Love your Inner Classical Music Geek
@LoveInner
Followers
10,714
Following
10,427
Media
5,389
Statuses
29,482
Full time geek. Classical Music lover. Secondary deputy head. CUP book author. Opinions are my own. 🏳️🌈
St Albans, UK
Joined May 2018
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
Texas
• 187969 Tweets
Bivol
• 118761 Tweets
#precure
• 85981 Tweets
Oregon
• 59911 Tweets
#AEWWrestleDream
• 38164 Tweets
Penn State
• 37432 Tweets
Tennessee
• 34191 Tweets
#仮面ライダーガヴ
• 32947 Tweets
Dick Cheney
• 30612 Tweets
マンホール
• 26987 Tweets
#ブンブンジャー
• 24037 Tweets
Ohio State
• 23766 Tweets
NASCAR
• 22787 Tweets
Dennis Quaid
• 20376 Tweets
メエメエ
• 17325 Tweets
ジミンちゃん
• 16152 Tweets
まゆちゃん
• 13761 Tweets
いろはちゃん
• 13350 Tweets
Willow
• 11546 Tweets
ヴァレン
• 10434 Tweets
Ole Miss
• 10172 Tweets
Pinned Tweet
I’m currently working through the 234 box sets and 3 composer retrospectives in this thread. The craziness started in early 2020 with the Stravinsky box and I’ve been lost to it ever since. The link takes you to the END, so you’ll need to scroll up. I will continue to…..
The Jessye Norman Studio Recital Thread.
4
3
33
13
12
177
Oh good lord. Surely on of the great pianists of the last century. Ever. May Maurizio Pollini rest in peace. Thank you for the wonderful music making. We are fortunate indeed to have so much of it preserved on record.
23
65
695
May Sir Andrew Davis rest in peace. He was a tremendous influence on many, many of us he we developed a love of music. He was a highly visible face of classical music, not least through his direction of the BBCSO at the Proms. Thank you for everything, Sir Andrew.
35
127
840
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on 27 January 1756. In preparation for his big birthday I am going to ask a mean question. If you could only keep only ONE Mozart recording, never to be allowed to listen to any other, which would it be? This will help with tomorrow’s playlist!
168
41
325
I obsessed over Mahler’s music for years, but recently spent too much time listening to mediocre accounts of these wonderful scores. So, to reignite the magic, I’m now creating a thread for comments on any Mahler I hear. It’s an excuse to return to the greats.
43
41
491
My favourite musician of all time - conductor, pianist, composer, pedagogue Leonard Bernstein - would have turned 106 today. He was an outstanding intellectual force, a tremendous communicator and a deeply human advocate for all music. What are your favourite LB recordings?
94
46
424
Only just saw that Seiji Ozawa died. What can I say that everyone else hasn't already, apart from a simple, personal tribute. Over the last two years I have listened to Ozawa's work a lot and his warmth, expertise and love of music shines through all of it. A true inspiration.
24
50
412
Johann Sebastian Bach was born on 31 March [O.S. 21 March] 1685. The extraordinary emotional depth of his music has only properly spoken to me in recent years and I am glad I stuck at it. Which J.S.Bach recordings were the first to make you love this wonder of Great Art?
96
57
367
My personal favourite recording of the Dvořak (born OTD 1841) glorious Cello Concerto is the Fournier/Szell partnership on DG. The Karajan/Rostropovich is still a great love, but I find Fournier’s wistful approach brings even more satisfaction for me. What’s your favourite?
31
16
169
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony was first performed 200 years ago on 7 May 1824. One of the great achievements of human artistic creation, the Ninth continues to flood concert halls, festivals and new release lists. Which recordings of Beethoven’s Ninth bring you most joy?
85
72
358
Joseph Haydn was born on 31 March 1732. Please excuse my holiday timing! I’ve only come to know Haydn’s music relatively recently and now find myself hooked on the wit, ingenuity and extraordinary joy of it all. Which are your favourite Haydn works and recordings?
97
41
349
My personal favourite version of Mahler’s Das Lied Von der Erde still has to be the Klemperer - Ludwig - Wunderlich version, now on Warner. Although I like Haitink’s handling of the orchestra even more, and Baker is easily the equal of Luwig, Wunderlich is in a league of his own.
