Best Recordings of 2015 (#7)

Time for a review of classical CDs that were outstanding in 2014 . My lists for the previous years: 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, (2011 – “Almost”), 2010, (2010 – “Almost”), 2009, (2009 – “Almost”), 2008, (2008 - "Almost") 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004.

# 7 - New Release

C.Orff, Carmina Burana, Thomas E. Bauer, Yves Saelens, Yeree Suh (soloists), Anima Eterna Brugge, Collegium Vocale Gent, Jos van Immerseel, Zig Zag

Carl Orff, Carmina Burana Soloists / Anima Eterna Brugge, Collegium Vocale Gent / Jos van Immerseel (Zig Zag)

I didn’t think that a version, another version, any version among already so many versions of Carmina Burana would ever make this list. I’ve heard the piece a few too many times to get particularly excited about it anymore. But almost predictably, Jos van Immerseel (who already had the No.1 pick last year) do something to it that makes it worth listening to it all over again. This is a punchy, lean, driving account, far from just doing the usual for the umpteenth time, with an orchestra that is as punchy as it is transparent. The singers – Thomas Bauer, Yves Saelens, and Yeree Suh are very good, but the precise chorus Collegium Vocale Gent (Philippe Herreweghe’s well-trained bunch) and said orchestra – vividly tone painting their way through the score – are the star of this release that positively reinvigorates an old classic.

# 7 – Reissue

L.v.Beethoven, Violin Concerto & Romances, Christian Tetzlaff (violin), David Zinman, Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, Brilliant

Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Concertos & Romances Chrstian Tetzlaff / Tonhalle O. / David Zinman (Brilliant)

I have adored (and continue to do so) Thomas Zehetmair’s recording of the Beethoven Violin Concerto with Frans Brüggen (Philips) for the way it made me feel like listening to it with first-exposure-ears. (See Dip Your Ears No.50, Best Recordings of 2010) Before recent excellent competition (Isabelle Faust/Abbado, Harmonia Mundi, see Best Recordings of 2012), entered into it, there was only one recording that rivaled Zehetmair for panache, making use of the “Beethoven cadenza”, and inclusion of the Two Romances: That was Christian Tetzlaff’s account with David Zinman and the Tonhalle Orchestra. While Zehetmair is HIP, and this is played on modern instruments, the two accounts are surprisingly similar in outlook and they both use, to my great delight, the Beethoven/Schneiderhan cadenza. Then inexpensive on Arte Nova, now even more inexpensive re-issued on Brilliant, it’s one of the best Beethoven bargains on the CD market. 

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