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Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Iggy on April 14, 2024, 4:27 pm I would like to thank Ralph Moore for his excellent surveys! In the past I used to reach for the 3 volumes of 'Opera on Record', now I reach for Ralph. I downloaded them all and converted them into PDF format on my PC, and they are an invaluable resource for any opera lover and Cd collector! I consult them on a weekly basis for some detail or other. Ralph, thank you so much for all your work on these surveys! It is much appreciated!

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Ralph Moore on April 14, 2024, 4:57 pm, in reply to "Ralph Moore Surveys" I am delighted that you find them so regularly useful, Iggy. I am well aware that my own taste influences my comments and recommendations but I try at least to ensure that there is also a fair amount of information and objective comment to help people make their own choices. The "Opera on Record" books are of course excellent - even if there are in them a few what I would call eccentric and/or curmudgeonly evaluations - and perhaps I stand convicted of the same faults - but they are now very out of date. Having said that, some of my own surveys are now a few years old, the only consolation being that the most recommendable recordings tend to be older, in any case - and occasionally I bother our Webmaster by asking him to update them with new entries. I am open to suggestions, by the way, if you think of something you think would be worth surveying. Previous Message I would like to thank Ralph Moore for his excellent surveys! In the past I used to reach for the 3 volumes of 'Opera on Record', now I reach for Ralph. I downloaded them all and converted them into PDF format on my PC, and they are an invaluable resource for any opera lover and Cd collector! I consult them on a weekly basis for some detail or other. Ralph, thank you so much for all your work on these surveys! It is much appreciated!

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Iggy on April 14, 2024, 5:22 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" I think our tastes are very similar, as I almost always agree with your assessments! I do still use the 'Opera on Record' books, and of course the Penguin Guide. I tend to prefer recordings made before c.1980, what with the dearth of really good voices the last few decades, so those volumes do still come in handy. But your reviews I find on the whole to be much more accurate and balanced. Perhaps you could do a few more Lieder cycle reviews? Schubert's 'Schone Mullerrin' or Schumann's 'Dichterliebe'? Maybe some more of the great choral works? Mozart's Requiem or C Min Mass? Just a few suggestions! (And not easy ones at that!) Previous Message I am delighted that you find them so regularly useful, Iggy. I am well aware that my own taste influences my comments and recommendations but I try at least to ensure that there is also a fair amount of information and objective comment to help people make their own choices. The "Opera on Record" books are of course excellent - even if there are in them a few what I would call eccentric and/or curmudgeonly evaluations - and perhaps I stand convicted of the same faults - but they are now very out of date. Having said that, some of my own surveys are now a few years old, the only consolation being that the most recommendable recordings tend to be older, in any case - and occasionally I bother our Webmaster by asking him to update them with new entries. I am open to suggestions, by the way, if you think of something you think would be worth surveying. Previous Message I would like to thank Ralph Moore for his excellent surveys! In the past I used to reach for the 3 volumes of 'Opera on Record', now I reach for Ralph. I downloaded them all and converted them into PDF format on my PC, and they are an invaluable resource for any opera lover and Cd collector! I consult them on a weekly basis for some detail or other. Ralph, thank you so much for all your work on these surveys! It is much appreciated!

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Ralph Moore on April 14, 2024, 6:17 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" I shall give those suggestions proper consideration; thanks. Previous Message I think our tastes are very similar, as I almost always agree with your assessments! I do still use the 'Opera on Record' books, and of course the Penguin Guide. I tend to prefer recordings made before c.1980, what with the dearth of really good voices the last few decades, so those volumes do still come in handy. But your reviews I find on the whole to be much more accurate and balanced. Perhaps you could do a few more Lieder cycle reviews? Schubert's 'Schone Mullerrin' or Schumann's 'Dichterliebe'? Maybe some more of the great choral works? Mozart's Requiem or C Min Mass? Just a few suggestions! (And not easy ones at that!) Previous Message I am delighted that you find them so regularly useful, Iggy. I am well aware that my own taste influences my comments and recommendations but I try at least to ensure that there is also a fair amount of information and objective comment to help people make their own choices. The "Opera on Record" books are of course excellent - even if there are in them a few what I would call eccentric and/or curmudgeonly evaluations - and perhaps I stand convicted of the same faults - but they are now very out of date. Having said that, some of my own surveys are now a few years old, the only consolation being that the most recommendable recordings tend to be older, in any case - and occasionally I bother our Webmaster by asking him to update them with new entries. I am open to suggestions, by the way, if you think of something you think would be worth surveying. Previous Message I would like to thank Ralph Moore for his excellent surveys! In the past I used to reach for the 3 volumes of 'Opera on Record', now I reach for Ralph. I downloaded them all and converted them into PDF format on my PC, and they are an invaluable resource for any opera lover and Cd collector! I consult them on a weekly basis for some detail or other. Ralph, thank you so much for all your work on these surveys! It is much appreciated!

