I'll start...in no particular order:
1. Diamond: Symphony No. 4 (could have easily went with his Symphony No. 3 as well)
2. Ives: A Symphony: New England Holidays
3. Schuman: Symphony No. 3
4. Copland: Symphony No. 3
5. Piston: Symphony No. 6
Again, no particular order:
Schuman: Symphony #3
Piston: Symphony #2
Rochberg: Symphony #1
Ives: Symphony #4
Shapero: Symphony for Classical Orchestra
INPO:
Barber, Symphony No. 2
Diamond, Symphony No. 3
Copland, Symphony No. 3
Still, Symphony No. 1 'Afro-American' (too playful to neglect)
And one from Schuman, Mennin, Piston, Ives, Hanson, Harris, or ... ???
Quote from: Christo on April 13, 2015, 09:54:54 PM
Barber, Symphony No. 2
A big resounding YES to that choice, Johan. A masterful symphony just as good, if not better, than it's predecessor IMHO.
Didn't we do a thread like this already?
Helps 1
Piston 2
Diamond 4
Sessions 3
Thompson 2
Harris 3
Schuman 3
Ives 2
Diamond 2
Barber 1
Piston 2
Diamond 2
Carter Symphonia
Barber 1
Copland Organ Symphony
Harris Gettysburg
Quote from: Daverz on April 13, 2015, 11:05:24 PM
Didn't we do a thread like this already?
Helps 1
That helps.
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 13, 2015, 07:32:21 PM
I'll start...in no particular order:
1. Diamond: Symphony No. 4 (could have easily went with his Symphony No. 3 as well)
2. Ives: A Symphony: New England Holidays
3. Schuman: Symphony No. 3
4. Copland: Symphony No. 3
5. Piston: Symphony No. 6
What?!?
No Mennin??!! 8)
Quote from: karlhenning on April 14, 2015, 03:36:01 AM
What?!? No Mennin??!! 8)
I'm actually not too fond of Mennin's music, Karl, which is why he's absent from my list. :)
Ah, well. I know I often leave off well-liked pieces/composers just because the list is short. Sorry this was a case where the omission was significant ;)
Quote from: karlhenning on April 14, 2015, 06:57:13 AM
Ah, well. I know I often leave off well-liked pieces/composers just because the list is short. Sorry this was a case where the omission was significant ;)
8)
Quote from: karlhenning on April 14, 2015, 03:36:01 AM
What?!? No Mennin??!! 8)
Nope, Mennin probably doesn't even make it in my top 10.
Quote from: The new erato on April 14, 2015, 03:15:37 AM
That helps.
Robert Helps (1928-2001), Symphony No. 1. It's on this CD:
(http://z2-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/B009Y8G0SK.01-A17SFUTIVB227Z._SX420_SCLZZZZZZZ_V402625338_.jpg)
http://www.newworldrecords.org/album.cgi?rm=view&album_id=17499
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000005TXW/ref=tmm_acd_used_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&condition=used&sr=1-2&qid=1429035858
Quote from: Daverz on April 14, 2015, 10:23:14 AM
Nope, Mennin probably doesn't even make it in my top 10.
I'm feeling the love 8)
Quote from: karlhenning on April 14, 2015, 10:44:34 AM
I'm feeling the love 8)
Lots of love for George Antheil too ;) ...although I can't complain since I didn't include him either in my list.
Sarge
Quote from: karlhenning on April 14, 2015, 10:44:34 AM
I'm feeling the love 8)
Mennin Love - the long-awaited sequel to
D. H. Lawrence's
Women in Love. 8)
Hah!
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 13, 2015, 09:58:02 PM
A masterful symphony just as good, if not better, than it's predecessor IMHO.
Curses upon you and upon your children unto the seventh generation, blasphemer!
:laugh: >:D $:) :P
Barber withdrew 2. He did not withdraw 1. That tells you his opinion of their relative merits.
Do any of Stravinsky's count? He was an American.
If you mean Naxos American Classics material then these jump out
Barber Symphony (sic)
Copland 3 -- but I like all of them almost as much.
Schuman 3
Others that might make a short list include some Pistons. I have a soft spot for Harris 3. Glass 8 or 9 maybe.
I do like the Shapero mentioned above.
Quote from: Ken B on April 14, 2015, 11:19:46 AM
Curses upon you and upon your children unto the seventh generation, blasphemer!
