I am quite new to classical music. I have found that I like a certain "type" of classical music, which is more, for lack of a better word, "aggressive" than other types I have heard.
Here some of my favorites so far:
1. Mozart: Requiem (K626), Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Die Zauberfloete, Symphonie Nr. 40.
2. Vivaldi: Four Seasons, especially Summer and Winter. Spring / Autumn not so much.
3. Beethoven: Ode to Joy, Fuer Elise, Symphony No. 5, 7, and 9.
An example of what I do not like could be Rachmaninoff Piano concerto no 2.
Is there any keyword I can use to find more music like it?
If not, I would be grateful for any additional listening recommendations.
Could try this
https://www.youtube.com/v/2ohyGRis5gA
or this
https://www.youtube.com/v/aGFRwKQqbk4
or... this?
https://www.youtube.com/v/0AdHsa1mXx4
I'm not sure about keywords... just listen to stuff and get a better picture of what you enjoy, maybe.
Loud and fast is welcoming to those new to classical music... but you should try to build an appreciation for the subtle aspects of classical music. If you do that you will also find that there is alot more to that music that you like that you didn't notice before.
Thank you, amw and DavidW.
I really liked Le Concert des Nations. Would you be able to recommend anything else like it?
You are of course right, I should not limit myself to fast pieces, I will have to ease myself into the slower ones.
Here you go:
https://www.youtube.com/v/xB4RKzl2lmc
https://www.youtube.com/v/uivEfOd4IJY
Quote from: mgwolff on July 01, 2014, 10:49:03 AM
I really liked Le Concert des Nations. Would you be able to recommend anything else like it?
Oh yes! A lot of minor-key concertos by J.S. Bach and similar composers apply. There are a lot of other concertos by Vivaldi, too, and I particularly recommend the cello concertos. (This one isn't a cello concerto, though...)
https://www.youtube.com/v/RhZS_im2OFs
And here's some pretty amazing choral music by J.D. Zelenka.
https://www.youtube.com/v/RCL2CWQaH4A
Quote from: mgwolff on July 01, 2014, 10:49:03 AM
Thank you, amw and DavidW.
I really liked Le Concert des Nations. Would you be able to recommend anything else like it?
You are of course right, I should not limit myself to fast pieces, I will have to ease myself into the slower ones.
Looking at this and the pieces you mentioned earlier I suggest you look for music from the following eras: Baroque, Classical, Early Romantic. Basically music between 1650 and 1850. Just as a start of course! Look for more by the composers you like. Good names for you are Bach, Couperin, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Berlioz.
Here's a couple few cheap starts
http://www.amazon.com/Freiburger-Barockorchester/dp/B0054MEHZ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1404242056&sr=1-1&keywords=freiburger+baroque+box
http://www.amazon.com/Great-Classical-Symphonies-Various/dp/B007C7FFC2/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1404241915&sr=1-1&keywords=naxos+classical+symphonies+box
http://www.amazon.com/Great-Romantic-Symphonies-Various/dp/B007C7FCMA/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1404241973&sr=1-2&keywords=naxos+romantic+box
http://www.amazon.com/Mozart-Edition-Various-Artists/dp/B00AC4D5DI/ref=pd_sim_m_28?ie=UTF8&refRID=048YX41TFT065T6XY83Q
Many opera overtures would fit the bill. Dvorak's Slavonic Dances (#1 and #8, but the others are wonderful too, just not aggressive). Try the Battle on the ice from Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky (it takes a little time to build). Sailor's Dance from Gliere's Red Poppy ballet. Tchaikovsky's Marche Slave. Polovtsian Dances from the opera Prince Igor. Even if this is not what you meant, it is all wonderful music.
Quote from: mgwolff on June 30, 2014, 07:56:56 PM
I am quite new to classical music. I have found that I like a certain "type" of classical music, which is more, for lack of a better word, "aggressive" than other types I have heard.
