What are you listening today and WHY – Only one rule, see first post

[austinpop]

Marty mentioned David Hurwitz, and I admit I like to watch some of his videos. He's opinionated, and I often disagree with his choices, but I have found some real gems from his recommendations. One such is the Brahms cycle below from James Levine and the Chicago Symphony. I'm well aware of Levine's fall from grace due to the sexual scandals surrounding him, nor do I condone the behavior at all.

I just find this version profoundly lyrical and intoxicating. The Third is spectacular, as is the First.

 

[LL21]

What a great story!

 

[LL21]

Marty mentioned David Hurwitz, and I admit I like to watch some of his videos. He's opinionated, and I often disagree with his choices, but I have found some real gems from his recommendations. One such is the Brahms cycle below from James Levine and the Chicago Symphony. I'm well aware of Levine's fall from grace due to the sexual scandals surrounding him, nor do I condone the behavior at all.

I just find this version profoundly lyrical and intoxicating. The Third is spectacular, as is the First.
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So I literally just started digging into Brahms symphonies again. Listening to Suitner and recently acquired Klemperer, then surprised to really like revisiting the Barenboim, then some remastered Furtwangler from his WWII recordings, and now really looking forward to receiving a remastered Jochum (London Philharmonic). Although the orderliness of the Suitner was a good start, I found myself enjoying the dramatic sway of the Furtwangler and what I believe Jochum will be delivering. The Barenboim had more of a disciplined drama to it than I had remembered which is why I called it a nice surprise after preferring Furtwangler to Suitner. I am hopeful that for my tastes that Jochum will be the sweet spot. Somehow I really respected the Klemperer but for some reason, I was surprised to find it did not move me as much as I was expecting. Might need to revisit that...but again, hopeful that the Jochum is going to be the one for me.

 

[simorag]

Two dramatically different readings of the Grieg A-minor piano concerto, both enjoyable in their own way.

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Where Leonskaja is saturated, emphatic, somewhat self-indulgent, Fleisher takes an almost improvisatory route, effervescent and spontaneous,

I find Leonskaja 1st movement cadenza especially moving.

In the adagio, Fleisher levity and Szell transparent conducting style of the Cleveland Orchestra combined together bring a sense of contained emotion which makes the whole movement sound almost dreamy. Leonskaja's rendition is darker, denser, more inward-looking.

The last movement sounds more urgent and propulsive in Fleisher's hands, with a clear sense of direction, whereas the Georgian born pianist makes it feel like a self-contained, contemplative tone poem, except assaulting the keyboard in the finale like a lioness.

 

[simorag]

I am not familiar with Gian Carlo Menotti music, but I have found his Piano Concerto recording below very enjoyable. It may not be a mastework of structure, or a memorably original composition, but it has some nice tunes and a few uplifting moments that makes it well worth listening.

A big role in this is played by Earl Wild, the soloist, and by a spectacular recording take.

Wild, with his beautiful, rich and hefty tone, is especially fit for this music. He's able to fill with intention and color the somewhat directionless composition, and sure brings home the more emotionally charged moments skillfully managing to avoid sounding cheap.

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[Al M.]

A big role in this is played by Earl Wild, the soloist, and by a spectacular recording take.

Wild, with his beautiful, rich and hefty tone, is especially fit for this music. He's able to fill with intention and color the somewhat directionless composition, and sure brings home the more emotionally charged moments skillfully managing to avoid sounding cheap.

Earl Wild was great. I saw him in the Vredenburg hall in Utrecht, The Netherlands, in the early Nineties. Program was Liszt piano concerto #1, followed after the break by Bruckner Symphony 6.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

I am not familiar with Gian Carlo Menotti music, but I have found his Piano Concerto recording below very enjoyable. It may not be a mastework of structure, or a memorably original composition, but it has some nice tunes and a few uplifting moments that makes it well worth listening.

A big role in this is played by Earl Wild, the soloist, and by a spectacular recording take.

Wild, with his beautiful, rich and hefty tone, is especially fit for this music. He's able to fill with intention and color the somewhat directionless composition, and sure brings home the more emotionally charged moments skillfully managing to avoid sounding cheap.

View attachment 157600​

Yay! The Menotti PC (in this performance) has been one of my secret pleasures for years. Not transcendental but a continuing delight.

 

[Bloomie]

Who says four hands are better than two? Sometimes I do.
I knew the Contiguglia Brothers personally. Richard and John were identical twins. Both graduated from the Yale School of Music in 1959 and studied under the great Myra Hess in London.

John sadly passed away this April. I was fortunate enough to have known them in the early 2000s, when they were embarking on re-recording their Beethoven-Liszt Symphony No. 9 in D Minor for two pianos, four hands. It was in John's Ansonia apartment where the brothers playing on matched Steinway Concert Grands performed the entire Symphony from memory ... flawlessly. There I was, sitting not 3 feet from the pianos, taking it all in.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

All the Beethoven symphonies and overtures with von Immerseel from 24/352.8 in 5.1.
Continually refreshing.