:laugh: >:D $:) :P
Barber withdrew 2. He did not withdraw 1. That tells you his opinion of their relative merits.
As I mentioned to you before, I do not care what Barber thought of the work. I love the work and love everything about it. That's enough for me.
Quote from: Ken B on April 14, 2015, 11:21:55 AM
Even Homer nods.
Ives 2...
the Great American Symphony. Perfectly captures the American character and spirit.
Sarge
Nice thread:
INPO:
Copland:Symphony 3
Schuman: Symphony 6
Diamond: Symphony 3
Bernstein: Jeremiah
Creston: Symphony 2
There are many others I rate very highly. Tomorrow's list might look different.
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on April 14, 2015, 11:27:17 AM
Ives 2...the Great American Symphony. Perfectly captures the American character and spirit.
Sarge
I almost put that one. But 4 is a greater achievement, I think.
(//)
Quote from: Archaic Torso of Apollo on April 14, 2015, 11:32:38 AM
I almost put that one. But 4 is a greater achievement, I think.
If it was orchestral works I would have included Three Places in New England.
Quote from: Archaic Torso of Apollo on April 14, 2015, 11:32:38 AM
I almost put that one. But 4 is a greater achievement, I think.
It probably is but the Fourth will never be my favorite.
Sarge
Quote from: Ken B on April 14, 2015, 11:19:46 AM
Curses upon you and upon your children unto the seventh generation, blasphemer!
:laugh: >:D $:) :P
Barber withdrew 2. He did not withdraw 1. That tells you his opinion of their relative merits.
Do any of Stravinsky's count? He was an American.
If you mean Naxos American Classics material then these jump out
Barber Symphony (sic)
Copland 3 -- but I like all of them almost as much.
Schuman 3
Others that might make a short list include some Pistons. I have a soft spot for Harris 3. Glass 8 or 9 maybe.
I do like the Shapero mentioned above.
Hard to believe you forgot the
Mennin Eighth!
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on April 14, 2015, 11:27:17 AM
Ives 2...the Great American Symphony. Perfectly captures the American character and spirit.
Sarge
Well, it captures a lot of American music I'll give you that. Some of it written by Ives.
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-great-american-symphony/
I'll note there is a new recording of the Irving Fine Symphony on BMOP. Excellent disc.
[asin]B00S6WC12E[/asin]
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 14, 2015, 11:25:48 AM
As I mentioned to you before, I do not care what Barber thought of the work. I love the work and love everything about it. That's enough for me.
Listening now (the Alsop recording), it's hard to understand all the tsuris about this fine work. I think it's telling that the work was withdrawn 20 years later at the height of the post-war avante-garde ascendency, when Barber probably felt at his most defensive.
Quote from: Daverz on April 14, 2015, 03:39:18 PMListening now (the Alsop recording), it's hard to understand all the tsuris about this fine work. I think it's telling that the work was withdrawn 20 years later at the height of the post-war avante-garde ascendency, when Barber probably felt at his most defensive.
Sometimes composers don't know what's best for their own music. I find absolutely nothing with the music. In fact, it's trademark Barber. Full of that same haunting lyricism we find in all of his best music.
Thread Duty!
In alphabetical order:
Bernstein, Symphony № 2, The Age of Anxiety
Flagello, Missa sinfonica
Gallagher, Symphony № 2, Ascendant
Mennin, Symphony № 7, Variations Symphony
Schuman, Symphony № 9, Le fosse ardeatine
Wuorinen, Symphony № 8, Theologoumena
No mention of Elliott Carter's A Symphony of three orchestras and Symphonia: sum fluxae pretium spei?
:o ???
Quote from: ritter on April 15, 2015, 03:55:15 AM
No mention of Elliott Carter's A Symphony of three orchestras and Symphonia: sum fluxae pretium spei?
:o ???
If I had extended my list to seven . . . .
Quote from: karlhenning on April 15, 2015, 03:59:35 AM
If I had extended my list to seven . . . .
:)
Wunderbar!
Heard the BSO play the Symphonia: sum fluxae pretium spei back when, wonderful piece!
Quote from: Ken B on April 14, 2015, 11:40:01 AM
PTSD
LMAO - it's somewhere around here, must be?!@#
Very good thread and I see there's much I need to listen to. Subject to revision :
Ives 2
Fine (1962) - no one here can argue against this, it's a fine symphony.
