Your Latest CD/DVD/Download Purchase

[Bryn]

Well I have already mentioned the CD issue of Mahler's '10th' (Carpenter) from Zinman elsewhare, but with it came the Naxos re-issue of Havergal Brian's In Memoriam, Festival Dance, and Symphonies 17 & 32 (RTENSO, Leaper). I di not get these when they were on the full price Marco Polo label and am very glad to hear them now. The In Memoriam, and Festival Dance are fairly early works form the first decade of the last century. THe difference in style and content between them and the later (1960s) Symphonies is stark indeed.

[Don Petter]

I'm told everything's been sorted, so here goes with my (nearly out of date) text again:-

My most recent CD is Hyperion’s ‘The Romantic Piano Concerto – 38’, on which Marc-André Hamelin plays the Rubinstein PC No.4 and Scharwenka’s PC No.1 (BBC Scottish SO, Stern). I’m no great fan of M-AH but it was in a charity shop for £1 and I couldn’t just pass it by! I do like the two composers, so look forward to hearing it as soon as I get time.

The last CD I bought new was Mompou plays Mompou on enSayo. (The one with Impresiones intimas etc.) Some years ago I had all the enSayo MpM CDs but they got passed on in one of my rare purges. Recently I downloaded some much earlier recordings of him playing his works from three 78s (Cancon y Danzas 1, 2, 3, 4 and Chopin-Mompou: Waltz in A minor) and this sparked my interest to hear the later recordings again. I could only find this single CD at any reasonable price, and I have been enjoying hearing these performances again. Purges are not necessarily a good thing.

Success! Many thanks to all who sweated to sort out our little problem - much appreciated!

[johnb]

The last CD I bought new was Mompou plays Mompou on enSayo. (The one with Impresiones intimas etc.) Some years ago I had all the enSayo MpM CDs but they got passed on in one of my rare purges. Recently I downloaded some much earlier recordings of him playing his works from three 78s (Cancon y Danzas 1, 2, 3, 4 and Chopin-Mompou: Waltz in A minor) and this sparked my interest to hear the later recordings again. I could only find this single CD at any reasonable price, and I have been enjoying hearing these performances again. Purges are not necessarily a good thing.

Don, I hadn't realise that there were any recordings of Mompou performing his own works! How would you say Mompou's recordings compare with those of Stephen Hough (if you have heard SH's CD of Mompou, that is)?

[Curalach]

Who is the artist?

It's one of mine Dougie. It was painted in gouache about 4 years ago and is called Hebridean Shore. It was exhibited and sold at the Royal Glasgow Institute in 2007. I'm glad you like it.
C

[StephenO]

Curalach, I can only echo Dougie's admiration. I wouldn't mind having it on my wall! Reminds me of many happy times spent in the Western Isles.

[johnb]

It's one of mine Dougie. It was painted in gouache about 4 years ago and is called Hebridean Shore. It was exhibited and sold at the Royal Glasgow Institute in 2007. I'm glad you like it.
C

Some people are just too damned talented.

[Don Petter]

john,

The CD I bought (new, on eBay for £7.29) was Ensayo ENY-CD-9727. Further research confirms my memory that the recordings were made in 1974, when Mompou was 81, and originally issued on LP, then on 4 CDs in about 1987. The above CD comes from a later re-issue of the set in 1997.

What I had forgotten was that Brilliant re-issued the set in 2008, which I have now ordered for not much more than I paid for the single CD!

I haven’t heard the Hough recordings, so can’t give an opinion there. I do have some Mompou played by De Larrocha, but she could do no wrong as far as I’m concerned and is therefore hors concours.

Mompou’s playing is by no means perfect – fair enough at his age – but a unique document and well worth hearing. The three 78s which I referred to are available as a free download from Neal’s Historical Recordings site:

http://nealshistorical.wordpress.com/2008/07/24/vincent-dindy-federico-mompou-play-their-own-works/

which I can heartily recommend. (Together with the Mompou, you will find d'Indy playing d'Indy!)

[johnb]

Don, thank you so much for the information.

I'm certainly going to explore his recordings over the weekend!

[johnb]

Tempted by Cellini's enthusiasm I've just ordered the Elias Quartet's recording of the Britten Quartets.

(Reading posts on this forum, and the old Radio 3, tends to seriously diminish your wealth.)

[Mahlerei]

just bought this on a whim. Have no idea what it's like but looking forward to it anyway :)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Buxtehude-Scandinavian-Cantata-Brevis-Cantatas/dp/B00442M0QW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1291033911&sr=1-1

[BBMmk2]

I saw Elgar's Vc with Kennedy and the LPO in a charity shop recently. Couldn't resisit it for £1.99!!!!!!!

[Cellini]

Tempted by Cellini's enthusiasm I've just ordered the Elias Quartet's recording of the Britten Quartets.

(Reading posts on this forum, and the old Radio 3, tends to seriously diminish your wealth.)

I hope you like it!! I listened to the C major Op 36 last night, as I was in a bad mood and it was wonderful. The playing is a bit raw but I like it that way.

[Thomas Roth]

Elgar: In the South and first symphony with Solti. (Again).

[pastoralguy]

I saw Elgar's Vc with Kennedy and the LPO in a charity shop recently. Couldn't resisit it for £1.99!!!!!!!

Super recording! My all time fav. of this work untilhe re-recorded it with Sir Simon.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Super recording! My all time fav. of this work untilhe re-recorded it with Sir Simon.

Do you really think the Rattle version is an improvement over the one with that great Elgarian, Vernon Handley? The earlier was Gramophone Record of the Year. The later one...?