| Author |
Thread: Archive through December 15, 2004 |
    
Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2363
Registered: Dec-03
|
| Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 12:03 pm: |
|
Don,
Thanks.
Larry,
As I always suspected, I dwell in the presence of sensitive, intelligent people when I enter this forum
Man, how can you say that after posting on MR's Old Dogs and their jokes!......?!
Moon Over Parador (1988). It looks good. Many thanks.
|
|
Relevant Product Info
|
|
Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2364
Registered: Dec-03
|
| Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 12:11 pm: |
|
Don,
Short postscript on the house.
Mrs A and I sometimes meet people who advocate some course of action, like getting into massive debt, and say "who cares what happens after you're gone?".
We just look at each other. We know we do. And we know there is no point in arguing with them. |
Silver Member Username: Ojophile
Toronto,
ON
Post Number: 115
Registered: Jun-04
|
| Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 01:34 pm: |
|
Have ordered (God bless Amazon) the Mahler 5th symphony DVD-video...
Larry,
With Merri's blessing and imprimatur, I assume? (grin)
So you don't have to stand by the door and wait for the courier to deliver it to you and sneak it in, eh?
Regards,
Don
|
Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2367
Registered: Dec-03
|
| Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 02:05 pm: |
|
Larry and Don,
Merri might have a case, if she knew the latest on the conductor, the old dog. See Old Dogs. |
New member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 2
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Thursday, October 28, 2004 - 02:16 pm: |
|
To all: Well, I'm back - same guy, new name. Wanted to get my posting numbers back, but apparently no can do. Anyway - don't let the new "name" throw yah! |
New member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 9
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Thursday, October 28, 2004 - 02:55 pm: |
|
Whew! - second time around the forum gave me my name back! OK-Larry R is back! |
Bronze Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 17
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 06:03 pm: |
|
To all: if any of you is a fan of the late Carlos Kleiber - Decca is bringing out a new DVD of his in November - might want to check it out?
Kleiber, like Rattle with the Berlin Boys, is known for his, uh, "eccentric" behavior on the podium. Just my opinion. . . .
More anon. . .
|
Bronze Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 27
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Sunday, October 31, 2004 - 06:34 pm: |
|
OK! M2 by MMT coming soon! Mahler 2nd with Thomas and SFSymphony coming out November 9th. Should be yummy! Have already ordered mine. . .
More anon. . . |
Silver Member Username: Two_cents
Post Number: 305
Registered: Feb-04
|
| Posted on Monday, November 01, 2004 - 01:21 pm: |
|
Larry R.,
Thanks for the Carlos Kleiber info. I'll be on the watch for it. Do you know the program on the DVD?
A side note: It'd be great if these DVDs had bonus features of rehearsals. It'd be interesting see the interaction between Kleiber and the musicians. |
|
|
Bronze Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 29
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Monday, November 01, 2004 - 02:06 pm: |
|
Two Cents - Kleiber Alert - not one, but MANY DVDs coming out later this month.
http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/futurereleases.php?&page=15
That should give you a good idea of what's ahead, starting November 8th. Now - who's got the spare change? Hmm. . .
More anon. . . |
Bronze Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 32
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Monday, November 01, 2004 - 02:23 pm: |
|
Two Cents - "specially fer you" scroll down to page two on the above-listed link - and you will see a DVD TDK-DVDOCCK - of Kleiber in rehearsal and concert. Your cup of tea? Hope so. . . |
Silver Member Username: Two_cents
Post Number: 307
Registered: Feb-04
|
| Posted on Monday, November 01, 2004 - 02:27 pm: |
|
Larry R.,
Beautiful. Thanks. Good stuff for the xmas wish list. Der Rosenkavalier looks especially good. |
Bronze Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 33
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Monday, November 01, 2004 - 03:31 pm: |
|
2C - "Xmas?" Good grief! Is THAT anywhere near? I'm just finished paying off last year's stuff, and now you're telling me it's "that" time again? Sigh. Well. . .
Seems that there are lots of SACDs and DVD-Vs coming out this month. I, of course, am salivating over the Mahler 2 with MTT coming out November 9th. . .
That's all, BuBuBuBuBaby! (snicker) |
Bronze Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 41
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Tuesday, November 02, 2004 - 12:19 pm: |
|
WOW - when I finally figgered out how to "program" the DVD - the Rattle/Berlin Mahler 5th is a knockout! Absolutely stunning! Thanks to all who recommended it!