Bernstein 2 Age of Anxiety
Diamond 4
Hanson 2 Romantic (can't be helped - reminds me of home and besides, I love it!)
Oops, just realized that Diamond and Hanson are listed one atop the other; as they reviled each other, best to keep 'em separate, so
Diamond 4
Ives 2
Fine (1962) - no one here can argue against this, it's a fine symphony.
Bernstein 2 Age of Anxiety
Hanson 2 Romantic (can't be helped - reminds me of home and besides, I love it!)
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on April 15, 2015, 04:48:07 AM
Oops, just realized that Diamond and Hanson are listed one atop the other; as they reviled each other, best to keep 'em separate, so
Diamond 4
Ives 2
Fine (1962) - no one here can argue against this, it's a fine symphony.
Bernstein 2 Age of Anxiety
Hanson 2 Romantic (can't be helped - reminds me of home and besides, I love it!)
Sorry to hear they reviled each other. Nice to see Hanson included although my favourites are 3 and 6. Intersting that those who include Bernstein tend to choose 'The Age of Anxiety' rather than 'Jeremiah' which is my own favourite of his symphonies.
Quote from: vandermolen on April 15, 2015, 08:59:03 AM
Nice to see Hanson included although my favourites are 3 and 6.
Mine too. I find that the 3rd does the craggy Nordic-Romantic thing better than #1 ("Nordic") and #2 ("Romantic"). Though they are nice pieces also.
I have never heard Fine's symphony. I guess I should seek it out. Even though it was mentioned by *gulp* Ives voters.
Quote from: karlhenning on April 15, 2015, 03:44:29 AM
Thread Duty!
In alphabetical order:
Bernstein, Symphony № 2, The Age of Anxiety
Flagello, Missa sinfonica
Gallagher, Symphony № 2, Ascendant
Mennin, Symphony № 7, Variations Symphony
Schuman, Symphony № 9, Le fosse ardeatine
Wuorinen, Symphony № 8, Theologoumena
The Flagello is a gem. The Rosner Symphony it is paired with on a Naxos CD is also very fine. The Schuman is thorny but rewarding. The old Ormandy LP is still the best recording, I think. I'll definitely look out for the Gallagher and Wuorinen works.
Quote from: Daverz on April 15, 2015, 09:44:24 AM
The Flagello is a gem. The Rosner Symphony it is paired with on a Naxos CD is also very fine. The Schuman is thorny but rewarding. The old Ormandy LP is still the best recording, I think. I'll definitely look out for the Gallagher and Wuorinen works.
I like the Flagello and Rosner work too. I had some nice email exchanges with Rosner who actually suggested possibly meeting up,if he came to the UK, but sadly he passed away recently.
Quote from: Ken B on April 15, 2015, 09:26:17 AM
I have never heard Fine's symphony. I guess I should seek it out. Even though it was mentioned by *gulp* Ives voters.
Please do!! Also, his
Partita for Wind Quintet comes highly recommended.
Right now, in no particular order:
Barber 1
Piston 4
Ives 2
Schuman 3
Hovhaness 2
5 Favorite American Composers of Symphonies
The case for Harold Shapero and his Symphony for Classical Orchestra:
http://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/21/arts/music-a-work-twice-lost-now-twice-found.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm (http://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/21/arts/music-a-work-twice-lost-now-twice-found.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm)
Charles Ives: Complete Symphonies
Peter Mennin: Complete Symphonies
Elliott Carter Symphonia Sum Fluxae Pretium Spe and Symphony of Three Orchestras
Jerome Moross Symphony #1 (He only composed one)
Bernard Herrmann Symphony #1 (He only composed one)
Oh! Is that 6?! ???
Recent discoveries: thanks to Karl Henning, whose name will be added to this list eventually, we have Jack Gallagher, who should probably go by Jacques Gal Le Guerre :o or Jakob von Gallagher to get more exposure ??? ! And for those who might wonder what a hybrid of Copland's Americana sound with John Adams-style Minimalism with a dash of jazzy spices would sound like, there is the incredibly named Adolphus Hailstork
[asin]B000L42JAO[/asin]
Quote from: Archaic Torso of Apollo on April 15, 2015, 09:02:06 AM
Mine too. I find that the 3rd does the craggy Nordic-Romantic thing better than #1 ("Nordic") and #2 ("Romantic"). Though they are nice pieces also.
I agree. Do you know Koussevitsky's performance which is in a class of its own?
