Classical Music Review


We already have an experimental "Jazz Review" thread. These review threads can serve to compile our own small catalogue: I will try to do this for classical, if the thread picks up (help is welcome!).

In order to simplify reading & compiling, I propose some ground rules for posting that can be fine-tuned as we go along (or abandoned, if we feel restricted). I'm borrowing from Abstract's Jazz thread and modifying accordingly:

*Please change the sub title to read: {Composer}, {work
title};
*CONTINUE onto the 1st line: {main performer(s),i.e.
soloist/conductor/orchestra abbreviated},
{performance /sonic rating}.

This way, readers won't have to expand unless interested in the specific piece.

*Pls keep each post to the music stated in the subtitle. If
you are answering another post, again, pls keep the
musical reference in the subtitle... alternatively, do pls
use different posts for different pieces.

*Performance and sonic ratings on a 1 - 10 scale. In the
body write a short review and at the end put in all album
information (catalog number, label, etc.) so that other A-
goners can easily find it for purchase.

As "charity starts @ home": I will post some of my favourite perf's of Beethoven (piano concerti, violin) this W/E.

Thank you all in advance!
gregm
My previous post the numbers are backwards. It should read 9, 10: 9 for performance and 10 for sonics.
A hapsichord version to supplement the piano. Hantai's playing is vigorous and rythmical (not as fast as one by van Asperen). I find the playing very good technically -- but also very musical. Hantai gives us a hapsichord performance that is alive, rather than soporific.
(Opus 111 OPS30-84 //1992, maybe a new version out now).

Abstract, thank you for getting this rolling! 1878 Steinway!!! (drool, etc)
Regards.
Chorus, Dresden Staatskapelle O., P. Schreier. 10/9

This is the older (1725) version, with Schreier at 63 conducting and singing the Evangelist's part. A very emotionally involved and powerfull performance; the singers sound to me to be spilling out their soul. Schreier's presence as a singer seems to enhance the homogeneity. Not necessarily technically perfect (the Evangelist in the first recitativi...) -- but eminently human.
(Philips, 1988/have the old version, # has changed).
Beethoven, Piano Sonata 30-32, Rudolf Serkin, 10/10

Aged Serkin provided totally different perspective toward Beethoven's last three piano sonatas.

Live recording was released by Deutsche Grammophon, LD is also available.
Bach, Goldberg Variations, Eto Ema, 10, 9: This recording is spectacular. This is the first classical recording on M*A recordings.

This is NOT the first classical M*A recording. Otherwise, I agree with you fully.