Frank Zappa / Grand Wazoo
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Like Spiritofradio I've had a classical weekend with Schubert's Unfinished Symphony. I'm always struck with the quick change of moods in this piece from quiet comforting to menacing and back. Spiritofradio you mention that maybe your stereo has spoiled you for the concert hall. I think it was way back in the 1950s pianist Glen Gould commented that recorded music was better than live performances. I suspect he meant the performance was better as he spliced sections together of performances he really liked before many studios did, but I often think of the sound stage. I always sit exactly in the same spot, 12 feet from my speakers, when listening, often in a darkened, quiet room. How can my seat at the concert hall compete with that. It is actually pop music I like live the most. It is more playful, with bands doing the unexpected, deciding to change the key on an old favorite or doing some improvising on the spot that makes live shows a treat too. Wayne |
Yes @wayneschlapkohl my observation was (mostly) about sq. I’m not qualified to judge really but I believe our Oregon Symphony comprises great musicians and leadership. Seems like they play very well. I’m just almost always disappointed with the sound in their principal venue. The sound coming out of my stereo (even when I’m sitting in the adjacent dining room….) from my turntable is cleaner, clearer, more dynamic (most surprisingly) and more balanced with more distinction between instruments…. I could go on and on. I don’t know about comparing different performances of the same music or the fundamental talents of different orchestras. The berlin philharmonic seems the most brilliant on the beethoven to me but what do I know. I’m just an old jazz trombone player….. _________________________________ Caroline Spence - “Mint Condition” _________________________________ Re more popular and contemporary stuff seen live. I go through phases but still see a lot of live music for an old guy. I’m often one of the handful of older persons, if not the oldest person, in the crowd. I have to overcome my loathing for discourteous crowds but I keep going for the reasons you mention with most articulate description, yes, and maybe also to watch fingers. Saw Son Volt last week and they began their set, as I’ve seen Jay do several times now, with all the songs from his latest record (Union: https://www.discogs.com/Son-Volt-Union/release/13436312) and it’s of course sloppier and noisier than on the record but it’s live baby! It’s real. No substitute. So, Caroline Spence is coming to my town on a Tuesday night next January on a double bill with some guy I don’t care much about but just bought my ticket. I must go see her perform in person to discover what the real deal is with this huge infatuation I have for her from just listening to her magical voice. She’s got kinda sneaky good talent. Control but not too contrived or dramatic or anything. Depth of genuine character. Just enough country - comes across as authentic. I have nothing but the best plans for our future life together…... |
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