Happy Year of the Snake
3 Likes
For those who may be interested, I’ve now posted this article reviewing a dozen great recent releases at NativeDSD. Hope you find it useful to your music listening.
Edit: Just heard that NativeDSD is offering a 30% discount to celebrate the reviews of these albums.
3 Likes
I must say, Ars Produktion is a terrific label for immaculately produced recordings. I’m always kind of amazed at the very high quality not only of the sound of their DSD’s but by the look and feel of the physical packaging of the discs themselves. Don’t stream or download their stuff or you miss out on these niceties. - -
Heinrich Anton Hoffmann (1770-1842): 3 String Quartets Op. 3
Alte Musik Köln
5 Likes
Such a great recommendation! Streaming now on Qobuz, but SACD on order. Thanks again.
1 Like
I am a bit of a Bela Bartok fan, in a casual sense, and did not have high expectations for this 1966 Suraphon recording of the Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, (listed as Violin Concerto No. 2 under Suraphon), featuring soloist Andre Gertler with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Makes me wonder what other gems were hidden behind the Iron Curtain.
2 Likes
Being a gloomy day, and thus reluctant to head out doors, I decided to re-organize a portion of my satellite classical collection. Re-organize may be a bit of an overstatement, as most of these LPs were purchased and placed on a shelf over the years, with no further attention. Presently I have a stack of 40 or so Deutsche Grammophon LPs, mostly 1960’s Tulip Red Stereo releases that need to be cleaned archived and properly stored. Properly stored, a challenge as my classical is scattered about, and it is now time to consolidate, and pull the duplicates. Seems I have plenty of Karajan Beethoven Symphony series, DG 138 801 - 808, on hand including “safety" copies.
Looking for ideas on the best way to organize these. My first thought is by label, then composer, then conductor/soloist. Open to suggestions. My best guess is all in I have 2,000+ LPs to go through. This activity should keep me out of trouble for some time.
As I work through my DG LPs I note this which I do not recall listening to. Ives Symphony No. 4, BSO/Ozawa with the Tanglewood Chorus. Complex, layered, and large in scale, not for the faint of heart.
3 Likes
I have many of the Michael Tilson Thomas Ives recordings. Ives is like Lagavulin; you either love it or hate it.
2 Likes
Johannes Brahms : Clarinet Sonata in F minor, Op. 120 no. 1
Walter Boeykens, clarinet
Jean-Claude Vanden Eynden, piano
1 Like
Michael Finnissy : The History of Photography in Sound
Ian Pace, piano
Discs: 5
Total Playing Time: 326:52
3 Likes
I am open to Ives, but need to be in the mood for it. Have not pursued the Tilson Thomas offerings. What would you recommend? BTW, Ozawa’s version of Symphony No 4 was most enjoyable. Would sound excellent on a larger scale system than mine. Maybe Estelon Extremes driven by the Vitus Master Piece monoblocks.
Brahms Clarinet Sonata, a fun listen. Not familiar with the Walter Boeykens interpretation.
1 Like
As I continue working through my DG LPs I came across this warhorse, and naturally gave it a listen. An interesting follow-up to Ives.
2 Likes
I’ll have to get back to you on that. I go through certain musical moods in which I’ll spend a few days/weeks deep diving into certain genre’s. It’s been a few months since I’ve last listened to any polytonal offerings. Although; in light of current events, it may well be the perfect soundtrack for the coming months and years. 
1 Like
Understood, and unfortunate circumstances lead to the latter comment, which I agree with. I am similar regarding recall on music and genres. As you say mood has a bearing on it all.
Be well in these unsettled times.
Supraphon made some great recordings.
2 Likes
