What Classical Music Are You Listening To Tonight?

[cma29]

Originally Posted by cma29

Changing gears to...

Domenico Scarlatti:
Keyboard Sonata K535 in D major
Keyboard Sonata K3 in A minor
Keyboard Sonata K175 in A minor
Keyboard Sonata K208 in A major
Keyboard Sonata K54 in A minor
Keyboard Sonata K185 in F major
Keyboard Sonata K248 in B flat major
Keyboard Sonata K249 in B flat major
Keyboard Sonata K310 in B flat major
Keyboard Sonata K299 in D major
Keyboard Sonata K484 in D major
Keyboard Sonata K162 in E major
Keyboard Sonata K199 in C major
Keyboard Sonata K145 in D major
Keyboard Sonata K141 in D minor
Keyboard Sonata K531 in E major
Keyboard Sonata K177 in D major
Keyboard Sonata K49 in C major
Pierre Hantaï (harpsichord)



Most of Domenico Scarlatti's major works were keyboard sonatas. Here is compilation of a few of the highlights played on a 1999 copy of an anonymous Thuringian harpsichord of 1720. Hantaï, who frequently works with Jordi Savall, uses the instrument effectively to bring out the dynamic range out of these pieces. At times it almost sounds like he is playing a fortepiano. The harpsichord is nicely captured in an acoustic that helps preserve its clarity. Good recording.

It's late at night and the family is sleeping so I cannot play any bombastic music, but this will do nicely. The recording sounds better than I remember (may be due to recent system updates ). This is nice.

[AudioNut]

Listening to . . . Sibelius - Violin Concerto

Jascha Heifetz - Violin
Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Walter Hendl, Conductor

An RCA Living Stereo LP, recorded in 1960

What more can I say . . . The great master himself on violin, The premier orchestra of the day. The best recording processes ever known to man - those of RCA Victor in the Living Stereo days of the late 1950's/early 1960's.

The only thing missing here was, obviously, Fritz Reiner at the helm of the Chicago. He had a heart attack in 1960, the year this was recorded, and Hendl, who was the associate conductor at the time did an excellent job here with the Sibelius.

.

[Antonmb]

Back from a week on the road and enjoying a peaceful Sunday morning with this:
Bach: Double & Triple Concertos
Rachel Podger
Brecon Baroque
Channel Classics 2013

Podger's playing is excellent, a beautiful tone and never too showy, just right for this music. The concerto for 2 violins has of course been done to death, but is still lovely in her hands with Brecon Baroque, and the concerto for violin and oboe is an especially nice piece. The usual Channel Classics excellent sound is here as well.

[Toccata]

I know Ms. Podger has many fans here, so this new release should be of interest:





I had to order it from England, so it may take a while to arrive.

[bart]

Originally Posted by cma29

In the meantime I'm enjoying...

Chopin:
Preludes (24), Op. 28
Prelude Op. 45 in C sharp minor (No. 25)
Prelude Op. posth. in A flat major (No. 26)
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 35 'Marche funèbre'
Martha Argerich (piano)



Brilliant playing by my Argentine compatriot, Martha Argerich. According to the guide I have, her changes of mood in the 24 Preludes make her "performance scintillating unpredictable." I can see what they mean.

The recorded sound is excellent. A good disc.

Excellent suggestion.
Playing it now.
I like her passion a lot.

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by Toccata

I know Ms. Podger has many fans here, so this new release should be of interest: I had to order it from England, so it may take a while to arrive.

Great tip, thanks. Looks like it's also available as a 24/192 or dsd download from the Channel Classics website.

[bart]

Chopin - The Nocturnes - Part 1
Maria João Pires



These musical pearls are played with such a delicate touch, such gracious suppleness, such love for the music... this is simply one of the marvels of classical recordings.
I do have better recorded piano music though.

[bart]

Originally Posted by bart

Chopin - The Nocturnes - Part 1
Maria João Pires



These musical pearls are played with such a delicate touch, such gracious suppleness, such love for the music... this is simply one of the marvels of classical recordings.
I do have better recorded piano music though.

Playing part 2.
I'm looking forward to seeing this grand lady of the piano live next year!

[Toccata]

The Bach Variations and Fugue make vicious demands on the player (and the Telemann is not exactly easy!), but Hamelin emerges unscathed and victorious. He plays the Fugue with tremendous power and clarity. Excellent sound, too.

[Toccata]

One of Karajan and the BPO's finest performances, and perhaps one of the finest performances of this music. Excellent sound with nary a hint of early 80s digital glare.