In his latest blog post, the incomparable Alan Rich sings the praises of some substantial Wagner recordings from the 78 era (and a few recent DVD releases). I have to echo his enthusiasm for both the hair-raising prewar Die Walküre Akt I with a dream cast conducted by Bruno Walter and Ward Marston’s stunning new transfers of Victor Records’ scenes from Siegfried recorded in the 1930s The former, issued on a single EMI Références CD, is no longer available but does turn up on Amazon and ebay from time to time; the latter, released on Naxos, is easily obtainable from numerous overseas mail order sources.
Alfred Deller Never Gets Old
Over the past couple of years, I’ve been working with Musical Concepts’ Todd Landor and Greg Barbero…
Another One Bites the Dust: Nocturne
Word has reached this side of the Atlantic that French indie label Nocturne has ceased to be. Their eclectic mix…
Mälkki/Ensemble ACJW @ Zankel
My review of this uneven concert is now live at Classical Source.
Fear and Loathing in Philly Redux
Via Jessica Duchen’s indispensible blog (and just why haven’t you bookmarked it yet?) comes a link to this Guardian article on the woes that have befallen the Philadelphia Orchestra and its institutional support system. It should be added…
“Step Away from the Brahms Slowly…”
Boulez/CSO @ Carnegie Hall
The “wall of sound” is back! Read my review at Classical Source.
Rewire That Frontal Lobe!
“The study, from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., offers a new line of evidence that the brain we end up with is not necessarily the same brain we started out with.” The secret ingredient? Music, of course. Read the details at abc.com.
Frank Oteri and Joseph Polisi on Bill Schuman
Read Frank’s terrific interview with the author of “American Muse” here. (Hat tip: Richard Schneider.)
Fear and Loathing in Philly on the Wane?
Daniel Wakin wades into the recent leadership problems within the Philadelphia Orchestra’s support system, though the headline may make you believe the lion’s share of problems are being borne by the players. Truth is, the orchestra has sounded superb the last few times I’ve seen them under Charles Dutoit.