What are you listening 2 now?

[Symphonic Addict]

Bacewicz: Viola Concerto

A lugubrious work of sorts. Some Bacewicz's late works manage to enthrall me, but this concerto certainly doesn't.

[Symphonic Addict]

Field: The four piano sonatas

Quite charming music.

[Madiel]

Starting on a Poulenc journey (now that I've heard all the recordings in my collection at least once...)

His earliest surviving work is the Rapsodie nègre, composed when he was 18.



Better than I remember, if I tend to let it wash over me rather than focusing on every note. It's a bit repetitive but really atmospheric.

Followed by the 3 Pastorales for piano.



Suddenly, hearing these with the Rapsodie, they make more sense and are more interesting. They absolutely sound like they come from the same world as the Rapsodie.

[Madiel]

I am also starting a Nielsen thing. It's been several years since I've listened to anything, and perhaps more than any other significant composer I feel like I haven't really got to grips with Nielsen's language beyond the symphonies. I often found myself surprised.

Anyway, teenage works that are always described as not very characteristic. That doesn't mean they're no good.

Fantasy Piece for clarinet and piano
Piano Trio (I own 2 copies of the same recording!)



The piano trio arguably already shows Nielsen's tendency to be forceful.

[JBS]

What is there not to like when Erika Köth is part of the cast. She is the best coloratura soprano I knew, and a very good woman.

In her prime perhaps.

I have one recording by her. It's on DG.

Mozart's Exultate Jubilate.

I assume it was made late in her career.

If you ever come across it, do not play it. Run away from it.

Her voice sounds like een heel blije geit--that's the only way to describe how wobbly it was.


TD
Born in Italy, of Croatian ancestry. Active all over Europe.

[steve ridgway]

Ligeti: Volumina

I find this wash of organ sound rather enjoyable .

[Mookalafalas]

Up to disk 29 in this baby. Vivaldi Concertos.

[Madiel]

Beethoven: Piano Concerto no.3



My records tell me it's a bit over 3 years since I last listened to this, which is slightly scary because it felt like it was fairly recent.

[Harry]

In her prime perhaps.

I have one recording by her. It's on DG.

Mozart's Exultate Jubilate.

I assume it was made late in her career.

If you ever come across it, do not play it. Run away from it.

Her voice sounds like een heel blije geit--that's the only way to describe how wobbly it was.


TD
Born in Italy, of Croatian ancestry. Active all over Europe.

I was not aware of this recording, for I mostly liked her in Operetta's from the usual suspects. But I am forewarned now, and I thank you for it, for that sort of singing would shatter my impression, and that would be too much trauma for me.

[Madiel]

Nielsen: Violin sonata in G major

[Que]

[Madiel]

More early Poulenc

Sonata for 2 clarinets. Taking advantage of Hyperion now being available to stream.



Sonata for piano, 4 hands

[Traverso]

What is there not to like when Erika Köth is part of the cast. She is the best coloratura soprano I knew, and a very good woman.

Well, I didn't know she was a good woman, the ensemble singing is also very beautiful and Kurt Böhme is an attractive Osmin.



The reviewer's opinion (below) is not my own.

From MusicWeb
Erika Köth is rather tremulous and piping, insufficiently the grande dame and too much the soubrette, thus sounding more like Blonde, especially in her squeaky high notes. It is not that she is a bad singer so much as she is inappropriately cast.

Ralph Moore

[vandermolen]

Something like this?

Yes, but this is my favourite 

[Traverso]

Yes, but this is my favourite 

I'm not familiar with this music,I just picked one with a funny picture.

[Harry]

Well, I didn't know she was a good woman, the ensemble singing is also very beautiful and Kurt Böhme is an attractive Osmin.



The reviewer's opinion (below) is not my own.

From MusicWeb
Erika Köth is rather tremulous and piping, insufficiently the grande dame and too much the soubrette, thus sounding more like Blonde, especially in her squeaky high notes. It is not that she is a bad singer so much as she is inappropriately cast.

Ralph Moore

Ralph Moore simply does not like Erika Köth's voice, but as stated before she was perfect for Operetta. To me she was a good woman, because she had an excellent wine cellar with gorgeous Rhine wines. How do I know?, well that's the secret.....

[Traverso]

Schubert

Symphony No.9

Always liked this symphony

[Traverso]

Ralph Moore simply does not like Erika Köth's voice, but as stated before she was perfect for Operetta. To me she was a good woman, because she had an excellent wine cellar with gorgeous Rhine wines. How do I know?, well that's the secret.....

Your opinion about Erika Köth is seriously biased.

[Todd]

[Harry]

1919 Viola Sonatas - Hidden Treasures from an Epoch Year.

Compositions by: Granville Bantock, Arthur Foote, Joseph Ryelandt and Marcelle Soulage.
See back cover for more details.

Primarily unknown composers, apart from Granville Bantock. My search for him led me to this CD amongst others. I find the music to be fascinating, and a real adventure to hear works I never heard before, let alone the composers. Decent performances and sound. Not to be missed.