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Iggy on April 28, 2024, 7:14 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Thanks so much for the Mozart Requiem survey! I will seek out the Burgos disc. Sounds right up my alley. Previous Message I shall give those suggestions proper consideration; thanks. Previous Message I think our tastes are very similar, as I almost always agree with your assessments! I do still use the 'Opera on Record' books, and of course the Penguin Guide. I tend to prefer recordings made before c.1980, what with the dearth of really good voices the last few decades, so those volumes do still come in handy. But your reviews I find on the whole to be much more accurate and balanced. Perhaps you could do a few more Lieder cycle reviews? Schubert's 'Schone Mullerrin' or Schumann's 'Dichterliebe'? Maybe some more of the great choral works? Mozart's Requiem or C Min Mass? Just a few suggestions! (And not easy ones at that!) Previous Message I am delighted that you find them so regularly useful, Iggy. I am well aware that my own taste influences my comments and recommendations but I try at least to ensure that there is also a fair amount of information and objective comment to help people make their own choices. The "Opera on Record" books are of course excellent - even if there are in them a few what I would call eccentric and/or curmudgeonly evaluations - and perhaps I stand convicted of the same faults - but they are now very out of date. Having said that, some of my own surveys are now a few years old, the only consolation being that the most recommendable recordings tend to be older, in any case - and occasionally I bother our Webmaster by asking him to update them with new entries. I am open to suggestions, by the way, if you think of something you think would be worth surveying. Previous Message I would like to thank Ralph Moore for his excellent surveys! In the past I used to reach for the 3 volumes of 'Opera on Record', now I reach for Ralph. I downloaded them all and converted them into PDF format on my PC, and they are an invaluable resource for any opera lover and Cd collector! I consult them on a weekly basis for some detail or other. Ralph, thank you so much for all your work on these surveys! It is much appreciated!

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Larus Sigurdur Larusson on April 30, 2024, 1:16 pm, in reply to "Ralph Moore Surveys" I concur, I enjoy Mr. Ralph Moore' survey very much and consult it every week. I would however like to ask Mr. Moore why he has not yet made a section on both Tannhäuser and Lohengrin by Wagner? Can we hope for his opinion on those two soon?

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Ralph Moore on April 30, 2024, 2:41 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Thank you, Larus; that is good to hear. The reason is quite simple: I included those two Wagner operas in my "Untouchable and Most Recommendable" survey here: https://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2019/Aug/Opera-untouchables-survey.htm I recommend two Lohengrin recordings and just one "Tannhäuser" which I think are superior to all others and nothing since I did that survey has changed my mind. I suppose I am too lazy now to embark on a more extensive conspectus of each when I know what the outcomes will be. All the best, Ralph. Previous Message I concur, I enjoy Mr. Ralph Moore' survey very much and consult it every week. I would however like to ask Mr. Moore why he has not yet made a section on both Tannhäuser and Lohengrin by Wagner? Can we hope for his opinion on those two soon?

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Jeff H on April 1, 2025, 1:04 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" I would also like to thank you Mr. Moore for the excellent surveys, I too refer to them regularly. I especially enjoy that you provide detailed comments regarding the good and bad points of the recordings, as this allows the listener to make educated decisions about the recording they may like according to their taste. I would like to offer the thought of a lesser known Richard Strauss opera survey, similar to the Verdi one, as it is quite difficult to find good recordings of these (by this I mean operas such as Daphne, Intermezzo, Die Schweigsame Frau etc.). I look forward to all upcoming surveys and reviews. Previous Message Thank you, Larus; that is good to hear. The reason is quite simple: I included those two Wagner operas in my "Untouchable and Most Recommendable" survey here: https://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2019/Aug/Opera-untouchables-survey.htm I recommend two Lohengrin recordings and just one "Tannhäuser" which I think are superior to all others and nothing since I did that survey has changed my mind. I suppose I am too lazy now to embark on a more extensive conspectus of each when I know what the outcomes will be. All the best, Ralph. Previous Message I concur, I enjoy Mr. Ralph Moore' survey very much and consult it every week. I would however like to ask Mr. Moore why he has not yet made a section on both Tannhäuser and Lohengrin by Wagner? Can we hope for his opinion on those two soon?

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Ralph Moore on April 1, 2025, 1:34 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Many thanks for the kind words, Jeff; I am glad you find the surveys useful. I had pretty much run out of ideas, so I'll take a look at your suggestion regarding the lesser-known Strauss operas. Previous Message I would also like to thank you Mr. Moore for the excellent surveys, I too refer to them regularly. I especially enjoy that you provide detailed comments regarding the good and bad points of the recordings, as this allows the listener to make educated decisions about the recording they may like according to their taste. I would like to offer the thought of a lesser known Richard Strauss opera survey, similar to the Verdi one, as it is quite difficult to find good recordings of these (by this I mean operas such as Daphne, Intermezzo, Die Schweigsame Frau etc.). I look forward to all upcoming surveys and reviews. Previous Message Thank you, Larus; that is good to hear. The reason is quite simple: I included those two Wagner operas in my "Untouchable and Most Recommendable" survey here: https://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2019/Aug/Opera-untouchables-survey.htm I recommend two Lohengrin recordings and just one "Tannhäuser" which I think are superior to all others and nothing since I did that survey has changed my mind. I suppose I am too lazy now to embark on a more extensive conspectus of each when I know what the outcomes will be. All the best, Ralph. Previous Message I concur, I enjoy Mr. Ralph Moore' survey very much and consult it every week. I would however like to ask Mr. Moore why he has not yet made a section on both Tannhäuser and Lohengrin by Wagner? Can we hope for his opinion on those two soon?

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Jeff H on May 12, 2025, 1:15 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" I wanted to thank you Mr. Moore for your recent Strauss survey, I found it extremely useful. If only some those recordings were more readily available (the Steinberg Die Schweigsame Frau has been on my list for ages)! Once again thanks for the insightful survey and I wish you luck with any future endeavours. Previous Message Many thanks for the kind words, Jeff; I am glad you find the surveys useful. I had pretty much run out of ideas, so I'll take a look at your suggestion regarding the lesser-known Strauss operas. Previous Message I would also like to thank you Mr. Moore for the excellent surveys, I too refer to them regularly. I especially enjoy that you provide detailed comments regarding the good and bad points of the recordings, as this allows the listener to make educated decisions about the recording they may like according to their taste. I would like to offer the thought of a lesser known Richard Strauss opera survey, similar to the Verdi one, as it is quite difficult to find good recordings of these (by this I mean operas such as Daphne, Intermezzo, Die Schweigsame Frau etc.). I look forward to all upcoming surveys and reviews. Previous Message Thank you, Larus; that is good to hear. The reason is quite simple: I included those two Wagner operas in my "Untouchable and Most Recommendable" survey here: https://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2019/Aug/Opera-untouchables-survey.htm I recommend two Lohengrin recordings and just one "Tannhäuser" which I think are superior to all others and nothing since I did that survey has changed my mind. I suppose I am too lazy now to embark on a more extensive conspectus of each when I know what the outcomes will be. All the best, Ralph. Previous Message I concur, I enjoy Mr. Ralph Moore' survey very much and consult it every week. I would however like to ask Mr. Moore why he has not yet made a section on both Tannhäuser and Lohengrin by Wagner? Can we hope for his opinion on those two soon?

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Ralph Moore on May 12, 2025, 1:45 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Edited by board administrator May 12, 2025, 1:58 pm You're very welcome, Jeff - after all, you were the inspiration. Regarding the elusive Steinberg Die schweigsame Frau, send me your email and I'd be happy to send you an electronic or physical CD copy. I would not do that if it were "in print", as it were, but it isn't. Previous Message I wanted to thank you Mr. Moore for your recent Strauss survey, I found it extremely useful. If only some those recordings were more readily available (the Steinberg Die Schweigsame Frau has been on my list for ages)! Once again thanks for the insightful survey and I wish you luck with any future endeavours. Previous Message Many thanks for the kind words, Jeff; I am glad you find the surveys useful. I had pretty much run out of ideas, so I'll take a look at your suggestion regarding the lesser-known Strauss operas. Previous Message I would also like to thank you Mr. Moore for the excellent surveys, I too refer to them regularly. I especially enjoy that you provide detailed comments regarding the good and bad points of the recordings, as this allows the listener to make educated decisions about the recording they may like according to their taste. I would like to offer the thought of a lesser known Richard Strauss opera survey, similar to the Verdi one, as it is quite difficult to find good recordings of these (by this I mean operas such as Daphne, Intermezzo, Die Schweigsame Frau etc.). I look forward to all upcoming surveys and reviews. Previous Message Thank you, Larus; that is good to hear. The reason is quite simple: I included those two Wagner operas in my "Untouchable and Most Recommendable" survey here: https://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2019/Aug/Opera-untouchables-survey.htm I recommend two Lohengrin recordings and just one "Tannhäuser" which I think are superior to all others and nothing since I did that survey has changed my mind. I suppose I am too lazy now to embark on a more extensive conspectus of each when I know what the outcomes will be. All the best, Ralph. Previous Message I concur, I enjoy Mr. Ralph Moore' survey very much and consult it every week. I would however like to ask Mr. Moore why he has not yet made a section on both Tannhäuser and Lohengrin by Wagner? Can we hope for his opinion on those two soon?

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Jens F. Laurson on May 25, 2025, 3:56 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Oh, I had no idea there was a message-board attached to MWeb. Well, if this is the chance to say THANKS to Ralph Moore for his tireless surveys, I'll decidedly take it. As I dabble in surveys (more data, less comparison; the Beethoven sonata survey was adopted by MWeb, actually), I know how much work they can be. And I rarely disagree with any particular ferocity. However, I was jettisoned on this page because I looked to see what Mr. Moore had to say about Tannhaeusers. (I heard the new Vienna production a few days ago, so I still felt in the mood.) And as I listen to the recording for the first time in many years (I loved it then), I cannot believe my eyes to see "Victor Braun's affecting Wolfram, Helga Dernesch's sensitive, womanly Elisabeth" written in there. I was hoping for a take-down of one of the worst Wolframs I have heard on disc... how I could not remember him wobbling all over the place like that is quite beyond me. And Dernesch is not far behind. But there's joy in diversity of opinions. How boring it would be, otherwise. Thanks once more & best regards, Jens F. Laurson (@ClassicalCritic)

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Ralph Moore on May 25, 2025, 7:04 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Thanks for the kind words, Jens; I will listen again to that Tannhaeuser to see if my response to Braun and Dernesch was somehow mistaken... Previous Message Oh, I had no idea there was a message-board attached to MWeb. Well, if this is the chance to say THANKS to Ralph Moore for his tireless surveys, I'll decidedly take it. As I dabble in surveys (more data, less comparison; the Beethoven sonata survey was adopted by MWeb, actually), I know how much work they can be. And I rarely disagree with any particular ferocity. However, I was jettisoned on this page because I looked to see what Mr. Moore had to say about Tannhaeusers. (I heard the new Vienna production a few days ago, so I still felt in the mood.) And as I listen to the recording for the first time in many years (I loved it then), I cannot believe my eyes to see "Victor Braun's affecting Wolfram, Helga Dernesch's sensitive, womanly Elisabeth" written in there. I was hoping for a take-down of one of the worst Wolframs I have heard on disc... how I could not remember him wobbling all over the place like that is quite beyond me. And Dernesch is not far behind. But there's joy in diversity of opinions. How boring it would be, otherwise. Thanks once more & best regards, Jens F. Laurson (@ClassicalCritic)

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Ralph Moore on May 25, 2025, 7:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Edited by board administrator June 23, 2025, 7:20 pm Just listening to Victor Braun's Wolfram - yes; he has a fast vibrato but many predecessors had the same and he doesn't wobble - that's usually associated with a slow, laboured pulse - and his intonation and expression are fine. Likewise, I really like Dernesch as Elisabeth, just as I enjoy her Isolde for Karajan - she similarly has a fast vibrato and her singing is vibrant and powerful - so sorry; I have to disappoint you by sticking to my guns. Previous Message Oh, I had no idea there was a message-board attached to MWeb. Well, if this is the chance to say THANKS to Ralph Moore for his tireless surveys, I'll decidedly take it. As I dabble in surveys (more data, less comparison; the Beethoven sonata survey was adopted by MWeb, actually), I know how much work they can be. And I rarely disagree with any particular ferocity. However, I was jettisoned on this page because I looked to see what Mr. Moore had to say about Tannhaeusers. (I heard the new Vienna production a few days ago, so I still felt in the mood.) And as I listen to the recording for the first time in many years (I loved it then), I cannot believe my eyes to see "Victor Braun's affecting Wolfram, Helga Dernesch's sensitive, womanly Elisabeth" written in there. I was hoping for a take-down of one of the worst Wolframs I have heard on disc... how I could not remember him wobbling all over the place like that is quite beyond me. And Dernesch is not far behind. But there's joy in diversity of opinions. How boring it would be, otherwise. Thanks once more & best regards, Jens F. Laurson (@ClassicalCritic)

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Jens F. Laurson on May 25, 2025, 10:01 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Previous Message Just listening to Victor Braun's Wolfram - yes; he has a fast vibrato but many predecessors had the same and he doesn't wobble - that's usually associated with a slow, laboured pulse -and his intonation and expression are fine. Likewise, I really like Dernesch as Elisabeth, just as I enjoy her Isolde for Karajan - she similarly has a fast vibrato and her singing is vibrant and powerful - so sorry; I have to disappoint you by sticking to my guns. Previous Message Fair enough. For me, that pressed Vibrato ruins Wolfram. Or really any part. It's just not the kind of singing that I ever learned to abide. (In my head, especially if it gets pressed and even faster than Braun's, here, I call it the Erika Koeth-Memorial-Vibrato, based on her atrocious performance in the "Gala-Fledermaus" w/Karajan (Decca), where she sounds like an electrocuted sheep.) If it weren't for the bloody glorious orchestral treatment of Solti's and the sound, it might just ruin the whole thing for me. (Sotin is a close call, too, but he also has real beauty to offer, in a few spots. Ditto Dernesch, come to think of it.) But then my Wolfram-tastes veer heavily in the direction of Christian Gerhaher. No vibrato whatsoever. Sung as if it were Lied. Hence my love (well, hardly the only reason) for the Konwitschny-Tannhaeuser. Cheers & best, Jens

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Ralph Moore on May 26, 2025, 10:40 am, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Here's where tastes really divide. I heartily dislike Gerhaher whom I hear as a kind of sub-DFD crooner without proper pharyngeal resonance. I cannot comprehend an operatic voice having no vibrato except for "special effects" so your observation intrigues me. And so it goes... All the best, Ralph Previous Message Previous Message Just listening to Victor Braun's Wolfram - yes; he has a fast vibrato but many predecessors had the same and he doesn't wobble - that's usually associated with a slow, laboured pulse -and his intonation and expression are fine. Likewise, I really like Dernesch as Elisabeth, just as I enjoy her Isolde for Karajan - she similarly has a fast vibrato and her singing is vibrant and powerful - so sorry; I have to disappoint you by sticking to my guns. Previous Message Fair enough. For me, that pressed Vibrato ruins Wolfram. Or really any part. It's just not the kind of singing that I ever learned to abide. (In my head, especially if it gets pressed and even faster than Braun's, here, I call it the Erika Koeth-Memorial-Vibrato, based on her atrocious performance in the "Gala-Fledermaus" w/Karajan (Decca), where she sounds like an electrocuted sheep.) If it weren't for the bloody glorious orchestral treatment of Solti's and the sound, it might just ruin the whole thing for me. (Sotin is a close call, too, but he also has real beauty to offer, in a few spots. Ditto Dernesch, come to think of it.) But then my Wolfram-tastes veer heavily in the direction of Christian Gerhaher. No vibrato whatsoever. Sung as if it were Lied. Hence my love (well, hardly the only reason) for the Konwitschny-Tannhaeuser. Cheers & best, Jens

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by John Quinn on May 12, 2025, 4:44 pm, in reply to "Ralph Moore Surveys" Jeff, with reference to Ralph's most recent post, please reply with your email and Ralph will contact you direct

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Dave Cook on May 13, 2025, 12:22 am, in reply to "Ralph Moore Surveys" I know these must be a lot of work to prepare, but I'd love to see more surveys of non-vocal repertoire from Ralph Moore.

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Ralph Moore on May 13, 2025, 4:06 am, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" As you are no doubt aware, Dave, I have concentrated on opera as my specialist area of interest, although I have surveyed a few favourite orchestral and instrumental pieces. Maybe you would like to suggest works and I'll see if I feel competent to tackle them? Previous Message I know these must be a lot of work to prepare, but I'd love to see more surveys of non-vocal repertoire from Ralph Moore.

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Barry Cronin on May 13, 2025, 9:45 am, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" If I may make a Symphonies suggestion: Brahms 2, Dvorak 5, Bruckner 5, Tchaikovsky 4, Mahler 7, Sibelius 3, Nielsen 5, Vaughan Williams 5, Shostakovich 8, Mozart's 'Haffner', Haydn's 'Oxford', and not forgetting the greatest symphony of them all - Beethoven 7. Chosen, as they are my favourite symphonies by each of those composers, of course. Previous Message As you are no doubt aware, Dave, I have concentrated on opera as my specialist area of interest, although I have surveyed a few favourite orchestral and instrumental pieces. Maybe you would like to suggest works and I'll see if I feel competent to tackle them? Previous Message I know these must be a lot of work to prepare, but I'd love to see more surveys of non-vocal repertoire from Ralph Moore.

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Ralph Moore on May 14, 2025, 7:23 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" I'll be honest, Barry; owing to the vagaries of persona taste, very few of your suggestions number among my own favourites, so I quail at the prospect. The other problem is that there are just so many recordings of those symphonies that I wouldn't know where to start. That is illustrated by my friend Lee Denham's Mahler surveys: he labours long and valiantly to be inclusive yet something always pops up subsequently. As Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry, so memorably said, "A good man always knows his limitations"! Previous Message If I may make a Symphonies suggestion: Brahms 2, Dvorak 5, Bruckner 5, Tchaikovsky 4, Mahler 7, Sibelius 3, Nielsen 5, Vaughan Williams 5, Shostakovich 8, Mozart's 'Haffner', Haydn's 'Oxford', and not forgetting the greatest symphony of them all - Beethoven 7. Chosen, as they are my favourite symphonies by each of those composers, of course. Previous Message As you are no doubt aware, Dave, I have concentrated on opera as my specialist area of interest, although I have surveyed a few favourite orchestral and instrumental pieces. Maybe you would like to suggest works and I'll see if I feel competent to tackle them? Previous Message I know these must be a lot of work to prepare, but I'd love to see more surveys of non-vocal repertoire from Ralph Moore.

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Chris Howell on May 15, 2025, 9:24 am, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Not so many of Dvorak 5, surely? No. 9 (the "New World") would be a daunting task and 7 and 8 have acquired a massive discography. But surely no.5 and even no.6 are not over-recorded? That said, I wouldn't try to persuade hardworking Mr. Moore to extend his surveys to works he doesn't especially care for. I must say it's heartening to find someone naming no. 5 as their favourite Dvorak symphony. And "heartening" is the word, since my heart tells me that no.5, perhaps with no. 8, is my favourite of the 9, though my brain insists that 6, 7 and 8 are finer works. As for the "New World", I loved it to death as a teenager and, as with another of my calf-loves, RK's Scheherazade", I always hope to find a performance that will rekindle that love, or at least genuinely hold my interest. Oddly enough, a recording of the "New World" I did enjoy recently was that by Rudolf Schwarz which, by playing it caringly but without distortion, succeeded in reminding me what a good piece it actually is. Back to no. 5, if you don't mind mono sound, the classic Sejna is surely unsurpassed? Previous Message I'll be honest, Barry; owing to the vagaries of persona taste, very few of your suggestions number among my own favourites, so I quail at the prospect. The other problem is that there are just so many recordings of those symphonies that I wouldn't know where to start. That is illustrated by my friend Lee Denham's Mahler surveys: he labours long and valiantly to be inclusive yet something always pops up subsequently. As Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry, so memorably said, "A good man always knows his limitations"! Previous Message If I may make a Symphonies suggestion: Brahms 2, Dvorak 5, Bruckner 5, Tchaikovsky 4, Mahler 7, Sibelius 3, Nielsen 5, Vaughan Williams 5, Shostakovich 8, Mozart's 'Haffner', Haydn's 'Oxford', and not forgetting the greatest symphony of them all - Beethoven 7. Chosen, as they are my favourite symphonies by each of those composers, of course. Previous Message As you are no doubt aware, Dave, I have concentrated on opera as my specialist area of interest, although I have surveyed a few favourite orchestral and instrumental pieces. Maybe you would like to suggest works and I'll see if I feel competent to tackle them? Previous Message I know these must be a lot of work to prepare, but I'd love to see more surveys of non-vocal repertoire from Ralph Moore.

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Barry Cronin on May 15, 2025, 12:05 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Hi, Chris. Just on Dvorak, Symphony 5 just seems to me effortless and carefree (though I'm sure it wasn't for the composer), whereas nos. 7 and even 9 just seem to be trying to hard. Of course, I like all Dvorak's Symphonies - almost impossible to not like anything by Dvorak, I would have thought. Number 5 just pips number 6, and I really like number 4 - all this talk of Wagnerian influences I read in booklet notes are of little concern to me. In fact, you can talk till the cows come home of harmonic progression and key signatures and the like (and I know all that stuff's important) - but, for better or worse, I'm in the camp of 'I don't know anything about music, but I like the sound it makes.' I don't know the Sejna recording of 5, but I'm fine with mono sound, so will seek it out. Re: Scheherazade - I adore it, even though I usually struggle to spell it. I've often thought, if aliens landed (bear with me on this), and they asked us to show them what a symphony orchestra was, what 'classical' music was, and what those things could do, you could do worse than play them this piece. I've never ceased to be thrilled and enchanted by it (Ormandy being my first choice, for what that is worth). Best wishes. Previous Message Not so many of Dvorak 5, surely? No. 9 (the "New World") would be a daunting task and 7 and 8 have acquired a massive discography. But surely no.5 and even no.6 are not over-recorded? That said, I wouldn't try to persuade hardworking Mr. Moore to extend his surveys to works he doesn't especially care for. I must say it's heartening to find someone naming no. 5 as their favourite Dvorak symphony. And "heartening" is the word, since my heart tells me that no.5, perhaps with no. 8, is my favourite of the 9, though my brain insists that 6, 7 and 8 are finer works. As for the "New World", I loved it to death as a teenager and, as with another of my calf-loves, RK's Scheherazade", I always hope to find a performance that will rekindle that love, or at least genuinely hold my interest. Oddly enough, a recording of the "New World" I did enjoy recently was that by Rudolf Schwarz which, by playing it caringly but without distortion, succeeded in reminding me what a good piece it actually is. Back to no. 5, if you don't mind mono sound, the classic Sejna is surely unsurpassed? Previous Message I'll be honest, Barry; owing to the vagaries of persona taste, very few of your suggestions number among my own favourites, so I quail at the prospect. The other problem is that there are just so many recordings of those symphonies that I wouldn't know where to start. That is illustrated by my friend Lee Denham's Mahler surveys: he labours long and valiantly to be inclusive yet something always pops up subsequently. As Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry, so memorably said, "A good man always knows his limitations"! Previous Message If I may make a Symphonies suggestion: Brahms 2, Dvorak 5, Bruckner 5, Tchaikovsky 4, Mahler 7, Sibelius 3, Nielsen 5, Vaughan Williams 5, Shostakovich 8, Mozart's 'Haffner', Haydn's 'Oxford', and not forgetting the greatest symphony of them all - Beethoven 7. Chosen, as they are my favourite symphonies by each of those composers, of course. Previous Message As you are no doubt aware, Dave, I have concentrated on opera as my specialist area of interest, although I have surveyed a few favourite orchestral and instrumental pieces. Maybe you would like to suggest works and I'll see if I feel competent to tackle them? Previous Message I know these must be a lot of work to prepare, but I'd love to see more surveys of non-vocal repertoire from Ralph Moore.

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by LEE DENHAM on May 15, 2025, 10:42 am, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Hi Barry Ralph is of course very modest, even if he has unintentionally insinuated that Clint Eastwood would think I am a bad man for not knowing my limits. Many would probably agree with him. You may be interested to know that one of the works on your list, Mahler's Seventh Symphony, has had it's own survey here: https://musicwebinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Mahler-sy7-survey-LD.pdf I cannot promise it matches the high standards of Ralph, but it is fairly comprehensive, with the caveat that I suspect the new Rattle/Bav RSO release may well have made the final recommendations had it been available when published: An alternative survey on the Mahler VII can also been found here on MWI: https://www.musicweb-international.com/mahler/mahler7.htm The Mahler Seventh Survey took two years to complete - there are that many recordings ! So you may also be pleased to note others on Mahler Symphony 1 ( https://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2022/Feb/Mahler-sy1-survey-LD.pdf), as well as Bruckner's Symphony No 8 (here: https://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2020/May/Bruckner_sy8_survey.pdf ). I am aiming to have a similar survey on the Mahler VIII completed by December this year, although am toying with the idea of completing a further one on Shostakovich's Symphony No 4, to reflect that composer's centenary year in 2025. The problem, as always, is time - running a business, being part of a family with young(ish) boys are all time-consuming activities which distract from the main event! So if anybody has a preference for which of the Mahler VIII or the Shostakovich IV for this year, then do let me know, as finishing both over the next 6 months will be impossible. Best wishes, Lee Previous Message If I may make a Symphonies suggestion: Brahms 2, Dvorak 5, Bruckner 5, Tchaikovsky 4, Mahler 7, Sibelius 3, Nielsen 5, Vaughan Williams 5, Shostakovich 8, Mozart's 'Haffner', Haydn's 'Oxford', and not forgetting the greatest symphony of them all - Beethoven 7. Chosen, as they are my favourite symphonies by each of those composers, of course. Previous Message As you are no doubt aware, Dave, I have concentrated on opera as my specialist area of interest, although I have surveyed a few favourite orchestral and instrumental pieces. Maybe you would like to suggest works and I'll see if I feel competent to tackle them? Previous Message I know these must be a lot of work to prepare, but I'd love to see more surveys of non-vocal repertoire from Ralph Moore.

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Barry Cronin on May 15, 2025, 11:51 am, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Hi, Lee. Thanks for those links, I will check them out. Ralph is, of course, being modest - it was a selfish wish of mine that his thoroughness and fairness in his mostly opera surveys could be transferred to my own tastes, i.e. predominantly instrumental rather than vocal. Of course, human nature being what it is, in a sense we are just looking for confirmation of our own prejudices in things like this - if the reviewer (surveyor?) picks our favourite recording of a piece, we salute their sagacity and consummate taste; if they pick a different one - or worse, have a bad word to say about our own favourite - we toss them aside with a ''well, they don't know what they are talking about...''. Or is that just me?! Previous Message Hi Barry Ralph is of course very modest, even if he has unintentionally insinuated that Clint Eastwood would think I am a bad man for not knowing my limits. Many would probably agree with him. You may be interested to know that one of the works on your list, Mahler's Seventh Symphony, has had it's own survey here: https://musicwebinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Mahler-sy7-survey-LD.pdf I cannot promise it matches the high standards of Ralph, but it is fairly comprehensive, with the caveat that I suspect the new Rattle/Bav RSO release may well have made the final recommendations had it been available when published: An alternative survey on the Mahler VII can also been found here on MWI: https://www.musicweb-international.com/mahler/mahler7.htm The Mahler Seventh Survey took two years to complete - there are that many recordings ! So you may also be pleased to note others on Mahler Symphony 1 ( https://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2022/Feb/Mahler-sy1-survey-LD.pdf ), as well as Bruckner's Symphony No 8 (here: https://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2020/May/Bruckner_sy8_survey.pdf ). I am aiming to have a similar survey on the Mahler VIII completed by December this year, although am toying with the idea of completing a further one on Shostakovich's Symphony No 4, to reflect that composer's centenary year in 2025. The problem, as always, is time - running a business, being part of a family with young(ish) boys are all time-consuming activities which distract from the main event! So if anybody has a preference for which of the Mahler VIII or the Shostakovich IV for this year, then do let me know, as finishing both over the next 6 months will be impossible. Best wishes, Lee Previous Message If I may make a Symphonies suggestion: Brahms 2, Dvorak 5, Bruckner 5, Tchaikovsky 4, Mahler 7, Sibelius 3, Nielsen 5, Vaughan Williams 5, Shostakovich 8, Mozart's 'Haffner', Haydn's 'Oxford', and not forgetting the greatest symphony of them all - Beethoven 7. Chosen, as they are my favourite symphonies by each of those composers, of course. Previous Message As you are no doubt aware, Dave, I have concentrated on opera as my specialist area of interest, although I have surveyed a few favourite orchestral and instrumental pieces. Maybe you would like to suggest works and I'll see if I feel competent to tackle them? Previous Message I know these must be a lot of work to prepare, but I'd love to see more surveys of non-vocal repertoire from Ralph Moore.

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by LEE DENHAM on May 15, 2025, 1:57 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" I think you make a good point, Barry. For me, providing a reviewer has explained clearly why they like/dislike a particular recording, then their opinion is just as valid as anyone else's. For example, your list above contains a desire for a Survey on Bruckner's Fifth Symphony and, currently, my top recommendation for that work is Herbert von Karajan's studio account on DG - however, some people find Karajan's approach too 'heavy' for this music, in which case that particular recording is certainly not for them. Similarly, a reviewer needs to keep an open-mind. I have been guilty in the past of dismissing a certain recording, only to then re-listen to it on a different sound set-up to conclude it to be one of the finest accounts of all (in case you are wondering, it was Suk's Asrael Symphony with Claus Peter Flor and the Malaysian PO on BIS). So providing the rationale is given and is sound (ie 'so-and-so was a very bad man, so had no business conducting the Missa Solemnis', is prejudice, not criticism), then all is well and good. Indeed, we have seen just that recently on MWI - Ralph Moore's survey on Hansel und Gretel ( https://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2019/May/Humperdinck_Hansel_survey.pdf ) drew different conclusions to my own: https://musicwebinternational.com/2024/12/humperdincks-hansel-und-gretel/ . You will just have to decide yourself which one of us "knows what they are talking about" ! Lee Previous Message Hi, Lee. Thanks for those links, I will check them out. Ralph is, of course, being modest - it was a selfish wish of mine that his thoroughness and fairness in his mostly opera surveys could be transferred to my own tastes, i.e. predominantly instrumental rather than vocal. Of course, human nature being what it is, in a sense we are just looking for confirmation of our own prejudices in things like this - if the reviewer (surveyor?) picks our favourite recording of a piece, we salute their sagacity and consummate taste; if they pick a different one - or worse, have a bad word to say about our own favourite - we toss them aside with a ''well, they don't know what they are talking about...''. Or is that just me?! Previous Message Hi Barry Ralph is of course very modest, even if he has unintentionally insinuated that Clint Eastwood would think I am a bad man for not knowing my limits. Many would probably agree with him. You may be interested to know that one of the works on your list, Mahler's Seventh Symphony, has had it's own survey here: https://musicwebinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Mahler-sy7-survey-LD.pdf I cannot promise it matches the high standards of Ralph, but it is fairly comprehensive, with the caveat that I suspect the new Rattle/Bav RSO release may well have made the final recommendations had it been available when published: An alternative survey on the Mahler VII can also been found here on MWI: https://www.musicweb-international.com/mahler/mahler7.htm The Mahler Seventh Survey took two years to complete - there are that many recordings ! So you may also be pleased to note others on Mahler Symphony 1 ( https://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2022/Feb/Mahler-sy1-survey-LD.pdf ), as well as Bruckner's Symphony No 8 (here: https://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2020/May/Bruckner_sy8_survey.pdf ). I am aiming to have a similar survey on the Mahler VIII completed by December this year, although am toying with the idea of completing a further one on Shostakovich's Symphony No 4, to reflect that composer's centenary year in 2025. The problem, as always, is time - running a business, being part of a family with young(ish) boys are all time-consuming activities which distract from the main event! So if anybody has a preference for which of the Mahler VIII or the Shostakovich IV for this year, then do let me know, as finishing both over the next 6 months will be impossible. Best wishes, Lee Previous Message If I may make a Symphonies suggestion: Brahms 2, Dvorak 5, Bruckner 5, Tchaikovsky 4, Mahler 7, Sibelius 3, Nielsen 5, Vaughan Williams 5, Shostakovich 8, Mozart's 'Haffner', Haydn's 'Oxford', and not forgetting the greatest symphony of them all - Beethoven 7. Chosen, as they are my favourite symphonies by each of those composers, of course. Previous Message As you are no doubt aware, Dave, I have concentrated on opera as my specialist area of interest, although I have surveyed a few favourite orchestral and instrumental pieces. Maybe you would like to suggest works and I'll see if I feel competent to tackle them? Previous Message I know these must be a lot of work to prepare, but I'd love to see more surveys of non-vocal repertoire from Ralph Moore.

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Noah Tunell on May 19, 2025, 5:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Not sure if it is to your taste, Mr. Moore, but I would love to see a survey of Wozzeck recordings-seems like a manageable task. Thanks for your great work as always. Noah Previous Message As you are no doubt aware, Dave, I have concentrated on opera as my specialist area of interest, although I have surveyed a few favourite orchestral and instrumental pieces. Maybe you would like to suggest works and I'll see if I feel competent to tackle them? Previous Message I know these must be a lot of work to prepare, but I'd love to see more surveys of non-vocal repertoire from Ralph Moore.

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Ralph Moore on May 19, 2025, 6:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Thank you for your suggestion, Noah; I am not sure how to break this to you gently, but - to borrow a favourite mixed metaphor from one of our most acclaimed comic authors - wild horses on bended knee could not induce me to undertake such a task as that opera is indeed, to put it mildly, not my cup of tea. There is nothing to stop others taking up that cudgel, however. Best regards, Ralph Previous Message Not sure if it is to your taste, Mr. Moore, but I would love to see a survey of Wozzeck recordings-seems like a manageable task. Thanks for your great work as always. Noah Previous Message As you are no doubt aware, Dave, I have concentrated on opera as my specialist area of interest, although I have surveyed a few favourite orchestral and instrumental pieces. Maybe you would like to suggest works and I'll see if I feel competent to tackle them? Previous Message I know these must be a lot of work to prepare, but I'd love to see more surveys of non-vocal repertoire from Ralph Moore.

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Larus Sigurdur Larusson on June 16, 2025, 11:22 am, in reply to "Ralph Moore Surveys" If I may be so bold as to ask Mr. Moore for an opinion. I would like to add more recordings of Verdi's Attila to my collection. I already have both the Muti recording and the Gardelli recording and I like them both. I also have the Giulini recording with Italo Tajo and I really enjoy it. (I love the old Fonit Cetra Verdi recordings, they are so honest and straightforward, and often feature very good singers that you hardly hear anywhere else, like Paolo Silveri.) But let's get back to my original question. I would like to add to my collection recordings of Attila with Christoff and Ghiaurov. There is more than one live recording of both of them, so my question is, which is the best. I think I know that the Ghiaurov recording with Sinopoli on Orfeo is probably the best he made. Good sound, good director, Cappuccilli in a good voice and the duet between Attila and Ezio in the prologue is very stirring, Mara Zampieri is a bit wild but I think it's appropriate and she has an impressive voice. Then it's still undecided which recording with Christoff is best. Mr. Moore, if you would be so kind?

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Ralph Moore on June 16, 2025, 6:40 pm, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Edited by board administrator June 17, 2025, 9:35 am Thanks for your enquiry, Larus; I am always happy to help if I can. I think with regard to Christoff’s two live recordings, both conducted by Bartoletti in 1962 and 1976 respectively, there is little doubt that the earlier one is preferable and it is available in a good Urania label issue – or more cheaply on Opera d’Oro. The later cast is not as distinguished and Christoff is not in such fresh voice. You can hear that earlier recording on YouTube. Regarding Ghiaurov, you can again sample the whole operas conducted by both Sinopoli (1980) and Muti (1972) on YouTube. The sound on the latter isn’t as good and unfortunately it isn’t widely available but I much prefer Gencer to Zampieri, whom I find hooty and unsteady, and the ever-undervalued Luchetti is superior to Sinopoli's tenor. However, there is also a live 1975 recording conducted by Patanè on the Myto and Bongiovanni labels with a great cast of Cappuccilli, Luchetti and Rita Orlandi Malaspina; that, too, is available complete on YouTube. She in particular is terrific, surprisingly better than either Zampieri and Gencer – but unfortunately CD copies are rare. Previous Message If I may be so bold as to ask Mr. Moore for an opinion. I would like to add more recordings of Verdi's Attila to my collection. I already have both the Muti recording and the Gardelli recording and I like them both. I also have the Giulini recording with Italo Tajo and I really enjoy it. (I love the old Fonit Cetra Verdi recordings, they are so honest and straightforward, and often feature very good singers that you hardly hear anywhere else, like Paolo Silveri.) But let's get back to my original question. I would like to add to my collection recordings of Attila with Christoff and Ghiaurov. There is more than one live recording of both of them, so my question is, which is the best. I think I know that the Ghiaurov recording with Sinopoli on Orfeo is probably the best he made. Good sound, good director, Cappuccilli in a good voice and the duet between Attila and Ezio in the prologue is very stirring, Mara Zampieri is a bit wild but I think it's appropriate and she has an impressive voice. Then it's still undecided which recording with Christoff is best. Mr. Moore, if you would be so kind?

Re: Ralph Moore Surveys Posted by Larus Sigurdur Larusson on June 18, 2025, 10:16 am, in reply to "Re: Ralph Moore Surveys" Thank you very much. Previous Message Thanks for your enquiry, Larus; I am always happy to help if I can. I think with regard to Christoff’s two live recordings, both conducted by Bartoletti in 1962 and 1976 respectively, there is little doubt that the earlier one is preferable and it is available in a good Urania label issue – or more cheaply on Opera d’Oro. The later cast is not as distinguished and Christoff is not in such fresh voice. You can hear that earlier recording on YouTube. Regarding Ghiaurov, you can again sample the whole operas conducted by both Sinopoli (1980) and Muti (1972) on YouTube. The sound on the latter isn’t as good and unfortunately it isn’t widely available but I much prefer Gencer to Zampieri, whom I find hooty and unsteady, and the ever-undervalued Luchetti is superior to Sinopoli's tenor. However, there is also a live 1975 recording conducted by Patanè on the Myto and Bongiovanni labels with a great cast of Cappuccilli, Luchetti and Rita Orlandi Malaspina; that, too, is available complete on YouTube. She in particular is terrific, surprisingly better than either Zampieri and Gencer – but unfortunately CD copies are rare. Previous Message If I may be so bold as to ask Mr. Moore for an opinion. I would like to add more recordings of Verdi's Attila to my collection. I already have both the Muti recording and the Gardelli recording and I like them both. I also have the Giulini recording with Italo Tajo and I really enjoy it. (I love the old Fonit Cetra Verdi recordings, they are so honest and straightforward, and often feature very good singers that you hardly hear anywhere else, like Paolo Silveri.) But let's get back to my original question. I would like to add to my collection recordings of Attila with Christoff and Ghiaurov. There is more than one live recording of both of them, so my question is, which is the best. I think I know that the Ghiaurov recording with Sinopoli on Orfeo is probably the best he made. Good sound, good director, Cappuccilli in a good voice and the duet between Attila and Ezio in the prologue is very stirring, Mara Zampieri is a bit wild but I think it's appropriate and she has an impressive voice. Then it's still undecided which recording with Christoff is best. Mr. Moore, if you would be so kind?

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