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

First listen

Kubelik/CSO Brahms Symphony 1 Recorded 1952 by Mercury at the Orchestra Hall.

I didn't realise Kubelik was a music direct at CSO from 1950 -1953 and made several fine recordings during his short stay.

Interestingly the Board wanted him out for the reason he played too much contemporary work, grueling rehearsal schedule for the musicians plus employing black musicians!*. :0

Much more convincing than tappid Thielmann set. Lively and rhythmically attuned. Even easier to follow than Toscanini reading where Kubelik makes a strong case building the story one by one. Overall tempo is just about perfect to keep the tune moving forward. Intimate lovely andante. Create a very intimate sweet space contrasting the previous movement.

This is an exciting set showing varying emotional layers and never let the tune goes wondering. Closes with one of the most nimble swashbuckling finish.

* It seems that programming has progressed a bit in 65 years now that at least French & Russian work are accepted by CSO patrons and they now employ many minority musicians but their current programming still isn't metropolitan as NYC crowd. 

Classic Records put out this novelty pressing of 33 rpm in one side and 45 rpm on another for the comparison.

As you expect 45 side is much better ( vivid colours and superior dynamics ) but their 33 regular release sounds a lot better than this 33 put on this pressing. 

Before champions league final

On vinyl...

I must play this later 

What do you think of side 4?

This is a really enjoyable album, Bert. I first heard it 4 weeks ago when I took my LP12 to Cymbiosis for a rebuild. Peter used this to demonstrate the 45rpm speed (the LP is a double 12" at 45rpm). Hannah Reid has a great voice.

Walter/NY Phil: 1953 Recording

A lot of promises but this isn't it for me.

Black Water - Kalima

Klemperer/Philharmonia: 1956 recording

Contrasting the Walter set, from the top, hammering beats in crescendo resembling bounding nails in a coffin. There is a greater sense of doom. The intro sequence reminds me of Kubelik/CSO set but in a bigger in scale even more depressing. As usual, Klemperer reading is easy for me to follow with excellent pacing and expressive dynamic shading. Klemperer here is mercurial and spare no mercy in the darkish 1st movement.

A sorrowful violin adds a dash of sentimentality in Andante. He does very well for a man who claims not at all romantic. The ending of the Andante is most haunting and memorable. 

THis Klemperer’s reading is ageless still fresh today without cheapening the score by turning into a soundtrack.

Karajan/Berliner: Brahms Symphony 1 1963 recording.

Frightening *judgement day* intro.

Huge majestic soundscape and many layers of instruments create rich tonal palette and warmish hues. 

But soon the music lunges into lush Hollywood schmaltz. 

Full of emoting going on but at times a bit superficial and empty and does not quite leave me with a lasting impression. Nothing will take away from Karajan’s suave texture packed rendering, however.

LP - CBS 1977 : )

Ramsey gets down to the funky 70s sound with friends - to include Stevie Wonder.

Fabulous album, this is the stuff i should of be buying myself back in 1977...

Debs

Szell/Cleveland: Brahms Symphony 1 1966 recording

Good looking set and love Szell’s no nonsense approach but rather  lacking full blooded human pulse underneath. 

The biggest failing of this set is Andante. It does not engage and it’s most romance-less rendition I have heard so far.

Grateful Dead - Dave's Picks Vol. 10

Thelma, Los Angeles, CA   12/12/69

2014, 3 CD

Agreed.  Purchased this recently after seeing it frequently on the forum for a while.  It has been in regular rotation since. 

Streaming | CD FLAC rip

Tangerine Dream ~ Force Majeure (1979)

Some TD to kick off the morning.

Whilst Abbado isn't my kind of conductor, I find his Brahms more accessible and easy to listen to.

Can't say it's exciting but *pretty* rendition. More modern stylistically and overall it has a lyrical bel canto feel. 

Very listenable like a soundtrack with a super hero ending.

Streaming | CD FLAC rip

Tangerine Dream ~ Tangram (1980)

Not listened to this in many a long year.

A great album of modern big band music, rec. 2009, with the added bonus of two tracks featuring the wonderful vocalist Roberta Gambarini. To quote AllMusic.com "Emergence is a stunner from top to bottom". Highly recommended.

Dave

Kuma,

may I suggest this greatest among the greatest?

from the late 50s, the late 70s and the late 80s.

I'd take the earlier version anytime, over anyone's. Even the RAI Orchestra was in a state of bliss.

But it's personal taste of course.

M.

Hi Max,

What's he got that the other fella hasn't?

Chris