My first KOLA! My Classics Today subscription (and these videos) have been the gift (to myself) that keeps on giving. I have had my ears opened to so many things, but probably the greatest is being introduced to the Pražák Quartet. So looking forward to 2024.
Thank you David, for another year of reviews and revelations. Please keep up the great work. Your impact on classical music lovers' lives is invaluable.
Thanks, Dave, for your annual KOLA picks. I've acquired some of them and they are, indeed, superb. A few others I found of superior merit in no particular order are: 1. Beethoven Piano Concerti.: Zhang; Stutzmann/Philadelphia Orch./Bis 2. Bruch, Price: Goosby/ Nezet-Sequin/Philadelphia Orch./Decca 3. RVW, Howells, Delius, Elgar: Wilson/Sinfonia of London/Chandos SACD 4. And, a kind of Lifetime Achievement KOLA Award to Ormandy/PO, The Columbia Stereo Legacy/Sony. Possibly being one of the relatively few here old enough to recall at the time how amazing many of these performances sounded on, say, a Zenith console in the early 1960's when first released, I feel someone should cite this excellent reissue effort. Being able to revisit old friends and make some amazing new ones is well worth the price of admission.
It was a really good year for classical music! This is a wonderful list. Aux Étoiles & Job are two standouts for me. A few others from my own list: Massenet: Ariane (Bru Zane) Bacewicz: Symphonies 3 & 4 (Chandos) Boyle, Moeran, RVW: String Quartets (Rubicon) On Christmas Night: Carols from Merton (Delphian) Tchaikovsky/Ellington/Chineke! Nutcracker (Decca) Novák: Orchestral Works 2 (Naxos) RVW: 49th Parallel Complete Score (Dutton) No particular order, but the two that gave me the most pleasure were Ariane & 49th Parallel. Looking forward to 2024 - at least for classical music.
Glad that John Wilson has made it on the list. He really does know what he's talking about, having rescued many lost scores. Local lad too here in the North East of England.
Bruckner s 5th Symphony has those mammoth long timpani rolls at the end of the first and last movements that are an acid test for a timpanist rolling technique.
Thanks for another insightful video, Dave! Just staring out my classical music journey, and your commentaries have been very helpful in finding the best recordings to listen to. Hope you are enjoying the holiday season, and best wishes for 2024!
This feels like a celebration - much to be thankful for. I'm seeing this video after seeing a lovely production of the fabulous Nutcracker ballet yesterday with my family. The Weekly World News reference had me in stitches. No doubt Norman is being visited by the same space aliens that visited Clinton and Bush that the WWN was always touting in big headlines. lol. Great year of videos, Dave. We appreciate it.
Interesting selection. Just played Honeck's Tchaikovsky 5th. What a recording - playing and production! My other selections I've enjoyed this year: Naxos Early Enescu including the glorious Piano Quintet Nielsen symphonies - Danish National Symphony Orchestra cond Fabio Luisi Bruch/Price Violin Concertos - Philadelphia cond Yannick Nezet Seguin
Honeck has justification to remake anything on Exton- the justification being that all his work on Exton is basically unavailable, at least in the US. So frustrating- his Mahler recordings you can't buy digitally, or on disc unless you overpay. Loved his new Tchaikovsky 5 recording. I was there one of the nights when it was recorded, and my impression on disc was more favorable than in the hall. Funny how that happens. Thanks for this list, Happy Holidays!
It is AMAZING how much is out there! Who would have thought? A nice eclectic bunch! Thanks Dave! I just managed to snag the Prazak at the last minute. Would have missed it completely if not for you - it disappeared quickly!
I have always felt that there was a potential dance-like rhythmic element in the 2nd subject of the 1st movement of Bruckner's 5th, Poschner is the only conductor I am aware of who seems to capture this in his recording. Everyone else that I am aware of drags and drips this second subject out unbearably. Even otherwise excellent recordings. Thanks for bringing this disc to my attention David and thanks for this episode! Thanks for this guide and best wishes for an optimal recovery and a happy, fulfilling and blessed upcoming new year.
