His studio recordings are one of the few complete Mozart's on modern piano I enjoy. I just think that what he does with Mozart's keyboard sonatas, his embellishments, sound natural, unobtrusive -- and yet he makes the music sound fun to hear.

These lives on youtube seem pretty good too, for the same reasons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6-nRSVdrmo&ab_channel=LeonMcCawley-Pianist

On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 12:52:34 PM UTC-7, Mandryka wrote:
>
> His studio recordings are one of the few complete Mozart's on
> modern piano I enjoy. I just think that what he does with Mozart's
> keyboard sonatas, his embellishments, sound natural, unobtrusive --
> and yet he makes the music sound fun to hear.
>
> These lives on youtube seem pretty good too, for the same reasons
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6-nRSVdrmo

ROTFL !!!

This is one of the most mechanical, metronomic,
colorless, expressionless and heavy handed
readings I have ever heard.

Listen to Pletnev: https://youtu.be/ki-El0AlcBY

Is McCawley your next door neighbour?

dk

On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 4:59:56 PM UTC-7, Dan Koren wrote:
> On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 12:52:34 PM UTC-7, Mandryka wrote:
> >
> > His studio recordings are one of the few complete Mozart's on
> > modern piano I enjoy. I just think that what he does with Mozart's
> > keyboard sonatas, his embellishments, sound natural, unobtrusive --
> > and yet he makes the music sound fun to hear.
> >
> > These lives on youtube seem pretty good too, for the same reasons
> >
> > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6-nRSVdrmo
>
> ROTFL !!!
>
> This is one of the most mechanical, metronomic,
> colorless, expressionless and heavy handed
> readings I have ever heard.
>
> Listen to Pletnev: https://youtu.be/ki-El0AlcBY

Or Sokolov: https://youtu.be/_XFY_AKeJp8?t=1600

Can you hear the difference wrt McCawley?

dk

I recall herman was a fan of McCawley's SOMM discs. This was perhaps 10+ years ago. I never did elect to purchase any of the titles on CD, even through Berkshire Record Outlet. Did sample the Haydn and Schumann on AppleMusic. It was okay.

On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 6:22:30 PM UTC-7, Oscar wrote:
>
> I recall herman was a fan of McCawley's SOMM discs.
> This was perhaps 10+ years ago. I never did elect to
> purchase any of the titles on CD, even through Berkshire
> Record Outlet. Did sample the Haydn and Schumann on
> AppleMusic. It was okay.

One can also purchase without electing ;-)

dk

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 2:22:30 AM UTC+1, Oscar wrote:
> I recall herman was a fan of McCawley's SOMM discs. This was perhaps 10+ years ago. I never did elect to purchase any of the titles on CD, even through Berkshire Record Outlet. Did sample the Haydn and Schumann on AppleMusic. It was okay.

It’s only the Mozart which I like really. I dare say the Haydn is good but I’m not very interested in the music at the moment. I’ll try to listen again to the Schumann soon.

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 12:59:56 AM UTC+1, Dan Koren wrote:
> On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 12:52:34 PM UTC-7, Mandryka wrote:
> >
> > His studio recordings are one of the few complete Mozart's on
> > modern piano I enjoy. I just think that what he does with Mozart's
> > keyboard sonatas, his embellishments, sound natural, unobtrusive --
> > and yet he makes the music sound fun to hear.
> >
> > These lives on youtube seem pretty good too, for the same reasons
> >
> > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6-nRSVdrmo
> ROTFL !!!
>
> This is one of the most mechanical, metronomic,
> colorless, expressionless and heavy handed
> readings I have ever heard.
>
> Listen to Pletnev: https://youtu.be/ki-El0AlcBY
>
> Is McCawley your next door neighbour?
>
> dk

Pletnev’s embellishments are inorganic.

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 6:27:08 AM UTC+1, Mandryka wrote:
> On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 12:59:56 AM UTC+1, Dan Koren wrote:
> > On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 12:52:34 PM UTC-7, Mandryka wrote:
> > >
> > > His studio recordings are one of the few complete Mozart's on
> > > modern piano I enjoy. I just think that what he does with Mozart's
> > > keyboard sonatas, his embellishments, sound natural, unobtrusive --
> > > and yet he makes the music sound fun to hear.
> > >
> > > These lives on youtube seem pretty good too, for the same reasons
> > >
> > > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6-nRSVdrmo
> > ROTFL !!!
> >
> > This is one of the most mechanical, metronomic,
> > colorless, expressionless and heavy handed
> > readings I have ever heard.
> >
> > Listen to Pletnev: https://youtu.be/ki-El0AlcBY
> >
> > Is McCawley your next door neighbour?
> >
> > dk
> Pletnev’s embellishments are inorganic.

