What Classical Music Are You Listening To Tonight?

[Toccata]

Another disc that I haven't listened to ages. Recorded in 1987, it still sounds pretty good, if not up to Chandos' current standards. It doesn't seem as if Bax gets played or recorded much these days, which is a pity.

[AudioNut]

Originally Posted by Toccata

Carlos, I haven't heard it, but based on my experience, The Avison usually takes a rather laid-back approach--hardly an attribute that I'd apply to Combattimento Consort Amsterdam!

John, I've not shared your experience with the Avison Ensemble - and certainly not on this Linn, Handel SACD. By its very nature, the Avison changes to meet the demand of the music it is playing . . .

From Wikipedia: "Comprising some of Europe's leading musicians and soloists, the Ensemble is directed by violinist Pavlo Beznosiuk. It varies in numbers depending on the repertoire being performed, and is typically of chamber ensemble or concerto grosso size, expanding to full chamber orchestra when needed."

It may have seemed "laid back" on some of its earlier recordings, but IMHO, not so on the more recent Linn releases. Again IMHO, they are very vibrant and often electric and exciting.

[Toccata]

Originally Posted by AudioNut

John, I've not shared your experience with the Avison Ensemble - and certainly not on this Linn, Handel SACD. By its very nature, the Avison changes to meet the demand of the music it is playing . . .
It may have seemed "laid back" on some of its earlier recordings, but IMHO, not so on the more recent Linn releases. Again IMHO, they are very vibrant and often electric and exciting.

I think the Corelli series sounds much more laid back than other ensembles, particularly the Purcell Quartet and Gli Incogniti.

[cma29]

This a great disc with excellent music and superb sound.

C.P.E. Bach: Symphonies 1-4/Cello Concerto in A
Andrew Manze (Conductor), The English Concert



Absolutely gorgeous baroque music captured in a great recording that nicely reproduces the bloom of The English Concert's instruments. Performance is full of life and it leaves a strong impression of CPE Bach as a creative force. A favorite of mine. (The cello concerto is not bad, but for that I recommend the Hidemi Suzuki (cello) / Bach Collegium Japan disc)

[AudioNut]

Carlos, (and Kal) thank you so much for this . . . You recommended it several months ago and I finally got around to ordering it, and, glad I did.

A Reference Recordings SACD recorded in 2013

Richard Strauss
Don Juan, Op. 20
Tod und Verklärung, Op. 24
Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche, Op. 28

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra - Manfred Honeck, Conductor

I don't particularly like Strauss tone poems - but this recording is absolutely wonderful, and I love it.

Recommended by Kal as a 2014 Records To Die For selection - he is usually right-on and he surely was here. Excellent performance, superb sound. His review may be found here: http://www.stereophile.com/content/2...rds-die-page-5 and is a great review.

[AudioNut]

Putting on another disc from the same Stereophile 2014 Records To Die For article that included the R. Strauss above. (February 2014 issue), and this one reviewed by John Marks.

And, I'm now listening to . . . . Beethoven: Triple Concerto
Brahms: Violin Concerto, Double Concerto

David Oistrakh, violin; Mstislav Rostropovich, cello; Sviatoslav Richter, piano
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Herbert von Karajan (Beethoven)
Cleveland Orchestra, George Szell (Brahms)

From the EMI Classics Signature Collection - Remastered from the original master tapes - A two disc SACD set.

EMI made a good start at re-mastering some of its best classical recordings from the last century but stopped after a very limited offering. The sound quality, the presentation, the packaging, the illustrated booklet, were all extremely first class and it is a shame that, for economic reasons, the plan was discontinued. I would recommend the remaining issues be picked up by all . . . they are excellent.

.

[Toccata]

Simply beautiful playing, music, and sound.

[cma29]

Originally Posted by cma29

Back from my business trip and enjoying the stereo while working from home...

Haydn:
Symphony No. 91 in E flat major
Berenice, che fai? (Scena di Berenice), Hob XXIVa:10
Bernarda Fink (mezzo-soprano)
Symphony No. 92 in G major 'Oxford'
Freiburger Barockorchester, René Jacobs



As Julian said, Haydn's music is not terribly exciting, but it is always elegant. These performances are exuberant and very well recorded. Bernarda Fink very dramatically sings the piece from Scena di Berenice. Good stuff.

I just heard this again tonight. I like Jacob's way with the orchestra and how he emphasizes certain phrases. He makes the reading feel exuberant. The recording is very good.

[cma29]

Originally Posted by AudioNut

Carlos, (and Kal) thank you so much for this . . . You recommended it several months ago and I finally got around to ordering it, and, glad I did.

A Reference Recordings SACD recorded in 2013

Richard Strauss
Don Juan, Op. 20
Tod und Verklärung, Op. 24
Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche, Op. 28

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra - Manfred Honeck, Conductor

I don't particularly like Strauss tone poems - but this recording is absolutely wonderful, and I love it.

Recommended by Kal as a 2014 Records To Die For selection - he is usually right-on and he surely was here. Excellent performance, superb sound. His review may be found here: 2014 Records To Die For Page 5 | Stereophile.com and is a great review.

Julian. Yeah, it's a good disc. I'm looking forward to forthcoming RR / Pittsburgh SO releases.

[cma29]

Now...

Bach, J S: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-6 BWV1046-1051 (complete)
Le Concert des Nations, Jordi Savall



The musical performance by Savall and his Le Concert des Nations sounds fine, but this set is marred by poor sound. Unfortunately I cannot recommend it particularly when there are splendid sets available from the Dunedin Consort and Concerto Italiano.