BaL 7.05.16 - Martinu: Symphony no. 6

[Bryn]

I'm with the enthusiasts for Charles Munch's Boston recording. It's a great shame this isn't readily available as of all the versions I've heard it's the one that works best for me. But failing that, I'd be happy to settle for Ančerl from the available options. Incidentally, that was recorded in February 1956 and as far as I know it's only in mono (but the whole of that disc - Vol. 34 of the Ančerl Gold edition - is well worth having). Of the others, I've had at various times - and discarded - Neumann and both Bělohlávek recordings. Despite their far better sound, the performances struck me as comparatively routine, I'm afraid.

In addition to the Japanese transfer referred to by jlw, there is also:



which is the issue I have.

Not too prohibitively priced either, though it is about a third higher than when I bought it in November 2008.

[Pulcinella]

In addition to the Japanese transfer referred to by jlw, there is also:



which is the issue I have.

Not too prohibitively priced either, though it is about a third higher than when I bought it in November 2008.

This is the recording mentioned and linked to in posting #3, Bryn!

[Beef Oven!]

The marvellous Martinu symphonies are some of the first CDs I bought in the late 80s early 90s. BIS, Bamberger Symphoniker, Neemi Jarvi. Although the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Jiří Bělohlávek is very, very tempting, I shan't be adding any further recordings to my collection.

[Richard Barrett]

Hamburger Symphoniker

Bamberger, I think you'll find. Two letters' difference and 411km.

I can see two sides to the BBCSO recordings. They certainly aren't as "full-blooded", or whatever the word is, as Munch, or Thomson, but they are a lot more detailed, which isn't insignificant in music with this degree of intricacy. In the end though I prefer the sound of Järvi's orchestra, and of the BIS recording. What I guess would be best would be a new recording by performers who can bring out both the detail and the intensity of the music. I haven't heard a recording that does both. And I've never heard a live performance. Why is this piece not performed more often? (I guess it gets more attention in its homeland.)

[Beef Oven!]

Bamberger, I think you'll find. Two letters' difference and 411km.

My spellcheck is playing up, Pilchard.

[Bryn]

This is the recording mentioned and linked to in posting #3, Bryn!

Aha. I joined the thread a bit late, and skipped a few of the early contributions. I must admit, I got it mainly for the Beethoven 9, but have played the Martinu rather more often.

[BBMmk2]

I have Bamberg SO/Neeme Jarvi. Should be a good BaL!

[Petrushka]

This is the only Martinu symphony I've heard live: Boston Symphony Orchestra and Bernard Haitink at the 2001 Proms and it prompted me to buy the Czech PO/Neumann set of the symphonies. This is still the only set I have and will do me just fine.

[richardfinegold]

.
Ah, fascinating, makra. I had the "opposite" experience - I tried to get into Martinu's sound world for decades without any joy - then the Belohlavek performances were broadcast ... and instantly I was hooked! His recordings of the complete Symphonies are treasured in my collection - this BaL will be an opportunity for me to explore other recordings.

Ditto. I really like the Violin Concertos (Suk/Ancerl) and was hopingthat would be a springboard for me but I have the Chandos Thompson cycle and it just didn't click for me. Neither did the Naxos cycle of his PCs.

[jayne lee wilson]

"A veritable powerhouse".... "Hopelessly pale and sluggish"...

These are both descriptions of the Martinu 4th's scherzo ("allegro vivo") from Neumann's 1978 recording. The first is RL on the LP Cycle issues, in the G. for 5/80; the second, ES in 1/92 of one of the earlier CD transfers. RL, in a very detailed review, had minor reservations about the sound, wanting more body and transparency, but was otherwise very enthusiastic, and most especially so about the 6th. Suffice to say that the Japanese set linked to in my #15 definitely inspires enthusiasm, and much more....

(point is, you may find some of the best 6ths in the complete sets, so...)

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

For those who didn't listen, the chosen version is highlighted in the OP (as is the case with all other BaL threads).

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

For those who didn't listen, the chosen version is highlighted in the OP (as is the case with all other BaL threads).

Delighted to say that I already have the chosen one. It'll be an inexpensive weekend, too, as none of the clips played made me feel that I "absolutely had to have" any of them.

[aeolium]

For those who didn't listen, the chosen version is highlighted in the OP (as is the case with all other BaL threads).

On the Record Review web page, there is also a selection of other recordings Jonathan Swain liked, including those by RCO/Sawallisch and Boston SO/Munch.

[antongould]

Delighted to say that I already have the chosen one. It'll be an inexpensive weekend, too, as none of the clips played made me feel that I "absolutely had to have" any of them.

Have listened to the winner on Apple Music very impressive IMVVHO ...

[DracoM]

For me, THAT is how you do a BAL review. A blueprint to follow.