I fell in love with Scheherazade via Stokowski's "Phase 4 Stereo" Decca recording. I've heard others that I like but none that eclipse it. (At 17, I used to crank the stereo up high enough that the vibration from the cello strings would shake the floor and the trumpets would threaten the integrity of the windows. Suburban police, more accustomed to showing up at teenagers' homes where Zeppelin or Aerosmith were being blasted too loud, would occasionally be summoned at the bequest of neighbors)
You hit the nail on the head...I've always thought Reiner a bit surface and cold as much as I admire the playing. The Kondrashin is terrific...such a brilliant conductor who was stuck so much of his career in the Soviet Union. He did a great Mahler 7 by the way with the Concergebouw. For me, I think, there is no one like Stokowski in this work. The final movement knocks your socks off and that multi miked London Phase 4 sound suits the interpretation perfectly. I'm intrigued to take a listen to Goosens...that old Everest catalog was chock-full of goodies.
Great recommendations! I love the Beecham recording too. My dark horse favorite is Silvestri, who makes such poetry of the quieter music that it always revitalizes my appreciation for the work.
I have an unusual choice for Scheherazade: the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Kees Bakels on BIS. I chose this recording of the orchestral works on four CDs because I liked the particular CD from the series containing The Tale of Tsar Saltan, the Piano Concerto in C-sharp minor, and other works.
It's unbelievable how many great performances of this particular piece were delivered by the LSO: Stokowski, Markevitch, Monteux, Mackerras, Svetlanov...
Thanks so much. I’m not steeped in classical but I’m stepping up my game sourcing the best versions of my favorites. This, New World Symphony, Mozart Requiem, Planets. Are studio recordings favored? Seems you could get better recordings in a controlled studio environment
Ideally you want a studio recording, especially if you’re first getting to know a piece, but often the extra tension of a live performance brings out the best in musicians. Inspired artistry is not always as simple as flipping on a switch. So some of the greatest, most electric recorded performances have been live.
@@GilZilkha Thank You, yes that makes sense. These musicians are incredible because the stress of making sure you’re not the ONE. In your experience are most performances that are considered in the top few mostly studio?
I fell in love with Scheherazade via Stokowski's "Phase 4 Stereo" Decca recording. I've heard others that I like but none that eclipse it. (At 17, I used to crank the stereo up high enough that the vibration from the cello strings would shake the floor and the trumpets would threaten the integrity of the windows. Suburban police, more accustomed to showing up at teenagers' homes where Zeppelin or Aerosmith were being blasted too loud, would occasionally be summoned at the bequest of neighbors)
Enjoy your reviews very much Gil😊
Thank you!
I love this work and my favourite recording is:
Herman Krebbers (violin);
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra;
Kirill Kondrashin conducting.
I agree wholeheartedly with you about Reiner’s recording; it never moves me.
I bought the Dobrowen version..........Excellent! Thanks Gil.😊
You hit the nail on the head...I've always thought Reiner a bit surface and cold as much as I admire the playing. The Kondrashin is terrific...such a brilliant conductor who was stuck so much of his career in the Soviet Union. He did a great Mahler 7 by the way with the Concergebouw. For me, I think, there is no one like Stokowski in this work. The final movement knocks your socks off and that multi miked London Phase 4 sound suits the interpretation perfectly. I'm intrigued to take a listen to Goosens...that old Everest catalog was chock-full of goodies.
Great recommendations! I love the Beecham recording too. My dark horse favorite is Silvestri, who makes such poetry of the quieter music that it always revitalizes my appreciation for the work.
Dobrowen is the sleeper, enjoy very much and I thank you Gil for recommending it.
Agreed. Kondrashin’s ’Scheherazade’ somehow feels more alive than Reiner’s recording does.
I have an unusual choice for Scheherazade: the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Kees Bakels on BIS. I chose this recording of the orchestral works on four CDs because I liked the particular CD from the series containing The Tale of Tsar Saltan, the Piano Concerto in C-sharp minor, and other works.
It's unbelievable how many great performances of this particular piece were delivered by the LSO: Stokowski, Markevitch, Monteux, Mackerras, Svetlanov...
Thanks so much. I’m not steeped in classical but I’m stepping up my game sourcing the best versions of my favorites. This, New World Symphony, Mozart Requiem, Planets. Are studio recordings favored? Seems you could get better recordings in a controlled studio environment
Ideally you want a studio recording, especially if you’re first getting to know a piece, but often the extra tension of a live performance brings out the best in musicians. Inspired artistry is not always as simple as flipping on a switch. So some of the greatest, most electric recorded performances have been live.
@@GilZilkha Thank You, yes that makes sense. These musicians are incredible because the stress of making sure you’re not the ONE.
In your experience are most performances that are considered in the top few mostly studio?
Which of the decca issues do you recommend other than the Jubilee? Decca top 100 recordings from Japan or the Cala issue?