SPOTLIGHT The classical music general discussion thread

[humprof]

Bearing in mind that the sort of really dynamic mch mixes we get on pop/rock mch releases is rarely if ever matched by mch classical releases, these ones are certainly more dynamic than most mch classical releases:

Mahler's 8th Symphony - Wit

Stravinsky Petrouchka/Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances - Jansons-Concertgebouw

Holst's The Planets - Susskind (it's pricey though)

Mahler's 2nd Symphony - Zander

I've got a few Tomita SACDs and the re-works on them are fantastic. I wouldn't be surprised if you've got some yourself but if not they're worth exploring and buying if you like what you hear. I'm only a part-time classical music enthusiastic so I can't think of anything else that's as dynamic as you'd like - for better or worse, classical music is best consumed on the merits of the music and performance than on its mch merits - if it has any!

We started a whole separate thread on the subject of discrete classical mixes a few months ago (and at one point I tried to assemble a starter list, based on posts from that thread, or another one, or....). Damned if I can find it now, though.

Edit: here it is. Not up to date, though, and accuracy definitely not guaranteed.

 

[Lute]

I too find myself in a Classical music mind frame from time to time..
I don't have many recordings but one I play fairly regularly is :
LSO Beethoven
Symphonies Nos 1-9
This one https://www.discogs.com/Beethoven-B...-Orchestra-Symphonies-Nos-1-9/release/3374358

Is there one classical release above all others that makes full use of the surround experience?
Sorry if it's been discussed already.

TACET's cycle of Beethoven symphonies makes full use of the surrounds. Definitely worth exploring!

https://www.amazon.com/Ludwig-Van-B...TVN3VXQ86EA&psc=1&refRID=B48HYDAJ0TVN3VXQ86EA

 

[ubertrout]

We started a whole separate thread on the subject of discrete classical mixes a few months ago (and at one point I tried to assemble a starter list, based on posts from that thread, or another one, or....). Damned if I can find it now, though.

Edit: here it is. Not up to date, though, and accuracy definitely not guaranteed.

This is a really good list.

 

[beerking]

TACET's cycle of Beethoven symphonies makes full use of the surrounds. Definitely worth exploring!

https://www.amazon.com/Ludwig-Van-B...TVN3VXQ86EA&psc=1&refRID=B48HYDAJ0TVN3VXQ86EA

Many thanks Lute...and ordered.....it is being sent from Switzerland!!

 

[Franklin]

I was a little surprised/disappointed that TACET haven't done Tchaikovsky's 1812. I contacted them recently and apparently they have no current plans to do it either. I've got the Beethoven 5th/6th DVD-A, and I really enjoyed the performance of #5, but the sound quality wasn't as good as I was expecting. The surround is very good though.

 

[windhoek]

I just finished watching Das Rhinegold from the blu ray set I ordered and I think it's fair to say it probably doesn't add much if anything over the DVD set from a visual quality point of view - I mean, you can tell straight away it was recorded way back in the early '90s. As for audio, I opted for the 5.1 DTS soundtrack (pretty much non-existent if I'm being honest) but I'll try the stereo track next time and see how it compares. And as for the actual opera, I thought the performances were full of gusto - as well as gentleness when the moment called for some subtlety - and the music and story were pretty good as well.

I'm kind of surprised it was as easy as it to enjoy the opera - I used to think Wagner would be forever inaccessible but I guess when you like Mahler as much as I do, appreciating Wagner isn't too much of a stretch from there.

 

[Lute]

I just finished watching Das Rhinegold from the blu ray set I ordered and I think it's fair to say it probably doesn't add much if anything over the DVD set from a visual quality point of view - I mean, you can tell straight away it was recorded way back in the early '90s. As for audio, I opted for the 5.1 DTS soundtrack (pretty much non-existent if I'm being honest) but I'll try the stereo track next time and see how it compares. And as for the actual opera, I thought the performances were full of gusto - as well as gentleness when the moment called for some subtlety - and the music and story were pretty good as well.

I'm kind of surprised it was as easy as it to enjoy the opera - I used to think Wagner would be forever inaccessible but I guess when you like Mahler as much as I do, appreciating Wagner isn't too much of a stretch from there.

Good to hear you’re liking the Ring. Seeing how much you like Mahler, I’m kind of surprised you haven’t listen to Wagner before. But it’s never too late, eh?
Btw, Do you listen to much Bruckner? I noticed that his symphony No. 5 conducted by Friedel got rave reviews on Amazon. I haven’t listened to it. I was just wondering if it’s worth it or not.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/cr/B017593P50/ref=mw_dp_cr​

 

[windhoek]

Good to hear you’re liking the Ring. Seeing how much you like Mahler, I’m kind of surprised you haven’t listen to Wagner before. But it’s never too late, eh?
Btw, Do you listen to much Bruckner? I noticed that his symphony No. 5 conducted by Friedel got rave reviews on Amazon. I haven’t listened to it. I was just wondering if it’s worth it or not.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/cr/B017593P50/ref=mw_dp_cr​

I don't think I've heard Bruckner's 5th. I'm sure I've heard Brickner's 9th though and from what I remember it's also in my listening zone when it comes to classical music. I guess one of the main challenges with classical music is that life is short but some classical music is really long so it takes a long time to become well acquainted with a particular piece of music.

