I just picked up these two discs of Oramo's take on Nielsen and it completes the set. This set goes to the top of my list for the symphonies. I like Kuchar and Blomstedt as well but this Oramo set sounds fantastic and is played as well as the other great recordings.
Now enjoying the Rach 3 from the above CD. The sound is even worse than I recalled, but I maintain that the performance is thrilling!
Now enjoying the first and fourth symphonies from the above set. Performances are powerful and the sound is superb!
Unless I am seriously misremembering, Elan was the artist's own label. He used to teach at University of Maryland, and I actually met him at a concert once (he wasn't playing), on which occasion he was quite friendly.
This Lp box set this morning. He was apparently known for his Chopin. @George P-what do you think of his playing?
I spun a Gavrilov performance yesterday of Rach3-this would be his Melodiya recording with Lazarov conducting USSR Symphony Orchestra. Very good performance.
I am very late to the Harnoncourt boat. I was amazed by his Beethoven symphonies which were included in the recent big Warner Music Beethoven box. So I took advantage of the jpc.de fire sale price on the Harnoncourt Sony box to explore further.
Some one mentioned Dvorak string quartets (or was that just wishful thinking) so I dug this out and I'm now playing No12 "American". A beautifully played version of one of my favourites. I think it's the plaintive quality that appeals. (Was it written during his American sojourn when he was homesick?) I have to admit this box is a bit of a curate's egg; some of the discs have great sound quality, others not so good. However the playing throughout is, IMO. excellent.
Indeed it was. I have a set of the quartets (not the same one), and my impression was that the entire body of works was a curate's egg, with the ones up to maybe the middle of the run doing rather little for me, with later ones gradually getting more interesting. At some point, I should probably revisit them and confirm or disprove that impression. (Which is exactly what I said the last time this subject came up. )
And in a complete change This is a most beautiful piece (not all requiems are in my experience) and I have loved it for many years. I think I bought my first CD version in the late '80s. I prefer a male soprano in this. It almost, I repeat almost, makes me understand the castrati.
Interesting. I've never compared them but I'm going to do some comparison now you've stirred my curiosity. Normally two at a sitting is enough for me. You can have too much of a good thing (or can you?)
I don't remember listening to his first so I'll give Oramo's a play on Qobuz. IIRC both Nielson and Sibelius died of alcoholism.
No better First than this one IMO. The recording is all you'd want as well. Still waiting for a Prokofiev 3 recording that handles the first movement eighth octave notes with Piccolo behind without distorting. Or maybe it's one of the few things my gear can't handle.
Sorry, but can you really say that about someone who lived to be over 90! I would say he might well be an alcoholic but he died of old age.
I have the Rachmaninov in an Alto box supposedly on the way from Amazon. Just put in for a refund as it's very late. Hopefully it will show up one year soon .