A Classical Contrast

An exercise in comparison and contrast, dear readers. If time and inclination permit you, please view the following exerpts and let me know what you think. These are both performances of Mahler Symphony 3, the finale. I trust you will not have to view them in their entirety to come away with a few thoughts. Think about music, it's purpose as a medium of sound, a thing we hear, not necessarily see. Music as an art that leads us beyond our bodies, rather than an art of showmanship and display.

First, we have Izquierdo as conductor. I chose this clip simply because it was the only one corresponding with clip #2, of the brand new Dudamel of the L.A. Philharmonic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOA5VFP40ZQ



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_opWwO_IUc



As long as we're talking compare and contrast, consider these two excerpts also. Notice the conductor and the violinist, how well they work together, or clash, as the case may be. Are you distracted from the music at all? Which clip contains the best music quality (not accounting for poor recording equipment)? Which clip takes you to another place internally, where you begin to think? Which of these clips - including the two above - show dignity, true virtuosity, ease of performance, real technical advancement? Which of the clips display mannerisms that remind you of either wounded ducks or fish about to expire?

First we have Dudamel and Joshua Bell. Second we have (I did not research into the conductor) Heifetz playing the same piece, Tchaikovsky Concerto 1, 1st mvmt., as his oft-proclaimed successor plays in clip #1. Aren't successors supposed to improve upon their predecessors? At least in art?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgIMDUHtCtw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFaq9kTlcaY

My final questions: WHAT IS GOING ON IN CLASSICAL MUSIC? What has happened to the beauty and refinement of music? Why must I see real artists only in black and white recordings rather than on the stage of my local symphony hall? Why has talent been succeeded by impostors?

End of Doamna's rant for the day.