Tír Na HiFi

DaveF wrote:

fergus wrote:I am not sure whether or not you have the set Dave but Mackerras did a wonderful job on the Beethoven symphonies.

Funny you should ask Fergus, I'm currently trying to decide whether to go for the Gardiner or the Mackerras set. Does anyone have both?

I have both, Dave, and tbh would be without neither. They both come at the same music from a completely different perspective and each one sheds its own light on proceedings.

I would say that Gardiner offers bold, assertive performances. They really are powerful and electrifying performances all around, full of energy and drive and yet are very polished and refined. They would probably be my top of my recommendation list for Beethoven symphonies.

With Mackerras we have more refined handling of the music with a definite lightness of touch. The strings sound softer and the overall sound is warmer and more gentle in tone. The sound is simply gorgeous, and this cycle, I feel, brings out a more human side of Beethoven which is a revelation. This cycle puts a completely different complexion on the music. It shows a completely different aspect of Beethoven which I have not seen before.

I do, however, echo Jared's comment on the Bruggen set which should not be overlooked either!!!

DaveF wrote:I already have the Hogwood set which would be one of the 'smaller forces' boxsets. Just wondering if the Gardiner or Mackerras would offer something somewhat different from Hogwood. I've been considering the Bruggen one too.

The Bruggen set is one of my favourite cycles, The Mackerras/RLPO set is great and will only set you back about €15, it's available in Tower, highly recommended.

fergus wrote:I have both, Dave, and tbh would be without neither. They both come at the same music from a completely different perspective and each one sheds its own light on proceedings.

Which Mackerras set do you have Fergus? The Live Edinburgh one or RLPO? It was the Live from Edinburgh Festival set that I had my eye on.

Seán wrote:The Bruggen set is one of my favourite cycles.

Another vote for the Bruggen set. hmmmmm

DaveF wrote:

fergus wrote:I have both, Dave, and tbh would be without neither. They both come at the same music from a completely different perspective and each one sheds its own light on proceedings.

Which Mackerras set do you have Fergus? The Live Edinburgh one or RLPO? It was the Live from Edinburgh Festival set that I had my eye on.

I have the older RLPO set Dave....I had considered buying the newer version some time ago but shyed away for reasons that I cannot now remember at the time; most likely reviews that did not impress me. However, that said, if you decide to go down that road I would be very interested in your impressions.

DaveF wrote:

Seán wrote:The Bruggen set is one of my favourite cycles.

Another vote for the Bruggen set. hmmmmm

to be honest, I am waiting eagerly for Fergus' views on Bruggen's Schubert set... the thought of which intrigues me greatly..

however I have recently purchased this:



and its rather marvellous... really lively, vibrant performances which at times, border on the electric... and all at a bargain budget price... its just a shame that the Interview CD is only in German... :-((

[quote="Jared"]to be honest, I am waiting eagerly for Fergus' views on Bruggen's Schubert set... the thought of which intrigues me greatly..
/quote]

Coming soon to a Forum near you....I promise!!

fergus wrote:

That looks interesting.

Dave, it appears, has developed an interest in the music of Boccherini, whcih has had me wondering if I am missing out on something here as I do not have any recordings of his music. I was in Tower this morning and came across this 3 CD set so I decided to buy it, it only cost €9.99:



I alos picked up the Brilliant Classics set of Zelenka's music which comes strongly recommended by some fellow members over on CMG. This CD set is priced at €16.99 in Tower:


By the way, Tower have restocked their Brilliant Classics section.