Post by Anders January 24, 2013 (31 of 46)
|
|
pgmdir said:
Well--- I've held off posting my reactions to this release since I did the last two posts. But I need to let everyone know that this is an incredible display of musicianship--and the recording art. I love it all, but I was especially charmed by the Serenade. The soloists are wonderful, and the horn--- often an instrument that can tighten my sphincters-- is like honey. If you are tempted at all, go for it. Read Geohominid's very complete review for more. Highly recommended by
Bill
How true!
Bought it directly from Jared.
|
|
|
Post by hiredfox January 24, 2013 (32 of 46)
|
|
pgmdir said:
Just got home from the dentist after a tooth broke--- My, that was lovely
It seem to happen more often these days (sigh), very annoying to have had to change breakfast cereals - just loved Granola
|
|
|
Post by hiredfox March 11, 2013 (33 of 46)
|
|
This is a brilliantly conceived and recorded disc from Channel Classics that intoxicates in its intensity and orchestral and vocal colours, an aural feast that in my opinion is almost peerless even on SACD. If ever a re-affirmation of the excellence of this format was needed this disc surely provides it.
A star-studded line-up of soloists would in any case have heightened one's expectations of the quality of performance even so James Gilchrist and Jasper de Waal excel, delivering sublime, near perfect recitals that truly are spell-binding and had us gasping with admiration - James Gilchrest in his very best form and Jaspar de Waal pulling aural rabbits from hats with an ease that belies his masterly skill of his instrument.
Superbly accompanied by the ever reliable and excellent Amsterdam Sinfonietta under the direction of Candida Thompson only one aspect detracted from what for us would surely have been an automatic choice for a disc of they year award. Different venues were chosen for Les Illuminations and Variations and Serenade resulting in distinctly different acoustics on the disc. The former strongly over-emphasised acoustic whilst initially impressing alas seemed to swallow up a somewhat meek performance from Barbara Hannigan. Coming as it does at the beginning of the disc, one's initial wonderment at the remarkable acoustical effects produced by Channel Classics for Les Illuminations is then tempered by this seemingly small and distant solo voice. Happily the Sinfonietta help carry it through with a certain aplomb.
Nevertheless an automatic and unreserved recommendation for all fans of Britten's Music and certainly in the demonstration class. A disc that invokes superlatives as you can see!
|
|
|
|
|
|
hiredfox said:
So, any more guesses on the cover art as opposed to who's good at what?
I have no idea what the cover represents but I like it because it is distinctive and that allows me to recognize it easily as I paw through the stacks of discs that surround my equipment rack. I lost most esthetic concerns for cover art with the passing of the LP.
|
|
|
Post by Iain March 11, 2013 (35 of 46)
|
|
hiredfox said:
............
Superbly accompanied by the ever reliable and excellent Amsterdam Sinfonietta under the direction of Candida Thompson only one aspect detracted from what for us would surely have been an automatic choice for a disc of they year award. Different venues were chosen for Les Illuminations and Variations and Serenade resulting in distinctly different acoustics on the disc. The former strongly over-emphasised acoustic whilst initially impressing alas seemed to swallow up a somewhat meek performance from Barbara Hannigan. Coming as it does at the beginning of the disc, one's initial wonderment at the remarkable acoustical effects produced by Channel Classics for Les Illuminations is then tempered by this seemingly small and distant solo voice. Happily the Sinfonietta help carry it through with a certain aplomb.
.........
Quite atypical of Hannigan as she's a favourite at the Philharmonie.
|
|
|
Post by Iain March 11, 2013 (36 of 46)
|
|
Kal Rubinson said:
I have no idea what the cover represents but I like it because it is distinctive and that allows me to recognize it easily as I paw through the stacks of discs that surround my equipment rack. I lost most esthetic concerns for cover art with the passing of the LP.
Apparently similar concept of cover art to "Bohemian Album" as well.
|
|
|
Post by Nagraboy March 11, 2013 (37 of 46)
|
|
Just ordered this disc, looking forward to it as I've never heard any Britten up to now.
|
|
|
Post by pgmdir March 11, 2013 (38 of 46)
|
|
I first heard Britten with Previn's recording of his Sinfonia Da Requiem---a long time ago. Then the War Requiem, various chaber works, and I love the Sea Interludes. I've had this disc for a while now, and I am still hearing fresh things in it each time. Get it!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Iain said:
Apparently similar concept of cover art to "Bohemian Album" as well.
Sure but still uncommon compared, say, with the relative uniformity of Pentatone or LSOLive.
|
|
|
Post by hiredfox March 11, 2013 (40 of 46)
|
|
Nagraboy said:
Just ordered this disc, looking forward to it as I've never heard any Britten up to now.
2013 is the centenary of Benjamin Britten's birth and there are a huge number of recording projects in hand to celebrate the occasion, so no doubt there will be some more excellent SACDs to join the already substantial number in the catalogue. His music seems to be more fashionable right now than at any time in my memory. The Pentatone "Time of War" disc is a great place to start as well as here.
Music for a Time of War - Kalmar
|
|
