[Desertpilot]

Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No. 1
Gubaidulina: In tempus praesens*

Simone Lamsma (violin)
Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra
James Gaffigan & Reinbert de Leeuw* (conductors)

An interview with Lamsma and Gaffigan on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhiWpowQikE

Marcus' Thoughts:  "There are 10 Super Audio CD albums featuring this Shostakovich concerto.  However, this studio recorded performance and incredible sonics are superb.  I purchased the album in multichannel DXD (24/352.8 ) from "SpiritoftheTurtle" website. Soundstage is wide and deep. Instrument clarity is remarkable. I felt that the violin was very well balanced with the orchestra. The violin in movement one leads the listener into the abyss. The orchestra covers with a shroud of darkness. Each succeeding movement deepens the darkness and ramps up the emotional intensity. I could write much more melodramatically but Dominy Clements' review (see below) did so much better than I. Suffice it to say I was completely drawn in and had to listen to it many times."

Dominy Clements, Musicweb International:  "This is a genuinely potent performance, the first movement filled with emotional depth, the contrasting Scherzo a sharp, almost panicky dance of death, the urgent rhythms of which propel us into a remarkable Passacaglia, “a masterpiece – mature, elegiac and highly lyrical.” Lyrical yes, but also full of dark drama that is fully exploited in this recording.  The final movement Burlesque has a demonic feel, Lamsma digging deep into the strings of her Stradivarius, pitting her single violin against the forces massed behind her and, as with the Scherzo, propelling us with high-tensile nervous angst into a world of smoky industry and a society stained by fear."

Adrian Quanjer, HR Audio:  "In her reading Ms Lamsma not only has the required skills & bravura, but is also able to understand and share the emotional aspects with Maestro James Gaffigan, a conductor I hold in high esteem.  ...This is a deeply moving account which has to be heard to be believed. And when I say 'heard', there are only two suitable ways: In the concert hall with the full dynamics, or else at home with the best possible sound reproduction in order to be completely engulfed and gripped by the cruel history it conveys."

Tech Specs:
Available as CD, SACD streaming and download.  Stereo or multichannel. 
DSD 64 download at Native DSD:  https://www.nativedsd.com/product/cc72681-violin-concerto-no-1-op-77-in-tempus-praesens/
Now available from Challenge Classics in DXD (24/352.8 ):  https://spiritofturtle.com/collections/dxd/products/kopie-van-simone-lamsma-violin-concerto-no-1-in-tempus-praesens-auro-3d-5-1-4-immersive?variant=42405734809770
Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor for Shostakovich: James Gaffigan
Conductor for Gubaidulina:  Reinbert de Leeuw
Catalog # CC72681
Recording/Mastering Engineer:  Bert van der Wolf
Venue:  MCO Hilverusm, (Gubaidulina – Concertgebouw Amsterdam)
Release Date:  March 10, 2017

[Desertpilot]

Shostakovich: 24 Preludes and Fugues

Bach: Goldberg Variations

Hannes Minnaar (piano)

I am offering to you two solo piano works by Hannes Minnaar.  I own both of them in multichannel surround DXD 24/352.8.  Both are also available on SACD or DSD download.

My newest purchase is Shostakovich: 24 Preludes and Fugues.  There are no reviews yet.  Minnaar is currently performing the work live at various concert venues.  The tracks are available on his YouTube channel.  Here is the last one, 8 minutes long, 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87: Fugue No. 24 in D Minor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un-rx0IPdYI&list=OLAK5uy_kdcvZLxCP0lwgMt8mbmPvf4oIWphR8ynQ&index=48).

Marcus' Thoughts:  "Time now to dive into this recording and offer my thoughts. There's not many SACD recording but competition is fierce in RBCD. The most notable is Tatiana Nikolayeva's several recorded performances. The liner notes to her RBCD 1990 recording (Hyperion, DA66441/3), available free as a download in pdf format (https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/dc.asp?dc=D_CDA66441/3), describes her association with Shostakovich as he was writing the piece. Her recordings are considered the benchmark. A more recent, and highly acclaimed, RBCD recording is Igor Levit's performance recorded in May, 2020, (SONY 19439809212). This is a massive recording spanning three CDs for a full 232:41 minutes. Aside from the Preludes and Fugues, the CDs also include Ronald Stevenson's Passacaglia. Great praise is given to the Levit recording by David McDade, Music Web International (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2021/Oct/Shostakovich-preludes-19439809212.htm). He writes, "Nikolayeva gives us a much more familiar picture of Shostakovich where Levit finds greater light and shade; his Shostakovich even smiles and not just in a sarcastic grimace. Nikolayeva’s humour is flatter and more caustic. The two sets complement each beautifully, yet I imagine Levit’s will win over more listeners new to the music. Ideally, I would say any listener needs to hear both but if pushed to choose just one, it would be Levit." Levit's CDs are available at Presto as CD, LP and download (https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8920511--on-dsch#about).

