1 comments about Handel: Deborah.

1. Even though this was one of his first oratorios composed when he was in his earlt twenties, Handel's Deborah is truly a masterpiece. Handel's best oratorios contain a dramatic tension from beginning to end. The team assembled by Naxos do an incredible job from soloists to chorus.
   I do own a few oratorios by the King Consort who have released the only other Deborah availale. Since I have a limited budget I have not listen to that version, but I can't imagine that it could be any better.
   If you love Handel and want to explore his early works you will not be disappointed with this well executed masterpiece.

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5 comments about Mikhail Rudy Plays Rachmaninov & Tchaikovsky (Box Set).

1. I am anxiously awaiting more of the same from Mikhail Rudy. His interpretation is excellent throughout, his technique fine, and his understanding of the works is profound. I love listening to these recordings.
   
   One of the hallmarks, for me, that made this recording truly stand out is the pianist's choice to play the original cadenza in the Third Concerto rather than the more ambitious alternate one (the choice was certainly not informed by an inability to play the tougher one, as evidenced by his near-flawless reading of the entire work). The original cadenza is frequently passed over by scores of pianists thinking that two minutes' difficult music at just the right time will make theirs the best recording. Mikhail Rudy is obviously more interested in making music and giving these works the performance they deserve than in showing off for the easily impressed types that eat up Rachmaninoff.
   
   Also included is the seldom-heard alternate (original) finale of the Fourth, a piece that gets glossed over and neglected more than is morally just. The Fourth is a fine concerto, full of energy and jazz and beautiful orchestration. Nice to hear the composer's original concept of the work.
   
   By the way, the Tchaikovsky is fantastic too.
   
   If you would like a great cycle of the Rachmaninoff Concertos, I couldn't recommend this more highly. Just please, for the love of God, stay away from grotesque recordings of his work like those by Argerich and Lang Lang. They desecrate fine music, slap their big names on it and sell a bazillion copies. But while they're doing that, Mikhail Rudy is busy making fine music.
   
   Can't wait to hear his Prokofiev cycle, if he ever records them.



2. From what I have gathered, there are quite a few (but at the same time, not TOO many) recorded performances of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto's that have been asigned as belonging to the top almost matter-of-factly. I personally, I am sorry to say, am quite restricted in my knowledge and could only compare these recordings by Mikhail Rudy and Mariss Jansons with the only other fine recordings I have heard (up to now), namely those by Earl Wild/Jasha Horenstein and those by Howard Shelley/Bryden Thomson. Compared to those two, the difference between Rudy/Jansons and Wild/Horenstein is, to my amateur ears, the greatest, so for convenience (and briefness) sake I would like to focus on the differences between those two.
   The playing of Mikhail Rudy to my ears has a very matter-of-fact-like virtuosity and clarity to it that make this all rather dry-eyed performances, which in itself is a good thing. This supreme clarity is matched by the virtuoso orchestral playing, where all of the instrumental textures are all clearly audible (sometimes not ideally blended woodwinds stick out of the texture somewhat). What I miss sometimes, though, is a kind of 'soaring melodicity' (which we get from earl Wild, for example). These are to my mind rather austere performances that miss a certain lyricism and/or warmth and while the ensemble-playing between orchestra and piano is perfect (often, the piano blends in completely within the orchestral texture), there is maybe too much focus on just that, causing them to sound somewhat cool as a result. Nonetheless, these ARE masterly performances which certainly suit a certain taste and mood, and they are a nice addition to (and something of a contrast with) other fine, maybe more 'warmly' recommended, recordings of these wonderful works. Anyhow, I am glad to have these freshly analytical, highly focussed performances alongside those by Earl Wild and Howard Shelley. It only shows how nuances in interpretation and style can make a world of difference (this is of course, one of the things that makes listening to different performances of the same works by different great artists such a rewarding experience), each one of those worlds fitting a certain taste and mood.



3. "A composer's music should express the country of his birth, his love affairs, his religion, the books that have influenced him, the pictures he loves. It should be the sum total of a composer's experience."- Sergei Rachmaninov
   
   These words are essentially a statement of the core philosophy of romanticism. What is odd is that they were spoken in the 1920's, long after the romantic period is held to have ended. Rachmaninov's four concertos for piano and orchestra are works of the twentieth century (with the exception of the first concerto, which was begun in 1890), but at their core they are deeply romantic works that reflect the soul of the composer. Occasionally flawed and sometimes gaudy, they are nevertheless brilliant and deeply soulful pianistic masterpieces.
   
   The concerto is, to me, perhaps the greatest form of music as art: combining the intimate, personal aspects of solo and chamber music with the grandiosity of the symphony orchestra. With all the power and large-scale intricacy of the fifty-odd orchestral musicians playing together, the soloist is still free to bare his soul and express his innermost personal thoughts through the music. To achieve this perfect synthesis of soloist and orchestra requires a talented soloist and an equally talented conductor, and this recording of the Rachmaninov concertos and the Paganini Rhapsody realizes that union with Mikhaïl Rudy and Mariss Jansons. Together they express the core of Rachmaninov's music, combining easy virtuosity and poetic genius for a deeply satisfying musical experience. The St. Petersburg Philharmonic shows that they are worthy of being counted among Europe's best orchestras, and EMI's recorded sound is very good, although in some places perhaps the balance should favor the piano more.
   
