Keith_W Posted March 25, 2008 Author Posted March 25, 2008 LD, the Kate Royal Schumann songs is similar to the Elly Ameling Schubert songs - as in, both are solo soprano accompanied by solo piano. You may find that the quality of the Hyperion recording is such that it eclipses the SACD of the Pentatone! That said, Schumann is not Schubert and the sound is a bit different. See what you think.
Keith_W Posted March 27, 2008 Author Posted March 27, 2008 [ATTACH]1762[/ATTACH] I just bought the Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem conducted by Otto Klemperer, also starring Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. Listening to it last night, I am reminded why I don't play this disc very often - it's really a bit too much. Music which is so powerful is dangerous ... you start thinking about death and you fear for all the people you love. I compared this with my other disc with Herbert von Karajan, Gundula Janowitz, etc. The difference is as you would expect with these two conductors - the Karajan has a stricter rhythm with more beat emphasis. The Klemperer is looser with more rubato. Karajan uses his drums to terrifying effect, Klemperer uses his horns and the effect is no less terrifying. When the horns blared out in All flesh is from grass I nearly jumped out of my skin (having the volume turned up to listen to the pianissimo probably compounded the effect!). The soloists in the Klemperer - Schwarzkopf and Fischer-Dieskau - are legendary. The sonics on the Klemperer (EMI) are better than the Karajan (DGG), despite the Karajan being a more recent recording. The Klemperer is cleaner but occasionally gets grainy at the top. Tape hiss is evident. The Karajan sounds muddy by comparison. Neither recording makes the cut as a "good" recording. My other acquisition was this: [ATTACH]1763[/ATTACH] Erich Kleiber recordings from the late 1940's. This set contains SIX CD's, Beethoven's 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9th symphonies, Mozart 41, and Schubert's 9th. Guess how much? $20!!! Tremendous value for such an enjoyable boxed set. I was rubbing my eyes in disbelief when I saw it. This brings my collection of Beethoven boxed sets to 9 (if you can count this as a boxed set) but anyway ... :eek: Don't know if Discurio still has them, but if you are in Melbourne, go get yourself a copy. How does it compare to the other cheap and good Beethoven boxed set (Karajan 1960's)? Well the difference is the difference between Germans and Austrians. One is rhythm heavy and disciplined (sound familiar?), the other is free flowing and carefree. So far I have only listened to Beethoven 3 and 7, and will listen to the others later. But from what I have heard it is definitely a worthwhile acquisition. Oh, recording is in mono, but it's not bad mono. It is clear enough to hear what the musicians are doing, and that is all that matters with historical recordings.
davidsss Posted March 27, 2008 Posted March 27, 2008 Hmm, lunch time trip to Discurio might be on the cards. Do they have a bargain bin or something? DS
davidsss Posted March 28, 2008 Posted March 28, 2008 Beethoven's 3rd Symphony, Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Eugun Jochum. I think this record is from 1954 from what I can tell from the cover. It was very crackly but I recently cleaned it in warm water, vinegar and dishwashing liquid, now it has barely a crack or pop. Very effective and a nice version of Beethoven's 3rd. DS
Kevin Posted April 4, 2008 Posted April 4, 2008 Listening to Andreas Scholl (counter tenor) this morning on Margaret Throsby's show on Classic FM. Turns out he is very keen on audio reproduction to the point that in he owns his own "very highend valve microphones " that he takes to recording sessions. Put me in mind of the Tacet recordings Das Mikrofon and the one currently spinning Die Rohre - The Tube. It is probably the best recorded cd we own with for once wonderful playing on an audiophile label. The first piece may be of interest to those who are not big classical fans (Boccherini La Musica Notturna delle strade di Madrid) as it is the music that a violin playing Russell Crowe and his ? ships doctor cellist are playing in Master and Commander. Next up is an MA recording Spanish Medieval Dances - another divine musical recording. Kevin
2sheds Posted April 4, 2008 Posted April 4, 2008 Beethoven's 3rd Symphony, Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Eugun Jochum. I think this record is from 1954 from what I can tell from the cover. It was very crackly but I recently cleaned it in warm water, vinegar and dishwashing liquid, now it has barely a crack or pop. Very effective and a nice version of Beethoven's 3rd. DS DS, So the vinegar method works? I have purchased a whole lot of new record slips and am going to do my collection next week. And then use my new steamer.... cheers 2sheds
Andythiing Posted April 4, 2008 Posted April 4, 2008 Hi Keith and other listeners of real music - thought I would drop over from the meat head listening thread and see what the high ends are listening to. This s not a tongue and cheek question biut what counts as classical - is their a "line in the sand" per say in terms of instrumentation style etc. I am not quote there at the moment listening to Mr Bubbles witrh his brass band backing him - (Call me Irresponsible) thats the name of the albumn! I spin a classical LP next so I can post here and actually officially fit in. Must listen to more classical - I am now old enough! Cheers,
Andythiing Posted April 4, 2008 Posted April 4, 2008 In Keith honour I thought I should listen to Bach for my first currently spinning classical real post - had no cantana's so listened to bach - Matthaus-Passion - 3cd set borrowed from library - just finished CD 1 and both my wife and I loved it - thanks Keith W will keep up with my classical studies!!!!
