Whats on your turntable tonight?

Allman Brothers Band "Fillmore East" (Capricorn SD2 802) Classic Records 200g reissue
Count Basie/Orchestra "88 Basie Street" (Pablo 2310-901) Analogue Productions 45 rpm reissue
Roger Waters "The Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking" (Columbia 39290)
Mozart "Symphony No. 38 In D Major "Prague"" Maag/LSO (London Stereo Treasury Series STS 15087)

That would go fine with the Brittany Spaniel in my listening chair...

If you do that you might wind up with a Rottweiler on your turntable...

If its the friggin cat again again,I'm feeding him to the neighbors rottweiler.

Zaikes,
You are probably right. The reissue was pressed in 1995 and produced by Cuscuna, and doesn't have the bonus track. Nonetheless, it sounds pretty good, and I'd not have pegged it as digital source from the sound of it. Cheers,
Spencer

BTW, does the LP have the CD bonus track "Freedom"? If not, this cut (with vocal) is justification enough for picking up the CD as well to make a comparison.

Cuscuna 'produced' the CD reissue #IMPD-170 (the actual remastering was done by one Eric Labson at MCA) - that import vinyl could simply be a transfer from this digital remaster, and barring some assurance to the contrary, my gut is that it probably is.

Zaikes,
No, I haven't compared the two reissues. I ran into one used for $14, at Red Trumpet. It says Limited Edition, remastered by Michael Cuscuna on the label. Impulse IMP-170, 180g. It's no Fantasy 45rpm, but pretty nice.
Rick was been kind enough to "open the warehouse" for a little Sunday afternoon party for our local audio group. The used rack is always my favorite.
Nothing like a convoy of audiophools driving through rural PA at 80mph to confuse the state troopers! Cheers,
Spencer

Yes Spence, I believe you listed that selection above. Great record, among many of his of course. I think the CD sounds quite good, and to tell the truth about me, I basically never buy audiophile vinyl unless I happen to stumble across something used, that I want strictly for the music and don't already own. Have you compared the two reissue formats and found there to be a large difference?

Zaikes, If you can find the Mingus, Mingus,... on imported vinyl, it's a winner!

For me, now it's Yes - The Yes Album (rhino reissue)
Jayhawks - Rainy Day Music
Grateful Dead - Skeletons From the Closet
Peter Gabriel - So
Keith Jarrett - Survivors' Suite
Starker - Bach Unaccompanied Cello; I keep putting it on! Wow. Cheers,
Spencer

Hey, that's easy. Try sitting through one side of "Greendale" while resisting the urge to pull out "Zuma" or "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere" instead :-)

Neil Young "Decade" I'm going to go through all six sides, finally!

Patricia Barber "Cafe Blue" 45 rpm 3 disc box set reissued and mastered by Paul Stubblebine on MFSL. five sides of lush 'n lovely vinyl to put the very good SACD version of the album in the dust. Stunning sound.

Bill Evans Peace Piece Another stunner from Bill Evans where he makes a piano sound like a whole orchestra.

Charles Mingus - Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus (Impulse! CD reissue 1995, orig. 1963) As the snow falls down and my better half is still stuck at work, I'm happily ensconsed cranking up the soundstage to somewhat lifelike proportions and gittin' hit in my soul.

Gaspar Cassado performing the Bach Cello suites. And Beethoven's music for Cello and Piano with Joseph Schuster on cello and Friedrich Wuehrer on piano.

Warm music for the bitter winter weather we are experiencing in Ottawa right now.

I've also got another one of Karr's solo recordings: "Basso Cantabile - Operatic Operas" King SuperAnalogue 9113.
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Rushton,
Don't put that Gary Karr LP too far away ;)

Back to jazz, then on to classical...

Sonny Rollins: "The Bridge" - Classic Records reissue

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 1, Martinon/LSO, RCA LSC 2322-45 Classic Records 45 rpm reissue - a great performance in great sonics. This LP includes Shostakovich's "The Age of Gold Ballet Suite" on the reverse side.

