What are you listening to?

[fergus]

For a composer who allegedly did not like the flute he certainly wrote some fine music for it.
The Flute & Harp Concerto is not one of my favourite Mozart pieces but it was very interesting to hear the sound of a “period” harp and I did enjoy the performance.
The Flute Concerto and the Bassoon Concerto are wonderful pieces which were well played.

[fergus]

A simply splendid CD!

[Seán]

Tonight I listened to the First and to the Ninth symphony. On the strength of listening to both of them on one occasion only I must say that I loved the First and found the Ninth hugely disappointing. When it was finished I listened to the Bohm/BPO version as a release. I will revist Brüggen's Ninth but I fear that I prefer the Big Band approach as I feel that the 18 Century's approach is lacking in warmth, depth and emotion, perhaps I'm wrong.

No, not wrong, as this seems to be the general consensus with comments on this set in relation to the performance of the ninth. Those who prefer the big band approach do find this version "weak". It would not be the best that I have heard either but I do like music from that era played with leaner forces anyway and I liked it. I do agree that the first is really very good. I hope that you enjoy the rest of the set however.

Thanks Fergus. I have just finished listening to the Second Symphony and my faith is fully restored in Brüggen and the Eighteen Orchestra, it is wonderful.

[fergus]

Thanks Fergus. I have just finished listening to the Second Symphony and my faith is fully restored in Brüggen and the Eighteen Orchestra, it is wonderful.

It is good to hear that Seán....the ninth is the "weakest" work in the set and it is a pity that you went there so early. Anyway, hopefully you will not encounter any more disappointments!

[DaveF]

For a composer who allegedly did not like the flute he certainly wrote some fine music for it.
The Flute & Harp Concerto is not one of my favourite Mozart pieces but it was very interesting to hear the sound of a “period” harp and I did enjoy the performance.
The Flute Concerto and the Bassoon Concerto are wonderful pieces which were well played.

That sounds great Fergus. I'd be very interested in hearing the Harp and Bassoon Concertos.

[DaveF]

No.90, No.91, "Oxford" and "Surprise" symphonies from this monstrous set.



I quite enjoyed these symphonies. Tempos are brisk throughout and the performance by the Philharmonia Hungaria is excellent. The sound I would desribe as being big, majestic and stately but perhaps a little too forward for my liking. I did miss those wonderful textures and soundscapes that you get from period performances when done in the right way plus the little micro dynamics are handled better by such ensembles. From what I've listened to so far, I would say that the Goodman and then Hogwood would be my preference for the these works but I kinda expected that from the start. That is not to say that I don't rate these Dorati performances. They are extremely good and I look forward to exploring more of the symphonies from papa Haydn that I have not heard yet.

[DaveF]

Quite a bit of material on this record. I listened to:
Concerto in G major for 2 mandolins, RV 532
Concerto in D major for lute, RV 93
Concerto in A minor fir recorder, RV 108



As per usual, Hogwood and the AAM deliver a top notch performance.

[fergus]

I have had that one on my Wish List for over a year now....I must buy it!!!

[fergus]

This was a great listen: the first movement was big and bold with bountiful brass. The second movement had a large element of pathos in it and it was delicately played. In the third movement we had a mood change which was heralded by the brash brass fanfare. The fourth movement has wonderful contrasts of tone and dynamics and the playing is really very good.

[fergus]

Sunday morning Bach offering: Mass in Gm BWV235....