By the way, if you want to hear a more organic approach to embellishment in a complete Mozart sonatas on modern piano, apart from Leon McCawley, try William Youn.

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 6:38:54 AM UTC+1, Mandryka wrote:
> On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 6:27:08 AM UTC+1, Mandryka wrote:
> > On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 12:59:56 AM UTC+1, Dan Koren wrote:
> > > On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 12:52:34 PM UTC-7, Mandryka wrote:
> > > >
> > > > His studio recordings are one of the few complete Mozart's on
> > > > modern piano I enjoy. I just think that what he does with Mozart's
> > > > keyboard sonatas, his embellishments, sound natural, unobtrusive --
> > > > and yet he makes the music sound fun to hear.
> > > >
> > > > These lives on youtube seem pretty good too, for the same reasons
> > > >
> > > > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6-nRSVdrmo
> > > ROTFL !!!
> > >
> > > This is one of the most mechanical, metronomic,
> > > colorless, expressionless and heavy handed
> > > readings I have ever heard.
> > >
> > > Listen to Pletnev: https://youtu.be/ki-El0AlcBY
> > >
> > > Is McCawley your next door neighbour?
> > >
> > > dk
> > Pletnev’s embellishments are inorganic.
> By the way, if you want to hear a more organic approach to embellishment in a complete Mozart sonatas on modern piano, apart from Leon McCawley, try William Youn.

But Youn not as excellent as McCawley. This morning I’m enjoying those late recordings of Mozart sonatas that Arrau made - at least, I’m enjoying the 457.

On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 10:38:54 PM UTC-7, Mandryka wrote:
> On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 6:27:08 AM UTC+1, Mandryka wrote:
> >
> > Pletnev’s embellishments are inorganic.
>
> By the way, if you want to hear a more organic approach to
> embellishment in a complete Mozart sonatas on modern
> piano, apart from Leon McCawley, try William Youn.

ROTFL !!! What does "organic" mean?
Is it better or worse than "inner life"?

This is gibberish and gobbledygook.

dk

On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 10:38:54 PM UTC-7, Mandryka wrote:
>
> By the way, if you want to hear a more organic approach to
> embellishment in a complete Mozart sonatas on modern
> piano, apart from Leon McCawley, try William Youn.

Mechanical and harsh. One is beginning to form an
idea about the wat you listen to music. The bulk of
your recommendations are for pianists with a dry
sound, who play mechanically and are driven by
metronomes. You don't care (if you even noice)
articulation, phrasing, touch, color or texture,
or melodic line. You prefer sound similar to
fortepiani and plucksichords.

Enjoy your cave and your disease!

dk

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 4:08:10 PM UTC+2, Dan Koren wrote:
> On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 10:38:54 PM UTC-7, Mandryka wrote:
> >
> > By the way, if you want to hear a more organic approach to
> > embellishment in a complete Mozart sonatas on modern
> > piano, apart from Leon McCawley, try William Youn.
> Mechanical and harsh. One is beginning to form an
> idea about the wat you listen to music. The bulk of
> your recommendations are for pianists with a dry
> sound, who play mechanically and are driven by
> metronomes.

You're deaf, that is the problem.

Another problem seems to be you;re insanely jealous.

Mandryka is a well-liked, interesting, engaging contributor, and you hate him for it.

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 7:49:33 AM UTC-7, Herman wrote:
> On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 4:08:10 PM UTC+2, Dan Koren wrote:
> > On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 10:38:54 PM UTC-7, Mandryka wrote:
> > >
> > > By the way, if you want to hear a more organic approach to
> > > embellishment in a complete Mozart sonatas on modern
> > > piano, apart from Leon McCawley, try William Youn.
> > Mechanical and harsh. One is beginning to form an
> > idea about the wat you listen to music. The bulk of
> > your recommendations are for pianists with a dry
> > sound, who play mechanically and are driven by
> > metronomes.
>
> You're deaf, that is the problem.

ROTFL !!!

> Another problem seems to be
> you;re insanely jealous.

?!?

> Mandryka is a well-liked, interesting,
> engaging contributor, and you hate
> him for it.

