User Details - fafnir

recommendations

Name:
   Brian Smith
Details:
   Fully retired communications engineer/manager specialized in systems for tranportation industry - fiber optic, SCADA, PA, etc. Life-long interest in all aspects of classical music. Used to design and build audio gear - preamps, amps, electronic crossovers as a hobby.
Location:
   South Huntington, New York
HiFi:
   Three front speakers: Boston Acoustics VR2
Side speakers: Boston Acoustics CR77
Rear Speakers: Acoustic Research AR4ax
Subwoofer: Polk 505
SACD Player: Sony SCD-CE595
Receiver: Karmon/Kardon AVR 525
Power Amp for L/R Front Speakers: Technics SA-EX140
Digital Signal Processor: Lexicon CP-1
Speaker cables - 16 AWG zip cord
Interconnect cables: As supplied by manufacturer of the electronics.
Email:
   bsmith4@optonline.net
Web:
  
Posts:
   187
 
 
Reviews
Found: 14 show all
Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 - Haitink      (3 of 5 found this review helpful)
  February 13, 2008

I agree with PN's review wrt the performance. It is indeed very fine with a great performance from the orchestra. However, I must disagree concerning the sound quality. It is quite lacking in low bass, thereby removing the depth and richness that are required in this work. After listening, I thought ... more
Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 - Bosch      (8 of 8 found this review helpful)
  November 19, 2007

This recording is distinguished from almost all other recordings of the Ninth by the inclusion of a performing version of the Finale by a team of Samale,Phillips, Cohrs, and Mazzuca as further revised by Cohrs and Samale. The legitimacy of this, or any other, performing version of the last movement ... more
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 - Rajski      (6 of 10 found this review helpful)
  May 20, 2007

Terence, you have beat me to it with your excellent review. I have nothing to add except these are easily the most enjoyable accounts of each symphony I have ever heard. I cannot wait for the remainder of the set. One disc per year is too slow by far. I realize that folks who disapprove of Tactet's ... more
Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 5, Tallis Fantasia - Spano        (5 of 7 found this review helpful)
  April 28, 2007

I purchased this disc only for the two masterpieces - the Tallis Fantasia and the Serenade. In particular, the Serenade is so beautiful it is reputed to have moved Rachmaninoff to tears at its premier. Of the three versions of the score - a dreadful orchestra only, 16 soloists and orchestra, and a ... more
Schubert: Symphony No. 8 - Nott      (14 of 14 found this review helpful)
  April 20, 2007

For reasons that I hope will become clear by the end of this review, I have chosen not to assign a numeric rating to the performance. The mch sound, however, is very good indeed and is probably the best ever accorded this score. It has a close and clinical quality that brings out the detail of the ... more
 
 
Latest Posts
Bruckner From Vanska
September 3, 2008
According to the Bruckner.com web site, Osmo Vanska is undertaking a complete Bruckner cycle for BIS with the Minnesota Orchestra - exciting news for Bruckner enthusiasts. No information on release date is posted at this time. Perhaps Bissie could fill us in on release plans. ... more
Discussion: Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 - Young
June 24, 2008
According to the abruckner.com web site, Tintner's recorded the Fourth for Naxos in the 1881 Haas Edition. He made a separate recording of the 1881 "Volkfest" Finale, also on Naxos. The only Tintner Bruckner that I own is his recording of the original version of the Third, which I do not like at all - much too slow IMHO. I think Young's is much ... more
Discussion: Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 - Eschenbach
June 22, 2008
I concur. This is Eschenbach's finest recorded performance with the Philly Orchestra - truly magnificent in terms of sound and performance. It is beautifully played and recorded, heartfelt, and devoid of the mannerisms that often appear in his performances. I may be eating my words in future years, but for now I cannot imagine this achievement ... more
Discussion: Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 - Young
June 21, 2008
Undoubtedly the most significant change is that the famous third movement (the so-called "Hunting Scherzo") is entirely different. ... more
BIS Piano recordings
June 11, 2008
I note that in the latest issue of The Gramophone, Sudbin states in an interview that he has recorded the original version of the Rachmaninov PC4. This is most enticing. Perhaps this will be coupled with the Rach PC1, which he states is his favorite concerto. Bissie, is this in the works? A complete Rach set would be even better. Actually, ... more