Bell'italia 437

Alfred Schnittke - Faust Cantata and other works - Malmö Symphony Orchestra (1989) {BIS Schnittke Edition, BIS-437} (Item #3)
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© 1989 Grammofon AB BIS | BIS-CD-437
Classical / Contemporary Classical / Choral / Orchestral

If you were ever faced with having to own one–and only one–Alfred Schnittke CD, this would be an excellent choice. A collection with Seid Nüchtern und Wachet (better known as the Faust Cantata) as its anchor, this set also features inspired performances of the large, pulsing Ritual as well as a pair of additional large orchestral works: (K)ein Sommernachtstaum and Passacaglia. These are sprawling things, each invoking styles by the seeming dozens in blasts of energy. Schnittke's is a music of embarrassing riches, a palette he intentionally overfills in a self-consciously postmodern pastiche that speaks to the twin 20th-century Russian traditions of (in music) rich orchestration and (in politics) political repression. So it is that the Faust Cantata can weave between c. 16th-century texts and a very familiar liturgical choral style and a gut-busting set of solos that drive the piece to a frenzy.

Holger Czukay, Jah Wobble, Jaki Liebezeit - Full Circle (1982) {Virgin CDOVD 437 rel 1992}
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© 1982, 1992 Spoon Records / Virgin | CDOVD 437
Krautrock / Dub / Avant-Garde / Art Rock / Experimental / Experimental Electronic

This early jewel in the career of Holger Czukay, recorded on the heels of his groundbreaking 1981 LP "On the Way to the Peak of Normal", should be required listening to fans of the idiosyncratic studio wizard, as always one of the more creative inmates in the Krautrock asylum. For this session Czukay was joined (once again) by Jaki Liebezeit, his erstwhile partner in the CAN rhythm section, and by maverick bass guitar legend Jah Wobble, forming one of the most distinctive and unusual power trios ever assembled (drums / bass / …shortwave radio?). The addition of Wobble's muscular bass guitar left Czukay free to indulge his fascination with studio sound collages (the album instrumentation credits him with 'radio painting'), here distilled to a more rock-based format not dissimilar from the energetic "Ode to Perfume", a highlight of his previous LP.

Beethoven - Symphonies Nos. 6, 7 & 8, Overtures (1993) {Karl Böhm, VPO} {2CD Deutsche Grammophon 437 928-2 rec 1969-72}
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© 1969-72, 1993 Polydor / Deutsche Grammophon | 437 928-2
Classical / Symphonies

Karl Böhm's Beethoven is, on balance, the best complete cycle available from Deutsche Grammophon. This will come as a surprise to many, given the fact that the label relentlessly promotes performances by Herbert von Karajan (three complete cycles!) and Leonard Bernstein, but for quality of playing, as well as superb sound, these versions are just about unbeatable. And at a "twofer" price, the complete set on three pairs of discs is a terrific value. –David Hurwitz

Beethoven - Symphonies Nos. 3 & 9, Overtures (1992) {Karl Böhm, VPO} {2CD Deutsche Grammophon 437 368-2 rec 1972}
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© 1972, 1992 Polydor / Deutsche Grammophon | 437 368-2
Classical / Symphonies

This is one of the greatest recordings of the famous Ninth Symphony. It has long been overshadowed by Karajan's three recordings for the same label, as well as Bernstein's version with the same orchestra. But put them all on your CD player and compare, and this is the one you'll be coming back to. Böhm was the least glamorous of conductors, but he approaches the Ninth with messianic zeal and a fanatical gleam in his eye. The opening movement is a cataclysm, the sublime slow movement never loses its contemplative flow, and everyone involved simply sings and plays the pants off of the finale. If the final minute or two doesn't pull you right out of your seat, nothing will. Grab it while you can at this "twofer" price. It's a steal. –David Hurwitz