BaL 17.06.2017 - Beethoven: Diabelli Variations

[Nick Armstrong]

I might go for the Download option, however, and burn the Beethoven onto its own disc.

Odd pricing approach on PrestoClassical... £9.99 to download the whole thing (the Staier, this is) but if you just want to download the Beethoven, it's...

... £33.66

[Barbirollians]

The Staier is good but I was not at all surprised it won - it is pretty much expected nowadays in classical repertoire that a period instrument version will win on BAL .

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Odd pricing approach on PrestoClassical... £9.99 to download the whole thing (the Staier, this is) but if you just want to download the Beethoven, it's...

... £33.66

Yes - similar pricing on Amazon Download. I'd get the whole album, anyway, and put the "misc" variations on another disc. (I'm thinking of getting the HarMund recording of the Ghost Trio with the Hummel - put the Hummel with the "miscs", pop the Ghost with the Diabellis - I already have the Op1 #3 Beethoven Trio in the "Enlightenment" Box, so would wipe that from my computer.

[Richard Tarleton]

It really is a wonderful performance ( and I don't just say that as an HIPP buff... ) - give it time, and you may discover what it's all about...

I'll try again....

[Bryn]

The Staier is good but I was not at all surprised it won - it is pretty much expected nowadays in classical repertoire that a period instrument version will win on BAL .

In advance I thought the Schiff, with performances on both a restored Brodmann instrument from the 1820s, and a 'modern' Bechstein from around a hundred years later, might come out on top. Good that Schiff overcame his renowned aversion to using period instruments.

[BBMmk2]

HaVing heard Staier on Sunday morning, I still prefer my favourite, Paul Lewis. I have heard a few in my time but I find this one is about the best.
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[gradus]

Shame that Mitsuko Uchida doesn't seem to have recorded it. A couple of years back she performed it in Cambridge and gave an interesting lecture/commentary on the piece after the interval.

[pastoralguy]

Shame that Mitsuko Uchida doesn't seem to have recorded it. A couple of years back she performed it in Cambridge and gave an interesting lecture/commentary on the piece after the interval.

That must have been around the same time we heard her play the work at the EIF. I got the opportunity to speak to her afterwards and she vaguely alluded that a recording may be in the pipeline.

[visualnickmos]

I enjoyed this BaL - didn't agree with the final choice at all, but no matter. The two recordings that were stand outs for me, were Levit - pure and simple, totally engaging playing. Wonderful - and also Kovacevich's most recent recording - Wow - total 'blow your socks off' stuff! Loved it. I have only two recordings - the Kovacevich of 1968, and Richter (Philips) which I have to say - despite much derision, I find fabulous!

[silvestrione]

I enjoyed this BaL - didn't agree with the final choice at all, but no matter. The two recordings that were stand outs for me, were Levit - pure and simple, totally engaging playing. Wonderful - and also Kovacevich's most recent recording - Wow - total 'blow your socks off' stuff! Loved it. I have only two recordings - the Kovacevich of 1968, and Richter (Philips) which I have to say - despite much derision, I find fabulous!

The most recent Kovacevitch was the favoured choice in some recent survey I read...was it BBCMM?

[BBMmk2]

The most recent Kovacevitch was the favoured choice in some recent survey I read...was it BBCMM?

Not the one on Onyx then?

[silvestrione]

Not the one on Onyx then?

That is his most recent, isn't it?

[Bryn]

That is his most recent, isn't it?

I think BBM might have been confusing BBCMM with BBCMM cover disc.

[BBMmk2]

I think BBM might have been confusing BBCMM with BBCMM cover disc.

I don't think so, as I have the disc in question.

[silvestrione]

Just in case there is still confusion here, I'll restate, that I think there was a relatively recent survey, in the BBC Music Magazine, that selected Kovacevitch's newish, Onyx recording as the best available!