Demonstration Worthy Classical Recordings

Desertpilot · « **Reply #140 on:** 26 Nov 2023, 02:40 pm »

Hard to believe an entire year has gone by since my last post. I was going to let the thread die off but so much wonderful music has come out in the past year, I felt I had to restart the thread. Almost 15,000 views. Thank you everyone.

The Schumann Collection, Vol. 2

Nicolas van Poucke, Piano

I was very much looking forward to this release as I have Vol. 1. The melodies are absolutely wonderful. What's exceptional is the recording quality. Each note is distinct and you can hear the right and left hands as clearly as if you were standing next to the piano.

Reviews:

Adrian Quanjer, HRAudio.net: "His careful and well-considered approach to Schumann’s five ‘Gesänge der Frühe’ is a clear and most imposing example of van Poucke’s understanding and empathy for a composer whose feelings in this late work hover between poetry and Introspection. It sets a tone that resonates in the rest of the programme, making this release, like the previous one, irreplaceably wonderful."

Aart van der Wal, Opus Klassiek: "Van Poucke makes it a real gem, with the theme under his hands truly 'Leise, innig', the shades of shadow nevertheless beautiful in color, with as an absolute highlight the third variation ('Etwas belebter') with that fabulous, so strongly contrasting interplay between left and right hand."

Tech Specs:

Available as CD, SACD and download. Now offering Auro 3D version. Vol 1 is available on Vinyl. Go to TRPTK or Native DSD to purchase.
Original Recording format: DSD
Catalog TRPTK TTK 0107 https://trptk.com/shop/downloads/the-schumann-collection-vol-2/
Venue: Muziekcentrum van de Omroep - Studio 1, Hilversum (NL)
Recording Date: October 2022
Sound Engineer: Brendon Heinst

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #141 on:** 26 Nov 2023, 10:48 pm »

Thanks for the suggestions, much appreciated.

Desertpilot · « **Reply #142 on:** 29 Nov 2023, 07:28 pm »

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5, Schulhoff: Five Pieces for String Quartet (arr. Honeck/Ille)

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Manfred Honeck, music director.

I love this music. Movement #1 is so compelling, I feel like getting up and marching around my listening space. Huge orchestra sound which is typical of Honeck and the PSO. Excellent sonics, of course, by the Soundmirror team.

---- Review by David Hurwitz: Review: Honeck's Thrillingly Visceral Tchaikovsky Fifth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sedKJn597Ds

---- Review on HRAudio: https://www.hraudio.net/showmusic.php?title=16101#reviews
Review by Graham Williams - June 30, 2023, "This is without doubt the finest modern recording of Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony in both musical and sonic terms that I have heard, and I cannot recommend it highly enough."

Tech Specs:
-- Available as CD, SACD and download. Reference Recordings available for download at Native DSD.
-- Catalog # FR752
-- Venue: Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, Pittsburgh, PA
-- Sound Engineer: Mixing and Mastering: Mark Donahue (Soundmirror, Boston).
-- Original Recording Format: DSD 256
-- Recording Date: June 17-19, 2022
-- Release Date: July 28, 2023

S Clark · « **Reply #143 on:** 29 Nov 2023, 09:47 pm »

For those that can spin vinyl, this an excellently recorded lp. Both the early US pressings and the later Dutch ones.

Desertpilot · « **Reply #144 on:** 30 Nov 2023, 03:16 pm »

Chiaroscuro Quartet: Haydn, String Quartets Op. 33 1-3.

I've never been a fan of HIP (Historically Informed Performance) style. In this case, however, it is absolutely stunning. The quartet plays on 1700's instruments using gut strings. The whole conception of chamber music changes for me. The artists noted how different it was for them to use gut strings. For example, they had to make changes in timing to accommodate the swift drop off in sound. Soundstage is broad and deep. The Quartet surrounds the center channel, each with appropriate distance from one another. The strings sound warm and robust, as they should.

Reviews:

-- Charlotte Gardner from Gramophone writes, "...this is a set begging to be served up with lashings of joy, and that’s precisely what the Chiaroscuro Quartet have done... ...It’s that combination of crisp, earthy clarity and lively, virtuoso sparkle that marks these readings out..."

-- A review of one of their other albums. Adrian Quanjer - May 10, 2017, "Perfection. Pure perfection. That’s what we have here and in multi-format. Not only the playing but also the bowing, the minute phrasing, the ‘justesse’, the musical involvement… and all the rest."