More anon. . . |
Bronze Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 62
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Friday, November 05, 2004 - 08:28 pm: |
|
2Cents et al - Lieberson wins! Got the SACD of Lorraine Hunt Lieberson singing Handel arias, and here's my reaction: stunning.
Oh, not in the way an "1812 Overture" is stunning, but sonically and musically this CD is amazing in its clarity, warmth and overall "friendliness."
Ms. Lieberson comports herself well - which is to say that she has moments where she sings so softly you want to hold your breath - and at other times "belts it out" so that you reach for the remote volume control!
SACD tends to have great variances in sound level - more so than regular CDs - and this is one case where it shows up suddenly and in a startling manner.
If you like Handel - and think other than "Messiah" - you will find this CD to be one you return to again and again. It's on the Avia label, AV0030.
I got this disc from Amazon - along with the new and marvelous Kiri Te Kanawa "re-do" of the chants d'Auvergne - which had been released in two forms previously. This time around, the engineers cleaned it up a bit - and added a second disc - a DVD - showing the stunning Auvergne countryside, and giving us another setting for Kiri's bell-like tones. Again, I highly recommend this version - though it is too bad that the songs were originally recorded digitally, so we lack that special warmth that comes from re-issues of analog recordings.
Anyway - another keeper! Decca 175 6115.
Now - if only the new Sony would get here! I can't wait to give it a whirl and report to you all on whether it's as good as many people say it is.
More anon. . . |
Bronze Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 90
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 10:57 pm: |
|
Uh-oh! Anybody out there heard anything about a delay in issuing the Mahler 2nd by SanFran and MTT? Amazon says they're not shipping until next week - when the disc was due out today - 9th. Hmmm. . . wonder if something went wrong? I'm impatiently waiting, so hope for some info!
More anon. . . |
Silver Member Username: John_s
Columbus,
Ohio
US
Post Number: 246
Registered: Feb-04
|
| Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 07:46 pm: |
|
Larry R...
My local Barnes & Noble told me it would be at least a week before they could fill my special order on the M2/SF/MTT disc(s). I'm hoping it will be a dual-layer SACD/CD as I haven't yet decided what to do about a universal player. In any case I can't wait to hear it! |
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 105
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 09:30 pm: |
|
John S. - the disc is a "hybrid" disc - playable on either SACD or "regular" CD players - and I cana't wait, either! Thanx. . .
As you may note on "Teaching an old dogs new tricks" thread under DVD SACD in Home Audio - I've ordered a new Sony 975 - has SACD, but not DVD, as Sony is pushing their SACD - hoping DVD-A goes away! Right. . . |
Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2429
Registered: Dec-03
|
| Posted on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 05:20 am: |
|
Larry,
Sony is pushing their SACD - hoping DVD-A goes away!
If you mean that it is Sony that is "hoping", they are doing more than that.
DVD-A is an excellent format for sound recording, and a natural development from CD, using Pulse Code Modulation but at higher resolution, and offering mutichannel. It comes mostly from being able to put two layers on a 12 cm disc. If Sony had been interested in delivering a better product to consumers, confident in their own ability to compete with other manufactureres, then they would have backed DVD-A. Instead, they decided they had enough market control, of both audio equipment and recordings, to introduce a more complicated system, which they could patent. What they are doing is using this format exclusively on the large catalogue of sound recordings which they own, not having made recordings themselves, but having bought them up with once-independent companies they took over (many great American record labels included) in order that this music will be available, in high-resolution, only to people who also buy their own patented decoding system in players. In addition, the benefit of SACD to Sony is that the digital files cannot be copied; the music cannot be freely shared. That is why you cannot buy an SACD writer and why the discs will not play in computers.
Primarily, SACD is not about music, nor about sound quality. We would all be better off if Capitol, CBS etc had stayed independent and gone on making great recordings in formats that anyone could play, using players thay anyone could make.
I do not object to companies charging for products which deliver added value. I think we should all object to companies charging us to develop technologies that give subtracted value. The advertising and promotion of SACD conceals its real objective.
