Curzon with Kubelik, thats the one. |
Pletnev,Ashkanazy,Anda,Barenboim,Fischer, these guys attempting conducting/piano, are the worst recordings in the catalogue. There is nothing satisfying about any of these recordings. The orchestras all sound way off,and either they are playing ahead or behind the orchestra at all times.??!! GooffY! Mozart intended that a conductor be present, and seems that's the only way they'll work. The obscure pianists on the Point Classic and Lazer Light labels are much much better performances than these "stars". And this principle applies to Oistrakh's recording of Mozart's violin concerti. Though he's my all-time favorite violinist, you could not even give me his EMI recordings. |
Buxter66, I'm not sure if you are actually saying that you don't care much for Oistrakh's style???!! You just can't be saying that? Oistrakh is known as a legend in all musical circles throughtout the world. On which recording of his did you get a bad taste? Do you prefer Heiftz? That's ok with me. How about Hillary Hahn? Back to Cdollars question, I really don't have a favorite on #21. Now on #'s 14,23,25 Moravec on Supraphon, and 20,23,24,25 again Moravec on Decca. ..Include the new Virgin recording of Piotr Anderszewski's piano/conducting of Mozart in the "least satisfying pile". |
Not refering to Pletnev as pianist, he spectatularly peforms Rachmaninov's P.C.#1 and the Rhapsody on a Theme Of Paganini, as well an outstanding (if not best) performance of the Tchaikovsky P.C. Same for Ashkanaky's Prokofiev and Rachmaninov's Concerti/Previn. The issue of soloist/conductor failure was brought to my attention years ago when I first heard Oistrakh's Mozart V.C. on EMI. These Mozart P.Concerti are great works and require absolute attention to the keys. Can't figure out why these guys decided to play superartist??? I would have loved to hear these recordings of Ashkanazy,Pletnev,,Fischer,and Anderszewski with a conductor on the podium. Never can get enough of great performances of Mozart's great P.C.'s. |
Cdpunn,Is Barenboim with a conductor while he's on the piano? In Chicago I'm sure you get to see some big names. (New Orleans not much ever comes this way). If you get a chance check the CSO schedule for Hillary Hahn, not to be missed. If anyone reads this, and does get to see or has seen Miss Hahn's performance, please post a review(start a new thread). Yes Pletnev on the Rachmaninov #1 Paganini Theme is "different", very fast playing, very accurate rendition. I'll certainly give his Mussorgsky a listen. I think on Chopin though, I have to go with Pollini, Perahia, Ashkanazy, in that order. |
I'll give it a listen, but lets see this guy perform #'s 20-27 in dual role. By the way just got in the Oistrakh performing/conducting Mozart P.C. #3 and another performance with Oistrakh playing #3 with Galleria conducting the orchestra. hummm, Oistrakh takes them both almost exactly the same. And the orchestra playing is good in his conductor position. I'm restating my position on these Oistrakh performances. But the pianist/conductor , I stand firm. |
I agree with Megasam, not anyone in particular is really satisfying, so cannot give a enthusiastic recommendation on concerti #'s 20-27, except for # 25. For me, this is Mozart's most unusual composition, as when the orchestra explodes in the last movement. Like nuclear energy! Richter/Bashmet/Teldec label,Moravec/Vlach/Supraphon label, Moravec/Marriner/Hanssler Classics label, and a "new discovery" for me is the 1989 recording of Michelangeli/Garbon/North German R.S.O./DG label($20!!). All of the above are highly recommended, but I have not heard the Michelangeli, could be a winner, but won't know until I hear. Will post a review on these performances in about 3 months. |
Cpd,Buxt,...Hillary Hahn for me is possibly the only new artist for violin that I consider worth buying. Can't believe your opinion of her playing. Now on her recording with Marriner/St Martins, I have to admit the conductor/orchestra really held her back, its good that its Out Of Print! (Marriner conducting the Dvorak concerto, out of his league) I'll give her recordings a more critical ear, and see what comes. But as for her Bach Partitas, possibly the best ever recorded. I've had Bach collectors state the very same opinion. Buxter you need to listen to Oistrakh/Cluytens/French N.O. on the Beethoven V.C., then post your opinion. You may change your tune on Oistrakh's playing. Szigeti and especially Heiftz are phenomenal artists!! |
To be honest I have not heard the artists above on the Bach. So you are correct, I should first listen to Enesco (??) and Szigeti, maybe Menuhin, though not a big fan of his other recordings. Great post, I can learn from reviews like this,and better keeps me on the track to best recordings. The Oistrakh/Cluytens was on a budget label I bought 2 years ago. sadly, I see now its out of print. hummm, there is another recording with the Berlin + a german conductor, not sure about a review, doubt its as good as the Cluytens. The only other one is with the legendary conductor Alexander Gauk(great conductor indeed!!!)/Moscow on the Classic D Oro label, 1940 recording. The sound is poor, but its worth the $7 if you love this concerto and Oistrakh as well. I have almost everything Oistrakh recorded + most of Heiftz(I'm new to Heiftz), have nothing by Szigeti. I'm abit more cautious about what I purchase, I've got my share of "dust-collecting" discs. |
You mention Bartok was a supreme pianist/artist, I completely agree. Take a listen as well to Ravel and Sarasarte performing their works on the piano rolls, absolutely stunning!!! Unbelievable! They are poetic with awesome skill. The same can be said about Rachmaninov's playing. I'll have to invest in the Szigeti. On the Pletnev, I'll have to give a second hearing. Your comparison of Hahn to a "lighter tasting peach" well describes vs the perfect tech sound of Oistrakh or the tremendous emotional content of Heiftz's playing. By the way did we ever answer Gdollar's question about the recommendation of the 21st Mozart? If he is reading along he sure is getting his money's worth on this thread! Maybe time to start other questions. BTW there is a classical chat site over at Gramophone. Its OK, hope to get better. |
Mega, you need to look into the incredible recordings by Moravec before they go out of print, released 1996, which will br soon I'm sure. P.C.#24&25 Marriner/St. Martins/Hanssler Classics, conducting/fair,orchestra/OK,Sound quality/fair . P.C.#'s 14,23,25. With the legendary Vlach conducting the legendary Czech,Supraphon released 1996, so it will also very soon be out of print. You will thank me on this one. Morave is the only pianist that takes the opening to the 2nd movement in #24 perfectly, the piano is in perfect tune. About sym #41, I'll start another thread. |
I've heard a few comments here "Oistrakh not my favorite, or first choice...". I could certainly point you in the direction of some recordings of Oistrakh that would change your opinion very quickly. I own just about everything in print of Oistrakh, very enjoyable to listen to. |
Brendel/Mackerras/Scottish Orchestra, perform spectatular concerti. Macherras' conducting is outstanding!! Don't think they recorded #21. But check out #25, my favorite. I perfer these recordings vs the Uchida/Tate/English Orchestra. |
Well i prefer Uchida over Brendel, but prefer Mackerras vs Tate. Brendel's playing lacks a gusto that is necessary for Mozart. Even Uchida takes it alittle too easy on the keyboard. Mackerras' conducting of Mozart with the Scottish C. O. is spectactular. As well Mackerras conducts the Prague C. O. with genius on the Symphonies. Though i like Walter/Columbia S. O. , the Mackerras are essential to own. |