What about the Minnaar recording? There are no reviews yet. I downloaded the multichannel DXD 24/352.8 version from Spirit of the Turtle website. Disc 1 is 73:01 minutes and disc 2 is 77:31 minutes. I've listened to both CDs a couple of times now (an advantage of retirement). The sonics, as usual from Bert van Der Wolf, are superb. I will note that Minnaar played on a Steinway Model D rather than his Chris Maene Straight Strung Concert Grand. I suspect logistics played a role here. The venue was Muziekcentrum van de Omroep, MCO-1, Hilversum. Recording dates were 22-24 December 2021 (Preludes and Fugues Nos. 1-12) & 1-3 May 2022 (Preludes and Fugues Nos. 13-24). Each piano note is clear and wholesome. Many times he will hold the final note for a long time allowing it to naturally fade. Soundstage was broad and deep presenting a concert grand into my listening room.

The liner notes include an interview style commentary.

-- What does the work mean to you? Why do you enjoy performing it?
"I first heard this music at the age of fifteen when I saw a TV documentary in which Vladimir Ashkenazy played one of the pieces. It really touched a chord with me. I had been obsessed with Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier for some time, and I was immediately fascinated by this twentieth-century variant. Over the years, I’ve frequently returned to this work, and each time, I’ve been struck by the madness and loneliness it contains."

-- A continuous series of preludes and fugues could become a bit monotonous for the listener. But when I heard you play these pieces, I noticed that with each new piece, a whole new world opened up.
"That’s exactly what Shostakovich was going for. When I started to perform the work in concert, I briefly wondered whether it might end up being too much of the same. But the movements are all so different. Plus there’s the alternation between major and minor."

I concur. I was not bored at all and enjoyed each piece. As you progress through the music there is great variety. Of course, you have to love solo piano works. I'll be very interested in professional reviews, especially comparing Minnaar's performance with the Levit recording. I've watched several of Minnaar's videos and I can see great emotion in his mannerisms and facial expressions as he plays. This emotion translates into his playing and impresses me greatly."

Tech Specs:

Available as CD, SACD and download.  The sound engineer, Bert van der Wolf is now offering Auro 3D and Binaural (for headphones) versions on his website, Spirit of the Turtle (https://spiritofturtle.com/.
Original Recording format: DXD
Catalog # CC72907
Venue:  Muziekcentrum van de Omroep, MCO-1, Hilversum
Recording Date:  22-24 December 2021 (Preludes and Fugues Nos. 1-12) & 1-3 May 2022
Sound Engineer:  Bert van der Wolf

Bach: Goldberg Variations

Marcus Thoughts:  I wasn't sure I would like two full discs of Bach music.  But, I was very surprised by both the sonics and engaging music.  Here he plays on his signature Chris Maene Straight Strung Concert Grand CM005.  The second disc, a Daan Manneke composition, was even more delightful.  Here is a track from his YouTube channel: Gedanken zu Bach Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig A.D. 2020: VI. Toccata secundo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B41Oxh9DWv0&list=OLAK5uy_l8rPofStP7HNgrZjAewisGAMuDTZVaxz4&index=38.  The entire concert from a live performance is also available on YouTube. 

Tal Agam, The Classic Review.  "Minnaar holds this masterpiece together as a complete whole that will reveal itself more with repeated listening."

Jed Distler, Classics Today.  "Hannes Minnaar brings many positive assets to Bach’s Goldberg Variations. His superb finger independence helps vivify and characterize the contrapuntal writing at any tempo, abetted by varied articulations and imaginative yet discreet use of the sustain pedal. The pianist clearly enjoys modifying voicings, amplifying textures, and shifting accents on the repeats (which he observes in full, including the Aria da capo), not to mention unfettered and creative ornamentation."

Tech Specs:
Available as a CD, SACD and download.
Catalog # CC72859
Original Recording Format: DXD
Sound Engineer Bert van der Wolf.
Venue:  De Waalse Kerk in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Recording Date:  August 3-6, 2020







Marcus

[FullRangeMan]

There are two eminently audiophile solo piano works Goldberg Variations and Diabelli Variations op.120. in 2008 I was fortunate to found the best version of Beethoven work recorded in 24/192.
https://www.sa-cd.net/showtitle/4532

[Desertpilot]

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]

Thanks for the suggestions, much appreciated.

[Desertpilot]

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]

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

[Desertpilot]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Desertpilot]

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]

Your recommendations are always excellent!

[Desertpilot]

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

[Tyson]

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]

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.