50
24
339
Beethoven died on 26 March 1827. Whether you love every one of his works or not, it is impossible to deny the huge impact he continues to have on our musical lives. What was the first Beethoven recording that made you sit up and listen to what he had to say? Here’s mine!
107
50
337
I reckon this has now edged into being my personal favourite version of the Brahms Violin Concerto. I still have many to hear, but this far this has been the one to move me most. It is simply stunning. What is your favourite recording of the Brahms Violin Concerto?
64
37
331
Happy 199th birthday to the great Anton Bruckner, born on 4 September 1824. Bruckner now appears to be the ‘must record’ composer for conductors, much as Mahler has been for decades. If you were only allowed to own a SINGLE recording of ONE Bruckner Symphony, which would it be?
116
47
329
Soprano Leontyne Price was born on 10 February 1927. She was the first African American Soprano to build a truly international reputation. May her 97th birthday bring joy. What are your favourite Leontyne Price recordings?
42
47
320
Right. I’m going in. Bernstein is possibly my favourite musician of all time, as conductor, composer and pedagogue. Let’s see what we make of this.
60
27
321
Having listened to Mozart’s Symphonies 25, 35, 36, 38, 39 and 40 today I can, quite unequivocally, state that Mozart was a genius*. That is all.
41
14
320
#NowSpinning
Martha Argerich’s Debut Recital on DG. Even now this disc has a huge impact. I can only imagine the excitement this must have created at the time.
20
46
316
#NowSpinning
in honour of Jessye Norman, born 15 September 1945. ‘Breathtaking’ doesn’t even come close. A rare, rare talent.
28
41
310
Friday 8th December is the anniversary of the Great Jean Sibelius' birth and Finnish Music Day. Through this week I will be posting my favourite Sibelius recordings in celebration of Sibelius' astonishing legacy. Please do join me in making recommendations, work by work.
30
42
308
“I may not be a first-rate composer, but I am a first-class second-rate composer.“ Richard Strauss died on 8 September 1949. Today will be a good day to return to some of my favourite recordings of the Four Last Songs.
42
25
264
Johannes Brahms died on 3 April 1897. The huge presence of Brahms’ music in the concert hall - and on record - underlines the significance of this great master, and he continues to test the very finest performers. What are your favourite Brahms works and recordings?
89
35
297
Personally speaking, this has been one of the most amazing years of listening I’ve ever experienced. And I reckon that’s got an awful lot to do with the advice, recommendations and discussions I’ve enjoyed here. Thank you and….Happy New Year!
38
10
291
Jessye Norman was born on 15 September 1945. Her voice was simply one of the wonders of the musical world. Its power and heft never prevent the beauty from coming to the fore. What are your favourite Jessie Norman recordings?
56
44
284
Beethoven’s Symphony No.3, “Eroica”, premiered on 7 April 1805. Widely - if not universally - regarded as one of the most significant symphonic statements in history, this work can prove tricky for interpreters, particularly at the end. What are your favourite Eroicas on record?
67
33
292
Herbert von Karajan was born on 5 April 1908. I understand that many will have very strong views about his past, but I am determined to form a fully-informed view of his recorded legacy by listening through the entire DG and EMI sets. What are your favourite Karajan recordings?
Karajan Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon, 355 Discs.
7
8
35
124
28
291
Claudio Abbado left us 10 years ago, on 20 January 2014. For me Abbado’s golden era was in London, but there are gems in his discography from across the world. What are your favourite Claudio Abbado recordings?
61
29
281
Everyone gearing up for a great birthday coming up? I’m not talking about 25 December! No, it’s Beethoven’s birthday tomorrow, 16 December and I want to form my playlist for the day. Which recordings should make it? Most commonly recommended will be right there, baby!
95
41
276
Happy 144th Birthday to the great Gustav Mahler. Still a dominant force in the concert hall and on disc, every one of his symphonies is a banger. What is the most recent Mahler recording you listened to and what did you think of it?
46
27
234
What a joy to see Beethoven celebrated so comprehensively today, across this site. See, Twitter/X has a bad press, but when people turn to something that serves great art rather than serving one’s self, things really take off. Bravissimo!
