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

Posted by: Richard Dane on 31 December 2013

Posted on: 02 March 2014 by Haim Ronen

Scriabin played by his son-in-law, Vladimir Safronitsky.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RwdHs756l4

Posted on: 02 March 2014 by kuma

This is one of recordings he made before his death in 1970.

Less charged performance than his earlier 50's recording. It has more mature and rounder disposition. This set shows deeper appreciation for the score and maybe a little bit more human. It has a sad overtone.

Krips' 9th is relaxed, weighty and grand. This is like a heavy German meal. Overall bottom weighted presentation with large towering presence. The trouble is that the even the lively Scherzo never gets playful enough that the whole symphony feels weighted down too heavy. This is an old man's 9th and whilst I think that the composer wanted something *big* and *worthy* it's lacking a bit of youth. Interesting tho the way he works through the final movement is a bit like a Bruckner piece.

Posted on: 02 March 2014 by George J

Dear Kuma,

When Szell died the Cleveland Orchestra sent no deputation to his funeral. He was hated in Cleveland, and feared by the players. In fact he was one one of nastiest pieces of work ever to mount a conductor's podium apart from perhaps Wilhelm Furtangler. A Nazi of another sort perhaps, but neither were true spiritual musicians but only musical empire builders.

ATB from George

PS: The Great C Major cannot stand a heavy bass. Tenstedt made that mistake, and so did Karajan, The symphony absolutely requires a large orchestra, but the cello and bass need to watch not to play heavily.

Posted on: 02 March 2014 by kuma

Georg,

I have heard some horror story of Reiner who liked to intimidate the orchestra members. Toscanini also is famous for his temper, but everyone sort of put up with him to create the great art. But this is so not necessary. :/

I have not heard the Tennstedt's Schubert but I find him inconsistent in performance. I see Krips is a bit like Karajan.

I still rate Toscanini's highly emotional '53 NBC recording highly for the Schubert. It gives me the chills after the finale.

Not so heavy on bass but it has a taut strong impact giving the score a youthful outlook. 60+ years later, this album is still thrilling to me and has a power to move.

Klemperer's The Great is another of my favourite. It is a bit cooler than Toscanini but underlying passion and emotion are felt. Magnificent and very proud but the overall balance is just right and very tastefully done. Every movement is well planned and he gives a one hell of a spectacular majestic finale that this score deserves.