add to wish list | library


9 of 10 recommend this,
would you recommend it?

yes | no

Support this site by purchasing from these vendors using the paid links below. As an Amazon Associate SA-CD.net earns from qualifying purchases.
 
amazon.ca
amazon.co.uk
amazon.com
amazon.de
 
amazon.fr
amazon.it
 
jpc

Discussion: Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony, Serenade to Music - Seaman

Posts: 9

Post by Links March 3, 2012 (1 of 9)
About this recording from
Don's News
Rochester, NY, March 1, 2011

Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Music Director Christopher Seaman

"The concerts on March 11 and 13 (2011), in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, feature the Musical Milestones of the 20th Century.
The program includes music by Ravel, Sibelius, Prokofiev, Bernstein and Vaughan Williams.

The latter composer’s Serenade to Music will be recorded live, along with his A London Symphony (No. 2) on the Philharmonics series,
for release on the harmonia mundi label in time for Christopher’s 70th birthday celebration in 2012.
Joining the RPO are 16 singers from Mercury Opera Rochester, selected by their Artistic Director, Benton Hess, for the exquisitely beautiful Serenade."

Post by hiredfox March 12, 2012 (2 of 9)
This recording was intended to be special as it marked the end of Christopher Seaman's 13 year tenure at Rochester. Believe you me it is rather more than special, superbly performed and wonderfully recorded.

I've not always liked the 'London Symphony' not least because of the fatuous inclusion of the Big Ben chimes in the introduction and the tone it sets, intentional or otherwise.

You've all read repeatedly the hackneyed old hi-fi saying "It's like listening to your music collection for the first time.." Well, here is one embodiment of that familiar fiction - it really seems to be that good; right now I rather love this symphony. You might, too.

All I have to do now is figure out where Rochester is, there's one in Kent - or Kent County, England for my friends over there - but nobody wants to live there.

Post by Jonty March 12, 2012 (3 of 9)
hiredfox said:



All I have to do now is figure out where Rochester is, there's one in Kent - or Kent County, England for my friends over there - but nobody wants to live there.

I have always wanted to live in one of the houses nestled in the shadow of castle with a view across the river and a stones throw from the cathedral.

PS The recording is very good.

Post by breydon_music March 13, 2012 (4 of 9)
hiredfox said:

Believe you me it is rather more than special, superbly performed and wonderfully recorded.

Heartily endorsed. This symphony can easily sound like dull 50's programme / background music, but not here. In a lifetime of listening this is the best performance I've heard and backed with stunning recording too. Plus the Serenade is also excellent with orchestral playing that is just meltingly beautiful. If you care about VW don't miss it. PLUS if you didn't buy the same team's HM Gershwin disc it's also a stunner - the Cuban overture is one of my demo favourites.

Post by sunnydaler March 23, 2012 (5 of 9)

Post by dcramer March 23, 2012 (6 of 9)
hiredfox said:

All I have to do now is figure out where Rochester is, there's one in Kent - or Kent County, England for my friends over there - but nobody wants to live there.

Howard Hanson and Frederick Fennell seemed to like Rochester quite a bit :-)

Post by tailspn March 23, 2012 (7 of 9)
hiredfox said:

All I have to do now is figure out where Rochester is, there's one in Kent - or Kent County, England for my friends over there - but nobody wants to live there.

Rochester NY, USA. Home of Kodak, Xerox, and the Eastman school of music, and the go-to orchestra of Harmonia Mundi

Post by hiredfox March 23, 2012 (8 of 9)
tailspn said:

Rochester NY, USA. Home of Kodak, Xerox, and the Eastman school of music, and the go-to orchestra of Harmonia Mundi

Astonishingly, we have driven Route 90 to The Falls so must have driven right past Rochester. Fading memory but thanks for the reminder!

Post by Vaan March 23, 2012 (9 of 9)
I don´t like this performance much. The gentler part are too fast and played with too little sensitivity. Not much excitement either.

Closed