A vote for Lou Harrison from me. I really like his 'Elegiac' Symphony (No.2) and the third is also impressive. There is a fine CD coupled with Alan Hovhaness's 2nd Symphony 'Mysterious Mountain'. It is only £5 on Amazon UK
[asin]B0018WUBWQ[/asin]
If you want just one Hovhaness CD in your collection this one IMHO features his two best symphonies:
[asin]B0085AXUGS[/asin]
A word here too in support of the fine Symphony 2 by the sadly short-lived American composer Robert Kurka (1921-57) whom, had he not died of leukaemia would, I am sure, have gone on to great things. His Second Symphony is powerful, dramatic and moving and should appeal to admirers of Harris, Barber, Piston etc although it has also been described as 'Americanised Prokofiev':
[asin]B0000A4G4X[/asin]
Quote from: vandermolen on April 16, 2015, 01:33:44 AM
A vote for Lou Harrison from me. I really like his 'Elegiac' Symphony (No.2) and the third is also impressive. There is a fine CD coupled with Alan Hovhaness's 2nd Symphony 'Mysterious Mountain'. It is only £5 on Amazon UK
[asin]B0018WUBWQ[/asin]
If you want just one Hovhaness CD in your collection this one IMHO features his two best symphonies:
[asin]B0085AXUGS[/asin]
A word here too in support of the fine Symphony 2 by the sadly short-lived American composer Robert Kurka (1921-57) whom, had he not died of leukaemia would, I am sure, have gone on to great things. His Second Symphony is powerful, dramatic and moving and should appeal to admirers of Harris, Barber, Piston etc although it has also been described as 'Americanised Prokofiev':
[asin]B0000A4G4X[/asin]
I really like Harrison's
Elegiac Symphony. I can't say the same for the Hovhaness and Kurka. I was actually quite disappointed with the Kurka considering the amount of good press it seems to garner.
Quote from: vandermolen on April 16, 2015, 01:24:52 AM
I agree. Do you know Koussevitsky's performance which is in a class of its own?
No, I have Hanson's own performance on an old Mercury LP.
While I certainly enjoy the Mysterious Mountain, I am not sure that is the Hovhaness symphony I might have included. (One understands that Hovhaness wrote a good many symphonies, and that the Mysterious Mountain benefits from early exposure, and probably more performances than almost any of the rest.) To continue this paragraph, even, I ought to revisit those of his symphonies I have heard . . . off the top of my head, the symphony I should prefer to be part of the list is the Symphony for Metal Orchestra, Op.203 (№ 17, 1963). Certainly, as a composer myself, I am never comfortable with the suggestion that a composer wrote his best symphony early on, and failed to build upon that musical capital with further practice 8)
Quote from: karlhenning on April 16, 2015, 06:59:00 AM
While I certainly enjoy the Mysterious Mountain, I am not sure that is the Hovhaness symphony I might have included. (One understands that Hovhaness wrote a good many symphonies, and that the Mysterious Mountain benefits from early exposure, and probably more performances than almost any of the rest.) To continue this paragraph, even, I ought to revisit those of his symphonies I have heard . . . off the top of my head, the symphony I should prefer to be part of the list is the Symphony of Metal Orchestra, Op.203 (№ 17, 1963). Certainly, as a composer myself, I am never comfortable with the suggestion that a composer wrote his best symphony early on, and failed to build upon that musical capital with further practice 8)
I much prefer City of Light
Quote from: springrite on April 16, 2015, 07:07:13 AM
I much prefer City of Light
Yes, I need to revisit that one . . . .
Quote from: sanantonio on April 16, 2015, 07:11:31 AM
Riffing off Karl's post; would it be presumptuous to claim that for any composer the first was a "practice" symphony?
I think that speculation is in line with
Jeffrey's question ("What is it about third symphonies?"). Maybe there is a common mental trap which burdens the creation of the symphony № 1, and it takes the composer a process of writing out of that trap. I don't think it's anything like universal . . .
Nielsen,
Mahler and
Shostakovich (to name but three) started out with strong firsts.
Prokofiev, too, though one might argue that he gamed the task by the deliberate use of a historical model.
Toch and Martinů, too, perfectly assured first symphonies.
Quote from: karlhenning on April 16, 2015, 06:59:00 AM
Certainly, as a composer myself, I am never comfortable with the suggestion that a composer wrote his best symphony early on, and failed to build upon that musical capital with further practice
Pffft. Schubert produced nothing of value after he was 33.
