I'm surprised no one has mentioned Tschkovsky, (he of the many spellings) yet . I particularly like Symphony nr 1 'Winter Dreams'. Played on a stormy winter's night, volume slightly up to focus the attention and a sip or two of malt. Sublime.

Ian

quote:

Originally posted by Tam:

Alan...Incidentally, have you been to much at the festival?

I went to see the Gustav Mahler Jugend Orchest doing Bruckner 6 with Ingo Metzmacher... absolutely superb, can't believe how good these people can play and with total passion for the music. I stuck a little review on zerogain. For the record, I recommend klemperer in this symphony!


Also went to see "the Death of Klinghoffer" it was very good, no comment on the the politics involved! But I'm glad composers - and Scottish Opera - are not shying awa from tough issues that could upset people.

Going tonight to see the Bamberg Symphoniker doing Bach, Mahler (Kindertotenlieder), Strauss (Death and Trans.) and Ligeti (scary - something about 100 metronomes).

I saw both of those as well and enjoyed them very much. I'm also at the Bamberg tonight - I've been going to far too much!


regards,

Tam

quote:

Originally posted by djorg:
Bjorne

Sibelius: Finlandia records?
Nielsen : Decca?

Sibelius 6th on RCA. Saraste/Finnish Radio So. RD60157

Nielsen 4th and 5th. Blomstedt/San Fransisco SO. 421 524-2. Very good sound to.

I have not heard Ole Scmidt's recordings that Peter Litwack recommends but have read that they are very good.

I would recommend Karajan + Berlin Philharmonic for Beethoven [and I would recommend symphonies 3 + 5 + 7 + 9].

Also consider Shostakovich and expecially symphonys 5 + 10 [the last movement of 5 is weak].

James
you recommand karajan+BPO for beethoven, I think it's necesary to precise that the first version (1963) is (IMHO) the best. More, the recent SACD (DG) remastering is an important improvement for sound quality.

I'm not sure that Shostakovich is a good introduction to symphony. But i'm agree to say that these are beautiful.

Bjorne
Thanks for references.

Surprised no one recommended Sibelius First or Second. My recommendation would be to start with either of these two with Sibelius rather than the later (more introspective IMO) symphonies.

Recommended Lps:

Symphony #1
Berglund EMI ESD7095
Maazel Decca SXL6084

Symphony #2
Maazel Decca SXL6125
Monteux RCA LSC2342
Szell Philips 835306LY

For Nielsen , I would recommend the Fifth.

Symphony #5
Berglund EMI ASD3063
Bernstein/NY Columbia MS6414

Phillips has a Duo CD version of Haydn's "London Symphony" by Colin Davis and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. (Of course it has the Concertgebouw's peculiar sound, but I personally love it)

Vol 1: Cat # 4426112
Vol 2: Cat # 4426142

Inexpensive and very nice to listen to.

Paul B

As i am an analogue newbie, I particularly apreciate your LP recommandations.Have others symphonies lps (without good CD transferts)that you recommand?

Djorg

Djorg:

I could recommend many Lps but I really do not know if they have been issued on CD or not. All of the ones I would recommend are from the pre-digital era (it was downhill for classical recordings after that IMO).

Has there ever really been a good CD transfer of an analogue recording?

Yes!

Fredrik

Alanbeeb, have you been to the festival much? I'd dearly love to see Klinghoffer staged and our local Opera house helped pay for it but won't touch it with a 10 foot pole. I Love it on CD, but then I'm an Adams fanatic.

Back to the Symphonies topic:
I agree for a first foray into classics Beethoven is it. Our local DJ that has quite good taste says the Zinman package is a great performance and price. Who can't love the 5,6,7 and of course the crowning glory 9th.

I also love the Schubert 9th having heard it recently from the Berlin Phil visiting with a rousing finale that made everyone stand up and cheer.

And considering this is for people not used to classical music I'd say Berlioz Sym Fantastique, it just captures the imagination and is fabulous with a drink late at night with lights low.

And, I'd say go for a late Shostokovich. He had a unique sound, very contemporary and wonderful to listen to. I'd say his 8th or an angry 11th for those rockers out there that want punch and DRAMA!

I refrain from much talk of conductors and recordings as I'm not that sophisticated in my tastes and knowledge. I defer to your superior knowledge of this and will write them down for reference.

I just remember being young and an occaisional hearing of a work and what drew me in was a DRAMATIC recording. That's why I suggested Berlioz and Shost. Sibeleius also caught my early attention with his cool and icy soundscapes. His later works were shorter as he edited himself down to the essentials, until he sadly drank himself into a stupor.

I think giving beginners vivid pieces from composers catches their attention and disperses the fear of classical music. A lot of rockers think its for the birds, but let them hear something like Night on Bald Mtn, Pictures at and Exhibition, or Beethoven's 5th they get the idea that it's exciting music.

my two bits worth.

glenn