As a youngster one of the first pieces of music which really impressed me was Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring”. I am pre-disposed to want to like his music and I do like most of it but his “classical” period is hard for me to like and the unremitting starkness and coldness of some of his music is overwhelming. But I persist.......
I am still looking for certain “grail” LPs to add to the collection-mainly Rozhdestvensky rarities. Perhaps Melodiya will see fit to release his recordings with USSR Ministry of Culture Symphony( As it did with Svetlanov) but then where’s the fun in that...
This a.m.: Shostakovich, 24 Preludes and Fugues, op 87, as performed by Tatiana Nikoleyeva. 3 CD set issued on Regis label, licensed by Melodiya. 1987 recordings. Penguin Rosette Award.
On Spotify, "A Renaissance Christmas" performed by The Sixteen directed by Harry Christophers on Coro.
I have two great memorable moments with this composition, both chemically induced, late 70s at the Roundhouse on acid and 90s at the Royal Albert hall at midnight after an all day Stockhausen session with a two hour break in Hyde Park smoking stuff.
Spotify can help. Also, if you have it, Amazon Prime often has what Spotify doesn't. Occasionally you can't find something on either of them (and then you have an excuse to buy it!)
I will buy any LPs that I don't yet have on L'Oiseau-Lyre from the Hogwood era. Other than that I think it's mostly CDs from here on.
No excuses for playing this yet again. Saw Janowitz at St John's Smith square singing Brahms, near the end, an emotional night.
Listening to "Carols from the Old & New Worlds, Vol. III" performed by Chamber Choir Ireland directed by Paul Hillier on Harmonia Mundi.
I have been done with collecting the Complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas for some times. I will buy another set only if it is better than anything I currently have ...
Indeed, I turned 65 in early October and became eligible for Medicare, the national health insurance for retirees provided by the government. I still vividly remember that concert by Iona Brown and the ASMIF at Carnegie Hall from over 30 years ago ...
On Spotify, "Lassus - Musical Biography 1: The Young Years" performed by Ludus Modalis directed by Bruno Boterf on Musique En Wallonie.