I can only hope he was joking (but that hope is none too strong) . . . on Facebook I saw someone post that he is "in contact" with Frank Zappa in The Great Beyond, and that Frank is still writing great stuff.
Well, Schubert must be giving FZ a run for his money, I should say. Wonder if Schubert is done yet setting the German translation of "Titties 'n' Beer"?
Frankly I don't think I have even one "favorite" American Symphony. I wouldn't probably even noticed if all American Symphonies vanished away... ...that's how ignorant I am.
:D
Quote from: vandermolen on April 16, 2015, 01:33:44 AM
[asin]B0000A4G4X[/asin]
Listened to this on Tidal. I much prefer the Grant Park Orchestra recording of the Kurka symphony. I really enjoyed the Helps Piano Concerto No. 2, though.
http://www.cedillerecords.org/albums/robert-kurka-symphonic-works
Quote from: 71 dB on April 16, 2015, 10:03:00 AM
Frankly I don't think I have even one "favorite" American Symphony. I wouldn't probably even noticed if all American Symphonies vanished away... ...that's how ignorant I am.
??? :o >:( Time to invade Finland!
Quote from: karlhenning on April 16, 2015, 06:59:00 AM
While I certainly enjoy the Mysterious Mountain, I am not sure that is the Hovhaness symphony I might have included. (One understands that Hovhaness wrote a good many symphonies, and that the Mysterious Mountain benefits from early exposure, and probably more performances than almost any of the rest.) To continue this paragraph, even, I ought to revisit those of his symphonies I have heard . . . off the top of my head, the symphony I should prefer to be part of the list is the Symphony for Metal Orchestra, Op.203 (№ 17, 1963). Certainly, as a composer myself, I am never comfortable with the suggestion that a composer wrote his best symphony early on, and failed to build upon that musical capital with further practice 8)
I've not heard No. 17, but the title sounds intriguing enough to warrant exploration. The other Hovhaness symphonies I enjoy are No. 19 (Vishnu), No. 22 (City of Light), Mount St. Helen's, and No. 53 (Star Dawn). I chose Mysterious Mountain mainly because of the Reiner Living Stereo performance, which imho is in a league of it's own.
Quote from: NJ Joe on April 16, 2015, 04:03:15 PM
I've not heard No. 17, but the title sounds intriguing enough to warrant exploration. The other Hovhaness symphonies I enjoy are No. 19 (Vishnu), No. 22 (City of Light), Mount St. Helen's, and No. 53 (Star Dawn). I chose Mysterious Mountain mainly because of the Reiner Living Stereo performance, which imho is in a league of it's own.
It is a classic!
Richard Yardumian came to mind as another American of Armenian descent who was big in the mid- 1900's. I believe
Eugene Ormandy was very supportive of his music.
https://www.youtube.com/v/70j9pb3I1Ns
Quote from: Daverz on April 16, 2015, 12:03:22 PMI really enjoyed the Helps Piano Concerto No. 2, though.
I couldn't stand that work at all. The best work on that recording IMHO is Thomson's
The Filling Station and it's not a
great work by any stretch of the word.
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 16, 2015, 07:14:33 PM
I couldn't stand that work at all. The best work on that recording IMHO is Thomson's The Filling Station and it's not a great work by any stretch of the word.
I agree that Filling Station is pleasant but not really memorable. Thomson's best stuff is vocal: songs, opera, choral music.
Quote from: Ken B on April 16, 2015, 07:28:27 PM
I agree that Filling Station is pleasant but not really memorable. Thomson's best stuff is vocal: songs, opera, choral music.
Have you heard any of his symphonies or film music, Ken?
Quote from: Ken B on April 16, 2015, 07:28:27 PM
I agree that Filling Station is pleasant but not really memorable. Thomson's best stuff is vocal: songs, opera, choral music.
I hear the Helps concerto as jazzy and playful. The Thomson work seems to burble along amiably to little effect. Perhaps if Stokowski had recorded it...
Quote from: Daverz on April 16, 2015, 12:03:22 PM
??? :o >:( Time to invade Finland!
Typical American militant solution. Stop listening to Finnish composers. I don't mind. ;)
My favorite Symphonies are from UK (Elgar) and Denmark (Nielsen).
Most Finns and Americans ignore all classical music to begin with... ...I must ignore many things because I don't have time and energy.