Keith_W Posted April 4, 2008 Author Posted April 4, 2008 You're welcome Andy Which version of St. Matt's did you borrow? St. Matt's is a masterpiece, the greatest religious music ever written IMHO. Listen with a sympathetic ear and you will hear all sorts of things. Notice how Bach surrounds his Jesus with a "halo" of shimmering violins, and how Jesus sings at half the tempo of all the disciples? Also note, that when Jesus is on the cross and sings "Eli, Eli lama sabachtini" ("God why have you forsaken me") - the halo is pointedly extinguished. With some of the pieces, the mood of the music changes from bar to bar, even though the melody and rhythm remain the same - Bach accomplishes this by changing the key and the accompaniment to darken or lighten the mood.
Andythiing Posted April 4, 2008 Posted April 4, 2008 It was a Phillips 473 263-2 Van Der Meel/Sigmundsson Orchestra of the 18th Century/Bruggen - Live recording from the netherlands Let me kow if that helps identify it - not sure how to properly do that. I will have to sit down and have another listen and try and hear all the details you describe - a lot still for me to learn - this should help train my ears a bit - Is there somewhere you can get some "study" notes that helps you interpret the works as they play thrugh the music? Cheers - I think I might learn to enjoy this
davidsss Posted April 4, 2008 Posted April 4, 2008 Someone suggested Haydn to me tonight. Any suggestions on what would be a good intro into Haydn? Thanks DS
Keith_W Posted April 4, 2008 Author Posted April 4, 2008 david, Haydn is best known for his string quartets and symphonies, particularly the late symphonies. I can't really tell you which ones to get, because I have not explored his music very much
Kevin Posted April 4, 2008 Posted April 4, 2008 Someone suggested Haydn to me tonight. Any suggestions on what would be a good intro into Haydn?Thanks DS Late symphonies particularly "London" and "Paris" symphonies. Unbelievably we have none of these but have a lot of the string quartets. The Kodaly Quartet recorded a lot of these for Naxos and they are a bargain. For $10 try Op 74 which includes the "Rider" Quartet. A no childrens' sport weekend here so only two music lessons to worry about. Breakfast is eggs, sausages and tomatoes accopanied by The Four Seasons Pinnock Archiv. This was recorded at the start of the authentic music movement and is a halfway house between the overblown versions of the fifities and sixties and the currrent authentic interpretive practice. Next up Ancient Airs and Dances Resphigi Dorati Hungarica Mercury. Kevin
davidsss Posted April 5, 2008 Posted April 5, 2008 Thanks, I'll have a look today, see if I can find some on vinyl first. DS
Andythiing Posted April 14, 2008 Posted April 14, 2008 Bought what i consider a mnt condition(I suspect it has not been plyed) LP tody and played t loud whenn got hoe - wow loved the classical music loud nd the range and detail wa simply awsome - so quiet and detailed at times then this massive wall of sound. Its a compilation albumn Gallleria - Digitally remastered had Mozart Eine klleine Nachtmusik in G major Karl Bohm Weiner Philharmoniker J Straus An der schen, blauen Donau Herbert Von Karajan Berlinner Philharmoniker Ravel Bollero Seiji Ozawa Boston Symphony Orchestra and Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture Herbert Von Karajan Berliner Philharmiiker Would love the chance to hear this music on Keith W system!!!
