What were you listening to? (CLOSED)

[mc ukrneal]

There was some controversy about the quality of Sibelius and his piano works some time ago. I am happy to report enjoying the final disc of this set as much as the others. I think Annette Servadei performs them well, and captures their spirit.
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[Willoughby earl of Itacarius]

There was some controversy about the quality of Sibelius and his piano works some time ago. I am happy to report enjoying the final disc of this set as much as the others. I think Annette Servadei performs them well, and captures their spirit.
[asin]B000OCZ89C[/asin]

I have the complete recording of his piano music on BIS. Bought that on release, and thought it absolutely wonderful. Still do!
The same sound world as his Symphonies. Never heard of Annette Servadei, will keep a eye open for these recordings.

[mc ukrneal]

I have the complete recording of his piano music on BIS. Bought that on release, and thought it absolutely wonderful. Still do!
The same sound world as his Symphonies. Never heard of Annette Servadei, will keep a eye open for these recordings.

I'm not sure if you need another of this one, but the Alto release is fairly inexpensive, which was why I picked it up. My expectations were low, but I have been pleasently surprised. I have not heard the BIS, so cannot compare.

[DavidRoss]

Seeing the quote about Sibelius's piano music occupying "the same sound world as his symphonies," I can only scratch my head in wonder.  I've learned that if I say anything questioning the judgment of certain contributors, my post will be deleted.  I hope this post's expression of puzzlement is not so egregious a sin as to merit the same fate.

[madaboutmahler]

This Fischer set collects all of the recordings he made of just the orchestral works outside of the concerti. It doesn't include the set he made with pianist Zoltan Kocsis for the same label (Philips). This set is fine, Daniel, but the Boulez is a better deal all-around I think, especially since the Boulez set contains all of the concerti and Bluebeard's Castle. Boulez is a master interpreter of Bartok's music and his DG series is one of my most prized possessions. All in all, it's simply a must own.

Thank you for getting back to me about the Fischer set, John! I certainly did look tempting, I can imagine the Budapest Festival Orchestra being superb in this repetoire, and Fischer being his normal exciting self as well! But the Boulez does look and sound excellent, especially considering it includes those interests. Shall definitely make the purchase soon. Will probably be on my Christmas list - should start writing that soon! 

For me, now:
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Listening to Symphony no.3
Absolutely love this piece and always have done! Really love Roussel's style - a brilliant composer!

[SonicMan46]

Several more recent arrivals based on some excellent reviews:

Chopin, Frederic (1810-1849) - Piano Concertos arranged for Piano-String Quintet w/ Gianluca Luisi on a 1901 Steinway piano & Ensemble Concertant Frankfurt - my first exposure to these works in this format - Fanfare review HERE -

Kalkbrenner, Friedrich (1785-1849) - Piano Concertos, Nos.1/4 w/ Howard Shelley & the Tasmanian SO - another yet excellent disc in the Hyperion Romantic Piano Concerto Series (this one No. 41) - just my 2nd disc of his music; although better known as a virtuoso pianist at his time, these are quite enjoyable compositions and well presented by Shelley as expected! Older Fanfare review attached.


 

[mc ukrneal]

Several more recent arrivals based on some excellent reviews:

Kalkbrenner, Friedrich (1785-1849) - Piano Concertos, Nos.1/4 w/ Howard Shelley & the Tasmanian SO - another yet excellent disc in the Hyperion Romantic Piano Concerto Series (this one No. 41) - just my 2nd disc of his music; although better known as a virtuoso pianist at his time, these are quite enjoyable compositions and well presented by Shelley as expected! Older Fanfare review attached.

This one and the Pierne disc have been getting a lot of listening from me recently. Wonderful disc.

[Lisztianwagner]

Anton Bruckner
Symphony No.9
Berliner Philharmoniker
Herbert von Karajan

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[madaboutmahler]

Seems like I haven't stopped listening to this for the last hour!
Mahler 9 - the scherzo (m3). Such a thrilling piece!
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Here's what I had programmed to listen to an hour ago, before the Mahler took over:
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I'll get to it eventually

LONG LIVE MAHLER!!!!
p.s If you have facebook - please join my new 'Mahlerian Extremist' group
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Mahlerian-Extremists/120871861356230

[jlaurson]

This Fischer set collects all of the recordings he made of just the orchestral works outside of the concerti. It doesn't include the set he made with pianist Zoltan Kocsis for the same label (Philips)...

hmmm ...perhaps so that it is seamlessly compatible with this (bound to be re-issued soon)


B. Bartók
Complete Works for Piano & Orchestra
Kocsis / Fischer / BFO
Philips

and this:


B. Bartók
Complete Solo Piano Works
Kocsis
ex-Philips, now Decca

??

but not this:


B. Bartók
Complete Solo Piano Works v.1 - 3
(Bagatelles, Romanian Folk Dances, For Children et al.)
+ Piano Concertos
Kocsis / Fischer / BFO
ex-Philips, now Decca

[Que]

From this 5 CD box, the last one with 3 violin concertos from Mozart, played by Andrew Manze, and the English Concert. Thus far this set did not convince me. Manze exhibits to many mannerisms, annoyingly sometimes, tinkering constantly with the tempi, and showing off, instead of letting the music speak for itself. The cadenzas made by him for the violin concertos is a case in point. I am certainly not a admirer of his playing, far from it. I played in once, and after that not again. Sound is fine throughout.