Here some of my favorites so far:
1. Mozart: Requiem (K626), Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Die Zauberfloete, Symphonie Nr. 40.
2. Vivaldi: Four Seasons, especially Summer and Winter. Spring / Autumn not so much.
3. Beethoven: Ode to Joy, Fuer Elise, Symphony No. 5, 7, and 9.
An example of what I do not like could be Rachmaninoff Piano concerto no 2.
Is there any keyword I can use to find more music like it?
If not, I would be grateful for any additional listening recommendations.
I wouldn't worry about
trying to appreciate "slow" and "quiet" music yet. Stick with what you like, but definitely keep an open mind because you will definitely find more favorites!
For something more modern, try Bartok. I have frequently described much of his music as "aggressively cheerful". If you haven't heard of Bartok, he was a Hungarian composer (1881-1945) that collected folk music throughout rural Hungary (and other parts of eastern Europe) and pioneered the field of ethnomusicology (it's like anthropology with folk music). This is the fourth (last) movement of his "Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta". It is heavily influenced by complex Bulgarian rhythms. Great fun.
http://www.youtube.com/v/ppsV4HoCVqc
Here's a more "classical" one by early-romantic Robert Schumann. I've been obsessed with this piece recently -- his "Concertpiece for Four Horns and Orchestra". I have no idea why it isn't more popular. The first two chords!! Like classical ""power chords".
http://www.youtube.com/v/DGsU1VDB87c
Rossini Overtures conducted by Fritz Reiner would be perfect.
YouTube has some of them including The Barber of Seville and La Gazza Ladra
And, for the listener who digs going from "aggressive" to "slow & quiet" in the same piece:
http://www.youtube.com/v/xPNrvzdn3qI
If you want "aggressive," there's plenty out there. Even if the thought of unchecked dissonance a la Schoenberg or Varèse is still scary, you'd probably dig just about anything by Beethoven (except maybe the Violin Concerto, and even that can get aggressive when certain players play it) or Berlioz or Tchaikovsky or especially Mahler. The Brahms symphonies and concertos go from aggressive to mellow, but have plenty of fire, as do Schubert's 8th and C major symphonies (which goes either by #7 or #9), many Schumann orchestral works. (Second recommendation for the Concert Piece for 4 Horns! I'm also very fond of the Manfred Overture.)
And if you like Vivaldi, be sure to check out J.S. Bach's Brandenburg Concertos if you haven't done so already.
That's enough to go on for now. :)
Quote from: jochanaan on July 02, 2014, 05:54:14 PM
If you want "aggressive," there's plenty out there. Even if the thought of unchecked dissonance a la Schoenberg or Varèse is still scary, you'd probably dig just about anything by Beethoven (except maybe the Violin Concerto, and even that can get aggressive when certain players play it) or Berlioz or Tchaikovsky or especially Mahler. The Brahms symphonies and concertos go from aggressive to mellow, but have plenty of fire, as do Schubert's 8th and C major symphonies (which goes either by #7 or #9), many Schumann orchestral works. (Second recommendation for the Concert Piece for 4 Horns! I'm also very fond of the Manfred Overture.)
And if you like Vivaldi, be sure to check out J.S. Bach's Brandenburg Concertos if you haven't done so already.
That's enough to go on for now. :)
THANK YOU!! Geez, every time I mention this wonderful piece on here I get crickets chirping as a response! Perhaps few have heard it. You're a fan, too? I found out about it listening to a BBC podcast on Schumann and I was captivated by the opening clip that they played. The rest didn't disappoint. The french horn is such a beautiful instrument for a quartet. The orchestra part is interesting as well.
I love the "Manfred" overture, too.
Quote from: mgwolff on July 01, 2014, 10:49:03 AM
Thank you, amw and DavidW.
I really liked Le Concert des Nations. Would you be able to recommend anything else like it?
