What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol.IX)

First with the HCDR on the SN2.  G

Forest Swords  Engravings  http://forestswords.tumblr.com/

Halfway through this, on vinyl. It's a BBC kinda day today, I think!

More BBC on vinyl.

It's amazing how many great bands did some of their best work for Auntie:

Vinyl

On CD:-

That time of night.....G

With a night cap. G

First complete spin of a new Simon Boccanegra. It preserves on disc Thomas Hampson in the role that has become one of his calling cards over the last few years. Studio recordings of operas have become rare, and most high profile releases follow the format here: concert performances with an audience, but organised specifically with the recording in mind (and patch-up sessions to correct for mistakes and audience noise). It is not a new concept - Furtwängler's famous RAI Ring was already done this way, as was Bernstein's Tristan in the 80s - but microphone techniques have improved to the point where the whole thing (almost) sounds like a studio recording. Arguably, the benefit of live performances is good for the intensity and flow of the recording; but the catch is, invariably details get lost that would have been captured in the studio, and singers tire. 

Back to the performance: Simon Boccanegra (in its revised version, as here) is one of Verdi's most complex and beautiful operas, a mature work on the level of Don Carlos, Aida and Otello. Thomas Hampson has the charisma, the stamina and the voice to do the lead role justice. He has lost some of his earlier smoothness, but the slightly frayed, older voice fits the role well, particularly for the public scenes; and he still has the power and the top notes.

The other singers and the chorus are good to excellent across the board: Joseph Calleja is quite spectacular even, probably the best lyric Verdi tenor on stage today (his slightly tremulous voice is a matter of taste). Kristine Opolais has a big slightly veiled voice with strong top notes; her voice doesn't come across as 'lovely', certainly not as lovely as Calleja, so the love couple isn't ideally matched. Carlo Colombara is a very good Fiesco full of pathos, and he blends well with the others in the ensembles (the Act 3 duet with Hampson in particular outstanding). Massimo Zanetti is a new name to me - on this evidence, he is an excellent conductor.

Sound quality is very good; there is barely a hint that this was recorded live; no audience applause (or otherwise) has been included.

Good modern Verdi recordings have become a rarity, so slightly to my surprise, I'm really enthusiastic about this recording. The Abbado/Scala recording remains untouchable, but this is a good modern runner-up. Top marks for Hampson, Calleja and Decca for making this ambitious project a success. 

Cheers,

EJ

Next up, something light. 

Cheers,

EJ

Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oVMRADOq5s

In the proper sinking mood. Highly recommended.

In the car toady.

Franz Schubert:  Alina Ibragimova (Violin), Cédric Tiberghien (Piano) 

Sonatina for Violin and Piano in D major, D 384/Op. 137 no 1

Sonatina for Violin and Piano in A minor, D 385/Op. 137 no 2

Sonatina for Violin and Piano in G minor, D 408/Op. 137 no 3 

Sonata for Violin and Piano in A major, D 574/Op. 162

Rondo for Violin and Piano in B minor, D 895/Op. 70 "Rondo Brillant"

Fantasy for Violin and Piano in C major, D 934/Op. 159

Sei mir gegrüsst, D 741/Op. 20 no 1 

Equal billing and everyone is happy.  Just the music and art.

Cover painting is Dovedale by Moonlight (c1784/5) by Joseph Wright (1734-1797)

Originally Posted by EJS:
Next up, something light.

What is he like?

Any good?

I also have been listening to Chopin pieces ( altho, Etudes by Richter isn't *light* per se ) along with the Max Lorenz and Heppner Wagner sets.

A recommendation from Steve J., and very good it is too! Just listening to the Amazon Autorip download prior to getting my grubby mitts on the vinyl :-

Vinyl

Original CBS black plastic.