I have been into American band
Guster recently. :)
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 16, 2015, 07:29:58 PM
Have you heard any of his symphonies or film music, Ken?
Of course John! I'm the resident Thomson booster! Fine stuff, especially Plow.
Quote from: Archaic Torso of Apollo on April 16, 2015, 06:52:47 AM
No, I have Hanson's own performance on an old Mercury LP.
Hanson's is fine but the Koussevitsky is terrific. In my opinion, like Beecham's recording of Sibelius's 4th Symphony, it has never been equalled.
Quote from: karlhenning on April 16, 2015, 06:59:00 AM
While I certainly enjoy the Mysterious Mountain, I am not sure that is the Hovhaness symphony I might have included. (One understands that Hovhaness wrote a good many symphonies, and that the Mysterious Mountain benefits from early exposure, and probably more performances than almost any of the rest.) To continue this paragraph, even, I ought to revisit those of his symphonies I have heard . . . off the top of my head, the symphony I should prefer to be part of the list is the Symphony for Metal Orchestra, Op.203 (№ 17, 1963). Certainly, as a composer myself, I am never comfortable with the suggestion that a composer wrote his best symphony early on, and failed to build upon that musical capital with further practice 8)
Actually my favourite is probably No. 50 'Mount St Helens' which is a later work.
Quote from: karlhenning on April 16, 2015, 07:18:23 AM
I think that speculation is in line with Jeffrey's question ("What is it about third symphonies?"). Maybe there is a common mental trap which burdens the creation of the symphony № 1, and it takes the composer a process of writing out of that trap. I don't think it's anything like universal . . . Nielsen, Mahler and Shostakovich (to name but three) started out with strong firsts. Prokofiev, too, though one might argue that he gamed the task by the deliberate use of a historical model.
Interesting point
Karl. The 1st symphonies of Norgard, Blomdahl,Simpson, Egge and Lilburn are my favourites probably because they are written in a more conventional idiom before they developed a more radical (in my view) style and I am perhaps not as adventurous as I should be!
I also like the Hovhaness 'City of Light' Symphony and agree with Paul about that one.
Quote from: Daverz on April 16, 2015, 12:03:22 PM
Listened to this on Tidal. I much prefer the Grant Park Orchestra recording of the Kurka symphony. I really enjoyed the Helps Piano Concerto No. 2, though.
http://www.cedillerecords.org/albums/robert-kurka-symphonic-works
??? :o >:( Time to invade Finland!
I agree with you that the GP version of the Kurka is the better performance.
Quote from: springrite on April 16, 2015, 07:07:13 AM
I much prefer City of Light
Quote from: vandermolen on April 18, 2015, 12:12:11 AM
Interesting point Karl. The 1st symphonies of Norgard, Blomdahl,Simpson, Egge and Lilburn are my favourites probably because they are written in a more conventional idiom before they developed a more radical (in my view) style and I am perhaps not as adventurous as I should be!
I also like the Hovhaness 'City of Light' Symphony and agree with Paul about that one.
Well, you gents are right, the
City of Light is well up there.
The special colors of the
Symphony for Metal Orchestra may give that one the edge, by me; but the
City of Light is indeed exquisite.
Quote from: karlhenning on April 18, 2015, 08:34:33 AM
Well, you gents are right, the City of Light is well up there.
The special colors of the Symphony for Metal Orchestra may give that one the edge, by me; but the City of Light is indeed exquisite.
And I must have a listen again to Symphony for Metal Orchestra.
My list would be filled with Ives and Glass only. 8)
Although I'm too sick today to decide which ones to include. :(
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on April 18, 2015, 10:53:30 AM
My list would be filled with Ives and Glass only. 8)
Although I'm too sick today to decide which ones to include. :(
Hope you get better soon! Take good care of yourself!
Cheers,
Quote from: ritter on April 18, 2015, 11:03:09 AM
Hope you get better soon! Take good care of yourself!
Cheers,
Thanks, friend. :)
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on April 18, 2015, 10:53:30 AM
My list would be filled with Ives and Glass only. 8)
Although I'm too sick today to decide which ones to include. :(
Let me help ...
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on April 18, 2015, 10:53:30 AM
My list would be filled with Ives and Glass only. 8)
Although I'm too sick today to decide which ones to include. :(
Hope you feel better soon.