Gary Karr: "Adagio d'Albinoni" and other works by Bach Beethoven and Franck played on double bass, with organ. King SuperAnalogue 9125
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Tonight...

"Church Choral Music", Stockholm Motet Choir, BIS LP 14 - a very early BIS recording of an amateur choir in Stockholm. The recording is the typical great engineering job on gets from von Bahr, but the choir is certainly lacking in ability, if not in enthusiasm. How many times can one be so off key and not stop??? Ouch.

Brahms: Hungarian Dances, Dorati/LSO, Mercury SRI 75024. Very nice performance of the Dances, full of verve and character. Both copies of this SRI sound pretty nice: quiet surfaces, tonally accurate, good bass, but just very slightly veiled and very slightly rolled off in the highs. Still, a keeper for the performance and the great Mercury engineering job that still comes through the Dutch remastering in decent sound quality.

Adam: Giselle, Martinon/Paris Conservatoire Orchestra, London STS 15010. A great performance of this work by Jean Martinon in a superbly engineered 1958 recording by Kenneth Wilkinson in minimally miked early Decca sound. The STS reissue sounds better than an earlier CS issue I once had: cleaner and more articulate, a better mastering. The now oop Speakers Corner reissue of this is better, but not by a great amount.

Sibelius: Finlandia, Mackerras/LondonPromsO, RCA LSC 2336, (45 rpm Classic Records reissue). One word: Wow! Another word: Superb! A great performance, another outstanding recording by the great Kenneth Wilkinson.
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Bach - Starker's Unaccompanied Cello box on Speakers Corner

Wow, what great sound! Just picked this up at CES, from our friends at Acoustic Sounds, who had a great booth setup, with nice sale prices and plenty to choose from. Two bad my poker winnings were one day AFTER the show, or I might have come home with a whole trunkload of vinyl...
Next up, my other purchases from Norah Jones(2nd) and Miles Davis(Bags Groove on 45rpm)...Cheers,
Spencer

Sonny Rollins - Tenor Madness [Prestige reissue mono LP] With Red Garland, Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones. John Coltrane guests on the title track.

Sonny Rollins - Newk's Time [Blue Note Japanese reissue stereo LP] With Jones, Wynton Kelly and Doug Watkins. I especially like the unaccompanied sax + drums only treatment of "Surrey With The Fringe On Top". Rudy van Gelder recorded this date, and the stereo presentation is realistically understated - somewhat atypically for the era - rather than being rhythm in one channel and solo in the other.

Ella Fitzgerald, "Ella in Berlin", Verve 9008, just released Japanese reissue in a superb remastering from the original analog tapes. As Red Trumpet quotes on its web site:

Her live performances are legendary and "Ella in Berlin" captures one of the greatest displays of jazz vocal improvisation in concert. Including her amazing rendition of "Mack the Knife", this recording showcases the virtuosity of Ella at the peak of her performing prowess.

Believe every word of the above. If you like Ella, this is a must have LP and this is the reissue to have.

Slipknot, glad you've had time to listen to the Mahler! Ah, and the Holst, as well. Has to be a good evening at your place. :-)
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Mahler "Symphony No. 1" Horenstein/LSO (Unicorn RHS 301)
Mahler "Symphony No. 3" Horenstein/LSO (Unicorn RHS 302/303) Thanks for the loan Rush!!
Holst "Choral Hymns From The Rig Veda" Imogen Holst/English Chamber Orchestra/Purcell Singers (Argo ZNF 6)

Lots of Gram Parsons for this evening. International Submarine Band, G.P., Grievous Angel, Another Side of This Life and Sweetheart of the Rodeo. All of them 180g re-issues except for the Byrds LP. Has Sundazed or another company re-released it on quality vinyl?

Can't get enough of the lonesome cosmic american music.