You are of course right, I should not limit myself to fast pieces, I will have to ease myself into the slower ones.
I would ignore the recs for Schumann and Bartok, they're hit and miss when you're new to classical. Some immediately love it, others fall asleep.
That youtube video that you like is Bach. You have good taste, you've already discovered most of the giants. Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi. It sounds like you enjoy baroque and classical.
For more Bach try [asin]B004I4HCUA[/asin] it's packed full of concertos and suites on par with that glorious D minor that you were listening to (that is included too).
You can also go to your favorite streaming site or youtube and put in "Bach concerto" and see what you like. For Mozart and Beethoven go ahead and try their piano concertos.
Quote from: DavidW on July 03, 2014, 06:31:56 AM
I would ignore the recs for Schumann and Bartok, they're hit and miss when you're new to classical. Some immediately love it, others fall asleep.
+1
Quote from: mgwolff on June 30, 2014, 07:56:56 PM
I am quite new to classical music. I have found that I like a certain "type" of classical music, which is more, for lack of a better word, "aggressive" than other types I have heard.
Here some of my favorites so far:
1. Mozart: Requiem (K626), Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Die Zauberfloete, Symphonie Nr. 40.
2. Vivaldi: Four Seasons, especially Summer and Winter. Spring / Autumn not so much.
3. Beethoven: Ode to Joy, Fuer Elise, Symphony No. 5, 7, and 9.
An example of what I do not like could be Rachmaninoff Piano concerto no 2.
I wouldn't describe this music as "aggressive", but rather dramatic, eventful, direct, and tuneful. It might help if you could describe what you don't like about the Rachmaninoff, but it may be the Romantic tendency to ruminate.
So Xenakis is not a good match (come on guys, try to engage with more than a single word used by a poster.)
Since you already know you like Baroque and Classical Era works, here are some recs beyond that:
Stravinsky: Petrouchka
Bizet: Carmen Suites
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto; Midsummer Night's Dream Overture; Symphony No. 4
Mussorgsky: Pictures
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espanole
Schubert: Trout Quintet
Borodin: Symphony No. 2
Dvorak: Symphony No. 9
Janacek: Sinfonietta
Brahms: Violin Concerto
Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3
Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1
If you want to give Rachmaninoff another chance, try the
Symphonic Dances.
Quote from: EigenUser on July 03, 2014, 02:37:38 AM
THANK YOU!! Geez, every time I mention this wonderful piece on here I get crickets chirping as a response! Perhaps few have heard it. You're a fan, too? I found out about it listening to a BBC podcast on Schumann and I was captivated by the opening clip that they played. The rest didn't disappoint. The french horn is such a beautiful instrument for a quartet. The orchestra part is interesting as well.
I love the "Manfred" overture, too.
I've only heard that piece a couple of times, but it's very fun. Oh, and the Overture, Scherzo and Finale is very nice too--basically a symphony without a slow movement. 8)
Try Bruckner's Fourth symphony. The first movement is pretty "aggressive."
Quote from: mgwolff on June 30, 2014, 07:56:56 PM
I am quite new to classical music. I have found that I like a certain "type" of classical music, which is more, for lack of a better word, "aggressive" than other types I have heard.
Here some of my favorites so far:
1. Mozart: Requiem (K626), Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Die Zauberfloete, Symphonie Nr. 40.
2. Vivaldi: Four Seasons, especially Summer and Winter. Spring / Autumn not so much.
3. Beethoven: Ode to Joy, Fuer Elise, Symphony No. 5, 7, and 9.
An example of what I do not like could be Rachmaninoff Piano concerto no 2.
Fair enough.
QuoteIs there any keyword I can use to find more music like it?
How about "forthright"?
QuoteIf not, I would be grateful for any additional listening recommendations.
