As I listened to Alpine Symphony this morning I thought of a hypothetical scenario where unlike a normal situation for many cntributors to this board whose heaving shelves have many versions of many things. Just imagine for a moment you have JUST ONE blank CD which you use to burn on either Tchaik's Manfred or R Strauss' Alpine Sym. Your decision is important as you will not be able to listen to the other, this being the last addition to a limited collection which will be your only listening for a trip to faraway climbs over the next nine months. So which is it to be and whose recording?
Manfred or Alpine Symphony
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Originally posted by barber olly View PostAs I listened to Alpine Symphony this morning I thought of a hypothetical scenario where unlike a normal situation for many cntributors to this board whose heaving shelves have many versions of many things. Just imagine for a moment you have JUST ONE blank CD which you use to burn on either Tchaik's Manfred or R Strauss' Alpine Sym. Your decision is important as you will not be able to listen to the other, this being the last addition to a limited collection which will be your only listening for a trip to faraway climbs over the next nine months. So which is it to be and whose recording?
Incidentally, I have this morning's version on CD and it's one of the fastest ever recorded
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Norfolk Born
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I'd go - albeit with reluctance at having to exclude the other - for Strauss's Alpine Symphony for the Epilogue alone. I know that EA will not approve of my chosen version but it just has to be BPO/Karajan so I can hear those magnificent horns in 'On the Summit' playing the theme strongly reminiscent of the Bruch Violin Concerto. And it has the most moving epilogue on disc. It's a birth-to-death piece for me rather than a mountain hike and Karajan understands this."The sound is the handwriting of the conductor" - Bernard Haitink
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StephenO
Originally posted by Eine Alpensinfonie View PostNo contest really. I'd record Manfred, as I've got plenty of Alpines and only 2 Manfreds, one of which is on LP.
Incidentally, I have this morning's version on CD and it's one of the fastest ever recorded
I love both works and, having a mere three recordings of each, it's a difficult choice. If I really had to choose, I think it would be the Alpine Symphony - but if they're both played as fast as this morning's performance, couldn't I fit both on a single disc?!
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Originally posted by Petrushka View PostAnd it has the most moving epilogue.... It's a birth-to-death piece for me rather than a mountain hike....
Recently I walked the West Highland Way (in the wrong direction). Towards the end of a long stretch (Kinlochleven to Bridge of Orchy, about 22 miles) there was a climb of 500 feet or so. It was getting late, I was absolutely pooped and soaked, and as usual lagging behind the rest. Fortunately had put the Alpine on my trusty ipod. Just as I reached the cairn at the top, the music reached its own summit. It was enormously uplifting - I found myself singing along loudly to the world (fortunately nobody!). The descent after that felt easy. Wonderful music!Pacta sunt servanda !!!
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Not even a nanosecond of thought required to decide to take the Strauss. I'd be inclined to go for the recent Nelssons version I heard on CDR as it sounded magnificent and I really want to hear it...."...the isle is full of noises,
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices..."
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Mahlerei
Oh I dunno; Haitink Mk 2 (LSO Live) is pretty special in the Epilogue (and just about everywhere else too).
And I'm not even a Bernie fan.....
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Mahlerei
Hullo Flay
Haven't seen you around these parts for a very long time :)
That Alpine isn't an impetuous, young man's view but a deeply considered rather lofty one. Another one I like very much - and it's the polar opposite of Haitink's - is Nagano and the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin on DVD. Phenomenal breadth and depth of sound, although the camerawork is a bit tricksy.
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