This is my opinion. I have stated it before. It is why I propose to stay with DVD-A for the time being. Others disagree, including some good friends, here. With luck you will soon be able to read their views, too. This is a contentious issue, as we have seen before. |
Gold Member Username: Myrantz
Post Number: 1043
Registered: Aug-04
|
| Posted on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 06:33 am: |
|
John A
I know you were directing your post to Larry but I have to chime in again. Back to the old conspiracy eh?
You write an awful lot of intelligent stuff John but your ramblings about SACD are absolute poppycot IMHO!
Funny how there's a lot of recordings on both formats John.
Funny how in many cases it is either the engineer or the artist that has made the choice of format.
Funny how it IS about great sound quality - try it and see.
I think both formats are excellent, but in the end, if there is one winner - and I certainly hope not - I think I'd go along with Larry now and put my money on SACD. It seems the marketing push for SACD is really gathering momentum, and that's what we have all been wanting to see for both formats.
John, I really think you have to get a grip - SACD is every bit as good as DVD-A - if not nudging toward the front somewhat, it's a real toss-up.
But for everyone I do advocate both formats and to get a real universal player. To add fuel to a pseudo format war machine that would ultimately cause grief for some audio enthusiasts if one was forced into extinction is like audio treason as far as I am concerned. There's such a thing as choice, we have it, and so we should allow others to have theirs and be supportive of any format that means audio quality. I'm really at a loss over this anti-sacd thing of yours!
|
Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2431
Registered: Dec-03
|
| Posted on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 08:16 am: |
|
Mr Rantz,
Good friend, I have now had time to put on the flak jacket.
Back to the old conspiracy eh?
---YEP---
There's such a thing as choice, we have it, and so we should allow others to have theirs and be supportive of any format that means audio quality.
Try telling Sony that.
From your post on "Old Dogs":
I think it's pointless to even contemplate a decent turnatable. Better off contemplating your navel.
So where did the choice go?
It seems the marketing push for SACD is really gathering momentum
It does. But where is the consumer pull? And what would it be based on?
I have put some more on "Old Dogs". I doubt if "Discoveries" readers want to see us wrestling again. Or fencing, or whatever. Mixed metaphors with flak jacket. Sorry about that.
The key point in all this is that a lot of people have either never owned (Kegger), or have disposed of (you), LP collections. I only have mine because I have an aversion to throwing things away. For 20+ years we have had a dominant format that was an improvement only for convenience.
How long before CDs are history, too? And what will have been the gain?
To be future proof, get an MP3 player. And better get used to the sound. At its best, it is claimed to be "CD quality"... |
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 112
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 09:06 am: |
|
MR and John A. - uh-oh, I hate to get into this, but have to make a coupl-ah comments.
First - I see in SACD-DVDA a repeat of the now-ancient Beta-VHS battle with videotape. Sony pushed its Beta - Panasonic its VHS - just as the two are battle each other today.
VHS won out - as you all know. But Beta was a better technology - TV stations around the world still use the "broadcast" version of beta - because it is better.
I bought a beta player. Loved it. But finally there were so many VHS recorded tapes that beta couldn't keep up.
Will this now happen - in reverse - with SACD vs. DVD-A? I think it might. More and more musicians are choosing to record in DSD - the SanFran Symphony does, for example - and even brings in its own technicians to record on its own record label - just to make sure the sound is as good as the orchestra's golden-eared producers can make it.
One by one, record companies are bringing out more titles in SACD. I have yet to find a DVD-A title that I yearn for.
Then - TAH-DAH! - LOOK OUT! - we've got another format coming right around the corner: "blu-ray."
OK - it is (or was) designed primarily for data storage - but movie companies have now embraced it, and apparently will be pushing to use it, rather than "reg" DVD for their discs for rental or sale. In the very near future.
What will this do to SACD or DVD-A? Maybe some of you can tell me - I only work here!
OK - I'm only going to refer back to one of John's earlier comments that SACD is not about music or sound quality. Well, I can't argue that, John, because I'm not privvy to insider-info on the recording industry.
But for me - SACD IS about music and sound quality. So - I go there.
More anon - with respect and peace . . . |
Gold Member Username: Kegger
MICHIGAN
Post Number: 1786
Registered: Dec-03
|
| Posted on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 10:15 am: |
|
As usual agree with rantz and larry.
JOHN:
"Primarily, SACD is not about music, nor about sound quality. We would all be better off if Capitol, CBS etc had stayed independent and gone on making great recordings in formats that anyone could play, using players thay anyone could make.