All of their releases are listed here: https://www.hraudio.net/search.php?format=0&keywords=Chiaroscuro+Quartet

Tech Specs:
-- Available as CD, SACD and download (at eClassical)
-- Catalog # BIS-2668
-- Venue: Menuhin Hall, The Yehudi Menuhin School, Stoke d'Abernon, England
-- Recording Date: 26th—29th October 2021
-- Release Date: May, 2023.
-- Recording Engineer: Editing and mixing: Oscar Torres
-- Original Recording Format: PCM 24/192

Tyson · « **Reply #145 on:** 20 Dec 2023, 09:20 pm »

The new recording of Michael Jarrell's orchestral works on BIS is another reference level recording, and its of some quite adventurous very modern classical music. It's pretty angular, but never devolves into the pure ugliness of the serialists:

Desertpilot · « **Reply #146 on:** 24 Dec 2023, 03:01 am »

Mahler: Symphony No. 8

Minnesota Orchestra
Omso Vänskä (conductor)

This symphony is complex and exhausting. I've listened to it a few times and the quality of the performance and the sonics are both superb.

Reviews:

HR Audio Review by Graham Williams https://www.hraudio.net/showmusic.php?title=16308#reviews
"... a triumphant performance in this penultimate release. ...The BIS 5.0 multi-channel recording is simply awesome."

Video Review by Dave Hurwitz
Review: Vänskä Thrills in a Sensational Mahler 8th! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO5iJQtL1mw

Tech Specs:
-- Available as CD, SACD, and download (download at eClassical)
-- Catalog # BIS-2496
-- Venue: Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis
-- Recording Date: 14th—16th June 2022
-- Recording Engineer: Thore Brinkmann (Take5 Music Production)
-- Original format: 24-bit / 96 kHz

Jeff_From_Michigan · « **Reply #147 on:** 25 Dec 2023, 03:31 pm »

Quote from: Desertpilot on 30 Nov 2023, 03:16 pm

Chiaroscuro Quartet: Haydn, String Quartets Op. 33 1-3.

I've never been a fan of HIP (Historically Informed Performance) style. In this case, however, it is absolutely stunning. The quartet plays on 1700's instruments using gut strings. The whole conception of chamber music changes for me. The artists noted how different it was for them to use gut strings. For example, they had to make changes in timing to accommodate the swift drop off in sound. Soundstage is broad and deep. The Quartet surrounds the center channel, each with appropriate distance from one another. The strings sound warm and robust, as they should.

Reviews:

-- Charlotte Gardner from Gramophone writes, "...this is a set begging to be served up with lashings of joy, and that’s precisely what the Chiaroscuro Quartet have done... ...It’s that combination of crisp, earthy clarity and lively, virtuoso sparkle that marks these readings out..."

-- A review of one of their other albums. Adrian Quanjer - May 10, 2017, "Perfection. Pure perfection. That’s what we have here and in multi-format. Not only the playing but also the bowing, the minute phrasing, the ‘justesse’, the musical involvement… and all the rest."

All of their releases are listed here: https://www.hraudio.net/search.php?format=0&keywords=Chiaroscuro+Quartet

Tech Specs:
-- Available as CD, SACD and download (at eClassical)
-- Catalog # BIS-2668
-- Venue: Menuhin Hall, The Yehudi Menuhin School, Stoke d'Abernon, England
-- Recording Date: 26th—29th October 2021
-- Release Date: May, 2023.
-- Recording Engineer: Editing and mixing: Oscar Torres
-- Original Recording Format: PCM 24/192

It is also available on Qobuz at 24/192, and sounds incredible. Thanks for the rec!

Desertpilot · « **Reply #148 on:** 6 Jan 2024, 08:39 pm »

Jeff, I super appreciate your comment. I listen to the Chiaroscuro Quartet regularly. Never boring. Anyone who is a bit timid about chamber music, as I was, should give this album a listen.

Marcus

Desertpilot · « **Reply #149 on:** 2 Mar 2024, 01:33 pm »

Sibelius: Lemminkäinen Suite, Karelia Suite, Rakastava

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Susanna Mälkki (conductor)

Marcus' Comment: "I own several performances of this music. This one stands out and gets a lot of play time. I downloaded it in both stereo (for listening with headsets) and surround. Either way, the sonics are amazing, broad and deep. Solo instruments are clear. The composer paints a picture with his music and that comes through to the listener. The conductor and orchestra offer a warm and engaging sound. Everything was balanced and flows effortlessly. The wind instruments were particularly emotionally engaging."

