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My Title Stays!!!
IT'S TIME FOR A FINZI BUMP! I'm thinking the EMI disc with 'The Fall of the Leaf' and the other piece. Then maybe... wait,... do I even have that Naxos disc? (scuffling sounds)
Love his music. He was related to the Italian-Jewish family featured in the Garden of the Finzi-Continis. In Terra Pax is a favourite although 'Dies Natalis' is his masterpiece I think. The Boult, Lyrita CD is my favourite for his shorter works:
[asin]B000N8UVR6[/asin]
Quote from: vandermolen on August 03, 2017, 10:03:02 PM
Love his music. He was related to the Italian-Jewish family featured in the Garden of the Finzi-Continis. In Terra Pax is a favourite although 'Dies Natalis' is his masterpiece I think. The Boult, Lyrita CD is my favourite for his shorter works:
[asin]B000N8UVR6[/asin]
Die Natalis is my favorite Finzi work as well !
Quote from: springrite on August 03, 2017, 10:17:11 PM
Die Natalis is my favorite Finzi work as well !
The Wilfred Brown/Christopher Finzi version is by far my favourite recording. It was originally coupled on an EMI CD with Herbert Howells's deeply moving 'Hymnus Parasisi' (David Willcocks) which was and is one of my very favourite CDs of all time.
http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,333.0.html
Just became aware of this promising-looking upcoming Finzi release from Chandos:
(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH5214.jpg)
https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CHAN%205214
Quote from: kyjo on August 11, 2018, 08:05:15 PM
Just became aware of this promising-looking upcoming Finzi release from Chandos:
(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH5214.jpg)
https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CHAN%205214
Yes, I noticed that. However, I already have two recordings of the Cello Concerto on Lyrita and Chandos (and a third one on Naxos I think) so may give this one a miss. Eclogue is a very nice work so I'll see how the CD is reviewed. In a way I wish that Andrew Davis had recorded Goossens's Second Symphony rather than a work, fine as it is, that we already have multiple recordings of. Having said that Finzi is a more 'popular' composer than Goossens.
Quote from: vandermolen on August 11, 2018, 11:04:10 PM
Yes, I noticed that. However, I already have two recordings of the Cello Concerto on Lyrita and Chandos (and a third one on Naxos I think) so may give this one a miss. Eclogue is a very nice work so I'll see how the CD is reviewed. In a way I wish that Andrew Davis had recorded Goossens's Second Symphony rather than a work, fine as it is, that we already have multiple recordings of. Having said that Finzi is a more 'popular' composer than Goossens.
For me, if it's a choice between Chandos recording and releasing more Finzi (as opposed to, say, more Britten), then more Finzi is always welcome. But given Finzi's modest orchestral / instrumental output (compared to his songs) it's inevitable that we get a lot of repetition. Between the various Finzi CDs on Decca, Naxos, EMI, Lyrita, Nimbus and indeed previous Chandos releases, all this music has been very well served already and I probably won't buy it for that reason.
Chandos do seem to start what look like promising series and then stop too soon. The Goossens releases are a perfect case in point, as you say, with a lot left to explore. The Holst series was started under Hickox and then continued under Davies but seems to have petered out - I guess Chandos have covered a lot of Holst already in any case. There was a Richard Rodney Bennett series started under Hickox with "Orchestral Works Vol.1", which wasn't taken further after Hickox's death. Chandos now has another (completely different) "Orchestral Works Vol.1" under Wilson (now at Vol.2 ). The last really exhaustive and consistent Chandos series was Percy Grainger (and before that Bax and Walton). Hickox seemed prepared to stay the course with these sets (as did Handley and Thomson before him).
Quote from: Oates on August 13, 2018, 03:09:10 AM
For me, if it's a choice between Chandos recording and releasing more Finzi (as opposed to, say, more Britten), then more Finzi is always welcome. But given Finzi's modest orchestral / instrumental output (compared to his songs) it's inevitable that we get a lot of repetition. Between the various Finzi CDs on Decca, Naxos, EMI, Lyrita, Nimbus and indeed previous Chandos releases, all this music has been very well served already and I probably won't buy it for that reason.
Chandos do seem to start what look like promising series and then stop too soon. The Goossens releases are a perfect case in point, as you say, with a lot left to explore. The Holst series was started under Hickox and then continued under Davies but seems to have petered out - I guess Chandos have covered a lot of Holst already in any case. There was a Richard Rodney Bennett series started under Hickox with "Orchestral Works Vol.1", which wasn't taken further after Hickox's death. Chandos now has another (completely different) "Orchestral Works Vol.1" under Wilson (now at Vol.2 ). The last really exhaustive and consistent Chandos series was Percy Grainger (and before that Bax and Walton). Hickox seemed prepared to stay the course with these sets (as did Handley and Thomson before him).
I agree - Malcolm Williamson is another case where only two releases ever appeared (fortunately the second one did feature the fine 'Elavimini' Symphony.
With Finzi the only music that has never been recorded, as far as i know, are some early songs to words by Christina Rosetti.
They may never even have been performed.
Quote from: calyptorhynchus on August 13, 2018, 01:23:26 PM
With Finzi the only music that has never been recorded, as far as i know, are some early songs to words by Christina Rosetti.
They may never even have been performed.
Apart from that I'm not aware of any buried treasure among his manuscripts. After the reconstructed Violin Concerto, we've had newly orchestrated songs, and then a couple of years ago - a valiant attempt at presenting something new - his songs being recast with purely instrumental arrangements. In the age of digital sound, most of his works have been recorded at least twice now (with some multiple outings for the Clarinet Concerto etc.) I must admit that I'm someone who sticks to one favourite recording rather than someone who collects many versions of the same thing - I suppose it depends on the leeway for interpretation in the work.
I realise that the classical music industry (both recording and concert repertoire) is based on the commercial value of new interpretations, usually heralded by a 'star' conductor or world class orchestra putting their stamp on the work. The limited Finzi canon is subject to these practices as well but for me periodic new versions of the same thing don't get me excited.
I have recently found a couple of lesser-known Finzi CDs in Oxfam for a couple of pounds apiece:
Quink Vocal Ensemble CD (Fidelio / Challenge Classics) from 1987 includes Three Short Elegies and Seven Poems of Robert Bridges - the latter is not well known, in fact this appears to be the first recorded version, though it has since been covered with a bigger ensemble on a Naxos CD.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vaughan-Williams-Finzi-Songs-Elegies/dp/B004P68L3S/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1534502302&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=Quink+vocal+emsemble
The Richard Stoltzman CD (RCA) from 1991 includes an arrangement for clarinet and orchestra of the 5 Bagatelles by Lawrence Ashmore, who played in Finzi's Newbury Strings in the 1950s. Also included is Ashmore's enjoyable Four Seasons suite based on folk songs - very much in the style of RVW.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Finzi-Bagatelles-Clarinet-Concerto-C-Minor/dp/B072L7SJHF/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1534501536&sr=8-1&keywords=richard+stoltzman+finzi
Quote from: Oates on August 17, 2018, 02:39:35 AM
I have recently found a couple of lesser-known Finzi CDs in Oxfam for a couple of pounds apiece:
Quink Vocal Ensemble CD (Fidelio / Challenge Classics) from 1987 includes Three Short Elegies and Seven Poems of Robert Bridges - the latter is not well known, in fact this appears to be the first recorded version, though it has since been covered with a bigger ensemble on a Naxos CD.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vaughan-Williams-Finzi-Songs-Elegies/dp/B004P68L3S/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1534502302&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=Quink+vocal+emsemble
The Richard Stoltzman CD (RCA) from 1991 includes an arrangement for clarinet and orchestra of the 5 Bagatelles by Lawrence Ashmore, who played in Finzi's Newbury Strings in the 1950s. Also included is Ashmore's enjoyable Four Seasons suite based on folk songs - very much in the style of RVW.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Finzi-Bagatelles-Clarinet-Concerto-C-Minor/dp/B072L7SJHF/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1534501536&sr=8-1&keywords=richard+stoltzman+finzi
Looks like a great bargain!
Quote from: kyjo on August 11, 2018, 08:05:15 PM
Just became aware of this promising-looking upcoming Finzi release from Chandos:
(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH5214.jpg)
https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CHAN%205214
It does look promising indeed, Kyle, but I'm personally not in the market for more Finzi or really any repertoire I already own as I've turned my attention to filling in gaps in other genres of music. I mean I won't lie and say that Finzi doesn't deserve more releases, but from now on, I'll let you guys tell me whether you like the recording or not. This music has been expertly conducted by Sir Adrian Boult and the
Cello Concerto has never been better performed then the Yo-Yo Ma/Handley performance and have been my go-to Finzi orchestral recordings.
Finzi holds a special place. I just wish he had been more productive and lived longer. The only composer that I hear echoes of Elgar. As already mentioned the cello concerto is a fine work, the Concerto for Clarinet and Strings is every bit as good. Eclogue is a personal favourite and in a similar vein so is Introit for Violin and Small Orchestra. One area Finzi was prolific is song of which I have barely scratched the surface, but one, a war song "Channel Firing" has to be heard. The one Finzi work that I rate highest of all is Dies Natalis. In four parts, the last, "The Salutation" never fails in bringing a lump to my throat. A recording of Dies Natalis that in my view has never been bettered is conducted by the composer's son, Christopher.
Quote from: Irons on September 19, 2018, 12:27:38 AM
Finzi holds a special place. I just wish he had been more productive and lived longer. The only composer that I hear echoes of Elgar. As already mentioned the cello concerto is a fine work, the Concerto for Clarinet and Strings is every bit as good. Eclogue is a personal favourite and in a similar vein so is Introit for Violin and Small Orchestra. One area Finzi was prolific is song of which I have barely scratched the surface, but one, a war song "Channel Firing" has to be heard. The one Finzi work that I rate highest of all is Dies Natalis. In four parts, the last, "The Salutation" never fails in bringing a lump to my throat. A recording of Dies Natalis that in my view has never been bettered is conducted by the composer's son, Christopher.