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on April 18, 2015, 10:53:30 AM
My list would be filled with Ives and Glass only. 8)
Although I'm too sick today to decide which ones to include. :(
I'll help you, Greg:
Ives 1
Ives 2
Ives 3
Ives 4
Ives Holidays
There you go. Perfect...well, no Glass, but as I said, perfect 8)
Sarge
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on April 18, 2015, 10:53:30 AM
My list would be filled with Ives and Glass only. 8)
Although I'm too sick today to decide which ones to include. :(
I probably should have included some Glass on my list.
[asin]B000675OJE[/asin]
He's been very prolific in the genre, but I haven't caught up to the later stuff.
Quote from: vandermolen on April 18, 2015, 11:44:52 AM
Hope you feel better soon.
Thanks, vander!
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on April 18, 2015, 11:52:21 AM
I'll help you, Greg:
Ives 1
Ives 2
Ives 3
Ives 4
Ives Holidays
There you go. Perfect...well, no Glass, but as I said, perfect 8)
Sarge
:D Still a great list!
Quote from: Daverz on April 18, 2015, 01:50:43 PM
I probably should have included some Glass on my list.
[asin]B000675OJE[/asin]
He's been very prolific in the genre, but I haven't caught up to the later stuff.
Glass would definitely be on my list if I could make one. :)
Quote from: 71 dB on April 18, 2015, 11:52:40 PM
Glass would definitely be on my list if I could make one. :)
Yes, but then you don't know any (real) American symphonies, as you yourself mentioned.
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on April 15, 2015, 03:44:29 AM
Bernstein, Symphony № 2, The Age of Anxiety
Schuman, Symphony № 9, Le fosse ardeatine
Both of these have turned into favorites of mine, although I've never had any issues with Bernstein's
Age of Anxiety as it was Schuman's 9th that I didn't know quite how to take, but certainly appreciate and even enjoy more now than I ever have.
Quote from: 71 dB on April 16, 2015, 10:03:00 AM
Frankly I don't think I have even one "favorite" American Symphony. I wouldn't probably even noticed if all American Symphonies vanished away... ...that's how ignorant I am.
:D
To the bolded text, you never said it any better then you did right there.
Thread duty -
Some changes must be made!
(In no particular order) -
Ives:
Symphony No. 4Barber:
Symphony No. 2Copland:
Short Symphony (Symphony No. 2)Diamond:
Symphony No. 3Harris:
Symphony No. 6, "Gettysburg"
Copland 3
Hanson 2
Barber 1
Piston 2 (mainly for its heart-wrenching slow movement)
Mennin 5
But I feel bad for leaving out Bernstein 1...
We agree with some kyjo ;D
Barber 1
Hanson 2
Copland 3
Chadwick 3
Hovhaness 50
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on September 18, 2017, 01:12:19 PM
We agree with some kyjo ;D
Barber 1
Hanson 2
Copland 3
Chadwick 3
Hovhaness 50
Chadwick? Really? Strange choice.
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 18, 2017, 03:55:11 PM
Chadwick? Really? Strange choice.
I wanted to choose a composer not so well-known but still worth listening to. It's not that a modern symphony a la Ives. I find it charming. It's my favorite American romantic symphony.
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on September 18, 2017, 04:26:29 PM
I wanted to choose a composer not so well-known but still worth listening to. It's not that a modern symphony a la Ives. I find it charming. It's my favorite American romantic symphony.
I've heard it before of course, but it's been years ago. The whole generation of American composers that predate Ives like Horatio Parker, Arthur Foote, Edwin MacDowell, among others seem to rely heavily on European models and that's fine, but often times their music comes across as lacking in individuality. I'd say my favorite Romantic American symphony is Ives' 1st, which shows the influence of his teacher, Horatio Parker. I do find Amy Beach pretty interesting, although I'd say her chamber music is much more inventive than her orchestral music.
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 18, 2017, 04:31:49 PM
I've heard it before of course, but it's been years ago. The whole generation of American composers that predate Ives like Horatio Parker, Arthur Foote, Edwin MacDowell, among others seem to rely heavily on European models and that's fine, but often times their music comes across as lacking in individuality. I'd say my favorite Romantic American symphony is Ives' 1st, which shows the influence of his teacher, Horatio Parker. I do find Amy Beach pretty interesting, although I'd say her chamber music is much more inventive than her orchestral music.
