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Discussion: Hanson: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 - Hanson

Posts: 13
Page: 1 2 next

Post by flyingdutchman January 18, 2012 (1 of 13)
As these are OOP, there is discussion on the BIS thread of recording these gems. Of course, this set is a standard bearer for this music, but even a standard bearer could be updated. The Telarc recording is a non-starter for me and BIS would be a natural to take this one on.

I have this recording and it is fine and Hanson is the conductor here too. Much can be said of the composer himself/herself handling the duties.

Post by Hitters January 18, 2012 (2 of 13)
Never heard this one, a pity.
Nevertheless, I believe there is room for a whole new project with updated recording techniques.
Some members of this forum have been suggesting BIS working with the Bergen under Litton.
I am, of course, one of them. Being the 3rd and 6th symphonies part of a second installment, eventually.
Others have suggested Minnesota+Vanska. Would be wonderful, but I think they are into more mainstream composers right now.

Post by pgmdir January 18, 2012 (3 of 13)
I enjoy Schwarz' Hanson discs---now re-released from Delos to Naxos. But a new viewpoint on SACD would be welcome. I have a strong dislike for Litton's Barber and Bernstein, so my initial reaction to his doing so wouldn't be welcoming.

Post by DSD January 18, 2012 (4 of 13)
Hitters this one is worth seeking out if you can get a good price.

Here is an excerpt from my review /showreviews/2286#3009

"Hanson’s MLP version is vastly superior to the Kunzel Telarc not only in performance but in sonics. The warm deep bass of the Paavo Jarvi Dvorak SACD is not here, the Telarc sound is very good but the Mercury has more and deeper bass, more impact and more excitement. Plus Hanson is a better conductor of his own works than Erich Kunzel is."

Post by Hitters January 18, 2012 (5 of 13)
DSD said:

Hitters this one is worth seeking out if you can get a good price.

Here is an excerpt from my review /showreviews/2286#3009

"Hanson’s MLP version is vastly superior to the Kunzel Telarc not only in performance but in sonics. The warm deep bass of the Paavo Jarvi Dvorak SACD is not here, the Telarc sound is very good but the Mercury has more and deeper bass, more impact and more excitement. Plus Hanson is a better conductor of his own works than Erich Kunzel is."

Thank you, Teresa! Have you heard Seattle + Schwartz (Delos)? They are awesome! The sound is full though over-reverberant. But the conductor is top notch and obviously made a labour of love with the Seattle forces on this cycle. I believe Hanson would make a perfect new project for SACD. greetings from Buenos Aires, Juan

Post by Hitters January 18, 2012 (6 of 13)
pgmdir said:

I enjoy Schwarz' Hanson discs---now re-released from Delos to Naxos. But a new viewpoint on SACD would be welcome. I have a strong dislike for Litton's Barber and Bernstein, so my initial reaction to his doing so wouldn't be welcoming.

I must agree this time. I find the Barber quite bland. But I think you are making a mistake here. The violin concertos by Barber/Bernstein/Bloch, played by Vadim Gluzman, are in fact recorded by the Sao Paolo SO under Neschling. In fact, after listening to Hillary Hahn play the 3rd movement of the violin concerto, this version by Gluzman sounds pedestrian. Hillary is a wonder! So the problem is not here Bergen/Litton but Sao Paolo/Neschling. Curiously, my reactions to the Sao Paolo SO are very diverse. I love some recordings, but on most of them I feel they do not dig the groove. This is just one case. A pity, for Gluzman is an excellent player: his renditions of Glazunov + Tcaahikovsky's violin concertos (this time, yes, with Bergen/Litton) are a miracle.

Post by pgmdir January 19, 2012 (7 of 13)
Hitters said:

I must agree this time. I find the Barber quite bland. But I think you are making a mistake here. The violin concertos by Barber/Bernstein/Bloch, played by Vadim Gluzman, are in fact recorded by the Sao Paolo SO under Neschling. In fact, after listening to Hillary Hahn play the 3rd movement of the violin concerto, this version by Gluzman sounds pedestrian. Hillary is a wonder! So the problem is not here Bergen/Litton but Sao Paolo/Neschling. Curiously, my reactions to the Sao Paolo SO are very diverse. I love some recordings, but on most of them I feel they do not dig the groove. This is just one case. A pity, for Gluzman is an excellent player: his renditions of Glazunov + Tcaahikovsky's violin concertos (this time, yes, with Bergen/Litton) are a miracle.

I was referring to Litton recordings of Barber and Bernstein on Virgin from some years back which would make me not inclined to try his Hanson, should he do any. Slatkin and Schwarz have done well with Hanson, but I agree with der Dutchman that some new SACDs would be nice. Vanska with The Minnesota would likely be the only source. Perhaps Gilbert with the NYPO? But--- Hanson's not exactly likely to be a big seller, unfortunately. Before he died, I chatted with Robert Shaw at a signing at Millenium. He told me that he had more than one person suggest Hanson's "Lament for Beowulf".

Main thing is: For every Hanson (or Swanson) release, there needs to be a few mainstream big sellers to pay for it all. That's just the way it is.

Post by dcramer January 19, 2012 (8 of 13)
Hitters said:

Thank you, Teresa! Have you heard Seattle + Schwartz (Delos)? They are awesome! The sound is full though over-reverberant. But the conductor is top notch and obviously made a labour of love with the Seattle forces on this cycle. I believe Hanson would make a perfect new project for SACD. greetings from Buenos Aires, Juan

I'm in full agreement with you on the Schwartz/Delos Hanson symphony recordings - a very worthwhile set in every way (and yes, I am a bit reminded of the Chandos house sound); ditto for the Diamond symphonies with the same forces. Teresa will not be interested in these as they are red book, so SACD renditions would be right up her alley (right, Teresa?).

A bit OT, but I've been a big fan of the Albany Records series of American music on SACD as well. It appeared for a time that Albany might become the new Mercury as a champion of American composers, but the SACD releases have apparently ground to a halt - a real shame.

Post by LivyII January 19, 2012 (9 of 13)
Why not the Atlanta SO for Hanson?

Post by flyingdutchman January 19, 2012 (10 of 13)
LivyII said:

Why not the Atlanta SO for Hanson?

One, Hanson is Swedish, two BIS has a relationship with the Minnesota SO, three, Hanson came from the upper midwest, four I don't think Atlanta could do it appropriately.

BTW, I too have the Seattle recordings of all these on Delos. Quite fantastic really.

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