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Musical thoughts
I was musing on another thread (RA-1062 with RB-1080) that the way to tell a 'music lover' from an 'audiophile' is whether their CD collection is more valuable than their system, or vice versa. Well, I'm sure it's possible to be both, but my priority now is to work on my disk collection (mainly CDs, but a few SACDs, DVD-As - including two amazing 196k/24 releases - and about to sample two Hi-Res 96k DVD-Vs). My own musical knowledge is primarily centred on the classical repertoire, but in the past some kind folks have put me on to other stuff (Ricky Lee Jones, McGarrigle Sisters, Miles Davis, etc.). I guess my tastes are quite eclectic, and if it's 'good' I'll give it a listen.
What I'm hoping is that some of you kind people will recommend some new and interesting material for my consideration - musically or sonically noteworthy, preferably both - to give my new system, and my musical taste, a good work-out. I'll start off with a few of my own:
1) 'Alkan - Piano Works' on Hyperion (especially Grande Sonate 'Les Quatre Ages') Marc-Andre Hamelin: this is an extraordinary tour de force by an outstanding Canadian pianist of the works of a one-time neighbour of Chopin, Charles-Valentin Alkan, whom Liszt apparently considered the greatest pianist of all. Once past the amazing virtuosic demands, the music gains stature with every listening. Demonstration quality piano recording.
2) Rachmaninov plays Rachmaninov - 'A Window on Time' on Telarc: this is one of two extraordinary transcriptions from 'reproducing piano' rolls (a sort of high-tech pianola) re-mastered using computer technology and an electronically actuated instrument (a Bosendorfer concert grand). The result is a spooky recreation of the master playing his own works - original 'digital' (really, think about it) recordings from the 1920s. Must be heard - and another fine piano recording.
3) Respighi 'Pines of Rome' etc. on Naxos: a budget, but stunning, recording of three of Respighi's finest orchestral showpieces. This disk definitely sorts the hifi sheep from the goats - the orchestral climaxes must be heard (and felt) to be believed, the dynamic range is stunning, and the delicacy of the quieter passages, especially in 'Pines' and 'Fountains' is quite captivating. Make sure the neighbours are out before turning the wick up (carefully!)
There's plenty more to follow if any of you folks are interested - and start those recommendations of your own coming!
What I'm hoping is that some of you kind people will recommend some new and interesting material for my consideration - musically or sonically noteworthy, preferably both - to give my new system, and my musical taste, a good work-out. I'll start off with a few of my own:
1) 'Alkan - Piano Works' on Hyperion (especially Grande Sonate 'Les Quatre Ages') Marc-Andre Hamelin: this is an extraordinary tour de force by an outstanding Canadian pianist of the works of a one-time neighbour of Chopin, Charles-Valentin Alkan, whom Liszt apparently considered the greatest pianist of all. Once past the amazing virtuosic demands, the music gains stature with every listening. Demonstration quality piano recording.
2) Rachmaninov plays Rachmaninov - 'A Window on Time' on Telarc: this is one of two extraordinary transcriptions from 'reproducing piano' rolls (a sort of high-tech pianola) re-mastered using computer technology and an electronically actuated instrument (a Bosendorfer concert grand). The result is a spooky recreation of the master playing his own works - original 'digital' (really, think about it) recordings from the 1920s. Must be heard - and another fine piano recording.
3) Respighi 'Pines of Rome' etc. on Naxos: a budget, but stunning, recording of three of Respighi's finest orchestral showpieces. This disk definitely sorts the hifi sheep from the goats - the orchestral climaxes must be heard (and felt) to be believed, the dynamic range is stunning, and the delicacy of the quieter passages, especially in 'Pines' and 'Fountains' is quite captivating. Make sure the neighbours are out before turning the wick up (carefully!)
There's plenty more to follow if any of you folks are interested - and start those recommendations of your own coming!
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