Pretty good Classical Thrift finds

Posted by jdaniel@jps.net on March 11, 2008 at 09:28:13

I don't usually do this, but some hopefully useful comments follow:

Antil's Corroboree on early Everest stereo, silver/black label w/dowel spine. They don't make 'em like they used to. It's still a pretty astonishing recording for it's time; the music's a little more "ethnic" sounding than typical works which appropriate local color. It works for me. I'd like to hear this in 45rpm someday. However, if you have a reel to reel, the two track of the same work is jaw-dropping. The b-side, Ginastera's Panambi, is a little disappointing as the performance seems like a run-through. The music is fantastic and I would look for the complete ballet with Giselle ben d'or, now on Naxos, I believe.

The Saint Saens Organ Symphony on Chalfont digital, Loris Tjekvorian, recorded in the Liverpool Cathedral. How could I turn down a big organ such as this? I've never minded digital recordings on Lp, just CD. This is a BIG, airy recording, admirably (though barely contained) by the crew. I couldn't find much info on it, but I can report that it's sensitively done and unusually firm and focused in those final downward bass run. Don't get rid of your Munch, but the Chalfont will definitely bring on a wow at the end.

Chopin Piano Concerto #2 Rubinstein/Wallenstein Shaded Dog stereo. Actually this is the "Rubinstein Story," complete with booklet. Much harder to find than his Chopin RCA 1st with the Warsaw, (one of K. Wilkinson's few slightly "harsh" recordings--soundnuts beware), his 2nd is a lovely performance with better sound, a Layton/Mohr effort this time around. Nice edition.

Mahler's Song of the Earth, Reiner/Chicago Shaded Dog, stereo 2 lp box set. I only listened to the Drinking Song and was immediately drawn to the trilling horns--what a horn section--and Lewis' honeyed voice even in the high parts. Another Layton/Mohr recording which blows away the Boulez effort on CD, which sounds so harsh and claustrophobic in comparison.

Beethoven Quartet Op. 131. Quartetto Italiano/Philips (sp) Love the extended, slow first mov't of this quartet. If you don't like or get the late quartets, this is a great entry point. Warm, lush playing, though not the preciseness of the Hollywood Quartet on Capitol/EMI.

Nielsen 5th/Horenstein Unicorn label. I need to re-listen to the Bernstein, but oh, the sound on the Unicorn compared to the Bernstein! It was certainly easier to listen to. I've read that some consider it genius, others consider it over-rated.

Finally, the Jochum Christmas Oratorio, Philips, but English pressing which is fine with me. I don't know much about the performance, but I noticed Elly Ameling is the Soprano soloists and that's all I need to know: she's one of my favorites.

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Topic - Pretty good Classical Thrift finds - jdaniel@jps.net 09:28:13 03/11/08 (2)

good finds... - docw 11:06:39 03/11/08 (1)

RE: good finds... - jdaniel@jps.net 14:57:03 03/11/08 (0)

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