Those who enjoy "Aux Etoiles" as I do (thanks for bringing this one to my attention, Dave) might consider "The French Romantic Experience" on the same label. I'm not really a fan of sampler/excerpts disks, but this is ten disks on the Bru Zane label that are original or licensed from other labels and presents complete performances of shorter works and excerpts from longer pieces from composers I've never heard of before or unknown music by famous composers in really terrific performances, arranged by genre: opera, symphonic, concertante, songs, chamber, etc. at more than a fair price. maybe a possibility of a review of this by Dave in 2024?
Hi Dave....I might have bought my last CD and that was VW's Job on Naxos which filled a hole in my collection. I'm 75 years old and my wife says it's time to stop and now I believe she's right. Thanks for all the interesting insights and advice....and indeed, I will keep on listening.
This is an excellent list Dave, but call me crabby and cynical, it's your "Avoid Like Death Awards" I look forward to the most. I hope I haven't missed it.
I enjoyed the remarks about Lebrecht the gossipmonger. And the bitterness and meanness displayed by many of the persons who post comments on his blog cause me to wonder who hurt them.
Terrific choices, Dave, many thanks for highlighting these! However, it seems the Prazak Quartet box is no longer available, at least on Amazon…serves me right for not grabbing it sooner! 😢
I don't know how reliable his reporting is( reviewers are always pointing out things he got wrong ) but Norman Lebrecht's books like the Death of Classical Music are fun to read (mainly because of the gossip. )
Greetings of the season and compliments on the awards selections. I'm pleased to see the Herrmann movie music on the list. "On Dangerous Ground" is not nearly as well known, but is a really outstanding film noir, for which the somewhat spare soundtrack is a perfect fit. By the way, is your Theraflu warm or chilled? I personally prefer it comfy warm.
@@leestamm3187 Even an oldie like you knows ..hehe. Always can rely on Lee to know the old movie classics and the musical classics. A true Renaissance man.
All the same: you really should get your facts straight. On the other hand: I do like that you like Ameling so much. I myself grew up on a steady diet of Ameling because my mother, who was an amateur soprano singer, thought Ameling was the goddess of Lieder singing. Both Elly and FiDie have in fact had an important influence on my musical taste and may have had a hand in the fact that, years later, I took singing lessons myself...@@DavesClassicalGuide
I enjoy the annual KOLA bit. I always appreciate your willingness to promote music and recordings a little removed from the beaten path. Thank you. Manze represents a pretty remarkable transformation among professional musicians, eh? I often liked him as a specialist early-music violinist. Liked his approach to the phantasticus style and 17th-c. repertoire (Biber, Marini, etc.), but often not as much as other ensemble players. I sometimes didn't like his approach at all (his recording of the accompanied Bach sonatas is among my least liked of that music). But I've consistently enjoyed his recordings as a modern-orchestra conductor. The latest is several years old now, but I'm especially fond of his cycle of Lars-Erik Larsson symphonies (I'm sure you know, Dave, but there are only three) for CPO.
My first KOLA! My Classics Today subscription (and these videos) have been the gift (to myself) that keeps on giving. I have had my ears opened to so many things, but probably the greatest is being introduced to the Pražák Quartet. So looking forward to 2024.
Nice comment.
Thank you David, for another year of reviews and revelations. Please keep up the great work. Your impact on classical music lovers' lives is invaluable.
Thanks, Dave, for your annual KOLA picks. I've acquired some of them and they are, indeed, superb. A few others I found of superior merit in no particular order are:
1. Beethoven Piano Concerti.: Zhang; Stutzmann/Philadelphia Orch./Bis
2. Bruch, Price: Goosby/ Nezet-Sequin/Philadelphia Orch./Decca
3. RVW, Howells, Delius, Elgar: Wilson/Sinfonia of London/Chandos SACD
4. And, a kind of Lifetime Achievement KOLA Award to Ormandy/PO, The Columbia Stereo Legacy/Sony. Possibly being one of the relatively few here old enough to recall at the time how amazing many of these performances sounded on, say, a Zenith console in the early 1960's when first released, I feel someone should cite this excellent reissue effort. Being able to revisit old friends and make some amazing new ones is well worth the price of admission.
