Classical Music for Aficionados
melm, thanks for the background on "Ashoken Farewell". When Burns' film "The Civil War" was released I was fascinated by much of the music, so bought the CD soundtrack. But I was particularly taken by "Ashoken Farewell" so also picked up Ungar's Fiddle Fever album which introduced that song. I still find it beautiful and haunting. No matter if it was not written as a tribute to the Civil War and those wounded or killed then, I felt it was a perfect choice by Burns. |
Hey frog, if that marvels you just imagine living in San Diego. Much of the water there is piped from the Colorado River but some comes from northern CA by way of LA, so that is several hundred miles. Of course everyone adds their upcharge along the way so it becomes very expensive by the time it reaches the consumer. Sorry from the interlude from music. |
I’m new to this site and have not read through all the posts, so these may have already been suggested. Regarding Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances. Analogue Productions. — Dallas Symph Orch. Johanos, cond., it is an audiophile favorite and I have the LP. However for my taste the performance by Ashkenazy and the Concertgebouw Orchestra on London is much more satisfying, even on CD. The tempos are more spritely and make the Dallas version sound draggy in comparison. I find it to be a very good digital recording as well. Since rv mentions sonics, and is not averse to vinyl, I can recommend a couple which I find to sound quite natural. "Stravinsky Conducts Histoire Du Soldat Suite" with the Columbia Chamber Ensemble on Columbia. Nothing like going to the source. ;^) Also "Rossini Overtures" by Academy of St. Martin-In-The-Fields with Marriner on Philips, 6500 878. Interestingly there was another Rossini by ASMITF on Philips, 9500 349, which does not offer nearly the same natural sonic presentation. |
schubert and kef, I didn't "get into" classical music until college, but that did not include opera. Over the years a few friends were opera buffs so I was exposed to it. I then developed some enjoyment for the music itself and added several opera overture recordings to my collection. But I still didn't care for most of the singing. Then a couple of decades ago I happened upon an RCA CD, "Opera Goes to the Movies". As you might guess, that included arias by several well known singers which had been used in movie soundtracks. One of those was Bjorling performing "Nessun Dorma". That still gives me chills whenever I listen so obviously he became a favorite. |
schubert, of course I've heard "the big guy" perform Nessum Dorma and it was enjoyable. But he didn't tingle my emotional fibers as Bjorling's version does. I say that as someone without any musical training but as an active listener since I was about 14, and that was decades ago! I feel the same about some of Uchida's performances. Few musicians bring the same emotional response for me as her playing. BTW, as an audio hobbyist I loved your comment "I have the greatest 15K system in the world and it only cost me 45K !" I may have to quote that among a few friends. ;^) |
schubert, I expected my admission about lack of musical training would be well understood. I don't have much basis for technical evaluation in comparing performances. So I rely on emotional reaction, along with memories of other performances of the same music which is where personal preferences come to play. Offered just to be clear. |
I've been away, but seeing this I thought some might find it interesting. What can you do in 5 minutes? https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/06/arts/music/5-minutes-that-will-make-you-love-classical-music.html |
Allow me to add my appreciation for the contributions by the frogman. Both here and on a jazz site, he offers great insights to the music and the artists. He has a way of doing this for musical dummies like myself, while not dumbing down his comments, so they are also meaningful to those with more musical background. Others of course add valuable insights, but few with the depth and consistency of the frogman, a treasure for those looking to learn. With that, here's wishing a warm and wonderful Holiday Season to all, and a safe and sane New Year. |