I can empathise, Harry. I must say I've grown weary of Manze, save for his Biber..

BTW do you have the similar box set by O'Dette? Very much recommended.

Q

[TheGSMoeller]

[Que]

Q

[BobsterLobster]

Just gave this a couple of listens:

[asin]B0000041KX[/asin]

Really not my favourite violinist, but what a selection of great pieces, and Shaham doesn't screw them up so much that I can't enjoy them. I've not heard many of these arrangements before, and the Fantasie Brillante on Carmen arranged by Jenö Hubay is absolutely superb. Great piano accompaniment throughout, I just wish the fiddler was Heifetz, or Vengerov or perhaps Joshua Bell.

[Opus106]

Just gave this a couple of listens:

[asin]B0000041KX[/asin]

Really not my favourite violinist, but what a selection of great pieces, and Shaham doesn't screw them up so much that I can't enjoy them. I've not heard many of these arrangements before, and the Fantasie Brillante on Carmen arranged by Jenö Hubay is absolutely superb. Great piano accompaniment throughout, I just wish the fiddler was Heifetz, or Vengerov or perhaps Joshua Bell.

I remember that and an other album were in my wish-list during my romantic-violin-virtuoso-works-listening phase, but they've dropped down in priority during the interim.

[asin]B00004XRY7[/asin]

Thread duty: Chopin | Sonata No. 2 | Pollini (DG)

[Willoughby earl of Itacarius]

I can empathise, Harry. I must say I've grown weary of Manze, save for his Biber..

BTW do you have the similar box set by O'Dette? Very much recommended.

Q

I ordered that set together with the Manze. The first set arrived, but the lute music was lost in the post, and finally after some long wait Amazon send my money back, for the Lute music was sold out.

[Mirror Image]

hmmm ...perhaps so that it is seamlessly compatible with this (bound to be re-issued soon)


B. Bartók
Complete Works for Piano & Orchestra
Kocsis / Fischer / BFO
Philips

Yes, this was the other set I was referring to, which I'm glad I bought when I did.

[Mirror Image]

Thank you for getting back to me about the Fischer set, John! I certainly did look tempting, I can imagine the Budapest Festival Orchestra being superb in this repetoire, and Fischer being his normal exciting self as well! But the Boulez does look and sound excellent, especially considering it includes those interests. Shall definitely make the purchase soon. Will probably be on my Christmas list - should start writing that soon! 

Yes, Daniel, put the Boulez Bartok set on your Christmas list. You'll enjoy I guarantee you.

Here are the contents to the DG Boulez Bartok set:

CD 1: Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; Orchestral Pieces, Op.12
Four Orchestral Pieces op.12 (Sz 51)
1 1. Preludio
2 2. Scherzo: allegro
3 3. Intermezzo: Moderato
4 4. Marcia funebre: Maestoso

Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116
5 1. Introduzione (Andante non troppo – Allegro vivace
6 2. Giuoco della coppie (Allegretto scherzando)
7 3. Elegia (Andante, non troppo)
8 4. Intermezzo interrotto (Allegretto)
9 5. Finale (Pesante – Presto)
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez

CD 2: Bartók: Divertimento; Dance Suite; Hungarian Sketches; Two Pictures
Dance Suite, Sz. 77
1 1. Moderato
2 2. Allegro molto
3 3. Allegro vivace
4 4. Molto tranquillo
5 5. Comodo
6 6. Finale (Allegro)

2 Pictures, (Op.10) Sz. 46
7 In voller Blüte
8 Dorftanz

Hungarian Sketches, Sz. 97
9 1. An Evening in the Village
10 2. Bear Melody
11 3. Melody
12 4. Slightly Tipsy
13 5. Swineherd's Dance

Divertimento for Strings, Sz. 113
14 1. Allegro non troppo
15 2. Molto adagio
16 3. Allegro assai
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez

CD 3: Bartók: Piano Concertos Nos.1 – 3
Piano Concerto No.1, BB 91, Sz. 83
1 1. Allegro moderato – Allegro
2 2. Andante
3 Allegro – 3. Allegro molto
Krystian Zimerman, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez

