What Classical Music Are You Listening To Tonight?

[cma29]

Originally Posted by cma29

I can never have too many Beethoven symphony cycle sets and I just got another:

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (complete)
Gwyneth Jones, Tatiana Troyanos, Jess Thomas, Karl Ridderbusch
with Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor
Egmont Overture, Op. 84
Coriolan Overture, Op. 62
The Creatures of Prometheus Overture, Op. 43
Fidelio Overture Op. 72c
Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72b
Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm



This is the cycle from the early 1970s that includes the benchmark performance for the Pastoral. Yes, in light of recent period releases this sounds a little old-fashioned and Böhm does like slower tempos, but this stands up well as a traditional interpretation in the Austro-German tradition.

I just heard disc #2 (of 6) and this Eroica was strongly conceived. The recorded sound is pretty good and makes for satisfying listening. Next up: the seventh.

This is a bargain for $25.

Enjoying disc #5 of 6 which includes symphonies #7 & #8. The performance of the 7th sounds a little old fashioned, but I enjoyed it. The 8th comes across with plenty of power and was the highlight of the disc. The 1970s DG recording is fine.

[bart]

This gets rave reviews by respected sources like Fanfare Magazine and Julian!
Deserves it all the way!

[cma29]

Originally Posted by cma29

Today I received this SACD all the way from Japan...

Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 in Eb Major 'Romantic'
Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm



The recording, the music and performance are excellent. The brass is particularly impressive. Here is what Gramophone says about it:

"Böhm's VPO account of the Fourth Symphony has the unmistakable stamp of greatness. It was made in the Sofiensaal in Vienna with its helpful acoustic; for though you can detect a whisper of tape-hiss if you put your ear against the loudspeaker, in almost every other way the sound is realistic and warm. There's a roundness in the brass tone with plenty of bite and fullness but no unwanted rasp – especially important in this symphony. Böhm's Fourth is at the head of the field irrespective of price. The warmth as well as the mystery of Bruckner are far more compellingly conveyed in Böhm's spacious view than with any other conductor."

One of Gramophone Magazine 100 Greatest Recordings.

I played this again today. The recording and performance are superb. I'm adding it to my "Top 20 album" list in a separate thread.

[cma29]

Originally Posted by AudioNut

Great conversation and I hate to interrupt, but I've got some music playing here that i want to tell y'all about, because I do take lessons from you, more well informed classical music lovers than I could ever be. . . .

And I am playing a CD one of you recommended just this week and I promptly ordered.

Listening to . . . . Anton Bruckner - Symphony No. 9

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra - Carlo Maria Guilini, Conductor

Spacious, transparent, excellent imaging and huge soundstage, Very high level of fill the room dynamism and energy.Terrific performance by a superb orchestra. I do agree with Carlos on this one . . . Excellent!!!!

I ordered it when Carlos recommended it and I'm very glad that I did.

I just played this disc again and it is magnificent. Tremendous brass tuttis comfortably captured by an excellent recording, but the most impressive part is the mystical interpretation that Guilini conjures up. This performance is unmissable.

[cma29]

Originally Posted by cma29

Back from a trip and enjoying the stereo again...

Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 82 - 87 (the Paris Symphonies)
Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wein



Very nice mature and vivacious symphonies from Haydn. The interpretations from Harnoncourt are punchy with prominent brass. The sound on these discs is very good. I like it.

After the Bruckner, on to something a little lighter. These Haydn Paris symphonies are charming and Harnoncourt has the full measure of them. Playing disc 3 of 3 which includes symphonies #86 and #87.

[AudioNut]

Listening to . . . Hector Berloz - Symphonie Fantastique, Le Roi Lear

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra - Marek Janowski, Conductor

A Pentatone SACD, recorded in Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh in 2009

The excellent on-line publication The Audio Beat ranks this as one of their top pick recordings and does an excellent review at The Audio Beat - Berlioz - Symphonie Fantastique; Le Roi Lear

I really enjoy this recording, and (almost) prefer it over the highly esteemed Colin Davis/Philips analogue recording from the 1960s. If it sounds this good in stereo, it must be superb in multi-channel.

Anyway, this is the first recording I've played on my new OPPO BDP-105D (Darbee) , I just got today, and reported on in another thread. This disc, and the new player, sound wonderful together.

A Great Pair !!!!

.

[Toccata]

It was such a treat going to real brick and mortar stores (Amoeba and Rasputin's) in the San Francisco Bay today! I picked up these goodies:

[AudioNut]

And, now from the really nice Philips - Complete Mozart Edition

Listening to . . . Mozart Symphonies Nos. 31 "Paris, 36 "Linz" and 39

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields - Sir Neville Marriner, Conductor

I agree with Toccata-John that the Mozart to be found in this extensive/exhaustive series of discs is marvelous - I just wish I could afford to have all 180 of the discs - in 45 themed volumes . The ones I do have are excellent, as is this, way-too-brief (79 minute) sample of symphonies. (Disc 9 of the Complete Symphonies volume).

For those with huge pocket books . . . the Complete Mozart Edition is still available - all 180 discs - for only $2,200 at your nearest, friendly Amazon location . . . . http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Mozar...2ZW8776Q77GARD

[AudioNut]

Listening to . . . . W.A. Mozart - Complete Sonatas for Keyboard and Violin - Volume 3

Rqchel Podger - Violin
Gary Cooper - Fortepiano

A Channel Classics SACD


Spoken about here in loving terms several times before. I can't think of any music more well suited to help kick-start your day. Gentle, pretty, well played, soothing, makes your morning coffee taste better. I like this series of discs and recommend them highly - and this Vol. 3 is excellent and a good way to start your collection.

.

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by Toccata

It was such a treat going to real brick and mortar stores (Amoeba and Rasputin's) in the San Francisco Bay today! I picked up these goodies:

Very nice. I visited Amoeba a few years ago during a trip to San Francisco and it was a lot of fun, what a great store.