Mozart Recommendations

Dear Sloop,

Take a look at this thread as well as this one more specifically on his piano concertos.

regards,
Tam

Thanks Tam but you wouldn't believe how confusing and daunting these threads can be to the uninitiated.

I actually printed off your Mozart thread and as good as it obviously was it lost us.


I know it's hard to pick 5 albums, if you asked me Frank Black's or Bob Dylan's top 5 I would agonise for hours.

First five from the top of your head please!


Regards

John


SJB

I really enjoy Fredrik's two piano concerto recommendations in my old thread - The Haskil and the Anda. These are orchestral pieces with piano taking the starring solo role. Great(IMHO).

Then I'd go for some of the later symphonies nr 38-41. There will be a number of recommendations in the threads Tam mentioned - I have a set of two old records from Bohm which I enjoy.

And Eine Kleine Nacht musik is very accessible, fun music - my Lp is from Karajan, but it was bought at random 20 years ago.


Tha should make about 5 ..

cheers

ian

I take your point.

In that case some of my favourite Mozart discs (the brief version) are Bernstein with the VPO playing symphonies 40 and 41; Uchida playing the piano sonatas; the 4 discs Brendel, Mackerras and the SCO have done of various piano concertos (especially 12&17); Giulini conducting the Philharmonia in the Marriage of Figaro; Mackerras conducting the LPO for the Magic Flute (in English); and any of the discs of symphonies from Mackerras and the Prague Chamber Orchestra.

(I'm pretty sure all these choices and the reasons behind them are detailed in the longer threads, and I can see how they're off-putting, but, to cut a long story short, I don't think one could go wrong with any of these cds.)

Also, if you look at my 'classical threads worth reading' thread, it might be worth checking out the first few threads listed (the getting started in classical music ones), which probably have quite a lot of Mozart recommendations on them (along with a lot of other good stuff) and are, if memory serves, less intimidating.

regards,
Tam

SJB

Some years ago I collected a fairly complete set of his symphonies played on original instruments by the Academy of Ancient Music - all I can really say is they sound pretty good to me.

Well I noticed that the complete AAM set is on CD



and is available for only £30 - it consists of 19 CDs and IMHO is excellent value for money. I'm sure those more knowledgeable than me will comment further and recommend accordingly. The symphonies I like best are 40 and 41 - these are quite catchy and you find you can hold the music in your head. It is music written for orchestra and I believe that AAM are representative of the ensemble is was written for. Christopher Hogwood worked on Shirley Collins brilliant 'Anthems in Eden' and I thought if Christopher Hogwood was good enough for Shirley then he'd be good enough for me.

The other work I have and really like is



I find it easy to listen to because it is in English (Irk the purists, as they say). Again, I've no idea how this stacks up against other versions.

I'm not sure if this helps - as I feel I don't have the knowlegde to guide you beyond saying that these recordings have given both me and my father, who was keen to borrow them, great enjoyment.

Rotf

Here are some of my Mozarts for Mrs. Sloop:



Richard Good, Piano Sonatas


Concerto for Harp and Flute


Wind Serenades

Regards,

Haim

You wouldn't regret starting a Mozart exploration with the Beecham/Brymer Clarinet Concerto.

Thanks for all the help.

I've put together the following wish list here.

I've a few (Noddy-like) questions.

1. What does K331 or such like mean?
2. 
   What is the difference between a concerto,symphony and sonata (and any other forms I may be missing)
3. 
   Where are the best places to buy classical online - are the prices on cd universe in the wish list OK?
   
4. 
   What are variations?

Don't be too hard on me I've got to start somewhere!



SJB

What does K331 or such like mean?

Viennese botanist, mineralogist, and educator Ludwig von Köchel was the first person to catalogue Mozart’s works.

Köchel

What is the difference between a concerto, symphony and sonata (and any other forms I may be missing)


Basically a concerto is a duet between a solo instrument and orchestra, and there are also double and triple concerti.