Record Hop Time! I've been remiss to not list any of the 45's spun chez Zaikesman. Here's a good chunk of tonight's mostly 50's and 60's Rhythm'n'Blues stack, in no particular order. Set the preamp to mono and let 'em rip:

Willie West - Greatest Love b/w Hello Mama [Deesu]
Johnny Acey - I Go Into Orbit b/w What Am I Going To Do [Fling]
Lee Roy Little - Hurry Baby, Please Come Home b/w Let Me Go Home, Whiskey [Cee-Jay]
The Val-Chords - Candy Store Love b/w You're Laughing At Me [Gametime]
Mr. Bear and Jack Dupree - Walking The Blues b/w Daybreak Rock [King]
Bill Robinson and The Quails - The Cow b/w Take Me Back, Baby [American]
Chuck Leonard - Nobody But You Girl b/w Diddley Do [Crackerjack]
The Capers - Candy Store Blues b/w High School Diploma [Vee-Jay]
The Du Droppers - I Wanna Know b/w Laughing Blues [RCA Victor]
Rosco Gordon - Goin' Home b/w Just A Little Bit [Vee-Jay]
Freddie Bell and The Bellboys - I Said It And I'm Glad b/w Ding Dong [Wing]
Sam Hawkins - Hold On Baby b/w Bad As They Come [Blue Cat]
Billy Guy - Whip It On Me Baby b/w Women [Double L]
Lightin' Slim - Hoo Doo Blues b/w It's Mighty Crazy [Excello]
The Strollers - Crowded Classroom b/w We're Strollin' [Warner]
Gene and Eunice - Move It Over, Baby b/w This Is My Story [Aladdin]
Lee Edward and His Continentals - (I've Gotta Have Her) Need I Say More b/w (I'm Gonna) Be My Own Boss [Lantic Gold]
James Rivers - Bird Brain b/w Tighten Up [Eight-Ball]
The Four Tees - I Said She Said b/w Like My Baby [Vee-Jay]
Stoney Jackson and The V-Eights - Let's Take A Chance (And See) b/w Hot Water [Vibro]
Lula Reed - Rock Love b/w I'm Gone, Yes I'm Gone [King]
The Emperors - Karate b/w I've Got To Have Her [Mala]
"Candy" Phillips - Timber, Pts. 1 & 2 [Atlantic]
The Rivingtons - Weejee Walk b/w Fairy Tales [Liberty]
Bobby Marchan - Shake Your Tamborine b/w Just Be Yourself [Cameo]
The Sh-Booms - Short Skirts b/w Blue Moon [Atlantic]
The Pentagons - Down At The Beach b/w To Be Loved (Forever) [Donna]
Gil Blanding - La Ta Ta b/w Rules [Ready]
Barry and The Vikings - I Love You Yes I Do b/w Last Night [Jamie]
Bobby Moore and The Rhythm Aces - Hey, Mr. D.J. b/w Searching For My Love [Checker]
Barrett Strong - Yes, No, Maybe So b/w You Knows What To Do [Anna]
The Stokes - Young Man, Old Man b/w One Mint Julep [Alon]

PS - The occasional slow B-side might not get listened to all the way through... ;^)

Nostalgia for the rainy evening, Hiroshima's first two - Self-titled and Odori.

Rushton: RE your observation about most folks never having heard a harpsichord live, it is true that my earliest exposure to the instrument was an actual harpsichord, at the house of friends of my parents when I was a little kid. Though they didn't live in my neighborhood, their son and I were occasional playmates until maybe around age 8, so I had many opportunities so indulge my facsination for this instrument (which was how I felt from first sight/listen). I don't recall anybody from their family actually playing the thing though - it just looked so neat, and I would dink away on it until somebody got fed up and pried me off the bench. Contrast that with the piano (not that I don't love the piano today), which I was made to take lessons on and pretty much despised at around the same ages (except for jazz on my Dad's records).

I know a luthier in Paris - she's primarily reknowned for her period-style viola da gambas - who's made some awesomely beautiful Baroque harpsichords, but even if I could afford to commision one, I'm too late. She hasn't made one in probably close to 20 years; I think they're just too time-consuming, with too little demand, and she says she doesn't foresee ever doing another.