Beach is nice, too. It's another good example of American pre-modern symphonies. In terms of innovation and creativity, Ives would be the best choice. BTW, I need to get reacquainted his symphonies, which some time ago I don't listen to.
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on September 18, 2017, 06:24:27 PM
Beach is nice, too. It's another good example of American pre-modern symphonies. In terms of innovation and creativity, Ives would be the best choice. BTW, I need to get reacquainted his symphonies, which some time ago I don't listen to.
If you need any recommendations, don't hesitate to ask. Michael Tilson Thomas, Andrew Litton, Leonard Bernstein, and James Sinclair are always great choices in this repertoire.
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 18, 2017, 07:06:54 PM
If you need any recommendations, don't hesitate to ask. Michael Tilson Thomas, Andrew Litton, Leonard Bernstein, and James Sinclair always always great choices in this repertoire.
Thanks. I have the Tilson Thomas (Sony) and the Litton (Hyperion). I remember the Tilson Thomas' performance was better than the Litton.
I've come to really appreciate Bernstein's 'Age of Anxiety' recently. Especially in Bernstein's DGG version - a great disc as it's coupled with 'Jeremiah'.
Should I try again?
Harris 3
Diamond 2
Del Tredici: Alice Symphony
Mennin 5
Carter Symphonia
Quote from: vandermolen on September 19, 2017, 10:45:36 PMI've come to really appreciate Bernstein's 'Age of Anxiety' recently. Especially in Bernstein's DGG version - a great disc as its coupled with 'Jeremiah'.
Seconded. Anything stemming from a cooperation of both Lenny and my favourite non-Dutch poet & thinker should make a 'heavy' impression. 8)
Quote from: Christo on September 19, 2017, 11:14:28 PM
Seconded. Anything stemming from a cooperation of both Lenny and my favourite non-Dutch poet & thinker should make a 'heavy' impression. 8)
Aces, dude.
Quote from: springrite on September 19, 2017, 10:51:24 PM
Should I try again?
Harris 3
Diamond 2
Del Tredici: Alice Symphony
Mennin 5
Carter Symphonia
What's Del Tredici's
Alice Symphony like, Paul?
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 20, 2017, 06:18:51 AM
What's Del Tredici's Alice Symphony like, Paul?
The piece I like better is actually Final Alice, which is one of the pieces Alice Symphony is based on. Think of an episodic long piece with a girlish voice speaking and occasional screaming through much of it.
https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/work/34496/Sinfonia--Olly-Wilson/
Antheil 4
Hovhaness 1
Piston 2
Diamond 2
Hanson 2
My top 5 today.
Yesterday?
Antheil 5
Ives 3
Piston 6
Mennin 7
Rouse 2
The other day...
Maslanka 9
Hovhaness 50
Barber 2
Harris 3
Krouse 5
I think I'm probably cheating here...
Quote from: foxandpeng on February 06, 2024, 10:45:34 AMAntheil 4
Hovhaness 1
Piston 2
Diamond 2
Hanson 2
My top 5 today.
Yesterday?
Antheil 5
Ives 3
Piston 6
Mennin 7
Rouse 2
The other day...
Maslanka 9
Hovhaness 50
Barber 2
Harris 3
Krouse 5
I think I'm probably cheating here...
Nah, I don't think many of us could really set five in stone.
Ives (all), Carter (both), Copland's Organ Symphony
Quote from: Karl Henning on February 06, 2024, 10:57:05 AMNah, I don't think many of us could really set five in stone.
Also, there are more American symphonies coming all the time. Heck, someday, who knows ... a
Henning symphony might (
might) make such a list.
Lets have another go!
Cowell: Symphony No.5
Copland: Symphony for Organ and Orchestra
Creston: Symphony No.2
Harris: Symphony No.3 (Bernstein/Sony)
Diamond: Symphony No.1
Barber 1
Hanson 2 Romantic
S. Jones 3 Palo Duro Canyon
Piston 2
W. Schuman 3
Nos. 6-10:
Bernstein 1 Jeremiah
Copland 3
Creston 3 Three Mysteries
Diamond 3
R. Thompson 2
Quote from: Christo on April 13, 2015, 09:54:54 PMINPO:
Barber, Symphony No. 2
Diamond, Symphony No. 3
Copland, Symphony No. 3
Still, Symphony No. 1 'Afro-American' (too playful to neglect)
And one from Schuman, Mennin, Piston, Ives, Hanson, Harris, or ... ???