City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

[Mischa]

Different countries, different promotion, different hype: I own quite a lot of recordings with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and I really fancy some of them much (they're all from the 90's). In fact, I associate a compact and fine sound with the orchestra.

It seems they're touring half as often as in the Rattle-time these days, and whenever it comes to newer recordings, the CBSO is rarely represented. Well, I'm aware, they suffered from a financial crisis for quite a while, but what about its quality today? Just a Rattle hype in the late 90's when it comes to industry, or is it a substantial decay you might sense, or am I simply visiting the wrong shops?

Opinions or corrections?

[Balthazar]

I still love the recording of their Mahler 2nd under Rattle.

[haydnguy]

I never figured Birmingham, Alabama for a symphony orchestra.

[Herzeleide]

Since I come from near Birmingham (it's pronounced 'Berming-um') I'm fiercely proud of our orchestra as well as the BCMG - Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.

Both ensembles play on the following disk:



As well as the music being of an extraordinarily high standard, so are the performances.

Another very fine disk I have with the Brum Symphony Orchestra + contemporary music group playing a contemporary piece is this:




All hail the mighty Brummagem.

[haydnguy]

Originally Posted by Herzeleide

Since I come from near Birmingham (it's pronounced 'Berming-um') I'm fiercely proud of our orchestra as well as the BCMG - Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.

Both ensembles play on the following disk:



As well as the music being of an extraordinarily high standard, so are the performances.

Another very fine disk I have with the Brum Symphony Orchestra + contemporary music group playing a contemporary piece is this:




All hail the mighty Brummagem.