John Ogdon's Opus Clavicembalisticum

[minor9th]

What do Sorabji/Ogdon fans think of his recording? I find it overwhelming powerful, yet I've read reviews that state he only "approximates" some of the passages. If this is the case, why did he or the label allow it to be released? Regardless, it towers over Madge's two pathetic efforts. Perhaps Jonathan Powell will record it some day.

[JCarey]

It's all right. It's very powerful, as you say, but perhaps a little too harsh and quite innaccurate in parts. But, of course it is much better than Madge's improv.

[superstition2]

What do Sorabji/Ogdon fans think of his recording? I find it overwhelming powerful, yet I've read reviews that state he only "approximates" some of the passages. If this is the case, why did he or the label allow it to be released? Regardless, it towers over Madge's two pathetic efforts. Perhaps Jonathan Powell will record it some day.

His Scriabin collection is the worst I've heard, even worse than Ponti's, which is saying a lot.

[minor9th]

Yes, I was shocked at how dull his Scriabin was...I guess he couldn't play anything!

[Etude]

It sounds more like Sorabji than Madge's... 'version'.

But yes, it is very harsh in places and tempi are always extreme, making it last 5 hours instead of 4.  I'd rather listen to this than the Madge though.

Regardless, it towers over Madge's two pathetic efforts.

Have you heard Madge's earlier recording?  I can't find it anywhere, but if so, how does it compare to his later version?

[minor9th]

It sounds more like Sorabji than Madge's... 'version'.

But yes, it is very harsh in places and tempi are always extreme, making it last 5 hours instead of 4.  I'd rather listen to this than the Madge though.

Have you heard Madge's earlier recording?  I can't find it anywhere, but if so, how does it compare to his later version?

I had it on LP but literally threw it away after buying Ogdon's CD! The thin sound was off-putting, and being utterly unfamiliar with the music at the time, I wasn't aware of its technical deficiencies, but after comparing it to Ogdon's, it definitely lacked power and authority. I guess it's marinally more accurate than his BIS recording--didn't have the score to follow at the time, however.

[Etude]

Interesting.  I've read stuff saying it's much better than the BIS one, and stuff saying he is more confident/relaxed in the BIS. 

[sevencircles]

Why wasn´t the recording edited?

[minor9th]

Why wasn´t the recording edited?

Ogdon's or Madges? Both of Madge's are live recordings--at least he has the integrity not to edit after the concert!

[sevencircles]

Ogdon's or Madges? Both of Madge's are live recordings--at least he has the integrity not to edit after the concert!

Ogdon´s

[lau]

here comes etude

[Etude]

here comes etude

Haha, yes indeed.

[Etude]

Ogdon's or Madges? Both of Madge's are live recordings--at least he has the integrity not to edit after the concert!

I wish he had!

[lau]

Haha, yes indeed.

Do you know who Father Beverage is?

[Etude]

https://pianochat.proboards25.com/index.cgi?action=viewprofile&user=fatherbeverage

[minor9th]

I have no idea if Ogdon edited or not. If not, perhaps he wanted to preserve the live feel. Alstair Hinton may be able to illuminate the issue.

[ahinton]

https://pianochat.proboards25.com/index.cgi?action=viewprofile&user=fatherbeverage

Well, whoever he is, he seems unable to assess his own age correctly, if his declared date of birth is to be believed.

As to the OC question, Geoffrey Douglas Madge's original LP recording has been unavailable now for at least 12 years, to our knowledge. We must - as I've said and written more times than I can remember - now wait for Jonathan Powell to go into the studio when he is ready and record it.

It is also worth mentioning en passant that Mr Powell has had the benefit of the composer's part-corrected publication copy of that work from which to prepare his performances; this was unavailable either to John Ogdon or to Geoffrey Douglas Madge.

Best,

Alistair

[ahinton]

I have no idea if Ogdon edited or not. If not, perhaps he wanted to preserve the live feel. Alstair Hinton may be able to illuminate the issue.

Yes - this recording was indeed edited.

Best,

Alistair

[lau]

I know you were looking at my biscuit post etude! You should have made a post.

[Etude]

Lau discovers the wonders of https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?action=who