Why Naim should start recording the Chicago Symphony

Posted by: Edot on 24 October 2001

The Chicago Symphony has lost it's contract with Teldec and one would assume looking for a new recording company.

The C.S. is probably the best orchestra in the states and as we all know, Naim is making some of the best recordings.

The large recording companies are faltering and finding it difficult to bring new recordings to the marketplace, concentrating instead on historic reissues that cost a fraction of the price to produce. Cutbacks and mergers are taking it's toll on long standing relationships.

Philadelphia's move back to analog and a smaller label was I believe successful and may suggest that a similar move for Chicago is at least plausible.

That fact that both companies have a presence in Chicago should at least be cost effective and surely a feather in Naim's recording cap, not to mention the benfits of wider distribution for the label.

I was fortunate to see Chicago do Tristan & Isolde at Carnegie Hall the other night and Mahler's 7th last night in New Jersey. I was blown away. Especially with Tristan. Probably one of the best musical events of the NY season.

So, Paul, Anna, Dave what do you think?

Posted on: 24 October 2001 by Phil Barry
I've been a CSO subscriber since 1990 (with a hiatus for the '92-'93, and '93-'94 seasons), sitting in the upper balcony and gallery.

I have not been a CSO fan. Over 60% of the concerts have me wishing I were home listening to my hi-fi, though there were some great concerts - some Berio stuff, a Mahler 4 with Sylvia McNair (not the one led by Chailly!), a great Mahler's 6th, a great Bartok Cto for Orchestra, and last year's superb Brahms Vln cto w/Shaham.

I don't know whether it's been the sound or the music. I switched to the stage seats this year; I hope I'm not disappointed.

At the same time, I agree with the idea of Naim or Ken Christiansen (I hope that shouldn't be an 'o') getting involved in self-produced recordings. If the Philly can use Ravi Alexander....

Ed, You apparently travel - ever been to Cleveland? Have you heard the Cleveland Orchestra?

I've heard the CO 3 times (2 x at Severance, an once downtown during Sev's modernization) - they've been great all 3 times. I'd be interetsed in your opinions (or those of anyone else who's heard them live).

Regards.

Phil

Posted on: 25 October 2001 by Edot
Vuk

What may have been the case in the past regarding the classical music business is not necessarily the case now. Sony is only interested in what it perceives as sure fire big money makers like soundtracks, Charlotte Church and the three tenors. BMG/RCA has reduced it’s staff by 25 percent in the last fiscal year due to a $100 million loss. Universal Classics (Deutsche Grammophon, Decca & Phillips) has been bought by Vivendi. A company that until now has specialized in waste management (is that weird or what). I doubt that any of the above are going to throw big money at the Chicago Symphony or are even interested in signing a new orchestra. Yet, I don't think the orchestra will stop recording. They have to find someone. I doubt Water Lilly threw big money at Philly. If they could do it there I don’t see why Naim can’t in Chicago. Unless of course Naim is just not interested. But you know the old saying. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. An enquiry should be relatively painless if Naim were interested.

Posted on: 27 October 2001 by Edot
Phil

I have been to Cleveland but have not had the pleasure of hearing the orchestra live.

The Carnegie Tristan was amazing on several accounts. The atmosphere in the hall was charged and it really felt like a major event. The acoustics were superb. Old halls seem to have a warm lush sound. All the bits seem to meld better than modern halls where the sound can sometimes be more detailed but also more analytical. As for judging the performance, the bar was raised rather high. The only complete version I own is Furtwangler’s

Interestingly Berlin was just in NY with Abbado’s last appearance their at the helm. They were to play Mahler’s 7th but changed the program at the last minute to Beethoven’s 3rd in light of the Sept. 11 event. I was going to see the Mahler and thought it a unique opportunity to hear the same symphony by perhaps the two best orchestras about a week apart.

Posted on: 27 October 2001 by Edot
Phil

I have been to Cleveland but have not had the pleasure of hearing the orchestra live.

The Carnegie Tristan was amazing on several accounts. The atmosphere in the hall was charged and it really felt like a major event. The acoustics were superb. Old halls seem to have a warm lush sound. All the bits seem to meld better than modern halls where the sound can sometimes be more detailed but also more analytical. As for judging the performance, the bar was raised rather high. The only complete version I own is Furtwangler’s

Interestingly Berlin was just in NY with Abbado’s last appearance their at the helm. They were to play Mahler’s 7th but changed the program at the last minute to Beethoven’s 3rd in light of the Sept. 11 event. I was going to see the Mahler and thought it a unique opportunity to hear the same symphony by perhaps the two best orchestras about a week apart.

Posted on: 29 October 2001 by Phil Barry
Ed,

Yes, I read the review of the Carnegie Tristan in the Times...It must have been a loong evening, but having seen T&I, I can understand how it could have been unforgettable.

If you get to Cleveland, I hope you have time to hear the Orchestra. Strangely, tickets are often available.

The Chicago Tribune of 10/28/01 had a couple of articles on classical music and CSO financial problems. It wasn't as informative as a piece I happened to hear on NPR's Performance Today, but the articles are interesting.

No matter what, the original title of this thread has merit. Good recordings of the CSO would be worth having, so I'm hoping someone at Naim is talking to Henry Fogel (Mark Levinson/B&W) at the CSO.

Regards.

Phil