BaL 29.06.13 - Shostakovich Symphony. No. 5

[amateur51]

Thinking back, Geoffrey Norris mentioned a Bernstein (his first NYPO recording?) to demonstrate a slower approach to the first movement. Did he mention Bernstein again after that?

I did enjoy hearing him again

[Nick Armstrong]

Thinking back, Geoffrey Norris mentioned a Bernstein (his first NYPO recording?) to demonstrate a slower approach to the first movement. Did he mention Bernstein again after that?

I did enjoy hearing him again

So did I but it was an analysis which disappointed slightly, I felt. A couple of times he mentioned recordings and played extracts (Bernstein live with the NYPO and Rostropovich live with the LSO) and then he said that the conductors' respective studio performances were preferable. I know it's useful to hear 'less good' versions to highlight the strengths of others, but that seemed odd.

I suppose the later extracts from Rostropovich were from the 'preferable studio' version - but like ferney I didn't find that clear...

Also like Mr fhg the best thing about the review was to hear the quite detailed comparison between the Mravinsky and the Kondrashin... the latter being a reading a shamefully don't know and want to. If I'd won on the gee-gees yesterday like some of our fellow Forumites, I think I'd be blowing it on the very attractive Kondrashin box set from Melodiya - I need to hear more of his way with DSCH's music.

Because I thought he was so good in No 15, my first DSCH discovery, I bought the LP of Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orch in No 5, in this eye-watering cover:


Not the best performance ever... not mentioned anywhere (I have it on a Sony reissue)... and neither did GN mention the other version I have, the Barshai in the 'Superdrug mega-deal' boxset. I must give that a spin later, to see whether it justifies the 'also ran' status implied by Mr Norris's silence about it. Barshai was even excluded from his long list of Russian conductors who have performed the piece, harsh I thought given Barshai's relationship with DSCH.

The 'winning' Janssons version did sound pretty fine to my ears - wish it was one of those easy purchases (not in a box, or hugely expensive second hand, or download only). I'll be listening tomorrow for sure.

[Petrushka]

Surely you earn enough in legal fees to be able to afford the Kondrashin set, Caliban?

The Jansons is a definite 'also ran' in my book and don't think you are missing out on much quite honestly but see what you think after tomorrow's broadcast. A Russian version, whether Kondrashin, Mravinsky or Rozhdestvensky should be in any collection. Barshai (with a German orchestra) can't be discounted either. Ditto Sanderling.

The Gutman review of the Jansons quoted by JLW above has it about right in my view.

[visualnickmos]

So annoying - just tried to listen again to CD Review on BBC iplayer, and although the wording on the screen is about yesterday's programme, it actually plays LAST WEEK'S episode!!!!! GRRRRRRR!

[BBMmk2]

Surely you earn enough in legal fees to be able to afford the Kondrashin set, Caliban?

The Jansons is a definite 'also ran' in my book and don't think you are missing out on much quite honestly but see what you think after tomorrow's broadcast. A Russian version, whether Kondrashin, Mravinsky or Rozhdestvensky should be in any collection. Barshai (with a German orchestra) can't be discounted either. Ditto Sanderling.

The Gutman review of the Jansons quoted by JLW above has it about right in my view.

Jansons, not top drawer!?!?!?

[Nick Armstrong]

So annoying - just tried to listen again to CD Review on BBC iplayer, and although the wording on the screen is about yesterday's programme, it actually plays LAST WEEK'S episode!!!!! GRRRRRRR!

They seem to be dozy at R3 at the moment - the podcast hasn't been made available yet, either. Bunch of summer students running the shop, I shouldn't wonder...

[BBMmk2]

They seem to be dozy at R3 at the moment - the podcast hasn't been made available yet, either. Bunch of summer students running the shop, I shouldn't wonder...

Gappers, for the summer, Cali!

[soileduk]

For those few who may still be considering Jansons...

http://www.sainsburysentertainment.co.uk/en/Music/CD/Dmitri-Shostakovich/The-Complete-Symphonies-Jansons-10CD/product.html?product=E10132729

[Nick Armstrong]

http://www.sainsburysentertainment.c...duct=E10132729

Interesting - but has anyone bought any CDs at the grocers' before? I tried once - nothing ever arrived and they never took my money.

That however is tempting

[BBMmk2]

For those few who may still be considering Jansons...

http://www.sainsburysentertainment.c...duct=E10132729

yes, I have that box set and I rather enjoyed it. I( do have bits of Jarvi's. all of Barshai's and Haitink's as well.

[visualnickmos]

They seem to be dozy at R3 at the moment - the podcast hasn't been made available yet, either. Bunch of summer students running the shop, I shouldn't wonder...

Frankly I think students would actually do a really good job of it, if that was the case; perhaps there was a leaving 'do' or something, and the technical staff at R3 had a few too many!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

perhaps there was a leaving 'do' or something

We can but hope, visnick, we can but hope.

[Anna]

I have the Kondrashin boxed set, which I think is fantastic. I also have the 5th by Belohlavek and the BBCSO and Barshai with WDR. I don't have the Mravinksy, only his 8th (Leningrad Phil)

[BBMmk2]

I've noticed that they're slower at the weekends, anyway.

[soileduk]

Interesting - but has anyone bought any CDs at the grocers' before? I tried once - nothing ever arrived and they never took my money.

That however is tempting

Bought far too many from them. Website can be quirky but if you do have a problem just let them know either via email or free phone and,in my experience, they will sort you out in a trice. No matter who you buy from if it doesn't arrive you MUST pump yer gums and demand satisfaction!