BTW, I'm a nut for harpsichord in pop contexts as well, which was a brief fad in the early-to-mid-60's. The Left Banke ("Walk Away Renee", known for its use of a string section) made a few good recordings featuring harpsichord. It remained popular as a movie soundtrack instrument through the late 60's and into the early 70's. One particular fav is a jazzy early-60's Henry Mancini bachelor-pad instro record called "Combo!, with lucsious RCA studio stereo sound, on which I believe Hank foregoes piano entirely in favor of harpsichord. It's the very definition of "ginchy"!

Tonight...

Holst: Savitri, a Chamber opera in one act
Holst: Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda
...Imogen Holst conducting the English Chamber Orchestra and Purcell Singers, with Janet Baker, Thomas Hemsley, Robert Tear. Argo ZNF 6, recorded 1965. I've owned this record for 25 years and enjoy it immensely. Harry Pearson had this on his list for many years for the Choral Hymns. They're nice, the Purcell Singers and harp accompaniment are excellently rendered, but it's the Savitri for which you need to get this record. This recording is one of the clearest examples in my collection of soundstage width, depth and layering - and it's great example of when excellent reproduction of soundstaging can really add to the realism of a recording because the three vocalists move up, down and across the stage during the course of the performance.

Copy number 2 of the above. Yep, its a duplicate and I need to decide to keep one and find a home for the others. So far, it's been a toss-up between identical pressings. Copy 3 is an older pressing, but I'll have to get to it later.

Piano Works of Debussy and Ravel, Ivan Moravec, Connossieur Society CS2010 (Athena reissue ALSY 10002). If you don't know these recordings Moravec made in the 1960s for the Connoisseur Society label, you really need to check them out if you have any love for piano, Debussy, Ravel or Chopin. The series includes some of the most intelligent piano playing of this (or the last) century by one of the greatest pianists, and they have some of the best and most natural recorded piano sound available. Moravec is certainly my favorite pianist.
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Q: "... before I find myself saying 'well that was fun. What's next?' "

A: The answer is Mahler, Joe. M A H L E R

;-)

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I have been following everyone's comments on Brian Wilson's "Smile". I eagerly purchased the LP when it was released, based mainly on the buzz it had generated. I have not considered myself a Beach Boys "fan" but I like their tunes and the good time, summer air feeling they always invoke when I hear them.

I just cannot get my head around this one. I have been reluctant to come out and say so up until now, thinking I must be missing the point, or am ignorant of the reasons for the Magnum Opus status it has been given by the press.

To me, the title is a good one. It does make you smile when you hear it. That being said, I liken its overall effect on me to an amusement park: It makes me smile for a short time, but the novelty wears off. There are those who REALLY like amusement parks.

The production values are right up there, there are quirky sound effects, interesting turns of phrase in the vocals, but Brian's voice and years of hard living really show.

Honest, I want to like it, I don't dislike it, but I am really only good for a side at a time before I find myself saying "well that was fun. What's next?"

Zaikesman, I loved your musings about Smile and the Beach Boys sound. Thanks for that.

As to harpsichords... I find many people are just not fond of that hard edged transient that comes from the plucked string of the harpsichord. Even people who like and play a harp (also plucked) often don't care for the harder edged transients produced by harpsichords. And, since harpsichords are challenging to play with a good sense of dynamic shifts, many performances end up with a less flexible sound than gets pedantic. This is compounded by so many recordings that are bright and edgy to begin with, and systems that are not able to recreate the full harmonic envelope, and that's the way most people have experienced a harpsichord: in recordings and not live. My wife plays harp, but just doesn't care for harpsichord. It's taken a number of encounters with lovely sounding instruments played live to get her to at least appreciate the possibilities.

Editing these posts... We seem to have lost the "edit my post" capability on threads that are now being spread across multiple pages, like this one. It's still working on threads that fit within a single page. I've emailed Audiogon customer service about this, and the response is that they will have the programmers look at it.
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Sorry. The least I should do to rehabilitate the instrument's image to the lurking legions of harpsichord-haters is spell it properly. Harpsichord! AG why can't we edit these posts so much anymore?...

