Building a Collection UPDATES October 19, 2025

Welcome back to everyone, and I want to extend a warm welcome to any new readers and subscribers! Thank you ever so much for your support. Without you, I would not be able to keep the newsletter going. My goal with today’s post is to update you regarding some recording recommendations from my esteemed readers, as well as to keep you apprised of my progress on my upcoming Schubert’s Unfinished symphony post.

Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata by Ivan Moravec and Yu Kosuge

One of my readers, Luca R., reminded me of the outstanding album of Beethoven sonatas by the Czech pianist Ivan Moravec, recorded in 1963 on the Supraphon label. Moravec has been one of my favorite pianists for quite some time now, but somehow, I overlooked this gem of an album. On the Moonlight sonata, Moravec’s playing is exquisite, with an almost unbelievable touch and subtlety in the opening movement. Balance and tempos are unimpeachable throughout, and the sound is clear, resonant, and round. The second movement has taste and color, while the final movement rumbles along with plenty of pulse and power. Moravec shows a great deal of spontaneity, as you get the sense that he uses the inspiration that comes to him on the wing without the slightest whiff of routine to be found. The sound is good, with some slight occasional distortion, especially from the lower register on the piano. But this is a prime recommendation for this sonata. Thanks again to Luca for the reminder!

Staying on the subject of the Moonlight sonata, reader John C. pointed out the wonderful recording of the work by the Japanese pianist Yu Kosuge (Sony 2015) and I tend to agree. I would say this is a relatively down the middle interpretation in terms of tempos, phrasing, and dynamics, but Kosuge displays a thoughtful and engaging technique with a good deal of rubato and touch. Her Allegretto is even a bit more engaging than Moravec’s, and the finale Presto agitato has all the requisite virtuosity while showing off the nice sparkle in Kosuge’s playing. This recording certainly deserves to at least be in the honorable mention category, and I will make that update. Thank you, John!

Dido and Aeneas with Jessye Norman, Thomas Allen, and led by Raymond Leppard

One of my recent posts for paid subscribers was featuring the new recording of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas with Joyce DiDonato, Michael Spyres, and led by Maxim Emelyanychev. Reader Derek A. pointed out to me another superb recording of this work by Raymond Leppard conducting the English Chamber Orchestra and Chorus on Decca from 1985. The recording features the epic soprano Jessye Norman as Dido, soprano Marie McLaughlin as Belinda, and the golden toned Thomas Allen as Aeneas. The countertenor Derek Lee Ragin makes a significant impact as the Spirit. On dramatic grounds, this performance is an absolute winner. The expressivity and power of the singing is breathtaking. I have long been a fan of Leppard’s accomplished recordings of baroque repertoire, especially Bach. Mind you, this is not a period instrument performance so you will hear fuller strings and a richer palette than you would with a period performance. Comparing this to the Emelyanychev release is a bit absurd, as the styles employed are so different. But the level of expression and vitality Leppard draws out is admirable and quite enjoyable. This is highly recommended if you like Purcell’s music. Thank you, Derek! I’m quite pleased I was able to get to know this recording through your advocacy.

Uto Ughi in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with Prêtre

One of the very first CDs I ever purchased back in the 1980s was the 1982 recording of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with Italian violinist Uto Ughi and the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of the late French conductor Georges Prêtre on the RCA (now Sony) label. When I published my recent post on Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, I neglected to mention this recording. I want to thank Luca R. once again for pointing out the quality of this recording. While personally I would not include it as a primary recommendation, it is well worth hearing and Ughi has a wonderfully lyrical tone with a fast vibrato. His impassioned run to the end of the first movement is wonderful, and the Andante is rich and creamy and reminiscent of some of the old-style virtuosi such as Heifetz or Oistrakh. This recording provided me many years of listening pleasure back in the day, and it certainly deserves to be highlighted again. Thanks again Luca!

Update on Schubert’s Unfinished

I am currently working on my next post in the Building a Collection series, and this features #95: Franz Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony. I have 14 pages of notes on the many, many recordings of this unusual masterpiece, and I hope to be able to post that to you in two- or three-days’ time.

In the meantime, I wish everyone a wonderful week ahead and happy listening!