A Lark Ascending

And yet... BBC Radio 3s Building a Library: Not presenting that as a definitive pecking order - just an illustration of of how interpretations can differ. Other more recent BAL programmes have recommended Brendel (22) and Pires (17). But what would a 'limey' programme know? In the end this all rapidly degenerates into angels dancing on heads of pins territory.

Then it's done its job. But I'd recommend looking beyond this particular locker room for other interpretations. The views expressed here on Uchida are by no means widely held. In Clementine's case it's the usual 'bad boy' posturing. Have a look at the Penguin guide (watch out for incoming!) for a viewpoint that also expresses reservations about the Uchida ('none of the performances of the major works here would be a first choice') but without the hyperbole that seems to be de rigueur here.

Quite. And it's interesting to read what works for others and why they think it does. Less interesting to read what doesn't work for others and why it should not work for everyone else.

Thank you. That's an argument rather than an assertion and helps me understand why you feel the way you do. I've only known the later concertos through a mixture of Schiff, Gulda, Gilels and Pollini and, not being a Mozart obsessive, they've served me well. I bought the Anda set last year to get to hear the earlier music. Apparently I shouldn't have according to Clementine but I've enjoyed it.

All we 'learn' from that are attitudes and how to strike them. Lots of 'attitudes' here about Uchida, for example, but virtually nothing to explain why she is to be despised (even the purple passage in her favour from a few years back gets disowned without any explanation). I've no axe to grind about her music as I don't know her recordings. But this thread leaves me no wiser as to why I should be sneering at her. Though it certainly teaches me how. Back to your discussion, chaps. I look forward to learning something.

Yeah, I'm probably romanticising.

This thread has just won the 'Let's Play Classical Connoisseur Top Trumps' Award for 2011. The pretentiousness on show is mind-boggling!

Or reversed polarity!

Amazing how he's balancing that lamp standard on his left elbow! (Should have taken the photo yourself, Bev!) Ha! Actually, the photo is very flattering of the pedestrianised precinct. In reality it's mainly boarded up shops and kids on skateboards. Mixture of the death of the mines and hosiery and the migration of trade to the supermarkets and retail parks. Larwood and Voce wouldn't recognise it - they lived in a vibrant mining community.

Statue of Larwood from the centre of Kirkby-in-Ashfield where I work. Bill Voce also came from here. When I first moved here in 1978 one of the houses at the School was named after Larwood (it vanished in an 80s reorganisation). I'm no cricket buff but am aware of the controversy of the Bodyline Tour of Australia in the early 1930s. There's even a pub in Nottingham itself called the Larwood and Voce: http://www.molefacepubcompany.co.uk/the-larwood-and-voce1.html

Just started two totally contrasting reads:

I'd never have guessed the Art Tatum obsession! Interesting Guest chart too!

I don't recall it having that name when originally aired here - could be my defective memory. Or was it added to give it a snappier title? Am I right in recalling that this had a section looking at how target driven cultures end up with employees distorting everything to hit the target with examples from the NHS and the police? Boy does that ring home in the education field!

Remember 'Whatever Happened To Our Dream Of Freedom' from a few years back - brilliant and alarming. BBC is currently screening 'All Watched Over By Machines...' which I've recorded but not yet seen. Will have to look out for those other two. I'm now on Series 2 of 'Spiral'. Funny how, even though I've seen series 3 and know the main characters survive, you can still get tense when they are in trouble.

Thanks, Lon. I'll take that advice. You've saved me £200! I need to get it checked out as the CD drawer has developed a mind of its own, sticking halfway, opening and then immediately shutting etc.

The Thompson box set flood continues... Also from 1982: And then as if the 18 CD box was not enough: My favourite Sandy Denny album - but looks a bit superfluous. I won't be able to resist the BBC One - recall hearing some of these broadcasts - the 80s ones are especially useful as they strip the music of the overproduction of the albums of the era. The other two I'll leave.

It's a CD 6 . Just checked the booklet and it says the digital output is designed to connect to an external D/A. Though you've got me doubting now. Cyrus do one of their own - the DAC X - but that is around a grand. Well beyond what I'd pay.

Thanks, Lon. Edges me towards it. £200 quid here ($300 or so?).

I keep reading about the ability of DAC Converters to give an appreciable sound improvement to CD (and especially mp3 based sources). Lots of people here have them as a basic part of their system. I'm no audiophile and won't spend a fortune on improving sound. But if its reasonably in cost terms I'm up for an improvement. Have my eye on a Cambridge DACMagic machine. Here are my questions: 1. Am I likely to hear the difference? 2. Connections - I assume I go from CD player to DAC to amp? 3. CD player (Cyrus) has the ability to connect to the DAC via an optical cable. Amp (Arcam) does not have an optical. How would it connect from here: 4. What on earth are those 'balanced output' sockets? Any advice appreciated. My knowledge of hi-fi technicalities is zilch. Thanks, Bev

Missed the Jazz Library programme apart from that fantastic 'Oleo' at the end. Will have to wind back on the replayer. Great start to JRR - may not be 'brow-furrowing-scowl-over-the-pince-nez' jazz but I love 'Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall' with Ella and the Ink Spots. Never occurred to me that it was a hit in 1944 - a lot of rain falling then.

Did someone shout at him? Valkyries seem to have re-stabled. JRR is back in a little while.

I do like her eclectic approach to music - but jazz is not her centre of gravity, so she can't be as searching. I'd imagine the wider funding reductions in contemporary Britain are also a reason. Obscure Handel operas - however expensive - will sell out where some of the Euro unknowns Nod brought in played to quite small audiences in the Pavilion. Actually, last time I went I diversified a bit, taking in a Scottish folk concert and a string quartet playing Debussy, Bartok and Haydn. I'd hoped this would become my approach to Bath. But there wasn't enough even on the wider programme to draw me in.

Yes, I've skipped Bath for the second year running. I notice Nod Knowles is no longer involved - wonder if that might explain the falling off. He would scour the strangest corners of Europe to bring back musicians I'd never heard of.