8
34
275
This was the very, very first classical recording I got to know. Dad used to listen to it whilst doing the dishes and I’d sit and listen to the shimmering magic of it all. It remains a favourite to this day. What was your first proper venture into classical recordings?
100
21
273
#NowSpinning
Géza Anda and Herbert Von Karajan with Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto. I have never really warmed to this piece, but maybe this will be the recording to change that. Let’s see. Or hear, rather!
19
5
85
#NowSpinning
Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto with Martha Argerich on fabulous form. This exceptional coupling should be in every collection! Even if you don’t like it!!!!
19
30
272
My personal favourite recording of Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder is Janet Baker’s version with Sir John Barbirolli. For me, no other version finds the same combination of beauty and terrible pain. There are many great versions out there, but I could live with this as my only one.
27
26
269
Remembering Sergei Prokofiev, who died on 5 March 1953. Such a gift for distinctive melodic invention and tremendous command of colour must not be underestimated. He was simply a genius! What are your favourite Prokofiev works and recordings?
72
50
265
Happy Birthday to Martha Argerich, surely one of the greatest pianists in history. Few musicians claim this kind of legendary status and we are very fortunate that much of her glorious career has been caught on record. What are your favourite Argerich moments, live or on record?
24
34
262
Bernstein’s Vienna Mahler 6 is my personal favourite recording of the work. It is darkly implacable, but also searching and introspective when it needs to be. There are many great versions, but for me this is the work at its demonic best. Which would you choose?
52
21
247
#NowSpinning
Mravinsky’s astonishing take on Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony. These musicians are just incredible. Disciplined but also outstandingly nuanced and emotionally engaged.
21
21
262
Sir Neville Marriner would have been 100 on 15 April 1924. One of the most consistently loved figures of the British music scene, Marriner left a rich recorded legacy AND a former principal clarinet for the LSO, in his son Andrew. What are your favourite Marriner recordings?
64
24
264
About a year ago I asked for Beethoven Piano sonata recommendations and then ordered loads. So far, the absolute pinnacle - for me; it’s a PERSONAL reaction - has been Igor Levit’s set. Such sensitivity and beauty of touch, but with absolute command over the big picture.
46
26
262
Frédéric Chopin was born on 1 March 1810. I had not realised that more than 230 Chopin works survive; all of them involve the Piano in some way. What are your favourite Chopin works and recordings?
69
36
262
Tomorrow is the anniversary of Richard Wagner’s death, which took place on 13 February 1883. I will be listening to ONE of his works. Which single work and recording would you recommend? For the purposes of this exercise I’ll take the Ring as FOUR works, otherwise I’ll collapse.
92
26
254
Composer Maurice Ravel was born on 7 March 1875. His music is a magical, often witty and always gorgeously-crafted adventure. For me the work that perfectly sums up his art is Daphnis et Chloé. If you were only allowed ONE single disc of Ravel, which would it be? Here’s mine.
58
38
252
Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue was premiered 100 years ago, on 12 February 1924. Gershwin originally turned down a commission for a concert scheduled on that day, but found out a rival was going to fill the vacuum. Thus history was made. What are your favourite recordings of RIB?
43
36
249
I am deeply saddened to hear that that Yuri Temirkanov died today. He was a magnificent musician, always seeking musical value rather than histrionics. He leaves behind a tremendous recorded legacy, but those who saw him live will have been captivated. Rest in peace, Maestro.
22
42
243
Karajan Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon, 355 Discs. Part Two! 1960s DG orchestral recordings, avoiding massive threads!
11
19
246
Anton Bruckner’s towering Eighth Symphony was premiered by the Vienna Philharmonic, under the baton of Hans Richter on 18 December 1892. The wondrous Adagio steals my soul every time I hear it. An incredible work! What are your favourite recordings of Bruckner’s 8th?
65
29
245
The truly amazing Mezzo-Soprano Christa Ludwig was born on 16 March 1928. The NPR Listener's Encyclopedia of Classical Music (2006) stated "Ludwig possessed a voice of exquisite richness and, when needed, breathtaking amplitude. What are your favourite Ludwig recordings?