 

[Hornsolutions Swen]

Not a real secret, but however.
Why Archie Shepp’s Goin’ Home is Worth Every Listen (and Purchase)


Archie Shepp’s 1977 album Goin’ Home, a duet collaboration with pianist Horace Parlan, stands as a profound pivot in the saxophonist’s storied career. Known for his fiery avant-garde jazz in the ‘60s, Shepp here channels African American spirituals and gospel tunes—“Goin’ Home,” “Go Down Moses,” “Deep River”—with raw emotional depth that transcends genres. Recorded in Copenhagen, the sparse duo format highlights Shepp’s tenor and soprano saxophone in intimate, reverent dialogues with Parlan’s subtle, light-footed piano, evoking a sense of homecoming and cultural nostalgia.


What makes it essential? This isn’t just jazz; it’s a heartfelt reclamation of Black musical roots, blending subtle dissonance from Shepp’s experimental past with tender, spiritual introspection. Critics hail it as one of his finest works—warm, witty, and deeply moving, even bringing Shepp to tears during sessions. 0 The result is contemplative and soul-stirring, far from the blistering free jazz of old, yet retaining that signature timbre midway between Ben Webster’s warmth and Albert Ayler’s fire. 3 At around 51 minutes, it’s a timeless gem that rewards repeated plays, offering solace and inspiration. If you’re into spiritual jazz or seeking an emotional jazz experience, Goin’ Home demands your playlist—and shelf. Highly recommended for its beauty and historical resonance.

Best Regards S

 

[Lynnot]

Hadn't heard it for about 15 years !

 

[Bloomie]

Buckingham Nicks was originally released on vinyl only, and much was made of Rhino's decision to re-release/issue the album this year. There wasn't any talk of it being released digitally. So, I was a bit surprised, but pleasantly so. The official release date is tomorrow. The vinyl should be available in traditional black and not so traditional blue and pink. Take your pick. Who are we to judge?

 

[simorag]

Emotional whirlwind from another age. Still fresh, imaginative playing, intensely focused on nuance of touch, breathing of rhythmic pulse, singing tone quality. Irresistible

 

[Bloomie]

GUILTY as charged. I find myself in the company of two truly good women endowed with fine voices.
Cecile McLorin Salvant's Oh Snap and Sarah McLachlan's Better Broken. Now that's a blast from the past.

The two albums officially drop tomorrow. Colour me impatient. I could not wait. The albums are bangers and well worth the wait, not for me, but you get my drift. You pick up what I'm putting down.

 

[puroagave]

Not a real secret, but however.
Why Archie Shepp’s Goin’ Home is Worth Every Listen (and Purchase)


Archie Shepp’s 1977 album Goin’ Home, a duet collaboration with pianist Horace Parlan, stands as a profound pivot in the saxophonist’s storied career. Known for his fiery avant-garde jazz in the ‘60s, Shepp here channels African American spirituals and gospel tunes—“Goin’ Home,” “Go Down Moses,” “Deep River”—with raw emotional depth that transcends genres. Recorded in Copenhagen, the sparse duo format highlights Shepp’s tenor and soprano saxophone in intimate, reverent dialogues with Parlan’s subtle, light-footed piano, evoking a sense of homecoming and cultural nostalgia.


What makes it essential? This isn’t just jazz; it’s a heartfelt reclamation of Black musical roots, blending subtle dissonance from Shepp’s experimental past with tender, spiritual introspection. Critics hail it as one of his finest works—warm, witty, and deeply moving, even bringing Shepp to tears during sessions. 0 The result is contemplative and soul-stirring, far from the blistering free jazz of old, yet retaining that signature timbre midway between Ben Webster’s warmth and Albert Ayler’s fire. 3 At around 51 minutes, it’s a timeless gem that rewards repeated plays, offering solace and inspiration. If you’re into spiritual jazz or seeking an emotional jazz experience, Goin’ Home demands your playlist—and shelf. Highly recommended for its beauty and historical resonance.

Best Regards S



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Goin' Home has been an audiophile chestnut for as far back as I can recall. The sister album "trouble in Mind" is also highly recommended, it might be the best of the two imho. The sonics are in-the-room-life-like and a very resolving recording that gets better as your system improves.

 

[DasguteOhr]

That jam session is truly live; the vocal dynamics are from another planet, very rare to find on an LP. I always use it to adjust cartridges.

 

[Kcin]

Goin' Home has been an audiophile chestnut for as far back as I can recall. The sister album "trouble in Mind" is also highly recommended, it might be the best of the two imho. The sonics are in-the-room-life-like and a very resolving recording that gets better as your system improves.

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This is a reference level recording that I use regularly- it is fabulous music as well. This one is my preference over Goin' Home -if I had to make a choice- however, both should be staples in everyone's collection.

Thanks,

 

[austinpop]

Finally got my hands on Gary Bertini's out-of-print and not-on-streaming Mahler cycle.



Started my listening with the 8th, since Hurwitz rates it very highly. I must say — I have to agree! This one may surpass the Solti/Chicago as my all-time favorite.

Looking forward to listening to the rest of the cycle over the next few days.

 

[simorag]

Finally got my hands on Gary Bertini's out-of-print and not-on-streaming Mahler cycle.

View attachment 161419

Started my listening with the 8th, since Hurwitz rates it very highly. I must say — I have to agree! This one may surpass the Solti/Chicago as my all-time favorite.

Looking forward to listening to the rest of the cycle over the next few days.

His 5th is my favorite, curious about what you think !