Piano Concerto No.2, BB 101, Sz. 95
4 1. Allegro
5 2. Adagio – Più adagio – Presto
6 3. Allegro molto
Leif Ove Andsnes, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez

Piano Concerto No.3, BB 127, Sz. 119
7 1. Allegretto
8 2. Adagio religioso
9 3. Allegro vivace
Hélène Grimaud, London Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez

CD 4: Bartók: Concerto for Two Pianos, Percussion and Orchestra; Violin Concerto No.1; Viola Concerto
Concerto for 2 Pianos, Percussion, and Orchestra, Sz.115
1 Assai lento – Allegro molto
2 Lento ma non troppo
3 Allegro ma non troppo
Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Tamara Stefanovich, Neil Percy, Nigel Thomas, London Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez

Violin Concerto No.1 (Op.posth), Sz36
4 1. Andante sostenuto
5 2. Allegro giocoso
Gidon Kremer, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez

Concerto for Viola and Orchestra, op.post.
Version: Tibor Serly
6 1. Moderato – Lento parlando
7 2. Adagio religioso – Allegretto
8 3. Allegro vivace
Yuri Bashmet, Berliner Philharmoniker, Pierre Boulez

CD 5: Bartók: Violin Concerto No.2; Rhapsodies Nos.1 & 2
Violin Concerto No.2, Sz.112
1 1. Allegro non troppo
2 2. Andante tranquillo
3 3. Allegro molto

Rhapsody No.1 for Violin and Orchestra, Sz. 87
4 1. Moderato
5 2. Allegretto moderato

Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra no.2 Sz 90
6 1. Lassú: Moderato
7 2. Friss: Allegro moderato
Gil Shaham, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez

CD 6: Bartók: Bluebeard's Castle
Bluebeard's Castle, Sz. 48 (Op.11)
1 Prologue – Opening Scene. "Megérkeztünk"
2 "Ez a Kékszakállú véra?"
3 "Nagy csukott ajtókat"
4 Door 1. "Jaj!" "Mit látsz? Mit látsz?" "Láncok, kések"
5 Door 2. "Mit látsz?" "Százkegyetlen szörnyü fegyver"
6 Door 3. "Oh, be sok kincs! Oh, be sok kincs!"
7 Door 4. "Oh! virágok! Oh! ilatoskert!"
8 Fifth Door. Kékszakállú: "Nézd hogy derül már a váram"
9 Door 6. "Csendes fehér tavat látok"
10 "Az utolsót nem nyitom ki"
11 "Tudom, tudom, Kékszakállú"
12 Door 7. "Lásd a régi aszszonyokat"
Jessye Norman, László Polgár, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez

CD 7: Bartók: Cantata profana, Sz94; The Wooden Prince, Op.13
Cantata Profana, BB.100, Sz.94 – The Nine Splendid Stags
1 1. Molto moderato
2 2. Andante
3 3. Moderato
John Aler, John Tomlinson, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez, Chicago Symphony Chorus, Margaret Hillis

The Wooden Prince, Sz. 60 (Op.13)
4 Introduction
5 1st Dance: Dance of the Princess in the Forest
6 2nd Dance: Dance of the Trees
7 3rd Dance: Dance of the Waves
8 4th Dance: Dance of the Princess with the Wooden Doll
9 5th Dance: The Princess pulls and tugs at the Wooden Prince and tries to make him dance
10 6th Dance: She tries to attract the real Prince with her seductive dancing
11 7th Dance: Dismayed, the Princess attempts to hurry after the Prince, but the Forest bars her way
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez

CD 8: Bartók: The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19; Music for Strings, Precussion and Celesta, Sz 106
The Miraculous Mandarin, BB 82, Sz. 73 (Op.19)
1 Allegro: Introduction
2 Moderato: First decoy game
3 Second decoy game
4 Sostenuto: Third decoy game
5 Maestoso: The Mandarin enters
6 Allegro: The girl sinks down to embrace him
7 Sempre vivo: The tramps leap out
8 Adagio: Suddenly the Mandarin's head appears
9 Agitato: Again, the frightened tramps discuss how to eliminate the Mandarin
10 Molto moderato: The body of the Mandarin begins to glow with a greenish blue light
11 Più mosso – Vivo – She resists no longer, – they embrace

Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, Sz. 106
12 1. Andante tranquillo
13 2. Allegro
14 3. Adagio
15 4. Allegro molto
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez

[madaboutmahler]

Thank you for the information, John, certainly looks great! To the Christmas wishlist it goes!

[Mirror Image]

Now listening:





This is easily one of my favorite recordings this year. I'm so thankful to have discovered Schmitt.