Spinning Today (Classical version)

[MartinT]

I have never warmed to the Schwarzkopf, despite having it on good vinyl. She sounds cool and mechanical to my ears, not delivering the emotion in the songs. Lucia Popp was better, if a little lightweight. Fleming is also a good one. Some others, like Isokoski, I cannot listen to because of the voice.

For me, Jessye Norman is at the pinnacle of Four Last Songs performances and owes not a little to Kurt Masur's wonderfully understated accompaniment. Powerful and emotional, it delivers on every level.

I had a soprano friend, Eirian Davies, sing Beim Schlafengehen at my wife's funeral. She sang it wonderfully and with some considerable emotion. For obvious reasons, that performance will stay in my memories forever.

[Andrei]

I have never warmed to the Schwarzkopf, despite having it on good vinyl. She sounds cool and mechanical to my ears, not delivering the emotion in the songs. Lucia Popp was better, if a little lightweight. Fleming is also a good one. Some others, like Isokoski, I cannot listen to because of the voice.

For me, Jessye Norman is at the pinnacle of Four Last Songs performances and owes not a little to Kurt Masur's wonderfully understated accompaniment. Powerful and emotional, it delivers on every level.

I had a soprano friend, Eirian Davies, sing Beim Schlafengehen at my wife's funeral. She sang it wonderfully and with some considerable emotion. For obvious reasons, that performance will stay in my memories forever.

I have a few digitals, and I agree about Norman. I'm re-entering vinyl so this is a gap that definitely needs to be filled. RE: Funeral - I have always fancied that I would like the Marcia Funebre from LvB's Third at my funeral.

[m10]

You could probably spend a lifetime with Jessye Norman's version - it is phenomenal (as is the Ariadne auf Naxos).. I know some don't like the idea of digital recordings on vinyl, though. Sonically, the CBS Kiri is a tad disappointing - although the performance is lovely.. I had a look at my favourite classical LP dealer and all they had were Schwarzkopfs - and I do know what you mean about her coolness.. Kiri-Decca has a great blend of attributes for me, but of course that is decidedly digital.

I did see the Leontyne Price RCA LP on eBay the other day… I've never heard it but that is likely to be refulgently gorgeous - the lady herself certainly is on the cover (I may even go back and bid on this myself).

[MartinT]

I have a few digitals, and I agree about Norman. I'm re-entering vinyl so this is a gap that definitely needs to be filled. RE: Funeral - I have always fancied that I would like the Marcia Funebre from LvB's Third at my funeral.

How about the second movement of his Seventh? I have always loved that piece.

[m10]

I've always thought Fauré's Pie Jesu from the Requiem would be nice at a funeral. For my Dad we had Ella Fitzgerald's recording of The Old Rugged Cross.

[Marco]

Right now on vinyl, Chez-Marco, this is rather excellent for relaxing to on a Sunday evening during winter...





Marco.

[m10]

On the train...

(Bloomin' Google image search...)

[Marco]

Malcolm, whatever you're trying to show from "buycdnow.ca" isn't working.....

Marco.

[m10]

Malcolm, whatever you're trying to show from "buycdnow.ca" isn't working.....

Marco.

Thanks, Marco. Edited and hopefully corrected.

[Marco]

Yup, that's better... Rather cultured listening for on the bus!

Marco.