BaL 14.09.13 Bartok's Dance Suite

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I've added piano versions to the list. Thanks, Bryn, for the suggestion.

[teamsaint]

I wonder if this is a work that perhaps functions better live, than on record?

[Petrushka]

I wonder if this is a work that perhaps functions better live, than on record?

At around 16 minutes it functions very well as an 'overture' and that is how I've heard it in the concert hall (LPO/Solti and Dresden Staatskapelle/Haitink). On record it's more likely the 'filler' to something more substantial.

[Sir Velo]

Intriguingly, the CD Review Newsletter and Radio 3 schedule refers to Rob Cowan reviewing the "Dance Suites" (sic). I await with interest the review of a newly discovered work, although I had no idea there had already been recordings of it.

[verismissimo]

Intriguingly, the CD Review Newsletter and Radio 3 schedule refers to Rob Cowan reviewing the "Dance Suites" (sic). I await with interest the review of a newly discovered work, although I had no idea there had already been recordings of it.

Snap!

[verismissimo]

Sounds as though it's to be Kocsis...

[Black Swan]

Sounds as though it's to be Kocsis...

Yes, I agree. However, I don't agree with Cowan's review on Solti. I've had and loved these recordings for years. I also have both Boulez recordings NY Philharmonic and Chicago. I also upon a look have Schiff playing the piano version. So for me I have enough recordings. An interesting program none the less.

[Barbirollians]

The Dorati sounded best to me .I am not impressed by the idea of having to buy the whole of Mercury's Vol 2 . Perhaps there are some older single disc copies out there .

The sound is excellent why does Cowan feel the need to recommend instead a digital version ?- that is a 1990s attitude !

[Black Swan]

The Dorati sounded best to me .I am not impressed by the idea of having to buy the whole of Mercury's Vol 2 . Perhaps there are some older single disc copies out there .

The sound is excellent why does Cowan feel the need to recommend instead a digital version ?- that is a 1990s attitude !

I agree with Barbirollians, I am surprised that Cowan felt compelled to recommend a digital version as historically with his reviews/recommendations this has not been the case. Is this yet more of the up marketing of R3?

[DracoM]

Cowan's long time distaste for Solti?

[verismissimo]

... However, I don't agree with Cowan's review on Solti. I've had and loved these recordings for years...

I thought the Solti extracts he played were really exciting music-making!

[Black Swan]

Cowan's long time distaste for Solti?

DracoM, I was wondering if this was the case. It is odd because normally critics have held Solti's Bartok in high regard.

[ardcarp]

I have to leap to Rob's defence... if he needs it. He has an ear like a hawk, a thorough knoweledge of recording styles and techniques, and above all he talks clearly and with no psychobabble. OK he doesn't have the Patrician voice of the classic BAL presenters of yesteryear, but I hope that doesn't affect anyone's opinion of a thoroughly knowledgeable presenter.

I'm in no position to comment on whether the SACD digital recording of the winner was necessary...but I liked the version based (admittedly) on what Rob chose to play. I have no Solti axe to grind, but I have to agree that the 2nd dance extract he played (with trombones taking their glissando to burlesque excess) went way OTT and made a mockery of the piece.

Interesting that Boulez's first NY recording was so scrappy, and he renowned for his clarity and accuracy.

[Black Swan]

I don't feel that Cowan needs any defense. My comment was purely I disagree with him on this one. My opinion is like everyone else my opinion. Which is not as high as yours. But again, purely my opinion.

[Barbirollians]

I only caught the last half of the BAL - did he play any of Solti's 1960s LSO account ? That was splendid IMO .