Classical Music Only | What You're Listening to Now, Or Very Recently | Any Mediums :

**ILUVAUDIO** · January 4, 2014, 12:42 PM

What a DROOL disc!! MUST HAVE

**RedSectorA** · January 4, 2014, 03:16 PM

This mornings crop, all mono on the Miyajima zero.

**RedSectorA** · January 4, 2014, 03:18 PM

Record deux

**RedSectorA** · January 4, 2014, 03:19 PM

Record trois

**Bachtoven** · January 5, 2014, 07:58 PM

Caro Mitis is a Russian audiophile label. Tchetuev's entire series is superb so far.

**NorthStar** · January 5, 2014, 08:07 PM

This is ^ totally new to me (the record label). ...I love musik ♪ stuff from new

record labels.

...And the piano is my favorite musical instrument of them all. ...And Beethoven's musik is right up there with the angels of paradise.

**Bachtoven** · January 5, 2014, 10:31 PM

They have quite an extensive catalog:

SA-CD.net - Search

I haven't seen any new releases for a while; I hope they're still in business. Tchetuev is more than half-way through the cycle (up to Vol.6), so I hope he gets to complete it--or at least do the late sonatas. There's something about Russian pianists (and Russian musicians in general)--perhaps a combo of technical perfection and passion--that I find very appealing.

**Bachtoven** · January 5, 2014, 10:37 PM

It's a pity that Telarc quit making SACDs (or recordings in general...) since they were always so good sounding--partially due to using pure DSD recording technology, as does Caro Mitis. I just received this one--wonderful sound and interesting music. Higdon writes in a contemporary style, but it's reasonably accessible.

**Bachtoven** · January 5, 2014, 10:42 PM

Beautiful music beautifully played and beautifully recorded. Linn is another label that consistently turns out fantastic SACDs.

**NorthStar** · January 5, 2014, 11:45 PM

Originally Posted by Bachtoven

It's a pity that Telarc quit making SACDs (or recordings in general...) since they were always so good sounding--partially due to using pure DSD recording technology, as does Caro Mitis. ...

Pentatone Classics still do though (a Telarc's sub-division record label).

**Bachtoven** · January 6, 2014, 01:18 AM

Oh sure, and it seems that some of the Telarc engineers have joined forces with Linn, so audiophile recordings are not in any immediate danger!

**NorthStar** · January 6, 2014, 01:27 AM

That's good; Linn can surely use a good boost.

**Bachtoven** · January 6, 2014, 01:33 AM

Yeah, they are using some proprietary recording system that doubles that of DSD! Of course, until such home playback capability is available it's a moot point, but at least they are thinking ahead!

**NorthStar** · January 6, 2014, 02:30 AM

It's good to finally know your name John.

* Put it in your sig John, so that everyone can address you just like your Mom and Dad do.

{Look, mine is right there in my sig.}

**Bachtoven** · January 8, 2014, 08:34 PM

I like his interpretations, and while the basic sound is good, the rear channels have too much direct sound in them, so the image is a bit diffuse, but it sounds a bit flat and sterile in stereo. It sounds the best through headphones.

**Bachtoven** · January 10, 2014, 11:34 PM

Fantastic sound and playing:

**ILUVAUDIO** · January 11, 2014, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by Bachtoven

Caro Mitis is a Russian audiophile label. Tchetuev's entire series is superb so far.

HAHAHAHA, are you kidding me?? I have close to 30 Caro Mitis SACD's and every bloody disc is absolutely STUNNING, with lovely artwork, excellent notes and super fine sound!!!!

Caro Mitis and Alia Vox (home of Jordi Savall) are amongst my favorite labels, especially for early classical, baroque and older...

Cheers,

**Bachtoven** · January 11, 2014, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by ILUVAUDIO

HAHAHAHA, are you kidding me??

No, I'm quite serious...

**Bachtoven** · January 11, 2014, 06:32 PM

Fantastic in every aspect.

**NorthStar** · January 11, 2014, 07:05 PM

BIS is a good music record label.

**Bachtoven** · January 11, 2014, 07:14 PM

Yeah, I've been a fan since the mid-70s. They always manage to capture the music in a very natural way. In fact, they largely inspired me to become a recording engineer at that time. I quit in 1990 when I became an English teacher.

**ILUVAUDIO** · January 11, 2014, 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by Bachtoven

Fantastic in every aspect.

