On the cd player....

[khiemtran]

We've been swapping CDs with some of our neighbours, and last week, one couple lent us their prized two-disc set "Karajan - The Definitive Collection". Not the sort of thing I'd consider owning, but not bad either for what it is. Twenty-nine classical "hits", all single movements, all with the Berliner Philharmoniker, ranging from Albinoni to Mahler. The playing is naturally first rate, even though some may take umbrage at the sameness of the BPO/Karajan sound (personally, I don't mind it, even with Mozart and Bach where it doesn't fit as well - anything that means there's more Mozart in the world to listen to is okay by me).

It's been an interesting glimpse into a slightly distant parallel world. A world where, if you want to listen to Mozart, you might put on the Molto Allegro from the Symphony No. 40, or the Allegro from Eine kleine Nachtmusik on the other disc. And there is no need to ever own (cough) four complete cycles of the Piano Concertos (all *completely* different, mind you). And if you want to listen to some Mahler, you simply put on the Adagietto from the Symphony No. 5. And if you're in the mood for Tchaikovsky, well, there's both Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty to choose from. And all this on just two cds.

Actually, this is roughly analogous with my involvement with the world of jazz. If I want Miles Davis, I can put on Autumn Leaves and be done with it.

Comments

[sciamanna.livejournal.com]

I own a few such collections. One of them is called, I kid you not, "100 Romantic Classics" (all different performers, too). They can be quite handy as samplers: I haven't paid more than around 5 Euro for any of them, in the sales baskets or in charity shops...