A Symphony is a large-scale work for orchestra

A Sonata is a small-scale work for a solo instrument.

Where are the best places to buy classical online - are the prices on cd universe in the wish list OK?

Amazon

What are variations?

Variations are literaly that, variations on another tune.

Best place to buy online: Europadisc (email or phone). They have a monthly newsletter, which they send out by post, or you can read it on:
http://www.europadisc.co.uk/

This month, I bought a wonderful 3-CD DG Trio set of the complete wind concertos, played by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. The cost was £7.95, and would have been £7.50 if I had bought three sets.

The string quintets are particularly approachable, beautiful pieces. They are available, played by the augmented Arthur Grumiaux Trio in a companion 3-CD set.

For piano works, the choice is enormous. My own favourites are Brendel, Uchida and Goode.

Mozart operas (indeed, most operas) are for me, a bit problematical. But they come over well on DVD. I think that this may well the way forward for opera and ballet.

Mozart was such a great cmposer that enormous numbers of classical artists seem to have recorded his work. So having made your selections, you can buy many of them quite cheaply.

For recommendations, see the audio forums, the Gramophone website ( http://www.gramophone.co.uk/edschoice.asp ), the Penguin guide, etc.

New recordings are reviewed in online newspapers such as The Guardian ( http://arts.guardian.co.uk/reviews/classical/0,,755761,00.html ), Classics Today ( http://www.classicstoday.com/featuredreviews.asp) and many others.

Enjoy your Mozart!

Regards,

Ken

quote:

Originally posted by Basil:
A Sonata is a small-scale work for a solo instrument.

Sonatas are not always for just one instrument (only piano sonatas). A violin/cello/etc. sonata (delete as appropriate) will be for the instrument and, normally, a keyboard accompaniment.


Dear ROTF - That Figaro came in the post yesterday (I have just discovered the amazon market place and picked it up for a song). I have only had time to listen to the first act, but found it reasonably enjoyable. However, the cast and conductor are not absolutely first rank and this does show (seek out the Giulini or Gui recordings and you'll see what I mean). I also think in some ways the work suffers from being in English in that a lot of it is much more beautiful when you can't understand it. Still, I view it as money well spent (and I'll post some fuller thoughts on it in the opera in English thread when I've listened more fully).

regards, Tam

Hi,
I want to recomend some of my favourite cds:
1. Requiem - I preffer beautiful cd by Harmonia mundi (hmc 901620) under dir. of Phillipe Herreweghe. You can also buy this music issued by Deutsche harmonia mundi with Nicolas Harnoncourt and Concentus Musicus Wien (this is hybrid sacd - number 82876 58705 2) or beutifuly Jordi Savall and his Le Concert des Nations - astree es 9965
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000007BI/sr=8-2/qid=...5715-9639328?ie=UTF8

2. I think that there are many good boxes with all Mozart symphonies. I preffer The English Concert with Trevor Pinnock. played on authentic instruments. This box (11 cds) was published by Archiv Production in cheap (but IMHO extremaly good) series "collectors edition". under number 471 666-2.
http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000069KJ3/qid=11.../302-3503497-1356045

3. Die Zauberflote (Magic Flute) - I love Wiener Philharmoniker with Sir Georg Solti. published by Decca (number: 433 210-2)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000041ZF/qid=1151518...usic&v=glance&n=5174

4. Le Nozze di Figaro - Concerto Koln and Rene Jacobs - Harmonia Mundi hmc 901818.20
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001HZ8X6/ref=pd_bbs_...usic&v=glance&n=5174

5. Eine kleine Nachmusic - beautifull cd of Jordi Savall and his Le Concert Des Nations. published by Alia Vox.
http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000COQ8IC/qid=11.../302-3503497-1356045

K.XXX - it is cataloque of all known mozart work - it was Kochel who first count by numbers all Mozart work. This cataloque is preper chronologicat and by the theme. So K. - it is name of Kochel and XXX it is number of Mozart work in this cataloque.