The only thing sad about this is that Vanska has left the orchestra, the 2012-2014 season was cancelled and there is no light at the end of the tunnel in Minneapolis due to the lockout...a number of the principal players have left and I have to wonder if the Minnesota Orchestra is a thing of the past?? And yes, a stunning recording indeed

Cheers

**Bachtoven** · January 11, 2014, 10:19 PM

Yes, that would be a shame if another US orchestra folded. These same forces have a new recording that I just pre-ordered from MDT; let's hope it's not the last:

**NorthStar** · January 11, 2014, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by Bachtoven

Yeah, I've been a fan since the mid-70s. They always manage to capture the music in a very natural way. In fact, they largely inspired me to become a recording engineer at that time. I quit in 1990 when I became an English teacher.

Fascinating John!

You're right regarding BIS; their recording engineers in many of them albums did capture the essence; natural emotional musical expression.
Quality sounding music; got few of those for good measure. ♪
- I know a good recording label from a lesser one (recording engineers and recording venues, recording instruments, ...). And! The artists! ...The musicians/singers/troubadours.

* I've been playing musical instruments (guitars, flutes, harmonicas, clarinets, pianos, ...) for over 45 years.
And I did play with "magic" musicians over the years, and I did some recordings too (personal). ...Analog (R-2-R tapes) and digital (CDs).
Plus much much more. ...Today, I live for a living and play for fun.

<> Right now I'm simply listening to some Blues music from my analog r.a.d.i.o. (old Blues from the 30s - 40s - 50s). ...Saturday night.

<<>> Classical music is much more present at this stage in my life, and probably will til I die and even afterlife.

**ILUVAUDIO** · January 11, 2014, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by Bachtoven

Yes, that would be a shame if another US orchestra folded. These same forces have a new recording that I just pre-ordered from MDT; let's hope it's not the last:

I guess that this was done prior to the management lock out...I a hope they got some more Sibelius recorded as well...

Cheers

**Bachtoven** · January 12, 2014, 01:48 AM

Originally Posted by NorthStar

* I've been playing musical instruments (guitars, flutes, harmonicas, clarinets, pianos, ...) for over 45 years.
And I did play with "magic" musicians over the years, and I did some recordings too (personal). ...Analog (R-2-R tapes) and digital (CDs).
Plus much much more. ...Today, I live for a living and play for fun.

<> Right now I'm simply listening to some Blues music from my analog r.a.d.i.o. (old Blues from the 30s - 40s - 50s). ...Saturday night.

<<>> Classical music is much more present at this stage in my life, and probably will til I die and even afterlife.

I've played guitar for over 40 years, classical for the past 30, but last week I decided to quit and learn the piano. Since I can read music, have quite agile and independent fingers, and know a fair amount about music and interpretation, I think I'll make reasonably quick progress.

**NorthStar** · January 12, 2014, 02:07 AM

It's nice to not only be among music lovers but also among musicians. ...Classical and all that jazz.

Btw, Mike, our very own and gentle and generous host here is also a musician (sax).
...And there are other member musicians too, and a bunch more artists from all life venues. ...Painters, speaker designers, audio electronics designers, machinists, mixing engineers, colorists, graphic designers, sculptors, woodworkers, cabinet makers, etc., etc., etc. We also have scientists, philosophers, poets, and songwriters.

**Bachtoven** · January 12, 2014, 03:51 AM

Good company, to be sure. I listened to this tonight. Wow, she can really play! I don't always agree with her interpretations, as she sometimes plays passages too fast for all the notes to properly register, but there's no doubt that she has her own vision of the music. Surprisingly warm RBCD sound. It also comes with a DVD that contains 5 minutes of excerpts from Liszt's Sonata accompanied by some rather corny images of the pianist playing various "roles." I have tickets to hear her in SF in a few weeks--should be a wild ride!

**NorthStar** · January 12, 2014, 04:51 AM

I do have that CD, she's pretty.

**Bachtoven** · January 12, 2014, 01:04 PM

Based on a few live YouTube videos, she seems to hit a lot of wrong notes--I wish I had seen them before I bought the concert tickets! Maybe those were off-nights, as she seems to get great reviews in general.

This is interesting because it contains a completion of the 4th movement (most recordings just include the first 3). Overall, I like it, but the sound is a bit congested, typical of EMI/Warner. There is a $50 SACD available from Japan, but it's only stereo--no thanks!

**NorthStar** · January 12, 2014, 06:35 PM

Never buy music concert tickets before conscientious investigation, John.

