Classical artists blind comparison #3

Here it is. Blind comparison #3.

Protocols:

Please rank them from 1 to 8 in order of preference.

Feel free to comment on any or all of the pieces.

I prefer that the votes and comments be sent to me via PM which I will cut and paste after the poll closes. If you wish you may vote via direct post to the thread but please use the spoilers blinders. {spoiler} TEXT {/spoiler} only use the square brackets... If you vote by PM please post that you did so to give the thread a bump.

Either way please do not say anything that might give away the identities of the artist.

POLL WILL CLOSE IN 6 DAYS

You can use the poll to indicate that you voted by PM or by posting with blinders. Please use spoiler blinders!

This time we go in a very different direction. A real warhorse. Beethoven Fur Elise. Hopefully we can get a few more folks with what ought to be, if nothing else, a more accessible piece of music.

One note. #6 has more material than just Fur Elise.

#1
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61803565/classical music folder/#1.mp3

#2
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61803565/classical music folder/#2.mp3

#3
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61803565/classical music folder/#3.mp3

#4
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61803565/classical music folder/#4.mp3

#5
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61803565/classical music folder/#5.mp3

#6
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61803565/classical music folder/#6.mp3

#7
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61803565/classical music folder/#7.mp3

#8
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61803565/classical music folder/#8.mp3

 

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We have our first vote via PM. remember to post that you voted by PM when you do so.

 

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I'll just get round to listening these now, in the meantime here's the score for anyone else who's interested in taking part:

http://conquest.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/d/d9/IMSLP05929-Ludwig_van_Beethoven_-_Fuer_Elise.pdf

 

PM will arrive in the next 10-15 minutes...

 

Thanks T for posting the sheet music.

 

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#4 easily beats all the others for me. I like the tone, the rubato and the dynamic shading. Lovely. The rest are far behind.

 

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I voted 4th for that, and whilst very nice in itself, I'm not quite sure the performance is that appropriate for Beethoven - I think there's a bit too much pedal and fluctuation in dynamics, sounding more akin to a Chopin nocturne. Still there's a lot going for it, and I liked the staccato, almost pizzicato bass in the second episode and the gently floating upward arpeggio that follows, so I can see why others would consider it their favourite. My no.1 was #2, worst was #5 (too fast and mechanical for my full liking).

 

I love you guys and these things are lots of fun and I'll catch you on the next one 'cause if I have to listen to Fur Elise eight times in a row I'm going to take a pistol to my head sorry.

Even the ice cream truck plays Fur Elise and I live in East LA!!!



-s

p.s. - without even listening I'm voting for the second half of #6....

 

Maybe Fur Elise was a poor choice

 

I'll participate later in the week, Elise or not.

 

No, it was a good choice; personally I would also rank it as amongst my least favourite Beethoven piano pieces (the actual Bagatelles are much more interesting and adventurous, baffled why those aren't more popular) probably because I've heard it a bit too much (I find the episodes, especially the second, more interesting than the actual main tune). But forcing yourself to listen to Fur Elise eight times in a row enables you to focus on the performances more critically, whereas with a Chopin etude you might find yourself getting lost too much in the beauty of the music, even in a less than five-star performance.

 

Interesting point. Although I am a sucker for this lollipop. If you have any recomendations for other pieces let me know. You are a deep well of valuable information. Your help and contributions on these threads has been awsome.

 

By the way, I don't know how you guys can do this in one pass. I have listened to the selections about 6 times each and am still forming my opinions. Ironically I have kinda forgotten who is who so I am doing it semi blind myself.

 

I've just submitted a ranking with with comments by PM.

 

I listened to the first set quite a bit, but then decided where possible just to do one take each for subsequent ones, partly because time is precious in my case, but also I think it's better if you can to base your opinions on first impressions. After all when interviewing/auditioning someone (American Idol is a case in point, much though I hate everything that show stands for) you only get one listen; you have to be pretty quick-witted and alert to be able to differentiate them from loads of other competitors - at least here we only have eight to compare with each other.

But everyone can do what they feel fit, it's just a little game after all.

 

Thanks!

Well, how about some Brahms? So many gems to choose from. I'm a sucker in particular for his later period. I'd pick the E minor intermezzo, Op. 119; the contrasting middle section is gorgeous beyond words, but I haven't heard it played that often. But there are many more you could equally justiably pick - the two rhapsodies Op. 79 are awesome, but possibly both too long for this kind of exercise. The Intermezzos Op. 117 are my favourite set.

 

Late Brahms is superb.

 

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