I watched Die Walkure yesterday but I probably won't get to watch Siegfried until Sunday due to work commitments. Like I say, classical music is long and life is short... I just hope I live long enough to see Gotterdammerung lol

 

[ubertrout]

I was a little surprised/disappointed that TACET haven't done Tchaikovsky's 1812. I contacted them recently and apparently they have no current plans to do it either. I've got the Beethoven 5th/6th DVD-A, and I really enjoyed the performance of #5, but the sound quality wasn't as good as I was expecting. The surround is very good though.

Thomas Mowrey has stated that he did a very discrete version of the 1812 Overture with the Boston Pops for DG in the 1970s, it's no longer in print even on CD (although it's included in this collection: )

 

[Franklin]

I have his recording on vinyl, but the only quad issue of the 1812 I've got is a QS encoded performance conducted by Maurice Abravanel on Vox Box.

 

[Lute]

I don't think I've heard Bruckner's 5th. I'm sure I've heard Brickner's 9th though and from what I remember it's also in my listening zone when it comes to classical music. I guess one of the main challenges with classical music is that life is short but some classical music is really long so it takes a long time to become well acquainted with a particular piece of music.

I watched Die Walkure yesterday but I probably won't get to watch Siegfried until Sunday due to work commitments. Like I say, classical music is long and life is short... I just hope I live long enough to see Gotterdammerung lol

By all means, take your time and enjoy immersing yourself in the mythical world of Norse gods, dwarves, water-nymphs... Lots of fun! I love getting to know a piece of music as well. If you get the urge to check out more Bruckner, definitely give his 7th and 8th symphonies a try. The adagios for those symphonies are to die for. In fact, Bruckner wrote the 7th's adagio as an elegy to Wagner. Bruckner takes up where Beethoven left off with his adagio of the 9th. And Mahler was a great champion of Bruckner's symphonies.

 

[J. PUPSTER]

By all means, take your time and enjoy immersing yourself in the mythical world of Norse gods, dwarves, water-nymphs... Lots of fun! I love getting to know a piece of music as well. If you get the urge to check out more Bruckner, definitely give his 7th and 8th symphonies a try. The adagios for those symphonies are to die for. In fact, Bruckner wrote the 7th's adagio as an elegy to Wagner. Bruckner takes up where Beethoven left off with his adagio of the 9th. And Mahler was a great champion of Bruckner's symphonies.

Hey Lute, sorry to barge in, but I’d really like to know if you’re aware of a good surround mix for:
Rossini’s - The Thieving Magpie?

 

[Lute]

Hey Lute, sorry to barge in, but I’d really like to know if you’re aware of a good surround mix for:
Rossini’s - The Thieving Magpie?

I don't know of any recording of Thieving Magpie that has a full out discrete surround mix. PentaTone recently released a MC recording of Rossini overtures. I haven't heard it yet, but look forward to getting a chance to give it a spin. I suppose the Surround mix is standard ambient in the rears... although PentaTone is often a bit generous with the rear channels. And according to the reviewer over on HRAudio, Thieving Magpie is one of the highlights on the recording. https://www.hraudio.net/showmusic.php?title=13318#reviews

There is also a lively performance of Rossini overtures including Magpie on Bluray Audio. The surround mix is immersive, but it might be synthesized surround. Anyway, it's worth checking out if a good deal can be found on it. https://www.amazon.com/Rossini-Comp...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00BX8TYYG

One of my favorite recordings of Rossini overtures recently is a Quad recording released on a PentaTone SACD. Sadly it doesn't include The Theiving Magpie. Wonderful performance, though. https://www.amazon.com/Rossini-Famous-Overtures-Beruhmte-Ouverturen/dp/9051861060

And you know... You can always have a great time with Gamba's 1960 classic recording. https://www.amazon.com/Rossini-Overtures-GIOACCHINO-ROSSINI/dp/B00067RF50

 

[ubertrout]

I don't know of any recording of Thieving Magpie that has a full out discrete surround mix. PentaTone recently released a MC recording of Rossini overtures. I haven't heard it yet, but look forward to getting a chance to give it a spin. I suppose the Surround mix is standard ambient in the rears... although PentaTone is often a bit generous with the rear channels. And according to the reviewer over on HRAudio, Thieving Magpie is one of the highlights on the recording. https://www.hraudio.net/showmusic.php?title=13318#reviews

There is also a lively performance of Rossini overtures including Magpie on Bluray Audio. The surround mix is immersive, but it might be synthesized surround. Anyway, it's worth checking out if a good deal can be found on it. https://www.amazon.com/Rossini-Comp...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00BX8TYYG

One of my favorite recordings of Rossini overtures recently is a Quad recording released on a PentaTone SACD. Sadly it doesn't include The Theiving Magpie. Wonderful performance, though. https://www.amazon.com/Rossini-Famous-Overtures-Beruhmte-Ouverturen/dp/9051861060