55
24
246
Another difficult choice, but my personal favourite recording of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony is still Bernstein’s Vienna performance. It is big, bold, emotionally lacerating and completely thrilling. And if you feel it’s excessive, well, I’d venture that Mahler demanded excess!!
32
20
244
Ravel’s orchestration of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.
What's a cover song that's better than the original version?
758
24
289
39
27
242
Brahm’s wonderful Violin Concerto was first performed on 1 January 1879. What a way to bring in the New Year. If ever a work has drawn the attention of the very finest performers on their best form, this is it. We are spoiled for choice. What are your favourite recordings?
63
24
242
Sir Simon Rattle was born on 19 January 1955. Here is another conductor for whom it has become fashionable to bash, but let’s face it when was often a pioneer and he delivered some amazing recordings and performances. What are your favourite Rattle recordings?
61
27
244
Composer Claudio Monteverdi was baptized on 15 May 1567, though the exact date of his birth appears to be up for debate. Although I have some JEG recordings of his music, I know very little else. What would recommend as your favourite Monteverdi works and recordings?
75
25
243
Composer Philip Glass was born on 31 January 1937. Although Glass described himself as a composer of music ‘of repetitive structures’, there is nothing monotonous about his brand of Minimalism. What are your favourite Glass recordings?
84
32
236
Puccini's Turandot was premiered on 25 April 1926. Arturo Toscanini conducted this first performance, but he stopped at the point Puccini reached before death. Alfano's ending was used at all subsequent performances that season. Is Mehta's Decca performance the Turandot for you?
61
28
241
#NowSpinning
The white heat of this Pathétique remains undimmed. The orchestra plays as if its life depended on every note. It’s a powerhouse with soul.
18
14
198
Strauss’ Four Last songs have brought us greatness from so many wonderful voices and conductors over the years. But there are so many it can be hard to see the wood for the trees. I find these four - and many others - consistently moving and satisfying. What are your choices?
120
27
231
#NowSpinning
time to let my soul float towards the infinite. Jessye’s Four Last Songs will only ever find their way onto my play list if I am in a good enough place to cope. It seems today is one of those days. The slow tempi only emphasise the extraordinary power!
31
15
233
Johannes Brahms was born on 7 May 1833. I’ll be listening to his Symphonies through the big man’s birthday. Will you be listening to any Brahms? What will it be?
Johannes Brahms died on 3 April 1897. The huge presence of Brahms’ music in the concert hall - and on record - underlines the significance of this great master, and he continues to test the very finest performers. What are your favourite Brahms works and recordings?
89
35
297
74
34
236
Igor Stravinsky died 6 April 1971. His astounding journey from quasi Russian Romantic, through Neoclassicism to near-Modernism speaks of an extraordinarily creative and imaginative mind. What are your favourite Stravinsky works and recordings?
69
26
236
Happy Birthday to Soprano Renée Fleming, born on 14 February 1959. For me one of her greatest vocal moments on record is the account of the Song to the Moon in Charles Mackerras’ complete Rusalka on Decca. Simply electrifying! What are your favourite Renée Fleming recordings?
29
30
230
Happy Birthday to
@violincase
Hilary Hahn, who was born 27 November 1979. Having won three Grammy Awards early in her burgeoning career, she has already started to leave a marvellous legacy of recordings. What are your favourite Hilary Hahn discs?
37
25
230
Dvořák’s Cello Concerto was premiered on 19 March 1896. It really is an extraordinary work, not least thanks to the glorious orchestral writing and heartfelt melodic invention. A truly creative wonder indeed! What are your favourite recordings of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto?
52
29
226
Gustav Mahler’s Second Symphony, the Resurrection Symphony, received its first *complete* performance on 13 December 1895. There are many outstanding versions on disc, but what are your favourite recordings of Mahler 2?
78
34
229
#NowSpinning
Mahler’s Lieder eines Fahrenden Gesellen, with Baker and Barbirolli. I do love this disc. Such intelligent response to the texts is a rare thing indeed.
