What are you listening two?

[markof]

I have started dipping into this cycle with some of the early symphonies....

I am looking forward to reading you thoughts on that cycle. The reviewer on CD Review (his name escapes me) loved the set, I do too.

Me too. I have only just listened to a recent version of the 10th. and was very impressed (see posting a couple of pages ago).

As for his other symphonies, I'm seeking recommendations as I know almost nothing of his work.

Mark.

[fergus]

I have started dipping into this cycle with some of the early symphonies....

I am looking forward to reading you thoughts on that cycle. The reviewer on CD Review (his name escapes me) loved the set, I do too.

Me too. I have only just listened to a recent version of the 10th. and was very impressed (see posting a couple of pages ago).

As for his other symphonies, I'm seeking recommendations as I know almost nothing of his work.

Mark.

The only other recommendation that I can make Mark is the Kondrashin cycle which I think is excellent....

[fergus]

Currently listening to....

[Seán]

Currently listening to....

Did you enjoy those performances? Do you like Clara Haskil's playing? I have them and I love Clara Haskil's playing.

[markof]

The only other recommendation that I can make Mark is the Kondrashin cycle which I think is excellent....

Thanks for the recommendation. l see that set is available for streaming and received a gold star - always a good sign.

Do you have any favourites among the symphonic works?

Mark

[james]

I have started dipping into this cycle with some of the early symphonies....

I am looking forward to reading you thoughts on that cycle. The reviewer on CD Review (his name escapes me) loved the set, I do too.

Me too. I have only just listened to a recent version of the 10th. and was very impressed (see posting a couple of pages ago).

As for his other symphonies, I'm seeking recommendations as I know almost nothing of his work.

Mark.

I have the Kitajenko cycle and the Kondrashin cycle both of which are excellent. I would probably prefer the Kondrashin cycle but its more expensive. Naxos has a recent cycle with Petrenko.

All of his symphonies are not equally good and you may find you dont listen to all of them ..

For background try ..

http://www.siue.edu/~aho/musov/musov.html

It has some recommendations for recordings but they are a bit dated ..

http://www.siue.edu/~aho/musov/kondrash ... adisc.html

http://www.siue.edu/~aho/musov/discrev/shosdiscrev.html

Hope this helps ..

James

[markof]

I have the Kitajenko cycle and the Kondrashin cycle both of which are excellent. I would probably prefer the Kondrashin cycle but its more expensive. Naxos has a recent cycle with Petrenko.

All of his symphonies are not equally good and you may find you dont listen to all of them ..

For background try ..

http://www.siue.edu/~aho/musov/musov.html

It has some recommendations for recordings but they are a bit dated ..

http://www.siue.edu/~aho/musov/kondrash ... adisc.html

http://www.siue.edu/~aho/musov/discrev/shosdiscrev.html

Hope this helps ..

James

Many thanks - I will follow up the links.

[james]

My favourites are probably no.5 and no.10.

[fergus]

Currently listening to....

Did you enjoy those performances? Do you like Clara Haskil's playing? I have them and I love Clara Haskil's playing.

TBH Seán I would be neutral on Haskil's playing/interpretation. That recording has been in my collection for a few years now and rarely gets played. I never persued any more recordings after that one. I thought that her playing was technically competent but not very expressive - almost mechanical - for Mozart, particularly in the slow movements. For me it lacked a fluidity that is a pre-requisite in this music. Do not misinterpret, the playing was not in any way bad; just not to my taste

[fergus]

The only other recommendation that I can make Mark is the Kondrashin cycle which I think is excellent....

Thanks for the recommendation. l see that set is available for streaming and received a gold star - always a good sign.

Do you have any favourites among the symphonic works?

Mark

I think that the gold star is very well deserved here! I tend to like all of the Shostakovich symphonies but the stand out ones for me would probably be nos. 5 and 11 and I find nos. 2,3,8 & 13 are also appealing due to their choral content.

I should point out that sonically, these are far from perfect cds. They are appearently remastered from somewhat damaged master tapes so you are not getting the pristine quality of a modern digital set but for me that only adds to the charm and appeal. I know that you will be streaming but, interestingly, the presentation cardboard box for this set is also very flimsy but also very Soviet!