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Definitely in a Beethoven mood, so I am listening to the Eroica from the Schmidt-Isserstedt box on Decca -- way superior sound... The Vienna Philharmonic sounds fabulous. I'm going to enjoy re-exploring this box.
http://ring.cdandlp.com/elyseeclassi.../115189029.jpg
If you like that Malcolm, you might be interested in this:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Yc81M1C%2BL.jpg
Played on period instruments, cond. John Eliot Gardener.
"Exhilarating performances which have bite and imagination and a sense of spontaneity" (The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs).
Failing that, listen to the Furtwängler recordings (in mono).
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...ML._SX355_.jpg or http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...TL._SY355_.jpg
You can almost never go wrong with John Eliot Gardiner.
Agreed, and perhaps where you wouldn't expect it such as the lovely Merry Widow he did with Cheryl Studer.Quote:
Originally Posted by MartinT
I saw him conduct The Marriage of Figaro at Covent Garden back in October.. It was amazing.
The Four Last Songs are a whole subject in their own right, Malcolm. Kiri's version is not bad at all. Not my favourite, though (I must have at least ten recordings).
Could you recommend a couple on Vinyl?Quote:
Originally Posted by MartinT
Something that is worth a go is Barbara Bonney singing with piano accompaniment. She already has a great voice and not having to compete with an orchestra really emphasizes the vocal line.
Indeed they are, I've got the Kiri above and Schwarzkopf/Szell on vinyl (better with the words, but less vocally alluring than Kiri), as well as both of these on CD. On CD, I also have Kiri Te Kanawa / Sir Georg Solti (probably my favourite by a nose), Jessye Norman (resplendent and glowing) and Renée Fleming's first recording on RCA with Eschenbach conducting. I couldn't pick between them, to be quite honest as they all have their charms.Quote:
Originally Posted by MartinT
A nice copy of the Elisabeth Schwarzkopf stereo versions with Geroge Szell. To say it's a safe recommendation isn't me trying to damn with faint praise - lovely sound, Schwarzkopf is excellent in every respect and a nice selection of songs on the flip side. Columbia label originally but it was redone on HMV later.Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrei
If you don't mind digital there a plenty copies of the Jessye Norman around - likely to sound good as it's a great recording anyway.
http://www.musicweb-international.co...ptc5186191.jpg
This just came today - goosebumps at the Tuba Mirum in surround!