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January 14, 2005
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Have to admit, I never cared much about the 4th. So far the only recording we had is with Haitink, and this one is superior in every respect. My main problem with this symphony is lack of distinctive thematic development and sketchiness of motifs in the first movement, but Gergiev overview puts ... more |
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January 14, 2005
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I had unique opportunity to be present at the recording sessions for this SACD last April at Watford Town Hall (north London), arguably one of the best recording venues not only in this country. That was my first encounter with this symphony (and any music by Gavril Popov for that matter), but at ... more |
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December 22, 2004
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After fantastic Kirchschlager’s disc with Bach arias, here comes another treat, completely different in style and mood, but equally great. Cantatas 56 and 82 are probably recorded by every single decent baritone under the Sun, and I never get tired listening to them all. I always admired Quasthoff’s ... more |
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September 11, 2004
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Being pleasantly surprised with Boulez and his conducting of Mahler’s 3rd, the fourth symphony is even better – his no-nonsense straight forward conducting approach works even better here. And the recording (in MC) is terrific – hard to believe it’s been done in 44.1 kHz! The sound stage is ... more |
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September 7, 2004
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Very informative essay in the booklet not only provides plenty of information about the almost forgotten Antonio Caldara, but explains a lot about performing practices from the young Handel’s period in his Italian years. His Dixit Dominus still remains a mystery, it is well known he wrote this ... more |
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