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

Klemperer/Philharmonia's Mahler 7th Symphony recorded in 1968 runs whooping over 100 min. 

Klemperer’s handling is rich, majestic yet mysterious and intimate. 

Colourful and vivid story telling in an Edwardian grandeur.

Listening to Klemperer's symphony is like watching a David Lean's epic saga.

Only recently got onto these guys,great blues/rock . I was fortunate to last weekend to get a promo copy of this album and Katy lied.

But just think of the enjoyment you will have. 

I vowed to the wife awhile back that I would stop buying discs but think I have approx 28 still to come, in what's left of this month.

Here was me thinking about going over to streaming as well.

Enjoy!

I understand after listening some pieces why she is supported by many of you. In this specific piece it's like the tones are dancing through the air. I like it...

While I understand an apprecKate it's importance as piece, I have failed to get my head around it. Perhaps I should just stick myself in a chair and keep on listening to it until I like it......

1st run, looks like an interesting piece of music..., not just for background listening..

I have this version of the Matthew Passion, as recommended to me here. It's well worth persevering with.

Streaming | Spotify Premium

Ludwig van Beethoven ~ Symphony no.2 and 3 

Jan Willem de Vriend conducting the Netherlands Symphony Orchestra. These CDs form part of a box set of the Beethoven Complete Symphonies. Recorded as Hybrid SACDs the sound quality is excellent.

I really enjoy this P&B. Worth checking if you are not familiar with it.

G

Ewemon, it was one of the first things I looked for whilst reading the 20 page booklet and ripping the set. Strangely it does not say who remastered them. Just the claim on the back of the box that they were [remastered] in 24-Bit. Could Masterworks have just put together a collection of the best sounding CDs?

Hi Kevin.

A nice album. Have a listen to Fain though which I think is my favourite of theirs.

Russell

Hungryhalibut,

if you like Herreweghe, you may also appreciate his first version from 1984, a very beautiful recording. The bass Peter Kooy sounds wonderful here.

And if you like to dive deep, here is a detailed comparison of 9 MP versions: http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Articles/SMP-Satz.htm

Enjoy in these days before Easter!

Streaming | Spotify Premium

Ludwig van Beethoven ~ Symphony no.9

Another from this very good Complete Symphonies set which were recorded in 2012.

I love this album. Fast becoming one of my favourites 

Think I will buy a copy and compare it against the UK Capitol box set I have. 

Thanks for recommendation. The only problem is that I have given up buying any new music for Lent!

Ewe', 7 of the 9 CDs are Capitol and 2 CDs (4 albums) "Come Swing With Me", "Swing Along With Me", "Ring-a-Ding Ding!", and "I Remember Tommy..." are all on Reprise. There are an additional 46 Tracks spread around but its not possible to say which label they are on (with this collection).

I don't know if you can glean anything more from their website.

Kuma, you know how I don't like to segregate.  These are all three very strong recordings and they all have a place for me in my library.  Dinnerstein has her unique strengths against the others.  Not sure if it boils down to the recording itself but Dinnerstein's piano seems to be beefed up and front and centre.  Maybe, that follows the expected persona of a New Yorker?  More rough and tough and in your face?  Yet this may not be the correct description as her playing itself is very nuanced and thoughtful.

Love all three of these recordings but if you forced me to decide I would naturally pick Anna Vinnitskaya.  One of my all time favourite recordings.  It might even be the weakest viewed by some but I like her style and character of playing the best which is much softer and dreamier.  

Of course, no right answers possible.  I have all three and in the end can confirm they are all excellent in their own way.  Each has its own set of strengths and weaknesses.

Frederic Chopin: Pietro de Maria

Complete Piano Works

I am always glad to get the opportunity for yet another complete Chopin set.  Working my way through this one by a pianist I was not familiar with at all.  Initial reaction is the playing is middle of the road and very much a literal approach.  The biggest disappointment though is in the Decca recording quality.  I expected more and this the biggest shortcoming of the set.  Nothing tragic but only that it would have taken an average recording and improved it tremendously.  It just seems rushed and hastily put together but this is early days for me and much more listening to go before I really can get in to it.