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Classical Music Review

We already have an experimental "Jazz Review" thread. These review threads can serve to compile our own small catalogue: I will try to do this for classical, if the thread picks up (help is welcome!).

In order to simplify reading & compiling, I propose some ground rules for posting that can be fine-tuned as we go along (or abandoned, if we feel restricted). I'm borrowing from Abstract's Jazz thread and modifying accordingly:

*Please change the sub title to read: {Composer}, {work
title};
*CONTINUE onto the 1st line: {main performer(s),i.e.
soloist/conductor/orchestra abbreviated},
{performance /sonic rating}.

This way, readers won't have to expand unless interested in the specific piece.

*Pls keep each post to the music stated in the subtitle. If
you are answering another post, again, pls keep the
musical reference in the subtitle... alternatively, do pls
use different posts for different pieces.

*Performance and sonic ratings on a 1 - 10 scale. In the
body write a short review and at the end put in all album
information (catalog number, label, etc.) so that other A-
goners can easily find it for purchase.

As "charity starts @ home": I will post some of my favourite perf's of Beethoven (piano concerti, violin) this W/E.

Thank you all in advance!
gregm

Showing 5 responses by gregm

gregm OP
3,395 posts
 
P. Orch./H. Schmidt-Isserstedt. 10,8

I find both Backhaus (crystal clear toucher, esp. left hand)and the orchestra under Isserstedt in excellent symbiosis here; the result sounds well beyond the "sum of the parts".
A very good reference -- or even starting point -- for these concerti.

The recording is very good for the time(1959-60).
Decca -- 3cd
gregm OP
3,395 posts
 
A hapsichord version to supplement the piano. Hantai's playing is vigorous and rythmical (not as fast as one by van Asperen). I find the playing very good technically -- but also very musical. Hantai gives us a hapsichord performance that is alive, rather than soporific.
(Opus 111 OPS30-84 //1992, maybe a new version out now).

Abstract, thank you for getting this rolling! 1878 Steinway!!! (drool, etc)
Regards.
gregm OP
3,395 posts
 
Chorus, Dresden Staatskapelle O., P. Schreier. 10/9

This is the older (1725) version, with Schreier at 63 conducting and singing the Evangelist's part. A very emotionally involved and powerfull performance; the singers sound to me to be spilling out their soul. Schreier's presence as a singer seems to enhance the homogeneity. Not necessarily technically perfect (the Evangelist in the first recitativi...) -- but eminently human.
(Philips, 1988/have the old version, # has changed).
gregm OP
3,395 posts
 
Orch./M. Sargent. 10/5

I rate Schnabel's playing over Backhaus in these concerti for the passion & the outstanding technique that allows this passion to be heard. M Sargent's direction is dynamic and involved -- sometimes (4th concerto) I get the impression of listening to Schnabel vs. Sargent upon a theme of Beethoven! The result is, as far as I know, unique -- and, don't get me wrong: it *is* Beethoven.

2CDs (2&5 / 3&4) Testament (old copies; again, don't know the new cat Nos)
gregm OP
3,395 posts
 
Szell / 10/8

It's not only Curzon's piano musicality (superior indeed) that makes me single out this performance. Rather, Szell's conducting in the maestoso (hair-raisingingly intense) makes this a "triple" concerto where the star players are Curzon, the LSO, Szell, all in a harmony game. I know there are other contenders for this concerto (Barenboim, etc) but the passion in this interpretation can and does give me goose-bumps...
Decca Legends, CD, 466 376-2

Guys, gals, if anyone is onto this, do give your favourites!
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