Rerurn to Romy the Cat's Site
In the Forum: Musical Discussions
In the Thread: The Bruckner 5 by Benjamin Zander
Post Subject: Amateur NightPosted by Paul S on: 1/31/2009
fiogf49gjkf0d
I was ready to jump on the remark that each step farther away from a live broadcast was that much farther down the drain when you turned around and said what I was thinking: It can certainly happen that live recordings are better than live, "direct feed" broadcasts; at least, that has been my experience. In fact, I would commit petty crimes to get hold of some of the "recorded live" analog tapes I have heard, and likewise even some of the "recorded off-air" tapes I have heard. And this is not merely nostalgia; such tapes are among the best sources available, IMO.
One of the nice things about "semi-amateur" ensembles is the freshness and enthusiasm they can bring to a performance. I have often thought that this is how some of the "power conductors", like Furtwangler and Walter, etc. get the most from an "established" orchestra, namely by making them forget about themselves.
Of course, BSO is hardly "semi-amateur", but I would cite Kubelik with BPO or Vienna as examples of what I'm talking about. I do acknowledge the musicians themselves; but at the same time, someone has to have the whole in mind the whole of the time in order to properly perform the great symphonies.
Best regards,
Paul SRerurn to Romy the Cat's Site