HR Audio Review by Graham Williams - February 5, 2024: "In conclusion, Susanna Mälkki's latest collaboration with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra is a testament to her interpretative skill and the orchestra's exceptional musicianship, making this SACD a must-listen for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to Sibelius's orchestral repertoire." https://www.hraudio.net/showmusic.php?title=16451#reviews.

Video Review by Dave Hurwitz: Review: Mälkki and the Home Town Team Deliver in Sibelius. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPM6nycppOc.

Tech Specs:

-- Available as CD, SACD and Download (at eClassical).
-- Catalog # BIS-2638
-- Venue: Helsingin Musiikkitalo (Helsinki Music Centre), Finland
-- Recording Dates: Karelia Suite: 1st—2nd October 2021, Rakastava: October 2020 (at public concerts), Lemminkäinen: 13th—16th February 2023.
-- Recording Format: 24-bit / 96 kHz
-- Recording Engineer: Enno Mäemets

Desertpilot · « **Reply #150 on:** 15 Nov 2024, 04:20 am »

Le Prophète

London Symphony Orchestra
Sir Mark Elder (conductor)

Recorded live in concert at Festival d'Aix-en-Provence in 2023, this album sees the London Symphony Orchestra and conductor Sir Mark Elder join forces with Lyon Opera Chorus, Maîtrise des Bouches-du-Rhône, the Mediterranean Youth Orchestra, and an incredible cast of soloists to bring to life Meyerbeer's visionary historical drama, "Le Prophète".

Marcus thoughts: "The music has wonderful melodies. Equally important, the vocals compliment the music resulting in an emotionally satisfying experience. Sonics are superb. I hope my comments are encouraging to you. I know I was surprised by my own attraction to this Opera. I must say, the LSO has really stepped up its game with recent productions. Thanks to them for their willingness to bring this music to us."

Michael Cookson, Musicweb International: He notes "Le prophète was a tremendous success right from its 1849 Paris premiere and was given some 570 performances through to 1912." His bottom line: "This is a top-drawer performance by all concerned, particularly the trio of principals."

Mike Parr, Musicweb International: "This recording uses the new critical edition of the score published by Ricordi... It includes much music that was cut from the score before the 1849 premiere that was discovered in the composer’s autograph manuscript." The reviewer was favorable towards this performance.

Review by Graham Williams, HRAudio.Net: "Here is a real treat for lovers of French “grand opera” at its most ostentatious. ...Mark Elder’s urgent conducting of the score and the superfine playing of the LSO ensures there are no longueurs throughout the opera’s five acts. The work is full of stirring choruses, magnificently delivered here by the Lyon Opera Chorus, while the music of the obligatory ballet in Act III, one that took place on a frozen lake with the dancers on roller skates, is performed with elegance and typical LSO flare. ...Those unfamiliar with French grand opera and curious to experience it should investigate this thrilling release without delay."

Conductor Sir Mark Elder discusses the performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5Yk4ARFDMw

Tech Specs:

-- Available as CD, SACD and Download (Native DSD).
-- Catalog # LSO0894 (3 discs)
-- Venue: Festival d'Aix-en-Provence
-- Live performance 7/15/2023
-- Recording Engineers: Jonathan Stokes & Neil Hutchinson & Josh Whittaker (Classic Sound Ltd)

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #151 on:** 15 Nov 2024, 08:35 pm »

Glad to see new releases from Native DSD and SACDs.
Good job Marcus

Desertpilot · « **Reply #152 on:** 22 Nov 2024, 04:24 pm »

Anton Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 in E major, WAB 107 (1883, Edition Nowak)
Mason Bates: Resurrexit

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Manfred Honeck (conductor)

Marcus' Thoughts: "I am a huge Bruckner fan, especially conducted by Maestro Honeck and performed by the Pittsburg Symphony Orchestra. This latest release is highly praised. Sonics, per usual, are excellent. I own the DXD version in both surround and stereo (when using headsets). Of course, surround, in my opinion, gives the listener a room filling sound."

Dave Hurwitz, Classics Today: Review: Honeck's Grand and Glorious Bruckner 7th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ChTG_QZsHo&t=24s

Adrian Quanjer, HR Audio: "Straight from the ‘Ur Nebel’ - the tremolos in the strings - rising out of nothing at the beginning of the first movement, one becomes aware that something extraordinary is happening. ...Summing it up: Where others merely play the outside of the music, and in all honesty, some do it very well, Honeck unravels the inside, laying bare the deepest feelings, and I believe that is exactly what makes his contribution to the world of classical music so intensely valuable."

