Originally posted by amateur51
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Record Review: non-BaL discs reviewed, etc.
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amateur51
Originally posted by HighlandDougie View PostIt would probably never be a BaL recommendation but this performance has really got under my skin. Roll on Barenboim recording the 1st.
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Originally posted by HighlandDougie View PostIt would probably never be a BaL recommendation but this performance has really got under my skin. Roll on Barenboim recording the 1st.It loved to happen. -- Marcus Aurelius
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Originally posted by Thropplenoggin View Postthey really don't make sense to me.
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Originally posted by amateur51 View PostWhatever happened to 'quiet enjoyment' Cali?
Originally posted by Eine Alpensinfonie View PostIt really was a fascinating BaL this morning, especially the Schumann and Elgar.
The Barenboim Elgar started so well, that striding theme well played and ideally paced... but then on slammed the brakes into a terribly slow, pulse-free second subject, that just seemed mannered and self-regarding to me. I know that 'architectural' issues such as that are hard to judge from shortish extracts.... but it sounded to be a non-starter for me. (See the 'Tribune des Critiques' thread in a while for another example from the same celebrated artist )
And then there was more of the same in the Rattle way with the scherzo of the Schumann 2nd symphony It really did sound precious. And after a 1st Symphony that started so well!
The Nézet-Séguin/COE scherzos did sound much better, and their reading of the 4th sounded great too... But I thought their speedy approach to the 1st movement of the 1st Symphony trivialised it.
No need to pass over our Japanese pressings of the Sawallisch performances, Jayne!"...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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Originally posted by Thropplenoggin View PostI heard the clip on CD Review this morning, which merely served to remind me that I just don't get his symphonies whoevers playing them. Apart from the opening melody of the First, they really don't make sense to me. I can't get into them, finding them a sort of aural pot pourri (I can hear Tchaikovsky, Wagner, Brahms, etc.) whose elements, counterpoint and internal logic I can't seem to fathom."...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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Originally posted by Caliban View PostThe Barenboim Elgar started so well, that striding theme well played and ideally paced... but then on slammed the brakes into a terribly slow, pulse-free second subject, that just seemed mannered and self-regarding to me. I know that 'architectural' issues such as that are hard to judge from shortish extracts.... but it sounded to be a non-starter for me.
And then there was more of the same in the Rattle way with the scherzo of the Schumann 2nd symphony It really did sound precious. And after a 1st Symphony that started so well!
The Nézet-Séguin/COE scherzos did sound much better, and their reading of the 4th sounded great too... But I thought their speedy approach to the 1st movement of the 1st Symphony trivialised it.[FONT=Comic Sans MS][I][B]Numquam Satis![/B][/I][/FONT]
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Originally posted by HighlandDougie View PostIt took me a long time to "get" Elgar's symphonies and the 2nd in particular. It was hearing Solti's recording of the 1st (a revelation) and then the live wartime Boult recording of the 2nd, followed by hearing them a number of times in concert which convinced me that they stand comparison with any great symphony. To me, they sound distinctively "Elgarian". As it pains me that anyone cannot fathom them, you can expect a parcel in the post, Thropps.
I also struggle with Vaughan-Williams's symphonies. Again, it's not for want of trying.Last edited by Thropplenoggin; 18-05-14, 21:13.It loved to happen. -- Marcus Aurelius
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Originally posted by Caliban View Post
And then there was more of the same in the Rattle way with the scherzo of the Schumann 2nd symphony It really did sound precious. And after a 1st Symphony that started so well!
Originally posted by ferneyhoughgeliebte View PostYes - so many of Rattle's recent recordings of 19th Century repertoire are blighted by heavy-handed rubato (IMO). But I disagree about N-S; I was really taken up by the verve of what was played yesterday morning.
His most remarkable feat is how long he's managed to stay at helm of the Berliner Phil. That and his perma-perm.It loved to happen. -- Marcus Aurelius
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Originally posted by Thropplenoggin View PostI wasn't convinced by the Barbirolli EMI set (resold) but hearing both of your own troubles in this respect, and Caliban's in other Elgar works, I will approach the contents of this parcel with an open mind. I must remember to send you my new address.I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered. My life is my own.
I am not a number, I am a free man.
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Originally posted by Caliban View PostLike HD, I'm sorry about this although totally understand from my own experiences with other pieces. But the Elgar symphonies are pretty central for me. Do tell us what's in Dougie's parcel!It loved to happen. -- Marcus Aurelius
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Originally posted by Thropplenoggin View PostI wasn't convinced by the Barbirolli EMI set (resold) but hearing both of your own troubles in this respect, and Caliban's in other Elgar works, I will approach the contents of this parcel with an open mind. I must remember to send you my new address.
I also struggle with Vaughan-Williams's symphonies. Again, it's not for want of trying.
Elgar and RVW symphonies IMO have everything and are about everything.
Who said a symphony should be about the world (Mahler?),to me these works are just that.
More than that they are essential for my well being and sanity.
I just can't fathom why other people can't fathom them.
I've no room to talk though,I can't fathom Sibelius.
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