I have the Jarrett set as well, and enjoy it, but it does seem that he's rather 'in a hurry' in some of the pieces. For a different view, I'd suggest Tatiana Nikolayeva, who was the dedicatee of the work, and recorded it (at least) three times in her career. The last of those, on Hyperion (1990) is wonderful, though I do acknowledge that many prefer her earlier versions. Also recommended: the set by Alexander Melnikov, on Harmonia Mundi, from 2010.
A Martinů-a-thon is happening it seems: 7 Études rhythmiques, H. 202 Bohuslav Matoušek, Petr Adamec Piano Quintet No. 2, H. 298 Kocian Quartet, Ivan Klánský Symphony No. 3, H. 299 Bamberger Symphoniker Järvi
Listened to a few pieces in this set on Spotify - I know, not the best way to hear them - and it all sounded rather spatial, there was quite a bit of reverb.
The reverb doesn't bother me and, yeah, Spotify isn't the best way to hear these works, but, hey, at least you're listening in the first-place!
Last works for the night: Stravinsky Duo concertant Ilya Gringolts (violin), Peter Laul (piano) The Duo concertant is one of my favorite works from Stravinsky and there's no doubting the authoritative performances from Gringolts and Laul. This is the performance that made this work come alive for me. Exquisite from start to finish. Sibelius Kullervo, Op. 7 Raili Kostia, Usko Viitanen Bournemouth SO, Helsinki University Male Choir Berglund The best Kullervo I've ever heard (and there are many fine ones besides this one of course), but Berglund is in his element here. In fact, I never heard a bad recording with him when he was conducting the Bournemouth SO. Anyway...superb!
Ah what the hell, one more work before bed... Sibelius Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 105 Berliners HvK
Spinning in the CD player: Ernest Bloch, Pro Arte Quartet – String Quartet No.2 / Prelude / Night / Two Pieces For String Quartet Laurel Record – LR-826CD
For those of you following my Barbirolli blog; in our last episode Sir John had ditched the pickup bands and unusual repertoire to skip across the pond and replace Toscanini. As a result we jump from the 109 CD Warner box to the 6 CD RCA and Columbia album box for tonight's entertainment: The contents of this disc, recorded in 1938 and 1939, demonstrate that the New York Philharmonic enjoyed his visit more than his audiences (who criticised his choice of repertoire) and the professional critics (who criticised him for not being Italian). The Purcell is a suite constructed by Sir John from various opera and theatre extracts. Quite nice it is too, and at least here they used a studio rather than a telephone line to record the music. The booklet in this box is exemplary, with photos, covers from the 78s, historical documents and full recording information.
First listen to new arrival "An Elizabethan Christmas" performed by Fretwork with Helen Charlston (mezzo soprano).
Just arrived. Reprint of the 1913 edition of Richard Specht Gustav Mahler book (in German). The present edition contains a description of the most important phases in Mahler's life, but the focus is on the detailed presentation and in-depth analysis of his work.
The first CD in the player this morning. This was the first recording with Karajan by the young Anne-Sophie Mutter. Another CD from the 70s section of the Karajan complete box. On 9/39/2011, Mutter played and conducted the Boston Symphony Orchestra in a performance of these two works. This CD sounds wonderful and the playing is expressive and warm. How do these young performances compare to other versions? I have not researched the critical reception.
First listen from my networkplayer. MAHLER, Gustav (1860—1911) Symphony No. 4 in G major (1899—1900) (Universal Edition) 58'55 I. Bedächtig. Nicht eilen 17'01 II. In gemächlicher Bewegung. Ohne Hast 9'28 III. Ruhevoll (Poco adagio) 23'00 IV. Sehr behaglich 9'09 Carolyn Sampson soprano [4] Minnesota Orchestra Erin Keefe leader Osmo Vänskä conductor
CD 1. Dvorak. Kertesz/London SO Carnival Overture, Op.92 The Water Goblin (Vodnik), Symphonic Poem, Op.107 Scherzo Capriccioso, Op.66 Symphonic Variations, Op.78 Hussite Overture, Op.67
And now playing: This February, 1987, recording of the Tchaikovsky symphony 4, featuring Rozhdestvensky conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. This CD is part of the Tchaikovsky Edition issued a few years by Brilliant Classics. This is a live performance and is among the best ones available on CD in my opinion. It is more nuanced and delicate than Mravinsky and Svetlanov( of the Russians) and Monteux I think. It is edgy and forward where it should be. The recording quality is excellent. I think it is still available as an LSO live release.
Listening to CD 6 from the "Sigiswald Kuijken & La Petite Bande Edition" 10-CD box set. Haydn - Harmoniemesse (Harmony Mass) / Te Deum La Petite Bande / Sigiswald Kuijken / Choeur De Chambre De Namur
First-Listen Langgaard Miniatures Thursday: Drapa (On The Death Of Edvard Grieg), BVN 20 Sfinx (Sphinx), BVN 37 Hvidbjerg-Drapa, BVN 343 Danmarks Radio (Radio Denmark), BVN 351 Res Absurda!?, BVN 354 Danish National SO Dausgaard From this sensational set -
So having pointed me in one direction you now change tack. You know I'll have to give it a listen, don't you
24bit-192kHz stereo PCM from Blu Ray Audio of the Karajan Complete Sibelius DG set... Sibelius: Symphonies 4 & 7; Valse Triste Berlin Philharmonic & Herbert von Karajan Beautiful playing, and sounding as good as ever in this latest incarnation. I don't love everything Karajan recorded, but when HvK "clicks" with a composer like he did with Sibelius, the results can be stunning.
A desert island Sibelius set for me. Karajan was outstanding in Sibelius and I prefer his DG performances to his EMI ones.
NP: Britten String Quartet No. 2 in C major, Op. 36 Emperor Quartet There are many great Britten SQ cycles, but I believe the Emperor Quartet cycle is my favorite of them all. Scintillating performances.
