What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol. XII)
Posted by: Richard Dane on 01 January 2016
2016 has arrived today, so time to start this thread afresh.
Last year's thread (and links to previous years) can be found here;
Sierra Hull - "Weighted Mind" (2016)
This is getting a lot of plays at the moment. Tidal.
Franz Schubert: Piano Sonata No. 18 in G major, (Fantasia), D. 894
Robert Schumann: Kreisleriana (Fantasias), Op. 16
Natalia Ehwald (piano)
With age I have noticed myself becoming decidedly annoyed with "performance" musicians who seem to play for a certain crowd that has a list of requirements to check off as if they were rating a race horse, such as: 1) was it fast enough 2) was it played loud and with lots of muscle 3) do the media pundits rave about their star power including about the colour of the clothes or everything non-musical 4) did they play a wrong note or have a memory lapse 5) do they play like {insert composers name here} meant it to be played
Really? Just utter stupidity, actually.
The real musicians are most likely the ones that one has never heard or without some sort of fate probably may never hear. Natalia Ehwald is just one good example of why it pays to continue spending ones life searching for these like minded musical souls.
The first movement of Schuberts G major Fantasia is just one of those pieces of music that truly take courage to play musically (meaning at a slower tempo). You can look at most reputable "big" name artists and they play it 4, 5, or even 6 minutes faster than Natalia here. The reason is because it seems many are not interested in a musical experience. The ability to get lost in the music is foreign to most with the age of short attention spans. You can imagine that for most it is near impossible to imagine the masses concentrating on something for 20, 30, 40, or 50 minutes. I have heard so called musicians critacize Schubert for being long winded and not knowing when to stop. I believe on the other hand Schubert knew what he was doing and needs to change nothing. It simply is not music suitable for everyone.
This movement is really a lovely meditation that isn't meant to be played in a concert hall (in my opinion). It is meant to be experienced in solitude (and if possible play this music for yourself) The overwhelming character of Schubert's music tends to be melancholy, introspective, and introverted so this only makes sense. Ehwald makes a beautiful quote appropriately in the booklet notes where she says, " A moment comes in Schubert's music when you understand the composer's words, "Cheerfull music is unknown to me." For this, a certain life experience is necessary."
So for me, we have it all here. An artist who isn't interested in playing the piano as much as she is in being interested in making music. The recording is top quality and provides a perfect reflection of what a piano should sound like in this music. In the softer parts, that is, with a soft and bell like tone - nothing percussive or ugly. Ehwald follows the dynamics faithfully. In many recording you cannot tell the difference between pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff and so on. In all music this is especially important but with Schubert it is a major flaw if you cannot master this. Every dynamic level has a meaning and perfectly symbolizes Schubert's thought and feelings directly.
The Unthanks - "Last" (2011)
Streaming | Tidal | DSD
(17th June)
Just queued this up for my first listen.
Was driving to the Netherlands and had a nice jazz afternoon. I started with a great Brad Mehldau album, very tasteful...
Then I switched to one of the great trio albums of Keith Jarrett. Still sad that I never saw them live and missed the one opportunity I had, years ago. Now the only thing which is left is a solo concert of Keith in mid of July, will be very special for me...
Another special album from Brad ...
From 1997 on the Nonesuch label. Never a dull moment with Bill Frissel who feels at home in so many different styles and moods. This one has a distinct country flavor but with a twist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_pBcerX4Mo
Florestan posted:Franz Schubert: Piano Sonata No. 18 in G major, (Fantasia), D. 894
Robert Schumann: Kreisleriana (Fantasias), Op. 16
Natalia Ehwald (piano)
With age I have noticed myself becoming decidedly annoyed with "performance" musicians who seem to play for a certain crowd that has a list of requirements to check off as if they were rating a race horse, such as: 1) was it fast enough 2) was it played loud and with lots of muscle 3) do the media pundits rave about their star power including about the colour of the clothes or everything non-musical 4) did they play a wrong note or have a memory lapse 5) do they play like {insert composers name here} meant it to be played
Really? Just utter stupidity, actually.
The real musicians are most likely the ones that one has never heard or without some sort of fate probably may never hear. Natalia Ehwald is just one good example of why it pays to continue spending ones life searching for these like minded musical souls.
The first movement of Schuberts G major Fantasia is just one of those pieces of music that truly take courage to play musically (meaning at a slower tempo). You can look at most reputable "big" name artists and they play it 4, 5, or even 6 minutes faster than Natalia here. The reason is because it seems many are not interested in a musical experience. The ability to get lost in the music is foreign to most with the age of short attention spans. You can imagine that for most it is near impossible to imagine the masses concentrating on something for 20, 30, 40, or 50 minutes. I have heard so called musicians critacize Schubert for being long winded and not knowing when to stop. I believe on the other hand Schubert knew what he was doing and needs to change nothing. It simply is not music suitable for everyone.
This movement is really a lovely meditation that isn't meant to be played in a concert hall (in my opinion). It is meant to be experienced in solitude (and if possible play this music for yourself) The overwhelming character of Schubert's music tends to be melancholy, introspective, and introverted so this only makes sense. Ehwald makes a beautiful quote appropriately in the booklet notes where she says, " A moment comes in Schubert's music when you understand the composer's words, "Cheerfull music is unknown to me." For this, a certain life experience is necessary."
So for me, we have it all here. An artist who isn't interested in playing the piano as much as she is in being interested in making music. The recording is top quality and provides a perfect reflection of what a piano should sound like in this music. In the softer parts, that is, with a soft and bell like tone - nothing percussive or ugly. Ehwald follows the dynamics faithfully. In many recording you cannot tell the difference between pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff and so on. In all music this is especially important but with Schubert it is a major flaw if you cannot master this. Every dynamic level has a meaning and perfectly symbolizes Schubert's thought and feelings directly.
Just listened on Tidal. Thank you. Lovely disc. Would never have found this without your post.
This has always sounded good, but I have just cleaned my stylus for the first time using Lyra SPT (that's my first ever use of this product) - Wow! What a difference!
Freddie Hubbard - Ready for Freddie
On vinyl. Nice for sitting indoors on a humid, hot afternoon.
Streaming | FLAC 24/44.1 | Transcoded to DSD
(2005)
One of my first Naim label downloads an album that continues to give much pleasure.
Johnny Cash- American III Solitary Man on vinyl.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - "4 Way Street" (1971) there have been some posts recently commenting on Neil Young's guitar playing. Southern Man on this recording with Neil and Stephen sparring 45 years ago tells me what I need to know.
HDCD
New Order live att Glasto 2016 (streaming live). Slick but a bit boring. Bernard's dancing is embarrassing:
