What were you listening to? (CLOSED)

[Sid]

I like many Sculthorpe works: Cello Dreaming, Memento mori, Sun Song, Quamby, Nourlangie, Little Suite, Kakadu, Djilile, Lament, among others. I've been reading a lot about Australian culture and history on the Internet and you live in a very interesting country. Thankfully, there are recordings available of Australian classical music, so someone, like myself, who obviously doesn't live there can enjoy the composers of your homeland.

It's interesting that I seldom listen to American composers, because, to be honest, I identify more with music from the outside. I've always seen myself as an outsider to the United States. I was born here and I'm proud of that, but I'm not always proud with the decisions this country makes, which is a whole other topic altogether. I think, to be quite blunt with you, that Americans, not all of them, are the most selfish, inconsiderate people on the planet. Anyway I'll shut up now as I've opened up a whole can of worms...

Well, yes - ABC classics have made some really great recordings. It's great that we have a label that consistently showcases our superb musicians and composers, from right across the spectrum (including classical). I'm glad you're enjoying their excellent releases, as I do too. I'm not one for jingoism, but I think all Australians can be proud of their ABC, which has been doing a very good job promoting the talent we've got in this country (despite the many cutbacks that successive governments have subjected it to - another can of worms ). & yes, I agree with you, it's sometimes easier to get into the culture of other countries than your own, because they can be more interesting and offer different perspectives. Don't forget that there are many people in the USA who are not insular & are interested in engaging with the outside world, it's just that (as it seems) the "rednecks" are way more vocal, and get more press...

[Mirror Image]

Well, yes - ABC classics have made some really great recordings. It's great that we have a label that consistently showcases our superb musicians and composers, from right across the spectrum (including classical). I'm glad you're enjoying their excellent releases, as I do too. I'm not one for jingoism, but I think all Australians can be proud of their ABC, which has been doing a very good job promoting the talent we've got in this country (despite the many cutbacks that successive governments have subjected it to - another can of worms ). & yes, I agree with you, it's sometimes easier to get into the culture of other countries than your own, because they can be more interesting and offer different perspectives. Don't forget that there are many people in the USA who are not insular & are interested in engaging with the outside world, it's just that (as it seems) the "rednecks" are way more vocal, and get more press...

If I buy something on the ABC label, it's going to be of an Australian composer's music, because right now they are the ONLY label that promotes this music, which is refreshing and quite daring. I admire the work that they're doing.

[Sid]

If I buy something on the ABC label, it's going to be of an Australian composer's music, because right now they are the ONLY label that promotes this music, which is refreshing and quite daring. I admire the work that they're doing.

I think BIS also has some stuff of Australian composers. I was in the shop the other week, and saw a Brett Dean cd of theirs. But yes, it's mainly the ABC who are turning out recordings of the works of Aussie composers...

[Mirror Image]

I think BIS also has some stuff of Australian composers. I was in the shop the other week, and saw a Brett Dean cd of theirs. But yes, it's mainly the ABC who are turning out recordings of the works of Aussie composers...

I would like to see the CBC turn out more recordings by Canadian composers. Our Northern brothers and sisters have a rich history as well.

[Que]

Firts run, it is sooo good!

Good morning.

Q

[Harry]

Firts run, it is sooo good!

Good morning.

Q

And yet another CD that looks good in my eyes and probably my ears too. Also from the Bric& brac shop, than note me down for it.

[mc ukrneal]

And yet another CD that looks good in my eyes and probably my ears too. Also from the Bric& brac shop, than note me down for it.

Glad to see you back!

Now listening to Schubert waltzes played by Paolo Bordoni. I may not listen to this all the way through (although I think I say that every time and listen to the end anyway -they are that enjoyable), but what pleasing little gems from Schubert. Very stylishly played. I must now go find the Rubato page, because there is a lot of it here!

[Harry]

Glad to see you back!

Now listening to Schubert waltzes played by Paolo Bordoni. I may not listen to this all the way through (although I think I say that every time and listen to the end anyway -they are that enjoyable), but what pleasing little gems from Schubert. Very stylishly played. I must now go find the Rubato page, because there is a lot of it here!

