For @bill_perkins.
Looking over other Dutilleux in my library, I would recommend this set of “modern” symphonies for those liking to explore a bit. There was a DVD that came with the set that I thoroughly enjoyed as well
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I agree and I greatly enjoy these composer’s works as well, particularly Béla Bartók. When listening to the Edgar Moreau recording I admit to relaxing a bit too much during the Weinberg cello concerto after a hard day’s work outside. The Tout un monde lointain immediately re-invigorated me and made me want to hear, if not anticipate elements of the score. It is a delightful, thought-provoking initial listen that has deepened as I listen again. I think I enjoy the juxtaposition of percussive orchestral elements and (also percussive) cello used in a manner that slices timings in a remarkable way. Often abrupt, then prolonged climbing/falling notes on the A string, all without vibrato. Overall, I expect it’s the remarkably well-defined and variably-timed notation that speaks to me, as well as the percussive timbre. Shocks, as Charles Baudelaire Les Fleurs du Mal once shocked (still shocks the attentive). This is something I’ve found in every Tout un monde lointain performance I’ve listened to. Also present in the somewhat more melodic Ainsi la nuit. I’ve started listening to Dutilleux’s symphonic works and am greatly enjoying them.
Sometimes I enjoy touches of sweet harmony, sometimes I like being jarred in ways that reflect fractured, granular reality (as also reflected in this year’s Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry). So far removed from our generally naive (apparently) mundane quotidian realities.
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I noticed that, and I presume HDTT reviews are pretty good/authentic.
I guess one has to take the same approach as I do with Pristine, and sometimes a transfer from vinyl sounds better than a major label’s version from the tapes.
This account of the recent remasterting of the Solti Ring is quite illuminating, in terms of the challenges of remastering, and what might turn out to be the best option.
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Thank you for the pointer to the account of the Solti Ring remastering! I love dives into the nitty-gritty of recording/sound engineering/performance. The more granular and extensive, the better. The description left me wanting more, more, more, but it was a tantalizing taste and suggestive of the efforts involved. I’ve read several books on the different microphones used for recording different instruments over time and microphone placement strategies, but the world of sound engineering has been more opaque to me. All about digital signal processing in a pragmatic rather than theoretical manner. I understand a bit of the theoretical side and know almost nothing about the pragmatic end of things.
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Agree; the detail is fascinating, and remastering seems to need some historian input to inform the process.
I cannot deny though, that the description of the state of the tapes has made me reconsider my attitude to transfers from vinyl.
But they have done well with the Solti Ring, even if I turn to live accounts of that work, whatever Culshaw’s views.
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Thank you for the Dutilleux recommendations. Particularly enjoyed Correspondances with Barbara Hannigan, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Anssi Karttunen, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. Very nice Tout un monde lointain and superb Shadows of Time.
Now enjoying Métaboles with its five continuous movements and driven evolution across themes/orchestra sections, L’arbre des songes, with metamorphic soloist/orchestral themes (soloist Augustin Hadelich and Seattle Symphony conducted by Ludovic Morlot) and Symphony No. 2 with its fascinating use of a chamber orchestra within a full orchestra. The pleasures of listening to Henri Dutilleux’s compositions continue to grip me.
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which version did you get, and how is the sound?
In addition to the above mentions, some additional Dutilleux in my collection, possibly worth checking out:
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Thank you so much @CoralRad for the additional Dutilleux recommendations! All added to my growing listening list.
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From another interesting series on BIS, Tcherepnin is worth exploring if you are into Russian post-Romantic/Modern. And another set of Ogawa discs for her fans.
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I assume you are asking about which resolution I bought from HDTT?
24/192
I’m new to HDTT so I was hoping for some source and transfer information but I wasn’t able to find it.
The only comparison I have is what I assume is a very low bitrate rip of the 1987 Chesky CD that’s been posted on YouTube but that will be a permanent uninteresting mystery,
The HDTT has more detail and a deep soundstage. I feel more energy from this recording for sure.
I do hear some brightness in several string passages which seem less pronounced on the YT version.
The performance is just remarkable and likely my new top choice for Sibelius No, 2 (San Francisco / Blomstedt being only a millimeter below).
I do think I will buy the 1994 Chesky CD if I can ever find it for less than current used prices.
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yes, that was the question. many, if not most, HDTT releases include info on provenance, and there’s an entire series made from vinyl masters. the lack of such info here leads me to suspect this is a CD rip, but I have no way of confirming that.
I also wonder about copyright issues, but perhaps being in Canada provides some protection.
I’ve purchased several recordings from HDTT, and while most are very good, like you, I occasionally feel they’re on the bright side.
For what it is worth I did find, I think, this recording, different remaster, on Qobuz (in US) under:
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I’m such a cynical person that I would not be surprised.
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In addition to the Barbirolli, one of my favorite recordings of the Sibelius 2nd Symphony:
Unfortunately not available for streaming, I think, and currently not available from the Cleveland Orchestra website CD store. But there are so many good recordings of the symphony available.
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@CoralRad That Cleveland / Szell Tokyo Sibelius is remarkable.
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The Japanese CD release is available from Amazon. It has also been uploaded to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvgwzWTCzOc
It was Szell’s last recorded performance, just 2 months before his death. He was afflicted with cancer which was known to the orchestra, and it is a truly inspired performance.
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Hey, Classical friends - just dropping in to let you know the next Community filled with your favourites will be arriving this Friday. And I wanted to elicit your help with another seasonal playlist, here
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