   Also included in this bargain-priced three-disc set, almost like a bonus, is the Piano Concerto No. 1 by Tchaikovsky. Favoring a fresh, spontaneous interpretation over sheer heavy-handed virtuosity, Rudy and Janson's account of Tchaikovsky's popular work, filled with beautiful folk melodies, bears some very refreshing results. The soaring, lyrical first movement is full of new life and vivacity; while the tender slow movement, labeled "semplice," is wonderfully gentle, with the "prestissimo" middle section glittering like shooting stars over St. Petersburg at night. The third movement, Allegro con fuoco ("with fire"), based on a Ukrainian folk melody, is lively and intense. Here, the Leningrad Philharmonic also gets a chance to shine, with the orchestra often going long periods carrying the melody, while the piano accompanies: all part of the essential blend between soloist and orchestra that is the concerto.



4. There is no question that Mikhail Rudy is the best interpreter of the Rachmaninoff concertos I've heard (and I've heard a lot of them). I never knew he existed before I acquired this 3-CD set, but I'm stunned by the loving way he treats the music. It sounds as though he hits every single note (a rarity, especially in the #3), and he caresses each one to boot. The accompaniment by Maris Jansons is excellent -- intense and clear. And to top it all off, you can get the 3 CDs for $20. If you like Rachmaninoff, you'll love this.



5. There is no question that Mikhail Rudy is the best interpreter of the Rachmaninoff concertos I've heard (and I've heard a lot of them). I never knew he existed before I acquired this 3-CD set, but I'm stunned by the loving way he treats the music. It sounds as though he hits every single note (a rarity, especially in the #3), and he caresses each one to boot. The accompaniment by Maris Jansons is excellent -- intense and clear. And to top it all off, you can get the 3 CDs for $20. If you like Rachmaninoff, you'll love this.

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5 comments about The Complete Works of Scott Joplin, Vol. 1-5.

1. Don't listen to all those elitists who gave Zimmerman a negative review- his playing is so unique and full of emotion. Contrary to what others have said, Zimmerman's tempo is much slower and better than many other artists' tempos. Though he doesn't play everything true to the sheet music, I feel that he wonderfully captures the spirit of ragtime. If you listen to some of Joplin's own recordings (via player piano), you will find that he himself added some jazzy improvisations. Although Zimmerman makes some mistakes, it somehow seems to add authenticity to his interpretation. The bad sound quality also adds this unique feeling of authenticity. Everything--his style, the piano, the sound quality--works together to create a truly wonderful recording. If you want a comprehensive, beautifully played, rendition of Joplin's works, then I highly recommend this box set!



2. I enjoy the chronologically arrangement of tracks. It's interesting to see the evolution of Joplin's style.
   
   I've always been a fan of ragtime, but not particularly an expert. This artist is either playing a completely faithful rendition of the music, or he stutters sometimes. This does not detract from the music at all, it's probably just the artist's playing style.
   
   The set is jam-packed with pieces I've never heard before, so it was quite an experience. The last disc in particular features an opera-style suite!



3. Adds welcome diversity to my Classic Rock collection. Understand that this isn't the last word on Joplin - it's more like a really good first. It's not a complete work-up, with quartet accompaniment, like Marvin Hamlisch's "The Sting" soundtrack. It's just Zimmerman on piano, and sometimes he doesn't play so great. I mean, if you compare "The Entertainer" between the two - you'll think you fell off a cliff.
   
   However, it is a complete Joplin - 66 songs, including every major Rag and other stuff, such as waltzes, marches, and pieces of "Treemonisha", his failed opera. What I wanted was a player piano, with a complete set of paper scrolls, you know what I'm talking about? Even if I could find one, I can't afford it. Maybe this is the next best thing?
   
   So I definitely recommend it for the Joplin novice - it's something to strongly encourage. But is this the last Joplin you'll ever buy? I doubt it - it's merely adequate, not great. Joplin for 40 cents a pop, you won't find a better value.



4. Well done, with the only drawback that Joshua Rifkind is not at the piano. Sometimes the pace is too frenetic.



5. This is a wonderful collection of Scott Joplin's music. Delightful to own, to play over and over and over.

1 comments about Haydn: Divertimenti 1-12 (Box Set).

1. The Penguin Guide (a classical cd review bible) gave this recording three stars, their highest rating. I agree (and was actually suprised to find that they had reviewed it). It has perfect sound and the performance is clean and lively and just-right sounding in terms of pacing and character. These are the earliest works Haydn composed (when he was 25), and they are full of creative melody and unique turns of phrase (and the classical music equivalent of 'hooks'), and also long, beautiful (often minor key) slow movements often reaching to and beyond 9 and 10 minutes in length. For the record this set includes 4 CDs each containing 3 divertimenti of 5 movements each. A fast movement, a minuet and trio, a slow movement, another minuet and trio, and a closing fast movement. The trios of each minuet contain some of Haydn most charming, even strange, harmonies and melodies. All totally captivating. It is light classical music at its best. Acquire it before it's gone!

2 comments about Swing Out to Victory: Songs of WWII.

1. If you're buying just one audio collection of World War II music, this might be a good choice. Four CDs, bargain-priced, introduce 40 songs from the period, with many of the old stand-bys ("Three Little Sisters," "No Love, No Nothin'," others), along with lot of surprises ("There'll Be a Jubilee," "I'm a Cranky Old Yank in a Clanky Old Tank," others). For the price, a great introduction.



2. Four discs and about 2 hours of fine listening. Just try to keep your feet still. I run exercise classes for elders, people who were 'around', in every sense of the word, during WW II. Hearing their music brings smiles to their faces. They enjoy the trip down memory lane. A terrific variety of artists and songs not generally found on other compilations from the 40's era.

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