Tír Na HiFi

fergus wrote:

Seán wrote: Do you know that I do not have recordings of all of Dvorak's Symphonies, I must get a set soon.

I can readily recommend the Kertesz cycle Seán....



....it is consistently well performed and in the works are well interpreted.

I know that that set really appeals to you and you prefer it to the Kubelik led cycle. I have dithered over getting it because I woukld prefer to hear a Czech orchestra perform these works.

However, if it can be had I prefer the Valek cycle....



....the Prague RSO under the baton of Vladimir Valek really have the measure of the music and the interpretations are very "Slavonic" with a certain bite to them.

Now that set really does interest me. Once again Fergus you have come up trumps. Many thanks. I must try and get the Valek/PRSO cycle.

Seán wrote:

fergus wrote:

I know that that set really appeals to you and you prefer it to the Kubelik led cycle.

Not true Seán. To be fair to Kubelik's cycle I have never heard it so I cannot comment on it.

Given your criteria for a Dvorak Symphony cycle the Válek cycle shoud fit the bill. However I could not find it on Amazon UK so you may have to hunt a bit for it; I have had it for some time so it may be out of print now. Good luck with the search.

Mozart's Symphonies Nos. 40 & 41 with ECO/Barenboim....

The late Bernadette Greevy singing some Brahms lieder....

Pollini playing some Chopin Études....

fergus wrote:Pollini playing some Chopin Études....

Lovely, that said, I have to confess that I do prefer Rubinstein.

Dmitri Shostakovich
Symphony No. 4 & 5
Gürzenich-Orchester Köln
Dmitri Kitajenko conducting.

I do not listen to the music of Dmitri Shostakovich as often as I should, that may change as a result of with my returning to a sample of his works earlier today. They were performed by this wonderful Köln based German orchestra under the direction of Kitajenko. The orchestration is multi-layered and wonderful, the dynamic range is truly awesome and the quality of these recording is an audiophile's delight. Recommended.

Seán wrote:

Dmitri Shostakovich
Symphony No. 4 & 5
Gürzenich-Orchester Köln
Dmitri Kitajenko conducting.

I do not listen to the music of Dmitri Shostakovich as often as I should, that may change as a result of with my returning to a sample of his works earlier today. They were performed by this wonderful Köln based German orchestra under the direction of Kitajenko. The orchestration is multi-layered and wonderful, the dynamic range is truly awesome and the quality of these recording is an audiophile's delight. Recommended.

Do not forget Kondrashin in Shostakovich.

CPE Bach: Magnificat played by Collegium Aurem and sung by the Tolzer Knabenchor with Elly Ameling and Theo Altmeyer as vocal soloists....





This is beautiful music which is exalting, poignant and joyous.

fergus wrote:

Seán wrote:

Dmitri Shostakovich
Symphony No. 4 & 5
Gürzenich-Orchester Köln
Dmitri Kitajenko conducting.

I do not listen to the music of Dmitri Shostakovich as often as I should, that may change as a result of with my returning to a sample of his works earlier today. They were performed by this wonderful Köln based German orchestra under the direction of Kitajenko. The orchestration is multi-layered and wonderful, the dynamic range is truly awesome and the quality of these recording is an audiophile's delight. Recommended.

Do not forget Kondrashin in Shostakovich.

Oh, it's on the list Fergus. To date, I haven't been in the habit of listening to Shostakovich enough to justify my buying the set.