Thread: BIS thread

Posts: 4131
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Post by ramesh July 6, 2007 (1 of 4131)
I think the time is well overdue for a thread devoted exclusively to BIS, due to the large number of splendid new issues.
In particular, the Schumann Second and Fourth [ original version ] symphonies SACD and the trombone concertos by Bero, Xenakis and Turnage in my opinion are amazing discs. The Schumann symphonies have the textural clarity of a chamber orchestra recording, but have the power and impact of a much larger orchestra.
The Xenakis work is one of the most fascinating from that composer. I don't know anything about trombone technique, but there are so many glissandi and high notes in this work that one wonders whether the composer was trying to be a sadist. LIndberg's technique has to be heard to be believed!

Post by Peter July 6, 2007 (2 of 4131)
What a good idea! First I'll move my previous post here.

May I recommend Bis's recording of Schnittke's Nullte and Nagasaki, out very recently on CD. It's excellently performed by the Cape Philharmonic, which deserves everybody's support. I hope Robert will make more recordings in Cape Town!

Symphony No 0 is not a difficult work - it's energetic, tonal and a young man's symphony.

More details here: http://www.bis.se/index.php?op=album&aID=BIS-CD-1647

Secondly, I'd like to second Ramesh's remarks about the superb SACD of Schumann symphonies. I eagerly await its companion! A new recording of the Konzertstuck (concert piece) for four horns will be very welcome, too.

Post by bissie July 7, 2007 (3 of 4131)
ramesh said:

I think the time is well overdue for a thread devoted exclusively to BIS, due to the large number of splendid new issues.
In particular, the Schumann Second and Fourth [ original version ] symphonies SACD and the trombone concertos by Bero, Xenakis and Turnage in my opinion are amazing discs. The Schumann symphonies have the textural clarity of a chamber orchestra recording, but have the power and impact of a much larger orchestra.
The Xenakis work is one of the most fascinating from that composer. I don't know anything about trombone technique, but there are so many glissandi and high notes in this work that one wonders whether the composer was trying to be a sadist. LIndberg's technique has to be heard to be believed!

I won't hide the fact that I've been looking at the Pentatone Thread with envious eyes and I feel very happy that BIS has been accorded the same honour. I shall endeavour to visit the site daily (my wife rephrases this to "endeavour to log off at least 10 minutes daily to say goodnight to our son") and try to answer any questions that you might have and, obviously, discuss comments you may want to air. Perhaps Stephen could tell me if information about forthcoming SACD releases is allowed.

Best - Robert

Post by zeus July 7, 2007 (4 of 4131)
bissie said:

Perhaps Stephen could tell me if information about forthcoming SACD releases is allowed.

I'm sure we'd all be interested in what's coming.

Post by aoqd22 July 7, 2007 (5 of 4131)
zeus said:

I'm sure we'd all be interested in what's coming.

Indeed so! Any news you can share about the ongoing Shostakovitch symphony cycle with Mark Wigglesworth? Hoping for No 12 sooner than later!

Post by bissie July 7, 2007 (6 of 4131)
aoqd22 said:

Indeed so! Any news you can share about the ongoing Shostakovitch symphony cycle with Mark Wigglesworth? Hoping for No 12 sooner than later!

Well, would July 17, 2007 to my warehouse be labelled sooner?
Actually, that question was like if I had commissioned it. I didn't. The 12th is coupled with the 9th. BIS-SACD-1563. The next will be S4, followed by S11.
Thanks for asking such a suitable question... - Robert

Post by bissie July 7, 2007 (7 of 4131)
ramesh said:

I think the time is well overdue for a thread devoted exclusively to BIS, due to the large number of splendid new issues.
In particular, the Schumann Second and Fourth [ original version ] symphonies SACD and the trombone concertos by Bero, Xenakis and Turnage in my opinion are amazing discs. The Schumann symphonies have the textural clarity of a chamber orchestra recording, but have the power and impact of a much larger orchestra.
The Xenakis work is one of the most fascinating from that composer. I don't know anything about trombone technique, but there are so many glissandi and high notes in this work that one wonders whether the composer was trying to be a sadist. LIndberg's technique has to be heard to be believed!

Then you'll be pleased to know that Dvorák's S6+9 with the same forces will be released in 10 days, on July 17, 2007. BIS-SACD-1566

Best - Robert

Post by krisjan July 7, 2007 (8 of 4131)
I'll be following this thread with interest since Bis has long been my favorite label for repertoire and sound. I own many, many Bis release (mostly on rbcd but also now on sacd). Thanks Robert for your continued commitment!
Mark

Post by flyingdutchman July 7, 2007 (9 of 4131)
Actually, kind of surprised this wasn't done sooner. Robert is actually more involved than the Pentatone representative here. As for BIS, loved the label and always have. It, along with Chandos and Hyperion, and now Pentatone, are a few of my favorites.

Keep 'em coming, Robert.

Post by bissie July 7, 2007 (10 of 4131)
ramesh said:

I think the time is well overdue for a thread devoted exclusively to BIS, due to the large number of splendid new issues.
The Xenakis work is one of the most fascinating from that composer. I don't know anything about trombone technique, but there are so many glissandi and high notes in this work that one wonders whether the composer was trying to be a sadist. LIndberg's technique has to be heard to be believed!

When Xenakis delivered the piece, even Christian blanched considerably. I cannot be absolutely adamant about the exact number, but Xenakis had composed in well over 2 dozen high F:s, the highest tone then playable and something quite seldomly composed at all, because of the difficulty and "chanciness". For good measure he also added a number of Fsharps, as then unplayable. Christian had to undergo severe physical lip-training in order to at all reach these notes, and then play everything in concert. Yes, that was tough, but he managed, as he seemingly does with every challenge he is receiving. Of course, being a trail-blazer, Christian has single-mouthedly helped increase both the standards and repertoire for the trombone to a degree that is basically only comparable with the likes of Rostropovich - more than 80 concerti dedicated to - and performed by - him, including the "Motorbike Concerto", which is possibly the most performed Concerto in the world by a living composer. Christian has played it all over the world almost 700 times and recorded it three times.
If you liked this SACD, you should look up SACD-1448 with Christian playing the rediscovered Shilkret Concerto, originally composed for Tommy Dorsey. It is a gem, but this SACD hasn't been discovered as yet.

Just a little "behind the scenes" stuff - Robert

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