Recordings That You Are Considering

[Lethevich]

Does anybody knows how these differ? I have the two 2x CDs. If they are the same recordings, I guess the many extras in the box would be desirable...

http://www.amazon.com/Sibelius-Complete-Symphonies-Tone-Poems/dp/B00005MIZT

vs.

http://www.amazon.com/Sibelius-Symphonies-Nos-1-4-Jean/dp/B000B668Z4
http://www.amazon.com/Sibelius-Symphonies-Oceanides-Finlandia-Tapiola/dp/B000B668Y0/ref=pd_bxgy_m_img_b/103-0073970-9417440

I happen to have Gardiner's 5th, if you want I can upload the first movement so you can hear for yourself if it's scary enough.

That would be cool if it wouldn't take too much of your time to do - actually, I wonder if a search should be launched for the most hostile sounding recording of the 5th

[BorisG]

Does anybody knows how these differ? I have the two 2x CDs. If they are the same recordings, I guess the many extras in the box would be desirable...

http://www.amazon.com/Sibelius-Complete-Symphonies-Tone-Poems/dp/B00005MIZT

vs.

http://www.amazon.com/Sibelius-Symphonies-Nos-1-4-Jean/dp/B000B668Z4
http://www.amazon.com/Sibelius-Symphonies-Oceanides-Finlandia-Tapiola/dp/B000B668Y0/ref=pd_bxgy_m_img_b/103-0073970-9417440

That would be cool if it wouldn't take too much of your time to do - actually, I wonder if a search should be launched for the most hostile sounding recording of the 5th

The Gemini doubles have been newly remastered.

[Lethevich]

The Gemini doubles have been newly remastered.

Thank you I'll put my faith in the company and assume they haven't screwed the remaster up (generally that's only a problem with really old recordings - excessive filtering etc) and keep the twofers.

[Renfield]

That would be cool if it wouldn't take too much of your time to do - actually, I wonder if a search should be launched for the most hostile sounding recording of the 5th

From what I've heard about it, Norrington's is likely to win that one.

Though I'll admit the Karajan/BPO 80's recording, with its slow and brooding tempi, also sounds a bit "scary", at times. Likewise Klemperer's way with the piece.

(For the Most "Punchy" 5th Award, however, I'd easily nominate Gardiner, and the 60's Karajan. )


Now, about "recordings that I am considering": could anyone please enlighten me on the remastering quality for this?




It's Music & Arts, so I don't have high hopes. But I'm quite interested in "early" Bruno Walter recordings, and this one has caught my fancy for quite a while. Opinions?

[George]

It's Music & Arts, so I don't have high hopes.

Yes, I haven't been impressed by their work either, I thought it was just me. I honestly don't know where they get off charging so much, as if they produce excellent work or something. When I called to complain about a CD I bought of theirs, one of the big-wigs wrote me back and openly admitted that the work was not good. Also, I have had the opportunity to compare their work to two other labels in the same performances and both times M&A came up short. Actually, I just got an email tonight about a third recording that was better on Arcadia than M&A. 

[Drasko]

That would be cool if it wouldn't take too much of your time to do - actually, I wonder if a search should be launched for the most hostile sounding recording of the 5th

No problem, I can manage up to 20-30 mega. Here you go, sleepless, Gardiner's 5th, first movement:

http://www.mediafire.com/?8jjdjxb2n2j

As for 'Inflicting Structural Damage Award' good old Carlos Païta, the man with loudest fortissimos in business shouldn't be overlooked. I haven't heard his Beethoven 5th but have and occasionally enjoy (to the detriment of my neighbors) his Bruckner 8th, which is to my knowledge an authorised construction tool in some countries. Lengthy clip of Beethoven can be heard at his site but I doubt that mp3 does it justice.

[Lethevich]

Thank you Drasko The interpretation is surprisingly similar to Norrington, and it really IS just as punchy. The recording of the Gardiner is a bit more "normal" - the Norrington has more raspy trumpets and clunking drum beats emerging at the top of the mix (which is fun) more than the slightly more refined Gardiner.

There isn't that much to choose between them at all, but as I am most imprinted on Norrington ATM, the main difference when I play Gardiner is a feeling that he lets the music breathe a tiny bit more (taking a few climaxes slightly slower, for example), wheras Norrington is a bit more forceful.

[Que]

Now, about "recordings that I am considering": could anyone please enlighten me on the remastering quality for this?




It's Music & Arts, so I don't have high hopes. But I'm quite interested in "early" Bruno Walter recordings, and this one has caught my fancy for quite a while. Opinions?

Can't tell you anything about the sound of either set.
But based on what I have heard from United Archives (allegedly from original sources) you could consider this alternative as well.