You can buy classic music in all internet store like amazon or barnes and nobles, etc.
Sorry for my english. I hope it could help you.
best
adam

I would wholeheartedly recommend this...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0007KTAXQ/qid.../026-0060870-2636454

Nigel

quote:

Originally posted by Sloop John B:
Head bowed I confess I don't even know the difference between a concerto, sonata, symphony and a head of cabbage

The difference is that with a head of cabbage, the music comes after you eat.

Fred

quote:

Originally posted by Basil:

A Symphony is a large-scale work for orchestra

A Sonata is a small-scale work for a solo instrument.

Actually, after 1800 a sonata is generally considered to be a large scale work for a solo instrument with or without accompaniment (keyboard, usually), or even more than one lead instrument, such as Ravel's wonderful Sonata for Violin and Cello, which features just the violin and cello with no piano accompaniment.

In many ways, the sonata is analogous to the concerto: solo (most often) featured instrument with full range accompaniment, usually piano (or other keyboard) in the case of a sonata, and orchestra in the case of a concerto, and often spanning multiple movements (sections). Also, at least through the Classical era, both follow the sonata-allegro form, as do symphonies of the same era.

You can read about the sonata here: Sonata and the sonata-allegro form here: Sonata form

Fred

Fred,

For Sloop, who seems to be a newcomer to classical music (apologies if I'm wrong), it should be pointed out that not all 2-instrument pieces are sonatas. I have a Philips Duo 2-CD set of Mozart's string duos and trios with Arthur Grumiaux. It's a beautiful set, and I would recommend it highly.

And while I'm here, I will put in a plug for the Deutsche Grammophon Trio set of serenades, with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. There's something new in there every time I listen.

I haven't heard the Ravel - I'll listen out for it.

Ken

quote:

Originally posted by IanGtoo:
I really enjoy Fredrik's two piano concerto recommendations in my old thread - The Haskil and the Anda. These are orchestral pieces with piano taking the starring solo role. Great[!]

Then I'd go for some of the later symphonies nr 38-41. There will be a number of recommendations in the threads Tam mentioned - I have a set of two old records from Bohm which I enjoy.

Tha should make about 5 ..

cheers

ian

Dear John,

The set of the last six symphonies under Bohm is splendid and very inexpensive on a DG Originals two pack CD. It is the real central recomendation in my view in this music, and not to be missed.

If this keeps going I have a few other good ideas, but I suspect a couple of Piano Concerto discs, (and I do think I sent Ian the right way, with Haskil and Anda, as in the other thread), and some symphonies would be a splendid kick off.

If you find yourself enjoying these, then come back, and I'll send you to some other fine things.

Alternatively look in my Thread, "A Record Library," on page two actually, and find the Mozart part, and none of these will disappoint I am sure. I can't generalise, so I would be happy to answer any questions about what is there, and also, suggest alternatives!

Great stuff, SJB! All the best from Fredrik

quote:

Originally posted by KenM:


I haven't heard the Ravel [Sonata for violin and cello] - I'll listen out for it.

Ken, what you want is the soundtrack to the film Un Coeur en Hiver, which contains wonderful performances of not only Ravel's Sonata for violin and cello but also Ravel's Piano Trio in A minor, his Sonata for violin and piano No. 2 in G major, and his Berceuse sur le nom de Gabriel Fauré, for violin and piano.

As far as I know, there is no other single collection of these fantastic late chamber works of Ravel. This is not the Ravel of Daphnis and Chloë or Bolero (not that there's anything wrong with those pieces), but, rather, the austere and stripped down works of a more mature Ravel. Unless one was very familiar with Ravel's entire oeuvre, one wouldn't even guess it was his work if all they had heard was the standard Ravel fare.

Really wonderful stuff, highly recommended.