When I was about 19 and on holiday in the Yorshire Dales I turned on the radio early one morning and heard this most beautiful music. It was as if the music and the magnificent landscape outside the window merged into one - a lovely experience for me, especially as I was up early and nobody else was about. It turned out to be 'Dies Natalis' in the then (c.1974) only available version with Christopher Finzi conducting and Wilfred Brown singing. I agree with you that that version has never been bettered even though there are now multiple recordings. As soon as I got home to London I dashed up to HMV in Oxford Street and snapped up the fine EMI LP with its excellent accompanying Psalm by Holst. It was a very important musical moment for me hearing 'Dies Natalis' on the radio that morning. 'In Terra Pax' is my other favourite Finzi work although I have enjoyed everything I have heard by him.
why didn't Wilfred Brown record more......?
Quote from: Roasted Swan on September 19, 2018, 01:17:14 AM
why didn't Wilfred Brown record more......?
Sadly think he died quite young. It's a pity, I agree, that he didn't record more.
PS Yes, he was only 49. He'd been a teacher for many years before taking up singing full-time. I had no idea that he'd been the Form Master of Finzi's two sons at Bedales (one of whom later conducted his recording of Dies Natalis) and he was a friend of the composer.
Quote from: vandermolen on September 19, 2018, 01:33:08 AM
Sadly think he died quite young. It's a pity, I agree, that he didn't record more.
PS Yes, he was only 49. He'd been a teacher for many years before taking up singing full-time. I had no idea that he'd been the Form Master of Finzi's two sons at Bedales (one of whom later conducted his recording of Dies Natalis) and he was a friend of the composer.
Interesting. He was blessed with crystal clear diction.
I do not have "In Terra Pax". Will look out for the work.
This enterprising new project from Naxos has some Finzi transposed for brass - not a configuration I'd associate with this composer.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brass-Septets-Vol-Septura-Naxos/dp/B07GVSBZDH/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1537461504&sr=1-1&keywords=naxos+classical
Quote from: Irons on September 19, 2018, 06:06:43 AM
Interesting. He was blessed with crystal clear diction.
I do not have "In Terra Pax". Will look out for the work.
In Terra Pax is a lovely work to play at Christmas. There are several recordings.
Finzi's Romance for string orchestra is possibly one of the most heart-rendingly beautiful pieces of music I know. It deserves to be heard just as often as, say, VW's Tallis Fantasia and Barber's Adagio.
Quote from: vandermolen on August 03, 2017, 10:03:02 PM
Love his music. He was related to the Italian-Jewish family featured in the Garden of the Finzi-Continis. In Terra Pax is a favourite although 'Dies Natalis' is his masterpiece I think. The Boult, Lyrita CD is my favourite for his shorter works:
[asin]B000N8UVR6[/asin]
I have always wondered about that, but thought it was just a coincidence. A truly wonderful movie.
Quote from: André on September 21, 2018, 06:29:34 PM
I have always wondered about that, but thought it was just a coincidence. A truly wonderful movie.
Finzi is an Italian-Jewish name apparently. I must re-visit that film.
I've posted about this in the listening thread but I like Requiem da Camera so much that I thought I'd promote it again here. I especially like the Chandos recording. The work is in memory of Finzi's teacher Farrar (a great loss to music - try his 'Heroic Elegy' or 'English Pastoral Impressions' on Chandos) killed 100 years ago in World War One. Finzi was devastated by Farrar's loss. The work is very eloquent and should appeal to admirers of Dies Natalis or Howells's Hymnus Paradisi for that matter and Vaughan Williams. The notes describe it as '...a protest - a desperate cry for certainly in a faithless world. It is also a meditation on the achievement of all musicians killed or blighted by the Great War.'
[asin]B000000AO3[/asin]
Cheers, Jeffrey; I'll give it a shot. (I do expect to enjoy the entire disc.)
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on November 14, 2018, 08:38:10 AM
Cheers, Jeffrey; I'll give it a shot. (I do expect to enjoy the entire disc.)
Oh, I'm sure you will
Karl.
It's unusual for me to find a CD of works by three different composers and enjoy all the works equally. The Finzi was a newish discovery for me and is now one of my favourites work by him. Psalm 86 has always been a Holst favourite since I discovered it on my original LP of Dies Natalis (Wifred Brown/Christopher Finzi recording) in my late teens. Likewise Cantata Misericordium by Britten was coupled with 'Sinfonia da Requiem' when I took the LP out of a record library in Exeter in my student-teacher days. Sometimes I ended up appreciating the 'flip side' of an LP more than the main work featured; an example is of a Copland LP (Boston SO/Copland I think) where I ended up much preferring the 'Tender Land Suite' to the 'Appalachian Spring' and that is still the case today.
Maybe a moderator should join the two Finzi threads..
http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,333.180.html
Quote from: North Star on November 14, 2018, 08:58:11 AM
Maybe a moderator should join the two Finzi threads..
http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,333.180.html
+1 :)
I'd forgotten that there were two.