What are you listening 2 now?

[San Antone]

Interesting indeed, that CD. Günter Wand is hardly represented in my collection, and I no almost nothing of Wolfgang Fortner's music.

I had forgotten about the organ pieces. I'm not much of an organ music man myself, but do remember finding La Nativité du Seigneur (played by the composer) delightful.

This brings to mind reminiscences about Pierre Boulez (whose relationship with his former teacher was a rather complex one) by Gerard McBurney in The Guardian:

"Ah, Messiaen, he is for me a big problem ... [dramatic pause] The religion ... [another pause, shrugged shoulders, and louder] The birds ... [louder still, hands raised and in tones of pantomimic horror] Aand ... my God ... the ORGAN!" There was no doubt which of these three shockers was the worst" 

LOL.  But I avoid reading what Boulez said (especially about other composers) and prefer to listen to the music he wrote.

[aligreto]

Strozzi: Lamento del Marchese Cinq-Mars [Vartolo]

[Traverso]

Dutch Organs

CD 9

Bach-Fischer-Scheidemann-Krebs-Buxtehude and others

[Tsaraslondon]

Wonderful 1954 recital of verismo and coloratura arias with Callas in fantastic form.

Full review on my blog

[ritter]

'tis the day...

[asin]B000006293[/asin]
A classic performance, with an impressive lineup of soloists (Teresa Stich-Randall, Hilde Rössl-Majdan, Waldemar Kmennt, Walter Berry). Møgens Wöldike's approach is "transitional" (and ahead of its time—1959): we have a big band and large chorus, but the heavy and over-romanticised approach of the past is eschewed for a lighter touch that is much more palatable to modern ears. A great recording IMHO.

[aligreto]

Machaut: Motets [Munrow]





Lasse! Comment oubileray
Qui es promesses
Hoquetus David
Christe, qui lux es

[MusicTurner]

Funnily, Wöldike seems more appreciated abroad these days than at home, where he's rarely promoted or mentioned, except by certain choral music connoisseurs. It's partly because of the Vanguard label associations though, it's a largely absent label here. What I've heard (which is not the St. Matthew Passion) did not appeal to me, but obviously he's highly regarded by some, including for his less romanticized approach, that is, before any HIP. I think Swedish Eric Ericson is a somewhat bigger name here, and I enjoy his stuff too, having his St. Matthew Passion, by coincidence also on the Vanguard label.

[Spineur]

For good-friday




https://www.youtube.com/v/mW5ilV-LNmQ

[ritter]

Funnily, Wöldike seems more appreciated abroad these days than at home, where's he rarely promoted or mentioned, except by certain choral music connoisseurs. It's partly because of the Vanguard label associations though, it's a largely absent label here. What I've heard (which is not the St. Matthew Passion) did not appeal to me, but obviously he's highly regarded by some, including for his less romanticized approach, that is, before any HIP. I think Swedish Eric Ericson is a somewhat bigger name here, and I enjoy his stuff too, having his St. Matthew Passion, by coincidence also on the Vanguard label.

Although I remember seeing Wöldike's name in record shops in my early days as a collector (in the late 70s), I never actually bought any of his recordings, and really got this SMP a couple of years ago for Teresa Stich-Randall (one of my very favourite singers ever). It could have been conducted by André Kostelanetz for all I cared  , but, lo and behold, I ended up with a performance that I found admirable, in all respects, beyond the soprano's participation. I don't have any more Wöldike on my shelves IIRC, but am tempted to buy his Danish Haydn recordings.

[aligreto]

Henning: The Passion According to St. John


This is a fine work for those who have not yet heard it.

[MusicTurner]

Although I remember seeing Wöldike's name in record shops in my early days as a collector (in the late 70s), I never actually bought any of his recordings, and really got this SMP a couple of years ago for Teresa Stich-Randall (one of my very favourite singers ever). It could have been conducted by André Kostelanetz for all I cared  , but, lo and behold, I ended up with a performance that I found admirable, in all respects, beyond the soprano's participation. I don't have any more Wöldike on my shelves IIRC, but am tempted to buy his Danish Haydn recordings.

Yes, I think Bach and Haydn mostly are the names associated with him. I do buy some of 'his' old LPs, but it's mainly because of the graphic designers from that label, including Joseph Low and others.

Will notice further when I hear a Stich-Randall next time, I must have some with her 

[Madiel]

Barber

Die Natali, op.37
Piano Concerto, op.38

[Traverso]

Messiaen

Livre d'orgue

[Madiel]

Nielsen, Symphony No.3

[Harry]

Bliss conducts Bliss
'Introduction and Allegro'
Bliss may not have been one of the very greatest British composers but there is something endearing about his music which I often return to. This is a particularly fine disc:

PS I'm now on to 'A Colour Symphony'.

You know Jeffrey, the list for you or me of all the Greatest composers is probably a different thing for all the other individuals that roam the world and love classical music. Bliss for me, is a great composer, essential even, one that cannot be absent from anyone's collection. I think Tchaikovsky is the greatest composer that ever lived, but a classical friend of mine thinks I am nuts, for that should in his opinion be Wagner

[ritter]

.... I think Tchaikovsky is the greatest composer that ever lived, but a classical friend of mine thinks I am nuts, for that should in his opinion be Wagner

You've got very wise friends, Harry! Congratulations....

[Harry]

Another disaster cover. I would never buy such a CD, even if the music proves irresistible. It seems that more and labels are putting implicit pictures of guys on their covers. Makes me nauseous.

[Harry]

You've got very wise friends, Harry! Congratulations....

I seriously think of deleting him......

[Maestro267]

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4
Berlin PO/Karajan

Bantock: Thalaba the Destroyer
Royal PO/Handley

[André]

Although I remember seeing Wöldike's name in record shops in my early days as a collector (in the late 70s), I never actually bought any of his recordings, and really got this SMP a couple of years ago for Teresa Stich-Randall (one of my very favourite singers ever). It could have been conducted by André Kostelanetz for all I cared  , but, lo and behold, I ended up with a performance that I found admirable, in all respects, beyond the soprano's participation. I don't have any more Wöldike on my shelves IIRC, but am tempted to buy his Danish Haydn recordings.

My favourite SMP, where soloists, choir and ensemble fuse into a living musical drama, instead of being just a string of arias and choruses.