Fred

quote:

Originally posted by fred simon:

quote:

Originally posted by KenM:


I haven't heard the Ravel [Sonata for violin and cello] - I'll listen out for it.

Ken, what you want is the soundtrack to the film Un Coeur en Hiver, which contains wonderful performances of not only Ravel's Sonata for violin and cello but also Ravel's Piano Trio in A minor, his Sonata for violin and piano No. 2 in G major, and his Berceuse sur le nom de Gabriel Fauré, for violin and piano.

As far as I know, there is no other single collection of these fantastic late chamber works of Ravel. This is not the Ravel of Daphnis and Chloë or Bolero (not that there's anything wrong with those pieces), but, rather, the austere and stripped down works of a more mature Ravel. Unless one was very familiar with Ravel's entire oeuvre, one wouldn't even guess it was his work if all they had heard was the standard Ravel fare.

Really wonderful stuff, highly recommended.

Fred

In the same line the very late Saint Seans is absolutley neither expected nor comparable with the famous bits, but it is truly compelling! Fredrik

Fred and Fredrik,

It sounds like a double act. Many thanks for your recommendations. If Sloop (and Mrs Sloop) will forgive me for going off-thread for a moment, the "Un coeur en hiver" soundtrack seems to have been withdrawn, and even scratched 2nd hand CD copies are expensive. Any other recommendations, for the Ravel and Saint-Saens pieces?

Best regards,

Ken

Ken, try this link to DeepDiscountCd.com in the US: http://tinyurl.com/ejwkk

Looks like they have it new for US$13.29, that is, if it is indeed in stock. You could email them to confirm, or just order it and see if it goes through.

Good luck.

Fred

Fred,
Many thanks. Being cautious, I've emailed them to confirm details.
Regards,
Ken

Ken, let me know how it turns out.

Hope you get the chance to enjoy this fantastic music.

Fred

Fred,
I've ordered a copy, but it's on back order, and is not expected in stock until July 7th. Add to that 10 to 20 days for shipping (their estimate) and hopefully, I'll be listening to it around the beginning of August. I'll let you know what I think of it. Fredrik's suggestion of late Saint-Saens is easier, in that there is a good number of discs available, but the Ravel is rare.

Sloop,
Back on thread, "Gramophone"'s top recommended disc for the August issue (arrived this morning) is Mozart. Unfortunately, their cover disc only has a track from this amounting to around 3 minutes, and most of that is talk. But even though I'm not usually an enthusiast for period instruments, the sound of the brief extract was lovely. I might investigate further.
Regards,
Ken.

Edited to remove an obscene typo - must be Freudian.

Well Mrs Sloop was delighted with the recommendations, thanks.

I have given several listens to some of them lately and to my surprise (I've never cared much for classical) I found I quite liked some of them.

My favourite so far is the Anda piano concertos 6,17 and 21. Some of it beautifully exquisite some stirringly powerful. I do not have enough knowledge to describe or articulate much on the classic front except to say how much I liked this disc.

I noticed I had Brendel/Mackerras with one of the same pieces. This did not do it as much for me. The juxtaposition of quiet and loud somehow was not as stirring fro me. Whether this is a facet of the recording or the performance I have no idea. I have always like recordings from the 50's whether jazz, rock n roll, blues or Sinatra.

Ricard Goode Mozart I really like with the caveat with similar one instrument Jazz albums I have my mind always tends to wander through it. I can't really keep my concentration as readily as when there are 3 or more instruments.

Bernstein symphonies 41 and 41.

I find the concertos more upbeat (which I prefer but these are 2 amazing pieces to my ears) The anguish of the first part of the Jupiter symphony is stunningly evocative.
When I listened to the Beecham version of this, the anguish was absent from this part and I found it all in all to be a more positive (in the mood sense) performance.

So thus ends my first classical comment in the Naim forum.I still have a Haskil and Uchida to get through but for the moment I'm going to listen to some Fall.

SJB