What Classical Music Are You Listening To Tonight?

[cma29]

Now this...

Sibelius: Symphony No. 1 in E minor Op. 39, Karelia Suite Op.11
Wiener Philharmoniker, Lorin Maazel



This is the Esoteric SACD remastering of the 1963 classic. The performance by the VPO is outstanding, but what sets this disc apart is the sheer quality of the 50+ year-old recorded sound captured by Decca engineers at the Sofiensaal. The transparency and presence is remarkable, but what steals the show here is the brass section which sounds live.

This disc is discontinued, but Ivan was able to secure a copy for me at the regular retail price (which is not cheap).

[Toccata]

Symphonies No.3 and 5 from this superb set.

[Toccata]

He plays with a fair amount of Romantic freedom, which I find thoroughly enjoyable.

[ehoove]

On a cold rainy Maryland Afternoon:

A new piece of Vinyl!

Tacet's Four Seasons
Antonio Vivaldi
Polish chamber Philharmonic Orchestra
Daniel Gaede - Violin
Tube only/ Transistorfrei
Tacet L-163
Amazing recording!
Regards,
Jim

[Toccata]

I received this set today and began with the "Hammerklavier" Sonata--magnificent!



and this classic recording:

[cma29]

More goodies from Presto...

Bach, C P E: Fantasia F major
Schubert: Fantasie in C major, D760 'Wanderer'
Schumann: Fantasie in C major, Op. 17
Danae Dorken (piano)



This SACD was recommended by Stereophile's "The Fifth Element" column in its Dec 2014 issue. I was intrigued and decided to get it. The serious-looking artist on the cover is a young German pianist who has great technique and artistry. The Ars label recording of the piano is superb. I'm glad I got this disc.

[ame="http://youtu.be/WOGul-b9gXM"]http://youtu.be/WOGul-b9gXM[/ame]

[klao]

Wow! It's been 1370+ pages. Hope I'm not too late to join here once in a while. : )

Yesterday: Dvorak Cello Concerto & Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations, Rostropovich, BPO, Karajan (SHM-SACD)
Beethoven Piano Sonatas Nos. 30-32, Maurizio Pollini (SHM-SACD)

Last night: Bach Goldberg Variations, Murray Perahia (SACD)

Tonight: Dvorak Cello Concerto, Jian Wang, Bangkok SO, Hubert Soudant (Live Concert)

[chessman]

klao, nice to see you posting.

[Toccata]

A year or two ago, I would have bought Ms. Dorken's disc just to have it on SACD. These days, I'd rather have a good RBCD by more established artists, such as Richter, Arrau, Brendel, Pollini, et al. Of course, ideally, we could buy such artists who have been so well recorded!

[Toccata]

No. 30-32 today. I know some people think his tempos are too slow, but I think they add depth and majesty to the music. I can't get over how good these 50 year old recordings sound. No doubt the original analog tape and tube mics helped.