Thank you my friend, would like to drink a bottle of Bourbon against the pain, but the surgeon told me, that he did not think that a good idea. I had trouble enough last night to get dismissed from the hospital, the friendly man wanted to keep me there for a few days. But I have a healthy dislike of hospitals, so I went....

[Wanderer]

Listening to Paul Lewis in various Beethoven sonatas (one of the most successful modern sets).

[mc ukrneal]

Thank you my friend, would like to drink a bottle of Bourbon against the pain, but the surgeon told me, that he did not think that a good idea. I had trouble enough last night to get dismissed from the hospital, the friendly man wanted to keep me there for a few days. But I have a healthy dislike of hospitals, so I went....

You have my full agreement on that one! Sorry about the Bourbon, but in solidarity I shall listen to this track from the Sousa disc below: People Who Live in Glass Houses: The Whiskies-Scotch, Irish, Bourbon and Rye (track 6). 


EDIT: Actually with tracks on wine, champagne, whiskies, and cordials, the whole thing seems appropriate!

[Harry]

Robert Johnson.

The Prince's Almain and other dances for Lute.
Nigel North,  playing on a ten course lute.

Johnson a contemporary of Shakespeare for whose plays he wrote songs and incidental music. The smell of that time is on this new Naxos issue. Its a topnotch recording and very well played.

[Harry]

You have my full agreement on that one! Sorry about the Bourbon, but in solidarity I shall listen to this track from the Sousa disc below: People Who Live in Glass Houses: The Whiskies-Scotch, Irish, Bourbon and Rye (track 6). 


EDIT: Actually with tracks on wine, champagne, whiskies, and cordials, the whole thing seems appropriate!

Thats a good one!

[Harry]

The Celtic Viol, Volume II.
A hommage to the Irish and Scottish Musical Traditions.

Jordi Savall, Treble Viol & Lyra Viol.
Andrew Lawrence King, Irish Harp & Psalterium.
Frank McGuire, Bodhran.

This CD is a joy from beginning to end, well played and recorded it explores music in a region very akin to me.

[Harry]

The Complete Solo Piano Music from Sergei Rachmaninov.
CD I.
Morceaux de Fantasie, opus 3.
Preludes opus 23.
Howard Shelley, Piano.
Recorded in 1982-83.

Shelley is a amazing piano player, and nowhere as good as in this present set. The opus 3 is so marvelously done, that I get shivers all over my spine. He so sensitively grasps the essence of this composer and keeps the structural integrity so well within bounds, that on a whole a seamlessness is binding all the emotional power into a grand gesture. The Pianissimo's and Forte's are equally well executed. Well recorded and performed, this set is a treasure already beginning with disc I.

[Antoine Marchand]

This one:



Available on Amazon under this cover:



Nice! 

[karlhenning]

Now:



A great recording. Listening to the lovely Concerto for String Quartet and Orchestra right now.

Really something of an eccentricity for Schoenberg, but both charming and masterly, all the same.

[karlhenning]

Continuing the Tchaikovsky-athon for Harry:

Пётр Ильич [Pyotr Ilyich]
Symphony № 4 in f minor, Opus 36
Philharmonia
Muti

[karlhenning]

Continuing the Tchaikovsky-athon for Harry:

Пётр Ильич [Pyotr Ilyich]
Symphony № 4 in f minor, Opus 36
Philharmonia
Muti

Woof, that first movement — exhilirating! Must . .. catch . . . my . . . breath . . . .

[Sergeant Rock]

I'm participating in the Tchaikovsky-athon also: listening to my new Baiba Skride disc entitled Souvenir Russe: the Violin Concerto, Souvenir d'un lieu cher (arranged by Glazanov) and two excerpts from Swan Lake:



Sarge

[karlhenning]

I'm participating in the Tchaikovsky-athon also . . . .

Splendid, Sarge!

And now, I am ready for the Andantino in modo di canzona . . . which was curiously set for accordion in the Paris scene of the Tchaikovsky movie we watched last night . . . .