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;

https://forums.naimaudio.com/cr...nt/45070658828583310

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by Iconoclast

First listen = nice

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by Florestan

J.S. Bach:  Zhu Xiao-Mei (piano)

Inventions and Sinfonias

What a pleasure to slowly get my favourite music on vinyl.  The recording is quite forward (or honest) but I think this is how Zhu Xiao-Mei typically comes across.  Technically adept but straight forward and driven with her message which is often blunt.

Nevertheless, a real treat for me - especially to have the Sinfonias on vinyl. 

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by GraemeH

From 1982 above to 1972. I know my system is at its optimum if it portrays all the grime and swagger of this...

G

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by Florestan

J.S. Bach:  Alfred Brendel (piano)

"Italian" Concerto BWV 971

Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue BWV 903

Fantasy and Fugue in A minor BWV 904

Prelude (Fantasy) in A minor BWV 922

Two Chorale Preludes BWV 639 & 659

This could be my favourite record so far this year.  Coming from Zhu Xiao-Mei to Alfred Brendel one cannot help but notice how the two pianists are quite distinct and approach things differently (as you might expect).  This is good and everyone should be different since, after all, everyone is just giving there view or interpretation of notes on a page.

What I find perplexing is the over use or misuse of the word mannerism.  It is often inferred that this person or that person has mannerism and this is bad.  Yet, I do not understand this view at all.  What is a mannerism?  If you think about it, even someone who is lauded as having no mannerism has his own mannerism - that is, their mannerism is to (claim) to not have a mannerism which in itself is a mannerism.  The fact is that no human musician who interprets music or an actor or an artist or a sculptor can ever say that they are free of mannerisms.

When I listen to Brendel here one cannot get around the fact that this man has thought extensively about everything that he plays.  There is a quality and stature and vision and it is easy to see why his recordings will stand the test of time.   For me, he is one of the all time greats.

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by Quad 33

1973 Vertigo 'spaceship' label.

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by Quad 33

This 1969 release after a post by Steve J earlier today. 

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by BigH47

Justin Hayward and John Lodge - Blue Jays

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by Alfa4life

Vinyl

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by Kevin-W

The mighty EW&F, on vinyl (it's All 'n' All, by the way):

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by BigH47

Moody Blues - Days of Future Past

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by T38.45
Florestan posted:

J.S. Bach:  Alfred Brendel (piano)

"Italian" Concerto BWV 971

Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue BWV 903

Fantasy and Fugue in A minor BWV 904

Prelude (Fantasy) in A minor BWV 922

Two Chorale Preludes BWV 639 & 659

This could be my favourite record so far this year.  Coming from Zhu Xiao-Mei to Alfred Brendel one cannot help but notice how the two pianists are quite distinct and approach things differently (as you might expect).  This is good and everyone should be different since, after all, everyone is just giving there view or interpretation of notes on a page.

What I find perplexing is the over use or misuse of the word mannerism.  It is often inferred that this person or that person has mannerism and this is bad.  Yet, I do not understand this view at all.  What is a mannerism?  If you think about it, even someone who is lauded as having no mannerism has his own mannerism - that is, their mannerism is to (claim) to not have a mannerism which in itself is a mannerism.  The fact is that no human musician who interprets music or an actor or an artist or a sculptor can ever say that they are free of mannerisms.

When I listen to Brendel here one cannot get around the fact that this man has thought extensively about everything that he plays.  There is a quality and stature and vision and it is easy to see why his recordings will stand the test of time.   For me, he is one of the all time greats.

This record is send from above....I don't like it- I adore it!

 

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by ewemon
Bert Schurink posted:
ewemon posted:

Hi Ewemon, How did you get access to this one I only see it on a Polish side, Can I buy or download it somewhere ?

Amazon sell it link below.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Marcin...ds=marcin+wasilewski or if you Google it you will get samples from a Polish site.

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by ewemon
Bert Schurink posted:
ewemon posted:
ragman posted:
ewemon posted:

Would you recommend it?

I love it, IMHO it is a superb album but I always recommend people to listen to things first before laying out hard cash.

Not sure so will listen to it through some samples as I guess it's not available through Qobuz or Tidal streaming.

Try Youtube you would be surprised what pops up on there. Link below admittedly not the whole album but it will give you a flavour of the set.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ8tbk8qtf4

 

They are touring the UK I think in March. I hoping to come out of hiding and pop down to see them.

 

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by ewemon
Alfa4life posted:

Vinyl

Great album and they were a great band live during this period as well shame they lost Robbie just before they hit it big he was such a nice guy

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by Voltaire
Haim Ronen posted:

Gorgeous album.

As is..

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by osprey

Also this one was bought based on the good words in this forum. Played quite a lot especially as good night music. 

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by ewemon

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by Haim Ronen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cztUe4La_zA

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by Steve J

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by ewemon

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by Borders Nick

Play this a lot - very nice groove to it.  CD rip :WAV 

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by DenisA

Field Music - Commontime

Really enjoying this new release from the Brewis brothers. Their finest songwriting achievement to my ears. Wonderful Artwork for the 2 x LP 180gm (Green Vinyl)

Guardian article includes the tunes - 'The Noisy Days Are Over' & 'Disappointed' http://www.theguardian.com/mus...-favourite-indie-duo

Stay Awake - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5LfWbN8ZdA

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by EJS

Some easy listening after a busy party. I imagine Ashkenazy can play these works with two hands tied behind his back, but even so, his charisma pervades these performances.

Cheers,

EJ

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by Raider

Manfred Manns Earth Band - Watch

 

Posted on: 07 February 2016 by EJS

Onto somewhat more taxing fare, with Renaud Capuçon and Khatia Buniatishvili. This record received a huge amount of praise from the critics, and in this case they were right. Capuçon is excellent in the Franck and Grieg sonatas, but the big draw is Buniatishvili, who excels in the various roles expected from her here - seldom has the piano part sounded so vital. 

EJ