Music

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Op 101 & & Op 106, ‘Hammerklavier’ evaluation – the power of Pollini Andrew Clements’s classic cd of the week

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Op 101 & Op 106, ‘Hammerklavier’ review – the power of Pollini Andrew Clements’s classical album of the week

Published

2 years ago

December 9, 2022

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It took Maurizio Pollini more than 30 years to complete his recordings of the Beethoven piano sonatas for Deutsche Grammophon. The first instalment of that series, which appeared in 1977, was devoted to the last five sonatas, including magisterial performances of the two paired on this new release, which was recorded in Munich’s Herkulessaal in June 2021 and April this year. In the 1970s Pollini was at the height of his powers, a level that he maintained well into this century, and which has assured him a place among the greatest pianists of our time. But in the past 10 years or so his live appearances have become more erratic, with nondescript, uninvolved performances outweighing those evenings when he recaptured his old mastery.

The relatively few studio recordings Pollini has made over the past decade have proved much more consistent. His approach, whether to Beethoven or Chopin, Debussy or Schoenberg, always tended towards the analytical, and he has never been a great keyboard colourist. In his later years his playing has become even more severe, but his intellectual grip on the music has remained as secure as ever. His discs of Chopin, with the pieces grouped chronologically, for instance, were often revelatory.

All of which makes his return, in the year he turned 80, to two of the most intellectually and technically challenging works in the piano repertoire compelling listening. There’s no doubt his muscular authority in late Beethoven is as commanding as ever, even if technically the performances may not be quite as pristine and brilliant as they would have been half a century ago: there are moments in the fugal finale of Op 106 that seem congested, though that may also be because of the sheer speed at which Pollini launches into this fearsome movement. For what’s extraordinary is that, when compared with the 1977 recordings, every single movement in both sonatas is faster this time, yet there are few moments when those speeds seem excessive.

There is something slightly chilly about this pianist’s approach, and many may prefer a warmer, more human touch to these sonatas, especially in the wonderfully intimate Op 101. Yet one is always aware of the wealth of experience and understanding that is informing every bar of his playing. Throughout his long career Pollini has divided opinion, and this fine disc is a reminder that he continues to do so.

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2024 Mid-Year Music Market Income Report

Published

3 weeks ago

August 29, 2024

[[{“value”:”Recorded music revenues grew by 4% to $8.7 billion in estimated retail value and streaming subscriptions were up 3% to… Read More »
The post 2024 Mid-Year Music Industry Revenue Report appeared first on RIAA.”}]]

Tape-recorded music earnings grew by 4% to $8.7 billion in approximated retail worth and streaming memberships were up 3% to 99 million over the very first half of 2024– both record highs as streaming continues to publish strong development entering its 3rd years in the United States. Fans today find and listen to music in more methods than ever, and this report records earnings from the greatest variety of sources in our history. While paid memberships contributed almost two-thirds of the included worth in this duration, vinyl deliveries sped up quicker than any other significant music format at 17%. At wholesale worth, overall earnings grew by 3% to a record high of $5.5 billion.

Check out the complete report he re and commentary in Mediu m

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Christian Contemporary

Matthew West Shares ‘My Story Your Glory (Expanded Edition)’

Published

11 months ago

November 3, 2023

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Today (Nov 3), Matthew West shares My Story Your Glory (Expanded Edition). The additional tracks feature collaborations with Anne Wilson, Cochren & & Co., daughter Lulu West, and Micah Tyler.

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Zac Brown Band Reveals Tune From New Covers Project

Published

11 months ago

November 2, 2023

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Zac Brown Facebook

The Zac Brown Band has released a jam-heavy version of “Baba O’Riley,” on all streaming platforms. The track is the newest single from the group’s first ever live covers album, From the Road, Vol. 1: Covers, out Nov. 10.

“Baba O’Riley” was recorded live in 2016 at Boston’s Fenway Park, which holds a special place in both the band’s heart and career. As Fenway Music Hall of Fame members, Zac Brown Band made history in August, selling out the iconic stadium for the 14th time and marking the Park’s 100th concert.

Releasing via Brown’s own label Home Grown Music, From the Road, Vol. 1: Covers includes tracks spanning over 11 years and showcases a selection of performances in iconic venues from the ZBB, joined by John Mayer, Steven Tyler, Darrell Scott, Mark O’Connor Band and Marcus King. ZBB’s rendition of Queen’s British-rock anthem “Bohemian Rhapsody,” as well as the recently released cover of “The Way You Look Tonight” made popular by Frank Sinatra, are on the the guilty pleasures album, along with tracks ranging from quintessential rock with “Sweet Emotion” and “Baba O’Riley,” to the Beatles’ pop cult classic “Eleanor Rigby,” to Jimmy Buffett’s tropical escape “Margaritaville” and more.

From the Road, Vol. 1: Covers Tracklist:
1. Bohemian Rhapsody (Live at The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, UK, 09.25.2015)
2. Baba O’Riley (Live at Fenway Park, Boston, MA, 08.20.2016)
3. Enter Sandman (Live at Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL, 09.14.2014)
4. Sabotage (Live at Windy City Smokeout, Chicago, IL, 7.16.2023)
5. Sweet Emotion feat. Steven Tyler (Live at Fenway Park, Boston, MA, 08.09.2015)
6. Whipping Post feat. Marcus King (Live at Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 10.17.2021)
7. Margaritaville (Live at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, Raleigh, NC, 10.05.2023)
8. It’s A Great Day To Be Alive feat. Darrell Scott (Live at Fenway Park, Boston, MA, 06.16.2018)
9. Eleanor Rigby feat. Darrell Scott & Mark O’Connor Band (Live at Fenway Park, Boston, MA, 06.16.2018)
10. With a Little Help From My Friends feat. Darrell Scott & Mark O’Connor Band (Live at Fenway Park, Boston, MA, 06.16.2018)
11. Neon feat. John Mayer (Live at the Southern Ground Music and Food Festival, Nashville, TN, 09.22.2012)
12. Use Somebody (Live at Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow, VA, 08.25.2019)
13. The Way You Look Tonight (Live at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Irvine, CA, 06.04.2016)

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