I don't know if you're keen on anything from the 20th century, but this is from 1926 and it's very accessible:
Leoš Janáček (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinfonietta_(Jan%C3%A1%C4%8Dek)) (1854-1928) -
Sinfonietta (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinfonietta_(Jan%C3%A1%C4%8Dek))
http://www.youtube.com/v/PScaxSwGa6o
Quote from: mgwolff on June 30, 2014, 07:56:56 PM
I am quite new to classical music. I have found that I like a certain "type" of classical music, which is more, for lack of a better word, "aggressive" than other types I have heard.
Here some of my favorites so far:
1. Mozart: Requiem (K626), Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Die Zauberfloete, Symphonie Nr. 40.
2. Vivaldi: Four Seasons, especially Summer and Winter. Spring / Autumn not so much.
3. Beethoven: Ode to Joy, Fuer Elise, Symphony No. 5, 7, and 9.
An example of what I do not like could be Rachmaninoff Piano concerto no 2.
Is there any keyword I can use to find more music like it?
If not, I would be grateful for any additional listening recommendations.
Try this:
Edward Elgar (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Elgar) (1857-1934) -
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomp_and_Circumstance_Marches)http://www.youtube.com/v/Vvgl_2JRIUs
Quote from: Holden on July 01, 2014, 07:12:23 PM
Rossini Overtures conducted by Fritz Reiner would be perfect.
YouTube has some of them including The Barber of Seville and La Gazza Ladra
I second that vote for Reiner's album of Rossini's overtures (http://www.amazon.com/Rossini-Overtures-Fritz-Reiner/dp/B001BKGODA). Great tunes, plenty of energy. It'll bowl you over.
Here are a couple of tracks from the album:
Gioachino Rossini (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gioachino_Rossini) (1792-1868) -
The Thieving Magpie (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_gazza_ladra) Overture (Original Italian title:
La gazza ladra)
http://www.youtube.com/v/HsAdTUUhg9A
Gioachino Rossini (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gioachino_Rossini) (1792-1868) -
William Tell (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Tell_(opera)) Overture (Original Italian title:
Guglielmo Tell)
http://www.youtube.com/v/l9MDmH21xKs
Stravinsky's Le sacre du printemps and Bartok's The Miraculous Mandarin will do nicely for 'aggressive' classical music. 'Nuff said. 8)
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 28, 2014, 08:06:09 PM
Stravinsky's Le sacre du printemps and Bartok's The Miraculous Mandarin will do nicely for 'aggressive' classical music. 'Nuff said. 8)
Those are both very aggressive works, but I wouldn't recommend them for someone starting off in classical music because they're not very approachable. The neophyte listener can be overwhelmed by what they're hearing if they're listening to a complex piece for the first time. They won't have any familiar musical conventions (i.e., hummable tunes, steady rhythm, attractive harmony) to hang on to as they discover the piece.
I only mention this because mgwolff (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?action=profile;u=9761), the person who started the thread, said, "I am quite new to classical music."
Quote from: Peter Power Pop on September 28, 2014, 09:12:22 PM
Those are both very aggressive works, but I wouldn't recommend them for someone starting off in classical music because they're not very approachable. The neophyte listener can be overwhelmed by what they're hearing if they're listening to a complex piece for the first time. They won't have any familiar musical conventions (i.e., hummable tunes, steady rhythm, attractive harmony) to hang on to as they discover the piece.
Not so sure... I've known many people who have fallen for modern classical music before pre-20C. Sometimes the visceral thrill of a pieces like John suggested can impress newcomers. But, I do see your point.
Quote from: EigenUser on September 29, 2014, 12:00:56 AM
Not so sure... I've known many people who have fallen for modern classical music before pre-20C. Sometimes the visceral thrill of a pieces like John suggested can impress newcomers.
I know where you're coming from. Sometimes newer classical music listeners can hear a piece for the first time and say, "Wow, that's so weird – but I like it!"
QuoteBut, I do see your point.
Thanks.
