... on Sirius/XM Radio:

Trainwreck # 1

Jonathan Biss ~ Beethoven 'Hammerklavier I: (Sounds like 33 RPM LP played at 45 RPM)



Hammerklavier II



'Hammerklavier III (A bit too mechanical and rockaby/lullaby in places):



'Hammerklavier IV




Sure, he studied at Bloomington and Curtis, fantastic opportunities, he was mentored by world-famous Leon Fleisher (whom I met with his lovely wife Katherine Jacobson {CIM} at Vanderbilt Blair), and he was coached in master classes with the ultimate Beethoven piano authority (IMO) Dainel Barenboim, blah, blah, blah ... but he chopped up Beethoven's 'Hammerklavier' with a Skil saw. He must have been rushing to a fire, because when he finished, the piano was smoldering ashes. Maybe he had a hot date waiting for him.

Oh, well, he's young and has miles to go before he sleeps.

Now, here's how it should be played IMO, preferably somewhat less than 𝅗𝅥 = 138

Daniel Barenboim ~ 'Hammerklavier (complete):




Everyone is free to state their opinion, if you have one. Perhaps you can see the difference.


Trainwreck # 2

Howard Hanson: Symphony No. 2 in D-Flat Major, Op. 30, W 45 "Romantic": Adagio - Allegro moderato by Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Knuzel, Conductor (Boderline cacophany in places, IMO):

Mvt # 1:



Mvt # 2:



Mvt # 3:





Now, here's how it is supposed to be played:

Hanson Symphony No. 2 Romantic by Seattle Symphony, Gerard Schwarz, Conductor
Mvt # 1:



Mvt # 2:



Mvt # 3:




Hanson was an American composer, conductor, educator and music theorist. He was Director of Eastman School of Music for 40 years.

OK, that is your lesson for the day.

Class dismissed.