Desert Island DISC

Thanks Munch,
Didn't realise it had already been around - just shows there's never a new idea ( or maybe good ones never go away ) . I saw the "what are you listening to" thread, but not the Desert Island, Your house is on fire save a record type of thing
My apologies
Barrie

Hi Munch,
I hadn't heard of her before, but I've just had a look/listen on her MySpace page and she's got a delightful voice
Barrie

Mozart, String Quintets, augmented Arthur Grumiaux Trio.
Ken

Bach Brandenburg Concertos.



In Mogens Wöldike's estimable 1950 and 1953/4 performances, which are available here:

http://classicorecords.dk/

These are not really HIP recorded performances, and use such as transverse flutes instead of recorders in the Forth Concerto for example, but after several months with them, they have become easily my favourite set, even if they are really an appendix recommendation to place beside more modern and somewhat better recorded sets!

Such as the versions from HM Linde, or Trevor Pinnock.

There is a quiet grandness to the conception of the music, which is presented in a clear and detailed way without eccentricity, but with human warmth not so far below their surface.

There may be more extrovert renderings, better recorded examples, and more virtuosic, but few seem so apt to me.

Yes this is my desert island disc ...

George

Cammell Laird Social Club

CD (PROBE52CD), 23 September 2002

The Light At The End Of The Tunnel (Is The Light Of An Oncoming Train)
When The Evening Sun Goes Down
San Antonio Foam Party
Them's The Vagaries
If I Had Possession Over Pancake Day
The Referee's Alphabet
She's In Broadstairs
Tyrolean Knockabout
Breaking News
27 Yards Of Dental Floss
Paradise Lost (You're The Reason Why)
Thy Damnation Slumbereth Not
Stavanger Töestub

first of all I'm cheating cause it's a double album but I love this album.

It may not be the best album ever but, if I was stuck on an island I know this album would cheer me up.

Not long ago I introduced Munch to the Brandenburg recording I mention above, and here is his response to it!

Does the Morgens Woldike Bach album count ... ?

Because for me its the most perfic recording i have ever heard.

Munch

Forgive me for reposting this here as Munch was so excited by this old set that I suggested he post it on the Desert Island thread! He most kindly put it on my Music Unarranged thread, but his reaction gives a hint that this is music making not just for dusty old Bachians like me!

ATB from George

I can't think of JUST ONE.

But a stab at it would be Ella's song book of Harold Arlen, 2 albums of wonderful songs you could sing for the rest of your life.

Today I've decided on



Sinfonietta
Taras Bulba
Lachian Dances
and more .....

Leos Janácek invented prog-rock before anybody had even evented rock - this music is just so good, so faultless, so wonderful .... this just has everything I like in music in one package - greatest composer of the 20th century - not 'arf.

Lachian Dances is based on Moravian folk themes. It is all good, but beyond good is Dymák where you can hear the blacksmith's hammer striking hot steel and Pilky where you can close your eyes and see a man hurriedly collecting his firewood in preparation for winter. I usually despair when somebody rearranges folk themes into a classical work, but this is different as for once the composer honours the spirit of tradition and presents the music in a form that is as accessible as the original. Why are Czech's so talented?

Of course some Leos nicked the opening and closing themes for Sinfonietta from ELP's knife edge and the middle section was inspired by an episode of Crown Court with John Barron as the judge, but they are misinformed 'cos Mr Janácek did it first.

ATB Rotf