Quite the contrary. I really like Mandryka.
You are a dumb strict literalist who does
not understand English.

dk

On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 6:59:56 PM UTC-5, Dan Koren wrote:
> On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 12:52:34 PM UTC-7, Mandryka wrote:
> >
> > His studio recordings are one of the few complete Mozart's on
> > modern piano I enjoy. I just think that what he does with Mozart's
> > keyboard sonatas, his embellishments, sound natural, unobtrusive --
> > and yet he makes the music sound fun to hear.
> >
> > These lives on youtube seem pretty good too, for the same reasons
> >
> > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6-nRSVdrmo
> ROTFL !!!
>
> This is one of the most mechanical, metronomic,
> colorless, expressionless and heavy handed
> readings I have ever heard.
>
> Listen to Pletnev: https://youtu.be/ki-El0AlcBY
>
> Is McCawley your next door neighbour?
>
> dk
I had Mcawley at one point and switched to Eschenbach,

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 8:13:14 AM UTC-7, Lawrence Kart wrote:
> On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 6:59:56 PM UTC-5, Dan Koren wrote:
> > On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 12:52:34 PM UTC-7, Mandryka wrote:
> > >
> > > His studio recordings are one of the few complete Mozart's on
> > > modern piano I enjoy. I just think that what he does with Mozart's
> > > keyboard sonatas, his embellishments, sound natural, unobtrusive --
> > > and yet he makes the music sound fun to hear.
> > >
> > > These lives on youtube seem pretty good too, for the same reasons
> > >
> > > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6-nRSVdrmo
> > ROTFL !!!
> >
> > This is one of the most mechanical, metronomic,
> > colorless, expressionless and heavy handed
> > readings I have ever heard.
> >
> > Listen to Pletnev: https://youtu.be/ki-El0AlcBY
> >
> > Is McCawley your next door neighbour?
>
> I had McCawley at one point
> and switched to Eschenbach,

Great move! No brainer!

Cheers,

dk

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 4:13:14 PM UTC+1, Lawrence Kart wrote:
> On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 6:59:56 PM UTC-5, Dan Koren wrote:
> > On Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 12:52:34 PM UTC-7, Mandryka wrote:
> > >
> > > His studio recordings are one of the few complete Mozart's on
> > > modern piano I enjoy. I just think that what he does with Mozart's
> > > keyboard sonatas, his embellishments, sound natural, unobtrusive --
> > > and yet he makes the music sound fun to hear.
> > >
> > > These lives on youtube seem pretty good too, for the same reasons
> > >
> > > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6-nRSVdrmo
> > ROTFL !!!
> >
> > This is one of the most mechanical, metronomic,
> > colorless, expressionless and heavy handed
> > readings I have ever heard.
> >
> > Listen to Pletnev: https://youtu.be/ki-El0AlcBY
> >
> > Is McCawley your next door neighbour?
> >
> > dk
> I had Mcawley at one point and switched to Eschenbach,

What do you think of Roland Batik?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DBOYTgvLQg&ab_channel=RolandBatik

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 11:38:15 AM UTC-7, Mandryka wrote:
>
> What do you think of Roland Batik?
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DBOYTgvLQg

Superb! This is a real pianist, not a cload! ;-)

dk

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 7:49:33 AM UTC-7, herman wrote:
>
> Another problem seems to be you;re insanely jealous.
>
> Mandryka is a well-liked, interesting, engaging contributor, and you hate him for it.

I concur. A very popular and knowledgeable contributor. I imagine Howie listening intently in a sweater vest and seated in plush purple Victorian armchair. Is that profiling?

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 1:27:44 PM, Dan Koren wrote:
>
> Superb! This is a real pianist, not a cload! ;-)

Now you're just making words up. Stahp it.

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 5:42:02 PM UTC-7, Oscar wrote:
> On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 1:27:44 PM, Dan Koren wrote:
> >
> > Superb! This is a real pianist, not a cload! ;-)
>
> Now you're just making words up.

?!?

Oscar schrieb am Samstag, 17. Juni 2023 um 02:41:02 UTC+2:
> On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 7:49:33 AM UTC-7, herman wrote:
> >
> > Another problem seems to be you;re insanely jealous.
> >
> > Mandryka is a well-liked, interesting, engaging contributor, and you hate him for it.
> I concur. A very popular and knowledgeable contributor. I imagine Howie listening intently in a sweater vest and seated in plush purple Victorian armchair. Is that profiling?

I disagree ofc. Howie lost me when he was talking about being disappointed that underage girls (16 or 17yos) would not be performing nude in an opera - in a talkclassical thread I linked to. IIRC there were a few in people in the thread quite creeped out as well. People these days have no shame - be it young or old.

