Record Review: non-BaL discs reviewed, etc.

[HighlandDougie]

Has anyone had a chance to hear the complete performance?

It would probably never be a BaL recommendation but this performance has really got under my skin. Roll on Barenboim recording the 1st.

[amateur51]

It would probably never be a BaL recommendation but this performance has really got under my skin. Roll on Barenboim recording the 1st.

Many thanks HD - I just hope it gets on to Quobuz/Spotify soon so that we can listen to the full performance

[Thropplenoggin]

It would probably never be a BaL recommendation but this performance has really got under my skin. Roll on Barenboim recording the 1st.

I 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.

[Barbirollians]

Whatever happened to 'quiet enjoyment' Cali?

Unless the landlord is doing the works that won't get you anywhere - nuisance however...

[HighlandDougie]

they really don't make sense to me.

It 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.

[Nick Armstrong]

Whatever happened to 'quiet enjoyment' Cali?

They have Council permission for Saturday mornings, ams

It really was a fascinating BaL this morning, especially the Schumann and Elgar.

I was able to hear these segments (as well as hear myself think) this morning, the examples played were very interesting.

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!

[Nick Armstrong]

I 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.

Like 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!

[Warlock]

Some JB I hope!

[Barbirollians]

Some JB I hope!

I hope so . He needs it.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

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.

- exactly my own reaction, Cali (and AndrewMcG was spot on about those gleeful "whoops" from the horns: superb! And then everything just got stuck in the mud )

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.

Yes - 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.

[Thropplenoggin]

It 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 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.

[Thropplenoggin]

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!

Yes - 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.

That's Rattle for me - an admixture of unwelcome interventionism and the clinical pristineness of everything.

His most remarkable feat is how long he's managed to stay at helm of the Berliner Phil. That and his perma-perm.

[teamsaint]

I 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 feel sure that there is plenty in HDs collection that I cant fathom.

[Thropplenoggin]

Like 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!

Perhaps he'll throw in a few Sibelius discs to help sugar the pill.

[EdgeleyRob]

I 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.

Strange isn't it Thropple.

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.