totally agree with the Belcea Britten String Quartets discs. These are stunningly played, finely nuanced performances and the recorded sound is absolutely bang on. Highly recommended. ;)
Quote from: drogulus on November 14, 2007, 01:37:39 PM
I listened to clips of the Boult/Lyrita recordings of the Elgar Symphonies (at eMusic) and they sounded very intriguing. Does anyone have an opinion of them?
These are essential purchases for, not only, the dedicated Elgarian but the first time buyer.
Recorded in the late sixties I think that the 2nd, particularly, is probably the best on disc. Certainly the best that Boult recorded.
Any consideration of the 1st must take in Barbirolli, of course.
Lyrita sell two for the price of one.
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on November 10, 2007, 05:41:08 AM
George Lloyd, a composer of the second half of the 20th century who never abandoned tonality or followed any fashionable trends:
... and composed a lot of childish music.
Quote from: Hector on November 15, 2007, 04:17:12 AM
These are essential purchases for, not only, the dedicated Elgarian but the first time buyer.
Recorded in the late sixties I think that the 2nd, particularly, is probably the best on disc. Certainly the best that Boult recorded.
Any consideration of the 1st must take in Barbirolli, of course.
Lyrita sell two for the price of one.
Thanks
Hector. Up to now my benchmarks in these works have been Barbirolli for the 1st and Handley for the 2nd. It looks like these will pose a serious challenge, though.
I have found this set to be the highlight of my british collection:
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/66/2c/755e224128a0fd87fb327010._AA240_.L.jpg)
Although this 2 cd Chandos set seems oop, it sometimes surfaces on BRO for next to nothing
Quote from: sound67 on November 15, 2007, 07:25:45 AM
... and composed a lot of childish music.
By "childish" I presume you mean creative and original, as all children are. He was a bloody sight more creative and original than a few british composers I can think of.
Quote from: Lilas Pastia on November 17, 2007, 06:41:23 AM
I have found this set to be the highlight of my british collection:
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/66/2c/755e224128a0fd87fb327010._AA240_.L.jpg)
Although this 2 cd Chandos set seems oop, it sometimes surfaces on BRO for next to nothing
I've just started to look at his symphonies....for which I can't find a source of scores to borrow or buy. I'll have to write around to people who record his music.
Quote from: sound67 on November 15, 2007, 07:25:45 AM
... and composed a lot of childish music.
I don't understand. I listened to all his symphonies, his first violin concerto and 4th piano concerto. Nothing childish about that in my opinion. He ceratinly has his own voice, and indeed everything along the paths of tonality, thank god. I like his music immensely.
Quote from: Lilas Pastia on November 17, 2007, 06:41:23 AM
I have found this set to be the highlight of my british collection:
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/66/2c/755e224128a0fd87fb327010._AA240_.L.jpg)
Although this 2 cd Chandos set seems oop, it sometimes surfaces on BRO for next to nothing
Just another vote for these
Daniel Jones quartets. And another huge thank-you to Mr. Pastia ;D for introducing me to this composer.
--Bruce
Bumping up an old thread -
The January-February issue of American Record Guide has a fascinating and extremely comprehensive overview of British Orchestral Music. 51 pages long :o , covering orchestral music but excluding symphonies. Music is briefly discussed and there are extensive recensions of recordings. Reviewers are Hecht, Haldeman and Becker. Don Vroon did not contribute anything (british music and musicians are not his cup of tea).
There are composers I had never even heard of, such as Harold Truscott, John blackwood McEwen, Robin Milford, Alexander Mackenzie, William Hurlstone, Ernest Farrar, Doreen Mary Carwithen, Lord Berners.
For those interested, I suggest you secure a copy before the next issue hits the stores.