mickj1 Posted April 14, 2008 Posted April 14, 2008 Hi Been working my way thru some purchases from a weekend visit to Thomas's and Discurio - the latter has a sale on at the moment with a bunch of SACDs going out at $10 each - I got half a doz. - Some Mercury pressings of remastered 35mm film recordings in 3 channel and Lang Lang live at Carnegie Hall. I also bought and have been listening to a couple of vibrant Mozart CDs - C. Mackerras w the Scotttish Chamber Orchestra - Symphonies 38-41 and Mutter Mozart 2 CD set of concertos for violin and orchestra. Cheers Mick
diesel459 Posted April 15, 2008 Posted April 15, 2008 Nacqui all'affanno with Ewa Podles singing contralto, absolutely beautiful voice.It is from a best of Rossini disc,i love it even if the neighbors dont. Diesel
davidsss Posted April 17, 2008 Posted April 17, 2008 Playing a bit of classical tonight: Haydn Symphonies 86 and 87 - Paris symphonies on Decca Ace of Diamonds label, some cheap vinyl I picked up recently. Quite good, I liked this but with so much music it is hard to work out what to get of Haydn. I'll just pick up stuff as I see it I suppose. Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture, Capriccio Italien and Slavonic March from the box set of Tchaikovsky by Karajan I picked up a while ago. DS
mickj1 Posted April 18, 2008 Posted April 18, 2008 Playing a bit of classical tonight:Haydn Symphonies 86 and 87 - Paris symphonies on Decca Ace of Diamonds label, some cheap vinyl I picked up recently. Quite good, I liked this but with so much music it is hard to work out what to get of Haydn. I'll just pick up stuff as I see it I suppose. DS Hi David You might like to try his cello concertos (my favourites) - there are some excellent versions around - Rostraprovich, Jacqueline Du Pre, Mischa Maisky are all good - I only have them on Cds but the first two are originally analog, so should be available on vinyl. Cheers mick
davidsss Posted April 18, 2008 Posted April 18, 2008 Don't have any Cello concertos, maybe I'll give it a go with Haydn. That said, I thought I wouldn't much care for guitar concertos but I bought a $1 album of Vivaldi guitar concertos and they're really good. Just shows it's worth trying something new sometimes. DS
Catostylus Posted April 19, 2008 Posted April 19, 2008 Don't have any Cello concertos, maybe I'll give it a go with Haydn.That said, I thought I wouldn't much care for guitar concertos but I bought a $1 album of Vivaldi guitar concertos and they're really good. Just shows it's worth trying something new sometimes. DS Do try the Elgar Cello Concerto. It's a supreme masterpiece. The Dvorak is also very fine. There is also a Double Concerto (violin and cello) by Brahms. For cello and orchestra but not a concerto as such, try the Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations.
davidsss Posted April 19, 2008 Posted April 19, 2008 Any recommendations on Bruckner? Saw a couple of albums of Bruckner today, they would have been cheap, almost bought one (5th symphony, Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic, 2 records in a box). DS
Keith_W Posted April 19, 2008 Author Posted April 19, 2008 Davidsss, for Bruckner - try Bruno Walter or Jascha Horenstein. Unfortunately both are hard to find.
Keith_W Posted April 27, 2008 Author Posted April 27, 2008 Catostylus asked for some classical SACD recommendations. Here they are: Schubert Lieder: Elly Ameling / Dalton Baldwin This is a DSD remaster of an old analogue recording. Ameling has a light, girlish voice but not as deeply serious as some other interpreters (Schwarzkopf, Baker). She sings with a slight Swedish accent but if you are not a German speaker you won't notice. Sound quality is very good. Beethoven Symphony No. 7: Carlos Kleiber / Bavarian State Orchestra Another DSD remaster of an analogue recording from 1982. The market is crowded with good recordings of Beethoven 7's, but this one should definitely be in your collection. You won't find a more exhilarating performance anywhere else. The finale is taken at breakneck speed, but Kleiber manages to hold the orchestra together. In fact the precision of the playing is quite remarkable - never one bit of slop. This is a live recording but audience noise is quite low. Sound quality is also very good. Handel Music for The Royal Fireworks: Pearlman / Boston Baroque Yes, it's on Telarc - which means first rate digital recordings. The sound quality on this disc will not let you down. This is a very "American" interpretation of Handel's music - which means a lot of musical fireworks, great dynamics, and a certain freshness that is sometimes lacking in European performances. The American approach to music making does not work in some other pieces, but it definitely works here. Shostakovich Symphonies: Dmitri Kitajenko / various I bought my first Kitajenko disc on a whim, and my experience with it made me buy this set. You don't have to buy the set, the discs are available individually. Kitajenko is at times overwhelming, he makes his music with tremendous heft. Crescendos and fortissimos are simply crushing. The sound quality of these discs is outstanding - about as good as you will ever hear. Anyway, can recommend more - just state your genre of music and i'll see if I can accomodate :eek:
Catostylus Posted April 27, 2008 Posted April 27, 2008 She sings with a slight Swedish accent Can't think why she would, she's Dutch. Shostakovich Symphonies: Dmitri Kitajenko / various I bought my first Kitajenko disc on a whim, and my experience with it made me buy this set. You don't have to buy the set, the discs are available individually. Kitajenko is at times overwhelming, he makes his music with tremendous heft. Crescendos and fortissimos are simply crushing. The sound quality of these discs is outstanding - about as good as you will ever hear. I have been thinking about a Shostakovich cycle for some time - from the reviews this could just be the one. Anyway, can recommend more - just state your genre of music and i'll see if I can accomodate :eek: Oh - just about anything from Monteverdi to Schoenberg with a particular fondness for anything by Bach. I'd love to see any more recommendations you can make.
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