Today, I listen to CD 15 – Clarinet Trio in A minor (recorded 1997) and Clarinet Quintet in B minor (recorded 1996). Both were composed in 1891. Brahms was 58. I really wanted to like this, too. Alas. The clarinet is delightful instrument. Ditto for the cello. And who can’t enjoy the piano, violins, and … [Read more…]
Today’s offering is quite tasty, indeed. But it’s not something I’d listen to actively. It makes for great background (which is what I used it for today). But it’s not clever enough to get my motor running. Don’t get me wrong. It’s pretty. It’s creative. But it doesn’t move me. And that’s the key. A … [Read more…]
This morning, I’m listening to Daniel Barenboim – who’s known more for conducting these days than for his piano virtuosity – perform Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor. The conductor is Sir John Barbirolli (1899-1970). The orchestra is the New Philharmonia Orchestra. I probably listened to this CD 7-8 times today as I … [Read more…]
This morning, I’m listening to an older recording (perhaps 1962, if the year on the back of the CD sleeve refers to when this was recorded). The conductor is Heinz Bongartz (1894-1978). The orchestra is Dresdner Philharmonie (1870 – ). The musical work is Brahms’ Serenade No. 1 in D, Op. 11. It was composed … [Read more…]
And so it begins. I haven’t undertaken one of my exhaustive music projects in quite awhile. The last one was in 2018 and it required that I listen to all nine of Beethoven’s symphonies as interpreted by 17 different conductors from 18 different CD box sets (Herbert von Karajan was represented twice). You can find … [Read more…]