Quote:
Originally Posted by scottmandue
How do you feel about "Emil Gilels Beethoven"?
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Sorry, I haven't heard Gilels' recordings.
I totally sympathize with your feelings about the reviews, however. A lot of the classical snobs will declare that their favorite recording is the pinnacle of music and the ONLY acceptable version, while others will purchase the same CD not realizing that it was recorded in the '50s or '60s and bash the hell out of it due to the lack of dynamic range and quality of the recording. Once you start to get into classical music, I think it's important to listen to different recordings of the same piece of music so that you can hear the different approaches that are taken. Even slight variations in emphasis and dynamics can drastically change the mood of a composition.
That Yo-Yo Ma CD you bought should go over well. He is a great "gateway drug" into the world of classical music and he's managed to walk the fine line between mass appeal and legit musicianship. Like Metallica, some people have thrown him under the bus for selling out, but I think he's the real deal and I still throw his CDs in on occasion.