Another disc from the Lili Kraus box-the contents are Sonatas 12,13 along with 12 Variations on “La Belle Francoise”, and Fantasia in C minor and Fantasia in D minor. All recorded in February/March 1954 in Paris.
I also liked the first PC from this set, though I would not say I love it. Szell and Serkin set the bar awfully high in their recording of this work. And the sound is a bit soft/close for my liking. The perspective is kind of like sitting in the orchestra during the performance. I plan to get to the second PC tomorrow.
I suppose it will come as no surprise who set my own bar for the work. (I'll freely admit--the "Vienna State Philharmonia" is not quite the Vienna Philharmonic...) [edit] I'll add that, curiously, I've not found Wuhrer's account of the 2d concerto nearly as compelling. For that work I'm partial to Gilels/Reiner and Horowitz/Toscanini, even though the pianist in the latter reportedly hated the recording.
I dig that cover! I own that Gilels/Reiner, but find the sound and performance on the Gilels/Jochum more to my liking. Have you heard that one? I also like Richter/Maazel for PC2. That will surprise no one.
Can't say that I do, but I'll bear it in mind--thanks for the recommendation. As to the Richter, well, I'm every bit as surprised as I'm sure you were about my choice for no. 1.
Speaking of Brahms, tonight I'm on the road (college visit for my kid), and to pass the time in the hotel room I'm editing out side breaks in the April 1929 recording of the Brahms 2d Sym. by the Philadelphia Or. under Stokowski. Interesting fun fact: Stokowski, of all people, was the first to put all four Brahms syms. on record, although, as was typical of the time, the process took a fair number of years and was not planned as an "integral set" production.
I tried to listen to PC2 from the above set, but I found the overly plush sound and boring playing too much to endure. So I put this one on and immediately for the excitement and transparency I craved:
Prokofiev Symphony No. 6 Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra Andrew Litton Bis, 2020 CD/SACD This may be one of the great sixths, although I prefer the excellent sound of the CD layer.
Listening to this wonderful CD this morning. From the Haitink section of RCO, The Radio Legacy mega box.
Just enjoyed the Muti versions Vivaldi Magnificat Gloria New Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus Teresa Berganza Lucia Valentini Terrani Riccardo Muti
There is a new Gould/Bach 26 disc SACD Hybrid box coming coming Dec 21 (excuse if it's already been mentioned): グレン・グールド/バッハ全集(ハイブリッド・エディション) [24SACD Hybrid+2CD]<完全生産限定盤> 9 discs get they hybrid treatment for the first time. I was hoping for a LP pressing of the 1981 analogue Goldberg Variations.
Frustratingly, one CD in my double decca Ashy/Rach symphony set turned out to be defective, so I ordered a used copy that includes 3 additional works. When it arrived, it turned out to be a New, sealed copy! Nice when that happens. Now enjoying symphony 1.
Besides a well done Symphony No. 1, you get a Hungarian Dance No. 14 arranged by Ivan Fischer, and Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn, which is remarkably well thought out. Brahms Budapest Festival Orchestra Ivan Fischer Channel Classics, 2009 CD/SACD
A CD from the Chailly section of the RCO, The Radio Legacy mega box. I do not have much Chailly in my collection other than this box section. But-I am enjoying this CD immensely.
Thought this was pretty cool. David, have you heard of this youtube channel? They have a lot of incredible uploads.