Ordered sacd/cd of Vanska/BIS M8 for Christmas

[barryguerrero]

I like the cover, and what I've heard from the brief snippets, soooooo    .     .   .    my domestic partner, Christina, is getting me a copy of the Vanska/Minnesota M8 for Christmas. I'll actually wrap it up and not open it until X-mas Day. I decided on this strategy, rather than wait for the complete box set to come out. If I was going to go that route, then I would sell off My hard copies of M2, M6 (which I probably will sell off anyway), M7 and M10. Since you generally only get pennies on the dollar, why bother!

I also did own the Vanska/BIS M4, but the disc got lost. Don't ask - it's a long story! I have LOTS of other M4 recordings anyway.

[waderice]

I'm patient - and will wait for the box set (ON SACD!)!

Wade

[erikwilson7]

From what I was able to hear too of the M8, I think you'll be happy with this one Barry.

I'm looking forward to the box set myself! Hopefully by the end of next year.

Does this cycle have any legitimate duds in it?

[barryguerrero]

I like the two inner movements of Vanska's M6, but not so much the two outer ones. I also would have preferred it to be in scherzo/andante order.

[ChrisH]

This is now available on SACD from the Minneapolis Symphony website, or via download from eclassical.net.

[Leo K]

Just wanted to drop a note about the new Vanska Mahler 8th recording - it's seriously impressive! The engineering and mastering truly stand out with that crispness in both the orchestra and vocalists, without any muddled sound. The clarity of the organ in the first movement caught my attention right from the start. Plus, the choir's balanced presence adds a nice touch without overpowering the piece. Vanska's subtle agogic accents in the 2nd movement are very nice, they do bring out some intriguing elements in the score I've never noticed before. Experts here can maybe see if the score is being followed accurately. Good organ and tam tam at the end. Breathtaking. Overall, it's a definite winner!

Cheers,
Todd

[John Kim]

I'd agree with most of Leo's comments, but I wish Vanska had taken the closing pages of Part II. more slowly. The work needs more ecstasy and grandiosity than what he provides here. Neumann/CPO is unmatched in this aspect.

John

[erikwilson7]

Neumann/CPO over Bertini? Nothing against the Neumann, it’s great, but Bertini’s ending is insanely grandiose.

Agreed about the Vanska tempos. I really like the recording overall so far though.