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In the Thread: MartinLogan Montis Speakers

Post Subject: Never heard itPosted by clarkjohnsen on: 1/3/2015

Nor even *of* it. Not a huge vonK fan here, but when he's on...

For my money the man to have in this work is Mengelberg.:

http://www.pristineclassical.com/paco012.html

Willem Mengelberg, Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam Toonkunst Choir, Max Kloos, Jo Vincent (1940, Turnabout LP, 65')

This first recording of the German Requiem was a propitious match of artists and repertoire. Willem Mengelberg conducts the Brahms German Requiem (Turnabout LP). From the outset, Mengelberg extends the logic of Brahms' musical architecture to a microcosmic scale, sculpting each phrase of the opening movement with constant swells of sound and adjustments of tempo to create mini-climaxes that animate the generally level terrain. Yet in the more segmented movements he manages to differentiate the individual sections, thus maintaining their integrity and distinctive character, even while integrating them through logical transitions. In keeping with the two soloists' respective functions, the baritone aptly quakes with excitement, while the soprano is serene. The pacing is a swift 65 minutes (and since this was a concert its speed cannot be attributed to pressure to fit segments onto 78 rpm sides), abetted by attentive articulation and ardent accentuation. Even though Mengelberg culminates with a slowly unfolding and majestic VI fugue and a ruminative finale, the overall impression is not one of mournful regret, but rather a contemplative celebration of life. The recording quality is decent and the only trace of the rapt audience is their light stirring between movements. Mengelberg's fusing of warmth and vitality produces an intensely human document that set a high standard for those that would follow.

This CD may or may not be the same:

http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1532556/a/brahms%3Aa+german+requiem+op.+45.htm

Sorry, no vonK info here.

c

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