**Bachtoven** · January 12, 2014, 07:19 PM

Gee, dad, thanks...

**GaryProtein** · January 12, 2014, 09:16 PM

Well, this is classical music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzXoVo16pTg

**Bachtoven** · January 12, 2014, 10:55 PM

"The Spirit of Gambo" is a fantastic SACD recording of 17th century Dutch music for the viola da gamba (some are with harpsichord). Demonstration worthy sound coupled with wonderful playing. The booklet has lots of details about the recording equipment. It's a pure DSD recording for those who care!

**NorthStar** · January 13, 2014, 12:23 AM

I'll have to investigate that one; thx John.

**Bachtoven** · January 13, 2014, 01:21 AM

I bought my copy from Elusive Disc: THE SPIRIT OF GAMBO GALAXY RECORDINGS DC M-CH SACD-Elusive Disc

A little pricey--too bad Amazon.CA or Amazon.US doesn't have it.

**NorthStar** · January 13, 2014, 01:55 AM

More affordable than a lesser sound quality LP anyway (with all the tics and pops and out-of-phase distortion), plus you get multichannel high resolution surround sound as a fantastic and up-to-date-living-in-2014-with-real-zeal bonus.

P.S. John, did you ever notice; on LPs Classical music is not as good as Jazz or Blues? ...Ever did wonder why?

**Bachtoven** · January 13, 2014, 10:27 AM

The dynamic range is limited, for one thing, and excessive EQ has more detrimental effects on acoustic instruments.

**NorthStar** · January 13, 2014, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by Bachtoven

The dynamic range is limited, for one thing, and excessive EQ has more detrimental effects on acoustic instruments.

There! ...And the frequencies extremes are not faithfully represented; because of that dynamic range limitation.
And! A full orchestra with several musicians is tough to get inside the grooves of an LP.

As for excessive equalization, it has to be or you would end up with way too much distortion; then they aim for EQed euphony instead.

**Bachtoven** · January 13, 2014, 08:05 PM

I have a few solo violin and guitar LPs that sound pretty good, though.

**Bachtoven** · January 13, 2014, 09:34 PM

This arrived today. It's is a stunning recording, regardless of age, but considering he is 90...wow! Most people half his age would love to play like this. The sound is wonderful too, rich, warm, and lots of presence. We should cherish this one: at his age, we can't expect too many other recordings from him.

**NorthStar** · January 13, 2014, 10:51 PM

Sounds like a true winner! ...These three composers are my cup of soup big time too.

**Bachtoven** · January 13, 2014, 10:54 PM

Yes, indeed. Now, he's not out to set world speed records, but these are deeply felt and beautifully praised performances.

**NorthStar** · January 13, 2014, 11:00 PM

I'm not into anything fast (in general, and @ my age); I love smooth p.i.a.n.o. playing, with a touch of gentle soul.

**Bachtoven** · January 13, 2014, 11:23 PM

He represents the best of the "Golden Age" of piano playing. Here are some reviews:

The Classical Reviewer: A new BIS release from Menahem Pressler in music by Beethoven, Schubert and Chopin that will be welcomed by his many admirers as well as those that admire fine musicianship

Menahem Pressler plays Beethoven Opus 110 & Schubert D960 [BIS] - from www.classicalsource.com
(I take issue that the FLAC download would sound better than the SACD!)

**NorthStar** · January 13, 2014, 11:30 PM

I'm soul! (sold) ...Thx!

**Bachtoven** · January 14, 2014, 09:37 PM

This new BIS SACD is marvelous. To my ears, it's the perfect blend of detail and spaciousness. Jackob's playing is great, too. Perhaps a few 32nd note runs here and there lack the last bit of articulation, but that is hard to achieve without nails!

**Bachtoven** · January 15, 2014, 09:45 PM

I'm not usually a fan of complete surround immersion of the instruments (I prefer just the room ambience in the rear channels), but it works very well in this beautiful recording.

**NorthStar** · January 15, 2014, 10:33 PM

John, you are getting slowly but surely expensive in my time and my money! ...All very good.

**Bachtoven** · January 15, 2014, 11:30 PM

Originally Posted by NorthStar

John, you are getting slowly but surely expensive in my time and my money! ...All very good.

Haha, well, that Biber SACD is obscenely expensive from Amazon at $123!! I paid about $10 from Crotchet Music since the cover had some minor damage.

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