|
|
|
|
February 25, 2006
|
Although weightily played this is just not diabolic enough for me - for instance look at a comparison of 1st. movement timings:
Kondrashin: 23' 56"
Rostropovich (Teldec): 22' 51"
Haitink: 25' 55"
then Kitaenko 29' 38"!
The movement is marked adagio but at this tempo it just seems to crawl endlessly ... more |
|
|
|
|
|
February 18, 2006
|
Listen to the mounting excitement of the beginning of the Octet - from about the 3' mark the sonorities just keep piling higher and higher - and you can tell straight away the playing is full-blooded; just how I like it.
Nothing much to add to Polly's excellent summary of the two works. Clearly the ... more |
|
|
|
|
|
January 28, 2006
|
Three late, radiant clarinet masterpieces from Brahms in a very generous 67' coupling.
The first sonata is dramatic, the second melting and mellifluous - both around 20' long.
The trio is the darkest and perhaps greatest work on this disc - what a lovely combination piano cello and clarinet is! ... more |
|
|
|
|
|
January 27, 2006
|
BIS have wisely placed no.3, in my opinion the greatest of the suites, first on this disc - immediately trumpets ring out regally and resplendently, then at the 3' minute mark the violins burst on to the scene - great stuff!
The suites are collections of dance-like movements with a large overture ... more |
|
|
|
|
|
December 22, 2005
|
Absolute dream coupling, great performances with reference quality sound - do I need to say any more?
Petrushka is one of Stravinsky's three seminal early-twentieth century ballets; the story of a puppet at a fair who comes to life and is spurned by his love, the Ballerina. He finally is killed by ... more |
|
