What are you listening to now?

[Traverso]

Beethoven

Symphony No.7

[prémont]

Azzolino Bernardino Della Ciaja.

Six sonatas for Harpsichord, opus 4.

Attilio Cremonesi, Harpsichord made by Gianfranco Sacchini Ravenna 1992.

I have my doubts about this recording.

Why? I do not think Cremonesi's excellency can be doubted. But I agree that the music isn't first class all through. So I listen often only to the toccatas.

[Harry]

Why? I do not think Cremonesi's excellency can be doubted. But I agree that the music isn't first class all through. So I listen often only to the toccatas.

No Poul, nothing about the excellence of Cremonesi, he is an excellent harpsichord player. My problem is with the music itself. Like you said not first class throughout.

[aligreto]

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 [Ancerl]





This is an ardent, assertive, intense presentation in a compelling and powerful performance of this great work.

[aligreto]

That's as marvellous recording, my favourite I think of the 1936 version. The current edition of BBC Music Magazine features a proms performance of A London Symphony by Andrew Manze as the cover disc. I haven't heard it yet.

Thank you for the response Jeffrey. I did enjoy the Previn version and I am always interested in your opinion, particularly on Vaughan Williams.

[ChopinBroccoli]

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 [Ancerl]





This is an ardent, assertive, intense presentation in a compelling and powerful performance of this great work.

I enjoyed that one, too... underrated conductor and orchestra

[Traverso]

Beethoven

Symphony No.7

I just listened also to my LP of this symphony and guess what,  my 1970s LP pressing suffers from the notorious Decca clicks of the time. But the breadth and width of the soundstage still put the digital equivalents to shame. 

[Tsaraslondon]

Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony [Previn]





This is a strong but lyrical and contemplative version of this work and I like Previn's vision of the music.

Memories, what memories.

I used to have that set on LP. I remember the London Symphony was particularly good.

[aligreto]

Schubert: Impromptus Op. 90 [Perahia]

[aligreto]

I enjoyed that one, too... underrated conductor and orchestra

Cheers, it is a fine performance indeed. I also agree with you that the orchestra/conductor are also very fine. A wonderful version and a recommendation for those who do not know it.

[aligreto]

Memories, what memories.

I used to have that set on LP. I remember the London Symphony was particularly good.

I am glad that you got a buzz from the nostalgia. Others here also get that from time to time when I post my vinyl. Yes, Previn does give a very fine performance and interpretation of the London Symphony.

[Wakefield]

I can't avoid remembering Rod Corkin when I see that image. 

[Tsaraslondon]

Schubert: Impromptus Op. 90 [Perahia]

I had this one too.

[Traverso]

I can't avoid remembering Rod Corkin when I see that image. 

Who is Rod Corkin?

[aligreto]

I had this one too.

A fine set of performances. I trust that you have fond memories of this album.

[aligreto]

Stravinsky: Song of the Nightingale [Maazel]





This is not a work that I am familiar with. However, I found it to be always intriguing and oftentimes magical.

[ChopinBroccoli]

Stravinsky: Song of the Nightingale [Maazel]





This is not a work that I am familiar with. However, I found it to be always intriguing and oftentimes magical.

Fritz Reiner and The CSO did a good reading of that ... I've got it on an album paired with R-K's Scheherazade, which is amazing

[ChopinBroccoli]

Seeing Previn's name come up reminded me of a good story involving him:

When Previn was young and making his name in classical music, he had an opportunity to audition for an apprenticeship under George Szell in Cleveland... as Previn tells it, he went to Szell's house expecting that he'd be auditioning on a piano but there was no piano in the room

"Dr. Szell, where is your piano?"

"You don't need the piano.  We can use the coffee table"

Previn was baffled but he didn't dare question Szell... he sat down on the couch and put his hands on the coffee table as if he were playing the piano ...

Szell told him "ok, we'll start with the Mozart Sonata no. 14 in C minor... go ahead"

Previn, still incredulous but wanting to be respectful, brought his fingers down onto the coffee table in the shape they'd be playing the chord on an actual keyboard

Szell exclaimed "No! No! That's too loud!"

Previn, not believing he could possibly be serious replied "Dr. Szell, I'm sorry.  I'm used to my coffee table and have never played yours before"

Szell was not amused and stood up, glaring down at him.  "I have no use for smart alecks.  Get out!" and ordered Previn out of his home.

[Wakefield]

Who is Rod Corkin?

He is an old member (his account is still active). One of the most belligerent fans of historically informed performance. He used to run his own forum. 

[Traverso]

Seeing Previn's name come up reminded me of a good story involving him:

When Previn was young and making his name in classical music, he had an opportunity to audition for an apprenticeship under George Szell in Cleveland... as Previn tells it, he went to Szell's house expecting that he'd be auditioning on a piano but there was no piano in the room

"Dr. Szell, where is your piano?"

"You don't need the piano.  We can use the coffee table"

Previn was baffled but he didn't dare question Szell... he sat down on the couch and put his hands on the coffee table as if he were playing the piano ...

Szell told him "ok, we'll start with the Mozart Sonata no. 14 in C minor... go ahead"

Previn, still incredulous but wanting to be respectful, brought his fingers down onto the coffee table in the shape they'd be playing the chord on an actual keyboard

Szell exclaimed "No! No! That's too loud!"

Previn, not believing he could possibly be serious replied "Dr. Szell, I'm sorry.  I'm used to my coffee table and have never played yours before"

Szell was not amused and stood up, glaring down at him.  "I have no use for smart alecks.  Get out!" and ordered Previn out of his home.