Thank you for introducing me to Malek Jandali. I look forward to hearing more of his music.
It was a really good year for classical music! This is a wonderful list. Aux Étoiles & Job are two standouts for me. A few others from my own list:
Massenet: Ariane (Bru Zane)
Bacewicz: Symphonies 3 & 4 (Chandos)
Boyle, Moeran, RVW: String Quartets (Rubicon)
On Christmas Night: Carols from Merton (Delphian)
Tchaikovsky/Ellington/Chineke! Nutcracker (Decca)
Novák: Orchestral Works 2 (Naxos)
RVW: 49th Parallel Complete Score (Dutton)
No particular order, but the two that gave me the most pleasure were Ariane & 49th Parallel.
Looking forward to 2024 - at least for classical music.
Ariane, yes! Let's hope Bru Zane will follow-up with Bacchus.
@@bbailey7818 They've done such a magnificent job with his other operas, I expect they will. I'm really hoping for a new recording of Le Cid, too.
And a new recording of Chabrier’s Le roi malgre lui
Thanks!
Thank you very much! Have a happy new year!
Glad that John Wilson has made it on the list. He really does know what he's talking about, having rescued many lost scores. Local lad too here in the North East of England.
I REALLY like that Poschner Bruckner 5. Thanks for reviewing it and pointing out its assets.
Bruckner s 5th Symphony has those mammoth long timpani rolls at the end of the first and last movements that are an acid test for a timpanist rolling technique.
My first KOLA hearing. Looking forward to the ALDA's
Thanks for another insightful video, Dave! Just staring out my classical music journey, and your commentaries have been very helpful in finding the best recordings to listen to. Hope you are enjoying the holiday season, and best wishes for 2024!
Thanks, you too!
This feels like a celebration - much to be thankful for. I'm seeing this video after seeing a lovely production of the fabulous Nutcracker ballet yesterday with my family. The Weekly World News reference had me in stitches. No doubt Norman is being visited by the same space aliens that visited Clinton and Bush that the WWN was always touting in big headlines. lol. Great year of videos, Dave. We appreciate it.
Great list as always David! Looking forward to the 2023 ALDA as well!
Thanks for the KOLA awards, Dave, and a Merry Xmas to you and your family. Looking forward to your reviews in 2024.
Interesting selection. Just played Honeck's Tchaikovsky 5th. What a recording - playing and production!
My other selections I've enjoyed this year:
Naxos Early Enescu including the glorious Piano Quintet
Nielsen symphonies - Danish National Symphony Orchestra cond Fabio Luisi
Bruch/Price Violin Concertos - Philadelphia cond Yannick Nezet Seguin
Honeck has justification to remake anything on Exton- the justification being that all his work on Exton is basically unavailable, at least in the US. So frustrating- his Mahler recordings you can't buy digitally, or on disc unless you overpay. Loved his new Tchaikovsky 5 recording. I was there one of the nights when it was recorded, and my impression on disc was more favorable than in the hall. Funny how that happens. Thanks for this list, Happy Holidays!
I'm so pleased to see the Herrmann recording winning a KOLA. Well done.
This is a lovely video!
Great video. I have a large collection but pick up new material based on your recommendations. Happy Holidays!
The Prazak Box is no longer available on Amazon.
Oh no - I hope you feel better soon, Dave! Appreciate your dedication in sharing your videos even while being sick!
It is AMAZING how much is out there! Who would have thought? A nice eclectic bunch! Thanks Dave! I just managed to snag the Prazak at the last minute. Would have missed it completely if not for you - it disappeared quickly!
For me the prize of the Ameling box is the Mozart songs. I had no idea they were so fine! Another gem is the "German Romantic Songs" disc.
I have always felt that there was a potential dance-like rhythmic element in the 2nd subject of the 1st movement of Bruckner's 5th, Poschner is the only conductor I am aware of who seems to capture this in his recording. Everyone else that I am aware of drags and drips this second subject out unbearably. Even otherwise excellent recordings. Thanks for bringing this disc to my attention David and thanks for this episode! Thanks for this guide and best wishes for an optimal recovery and a happy, fulfilling and blessed upcoming new year.
