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Post by Slinger on Apr 1, 2022 12:21:10 GMT
I managed to get halfway through the second video. If ever anyone deserved the "White Scarf of Irredeemable Chutzpah," It's him, if only for his continued over-pronunciation of the word "Chutzpah". What a smug little troll he is.
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Post by MartinT on Apr 1, 2022 12:37:22 GMT
 he is rather, but makes a change from a different kind of smug classical lover the likes of whom we've all come across. |
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Post by Slinger on Apr 1, 2022 12:57:08 GMT
I just dislike people who appear to take great pleasure in telling people that their opinion trumps all others, and that they know what's best (or worst). If he even gave the slightest hint of YMMV to leaven his gleefully destructive reviews I couild probably put up with, or at least ignore him. The very fact that watching one-and-a-half of his videos has made me want to comment, strongly, on him probably says something ...about both of us.  I admit I write some fairly scathing put-downs of p0olitical figures, but I always make a point to post verifiable *facts*and *sources*, not simply pontificate, and if I do venture an opinion I make sure people know that's what it is, and all it is. I'm afraid his " I am right, if you do not agree you are obviously wrong and have no idea what you're talking about," style, complete with silly scarves, leaves me cold. He has, actually, become the thing he says he hates. I'll stop now.  |
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 1, 2022 13:27:11 GMT
It's funny but I don't get that at all from the videos I've watched.
I've noticed a number of times some kind of YMMV comment but I don't think they are even necessary as it's understood - how can it be anything else than just a personal opinion, like any reviewer anywhere.
I've watched the Mahler / Sibelius / Shosta cycle comparisons and found his insights very interesting - he obviously knows the scores very well (was an orchestral percussionist) and has also listened exhaustively around individual composers. Often he has different opinions on recordings which mainstream press have feted or slated which is intriguing. I find the videos entertaining and engaging myself but as everything, that's a matter of taste. I don't think anyone with any musical intellect is going to consider them gospel truth - appreciation of music far from an exact science ...
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Post by jandl100 on Apr 1, 2022 13:44:26 GMT
I think he's great - even though I disagree with a lot of his opinions about specific recordings. (I've been getting his weekly review summaries for years).
He's got tremendous enthusiasm for a subject he obviously loves and he communicates easily. There's nothing wrong with being outspoken and controversial on occasion, I'm all for it!
I've just been watching his 2021 KOLA (keep on listening awards) vid. Enjoyed it a lot - especially his enthusiasm for Malcolm Arnold symphonies, good on him!
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Post by MartinT on Apr 2, 2022 9:27:53 GMT
He's entertaining, as I said before.
We don't include YMMV or IMO with every one of our posts, it's implied.
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 2, 2022 9:33:17 GMT
"Scriabin - like Chopin on crack!"  Just perfect. |
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Post by jandl100 on Apr 3, 2022 8:24:30 GMT
Hurwitz on Bruckner 5th recordings.
Some fascinating and amusing insights into the music.
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Post by MartinT on Apr 3, 2022 11:16:23 GMT
I wonder if he's done Bruckner 7ths?
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 3, 2022 12:43:55 GMT
This is 7.
I've only seen his survey of complete Bruckner cycles.
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Post by MartinT on Apr 3, 2022 15:07:40 GMT
He explains the 7th so well, I learned quite a few things here.
Wand is a great Brucknerian and I'm glad his recording gets a mention. I've never listened to that Haitink but I'm certainly going to now.
Jochum is just great in so many ways (his 9th is stupendous). Another that I like is the Blomstedt, but it doesn't seem to be on streaming - I still have the CD.
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Post by MartinT on Apr 3, 2022 21:09:55 GMT
I've really enjoyed his long review of Mahler 9ths. No mention of the Barbirolli, though.
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 3, 2022 21:51:55 GMT
Apart from how extensively he has listened to historical and contemporary recordings, I like the details he brings out which only those closely familiar with the scores will know about - he knows what's missing in the performance, or what's been added!
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Post by Slinger on Apr 4, 2022 15:28:03 GMT
I've just had a watch of his Mahler 8 suggestions, and I'd never heard of either of his top two. I've ordered one, and the other I could only find in an £80.00+ complete Mahler cycle, so that will remain a mystery. Interestingly, the timing (which he mentions can vary enormously) is quite similar to that of Tennstedt's 2 recordings, the 1986 EMI version - my favourite of all the versions I own - and the '91 BBC release.
I actually found myself agreeing with a lot of his commentary, so perhaps it's time to revise my opinion of him slightly. When he's being "serious," he's OK, but he still takes too much pleasure in dismissing, for instance, Simon Rattle, at a stroke. I own some Rattle (including his Mahler cycle, which ain't too shabby in my opinion) and don't believe anyone should be the recipient of such sweeping generalisations. It's simply lazy journalism. I know you guys gleefully agreed with him, and I find that a bit sad. I certainly don't believe Rattle to be the hopeless incompetent you love making him out to be.
Anywho, I'm looking forward to my *new* Mahler 8th.
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 4, 2022 16:56:40 GMT
Excellent, Paul.  I would however like to formally apologise to you for my hopelessly inaccurate assessment of Herr Rattle. I don’t believe he is a ‘hopeless incompetent’; he’s far, far worse than that! |
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Post by Slinger on Apr 4, 2022 17:03:26 GMT
Excellent, Paul. I would however like to formally apologise to you for my hopelessly inaccurate assessment of Herr Rattle. I don’t believe he is a ‘hopeless incompetent’; he’s far, far worse than that! You are herby awarded the Purple-Spotted Yellow Balaclava of Fertummelt, Jules. |
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Post by jandl100 on Apr 4, 2022 18:07:08 GMT
This is a fine example of why a thread about our opinions on overrated recordings would be a bad idea! Hurt feelings and dudgeon would abound. ..... But that's my favourite recording.  |
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 4, 2022 19:51:05 GMT
Excellent, Paul. I would however like to formally apologise to you for my hopelessly inaccurate assessment of Herr Rattle. I don’t believe he is a ‘hopeless incompetent’; he’s far, far worse than that! You are herby awarded the Purple-Spotted Yellow Balaclava of Fertummelt, Jules. I humbly accept Paul and can only hope I remain worthy of such a prestigious honour.  |
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Post by MartinT on Apr 4, 2022 20:00:44 GMT
In fairness, I did say that Rattle's 2nd was the most awesome Mahler concert I ever went to.
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Post by MartinT on Apr 4, 2022 20:02:50 GMT
Slinger if you can, do try Barbirolli's Mahler 9th. It is a bit special.
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he is rather, but makes a change from a different kind of smug classical lover the likes of whom we've all come across.