Might as well take advantage of the bumping of this thread to wave a few flags:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51P4KMCW8VL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
No, no - NOT for the Coronation Ode, which you can do without, but for The Spirit of England, which is by far the most absurdly underrated and overlooked of all Elgar's works. It's up there at the top, top, top along with his very best work, and capable of breaking your heart with its expression of the anguish of the human condition in extreme adversity, and of the gratitude owed to the noble sacrifice of others. There are several recordings available, but this is the version you want, with Alexander Gibson and Teresa Cahill (whose singing on this disc is inspired).
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61M09H0TJ7L._SL500_AA240_.gif)
Anthony Payne's construction based on Elgar's sketches for a third symphony kicks into touch the myth that Elgar was a played-out has-been after Alice's death. Stunning performance of a symphony that I originally listened to with suspicion and misgivings, and ended up being completely won over by.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5130E1GJK6L._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Parry's symphonies are fascinating to listen to in their own right, but particularly so in view of the Elgar-like flavour that so often emerges, most notably in the 3rd symphony, reminding one forcefully that Elgar didn't emerge by any means from an English vacuum. The 2nd symphony is full of good tunes, with a lovely, sweet, slow movement that one feels could only be Parry. The 3rd and 4th are probably greater achievements (though I don't claim to be a competent objective judge of their musical stature), and have more proto-Elgar moments. They can still be found separately on Amazon - you don't have to invest in the whole box.
@ Barak - Truscott is notable for being the most Marco Polo of all Marco Polo-recorded composers. Essentially, you only need one disc of his music (the one recorded on that label), because a) it seemingly covers his best compositions b) he didn't manage to complete much else :P It is striking music and worth listening to if you find cheaply.
Quote from: Lethe on February 13, 2010, 08:21:15 AM
@ Barak - Truscott is notable for being the most Marco Polo of all Marco Polo-recorded composers. Essentially, you only need one disc of his music (the one recorded on that label), because a) it seemingly covers his best compositions b) he didn't manage to complete much else :P It is striking music and worth listening to if you find cheaply.
Marco Polo also produced a disc of Truscott's chamber music but it is the one with the fine Nielsen/Brian type Symphony and the moving Elegy which is IMHO an essential purchase.
Thanks, Lethe and Vandermolen - I'll try to get my hands on some Truscott.
Jeffrey, you'll be pleased to hear that Sainton's Moby Dick gets threee thumbs up in this article.
Quote from: Barak on February 13, 2010, 06:50:07 PM
Thanks, Lethe and Vandermolen - I'll try to get my hands on some Truscott.
You do that, André. He is very good,
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This is my favourite Delius recording by a long way.......
Quote from: offbeat on February 14, 2010, 01:50:14 PM
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This is my favourite Delius recording by a long way.......
Erm... why? And I ask that as a confirmed Delian.
Delius is one of my favourite composers. But I take exception to A Mass of Life, which I find very indigeste.
My favorites
The Tallis Scholars: Thomas Tallis - Spem in Allium
Phantasm: Henry Purcell - Complete Fantasies for Viols
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Quote from: Barak on February 14, 2010, 03:02:40 PM
Delius is one of my favourite composers. But I take exception to A Mass of Life, which I find very indigeste.
It took me a while to like it, but now I do. Which performance(s) do you know? I prefer the Groves. I found it on Usenet years ago, rather awful sonically (LP transfer), but still very beautiful and convincing.
Someone mentioned Gould's Byrd/Gibbons disc above, and it reminded me of this disc, which I got last year and was definitely among my best purchases.
Leonhardt plays Byrd
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I don't know if Byrd was the first great keyboard composer, but he was certainly one of them, and this disc is outstanding all the way through. The great Leonhardt at his best. My only quibble is that it's kinda short (c. 52 minutes).
Also, it sounds so good it makes me overcome my aversion to the harpsichord :)
Closer to our own time, I find the complete symphony sets of Malcolm Arnold (Naxos) and Robert Simpson (Hyperion) to be essential.
Quote from: Barak on February 13, 2010, 06:50:07 PM
Thanks, Lethe and Vandermolen - I'll try to get my hands on some Truscott.
