Tír Na HiFi

DaveF wrote:

My first recording of Bach's Mass in B Minor. A beautiful work and nowhere near as challenging as I though it would be.

I am glad that you enjoyed that one Dave. Although it is a "big" work it is, as you say, not that difficult and quite accessable with some great moments in it.

It has been a long time since I have listened to the music of the Firebird....



This is apparently the complete original 1910 version. I am not in any way familiar enough with the music to recognise any differences. The drama of both pieces, however, comes across very well in these very well played pieces.

fergus wrote:It has been a long time since I have listened to the music of the Firebird....

This is apparently the complete original 1910 version. I am not in any way familiar enough with the music to recognise any differences. The drama of both pieces, however, comes across very well in these very well played pieces.

If you are looking for a really terrific Rite then Boulez/Cleveland Orchestra is about as good as it gets, Ciaran steered me towards it a few years ago.

fergus wrote:

DaveF wrote: My first recording of Bach's Mass in B Minor. A beautiful work and nowhere near as challenging as I though it would be.

I am glad that you enjoyed that one Dave. Although it is a "big" work it is, as you say, not that difficult and quite accessable with some great moments in it.

Mind yourself Dave lad, young Fergus will have you listening to religious music every Sunday if you are not careful. Every Sunday morning I listen to a Haydn Mass and read the prayers while I do so.

Seán wrote:Mind yourself Dave lad, young Fergus will have you listening to religious music every Sunday if you are not careful. Every Sunday morning I listen to a Haydn Mass and read the prayers while I do so.

well I have the Bach Cantatas boxset that Fergus just reviewed elsewhere on the site but I havent really delved into yet. The big Masses and Requiems are not really a problem for me but the smaller Cantatas are a bit hit and miss. Sometimes I'm in the mood for it and other times I'll eject the disc only after a few minutes. In general I prefer big choral passages as opposed to soloists. A few exceptions of course.

Seán wrote:If you are looking for a really terrific Rite then Boulez/Cleveland Orchestra is about as good as it gets, Ciaran steered me towards it a few years ago.

Thanks for that Seán.

DaveF wrote: well I have the Bach Cantatas boxset that Fergus just reviewed elsewhere on the site but I havent really delved into yet. The big Masses and Requiems are not really a problem for me but the smaller Cantatas are a bit hit and miss. Sometimes I'm in the mood for it and other times I'll eject the disc only after a few minutes. In general I prefer big choral passages as opposed to soloists. A few exceptions of course.

Horses for courses Dave....it is good to venture outside of one's comfort zone now and again but as you know by now, if that is not successful then stick with what you like and enjoy that!

Schubert – Symphony No. 9 (Bruggen)....



Some might say that this is a “light” version. That it may be but there is no lack of boldness or drama here when called for. Indeed the somewhat lighter textures yield good insights into the music to reveal some lovely delicacies. The orchestral playing is, as ever, top class and there is a lovely sweep to the music. The performance is elegant and full of charm with strong performances in the outer movements.

What a really superb set this turned out to be!!

fergus wrote:Schubert – Symphony No. 9 (Bruggen)....

Some might say that this is a “light” version. That it may be but there is no lack of boldness or drama here when called for. Indeed the somewhat lighter textures yield good insights into the music to reveal some lovely delicacies. The orchestral playing is, as ever, top class and there is a lovely sweep to the music. The performance is elegant and full of charm with strong performances in the outer movements.

What a really superb set this turned out to be!!

I'm delighted to hear it. My copy is on a slow boat on its way from France. I hope that it arrives in time for my weekend listening.