I've held off on 'Smile'. I have a friend, a veteran rock show-goer and sometime club booker, who went to the concert and proclaimed it the best show he'd ever been to in his life, period. That made me sorry I didn't take him up on his extra ticket offer despite the price.

But every time I see Wilson do some of this stuff on TV, I'm hung up by a few things. First, and last too for that matter, is that the man just can't sing anymore, at least on TV and I have to guess in concert either. Second, the instrumental backing quasi-sounds like the 60's studio orchestras they originally used in recording this material, but not quite; everything's just a little off, clearly not the real deal, no matter how much they may try to emulate the arrangements and use period instruments, etc. It makes me feel I'm listening to an imitation, both inauthentic and overly careful and reverent at the same time. The overall effect sounds somewhat stilted to me. Third, the backing vocals are not Beach Boys (even if the Beach Boys in this context were often just multiple overdubbed Brians). Forth, it keeps catching me out that the arrangements and lyrics for many of the Smile songs that did trickle out on other BB albums, and that I'm used to and like, are different as conceived for Smile. I'm not sure I want or need 'different' versions of these songs, even if the Smile versions were actually the originals. And fifth, I'm just not a huge fan of the Van Dyke Parks-style extended 'song-suite' method - Brian's tunes are so strong as stand-alone pop numbers, and I'm so accustomed to hearing many of these ones in that way, that the Smile settings often don't strike me as improvements, at least of what I've heard so far.

It took me a while to appreciate "Imagination", with it's extra handicap of over-reliance on contemporary digital-synth and reverb sounds that I abhor, and generally generic AOR backing band blandness. But though we weren't talking the second coming of Pet Sounds or anything, Brian's better songs still won me over in the end, taken on their own terms. That might be harder for me to do with Smile, since in my heart I'll always want it to be the Beach Boys, and it's just not. I'll be interested to hear what some of you guys think of it after several listens.

PS - Rushton: Why do folks so often feel they must make apologies for the sound of a harpsicord? What a cool-ass freakin' sound! I've always loved it to pieces, and really can't imagine anybody not liking it. Clanking of the mechanism and everything. And I never actually encounter complaining about it either - only acknowledging allusions to mysterious masses of people who allegedly can't stand it. But I will say that it's one instrument, perhaps above all others, that I never really heard a recording of reproduced properly (at least I *think* it's now properly) before my system reached a certain level of fidelity - quite recently actually. It's apparently very tough to do right, so maybe that has something to do with this supposed epidemic hatred of harpsicords (or at least harpsicord records?). But still, I've dug that sound even from when my system couldn't get it well, so I don't know. Just don't understand this one.

"Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim" (Reprise FS-1021) Early pressing in very good shape. One of those library book sale finds that actually is in good condition.
Sinatra's voice is in mellow form on this one. Large band behind them and interesting enough, the only session player mentioned in the liner notes is the drummer: Dom-Um Romao. Makes you wonder what other hot shots are backing these guys up.

Jazz tonight...

Jazz at the Pawnshop, the ATR Audio Trade German reissue (so, I'm not a purist - I like this album when I'm in the mood, and I like Lars Estrand and Arne Domnerus. And I like the sound of this single-LP 1980 reissue.)

John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, Impulse GR-157 Speakers Corner reissue. Hartman is simply incredible.

Antiphone Blues, Arne Domnerus playing his saxophone in a large stone church with organ accompaniment. It's an atmospheric sound in all respects. Proprius 7744.
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Well, I guess I have to crack my still cellophane wrapped "Smile" LP open and see what the deal is.
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Guys, thanks for the brief Mahler primer. I'm ready to improve upon my pathetic album entitled, "Mahler's Greatest Hits". Shouldn't that be illegal?

Rushton, Fremer certainly isn't the only Smile-lover out there, and I generally like Mikey's taste in music. His little "In Heavy Rotation" box is my favorite part of S'phile these days. However, after two listens, I'll still "take the fifth" on a final judgement of this LP. Initially, I hear some nice vocal arrangements, bad sound effects, and sporadic catchy melodies, intertwined w/filler.
Well, back to reading every thread about every cartridge ever written...Cheers, Spencer

I like the Solti performance, but the most accessible recording of the Mahler #1 that I have is the Jascha Horenstein performance with the London Symphony Orchestra, on Unicorn RHS 301. Solti captures the drive and the energy (as only Sir Georg can do), but Horenstein captures the lilting grace and humor and more of the subtlety, while still keeping this a brisk affair.

