Listening to this today. This is Yo-Yo Ma’s third go-around with the Bach Cello Suites, from 2018, which I have not heard before. It shows more restraint, I think, than his first two recordings. The slower movements really seem “vocal” in character, and while the opening movement or two seem a bit metrically pushed, over the course of the album he seems to settle into a very natural tempo and feel. A nice way to start the day.
I’ve never been wholly convinced by Yo-Yo Ma. A bit lightweight, maybe. I certainly haven’t heard enough of his recordings to be sure.
I have the EMI recordings of these Bach Suites which the late Heinrich Schiff made for EMI, which are wonderful.ly played and beautifully recorded.
Just been listening to the Bach Toccata and Fugue at the start of this album (also available on the Qobuz Bach Rearranged playlist).
For a completely bonkers, OTT arrangement that should be listened to very loudly, it takes a lot of beating. Has some genuinely laugh out loud moments especially in the fugue.
Can’t help feeling they must have enjoyed recording it.
I just realized I never responded. One recording I would put in this category is Kleiber’s Schubert 3 and 8 on DG. I realize this is 1986, but same idea. Great interpretation marred by a recording that is pretty pedestrian, IMO. Very “thin” sounding.
Ontario, Canada
October 2012
CD on Naxos
I have the Manfred Symphony with Bychkov/Czech Phil and think it’s wonderful!!!
Also worth hearing is the Jarvi/Zurich cycle (sans Manfred) on Alpha…
Many thanks, @ToddHarris. It is in my agenda for the weekend. Still going thru the whole Czech Phil set. Impressive quality with a full body and rich sound.
Fantastic recital by Hamelin, who makes CPE sound as Haydn’s equal.
Cheers
EJ
I’ve never had a problem with the sound quality of Kleiber’s only Schubert recording.
But I love the performances (fast tempi in the Third notwithstanding), so perhaps I’m listening through any perceived faults.
CK made far too few recordings as it is!
I just watched the sky arts programme on the recording of the album ‘12 Stradivari’ - by Antonio Pappano and Janine Jansen.
Very interesting to watch and will watch again.
The way in which everyone including the musicians, instrument repairers, organisers and the recording technicians view / experience the history of these violins is very interesting. At one point they are talking about how she plays the violins but they also play her - having their own personality and energy carried through the people who previously played them as well as carrying those people.
You could see how she interacted with them all differently and especially after she finishes playing her own violin, she just stays in the zone / dream / feel of the moment.
One of Cordes’ earlier discs. From track 5: “Some men boast of the price of pearls from India and China, but an obedient and virtuous wife is a gift of greater honor and worth. Her dear husband is comforted to know that he can rely on her in the direst need […] she brings him joy and makes it her concern to free him from all worry.”
This was written and set to music by a Johann Stobäus, in 1640. Now for the practical implementation: I read this text to my dear spouse when she found out I had spent in excess of EUR 6k on power cabling. It didn’t go exactly as I had in mind, but I’m learning from my mistakes and will tweak the message slightly for the next event.
Cheers
EJ
SACD on BMOP Sound