BaL 20.02.16 - Shostakovich: Symphony no. 9

[BBMmk2]

Have this set already, so thank goodness! :)

[BBMmk2]

A schoolboy pash?

:) Haha Flossy!

[makropulos]

Slightly off topic (not a commercial recording) but about this symphony: it was very interesting talking to Charles Mackerras about this work (which he loved). In 1962 at the Edinburgh Festival, he conducted it with the Polish Radio SO in the presence of Shostakovich, who came to rehearsals and gave him a lot of advice about tempo. In 2006, CM conducted the piece with the Berlin Philharmonic in two wonderful performances which were recorded by the orchestra for archival purposes.

[visualnickmos]

.....In 2006, CM conducted the piece with the Berlin Philharmonic in two wonderful performances which were recorded by the orchestra for archival purposes.

Wouldn't that be a tremendous new release.....

[Stanfordian]

Why is the volume level of the first extract so low compared with D Nice's voice? It's barely audible. The same thing happens on Breakfast where music volume levels are often half what they should be.

Hiya seabright,

If the BBC with all its broadcasting experience can't get recording levels right then there is no hope for anyone one else!

[BBMmk2]

Have to catch up on this one but wasthere any mention of Jansons?

[Pulcinella]

Have to catch up on this one but wasthere any mention of Jansons?

Yes there was!

[Nick Armstrong]

was there any mention of Jansons?

Very much so, Bbm - indeed, it was one of the two recordings other than the 'winner' that really caught my attention during this classic BAL - the Oslo/Janssons and the Rozhdestvensky/USSRMCSO discussed extensively above. Am just listening to the latter - have to say, it is to my ears let down by the thin and acidic Melodiya recording, though plainly a tremendous performance.

The several extracts played from the Janssons sounded so good, I'm going to investigate further.

But of course (apart from Bernstein/VPO which didn't get a mention from Mr Nice) on the shelf already is the winner in the legendary Superdrug 20p-a-disc boxset

I found it interesting to have highlighted by the reviewer how Barshai's performance differs (largely by its fidelity to markings etc) from others available. One of the best of that set, as I already thought.

[Cockney Sparrow]

Looking at the timings on the website, it seems likely (here's hoping) that the winner, the Rozhdestvensky, will be played complete on Essential Classics on Monday. I'm loathe to part with undue cash (certainly more, now, than £1.50 for CD quality) for a soviet era sound..unless its a truly outstanding performance..
Correction - Sorry, wrong end of the stick, I should have checked. The winner was Barshai (thanks HDougie). So - I have the Barshai CD , great ! But I won't get to hear the Rozhdestvensky on Monday or on iPlayer

[HighlandDougie]

Looking at the timings on the website, it seems likely (here's hoping) that the winner, the Rozhdestvensky

Although the Rozhdestvensky was highly commended by DN, it was actually Barshai which was his recommended version. As to the Rozhdestvensky, I thought that it sounded rather good (DN commented on the big, slightly bathroom-like 1980's Melodiya sound) so have tracked down a copy of the BMG/Melodiya remastered version, which I hope will sound better than the Olympia issue which I discarded some time ago.

[Bryn]

The Rozhdestvensky recording may also be found in 'CD quality' (shrill and frankly quite nasty) as part of a rather strange compilation, "Classical Treasures Composer Series: Dmitri Shostakovich Edition Vol. 3" on QOBUZ. Stay away from it.

[Nick Armstrong]

As to the Rozhdestvensky, I thought that it sounded rather good

Yes - so did I, listening to the programme on the bedside radio.... and was then disappointed hearing it from the start on the big hifi

[mahlerei]

The Rozhdestvensky recording may also be found in 'CD quality' (shrill and frankly quite nasty) as part of a rather strange compilation, "Classical Treasures Composer Series: Dmitri Shostakovich Edition Vol. 3" on QOBUZ. Stay away from it.

Flirted with that one, but will give it a miss now.

[BBMmk2]

Very much so, Bbm - indeed, it was one of the two recordings other than the 'winner' that really caught my attention during this classic BAL - the Oslo/Janssons and the Rozhdestvensky/USSRMCSO discussed extensively above. Am just listening to the latter - have to say, it is to my ears let down by the thin and acidic Melodiya recording, though plainly a tremendous performance.

The several extracts played from the Janssons sounded so good, I'm going to investigate further.

But of course (apart from Bernstein/VPO which didn't get a mention from Mr Nice) on the shelf already is the winner in the legendary Superdrug 20p-a-disc boxset

I found it interesting to have highlighted by the reviewer how Barshai's performance differs (largely by its fidelity to markings etc) from others available. One of the best of that set, as I already thought.

As ever, thanks Cali! I feel better for that! Between Barshai and Jansons?

[Nick Armstrong]

As ever, thanks Cali! I feel better for that! Between Barshai and Jansons?

Yes for me I think - though for David Nice, Noddy was the runner-up for anyone who doesn't mind the recording quality


.


Addendum: I'm finding the Jansons more difficult to hear than the Rozhdestvensky - doesn't seem to be available for streaming; or as a download. Anyone know any different?