What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol.VIII)
Posted by: Richard Dane on 29 December 2011
With 2012 almost upon us, it's time to start a fresh thread. I've gone back to an earlier thread title because often the "why" is the most interesting part of the post.
Anyway, links:
Volume VII: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...6878604287751/page/1
Volume VI: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878604097229
Volume V: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878605140495
Volume IV: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878605795042
Volume III: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878607309474
Volume II: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878606245043
Volume I: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878607464290
Although bootlegs are not renowed for their sonic quality, this one is not that bad on CD.
Of course, widely available now...
Original 70's Vinyl.
A good old record. Impossible to listen to this without breaking into a smile, other then the rather pretentious "Amazing Grace" at the end. One of music's great originals.
Graham
A super record IMO, the first 5 JR albums were quite magical and he just sounded so different from what most folk were doing at the time ... saw him in concert and he played very quietly. I have most of his records with the modern lovers on vinyl. He should have had more hits.
Music for all times on vinyl.
Doug,
It is always a rare pleasure to read your thoughts and reactions to the various pieces of music you come across. Seems also that you don't skip any..
Haim
Haim, would you believe I do say no sometimes?
I said no to this.
I say no to any album that has the words "The Greatest Hits" on it. This extends to "Best Ever," "Most Loved Melodies," "50 Favourites," "The Most Relaxing Classical Album Ever," "100 Essential Relaxing Classics," "Classical Music for Dummies,"....
Seriously though, as we have discussed many times over the years about this, it is a sickness. One day though, I'll make you proud when I can actually stop cold turkey and reel in my compulsiveness to something almost resembling normal. I'm going to beat this; you'll see!
Mendelssohn: Works for Cello and Piano, Paul Rivinius & Julian Steckel
Just back from my first rehearsal with the D major sonata and it is starting to really grow on me now as we begin to dig through and find the nuts and bolts of this one.
I wanted to listen to this before the rehearsal but ran out of time so I will serve myself a large dish of humble pie now this evening and do some dreaming. It always feels overwhelming at the beginning as one seemingly prepares to scale Mt. Everest. Thoughts of Mendelssohn being a crazy lunatic have been going through my head all afternoon as I ask why he is doing this to me. Why? With him it is always the same: an unbelievable amount of notes and all to be played at some supersonic tempo or just stupidly fast. The D minor trio was like that too but maybe not quite as bad. But the Adagio alone though is worth the price of admission alone. A brief visit to a place that is mostly sane. Playing it makes the hairs on your neck stand up; a beautiful hymn really.
I like the balance between these two players in what seems to be an excellent recording. Rivinius is a solid player who produces a wonderful tone and Steckel, as well, with much beauty coming from his cello - especially in the lower registers.
This double album just came through the door.
On its first play.
Stu.
Vinyl
Vinyl
Kevin, you always come up with interesting stuff to check out, what is this? it appears familiar but can't put a name to it.
This double album just came through the door.
On its first play.
Stu.
Mine has arrived this morning too. It will be a grower I think. The trouble is that he always have to live up to The Nightfly which had a wide range of tones and tempoes. However I am loving side 2!
james
Blimey - that's a blast from the past! Good old One Little Indian! Might dig that out myself!
Vinyl
Kevin, you always come up with interesting stuff to check out, what is this? it appears familiar but can't put a name to it.
Cheers. It's a double LP (also on CD) called "FAC DANCE 2" - a collection of 12-inchers an album cuts that were released on Factory Records and Factory Benelux in the 1980s. The cover might be familiar because a) it was used on FAC DANCE 1 and b) it was Factory's logo from 1983 until about 1988.
I think the first volume has the edge on this second one, mainly because it has three complete classics - Marcel King's "Reach for Love", "Looking From A Hilltop" by Section 25 and "Cool as Ice" by 52nd Street on it.
More info here:
Blimey - that's a blast from the past! Good old One Little Indian! Might dig that out myself!
Great label, Kev. Had some cracking bands under their wings. Still going strong...
KR
Tony
Stax record label, 2 CD set. '60s and '70s soul, blues, and R&B.
Disc 1.
Japanese vinyl
Stax record label, 2 CD set. '60s and '70s soul, blues, and R&B.
Disc 1.
Onto disc 2 ...
Chopin / préludes / Maurizio Pollini (2012)
These are new (June 2011) recordings of the preludes, the Op.30 mazurkas and varied other works. I haven't heard his famous 1975 recording, so can't compare it to this new recording - but on a standalone basis, Pollini displays some amazing pianism here - even discounting the fact that he was nearly 70 when he recorded these works. Pollini has mellowed with age - the attacks are less forceful, he even introduces agogic pauses and other unheard of - for him - effects. But not much.
Doug, you mentioned an appreciation for pianists who develop themselves and evolve over time. I guess Pollini does not really belong in that category. He has developed, but really becoming only better at what he does best. Laserlike intensity, still very much a come scritto adherence to the text, a big dynamic range, miraculous attention to the structure of the work, etc. I never considered him a cold pianist, and he still isn't. Point is, I don't disagree with you but I equally can't help but admire Pollini for staying (largely) the same. If it ain't broke...
In short, highly recommended. Some of the most beautiful, soul searching music ever committed to paper, played by a master. And, finally, DG has given him a good sound.
Cheers,
EJ
Original Vinyl.
Whilst I wait for my copy of 'Sunken Condos' to arrive some time this week.
Graham.
Nouveau Monde / Patricia Petibon (2012)
One of today's most charismatic and imaginative singers on her best album yet.
Cheers,
EJ