What are you listening to? (Vol VII)

On Spotify:-

On vinyl.

as recommended by Ewemon

On CD:-

Berlioz "The Trojans", a massive opera based on Virgil's Aeneis. This recording from 1969 has never been surpassed, certainly not by Davis himself in his more recent recording with Ben Heppner. However, I also like the recording by Charles Dutoit, with the less glamorous Gary Lakes as Aeneas but an otherwise stronger cast than this one. Dutoit takes a lighter touch to the music, while Davis here gives it an almost Wagnerian power.

EJ

Nothing sounds quite like an 808.

Elvis Golden records Vol 2 and 3

My full support goes behind Helene Grimaud and I just can't wait for her first Mozart live recording of the A+ and F+ Piano Concertos.

Regarding the ignominious Abbado incident, I will say that he does have a right to his opinion just as anyone does but from my perspective, he certainly was out of line to say anything.  I have lost a great deal of respect for Abbado as a conductor now.

This is, after all, a piano concerto and it is the pianist who is in the spotlight and also the one solely responsible for any cadenza(s).  In this case, Helene Grimaud absolutely has the inalienable right to protect her artistic integrity.  After-all, this is what she practiced and came prepared to play. 

A cadenza by definition is the point where the soloist alone can play an existing cadenza or even improvise on their own, however, this is very rare in this day and age.  Any other portion of a concerto the conductor and soloist must work together or at least make an effort to settle any artistic differences and compromise but never in a cadenza.  

First listen.

oh, and earlier...........

Just back from the library with a couple, No1:-

Steve Earle - Washington Square Serenade.

This guy seems to change and yet remain the same, very Neil Young.