The Classical Music Guide Forums

When I went to post I found the thread locked and no new one in place. So I'm starting this popular subject over.

*****

Do I like the DG series, "The Originals?" Well, yes, in fact I do.

I just listened for the umpteenth time to Claudio Abbado conducting the London S.O. and London Symphony Chorus in Prokofiev's "Alexander Nevsky." With the same orchestra he conducts the composer's "Scythian Suite." And then with the Chicago S.O. comes "Lieutenant Kije."

A very fine disc from almost 20 years ago.

The chorus in Nevsky is powerful as is mezzo-soprano Elena Obraztsova.

Recomended. DG 447 419-2

I've been on a Bruckner fourth kick lately. I've listened to most of my recordings of it (I'm not with my CDs, but I'm guessing I have 8-10 recordings of it and have gotten rid of a few others). And I still feel as I did before. Jochum/BPO/DG is my favorite. Klemperer/EMI, Karajan/BPO/EMI and a live Sawallisch/Philadelphia from around 2001 or 2002 on Andante.com are also extremely strong.

I think I finally concluded that I had heard the Beethoven and Brahms symphonies just about any way they can be played, and have stopped looking for different approaches for them. But I haven't reached that stage yet with Bruckner, although I started with his music much later than that of Beethoven and Brahms. I'm still always hoping to find something different or more intense. Although I can't imagine Celibidache's sixth every being topped for me.

I've unlocked the other older thread. It's size isn't the cause of the slowness on the site. I'd like to keep it going as long as possible, if that's okay with you guys.