Mahler "Symphony No. 1" Solti/London SO (London CS 6401)
Those who are afraid to explore Mahler may want to start out with this one. I am not a big fan of Mahler, but I find this Symphony very approachable.
(Slipknot1, above)

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Larry,
Thanks for the tip on the Mahler No.4. I can see myself wanting to get deeper into his work. I do have the Gilbert Kaplan reading of the "Resurrection" on CD that I have enjoyed listening to.
Best,
Joe

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Slipnot,
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When you have worked your way through the Mahler 1st, get a copy of the 4th with Reiner & CSO on RCA Living Stereo (re-issue). It only gets better and is quite addictive. I don't think it is possible to listen to the 4th too many times, but I am trying.
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Rgds,
Larry

Spencer shared the Gary Karr LP with me last Saturday night. That giant pipe organ had me holding on to the arms of my chair during some of the low pedal notes. The double bass was played as smooth as chocolate. I'll have to get my hands on that one.
Tonight:
Arturo Delmoni "Songs My Mother Taught Me" (North Star DS0004) Rushton - Thank you for pointing me to this one! What an intimately recorded collection, played with such precise detail.

Delibes "Coppelia - Ballet Suite" von Karajan/Berlin (Deutsche Grammophon SLPEM 136257) Not too familiar with this work, typical DG "house sound"

Mahler "Symphony No. 1" Solti/London SO (London CS 6401)
Those who are afraid to explore Mahler may want to start out with this one. I am not a big fan of Mahler, but I find this Symphony very approachable.

Wei Li/Fei Song "Autumn Yearning Fantasia" (First Impression Music LP 003) Just released limited edition LP from Winston Ma. The sound quality of this all analog LP is some of the best I have ever heard. Two musicians projected into a soundstage with so much air and presence, you feel as though you can get up and walk around the players. The music may not be to everyones tastes, but the recording and the performances cannot be denied. If you are at all familiar with the FIM Asian music releases, get this LP while it is available.

Sbank, agree with you about the Gary Karr - Adagio d'Albinoni on vinyl; that King SuperAnalogue pressing is awfully good. The double bass is alternately massively overwhelming, and then very delicate and subtle.

So, what did you think of "Smile" after all the Fremer-hype?

Tonight...

Deep-diving into the past with the Dave Grusin d-to-d Sheffield LP "Discovered Again", Sheffield LAB 5. Obsessively multi-miked, but with incredible detail. I just can't get into the music.

Albert Fuller playing some of Rameau's harpsichord music on Reference Recordings RR 27. You'd never hear this sound live because you're listening from practically inside the harpsichord, but this recording captures exceedingly well the tonality and texture of a superb sounding harpsichord. If you still don't care for the sound of a harpsichord after listening to this LP, then bless you and move on to something else.

Allison Kinnaird, "The Harp Key", Temple 001, traditional Scottish music for harp at its best, played by the great traditional music harpist, teacher and scholar. Kinnaird is considered one of the leading scholars of traditional Scottish/Celtic music today, and has been instrumental in rediscovering the Scottish music tradition and the Scottish harp and wire strung clarsach (which of course preceded anything going on in Ireland ;-) ).
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Brian Wilson - Smile - First full listen. So much hype to live up to, it will be a challenge. This was a xmas gift from my wife. She's great at picking up on pathetic hints.

Laurindo Almeida - Virtuoso Guitar - 45rpm white vinyl direct-to-disc WOW, OH MY GOD! This is on first couple of listens, one of my top 5 all time best sounding records.

Garr Karr - Adagio d'Albinoni - King/Cisco Super Analogue Disc; Just received vinyl to replace what had been a reference quality CD. Vinyl even better. Never before have I purchased two amazing sounding records at the same time. If you don't know this version, it is simply a ~1600 Amati double bass accompanied by an organ. The bass sounds like a giant cello, but deeper. It will silence a roomful of snooty audiofools in 10 seconds.