I do not object to companies charging for products which deliver added value. I think we should all object to companies charging us to develop technologies that give subtracted value. The advertising and promotion of SACD conceals its real objective."
Before this you complain about sony charging for their tech.
And how do you know it wasn't about the music?
And why do you say they offer no better?
Again john you are putting accross your own conspiricy theories as fact!
Does this all stem from (PERFECT SOUND FOREVER)
GET OVER IT! WE ALL KNOW IT WAS FALSE!
But if a new format comes out and to some it sounds
better then what they had (before they bought it)
can they buy into it because to them it sounds better
without someone like you feeling they've been dooped?
|
Gold Member Username: Kegger
MICHIGAN
Post Number: 1787
Registered: Dec-03
|
| Posted on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 10:23 am: |
|
And again john if a new format comes out!
AND IT IS BETTER! (JUST FOR THE SAKE OF ARGUING SAY IT IS)
Would you consider people stupid if they bought into it
and started buying media and players in that format?
To me that is technology and what we look forward to!
A progression towards a better sounding medium!
You don't want that?
I sure as heck do!
Yes things will get replaced over and over and over and over and over!
If not how can we progress towards better sounding equipment? |
Gold Member Username: Kegger
MICHIGAN
Post Number: 1788
Registered: Dec-03
|
| Posted on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 10:28 am: |
|
Maybe you don't want to have to replace your equipment
to meat the demands of new tech!
I don't either, but I will if new tech warrents
the move to it!
And in my oppinion lately tech has a lot of positive progression!
So I welcome and embrace this new era! |
Gold Member Username: Myrantz
Post Number: 1044
Registered: Aug-04
|
| Posted on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 10:45 am: |
|
Mr John A,
Don't you "friend" me sir. You are an audio traitor. You should be taken out, blindfolded and put in front of the SACD squad.
And you act like a darn tabloid reporter. If you are going to quote me then do it in context not cut and snip it to suit your obsession. For example:
"I think it's pointless to even contemplate a decent turnatable. Better off contemplating your navel."
To which you replied: "So where did the choice go?"
It didn't go anywhere John, it yours for life!
I was referring to the fact that new LP's are expensive but the choice is still there John - if one chooses to remain a dinosaur then so be it - who am I to criticise.
And to the marketing push line your reply:
"It does. But where is the consumer pull? And what would it be based on? "
Another defensively pointless reply - only what does that mean? I could type similar BS like: "How is the consumer reacting and should there be an inquiry into these monopolies to find out how deep the deception lies in this marketing ploy and blah blah bl00dy blah . . . "
"The key point in all this is that a lot of people have either never owned . . . "
Why is that a key point - because you say so?
I fail to see the relevence - again!
CD's have been around for 25 years John - that's fairly indicative of consumer approval if you ask me. And the fact is that they can and are being improved - the LP arrived slowly to a point where it could not - so the transition was obvious whether or not you felt sucked into a big fat lie.
I'm through with this silly obsession of yours and your narrow view of this format. You have the gall to tell Larry to get a universal player so he can hear the benefits of DVD-A, but for you a single format player is just fine because you choose the opposing format - damn hypocritical in my opinion!
"It's really about the music"
If you really believed that John you should be on your knees giving thanks to the big, nasty, evil, empire.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh h!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I thought that would help but it doesn't!
I'm outa here!
|
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 130
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Friday, November 12, 2004 - 10:05 pm: |
|
To all: Well, Amazon came through today, and shipped the Mahler 2nd, SanFran and MTT - should get here (from Lexington, KY) Monday - Tuesday at the latest. Will post my review - but should be a very nice disc!
More anon. . . |
Silver Member Username: Rick_b
New York
USA
Post Number: 622
Registered: Dec-03
|
| Posted on Saturday, November 13, 2004 - 02:14 pm: |
|
Oh boy, I see you "kids" are at it again. Let's review what we all know for sure.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC!
Who really cares what format one ultimately decides is the one for him/her? Yes you have choices. Please listen, learn and decide which one pleases you most. Is there really a right or wrong? NO! We "Dogs" often kid and joke with each other about a favorite format, then I always thought we do that in the spirit of good fun. You all know how I feel about digital in general, but let me just say this. Jan hits it right on the head when he says digital has made more progress in 25 years, than analogue did in 100. If digital did nothing more than make music more convenient to handle and store, then I think it might be a good thing. The best example I can think of is this.... let me ask you..... What would you rather store for 50 years, a cake, or the rescipe for the cake.