Jeffrey, you'll be pleased to hear that Sainton's Moby Dick gets threee thumbs up in this article.
Andre - yes indeed. Sainton's 'Nadir' is a great favourite of mine. I with that the American Music Guide was available here.
My favorite Lark Ascending, played by Hilary Hahn.
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Quote from: Jezetha on February 14, 2010, 02:19:53 PM
Erm... why? And I ask that as a confirmed Delian.
Hi Jezetha - well i think with a work like North Country Sketches its very easy to make it sound ordinary but for me Beecham catches the mood of this work perfectly despite the rather murky sound being an old recording - I just love Appalachia here also and both works fills me with nostalgia - to be fair i have not heard many other versions so maybe im biased - do you have any favourites of these works ?
Hello, Offbeat! I only know Sir Charles Groves's interpretation of the North Country Sketches, so I can't compare. And as I have it on cassette only and no player anymore, I can't re-acquaint myself with it at the moment... As for Appalachia (wonderful piece, varied and strong!) I know the Hickox and the Barbirolli. I prefer Barbirolli.
Quote from: Jezetha on February 15, 2010, 01:11:20 AM
It took me a while to like it, but now I do. Which performance(s) do you know? I prefer the Groves. I found it on Usenet years ago, rather awful sonically (LP transfer), but still very beautiful and convincing.
The Beecham Columbia. Sounds awful. To my ears the composer's most prominent champion does not succeed in making me like it. I have a dozen or so Delius discs, but Mass of Life sticks out like a sore thumb :P.
Quote from: Barak on February 16, 2010, 07:20:32 PM
The Beecham Columbia. Sounds awful. To my ears the composer's most prominent champion does not succeed in making me like it.
Same - the whole Beecham Delius series on Naxos was like nails on a blackboard to me. Certain composers styles are doubly damaged by ancient sound quality...
Greatly admire an interesting Lyrita CD with First Symphonies of John Joubert (b 1927) and William Mathias (1934-1992). The Joubert curiously was released as a 'single' previously by Lyrita, but the coupling is inspired. Both symphonies are darkly eloquent and gripped my attention throughout. The Mathias has a beautfully atmospheric slow movement and a great redemptive tune towards the end which I find very moving (sadly he died relatively young) and the Joubert is memorable and powerful. These two composers represent IMHO amongst the best of mid-20th century British music.
A photo of the CD may appear below, or may not as, so far, every attempt of mine to post a CD image using the new system has gone horribly wrong.
[asin]B003ERHL9O[/asin]
Success at last :D
Quote from: vandermolen on April 12, 2011, 12:08:37 PM
Success at last :D
Wish you had failed though. My retina has problems getting over that cover.
Quote from: The new erato on April 12, 2011, 12:21:17 PM
Wish you had failed though. My retina has problems getting over that cover.
I see what you mean!
Quote from: vandermolen on April 12, 2011, 12:07:40 PM
Greatly admire an interesting Lyrita CD with First Symphonies of John Joubert (b 1927) and William Mathias (1934-1992). The Joubert curiously was released as a 'single' previously by Lyrita, but the coupling is inspired. Both symphonies are darkly eloquent and gripped my attention throughout. The Mathias has a beautfully atmospheric slow movement and a great redemptive tune towards the end which I find very moving (sadly he died relatively young) and the Joubert is memorable and powerful. These two composers represent IMHO amongst the best of mid-20th century British music.
A photo of the CD may appear below, or may not as, so far, every attempt of mine to post a CD image using the new system has gone horribly wrong.
[asin]B003ERHL9O[/asin]
Fwiw, there's an excellent disc from Nimbus of Mathias conducting his first two symphonies. Superb stuff from a grossly underappreciated composer. Be sure to check out his second and third symphonies, which have some magical music in them.
A selection:
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The last fuzzy one has the Elgar Symphonies conducted by Barbirolli and In the South conducted by Silvestri, all essential.
