What Classical Music Are You Listening To Tonight?

[Douglas]

Dvorak - Violin Concerto in A Minor, OP.53
Tchaikovsky - Trois Souvenirs D'UN Lieu Cher

Violinist: Herman Krebbers
Conducted: Anton Kersjes
Amsterdam Philharmonic

Fantastic recording, and technically brilliant playing by Herman Krebbers.

Dvorak- Violin Concerto.jpg

[cma29]

Originally Posted by cma29

More new music from Presto Classical...

Handel: Concerti grossi Op. 6 Nos. 1-12 HWV319-330
Combattimento Consort Amsterdam, Jan Willem de Vriend



This SACD was recommended here and I took advantage of the Presto sale to check it out and compare it to the superb Avison Ensemble release on Linn.

The big difference between the two sets is that the Combattimento adds chitarrone (a sort of lute with extended neck), oboes and bassoon to the ensemble while Avison only uses strings (plus the harpsichord/organ continuo which both versions have) to play this music.

The use of additional wind instruments by the Combattimento adds bite to certain passages which I appreciate, but to me the Avision version is more elegant and supple. For example, check out the Largo, e piano movement for concerto #4. The Avision plays this music in a most satisfying way with a prominent harpsichord that just seems to magically hang on top of the music. The Combattimento version seems hurried and does not linger to savor this excellent movement.

This does not mean that the Avision plays at a slower tempo. They don't. Overall timings are fairly similar for both ensembles.

The other big advantage for the Avision is that this Linn recording of their performance is absolutely stunning (much better than the Linn Avison Correlli series recordings). The Channel recording of the Combattimento performance is good, but is no match to the Linn.

Another small difference is that Avison recording for all 12 concerti was completed in 5 consecutive days while the Combattimento recording was done in two sessions 8 months apart with a few different musicians.

Bottom line: the Combattimento version is a worthy addition to the library particularly because of their use of additional instruments to complement the strings, but The Avison Ensemble Linn set remains my top choice for the Handel Op.6 and is one of the very best discs, musically and sonically, in my entire collection.

Concerto No. 5 is given a vigorous performance here

[Formerly YB-2]

Puccini's "Turandot", featuring Pavarotti, Sutherland and Mehta leading the London Philharmonic.

[tima]

Originally Posted by bart

Julian, I'd looove to go through your giant LP collection to play 20 more versions of Dvorák's 9th!!

You'll need a turntable for that.

[Toccata]

Guitarist Kazuhito Yamashita plays two insanely difficult concertos written for him by Takashi Yamatsu and Teruyuki Noda.

[bart]

Originally Posted by tima

You'll need a turntable for that.

Julian has plenty!

[bart]

Bach - Cello Suites
Pierre Fournier, violoncello




I'm really getting used to the violoncello da spalla, because this sounds a bit too slow and deep for me now.
It is still a reference recording of course, and I do like it.

[audioguy3107]

Mint condition RCA shaded dog LP found at thrift store for $2.00. Sweet.

[cma29]

Played this SACD again today. It's superb.

Originally Posted by cma29

Good evening, friends. I just heard...

Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C minor 'Resurrection'
Latonia Moore (soprano), Nadja Michael (mezzo-soprano)
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Vienna Singverein, Gilbert Kaplan



...a new addition to my collection of Mahler's "Resurrection." This version is from the finance-guy turned conductor Gilbert Kaplan. Some say he is one of today’s most authoritative and acclaimed interpreters of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, having conducted the work at the invitation of more than 65 orchestras. With this release he reached the pinnacle by conducting the incomparable Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and having the performance recorded by Deutsche Grammophon, the most prestigious label in classical music. In this sense he's peers with von Karajan, Bernstein, Abbado, Kubelik, Bohm, etc - pretty impressive company.

I've heard a few 'Resurrections' and this version is impressive and can take its place among the best. For one thing, the DG SACD recording is really good featuring transparency and robustness for the benefit of the cello/bass heavy 1st movement. The climaxes are thrilling (Ivan Fischer still sets the standard here though) and the finale builds to rapturous end. My only quibble is that the tempos could have a been a little faster in places. Way to go, Mr. Kaplan.

[AudioNut]

Apparently, the last time I listened to this two disc set of wonderful music was in 2012. Listened this morning and it was SO GOOD that I feel compelled to break my A.A. silence and bring it to your attention.

This recording is wonderful. Now on disc 2 and I may play the whole thing over (and over) again when it finishes.

Buy it, stream it, download it - you will not regret it (if you like the very best in baroque music)

In case you can't tell - I love it.

Wonderful music, extremely good recording, excellent sound quality.

Originally Posted by AudioNut

Listening (again) to . . . Evaristo Felice Dall' Abaco
Concerti a piü Istrumenti
Opera Sesta

Il Tempio Armonica
Orchestra Barocca de Verona - Alberto Rasi, Conductor

Many thanks to Todd, this is one of the nicest Baroque instrumental recordings I own. A two disc CD set, music by a composer I'd never heard of until mentioned in this thread - and I'm hooked on his music. Beautiful!