The rest is all straightforward capitalism. We all know that. Sometimes the consumer wins and sometimes we lose. That's life in the real world. I've always been a player. Love you all!
Cheers! |
Gold Member Username: Myrantz
Post Number: 1054
Registered: Aug-04
|
| Posted on Saturday, November 13, 2004 - 03:54 pm: |
|
Thanks 'Uncle Rick'
 |
Silver Member Username: Rick_b
New York
USA
Post Number: 623
Registered: Dec-03
|
| Posted on Saturday, November 13, 2004 - 04:11 pm: |
|
My pleasure............................ |
Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2440
Registered: Dec-03
|
| Posted on Sunday, November 14, 2004 - 06:14 am: |
|
Yes, thanks, Rick.
We may all agree that "it's all about the music". I know I do. But my tentative view, and I still hold it, is that there is something else at work in the format war.
And, if the rest is just capitalism, Rick, there is little that is "straightforward" about it.
Go to "Adam Smith's" free market and look around at the stalls, and try the bread from different bakers. Remember you are exchanging what you have to sell at the market. You've tried hard all your life to make a better, say, mousetrap.
In audio, we have a baker who boasts his new loaf is better than the "perfect one", which he promised us, twenty years ago, could never be improved. And it only really tastes good, he says, when you buy the butter and cheese from him, too: no-one else's will do.
We have Old Dogs making or buying bread from fifty-year old recipes, and finding it tastes darned good, better today than we remember. And, at that time, said baker was just starting out, taking other baker's recipes to see if he could make it nearly-as-good but cheaper. Now he's got a better recipe, he says. Fine. There is such a thing as progress. So who can copy his recipe, to see if they can make it better, or cheaper? No-one. It is secret, you know.
This does not seem quite so straightforward to me. I have no political affiliation or economic theory to promote. I just love music, wish it were more freely available to people, and have to count my pennies.
Back after two minutes's silence. |
Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2441
Registered: Dec-03
|
| Posted on Sunday, November 14, 2004 - 08:00 am: |
|
BTW I predict MR will roll his eyes in despair at more paranoid loon postings from me, but, in my analogy, I submit we can now finally guess why the baker has been energetically buying dairy farms over the last decade or so. Frankly, it did not make much sense, before. At least to me. |
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 139
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Sunday, November 14, 2004 - 08:06 am: |
|
John A. - G-day, sir! Well, you should be happier, now that I've ordered a true "universal" player, as posted on "Ole Dawgs."
I just want you to know that I try to keep an open mind on this format-war stuff - but remain in the SACD camp mainly because there are more and more discs recorded in SACD format - and everybody seems to say that they cannot hear any differences in sound quality between the two formats. Good enough for me.
I guess this is one instance where I must say: "Why bother?" when you and others say I must try DVD-A. IF there were performances for which I yearned - and only available on DVD-A, I might purchase those. But, in looking over the catalogs on ArkivMusic, Amazon, etc., all I see is a list with more and more of "My" music in the SACD column.
I am unable to engage you in an argument over such things as manufacturer conspiracy or whatever, and frankly, for me, at my age, I don't have any reason to do so. I'm convinced that the new "hi-res" discs make a difference in sound - and will hopefully be able to better enjoy that in my own home when the Yamaha arrives.
What REALLY excites me is the "second coming" of the old Mercury recordings - and such masters as Rubenstein. Sigh. Coming on SACD.
A long time ago in a format far far away I had stacks of Rubenstin LPs - thought the man a true genius on many levels. But then he, and the LPs, disappeared from my life.
Now Mer is super-excited that I intend to buy all of his performances, as they are reissued on SACD.
SACD for us - because that's where "our" music is these days - simple as that.
