Archive
Category: Resources
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Wagner – Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sawallisch, Bayerischer Staatsoper
Those without access to video disc players can now enjoy this 1989 Ring production, although stage noises and singers husbanding their resources come off less forgivingly in an audio-only context. But the recording is surprisingly crisp and vibrant, save for distortion in loud tuttis. Wolfgang Sawallisch has a sixth sense for pacing, proportion, and keeping… Read more →
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Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos
During the 1970s, Vladimir Ashkenazy recorded virtually the entire standard piano repertoire, largely successfully. Then he turned to conducting, at which he’s steadily become more successful. Although his initial efforts on the podium were not greeted with universal acclaim, you’ve got to respect the fact that he moved onto something new rather than attempting to… Read more →
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Prokofiev, Ravel: Piano Concertos, etc / Martha Argerich
This is the original Prokofiev/Ravel concerto coupling as it appeared on LP; the Prokofiev has also been coupled with the Tchaikovsky First Concerto. I prefer this edition since superb performances of the Ravel are less common. The young (1967) Martha Argerich plays the Prokofiev for maximum brilliance but leavens the Ravel with the composer’s ironic… Read more →
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Bruckner: The Complete Symphonies
Here’s a welcome box of all Bruckner’s numbered symphonies led by a distinguished specialist renowned during his lifetime for his identification with the composer. Neatly laid out with each symphony on a disc of its own (no annoying midsymphony changeovers) and in top-quality late-1970s sound, this is an irresistible bargain for such superb performances. Jochum’s… Read more →