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: Oppo 980H
Receiver: Harmon/Kardon AVR 525
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:
   292
 
 
Reviews
Found: 17 show all
Dvorak, Szymanowski: Violin Concertos - Steinbacher, Janowski        (7 of 12 found this review helpful)
  November 20, 2009

I was in the process of preparing a review of this when I opened Classics Today and saw Hurwitz's very critical evaluation. "Well, it's not just me," was the thought that came to mind. I had managed to sit through almost three hearings of the Dvorak - halfway through the finale was all I could stand ... more
Bruckner: Symphony No. 8 - Young      (9 of 10 found this review helpful)
  September 2, 2009

If I never had heard the Bruckner 8 but listened for the first time to the two main versions of the score, the original and the Novak, not knowing which was which, I would conclude that the original was the revised and improved version and the Nowak was the original draft. That, of course, is not ... more
Mahler: Symphony No. 9 - Gilbert      (11 of 13 found this review helpful)
  August 30, 2009

The thing that will probably strike you the most when playing this disc for the first time is its amazing clarity. I have never heard a recording of the this score that revealed as much detail, whether in the cataclysmic outbursts in first movement, in the many moments of chamber music intimacy, or ... more
Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 - Haitink      (3 of 9 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      (12 of 13 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
 
 
Latest Posts
Discussion: Russian Cello Sonatas - Chaushian, Sudbin
February 27, 2011
I don't know about MDT, but Arkiv shows it, and that is where I bought it. ... more
Discussion: Russian Cello Sonatas - Chaushian, Sudbin
February 27, 2011
I bought it from Arkiv. It arrived with the new Stravinsky - this recording is simply superlative in every way. ... more
Discussion: Russian Cello Sonatas - Chaushian, Sudbin
February 27, 2011
I received this disc a few days ago. I had ordered it primarily for the Rachmaninov Sonata, which I love, but also to become acquainted with the Shostakovitch, which I had never heard. The recording and performances are beautiful, but there is a problem that potential buyers should be aware of. There are extraneous noises throughout - most likely ... more
Great Review/News about BIS Respighi
October 11, 2010
I received mine a few days ago and have played it through three times. In brief, the 10/10 review on ClassicsToday is fully justified. What wasn't mentioned, however, is the placement of rear-channel brass in the Pines and Festivals, used to thrilling effect. This is the way I heard the Pines in the concert hall and a perfect use of mch capability. ... more
Discussion: Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 14, 18, 20, 39 & 41 - Levine
July 25, 2010
Diw, I can only echo your enthusiasm. My copy arrived Friday after two business days. I've only had a chance to play 39 and 41 thus far, but they are wonderful. Both performances and sound are completely satisfying. Keep them coming, BSO. ... more