Kelvin Chan, MusicWeb International: "Following such immense successes (Bruckner #4 and #9), this new album has considerable hype to live up to – and it does so in spectacular fashion. Honeck and the PSO deliver a tour de force with this Bruckner Symphony No 7... This is a truly unmissable release that combines this conductor’s and ensemble’s well-deserved accolades in high and late Romantic repertoire with a much-welcomed advocacy for contemporary orchestral music."

Tech Specs:

Available as CD, SACD, and download (Native DSD).
Catalog # FR757
Original Recording Format: DXD 352.8 kHz 32 bit
Venue: Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, Pittsburgh, PA
Live concert recording: 3/25/2022
Sound Engineers: John Newton, Mark Donahue (Soundmirror)

Tyson · « **Reply #153 on:** 22 Nov 2024, 04:42 pm »

Your recommendations are always excellent!

Desertpilot · « **Reply #154 on:** 22 Nov 2024, 05:05 pm »

Thank you Tyson. Praise from you is highly respected. Nearing 25,000 views on this thread. I am most gratified!

Tyson · « **Reply #155 on:** 22 Nov 2024, 05:42 pm »

My son and I saw a live performance of Bruckner a few months ago and it was pretty awesome. It motivated me to make some serious upgrades to my system.

Desertpilot · « **Reply #156 on:** 22 Nov 2024, 08:26 pm »

When my two sons visited, I played for them Brahms: Symphony No. 4 (https://hraudio.net/showmusic.php?title=15073). They were so impressed, they attended a live concert while visiting Germany. It makes me happy they are attuned to classical music and not just because of their Dad. Happy to see you passing this beautiful music to your son.

Tyson · « **Reply #157 on:** 22 Nov 2024, 09:01 pm »

That's awesome! Nothing beats live music, especially music using acoustic instruments in a good hall.

Before my son leaves, I'm trying to instill in him a love of classical music as well as classic movies!

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #158 on:** 23 Nov 2024, 02:08 am »

RR always was a discrete audiophile label,
good to know they are recording Native DSD.

Desertpilot · « **Reply #159 on:** 24 Nov 2024, 05:06 pm »

Mendelssohn: Elijah

Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha (soprano)
Sarah Connolly (mezzo-soprano)
Allan Clayton (tenor)
Gerald Finley (bass)
London Symphony Chorus
London Symphony Orchestra
Antonio Pappano (conductor)

"From its first performance, Elijah received roof-raising applause. It’s one of the three greatest oratorios in musical history, bringing the sacred to life in glorious song. The life of the Biblical prophet is told in a series of dramatic episodes. We follow the fortunes of the steadfast, open-hearted Elijah, and encounter ministering angels and the vengeful queen Jezebel."

Marcus Thoughts: "If you enjoy Oratorios, as I do, this is an unmissable add to your collection. Listeners should read the liner notes. It gives you important insights into the composition as well as why Mendelsohn was the perfect choice for composer. Pappano (LSO Chief Conductor Designate) was a great choice as he is an accomplished opera conductor. The soloists are a star studded cast and each of them delivers! The music is sung in English. Lyrics are in the liner notes. I've listened to the album several times now in both surround and stereo (headsets). Soundstage is broad and deep (as necessary for a large chorus). While this is an "audience" perspective, I found my rear surrounds are much more engaged and added superb overall presence."

John Rhodes, Seen and Heard International, he attended the "live" concert: "The splendid and huge London Symphony Chorus were on form, impeccable dynamics very well controlled throughout, words clear, most entries exact. ...The orchestra were solid across the board. An uplifting Elijah to remember."

John Quinn, MusicWeb International: "Sir Antonio Pappano is clearly one of those conductors who relishes the dramatic aspect of Mendelssohn’s masterpiece and in the London Symphony Chorus – and his soloists – he has just the singers to make the most of the opportunities that the score presents. ...When you listen to this performance I think you will feel as I do that all the performers – and I include the orchestra in this – have definitely told the story of the prophet Elijah and have done so in vivid terms. It’s a tremendous performance, one of the best I’ve heard on disc."

Tech Specs:
Available as CD, SACD and download (Native DSD). I own the DXD download.
Original Recording Format: DSD 256
Catalog # LSO08982
Release Date: October 3, 2024
Recording Date: Recorded Live on 28 & 31 January, 2024
Venue: The Barbican, London
Sound engineers: Jonathan Stokes, Neil Hutchinson (Classic Sound)

Clip of Conductor Pappano discussing the music. Our new release of Mendelssohn's Elijah is out now! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TLWgg7MNBw