I have that Karajan ring on CD. Wonderful! - especially Jon Vickers as Siegmund.

It's all just an excuse to have a few drinks, really!

No, I have recordings of the Op50 quartets by the Nomos Quartet (now definct, I think) on the CPO label. Had never heard of these recordings & took a chance as they were on a sale, but they’re really quite marvellous.

My wife's favourite film.
This novelty Christmas present I got her a few years ago went down a bit better than the "proper" Christmas present.

What I particularly love about Chopin is that he could be both elegant and fiery - often at the same time! If Polish vodka could do that too, I’m in!

Anyway, it’s Mussorgsky Day today. I’m opening a bottle of vodka. (Finnish vodka, as I don’t like buying anything Russian these days.)

Can't think of any better work to be inspired by!

Noted - thanks!

Thanks - I'll have to hunt that down.

Yes, the string quartet does seem to me the ideal medium for a work so profoundly introspective.

PS I wasn’t asking for opinions on my preference - it is what it is! - I was just wondering which version other Haydn fans prefer. (And I know there are a few Haydn fans around here…)

Yes, I need to hear that too. And also the piano version.

Thanks - that sounds terrific. I'll see if they have tickets.

I was listening to the DG recording conducted by Carlos Kleiber.

Takes me back to that idyllic summer of '82 ... Brazil wowing us all at the World Cup, & me spending lazy summer days getting to know this glorious music, & reading (I distinctly remember) Fielding's "Tom Jones". And, strange as it may seem now, I was actually young back then!