What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol. XIII)
Posted by: Richard Dane on 01 January 2017
2017 has arrived today, so time to start this thread afresh.
Last year's thread can be found here;
A+3
nigelb posted:Leonard Cohen - Popular Problems
My favourite LC album. Like a fine wine, the man just got better with age.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Muriel Chemin (piano)
I am attracted to artist who show reverence for the great music that they play. With Muriel Chemin this is very clear that she has thought about every note and every angle and each key is pressed with adoring love. Details are the focus rather than speed and muscle so quite the opposite interpretation of most of the mainstream machine. This is an introverted and intellectual interpretation in comparison and one that suits me just perfectly fine as characteristics that I admire.
Tedi Papavrami (violin) | Nelson Goerner (piano)
Gabriel Fauré: Violin Sonata No. 1 in A major, Op. 13 and No. 2 in e-minor, Op. 108
César-Auguste-Jean-Guillaume-Hubert Franck: Sonata in A major
I have been on a Franck Violin Sonata lately and so this was really the motivation to hear some recent recordings. I realize that there is this view that Franck should not be played in an overly romantic style and so this recording seems to follow this style. Sadly, for me it this that precisely makes it difficult for me to latch on to it. A little to quick and lacking any heartfelt emotion I was left a little cold with this Franck. The Fauré is fine.
Franziska Pietsch (violin) | Detlev Eisinger (piano)
César Franck: Sonata in A major \ Karol Szymanowski: Mythes op. 30, Trois Poemes / Romanze in D major, op. 23
Generally, this is a similar speed to Papavrami / Goerner except in the 2nd movement Allegro but there is clearly a tad more passion involved. It is in the little things like holding off a millisecond before playing the key point in a climax that makes this a much more meaningful and relatable interpretation. You can clearly hear that this is a Bösendorfer piano and it is quite alright. It should be no surprise that I do prefer the cello version of this sonata but I do like Pietsch's sound here. The reason is that the violin can sound so shrill often but she plays here with quite a focused, earthy passion that I do like her playing as well.
Reminiscences: Camille Thomas (cello) | Julien Libeer (piano)
Along with little ditties from Fauré, Saint-Saëns, Ysaÿe and Duparc you have the centre piece A major sonata from Franck. Immediately, for me it is like coming home to hear the cello version. Having spent two years of my life learning this piece on the piano I do have some certain bias here in this matter. This goes for the interpretation as well and there is no way in my mind that Franck could have had any other intention that this work describes a romance (maybe forbidden?) and each movement takes us through this story - from uncertainty to turmoil to pain to ecstasy to passion to calm to peace. The symbolism and full description is right there in the music. It is remarkable and there is no other piece like it. I say forbidden as this my have been a musical diary of Franck's own desire for one of his younger students? Think of a happily married, devout church organist caught up in this scandal. Better to just convey this through the music? Real or imagined, it is a brilliant musical example which turns out better this way on paper compared to real life. It is a nice place to be in even if this is fantasy and exists only in ones imagination.
The cello version always wins for me as knowing the above the cello just emulates the human voice so well. There is a great deal of chamber music that I have struggled with from time to time in keeping ones composure while playing with someone else. It doesn't always happen but when it does happen you both know it and your body reacts too. For me personally, this Franck sonata is one of the most emotionally charged pieces to get through if played correctly.
I really like these two players here in this recording. Libeer is a fantastic pianist and I believe Thomas recently just signed on with Deutsche Grammophon.
A magnificent example. Move over Julien, you are so lucky to be able to play with her...
A + 3 | WAV
(2016)
Easing my way into Sunday morning with this longform ambient electronic piece from Cousin Silas. Slightly reminiscent of Brian Eno's Apollo, this was originally issued years ago on the now defunct netlable Unsheep but happily lives again by being re-released on the weareallghosts label and bandcamp.
Eric Legnini - Rhythm sphere.
Triple vinyl. Who'd have thought Can were such a brilliant singles band?
Philip Catherine - Oscar
Guests
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band UK first press vinyl. I haven't heard this in ages, but two things strike one upon listening: first, just how incredible Spector's stark production is; and second, Lennon's voice. Has there ever been a better male singer in rock 'n' roll? I can't think of one...
Inevitably, I now have to follow up with Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band, released the same day as John's version. Although much more avant garde than the Lennon record, I think it's just as good. This is the 1997 Rykodisc CD version:
One of the best sounding discs I own. Luckily enough I have 2 copies.
Jeroen20 posted:Chet Baker - Crystal bells
- Chet Baker - Trumpet
- Philip Catherine - Guitar
- jean-Louis Rassinfosse - Bass
Jeroen,
It looks like you are on a quest to get the whole label. I found the Baker recording on Amazon but the asking prices for a used copy were in the $300s and a new one was going for over $400. I might as well check leasing options..
