What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol. X)
Posted by: Richard Dane on 31 December 2013
On the cusp of 2014, we start a new thread...
Anyway, links:
Volume IX: https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...16#22826037054683416
Volume VIII: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...nt/12970396056050819
Volume VII: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...6878604287751/page/1
Volume VI: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878604097229
Volume V: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878605140495
Volume IV: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878605795042
Volume III: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878607309474
Volume II: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878606245043
Volume I: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878607464290
Now back to the regular programming....
I found this at the bottom of stack of *still need to listen to CDs* pile. I wasn't expecting much since I do not care for Menuhin's later Mendelssohn Concerto. Plus Furtwangler isn't exactly my favourite. This is a '52 recording with Berliner.
I am stunned! This is much more emotionally engaging performance even from the top than his later Philharmonia/Kurtz set. Furtwangler and Menuhin are on the same wavelength working extremely well together. Dynamic and exciting, for a change, he's letting go of his usual uptight *square* box a bit. Andante still could be a little sweeter but at least he does not sound whining. The finale movement is rendered with a beautiful chamber music like balance with the orchestra which is positively exhilarating leaving a fresh impression.
Fidelity isn't as good ( but Abbey Road Engineer did a wonderful job remastering it ) yet I much prefer this livelier set.
Streaming | FLAC rip
Not listened to any PT for a long time so I thought I would rectify that and start here.
Streaming | FLAC download
Porcupine Tree - Deadwing
Spanning some formative years...
G
On ancient vinyl:
Why? 'Cos I fancied listening to a woman belting out rock anthems. 
steve
On CD:-
Drive-By Truckers - English Oceans
I don't count myself as a Madonna fan but this album is good. On CD
vinyl:
Not played this for quite a while. My CD isn't a particularly lively reproduction but still enjoyable, particularly Walk on the Wild Side on which the intro of the sax always makes me jump, even though I know it's coming.
CD version.
Mendelssohn's 'Songs Without Words'.
Sweet and expressive Novaes plays these miniatures like Chopin pieces.
A slight change of pace and subtle shift in moods are well stated, she makes sure they do not become overly syrupy mess. ( which is easy to do )
She keeps them rather simple as they are intended unlike Horowitz which over decorates. Elegie sounds like an entirely different tune. It's less compex, less emotional and rather naive fantasy.
vinyl:
66 days till her new album.
On CD:-
Chopin:
Andante Spianato & Grande Polonaise Brillante
This is a '45 recording.
Overly dramatic and theatrical but I love his creative interpretation and this is so much fun. Too bad that he never recorded this again with a better fidelity than this. Trail blazing Picasso like Chopin. One of a kind only the Horowitz can pull off so brutal yet elegantly.
If Chopin ever heard this Horowitz's rendition, he'd plotz!
Incredible back half:
CCR. Willy And The Poor Boys. On the original Fantasy blue label vinyl from 1969. If this one doesn't get your toe a tappin', you may not have a rock 'n roll soul 
.