More anon . . . and have a productive day! |
Gold Member Username: Myrantz
Post Number: 1065
Registered: Aug-04
|
| Posted on Sunday, November 14, 2004 - 06:42 pm: |
|
"BTW I predict MR will roll his eyes in despair at more paranoid loon postings from me,"
You're right again as usual John:
Oh and at last you finally admit to your paranoia! Congratulations - that's the first step on the long road to recovery. Unfortunately, I predict many setbacks on the journey.
|
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 155
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Monday, November 15, 2004 - 08:18 pm: |
|
To all: The Mahler 2nd - SanFran with MTT - came today, and as I was in the throes of trying to set up a new player, I didn't get to it until this eve. (and then Merri wanted to watch CSI, so I had to retreat to the den. Sigh)
I don't have the SACD cables on yet - so can only report on the stereo layer.
It is a sonic masterpiece. The SAnFran chaps have gone the full distance, and produced a recording that has a sound so close to real concert hall that it is disturbing.
In a good way, that is. I sat on my sofa-spot and just took it all in. The performance by MTT is relaxed when it needs to be, and exhausting in tempo and intensity when it needs to give its all.
I like MTT's interpretation very much - the tempos ebb and flow, as Mahler marked so many times in his scores.
Will post more on this later this week, when I have time to both savor the disc - and to hook up the remaining wires for true SACD sound.
I think Benjamin Zander did the best job of the 3rd - but MTT gave him a real run for the money with this 2nd. Just plain amazing!
More anon. . . |
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 183
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Thursday, November 25, 2004 - 12:18 pm: |
|
How really, really tragic. Was listening again to my wonderful CD set of "Turandot" with Pavarotti (best Calaf ever) and Joan Sutherland. Absolutely stunning! BUT - why oh why couldn't we have these performers on DVD video! Sigh.
Ms. Sutherland never did perform Turandot on stage, to all of our sorrow. . .
Today, I am still trying to find the "definitive" Turandot on DVD - with the Domingo-Marton Met discs coming close, but not really moving me. By the time the opera was recorded, Ms. Marton's vibrato got in the way of everything else - calling attention to its wavery qualities and - for me - ruining the whole thing.
Bring on a new DVD - please, somebody!!!!! |
Silver Member Username: Two_cents
Post Number: 336
Registered: Feb-04
|
| Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 07:31 pm: |
|
Larry R.,
I just picked up the Glyndbourne production of Figaro with Te Kanawa on DVD. However, I'm at my parent's place for the holidays and their DVD player is kaput. So sad.
It's a shame that Puccini never finished Turandot. The too-quick ending is the only weakness as far as I can tell. I've been enjoying the 1959 RCA Living Stereo version with Nilsson, Tebaldi, Bjorling. Wonderful singing, although the orchestral playing is a level below the singing.
My most recent discovery isn't music related though. If there's a Trader Joe's store near you, you might want to pick up a bottle of Tomatin Scotch. It's a single-malt, 12-year old Scotch that's silky smooth and costs less than JW Red. A real find!
Cheers! |
Silver Member Username: Two_cents
Post Number: 337
Registered: Feb-04
|
| Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 07:35 pm: |
|
Larry R.,
It's me again. I just want to thank you for sharing your knowledge of opera and other matters. That's all.
I have some things to say about MTT and Mahler, actually a lot of things to say, but it'll have to wait... |
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 191
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 09:26 pm: |
|
Two Cents - always - ALWAYS - appreciate your postings, my friend!
No Trader Joe's, I'm afraid - so will stick with my long-time "daily" scotch: Grants. Very smooth, fer shore!
Wow - don't know the Nilsson Bjoerling Turandot, but will surely have to check it out. Nilsson and Bjoerling - wow is all I can say! I still hope, hope, hope that RCA makes good on its promise to re-master all of the old RCA Living Stereo records! Hope springs. . .
All of the Te Kanawa/Glyndebourne productions are solid gold - worthy purchases all!
Don: have ordered the Desmond/MJQ album from Fresno, California. Never heard othe place, but hope that I'm not getting "stung.
Their disc is listed as a "Red Baron" one, but from what I understand, the album was recorded by Finesse records - FW37487. I'm getting more confuseder as I get along on this quest of mine!
Mer and I have about "worn out" Pure Desmond - we both love it SO much! From everything I've heard, Desmond was much better without the heavy-handed playing of Brubeck!
I'm still trying to line up all of the Toronto recordings - I believe there are 4 or 5 - from the mid-70s - about two years before Desmond died, sadly, of lung cancer.
Will post my observations and reviews of the MJQ album - if it ever gets here! Sigh.