And you know... You can always have a great time with Gamba's 1960 classic recording. https://www.amazon.com/Rossini-Overtures-GIOACCHINO-ROSSINI/dp/B00067RF50

You can get the overture with Gamba far cheaper in this coupling:

As for The Thieving Magpie I don't know how discrete it is, but the opera is in 5.1 DTS-HD on this BD:

 

[J. PUPSTER]

I don't know of any recording of Thieving Magpie that has a full out discrete surround mix. PentaTone recently released a MC recording of Rossini overtures. I haven't heard it yet, but look forward to getting a chance to give it a spin. I suppose the Surround mix is standard ambient in the rears... although PentaTone is often a bit generous with the rear channels. And according to the reviewer over on HRAudio, Thieving Magpie is one of the highlights on the recording. https://www.hraudio.net/showmusic.php?title=13318#reviews

There is also a lively performance of Rossini overtures including Magpie on Bluray Audio. The surround mix is immersive, but it might be synthesized surround. Anyway, it's worth checking out if a good deal can be found on it. https://www.amazon.com/Rossini-Comp...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00BX8TYYG

One of my favorite recordings of Rossini overtures recently is a Quad recording released on a PentaTone SACD. Sadly it doesn't include The Theiving Magpie. Wonderful performance, though. https://www.amazon.com/Rossini-Famous-Overtures-Beruhmte-Ouverturen/dp/9051861060

And you know... You can always have a great time with Gamba's 1960 classic recording. https://www.amazon.com/Rossini-Overtures-GIOACCHINO-ROSSINI/dp/B00067RF50

I’ve got the Blu-ray version and wasn’t impressed, man that Gamba sure sounds lively! I had done a search a while back on sa-cd.net for one in multi-channel but nothing came up (& yes I searched with the translation also) Will check out the new one, thanks

 

[J. PUPSTER]

I don't know of any recording of Thieving Magpie that has a full out discrete surround mix. PentaTone recently released a MC recording of Rossini overtures. I haven't heard it yet, but look forward to getting a chance to give it a spin. I suppose the Surround mix is standard ambient in the rears... although PentaTone is often a bit generous with the rear channels. And according to the reviewer over on HRAudio, Thieving Magpie is one of the highlights on the recording. https://www.hraudio.net/showmusic.php?title=13318#reviews

There is also a lively performance of Rossini overtures including Magpie on Bluray Audio. The surround mix is immersive, but it might be synthesized surround. Anyway, it's worth checking out if a good deal can be found on it. https://www.amazon.com/Rossini-Comp...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00BX8TYYG

One of my favorite recordings of Rossini overtures recently is a Quad recording released on a PentaTone SACD. Sadly it doesn't include The Theiving Magpie. Wonderful performance, though. https://www.amazon.com/Rossini-Famous-Overtures-Beruhmte-Ouverturen/dp/9051861060

And you know... You can always have a great time with Gamba's 1960 classic recording. https://www.amazon.com/Rossini-Overtures-GIOACCHINO-ROSSINI/dp/B00067RF50

ORDERED - Thanks again!

 

[windhoek]

After what seems like an intense, prolonged period of hibernation, I've just finished watching Götterdämmerung and in doing so, as you guys will know, I've also come to the end of the opera cycle. The magnitude of the closing scene, as well as that of the entire cycle, is still sinking in so my thoughts aren't altogether coherent when it comes to summing things up. What I can say though is that I appreciated the silence that accompanied the end credits - not because I was glad it was all over, in case you were wondering, but it seemed to seemed to amplify the strength of the finale. I enjoyed watching Siegfried the most as Siegfried and Brünnhilde were great, and oh, if only I could wake up with the appreciation of daylight as did Brünnhilde as I don't think I've ever woke up as happy as that before. I thought the performances were pretty good all round with everyone giving a committed performance. There were lots of times I was hooked but sometimes my mind began to wander so I think I know what I need to do next - watch it again!

 

[Lute]

ORDERED - Thanks again!
View attachment 38391

I have heard so many performances of these overtures that you'd think I'd be completely burned out. But, there's something about Rossini (and good music in general) that keeps me coming back for more. Must be a 50 shades of gray-thing. LOL!! So, I think I'm gonna have to get that one sooner rather than later. Anyway, I'd still love to hear your impressions of it.

 

[4-earredwonder]

I have heard so many performances of these overtures that you'd think I'd be completely burned out. But, there's something about Rossini (and good music in general) that keeps me coming back for more. Must be a 50 shades of gray-thing. LOL!! So, I think I'm gonna have to get that one sooner rather than later. Anyway, I'd still love to hear your impressions of it.

2 NAXOS BD~As of Rossini's Music come to mind and are recommended: VOLUME I: https://www.hraudio.net/showmusic.php?title=9422 VOLUME II: https://www.hraudio.net/showmusic.php?title=9423

Rossini: Complete Overtures, Vol. 2

 

[J. PUPSTER]

2 NAXOS BD~As of Rossini's Music come to mind and are recommended: https://www.hraudio.net/showmusic.php?title=9422

Rossini: Complete Overtures, Vol. 2

That's the Blu-ray I have, and I was not impressed