Those who enjoy "Aux Etoiles" as I do (thanks for bringing this one to my attention, Dave) might consider "The French Romantic Experience" on the same label. I'm not really a fan of sampler/excerpts disks, but this is ten disks on the Bru Zane label that are original or licensed from other labels and presents complete performances of shorter works and excerpts from longer pieces from composers I've never heard of before or unknown music by famous composers in really terrific performances, arranged by genre: opera, symphonic, concertante, songs, chamber, etc. at more than a fair price. maybe a possibility of a review of this by Dave in 2024?
Hi Dave....I might have bought my last CD and that was VW's Job on Naxos which filled a hole in my collection. I'm 75 years old and my wife says it's time to stop and now I believe she's right. Thanks for all the interesting insights and advice....and indeed, I will keep on listening.
She's wrong! Keep collecting!
This is an excellent list Dave, but call me crabby and cynical, it's your "Avoid Like Death Awards" I look forward to the most. I hope I haven't missed it.
Coming soon!
Welcome back, David! Glad you recovered from your malady.
I enjoyed the remarks about Lebrecht the gossipmonger. And the bitterness and meanness displayed by many of the persons who post comments on his blog cause me to wonder who hurt them.
You, Dave, are one of the best things that I experienced in 2023! What a gem, what a discovery you are! Have a healthy and wonderful 2024!
Terrific choices, Dave, many thanks for highlighting these! However, it seems the Prazak Quartet box is no longer available, at least on Amazon…serves me right for not grabbing it sooner! 😢
This list is better than the Gramophone Awards. None of the labels paid Dave to hype their albums, so these must be really good!
And better than the parochial Grammys too!
The Bruckner year! I have the feeling that your stable of horses will be neigh-saying a lot in '24.
Alas, the Prazak Quartet box sold out pretty quickly and is only available at vastly inflated prices. Very much hope they will repress.....
I think Ameling is a soprano. And deLos Angeles too
Yes, they are.
I don't know how reliable his reporting is( reviewers are always pointing out things he got wrong ) but Norman Lebrecht's books like the Death of Classical Music are fun to read (mainly because of the gossip. )
Sure, if you regard them as trash fiction, they ARE fun.
Well, there goes my New Year's resolution to cut down on expenses....
Greetings of the season and compliments on the awards selections. I'm pleased to see the Herrmann movie music on the list. "On Dangerous Ground" is not nearly as well known, but is a really outstanding film noir, for which the somewhat spare soundtrack is a perfect fit. By the way, is your Theraflu warm or chilled? I personally prefer it comfy warm.
Hot (then warm, of course).
@@DavesClassicalGuide There's this newfangled contraption called the microwave, lol.
@@OuterGalaxyLounge I've heard of those. 😉
@@leestamm3187 Even an oldie like you knows ..hehe. Always can rely on Lee to know the old movie classics and the musical classics. A true Renaissance man.
Elly Ameling was a soprano, not a mezzo-soprano.
Same difference.
All the same: you really should get your facts straight. On the other hand: I do like that you like Ameling so much. I myself grew up on a steady diet of Ameling because my mother, who was an amateur soprano singer, thought Ameling was the goddess of Lieder singing. Both Elly and FiDie have in fact had an important influence on my musical taste and may have had a hand in the fact that, years later, I took singing lessons myself...@@DavesClassicalGuide
I enjoy the annual KOLA bit. I always appreciate your willingness to promote music and recordings a little removed from the beaten path. Thank you.
Manze represents a pretty remarkable transformation among professional musicians, eh? I often liked him as a specialist early-music violinist. Liked his approach to the phantasticus style and 17th-c. repertoire (Biber, Marini, etc.), but often not as much as other ensemble players. I sometimes didn't like his approach at all (his recording of the accompanied Bach sonatas is among my least liked of that music). But I've consistently enjoyed his recordings as a modern-orchestra conductor. The latest is several years old now, but I'm especially fond of his cycle of Lars-Erik Larsson symphonies (I'm sure you know, Dave, but there are only three) for CPO.
Thanks!
Thank you very much!