Again, Glazunov’s 7th but this time with Svetlanov at the helm: Much better than Serebrier’s performance, IMHO. Svetlanov has the full measure of this music.
On the turntable...one of the oldest LPs I have, the date on the jacket is 1951, and on the back 1952 is written at the top, when it was given as a gift. Still plays great. I wonder how widely this was available in the US back then.
After going through my notes on Decca/London matrix markings, here's what I've got: This record was pressed between 1950-51 as indicated by the "CT" mark in the 12 o'clock position Side 1: 1st mother, 17th stamper Side 2: 2nd mother, 55th stamper (not totally sure about the stamper number here, on Side 1 it's a clearly engraved capital "BG", on Side 2 it looks like two hand scribed "I" marks)
2-LP set, issued 1967. From programs on 4/17, 11/27 & 12/10, 1966. Producer: Thomas Frost. Like a lot of his records, it leaves me with mixed feelings.
Another without the jacket. Recorded 6/10-12/77, Philharmonie, Berlin. Producer: Michel Glotz. Engineer: Wolfgang Gülich.
Popov Symphony No. 2, “Motherland”, Op. 39 Gennady Provatorov USSR Radio & TV Symphony Orch. Fantastic! I haven’t heard this symphony in ages. This particular symphony follows more in the line of what the Soviet musical establishment wanted as his 1st Symphony landed the composer in hot water. Like Shostakovich, Popov almost had to create another musical language overnight.
Earlier this evening I was listening to Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by Pollini / Böhm / Vienna Philharmonic. Great performance--enjoyed it!--full of vigor where it's needed the most. Very good sonics from DG. DG LP / German press / 1980.
David Hurwitz discusses Enescu: Why so few modern recordings of Enescu? Mr. Hurwitz talks about the music being difficult for musicians to learn and play (whereas Mahler and Bruckner just play themselves, needing no special guidance or contribution from interpreters, leading to the modern overplaying/recording of those composers and the underplaying of Enescu).
To be honest, and I say this as a rather great fan of Enescu (he’s one of my favorites), his best works, IMHO, are his chamber and solo piano works. His three symphonies tend to be difficult to appreciate because of their density and complexity, although I’d say the 3rd is the best of them. He’s listed with two other symphonies, but I don’t include them because they were completed by someone else. I would also say the Romanian Rhapsodies are fun but these pieces are hardly representative of the composer at his best. There are two orchestral works that I would rate incredibly high and they are Vox maris and Orchestral Suite No. 3, “Villageoise”. Even though I’m not a great fan of operatic works, his sole opera, Oedipe is stunning. Look into his chamber and solo piano works. If you need any recommendations, then don’t hesitate to ask.
Now playing - some Swedish high romanticism Originally purchased (not by me) from IBR New York, which some of you may be more familiar with than I am. Tucked inside
On the turntable: The Discogs database had no photo, so I got to upload a photo of my copy, obi and all.
