What were you listening to? (CLOSED)

[Choo Choo]

Today I am "upgrading" (if that is the word) a number of computers to Windows Vista - so this has given me plenty of time to give further listening to some purchases which didn't impress that much on first hearing.  Currently playing:


Bruckner #9 played by the Czech PO under Gerd Albrecht.

The problem with this one is that I keep playing it after other knockout performances, against which it ends up having to compete.  Today's competition was this:


which I was checking for the kind of digital "artefacts" which M described as characteristic of this label's transfers - but I have to say, having listened very carefully, I don't hear any of those.  There are 1 or 2 "phase-y" moments - but those apart, it's amazing how clearly this recording comes through.  I love it.  Tough competition indeed.

[Harry]

Alla Pavlova.

Old New York Nostalgia, (Suite rev.2002)

Leonid Makarevich, Piano.
Andrey Chernishov, Percussion.
Aleksey Volkov & Michail Poroshin, Saxophones.
Georgy Pleskatch, Trumpet.

Moscow PO/Rossen Milanov.

It is all harmony, the harmony to which I personall strive, the peace in man, and therefore peace on earth.
Pavlova is the messenger of that faith.

[SonicMan46]

Joseph Boismortier (1689-1755) - Double Bassoon Sonatas performed by Musica Franca (quintet of players w/ 2 bassoons, contrabassoon, theobro, & harpsichord/organ) - did not complete my listening to this disc from an earlier post - this is some of the best bassoon playing that I've heard (i.e. if you like your bassoons 'up front'!) - check out the MSR Web Site for comments & some great reviews - 

[Harry]

Alla Pavlova.

Sulamith Ballet Suite.

Artiom Grinko, Trumpet.
Moscow SO/Rossen Milanov.

Really the top of this cd. I can speak only for myself, but I know great art when I hear it, although I know also that that is strictly subjective. So be it.
One of the greatest composers of the 20th century, and I prefer her above many others.
To me that is a valid statement of great honesty.

[Harry]

On the repeat mode!

[sidoze]

Today I am "upgrading" (if that is the word) a number of computers to Windows Vista -

So far I don't like Windows Vista. I don't think it's just a matter of using a different OS for the first time. The thing seems rather unfriendly--are there more options or are they just doing a good job of hiding the ones I'm looking for?--and heavier to use. I'm glad I didn't upgrade it on my computer.

I am going to watch a film. Wrong thread

[George]

Beethoven PC 2

Fleisher/Szell

[Choo Choo]

So far I don't like Windows Vista. I don't think it's just a matter of using a different OS for the first time. The thing seems rather unfriendly--are there more options or are they just doing a good job of hiding the ones I'm looking for?--and heavier to use.

I think it depends if you like gizmos - and if learning a whole new way of doing things just for the hell of it gives you a sense of achievement.

For me a computer is just a tool, so the very first thing I do is turn off that godawful "Aero" interface with its unreadable headache-inducing blurry "ClearType" fonts - and then switch all the menus and windows to the "standard" format.  Of course in so doing you're chucking away most of the things that you're supposed to be buying Vista for - so unless (like me) you have to do this for other reasons, there's probably not much reason to "upgrade" (hence the quotes.)

[Harry]

Georg Philipp Telemann.

Overtures.

Consortium Classicum.

And yet from this wonderful composer a veritable highlight on the label MDG, played by honourable musicians to perfection no less.
And the recording is topnotch as usual.
The quality of the compositions is as high as all others, yes I mean the composers in his close proximity.
No one can tell me that he is a second rate composer, hell no, he is one of the best.
Prove me otherwise!

[The new erato]

CD 10 of the Brilliant set of F Couperin harpsichord music. 10 down, 1 to go. Like it a lot. earlier this evening, Handel's Floridante, A Curtis.

[Harry]

CD 10 of the Brilliant set of F Couperin harpsichord music. 10 down, 1 to go. Like it a lot. earlier this evening, Handel's Floridante, A Curtis.

You know what my friend, that makes me very glad!

[George]

[Harry]

Blimey you look real mean on your Avatar George.

[George]

Blimey you look real mean on your Avatar George.

The one that I thought was nicer was identified by Mark as still being angry, so I thought "why try to be nice?" 

[beclemund]

I have acquired a half a dozen new (new to me anyhow) 4ths in the last month, including Böhm's '36, yet this one remains my favorite. It seems to flow just right and the hunting horns in the scherzo really come to life like no other recording I own. The '71 Kempe Munich is another excellent 4th. The Living State transfer sounds not quite ideal, however.

[Que]

The '71 Kempe Munich is another excellent 4th. The Living State transfer sounds not quite ideal, however.

Then this could be the ticket: Munich, 24 november 1972.



REVIEW

Q

[George]

This is some great playing. The sound is nice as well. I can think of no one who plays Debussy with such gentleness AND excitement. 

[Tancata]

Monteverdi / Madrigals Book 8 / Rene Jacobs
Bach / Matthaus-Passion / McCreesh
Bach / Art of Fugue / Savall
Handel / Israel in Egypt / Parrott
Mozart / "Jupiter" / Gardiner

Oh...spending the day listening away...(and sometimes browsing GMG).

Savall's Art of Fugue hasn't been my favourite up to now, but in this relaxed atmosphere the slower pacing and added instrumental colours clearly outline the interplay of the lines in ways I haven't heard on harpischord. Very nice.

[sidoze]

Tchaikovsky Manfred Symphony - Philadelphia Orchestra - Constantin Silvestri - 1961 - very intense

[rubio]

I have acquired a half a dozen new (new to me anyhow) 4ths in the last month, including Böhm's '36, yet this one remains my favorite. It seems to flow just right and the hunting horns in the scherzo really come to life like no other recording I own. The '71 Kempe Munich is another excellent 4th. The Living State transfer sounds not quite ideal, however.

I cannot really remember if I already have that Bohm/VPO recording (at least I haven't heard it yet). I hope I won't order it for the 2nd time...

This is an excellent 4th (and 5th) from Kempe in good transfers on Scribendum. They are recorded in 1975 and 1976. This is the only place I have found it:

http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/hnum/4238610/rk/classic/rsk/hitlist