Most of the EMI issues are duplicated in various boxes. The Sitkovetsky Elgar is also available coupled with a recording of the Cello Concerto that I haven't heard.
The Walton "Collected Works" set has the Previn Symphony No. 1 among other things.
Quote from: Grazioso on April 13, 2011, 04:15:18 AM
Fwiw, there's an excellent disc from Nimbus of Mathias conducting his first two symphonies. Superb stuff from a grossly underappreciated composer. Be sure to check out his second and third symphonies, which have some magical music in them.
Thanks - I have those Mathias symphonies and 'Helios' (thanks to Andre on this forum) and will be re-investigating them having enjoyed his Symphony No 1 so much.
Quote from: Daverz on April 13, 2011, 12:29:40 PM
A selection:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41FDF2YV9DL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zpeoCoLbL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513DH7G6NFL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/68/d4/5925228348a0eb1f9a82e010.L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51uZz80kfML._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/06/fa/b0e2793509a0f86aac2e5110.L._AA300_.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SBoNsKm7L._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510W3Xj8zOL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
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The last fuzzy one has the Elgar Symphonies conducted by Barbirolli and In the South conducted by Silvestri, all essential.
Most of the EMI issues are duplicated in various boxes. The Sitkovetsky Elgar is also available coupled with a recording of the Cello Concerto that I haven't heard.
The Walton "Collected Works" set has the Previn Symphony No. 1 among other things.
We have similar tastes as I have most of these in my collection. Oddly enough, as an admirer of Andre Previn, I have never rated his RCA recording of Walton's 1st Symphony as highly as everyone else - I think that it lacks nervous tension at the start. In this respect I actually prefer his later RPO recording or the versions by Sargent, Thomson and Willam Boughton. The Barbirolli VW Symphony 5 with Bax's 'Tintagel' is my favourite recording of both those great scores and I really like 'Adam Zero' (a comparatively new discovery for me) by Bliss and Arnold's 5th and 6th Symphony. I have come to appreciate No 6 more and more. Those Boult Bax CDs are classics (Symphony No 2 to be performed at the London Proms this year). Bernstein's VW Symphony No 4 is a classic - one of the best and Silvestri did a great Tallis Fantasia on a different CD. Boult's Moeran Symphony is a top choice (although I like the Neville Dilkes version as much). Moeran's Cello Concerto on Lyrita is a very moving CD - the Cello Concerto is performed by Moeran's wife.
Quote from: vandermolen on April 15, 2011, 01:30:27 AM
We have similar tastes as I have most of these in my collection. Oddly enough, as an admirer of Andre Previn, I have never rated his RCA recording of Walton's 1st Symphony as highly as everyone else - I think that it lacks nervous tension at the start. In this respect I actually prefer his later RPO recording or the versions by Sargent, Thomson and Willam Boughton.
Listening to the Sargent now. Good, but seems to be lacking the drive of the first Previn. And the Previn
swings. The only other recording I have is Ashkenazy.
Quote
I really like 'Adam Zero'
Yeah, a great piece. I also like 'Miracle in the Gorbals' and the full Checkmate ballet.
Quote from: Daverz on April 15, 2011, 02:59:11 PM
Listening to the Sargent now. Good, but seems to be lacking the drive of the first Previn. And the Previn swings. The only other recording I have is Ashkenazy.
Yeah, a great piece. I also like 'Miracle in the Gorbals' and the full Checkmate ballet.
I'll have another listen to the LSO Walton, Previn CD. Bliss is an interesting composer - not 'great' perhaps but one to whose music I constantly return. 'Morning Heroes' does touch greatness I think (the return of the cannon fire in the closing sequence) and I also like the 'Meditations on a Theme by John Blow' ('aimiable but rambling' according to one critic - but I rate it higher). The Oboe Quintet is a wonderful work. EMI are bringing out a Bliss box set in June/July (one of their new 5 CD set re-issues).
I like Ashkenazy's version of Walton Symphony No 1.