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

Sergei Rachmaninov:  Evgenia Rubinova (piano)

Moments musical op. 16

Piano Sonata no. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 36

Liebesleid (Rachmaninov / Kreisler)

Liebesfreud (Rachmaninov / Kreisler)

The Moments musical are early works of Rachmaninov but I have come to really appreciate them at an equal level to everything else he wrote (Preludes, Etudes, etc.).  All the hallmarks of his character are there - the melancholy, the passion, the beauty, the sadness, the honesty, the sincerity about being human - really, like any great composer he bares his soul for us.

Over the years I seemed to get fixated by these one by one.  From the beginning, when I was much younger I think the first one that I liked was the C major.  In fact, I think it wouldn't be far from the truth that I started at No. 6 and worked my way backwards.  Currently, I cannot get enough of the B-flat minor.  

Evgenia Rubinova plays it here just the way I like it.  She starts out very slow and reluctantly and this creates the very perfect sense that this is really a struggle for Rachmaninov to even share this with us. It builds and builds until it finally explodes - more words than one could ever express come out in anguish.  Perfect for me at the moment as well as for all moments previous and moments to come.

This example is from a live 2006 performance.  The actual recording I have is slightly better (especially sound wise) but the character of playing is representative.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...ge&v=zDce1E9nOwc

trying to revive the memory of North Sea Jazz.....

Steve,

How's his 8th?

Streaming | FLAC Download from Bandcamp

(1) by Toundra (2009) 

I've been really enjoying this band from Madrid since stumbling across them a few days ago. There is something hugely engaging about the glorious instrumental rock they play. This is the first of their 3 albums to date..

Kuma I have posted a reply to you but it's awaiting admin' approval for some reason. Maybe the reply was too long?

Streaming | FLAC Download from Bandcamp

(2012)

Just to listen to more from my rock band of the moment. 

CD rip. Excellent and a good recording.

Streaming | 24/96 FLAC Download from Quobuz

(1968)

Some bands with unique sounds never seem to grow old, this is one of them. These studio masters editions from Qobuz keep it all fresh.

Question: are these the 1999 remasters, or the 2007 remixes?

"Hi Kuma, personally I think it's superb but as I mentioned in a previous post to you, I am really no expert on matters classical. That being said, I suppose then it could be high praise that this [Hybrid (6 Disc) SACD] complete Symphonies box set by the NSO and de Vriend have me coming back time and again to listen to it. I have found everything in this set  captivating and wanting to hear it over and over. If you have access to Deezer Elite you can hear most of this box set there in CD quality. From memory it's also available in it's (6CD) entirety on Spotify. 

If you will excuse me I will post a few of the more knowledgable comments here for you. They can be found over at "The River":

This is simply the best Beethoven symphony collection among a hundred other choices. I have the individual releases, and enjoy them immensely. Perfectly-judged tempi, instrumental balances, and interpretations.

This is the cornerstone of the symphonic repertoire, so how can one possibly judge? Well, the older recordings invariably skip the repeats, which goes against Beethoven's intentions. They could be conducted by a genius, yet something is missing. And some of them just can't match the sound quality possible with today's technology. Of the more recent recordings, there is a justified search for new interpretative directions, yet, while some clarify the composer's intentions, many only obscure the music. And surprisingly, some recording companies still manage to produce poor or unnatural sound using state-of-the-art recording equipment.

I believe that de Vriend produces pure Beethoven in crystal-clear sound. If you liked the sets by Zinman (1999) and Norrington/SWR-Stuttgart (2002), you will love this one." - Amazonian 1

"The recordings have exceptional quality and presence--sweet-toned, transparent, and well-balanced, about the most exciting set I've heard from a sonic perspective. The orchestra employs hard mallets for tympani, and some period brass. De Vreind seems to be using a reduced string section, which brings the woodwinds and tympani forward, and care must be used in balancing them, but this release is pretty successful in that respect. The crisp, up-front tympani add considerable excitement, while woodwinds remain clear and sweet in tone.

Beethoven's 8th launches directly into the first theme with no introduction. It should immediately erupt into a soaring flight of song (if you'll pardon the mixed metaphor). But de Vriend opens with some odd marcato phrasing that clips the notes off short of their full value, and some phrases have "feminine" endings that hold the orchestra back from the expected vigorous conclusion. These effects mute what would otherwise be the majestic excitement of the movement's opening. Once past the opening, however, this is a winner. Tempos are perfect, the rhythms are fresh and infectious, and the lovely, downward-cascading phrases just before the final conclusion are handled beautifully. The rest of the 8th is fairly conventional--a second movement slower than you might think, and two successful final movements". - Amazonian 2

On CD:-

I'll have to "phone friend" and get back to you.

I'm dithering about the hires download set. Apart from the LPs, I've bought the original CDs, the 1999 remasters (in the vinyl replica sleeves) and the 40th Annoversary, 2007 Bruce Botnick remixed CDs.

Desperstely sad, I know. At this point, another level of sadness needs to be somewhat justified

Streaming wav

A lot of well sounding songs...

Listened to this in the car today. I would nominate this album as one of the best in jazz in the last couple of years. So ground breaking so real. If you don't know this one, have a listen...

This was the 2nd one I listened to in the car, interesting combination of acoustic and electronic...

Last one I listened to in the car. Michael Wollny has created himself a reputation in the last couple year of making edgy jazz. This is one of the examples, he is still going very strong, while he also has some lesser experiments (Hexentanz)...

The album through which I discovered Wishbone Ash and their very distinctive style. Couple of nice live songs on this album, too. 

I always loved 'Just Testing' which was my introduction. Think I'll give it a listen tonight. Thanks MDS 

A very special synergy between two talented and very low key musicians. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuGtccrYLXY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqbqD1ugEgg

To round off the evening's listening I've selected Vol 1 - Love Songs from this superb box set.  Even at low volume the quality of this shines through.  To any Suzanne Vega fans out there if you haven't got this set do yourself a favour a get it.