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DavidSpearritt 7 May 2005

I am listening to this absolutely stunning disc of piano music of Mompou, played by Stephen Hough on Hyperion (GAW21963). This is really beautiful music. Reminds me of Torroba a bit.

Also a stunning recording of Freddy Kempf playing Rachmaninov on BIS. Yamaha grand recorded with the ultimate setup, 2 x TLM50i omnis, through a Studer AD19, into a GX8000, Stax monitoring. Astonishing recording, full, luminous soft treble, gorgeous bottom end, perfect for this material.

Also listening continually to the Mozart piano sonatas with Pires on DG, love this recording for the playing first, mainly.

Any great recordings you guys are listening to and that we should all buy? :)

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Comments

John Stafford Sat, 05/07/2005 - 18:57

I believe nobody should be deprived of the 1974 recording of Monteverdi's Orfeo conducted by Jurgen Jurgens. Nigel Rogers plays the role of Orfeo, and is absolutely unbelievable IMHO. He sang the role again on a later recording, but the earlier version blows it out of the water.

At the time of the earlier recording, Rogers was one of the few people to sing the 'difficult' bits, in the scene where Orfeo shows off his virtuosity. Monteverdi wrote alternative passages for those who did not have such a spectacular gift. The rest of the recording is very charming.

Celia Bartoli should give this a listen, not that I'm a member of her anti-fan club.

The details are below.

John

CLAUDIO MONTEVERDI
l'Orfeo
Jürgen Jürgens

Hamburger Bläserkreis für Alte Musik , Monteverdi-Chor Hamburg, Camerata Accademica Hamburg

Nigel Rogers, Emilia Petrescu

Archiv 2 CDB 447 703-2

JoeH Sat, 05/07/2005 - 22:47

I haven't heard it yet on my own system, but a friend of mine is absolutely bonkers over a new young jazz piano prodigy named ELDAR. I've heard a few trecks and I have to agree; the kid is amazing, regardless of his age.

He's 19 now, and has his first eponymous jazz CD out (Sony). What's stunning is that it was started when he was just 17, going on 18. He's definitely listened to Art Tatum, and many others. The opening track (Sweet Georgia Brown) is a knock-out, killer interpretation. Definitely worth a listen, and on my list of CDs to buy, next time I'm on Amazon.com.

Midlandmorgan Wed, 05/11/2005 - 05:17

I still, to this day, listen to a LOT of Patsy Cline...vocal quality, arrangement, engineering skills, and just plain ol GREAT songs.

Totally acoustic...totally live recordings...great tone from everything.

I think Patsy's stuff should be required listening for anyone interested in even purchasing a mic or a soundcard.

bap Wed, 05/11/2005 - 06:29

Now that we're on a a country kick, I should mention that I enjoy listening to a couple of old Conway Twitty LPs that I picked up used at a small town 'Cowboy Boot and Hat' shop in either Texas or Oklahoma while driving back from a visit to Texas a year ago. They are original Nashville Decca in pristine condition and are amazing.

I also really like the Harris, Parton, Ronstadt 'Trio' LP a lot. :)

JoeH Wed, 05/11/2005 - 10:46

Hey, if it's good music & good recording, it doesn't matter what genre. True art transcends.

I've just revisited Tim O'Brien's CD: "The Crossing". Some fine folk/celtic stuff there, and wonderfully recorded. Ever since I upgraded my monitors, my "desert island" disc collection has shrunk by about 25%, so I'm always looking for new things to enjoy.

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