Essential Classics - The Continuing Debate

[Stanfordian]

A couple of anoraks discussing their obsession. No more. No less. You should hear bus anoraks going on about theirs. Bores me to tears, but does no real harm.

I agree that it goes no harm. But it does not mean that I like it.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I agree that it goes no harm. But it does not mean that I like it.

It's harming my well-being at this very moment. If I want to hear the likes of Michel Roux Jr rambling on about his grandmother, interspersed by his choice of music, i can tune into Radio 4's Desert Island Discs once a week.

[ahinton]

It's harming my well-being at this very moment. If I want to hear the likes of Michel Roux Jr rambling on about his grandmother, interspersed by his choice of music, i can tune into Radio 4's Desert Island Discs once a week.

I don't think that you'll find him to be a weekly castaway! Your point is taken, however; I just don't get the point of this kind of thing outside that particular programme and its bigger brother Private Passions.

[Stanfordian]

It's harming my well-being at this very moment. If I want to hear the likes of Michel Roux Jr rambling on about his grandmother, interspersed by his choice of music, i can tune into Radio 4's Desert Island Discs once a week.

Hiya Eine Alpensinfonie, Most of these so-called celebrities I have never heard of. The BBC seem obsessed with celebrity culture that is if they are not promoting tweeting in with inane comments and playing music backwards. As you say If I want this type of thing I listen to Desert Island Discs and Private Passions.

[teamsaint]

Hiya Eine Alpensinfonie, Most of these so-called celebrities I have never heard of. The BBC seem obsessed with celebrity culture that is if they are not promoting tweeting in with inane comments and playing music backwards. As you say If I want this type of this I listen to Desert Island Discs and Private Passions.

If I find I want this kind of listen, I book an appointment for a check up with the doctor .

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

If I find I want this kind of listen, I book an appointment for a check up with the doctor .

Children's Favourites or Housewives' Choice?

[Lento]

Martin Shaw chose the opening of Messiah performed by Sargent and RLPO, Thursday just after 10am. It sounded just wrong to me: is it the slowest ever rendition? I can't believe Handel would have approved!

[Nick Armstrong]

Very engaging cove, though, Martin Shaw isn't he?

I enjoyed voting this morning with Soviet-era Prokofiev 5 in one ear - a strange counterpoint to exercising one's democratic whatsits (further colour added by the fact that our Polling Station is a primary school, so this most serious function is carried out among a riot of finger paintings and other colourful children's paintings covering the walls and garlanded on strings across the ceiling.)

All most agreeably surreal!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

My first hearing of Messiah was via a 19 disc 78 rpm set (now on 2 Dutton CDs) so this slow rendering (it is marked "Grave") feels somehow comfortable and sincere. However, Sargent does not double dot the opening section, and I'm sure he should...

[Lento]

[COLOR="#0000FF"]Very engaging cove, though, Martin Shaw isn't he?

Absolutely: a pleasant listen, despite the Handel!

[antongould]

Absolutely: a pleasant listen, despite the Handel!

Yes I have enjoyed him too... Nice to hear someone admit to having been, on occasions, a bit of a pratt....

[teamsaint]

Yes I have enjoyed him too... Nice to hear someone admit to having been, on occasions, a bit of a pratt....

Being unprofessional?

[antongould]

Being unprofessional?

Just So ts

[Nick Armstrong]

As commented on the 'legendary recordings' thread, I'm grateful to EC (and perhaps Rob Cowan if the choice was his) for getting me to listen at last to the Szell/Cleveland Mahler 4 this morning. It is an absolutely magical performance, dare I say 'essential'... even though having been listening to Mahler for 35 years or so now, I'd failed to hear it until today

[cloughie]

As commented on the 'legendary recordings' thread, I'm grateful to EC (and perhaps Rob Cowan if the choice was his) for getting me to listen at last to the Szell/Cleveland Mahler 4 this morning. It is an absolutely magical performance, dare I say 'essential'... even though having been listening to Mahler for 35 years or so now, I'd failed to hear it until today

I guess Cali that 35 years ago there were more choices at reasonable prices that there were 50 years ago when the Szell on CBS Classics was one of the most affordable gems. The Sony CD 50 years on is also. Enjoy and catch up Cali.