Tír Na HiFi

The wonderful sound world of Gabriel Fauré....

Mahler: Das Klagende Lied, Tilson Thomas....





This was a really good recommendation. It was a powerful performance full of atmosphere and tension; I really liked it and I can warmly second this recommendation.

I have been slowly making my way through this set recently....

I've been tempted to buy such a set myself. Don't think I'd choose Brendel myself, but how are you finding it?

Diapason wrote:I've been tempted to buy such a set myself. Don't think I'd choose Brendel myself, but how are you finding it?

I found the playing of Brendel to be exemplary but, to be very honest, the music itself to be a bit dull Simon but as you know I am not really the person to consult in the genre of solo piano music; others will no doubt offer far more valid opinions, suggestions and recommendations for you.

JS Bach: Christmas Oratorio, Part 4 for New Year's Day, this time under Richter....

fergus wrote:

Diapason wrote:I've been tempted to buy such a set myself. Don't think I'd choose Brendel myself, but how are you finding it?

I found the playing of Brendel to be exemplary but, to be very honest, the music itself to be a bit dull Simon but as you know I am not really the person to consult in the genre of solo piano music; others will no doubt offer far more valid opinions, suggestions and recommendations for you.

Yeah, it's not all top quality music, no doubt, but I can't imagine Brendel (or Bren-dull as he used to be known in some circles!) having the larger-than-life bravura that I think this music sometimes needs. I have a disc with Arrau playing Waldesrauschen and Gnomenreigen and I think he's magnificent. Must check out more of his Liszt recordings some day.

Since I had the office to myself on Tuesday, I listened to the entire Christmas Oratorio as conducted by Gardiner courtesy of YouTube. It was almost worth being at work!

Diapason wrote: Yeah, it's not all top quality music, no doubt, but I can't imagine Brendel (or Bren-dull as he used to be known in some circles!) having the larger-than-life bravura that I think this music sometimes needs. I have a disc with Arrau playing Waldesrauschen and Gnomenreigen and I think he's magnificent. Must check out more of his Liszt recordings some day.

LOL!! I had not heard that one before!

From the little that I have heard of Arrau I agree on his pedigree; perhaps that should be your first musical New Year's Resolution!

Diapason wrote:Since I had the office to myself on Tuesday, I listened to the entire Christmas Oratorio as conducted by Gardiner courtesy of YouTube. It was almost worth being at work!

I know that I have gone on for a loonnggg time about Gardiner's Bach but for those new to or wanting to explore JS Bach's music it cannot be over-emphasized how good Gardiner is in this field! Glad that you enjoyed it Simon.