Takashi Asahina and Bruckner
Thu, Jul 15 2010, 3:38AM
I've read a little about this late conductor, just enough to know he was encouraged by Furtwangler and is, among other things, a Bruckner specialist.
In viewing ebay and Amazon for his recordings it seems they do bring a relatively high price. Can anyone comment on this man and explain why his Bruckner is so sought after? Any comparisons with other Bruckner specialsts and suggestions regarding his outstanding recorded performances would be appreciated by me....Lee
Thu, Jul 29 2010, 11:42AM
#2
RE: Takashi Asahina and Bruckner
You can download his recordings here if you have a program called Vuze.
http://isohunt.com/lite/#q=bruckner+asahina&p=1
Thu, Jul 29 2010, 10:10PM
#3
RE: Takashi Asahina and Bruckner
Well, I've listened his performance of # 9, and I found nothing special about it. Not worth the effort to seek it, IMHO. j.
Mon, Aug 16 2010, 7:18AM
#4
RE: Takashi Asahina and Bruckner
Asahina got into Bruckner after meeting Furtwangler.
The Karajan detractor played several of Asahina's Bruckners recently on the radio here, along with glowing comments, but I couldn't tell why, especially with ensemble slacks.
Sat, Aug 21 2010, 8:15PM
#5
RE: Takashi Asahina and Bruckner
He's one of those conductors about whom I've heard a bit. I believe his recordings are only available in Japan, which would account for their rarity and therefore expense. It seems to be well thought of on John Berky's Bruckner website.
Got quite a lot of Bruckner - not going to spend a fortune on this though.
P
Sun, Jul 24 2011, 9:42PM
#6
RE: Takashi Asahina and Bruckner
I haven't listened to all of his many Bruckner recordings by any means but of those I have, only his readings of the 9th pall. He seems to take the first movement so slowly that it lacks any forward drive and passion. I am growing fond of the rest, however. Something I have noticed is that his readings tended to get quicker as his years passed.
Very true they are expensive unless you know of someone in Japan ready to post them to you. If you order from conventional sources you'll pay courier rates, inevitably meaning customs duty in the UK. It is possible to find bargains on ebay, however.
Hi Lee
I heard a lot of hype about Asahina a while ago, and obtained two DVDs with his complete Brahms symphonies on them (with the Osaka PO).
I can't say I have ever returned to them - which I think speaks volumes - I found them rather pedestrian and somewhat plodding. Certainly nothing out of the ordinary.
I haven't heard his Bruckner; maybe it does hold something special. But if one judges matters by his Brahms, I am left scratching my head.
Bws,
Karafan
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