Right now I am listening to ...

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I listened to a different Mahler 1st (stimulated by previous posts). Christoph Eschenback & Houston Symphony Orchestra. It was laid back and lacking in dynamism. Instead of turning the volume down towards the finale, I found myself turning it up. However, yes, it is worth hearing the same story told a different way for a change :).

I then turned to the Bruno Walter version. For two minutes, I was marvelling at micro-detail and stuff I was sure I had never heard before. Well, I have never heard any of it before at half speed!

What had happened: the previous recording was 24/96, this was 44.1. Somehow, my system got confused and was piping 44.1 into 96 without resampling. :lol:

I restarted stuff, and was soon confirming that yes, the Walter recording is more involving, more magical, more intriguing in its detail than the Eschenbach.

Sideline conclusion: it's the recording, not the sample rate, that counts!

Anyway... I think I have at least one other version. Maybe another A-B listen tomorrow :)

And maybe I'll try listening to more music at half-speed! :o
 
esanthosh said:
Would it be possible to mention the conductor / orchestra when you mention Symphonies? Would be helpful for classical newbies like me.
Click to expand...

I wish I have reached that level of discernment! :)

For me, the composer is paramount. Current firm favourites are Sibelius and Tchaikovsky (not counting Mozart, Bach and Chopin). I can't handle many composers (e.g. Stravinsky! Or Vaughan Williams! - he sounds like some weird movie sound track to my uninitiated ears)

Then if the composition is a concerto, the soloist matters next. I love concertos more than symphonies mainly because it showcases a soloist, usually a virtuoso. I am yet to warm up to small ensemble chamber music.

I have listened too less so far to be choosy about the conductor and orchestra, though I would gravitate to the bigger conductors conducting the more well-known orchestras (playing safe, I guess). Right now I pay almost equal attention to discovering the jazz greats of the 50s and 60s.
 
jls001 said:
I wish I have reached that level of discernment! :)
Click to expand...

My thought was I could get the best / different versions of the piece this way to appreciate the music more. If I could listen to different versions, may be I could understand what a different conductor / artist / orchestra / recording (old vs new, labels) add or subtract by their own interpretations. One of the advantages of starting completely new is that you have loads to learn from everybody. Once you form your tastes / preferences / knowledge base, you can keep proceeding in your own path. Until then, I can be an empty cup, take whatever I can, train my ears and build up knowledge ... hopefully before hearing becomes an issue :o
 
Last edited:
Hey Folks,

Listening to

Artist: Emilie Simon
Album: Vegetal
Song: Swimming
Year: 2006
Genre: Alternative, Electronic, Trip Hop

Greetz
 
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