I like jazz too. I started with jazz, then got into classical only recently. With getting the vinyl rig sounding OK again and pratty amps I am listening a lot more to jazz now. It's amazing how much the system makes or breaks the listening experience.
I like Eroica Symphony also, that was the first symphony I heard in a real high end system. Shane brought over some Nuforce amps and Tact room correction a few years ago (
) at my very first g2g. It was wild to hear the impact and detail so clearly. Very emotional. I still like the 5th best.
I've heard a few Beethoven Symphonies live, but usually the recordings are better. No smelly noisy people, better band, better conductor, better acoustics, and a hell of a lot cheaper. But occasionally a live concert really comes together, and the spiritual factor of being there with the musicians really makes it great. Usually it happens when playing a powerful piece which they rarely perform, so they feel it. Last year the only pieces I remember doing that were Prokofiev Symphony 1, Shostakovich Piano Concerto 2, and Mozart Figaro. The typical Hayden and Brahms is usually a big waste for me. So I prefer those on record by a band that is inspired and understands what they're playing and why. Not just slogging out the 8pm show. But 2 years ago NC Symphony played the 9th as season finale, with the NC MAster Choral singing the choral movement. It was pretty wild to be sitting in 6th row in front of 200 people playing as loud as they can.
Anyone want to sample the Triple Concerto? I will happily send it to you. The 1990s YoYoMa is much better than the 1964 Fleisher.
