Re: Revisiting the works you thought you'd never listen to again
- From: Sacqueboutier <Nospam@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:44:10 -0500
On 2008-01-31 15:33:05 -0500, Tim <tmkoerner07@xxxxxxxxxxx> said:
In the "Mahler Overkill" thread, Nemo said that if he heard one more
performance of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" he might seriously consider
shooting himself.
That triggered (no pun here, please) my thinking about a work that I
have avoided listening to for probably the same kind of reasons as
Nemo's. For me it was Tchaikovsky's complete "Nutcracker".
I have not heard this work for decades I'm sure. On purpose. I was
sure that my 2 or 3 versions would sit on that shelf and collect dust
forever. Then recently I found a copy of and played Dorati's 1962
Mercury London SO recording and, amazingly, I not only didn't fall
asleep but thoroughly enjoyed it.
Have any of you had a similar experience, either recently or some time
ago? If so, please share with us the name of the composition and the
specific recording that "won you back". I've already made plans to
listen next to more complete Nutcrackers: Mackerras, Gergiev, and
maybe some that you folks would recommend to me. thanks
Tim Koerner
P.S. By the way, has anyone heard the earlier (1950s?) mono Dorati
Minneapolis SO Nutcracker that I believe the Haydn House people are
selling?
Yes, I have it. I find it very direct in a refreshing way,
but the intonation in the woodwinds is a big problem
for me. The sound is a bit strident, as well. All in all,
I think I prefer Dorati's Concertgebouw recording
over his Mercury takes.
Despite much energy, Gergiev is just too manic for me.
Mackerras, always the consummate musician, strikes
the right balance between "dancer's Nutcracker" and
a "listener's Nutcracker".
Rodzinski is a classic, but the recording quality is
not very flattering to the orchestra (which isn't really
top-notch anyway).
Ansermet may be the best I've heard.
--
--
Kindest regards,
Don
.
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