Q

[Keemun]

Is anyone familiar with the new 2007 recording of Bach's Mass in B Minor by Suzuki/Bach Collegium Japan (on BIS)?  If so, is it any good?  I realize it was just released yesterday, but perhaps someone has already listened to it?    I like their recording of Handel's Messiah.  Here's a link to it if you aren't sure what recording I am referring to: 

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=177164

[Renfield]

Can't tell you anything about the sound of either set.
But based on what I have heard from United Archives (allegedly from original sources) you could consider this alternative as well.



Q

Oh, United Archives have also remastered it?

Excellent, then: I've Walter's early Brahms cycle in the UA remastering, and although inferior to the Sony, it's very acceptable indeed. And easily "safer" than Music & Arts. I'll look it up further. Thank you.

(And in fact, I might as well look up the Schubert 9th of Walter's, in that label. I missed it being available by a few days, when it was released.)


Edit: Oh, unreleased. I see.

Well, perhaps for the better, as I can reserve it from my local classical music "supplier", rather than order it online. Less hassle.

[karlhenning]

Hindemith by Abbado and the Berlin boys (and girls):

[Lilas Pastia]

Hindemith by Abbado and the Berlin boys (and girls):

How many girls, back then, Karl? Does the scoring call for a harp, maybe? 

[Daverz]

It's Music & Arts, so I don't have high hopes. But I'm quite interested in "early" Bruno Walter recordings, and this one has caught my fancy for quite a while. Opinions?

Sad timing.  I haven't heard the M&A set, but the transfer was done mostly by John Wilson, who had a lot of experience at it, so I'd expect the results to be excellent.  Sadly, John passed away a few days ago.

[SonicMan46]

Last couple of days, I've been reviewing Fanfare, the new Nov-Dec issue - the recordings below 'peaked' my interest, all highly recommended by the reviewers.  In particular, the String Quartets are by composers that I own nothing, and both discs received superb comments; also, the Rachmaninoff Preludes were compared to those by Ashkenazy (and NO comparison!); so, would be interested in any comments - I could see all of these ending up in my collection!  Thanks, as always - 

Bach, CPE - Flute Sonatas w/ Kuijken & Demeyere on Accent (2 CDs)
Durufle - Organ works w/ Henry Fairs on Naxos
Finzi - Cello & Violin Concertos w/ Handley (and many) on Chandos
Gesualdo - Responsories for Holy Week. Miserere. Benedictus w/ A Sei Voci on APEX (2 CDs)
Haydn - Piano Sonatas w/ Hamelin on Hyperion (2 CDs)
Hill - String Quartets (Nos. 1-3) w/ Dominion SQ on Naxos
Howells - Hymnus paradisi.1,2 Sir Patrick Spens2,3 w/ David Hill et al on Naxos
Kalliwoda - String Quartets (Nos. 1-3) w/ Talich SQ on Calliope
Rachmaninoff - Preludes (complete) w/ Eldar Nebolsin on Naxos

[Mark]

Dave, avoid the Finzi on Chandos unless you really want the Violin Concerto, which is far better than its pairing. Go for Tim Hugh's account of the Cello Concerto on Naxos.

[karlhenning]

Gesualdo - Responsories for Holy Week. Miserere. Benedictus w/ A Sei Voci on APEX (2 CDs)

Oh, but that looks toothsome!

[Renfield]

Sad timing.  I haven't heard the M&A set, but the transfer was done mostly by John Wilson, who had a lot of experience at it, so I'd expect the results to be excellent.  Sadly, John passed away a few days ago.

May he rest in peace.

As for the transfer, I've yet to make up my mind. I'll see when I come to ordering (or not ordering) the M&A set, with a few other things I'm due to order.

[Don]

Is anyone familiar with the new 2007 recording of Bach's Mass in B Minor by Suzuki/Bach Collegium Japan (on BIS)?  If so, is it any good?  I realize it was just released yesterday, but perhaps someone has already listened to it?    I like their recording of Handel's Messiah.  Here's a link to it if you aren't sure what recording I am referring to: 

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=177164

I have it, and it's a beauty.  Not as dramatic as some, but there's a warm glow to it that's irresistible.  I've only listened to it twice, so there's the possibility I'll change my mind with time.

[Kullervo]

The Schubert is a given — it's the Spohr I'm most interested in hearing after reading about it in the liner notes for Archibudelli's Brahms sextets.

[Kullervo]

Also:



Inspired by Cato's thread, I'm considering buying these. I first became interested in her through an acquaintance some time ago, but never got around to actually buying anything of hers. The idea of her music seems attractive to me, and the Amazon samples only compound this. Is anyone familiar with her work?