Records recently heard

Well I managed to get back to this forum after a while away...
This seems like a great thread to get me started...
Lots of nice suggestions here, some I will definitely have a look at.

Here are two of the cds I'm listening to at the moment (amongst some of the stuff I am actually rehearsing to like Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings and Stravinsky's Appolon Musagete... oh and the mandatory Mendhelsson Octet I tend to hear once a week or so... lol).

- Lorenzo Ghielmi plays Nikolaus Bruhns Complete Organ Works
An album that also include a couple of pieces by Buxtehude. Until now I didn't know Bruhns and I find it very enjoyable if not in the same league as Bach. The recording is fantastic. It is a Winter&Winter edition and they are well known for the quality of their recordings (which are mostly in the jazz realm). I have a few other cds from W&W and the quality is superb, as is this one. For the recording alone I strongly recommend it.
It was performed and recorded in the organ of the Church of San Simpliciano, Milan. I am am no expert in organ playing but I find the interpretation very engaging.

- Mozart's Requiem, performed by Le Concert des Nations and directed by Jordi Savall. Recorded in Alsace in 1991 this is the most amazing interepretation of the Requiem I've ever heard. The Requiem is one of my all time favourite pieces of music and I have heard quite a few recordings of it. Sir Neville Marriner's is one of the ones I really like, but none will stand a chance compared to this one. The sheer passion, dynamic and detail is astounding and being such a small ensemble with original instruments they do not indulge in the heavy sound that was probably not custom of the time. Listening to something like the "Dies Irae" is a completely new experience. Try it if you like the Requiem.

That's it, my two pence worth for today.
Look forward to more interesting suggestions from you lot.

Cheers,
Jack

 

Sorry, as I re-read my post above I realise I made a mistake, and so that no italian in the forum gets offended the Winter&Winter album was recorded in the album of the BASILICA di San Simpliciano in Milan.

It is still very nice indeed.

Jack

 

The organ... in the organ... oh nevermind i am obviously not with it today.

 

My favourite version:


I have the Savall too, and it is indeed very good, but I like this one better.

 

I have this in vinyl, but the CD copy is quite cheap. It also has more tracks than the vinyl. The most famous piece is the classic recording of Allegri's Miserere, with Roy Goodman as treble soloist. It also has the famous version of "Zadok the Priest".

The recordings are now quite old, and some of them have noticeable hiss, but the music and the performances are superb.

 

I surprised myself. Inspired by TonyL's enthusiasm for Philip Glass (the bits of whose music I've heard up to now I've found rather boring), I tried this on Saturday:

and blow me down if I didn't like it enough to buy it. It is quite melodious, and the concerto for two timpani (with Jonathan Haas and Evelyn Glennie as soloists) is great fun. Clearly Mr. Glass demands another hearing... The cello concerto, with Julian Lloyd-Webber as soloist, is also worth a listen.

 

I think that Viktoria Mullova is currently one of the best violinists and that her latest CD of 5 Vivaldi violin concertos is probably her finest recording so far. Stunning.

 

Thanks for that, Artikulat. I confess to having looked at that CD a few times and have been tempted. I think I'll stray into temptation's way again...

 

You're welcome Tones - Did you know that she also recorded a couple of discs with violin concertos and partitas of your beloved Bach? Something else to perhaps tempt you if they are not already in your collection

 

I have the violin concertos, by the Mullova Ensemble - this one:

A very nice disc, with a spare, clean sound (it's a small group), different to my other favourite, Anne-Sophie Mutter, who plays with a warmth and beauty that makes strong men (and me) weep.

The partitas are one of the Mount Everests of the violinist's art - I have Rachel Podger's set, recorded on a baroque violin - wonderful raspy sound.

 

Surely that was Ravels Bolero?

With regard to the Songs of the Auvernge, I've always liked Jill Gomez.

tones,

Do you have the CD No. for that Phillip Glass concerto's disc, please? The one with the Cello concerto.

 

This one, tones? It doesn't make me weep but the hairs do stand up on my arms !!

 

That is a stunning recording of the Bach concertos.

 

The very one. Brilliant record.

 

Here 'tis, Basil:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t..._2_1/104-8218125-0333502?v=glance&s=classical

P.S. No, "Bolero" was a competition programme. I think the "Bailero" routine was devised after they turned professional.

 

Many thanks tones.

Now that you're developing a taste for Phillip Glass, you must try Akhnaten, I think it's superb!

 

Do you have a recommended version?

 

Since I am no longer investing in boxes (never got involved in cables or power supplies or other 'quack doctor' type goods) I am going to buy the Rachel Podger recordings of Bach's sonatas and partitas. I am not yet that enthused by his cantatas but there is so much else to explore - and I am a relative newcomer to baroque and particularly Bach's music. Better late than never ...........

 

The Stuttgart State Opera Orchestra & Chorus conducted by Dennis Russell Davies.

Akhnaten

 

If you're developing a taste for Glass Tones, it's well worth your while seeking out Steve Reich and Terry Riley's stuff. Try before you buy though because some of it is very odd.