I thought it'd be interesting to share our recordings that are special to us, regardless of format or absolute sound quality.
First, Otto Klemperer's conducting of the Wagner Overtures (a common collection disc among labels) is something that completely commands my attention at every listen. My favorite from the disc is the Rienzi overture. Klemperer enters the first theme very gently with smooth, almost waltz-like build-up from the strings. The tension and power builds tremendously from there. Klemperer produced a famous series of recordings for EMI of Wagner's orchestral music and the overtures were an incredible portion of that work.
Sound quality won't be mistaken for a first-rate winner on the CDs, with diminished bass and dynamic range and analog tape noise. The playing and the performances are the stars in this one. Sound is still quite good, so we're not quite at the 8-track fidelity level!
http://www.amazon.com/Otto-Klempere...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1282102546&sr=1-1
My second prize, not available as far as I know, is a cassette recording by NHK of Japan from a radio broadcast. The final recorded performance of George Szell leading the Cleveland Orchestra contains a reading of the Sibelius Symphony #2. The cassette medium obviously imposes its limitations, but you can hear the stunning power of the great master pouring his soul into leading the music. As a great fan of Szell, this recording has special meaning. I still remember seeing him lead the Cleveland Orchestra in Beethoven's 9th Symphony at Severance Hall in Cleveland, Ohio. It was like Elvis walked out when Szell took the stage. The audience didn't behave like snooty snobs, that's for sure! I was about 10 years old at the time, and it was just about the greatest thing I'd ever seen up to then (and still).
So, what recordings do you folks hold dear, and why?
Lee
First, Otto Klemperer's conducting of the Wagner Overtures (a common collection disc among labels) is something that completely commands my attention at every listen. My favorite from the disc is the Rienzi overture. Klemperer enters the first theme very gently with smooth, almost waltz-like build-up from the strings. The tension and power builds tremendously from there. Klemperer produced a famous series of recordings for EMI of Wagner's orchestral music and the overtures were an incredible portion of that work.
Sound quality won't be mistaken for a first-rate winner on the CDs, with diminished bass and dynamic range and analog tape noise. The playing and the performances are the stars in this one. Sound is still quite good, so we're not quite at the 8-track fidelity level!
http://www.amazon.com/Otto-Klempere...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1282102546&sr=1-1
My second prize, not available as far as I know, is a cassette recording by NHK of Japan from a radio broadcast. The final recorded performance of George Szell leading the Cleveland Orchestra contains a reading of the Sibelius Symphony #2. The cassette medium obviously imposes its limitations, but you can hear the stunning power of the great master pouring his soul into leading the music. As a great fan of Szell, this recording has special meaning. I still remember seeing him lead the Cleveland Orchestra in Beethoven's 9th Symphony at Severance Hall in Cleveland, Ohio. It was like Elvis walked out when Szell took the stage. The audience didn't behave like snooty snobs, that's for sure! I was about 10 years old at the time, and it was just about the greatest thing I'd ever seen up to then (and still).
So, what recordings do you folks hold dear, and why?
Lee