What Classical Music Are You Listening To Tonight?

[cma29]

More old discs from Panama...

Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World'
Sir Georg Solti, Chicago Symphony Orchestra



This is a fierce version of this great symphony. The Chicago Symphony shines with its brilliant playing. Of course, the famous CSO brass blasts away with power and finesse. The 1982 Decca recording is sumptuous comfortably capturing the huge dynamic range of the orchestra and the score.

[bart]

Carlos, the 9th from Dvorák and Schubert are 2 of my favourite symphonies of all times...
Add Beethoven's 9th and you have an incredible trio of 9ths...

[cma29]

Originally Posted by bart

Carlos, the 9th from Dvorák and Schubert are 2 of my favourite symphonies of all times...
Add Beethoven's 9th and you have an incredible trio of 9ths...

That's right, Bart. There must be something mythical about symphony #9.

Don't forget Bruckner's 9th and Mahler's 9th.

9 symphonies seems to be something of a death-reaper marker for famous composer's lifespans. A bunch of the great ones died after completing 9 symphonies.

[Toccata]

Purists will fall over in a dead heap, but those of us with more Romantic leanings will enjoy this. I must admit, though, at times it seems to be more about him than the music. Great sound.

[cma29]

This disc...

Beethoven:
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58
Murray Perahia (piano)
Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink



...is pure joy and filled with exceptional performances. Tempos push the music forward nicely. The second movement of the 3rd, the Largo, is one of the most sublime pieces of music committed to a score and here it sounds wonderful. The CBS Records Masterworks recording is excellent.

[AndyPandy]

Gosh, what a wonderful disk. Thank you. Will look for it.

Tonight for me:

Henri Herz (1803-1888)
Piano Concertos Nos 3, 4 & 5
Howard Shelley (piano), Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Howard Shelley (conductor)



The TSO is one of my favourite orchestras.

[AndyPandy]

Now this treat:

Rameau
Les Fêtes d'Hebe: Suite
Orch of the 18th Century/Frans Brüggen
Glossa GCD 921103

[AndyPandy]

And for the main course tonight:

Streaming via our (terrible AAC 64kps) public broadcaster)

Mariss Jansons and the BRSO in Riga

The Latvian Chief Conductor of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra – one of the world's top five orchestras - returns to his homeland's capital for an electrifying concert.

Exciting stuff from a superb orchestra.

Dvořák
Symphony No 9 in E minor, Op 95 (From the New World)
42'33

Shostakovich
Symphony No 5 in D minor, Op 47
45'47

Recorded last month at the Latvian National Opera, Riga.
Courtesy of Latvian Radio.

Edit: That was wonderful. A thoroughly gorgeous performance. Which goes to show even ACC 64 kps can sound good if the sound engineer knows his business and the performance holds the attention.

Latvian Radio: http://tunein.com/radio/Latvijas-Radio-3-Klasika-1037-s25515/.

[cma29]

Originally Posted by AndyPandy

And for the main course tonight:

Streaming via our (terrible AAC 64kps) public broadcaster)

Mariss Jansons and the BRSO in Riga

The Latvian Chief Conductor of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra – one of the world's top five orchestras - returns to his homeland's capital for an electrifying concert.

Exciting stuff from a superb orchestra.

Dvořák
Symphony No 9 in E minor, Op 95 (From the New World)
42'33

Shostakovich
Symphony No 5 in D minor, Op 47
45'47

Recorded last month at the Latvian National Opera, Riga.
Courtesy of Latvian Radio.

Edit: That was wonderful. A thoroughly gorgeous performance. Which goes to show even ACC 64 kps can sound good if the sound engineer knows his business and the performance holds the attention.

Latvian Radio: Latvijas Radio 3 Klasika - 103.7 FM Riga - Listen Online

Thanks for sharing this, Andy.

I heard the BRSO/Jansons at Carnegie Hall play R Strauss and Berlioz in May and it was a wonderful concert. Lots of power and excellent musicianship.

[bart]

Bach - Concerts avec plusieurs instruments - IV
Café Zimmermann



What a wonderful box this is...