Borodin - Sym 2 & 3, Ansermet; London ffrr
Hot Tuna - First Pull Up, Then Pull Down
Oscar Peterson Trio w/Milt Jackson - Very Tall

Preceeded by with Slipknot1:
Charles Mingus Band - Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus (Impulse 180g import)
Sarah McLachlan - Fumbling Towards Ecstasy/Freedom Sessions (180g Classic Rec.)
Bill Evans w/Jeremy Steig - What's New(verve)
Happy NewYear,
Spencer

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Rushton - glad you liked the play list from yesterday. I always get some inspiration for new LP's from your listings. Please keep 'em coming
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Here is this afternoon's / night's list:
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Mendelssohn Violin Concerto / Henryk Szeryng / London Symphony Orchestra / Dorati - Mercury Living Presence 130-575 MLY
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Schumann Violin Concerto / Henry Szeryng / London Symphony Orchestra - Mercury Living Presence 130-575 MLY
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Dvorak Cello Concerto / Janos Starker / London Symphony Orchestra / Antal Dorati - Mercury Living Presence 35MM - SR90303
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Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto/ Tartini Devil's Trill - Szeryng / Boston Symphony Orchestra / Munch RCA vics-1037 (Second night in a row - just too good).
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Well I guess the party is over for now - back to work tomorrow.
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Rgds, Larry
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Pink Floyd the final cut

Tonight...

Handel: Concerti a due cori, Numbers 2 & 3
...Gardiner/English Baroque Soloists, Philips 411 122
...Hogwood/Academy of Ancient Music, Decca 6.43008 (a beautifully engineered recording by John Dunkerley, marred by early digital sound)

Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks
...Gardiner/English Baroque Soloists, Philips 411 122

Rutter: Gloria, Rutter/CambridgeSingers, Collegium COL 100
...a lovely performance of this work that continues to be my favorite performance, but I'm also a sucker for that English choral sound. The early digital edge on this recording is neatly ameliorated, and the LP made eminently listenable, by the addition of just a touch of tonearm damping.

The Sound of King's, Willcocks/Choir of King's College (Cambridge), EMI SEOM 5 - absolutely marvelous choral singing. What else would you expect with Willcocks and King's College? Beautiful 1968 EMI recording that well captures the acoustic of King's College Chapel.

Last night...
"Porgy and Bess" (scenes from) with Leontyne Price, Paul Warfield, McHenry Boatwright and John Bubbles - was there ever a greater Sportin' Life than John Bubbles? RCA LSC 2679.

Bruckner, Symphony No. 6, Stein/VPO, London CS 6880 -- the luscious horns of the Vienna Philharmonic make this a special recording.
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Larry, nice to see someone else posting some classical. Enjoyed reading your list - looks like it's been a nice day of great music for you! (Including the Beatles and Fleetwood Mac)
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Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto/ Tartini Devil's Trill - Szeryng / Boston Symphony Orchestra / Munch RCA vics-1037
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Brahams Piano Concerto No. 2 / Richter Warshaw National Philharmonic / Wislocki - DG 138 076
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Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 / Gilels / Berlin / Eugen Jochum / DG 2530 259
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Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 - Rubinstein / RCA Victor Symphony / Krips
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Los Romeros / Vivaldi Guitar Concertos / Academy of St. Martin in the Fields / Iona Brown - Philips 412 624-1
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Beatles / Sgt. Pepper - Mofi Master Recording.
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Fleetwood Mac / Fleetwood Mac - Mofi - Original Master Recording
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Right before we left for the holidays...

VA - Phil Spector's Christmas Album (Warner re-ish LP, prob. late 70's/early 80's, orig. 1963) The heavyweight classic of all times and still champeen. Like the man says, Back To Mono! Darlene Love, The Ronnettes, The Crystals, Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans, and The Wall Of Sound - and that ain't no lump of coal. HoHoHo!