What are you listening to?

[DaveF]

A new release.



These performances certainly give the Sir Charles Mackerras/SCO version a run for its money and may even surpass it. I've come to know how capable the Freiburger Barockorchester/Jacobs combination are as I already have a few of their Haydn recordings.

[Jared]

I have had a wonderful drive around the countryside today, visitng a number of historical houses (as is my wont) and have been accompanied by:

Brahms: Piano Concerto Nos 1&2: Curzon (Decca) &
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto Nos 1,2,3 & Concert Fantasy: Pletnev (Virgin)

now back at home, I'm running through Brahms: Double Concerto and Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto courtesy of my BBC recordings..

[fergus]

....Some very beautiful music on this disc. It certainly seems that Brahms could write some wonderful choral works.

I thoroughly agree Dave....very under-rated or under-exposed music altogether!

[fergus]

....These performances certainly give the Sir Charles Mackerras/SCO version a run for its money and may even surpass it. I've come to know how capable the Freiburger Barockorchester/Jacobs combination are as I already have a few of their Haydn recordings.

Interesting comments Dave....I must sample!

BTW I was with our Seán today and I think that I have sold him on the value of Goodman in Haydn!!!!

[fergus]

I have had a wonderful drive around the countryside today, visitng a number of historical houses (as is my wont) .....

Some guys have all of the luck [wink]

[fergus]

Beethoven’s Symphonies 5 & 6 with Toscanini/NBCSO....




No. 5: The sound is a little thin on this recording but any quibble is quickly dissipated by the electric performance; it is full blooded and direct and I particularly the final movement which is a particular favourite Beethoven movement of mine. The speeds are brisk throughout and the interpretation is full of excitement.
No. 6 is well paced and not too fast. The orchestral textural balance is lovely with a fine blend of sonorities which lends a lovely pastoral feel. The storm is not the most ferocious that I have heard but it is a very good one nonetheless and the sunshine breaking through the storm clouds is nicely done. This was altogether a strong and worthy performance which I enjoyed.

[Jared]

Some guys have all of the luck [wink]

yes, but you have to weigh that up against having no family for miles, friends anywhere, or anywhere to call 'home'... :-((

Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No 1 (Alexander Melnikov)

[Seán]

....These performances certainly give the Sir Charles Mackerras/SCO version a run for its money and may even surpass it. I've come to know how capable the Freiburger Barockorchester/Jacobs combination are as I already have a few of their Haydn recordings.

Interesting comments Dave....I must sample!

BTW I was with our Seán today and I think that I have sold him on the value of Goodman in Haydn!!!!

Indeed you did Fergus, Goodman is splendid in Haydn. It was quite an enjoyable afternoon actually and now you know why I love my vinyl version of Szell's M4, Vanska's Beethoven and Vanska's Sibelius too. [wink]

[DaveF]

BTW I was with our Seán today and I think that I have sold him on the value of Goodman in Haydn!!!!

Indeed you did Fergus, Goodman is splendid in Haydn.

Good stuff Seán. I find very difficult to listen to anyone elses Haydn(symphonic work). Only Hogwood and Jacobs can come close. There is just something special about the textures and phrasing that Goodman uses. I'm surprised that a BAL from last year gave the Dorati set the nod ahead of all the above. Horses for courses and all that I suppose.

[Jared]

Brahms: Violin Concerto
Menuhin/ Boult
BBC Symphony Orch
Maida Vale Studios
5th April 1943

The famous recording, for the BBC Home Service