20
26
226
Mozart’s K.466 Piano Concerto No.20 was first performed on 11 February 1785. The Concerto shares its D Minor key with the Requiem and Missa Brevis, this is Mozart at his darkest and most introspective. What are your favourite recordings of the 20th Concerto?
47
22
221
Sviatoslav Richter was born on 20 March [O.S. 7 March] 1915. Below we celebrated your selections of favourite recordings. But if you had to pick just one Richter recording to own, which would it be?
Sviatoslav Richter died on this day in 1997. Richter believed strongly that the interpreter should carry out the composer’s intentions “to the letter” and “shouldn't dominate the music, but should dissolve into it”. What are your Richter discs of choice?
35
27
152
80
28
224
Remembering Antonin Dvořak, who died 120 years ago on 1 May 1904; he was only 62 at the time of his death. His very fine music is a great deal more than great tunes. He could turn out major masterpieces and we have countless recordings to prove it! What are your favourites?
53
18
227
Two of the most influential composers in history, J.S.Bach and Antonio Vivaldi, died on this day in 1750 and 1741 respectively. Having spent years on much later music, I am a relative novice on both. What is your single favourite recording for each?
112
39
220
Conductor and composer Pierre Boulez was born on 26 March 1925. The connections between his composing and conducting is often very clear, with both sharing highly analytical qualities and a generally modernist outlook. What are your favourite Boulez recordings?
58
24
226
My current recording of choice for Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto is Martha Argerich’s with Claudio Abbado on DG. It is simply exhilarating and, although some comment on various inaccuracies because of speed, that doesn’t bother me. What would your personal choice be?
37
13
223
Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto was premiered on 28 November 1909, with the composer at the keyboard. This work is known for its technical challenge, but many star pianists have remained undaunted! What are your favourite recordings of Rach 3?
55
20
223
Handel’s ubiquitous oratorio Messiah was first performed on 13 April 1742. It wasn’t such a hit to start with, but popularity seems to grow and grow even now. It’s astonishing how frequently such a large work is performed. What are your favourite recordings of Messiah?
75
23
223
#NowSpinning
I listened to K.331 before bed last night and wanted to do so again this morning, so fabulous is this performance of it…..to my ears at least. Such delicacy does not grow on trees!
18
12
201
My favourite version of Shostakovich’s Fourth Symphony so far has been Andris Nelsons’s. It’s often lacerating and terrifying, bit there are also moments of cool repose, gloriously delivered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Neeme Järvi is close, though. Your favourite?
43
13
221
Legendary cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich was born on 27 March 1927. Many personal associations with big-name musicians of his time yielded several extraordinary commissions and collaborative performances. What are your favourite Rostropovich recordings?
54
24
218
Unbelievably I’ve only just noticed that today is the birthday of the truly inspiring pianist Mitsuko Uchida. Even had her incredible Debussy been all she recorded, I would have rated Uchida as one of the greatest ever. Just saying.
29
25
215
Maurice Ravel died on 28 December 1937. I’ve always been drawn to the uniquely complex and atmospheric sound he could make with different combinations of instruments; he was a true wizard of orchestration. What are your favourite Ravel works and recordings?
66
19
210
This disc is a personal favourite for many reasons, not least the total fairy-tale magic of the Introduction and Allegro and the beauty of the Chung - Lupu partnership. Look no further for a fabulous introduction to French chamber music!
20
15
219
Happy 87th Birthday to the glorious Vladimir Ashkenazy. A wonderful pianist, yes, but we must never underestimate the quality of his conducting. Hopefully we’ll get a Decca box for his work in this arena soon. What are your favourite Ashkenazy recordings?
33
17
218
Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony was premiered on 8 December 1813. The work was very well received at the time and the audience demanded a repeat of the Allegretto as an encore! What are your favourite recordings of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony?
59
20
216
Franz Schubert was born on 31 January 1797. I asked about a specific work below, but let’s go more general now. What are your favourite Schubert works and recordings? I’m particularly curious for your thoughts on the Symphonies.
Composer Franz Schubert died on 19 November 1828. Of all Schubert works, the one that speaks to me most is the 14th Quartet. Yet I have very few versions of it. What are your favourite recordings of Schubert’s ‘Death and the Maiden’ Quartet?