Now I think it's funny and ironic how Herman, who always goes crazy about Dan's supposed sexism, stays quiet on this... I think Dan may have a thing for asian ladies, but I have never seen him say crazy stuff as wanting see underage girls perform nude in an opera... but since Howie talks nicely and smoothly, he is a good guy, right? Ofc...

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 10:12:33 PM UTC-7, Marc S wrote:
>
> Now I think it's funny and ironic how Herman,
> who always goes crazy about Dan's supposed
> sexism, stays quiet on this...

Herman uses different standards for different
people. His "narcissism" and "racism" meters
are only triggered by my name -- and nothing
else.

> I think Dan may have a thing for asian ladies,

Nope. Herman is inventing facts to fit theories.

If he wanted to know the truth, he could simply
count all the recommendations I posted to this
ng over 30+ years and sort out the percentages.

Plenty of pianists I highlighted were not women,
not young, not Asian, not long haired. Some even
had no hair at all -- check Weissenberg, Richter,
Yakov Zak or Ugorsky.

Herman is also confused by statistics. Over
the past 5 decades, the number of women in
the top tiers of piano and violin performance
has grown considerably, and their relative
percentage vs. men has also increased.

Herman unwittingly admitted as much when
he "predicted" an increase in the number of
women in classical orchestras. Likewise, the
fraction of Asian musicians in the top tiers of
classical music performance has also risen
dramatically, and will keep growing. Some of
them are truly extraordinary, e.g. HJ Lim, or
Soyoung Yoon, or Kyu Hee Park, or Jasmine
Choi.

Others are "merely" excellent, e.g. Yeol Eum
Son, Alice Sara Ott, Bomsori Kim, or Clara
Jumi Kang. How would one possibly fail
to notice them -- except for Herman's
sexit racist misogynistic blinders ?!?

> but I have never seen him say crazy stuff as
> wanting see underage girls perform nude in
> an opera... but since Howie talks nicely and
> smoothly, he is a good guy, right? Ofc...

My only interests are piano music and piano
performances. I couldn't care less about the
performers' gender, age, looks or anything
else. I do tend to grant extra points to young
talent, and to pianists with small(er) hands.

The reasons should be obvious. Pianists
with small hands performing repertoire
written by composers with large hands
are often nothing short of miracles. Just
take a look at AdL playing Rachmaninov
or Albeniz, or CYH playing Rachmaninov
or Scriabin.

Regarding dress (or lack thereof) I do
not care in any way. Most of the time I
listen without watching, if for no other
reason than the fact that I listen while
doing other work.

As an aside, the only women I've ever
had crushes on are or were freckled
red haired Eastern European ladies
with greenish blue eyes (or blueish
green eyes).

dk

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 5:42:02 PM UTC-7, Oscar wrote:
> On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 1:27:44 PM, Dan Koren wrote:
> >
> > Superb! This is a real pianist, not a cload! ;-)
>
> Now you're just making words up.

First amendment, dear federalist?

Freedom of speech? Which BTW
includes freedom of spelling,
respelling and dispelling.

> Stahp it.

After you, sir!

dk

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 5:41:02 PM UTC-7, Oscar wrote:
> On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 7:49:33 AM UTC-7, herman wrote:
> >
> > Mandryka is a well-liked, interesting,
> > engaging contributor, and you hate
> > him for it.
>
> I concur. A very popular and knowledgeable
> contributor. I imagine Howie listening intently
> in a sweater vest and seated in plush purple
> Victorian armchair. Is that profiling?

So you are still stuck in the Victorian era?

dk

On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 9:27:44 PM UTC+1, Dan Koren wrote:
> On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 11:38:15 AM UTC-7, Mandryka wrote:
> >
> > What do you think of Roland Batik?
> >
> > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DBOYTgvLQg
> Superb! This is a real pianist, not a cload! ;-)
>
> dk

That set is on an LP which has been transferred and is streaming widely. His 1991 set of sonatas (Gramola) is tamer and all the better for it IMO, one of the better big surveys on modern piano IMO. He recorded some Mozart’s two piano music with Gulda, and indeed some Beethoven sonatas - I haven’t heard either of those.

Interesting pianist, I enjoy his Mozart in the big set more than Gulda’s I think, though I prefer McCawley and late Arrau and others. A question of tone and touch, and recorded sound. The LP has diminutions (I mean long notes played as repeated short notes) and other unexpected embellishments. But it’s fun, he was a charmer.