The Symphony

Currently listening to Mahler's 1st, a 1979 live recording from Rafael Kubelik.

I have to remember that 1979 is way too modern for you ;)

Any Mahler recordings from Mitropoulos that you enjoy?

My most new acquisition is Antonio Vivaldi's Symphony In B Minor (RV169), a Karajan's recording with BPO - I'm loving its strong intensity, and particularly the outstanding dark and somehow dramatic atmosphere of the Adagio movement instantly reminded me of the first movement (adagio-allegro non troppo-andante-moderato) of the awesome Tchaikovsky's Symphony No.6! I'm feeling that it fits so perfectly as a brilliant 'intro'  to Tchaikovsky's 6th, which is one of my beloved symphonies, especially the first and the last movement (adagio lamentoso-andante), intensely overwhelming.

Edited by Rick Robson - April 11 2015 at 20:16

presdoug wrote: Rick Robson wrote: My most new acquisition is Antonio Vivaldi's Symphony In B Minor (RV169), a Karajan's recording with BPO - I'm loving its strong intensity, and particularly the outstanding dark and somehow dramatic atmosphere of the Adagio movement instantly reminded me of the first movement (adagio-allegro non troppo-andante-moderato) of the awesome Tchaikovsky's Symphony No.6! I'm feeling that it fits so perfectly as a brilliant 'intro'  to Tchaikovsky's 6th, which is one of my beloved symphonies, especially the first and the last movement (adagio lamentoso-andante), intensely overwhelming. A Symphony by Vivaldi-that is new to me, and interesting, to boot!                         Ric, I also revere Tchaikovsky's 6th, it is so sublime and emotional! No wonder the composer felt it to be his greatest work. I greatly admire the recording of it by Ferenc Fricsay and the Berlin Philharmonic, as well as Pierre Monteux with the Boston Symphony.

^Thank you Doug!

Love William Schuman's 3rd.  This performance is first rate!


Edited by Cailyn - April 21 2015 at 00:14

^I'm sorry that it did not work out for you. Never heard the Pristine Audio remaster, mine is Music and Arts. I thank you very much for giving it a try, though.

I should add that the Deutsche Grammophon recording of the Berliner Philharmoniker in 1975 conducted by Herbert von Karajan is a very acceptable second!  Probably the best recording and performance in the modern era bar none.  It is interesting listening to the differences in timing between Furtwangler and von Karajan.

The Rattle/BPO recording is very decent.  Still not fully convinced this symphony needs that finale (since I am so used to the 3 movements as a complete work) but this interpretation is formidable.  I have the Guilini/VP Bruckner 8th which I love.  I will be interested to hear what you think of his 9th.

presdoug wrote: Cailyn wrote: Has anyone listened to the Bruckner 9th with the Berliner Philharmonic conducted by Simon Rattle? I have finally sampled it, and I must confess that it was ok, but just that. There is not enough anger in the music, it's missing "the white knuckle whiplash" approach of Furtwangler, Kabasta or the early Van Beinum recordings of the symphony.

This is interesting because that's not what I listen for (and I'm not suggesting that there is a right way or a right thing to listen for).  That's one of the hallmarks of great music.  You are drawn to the anger in the music.  I am drawn to what seems like a mystical and otherworldly vision that Bruckner had.  Indeed it has all these things and then some.  Prog music is great but what Bruckner accomplished in this final work is far greater and grander than any prog music I've ever heard.  The depth of vision, the timelessness of it--I am in awe every time I listen.