42
18
179
76
27
214
Happy Birthday to conductor Zubin Mehta, who was born on 29 April 1936. He is a musician of great warmth and energy and his recorded legacy consistently demonstrates these qualities. What are your favourite Zubin Mehta recordings?
37
28
217
My personal favourite recording of Dvořák's Ninth Symphony "From the New World" is Bernstein's CBS version. It's powerful, aggressive, exciting and often very beautiful. It thrills me every time. Sure there are many other greats, but this is the one for me. What about yours?
42
18
216
The astonishing Italian Soprano Mirella Freni died on 9 February 2020, aged 84. Frankly, her performance in Karajan’s Madama Butterfly will always move me to tears, but enlighten me! What are your favourite Freni recordings?
49
28
209
Sir Edward Elgar died on 23 February 1934. I always feel his music is a different kind of 'English' to that of, say, Vaughan Williams or Holst, adding breadth and depth to the musical heritage of the United Kingdom. What are your favourite Elgar works and recordings?
57
36
214
#NowSpinning
Mahler’s astonishing Das Lied von der Erde in an astonishing performance from Wunderlich, Ludwig and Klemperer. For me the his is a desert island recording. The loss of Wunderlich at such a young age, pointlessly was one of the greatest tragedies to befall The Arts.
36
16
215
Antonio Vivaldi was born on 4 March 1678. Amongst the big name composers, his is probably the music I know least. I need to educate myself and would love some help. So please enlighten me. Don’t be shy! What are your favourite Vivaldi works and recordings?
81
27
213
Pianist Radu Lupu was born on 30 November 1945. Lupu shared teachers with the likes of Lipatti, Richter and Gilels and won the Van Cliburn, Leeds and Enescu piano competitions. An epic artist! What are your favourite Radu Lupu recordings?
40
20
210
Pianist Géza Anda was born on 19 November 1921. His classic Bartók Piano Concerto set with Fricsay remains one of the great classics of the gramophone, at least in my view! Which other Anda recordings do you love?
37
15
209
Glorious pianist Krystian Zimerman was born on 5 December 1956. I find myself marvelling at the conspicuous combination of extraordinary technical polish and beautiful sensitivity every time I hear him play. What are your favourite Zimerman recordings?
47
20
208
Previn complete Warner Recordings on 96 Discs. Not just his LSO and Pittsburgh discs, but also some performances from Previn in a chamber context.
15
10
203
Happy Birthday to the sensational violinist Kyung-Wha Chung, born on 26 March 1948. I still find her account of the Sibelius Concerto to be totally compelling. One of my favourites of all. What are your favourite Kyung-Wha Chung recordings?
38
22
211
Incredibly saddened to hear that the legendary Renata Scotto has died, aged 89. Hugely influential as both a performer, director she had a profound impact on music and musicians. May she rest in peace.
21
36
208
Pianist Radi Lupu died two years ago, on 17 April 2022. Between 1966 and 1969 Lupu won three major competition titles: the Van Cliburn, Enescu and Leeds competitions. These victories launched a magnificent international career. What are your favourite Lupu recordings?
37
23
211
My personal favourite musician of all time is Leonard Bernstein. Quite apart from loving his music and his conducting, I also love his teaching. A communicator of the most perceptive and probing kind, Bernstein could convey ideas and emotions like no other musician I know.
31
15
208
Happy 160th birthday to Richard Strauss! My personal favourite recording of his Alpine Symphony has to be Karajan’s early digital version, despite its somewhat manipulated sonics. What would your choice be?
57
23
210
My favourite recording of Mahler’s weird and wonderful Seventh Symphony is Abbado’s Chicago version. Although I also love his film and Berlin CD versions, this one - for me at least - has more mystery and a sense of unity. Opinions will differ; I would love to hear your views!
45
20
209
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach died on 14 December 1788. Here we have a composer almost entirely unknown to me, apart from a scattering of performances in boxes here and there. Which works and recordings to I need to listen to if I am to get to know the best of this composer?
50
24
209
The great conductor Otto Klemperer was born on this day in 1885. His recorded legacy is often uniquely dark and glowering, but always compelling. What are your favourite Klemperer recordings? For now, here are mine.
69
19
207