The older I get the more I appreciate the nuances of both jazz and classical pieces - and both Mer and I tend to gravitate to smaller groups now. Mahler aside, of course! (grin)
More anon. . . |
Silver Member Username: Ojophile
ON
Post Number: 143
Registered: Jun-04
|
| Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 09:57 pm: |
|
Larry,
Just make sure you keep their contact info handy. I "googled" the 'net for PD & MJQ but most that turned up were either used LP's or CD's. I'm sure you got the same search results.
That's the good thing about getting old --- one tends to appreciate certain things that were taken for granted (that's me speaking for and about myself). But musically, I keep asking myself, "What will the people today listen to 30 or 40 years from now if they don't look back and take a lesson or two from the great masters?" A great personal lament that bothers me now and then.
|
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 193
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 10:17 pm: |
|
Don: thanx again. Yep, got a confirmation e-mail from them - bad spelling - a sure sign that I need to watch them carefully!
Getting old - sigh - a lot of psychological baggage there, my friend! Mer and I have decided to start fining (or savagely beating) people who refer to "the Golden Years." BAH, HUMBUG!
The great masters, ah, yes. I often catch myself "looking back," and then return to the present, only to question what is being done today in relation to that which I know was done well in past years. Is that dumb, or what?? (grin)
Desmond is, for me, an example of a person who lets his inner self find outer expression, and in doing so, goes its own way, despite the current "trends." Had Desmond, for example, tried to follow Charlie Parker - welllll. . . . .
I love jazz - but do not any more appreciate the big and the loud. Give me a quartet - solo piano - sax with trio, etc. and that's just fine for me. Fits my style. Fits my room! Just right.
More anon. . . |
Silver Member Username: Ojophile
ON
Post Number: 145
Registered: Jun-04
|
| Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 10:32 pm: |
|
West Coast jazz...
Larry,
Do you remember the "West Coast" jazz sound? The likes of Gerry Mulligan, drummer Shelley Manne, Stan Getz, Dave Brubeck, and the great sax player-arranger Lennie Niehaus?
The reason I brought this up is that I ordered Vols. 1, 2, 3, and 5 of Lennie Niehaus's CDs at amazon.ca (the Canadian equivalent). The .com links are here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000542QZ/qid=1101525283/sr=1-6/r ef=sr_1_6/002-5482925-9164800?v=glance&s=music
You can sample the tunes from each album.
I love the tight harmonies yet free playing of Niehaus and his group. This is, pardon my saying this, cultured bebop. The pro writers call West Coast jazz "filleted bebop."
Anyway, I thought I'd mention this to you. The US $ prices aren't bad, don't you think? I couldn't find them in the local stores, that's why I ordered them online. But you may find them there in "swampsville".
OK, more later.
|
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 194
Registered: Oct-04
|
| Posted on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 09:35 am: |
|
Don: How do I say "thank you" in huge, red letters? Wow! Been wearing out poor Lola's sound board, just sampling, sampling.
Needless to say, I'll be putting in an order with Amazon later today. Now THAT'S JAZZ!!!!
Mer is all a-twitter now that I've ordered (I hope,think) the Desmond-MJQ album. She's a BIG fan of both - especially so as she knows of my "former life" as a would-be sax/clarinet mope!
Very funny - Mer used to play clarinet, also - and for Christmas several years ago she surprised-shocked me by renting two clarinets, along with some simple sheet music.
Welllll, the last time I'd picked up a clarinet was in (if I remember right) 1965 - a "pick-up" band in Aspen, Colorado.
Shall I say that our Christmas "concert" was pathetic, shrill, tinny, squeaky, reedy, and all-of-the-above! (double grin)
We did some scales and such, then tried to remember all the fingerings - hahahahahahahaha. I may never forget how to ride a bicycle, but clarinet-fingerings tend to slip away after decades of "moldering" away. Sigh.
At first, I was quite depressed - then both of us saw the raw humor and had a good laugh. After two days of "noodling" we packed up the clarinets, gave them a goodbye blessing, and came back to our performance-less lifestyle. Still, in the mid-night hours, the ole fingers tend to take on a life of their own, and when a clarinet or sax is wailing - the fingers sorta do the walking.
See also my "controversial" posting on Ole Dawgs, and have a good laugh.
More anon. . . |
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post N | |
