Topic: Joseph Marx

[Jezetha]

Funny you should have done this today. I JUST (as in: 2 hours ago) got my copy of Marx's orchestral songs (Chandos, Belohlavek) in the mail.

Marx, Joseph / Orchestral Songs & Choral Works / BBCSO&C, Christine Brewer, Jiri Belohlavek

Nice coincidence! I think I'll have a listen to Marx's Piano Concerto later today...

[schweitzeralan]

Bumping this thread for the sake of Schweitzeralan.

Berkant Haydin is the supreme expert on Marx. His erstwhile postings are exemplary of the style and inmense subtleties of this once forgotten composer. Thanks to Berkant and the Marx Society, I was able to acquire the wonderful recording of the "Autumn Symphony." To state bluntly that this work is a masterpiece is an understatement. Its rich, profuse 20th century romanticism along with a sensuous impressinistic aesthetic is wonderful. Some  works of Marx do recall other composers, most notably Strauss and Scriabin (one of my favorites). Depth and intense "sensuosity" inform the work of this master.

[Dundonnell]

Berkant Haydin is the supreme expert on Marx. His erstwhile postings are exemplary of the style and inmense subtleties of this once forgotten composer. Thanks to Berkant and the Marx Society, I was able to acquire the wonderful recording of the "Autumn Symphony." To state bluntly that this work is a masterpiece is an understatement. Its rich, profuse 20th century romanticism along with a sensuous impressinistic aesthetic is wonderful. Some  works of Marx do recall other composers, most notably Strauss and Scriabin (one of my favorites). Depth and intense "sensuosity" inform the work of this master.

"....recording of the 'Autumn Symphony'"

I thought that this was the one major Marx composition still awaiting a recording?

[schweitzeralan]

Bumping this thread for the sake of Schweitzeralan.

I

I replied previously on this subject, but I don't see it.  Perhaps it wil turn up.  To state briefly I mentioned that Berkant Haydin has commented significantly on Marx's works.  I also stated that by virtue of the Marx Society I was able to procure a recording of the "Autmn Symphony."  I said that it would have been an understatement to qualify this long forgotten work as a major symphonic work.  It is truly a masterpiece conceived in the Romantic/Impressiionist aesthetic.

[Dundonnell]

Ah...I think that I understand now.

The 'Herbstsymphonie' is still awaiting a commercial recording

[Jezetha]

Berkant Haydin is the supreme expert on Marx. His erstwhile postings are exemplary of the style and inmense subtleties of this once forgotten composer. Thanks to Berkant and the Marx Society, I was able to acquire the wonderful recording of the "Autumn Symphony." To state bluntly that this work is a masterpiece is an understatement. Its rich, profuse 20th century romanticism along with a sensuous impressinistic aesthetic is wonderful. Some  works of Marx do recall other composers, most notably Strauss and Scriabin (one of my favorites). Depth and intense "sensuosity" inform the work of this master.

Very interesting. And being a Scriabinite myself, I think I'll warm to the "Herbst-Symphonie"!

[schweitzeralan]

Very interesting. And being a Scriabinite myself, I think I'll warm to the "Herbst-Symphonie"!

The "Herbstsymphonie" will eventually emerge as a commercial recording.  It is not to be missed, unless one has no taste for lush, sensuous sonorities.  I also own everything by Scriabin as well as many of Scriabin's disciples: namely, Roslavetz Feinberg, Krein, Mompou, Szymonowski (pardon the spelling), and others.  I particularly like to listen to or to play several of his late works.  The sonatas are too demanding to play for me, but I have several recordings.  These are many; I happen to appreciate Laredo; not all aficionados do. I happen to like her interpretation; then, again, this is a personal assessment. Are you familiar with the Scriabin/Nemptin "Mysterium"?  For me personally listening to this work gives me a transcendental experience, particularly after a few glasses of wine.  Cheers!

[Jezetha]

Are you familiar with the Scriabin/Nemptin "Mysterium"?  For me personally listening to this work gives me a transcendental experience, particularly after a few glasses of wine.

Yes, I know it, but I don't like it. Perhaps my ususal sobriety prevents me from fully appreciating Nemtin's reconstruction?  The 'Mysterium' is full of what I would term 'inchoate Scriabin'. Every time you get an exciting build-up, burgeoning ecstasy, but no real release. The whole work sounds like an overextended Prometheus that fails to make its point.

That's my, admittedly rather harsh, opinion of this work.

[schweitzeralan]

Yes, I know it, but I don't like it. Perhaps my ususal sobriety prevents me from fully appreciating Nemtin's reconstruction?  The 'Mysterium' is full of what I would term 'inchoate Scriabin'. Every time you get an exciting build-up, burgeoning ecstasy, but no real release. The whole work sounds like an overextended Prometheus that fails to make its point.

That's my, admittedly rather harsh, opinion of this work.

Interesting perspective. I've read several negative reviews.  I understand.  I have my own betes noirs; most notably Handal, Hayden, and/or most Baroque and Classical steadfasts.  I don't imply the lack of genius acknowledged and appreciated over the centuries.  Just not my interest. A chaq'un  son gout. I do apprreciate the overall interest and knowledge of the participants in this forum.

[Dundonnell]

I must say that I have been impressed by the Chandos release of the Marx Orchestral Songs and Choral Works. The four, relatively short choral pieces in particular do live up to the descriptions and recommendations made above by Berkant Haydin.  I was especially taken by the very fine 'Herbstchor an Pan'. Absolutely no feeling here that I had overdosed on Viennese gateaux

The insert notes for the cd written by Berkant and his colleague Stefan Esser are an absolute treat to read-detailed, informative, well-written, extensive (CPO take note )

Overall, a much more favourable reaction than to the ASV orchestral series