Tír Na HiFi

Diapason wrote:Dipping into that Bach organ works set played by Simon Preston. Initial impressions wouldn't be hugely positive!!

would that be because the interpretations would be considered dated? Not knowing anything about the organ, I'd just be interested...

I don't know if dated is the right word, because normally that means ponderous and completely legato. Preston seems to go to the other extreme: quick and undeniably lively, but with a relentless staccato touch that gets very wearing and doesn't seem at all stylistically motivated to these ears. In fairness, I've only really sampled the trio sonatas, so things might improve elsewhere.

Lovely recording. Hi-res download and score available at:
http://www.opengoldbergvariations.org/k ... ns-pianist

Mark.

Diapason wrote:Dipping into that Bach organ works set played by Simon Preston. Initial impressions wouldn't be hugely positive!!

Interesting, Simon; suspicions confirmed?!!?

I don't know if dated is the right word, because normally that means ponderous and completely legato. Preston seems to go to the other extreme: quick and undeniably lively, but with a relentless staccato touch that gets very wearing and doesn't seem at all stylistically motivated to these ears. In fairness, I've only really sampled the trio sonatas, so things might improve elsewhere.

The Trio Sonatas and the Organ Concertos would be the first things that I would sample actually.

I've found this recording to be a real test of my audio system - needs a really sweet sounding system for me to enjoy it.
Am presently testing out the Amarra player and the synergy here is spot on - very enjoyable and makes for a very natural sound with the Martin Logans.

Mark

EMI Icon Toscanini The Complete HMV recordings. BBC SO Arturo Toscanini.

Recorded both live and in studio in London in 1935-36. Toscanini did some of his best work outside New York, as in this set and some fine recordings from Philadelphia in the 1940's. Well done remastered sound and some great performances of Sibelius (Sym #2), Beethoven Syms 1,4, 6 and 7 plus a Semiramide Overture that is worth the whole price.

EMI Classics 7233342

markof wrote:

A very nice album that Mark; I am glad that you enjoyed it!

DonKC wrote:EMI Icon Toscanini The Complete HMV recordings. BBC SO Arturo Toscanini.

Recorded both live and in studio in London in 1935-36. Toscanini did some of his best work outside New York, as in this set and some fine recordings from Philadelphia in the 1940's. Well done remastered sound and some great performances of Sibelius (Sym #2), Beethoven Syms 1,4, 6 and 7 plus a Semiramide Overture that is worth the whole price.

EMI Classics 7233342

Hi DonKC and a very big welcome to our little gathering here. I hope that it is to your taste and that you enjoy it here. If we can be of any help or assistance to you here please do let us know. I look forward to your very enlightening posts once more.

Thank you Fergus! I look forward contributing more to the forum.