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

Posted by: Richard Dane on 31 December 2014

On the cusp of 2015, we start a new thread...

Anyway, links:

Volume X: https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...-be-interested-vol-x

Volume IX: https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...16#22826037054683416

Posted on: 28 November 2015 by Bert Schurink

Posted on: 28 November 2015 by EJS

Obtained as a discounted download yesterday. On first spin, I'm impressed, much more so than I expected to be. Sudbin achieves poetry and depth, and in the 5th that epic feeling that is in the music but so few pianists manage to bring out. He diverts attention to himself, but not only in the interest of surface gloss. Vänskä's support is admirable - I like what he has done with the Minnesota over the years.

Posted on: 28 November 2015 by Tony2011

Posted on: 28 November 2015 by Stevee_S

Streaming | Deezer Elite

(2005)

More good stuff from Riverside in a prog rock tinged with metal style, fronted by a great singer Mariusz Duda.

Posted on: 28 November 2015 by Borders Nick

Exploring my Ryan Adams stuff - vast catalogue, patchy in places but full of gems - this album is one of my favourites.

Posted on: 28 November 2015 by Stevee_S

Streaming | WAV

(2014)

R & B on steroids, great energy form these old timers.

Posted on: 28 November 2015 by Tony2011

Posted on: 28 November 2015 by Florestan

Johann Sebastian Bach: Alina Ibragimova (violin), Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen (Conductor)

Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041

Violin Concerto in E major, BWV 1042

Violin Concerto in A major, BWV 1055

Violin Concerto in G minor, BWV 1056

Violin Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052

I absolutely love this. Of course, I am totally aligned with Alina Ibragimova's playing and sound. Such depth and richness tugs at my heart. Sugar coat anything and it becomes trite and meaningless (plus add a fake happiness & forced smile to everything for the shallow masses- gag). Avoid this and act/play like a human being suddenly there is beauty and unspeakable truth.

Posted on: 28 November 2015 by Florestan

Claude Debussy: Francesco Piemontesi (piano)

Préludes, Books 1 & 2

I concur with EJS on this one. A very strong contender and a welcome new recording among the great Debussy Prélude recordings. Piemontesi pays attention to the details and the outcome is phenomenal. Recorded sound is superb as well. I don't know what piano Piemontesi used (probably Hamburg Steinway?) but it is quite nice.

Of course, as opinions go (mine in particular) I am never quite certain whether it is the music or the performance that turns me on? In this case, probably both. Highly recommended.