Quote from: Peter Power Pop on September 29, 2014, 12:25:29 AM
I know where you're coming from. Sometimes newer classical music listeners can hear a piece for the first time and say, "Wow, that's so weird – but I like it!"
I've gotten this so many times! In fact, I think that it is how I sometimes am as well. It depends on the person, I suppose.
Quote from: Peter Power Pop on September 28, 2014, 09:12:22 PM
Those are both very aggressive works, but I wouldn't recommend them for someone starting off in classical music because they're not very approachable. The neophyte listener can be overwhelmed by what they're hearing if they're listening to a complex piece for the first time. They won't have any familiar musical conventions (i.e., hummable tunes, steady rhythm, attractive harmony) to hang on to as they discover the piece.
I only mention this because mgwolff (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?action=profile;u=9761), the person who started the thread, said, "I am quite new to classical music."
The user asked for 'aggressive' classical music and that's exactly what I suggested to him. We all are new to something at one point or another. If he's 'scared' by these works, then there are plenty of other suggestions on this thread to choose from. I understand being a new classical listener can be an overwhelming thing with all of this music to explore, but I think, personally speaking, that these two works will help him get his foot in the door. They may not be 'beginner' works, but, again, if you ask for it, you shall receive. This said, I do think both works are approachable and they're more conventional in sound than the Xenakis that Greg suggested. I'd never suggest Xenakis for a beginner. :)
Quote from: EigenUser on September 29, 2014, 12:00:56 AM
Not so sure... I've known many people who have fallen for modern classical music before pre-20C. Sometimes the visceral thrill of a pieces like John suggested can impress newcomers. But, I do see your point.
Yes. There's no one way which is right for all listeners.
Quote from: karlhenning on September 29, 2014, 06:59:50 AM
Yes. There's no one way which is right for all listeners.
Indeed. There is no universal set of guidelines that will work well for every newcomer to classical music. Some might respond best to opera, for example (because of its unambiguously narrative aspect), while others would run screaming. Likewise, some might love the sunny elegance of 18th century classicism (which sounds like the case with this particular original poster), while others might find it too light or even "prissy." Some will like the big, sweeping Romantic symphonies, while others might find them painfully bombastic. When I began with classical, the Bartok and Xenakis recommendations would definitely have been the most enjoyable for me out of what has been recommended so far--at that point, I remember being disappointed upon first hearing the Rite of Spring, in that it sounded much more conventional/conservative than I had been led to expect. Everyone is different!
That being said, I think in the case of MGWolff (the OP), Peter Power Pop is probably right that by "aggressive," he does not seem to mean modernist aggression, but something more along the lines of "sprightly tunefulness." I think Daverz's recommendations are pretty spot-on in that context.
When I was a kid I thought the Rite of Spring excerpt in Fantasia was awesome. Because of the dinosaurs, and the dance rhythms. So I recommend that. :)
Quote from: karlhenning on September 29, 2014, 06:59:50 AM
Yes. There's no one way which is right for all listeners.
Which all comes down to the listener, it's up to them to decide what they like and what they dislike.
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 29, 2014, 06:53:35 AM
The user asked for 'aggressive' classical music and that's exactly what I suggested to him. ...
Fair enough.
Quote... We all are new to something at one point or another. ...
Yep.
Quote... If he's 'scared' by these works, then there are plenty of other suggestions on this thread to choose from. I understand being a new classical listener can be an overwhelming thing with all of this music to explore, but I think, personally speaking, that these two works will help him get his foot in the door. ...
I remember the first time I heard
The Rite of Spring. I was a teenager, and at a friend's house in his living room. His mother was with us, sitting in a chair and calmy knitting as we all listened to her music selection (well, we'd listened to our stuff – now it was her turn). When she mentioned
The Rite was a ballet, I was gobsmacked. "
That was a ballet???"
Quote... They may not be 'beginner' works, but, again, if you ask for it, you shall receive. This said, I do think both works are approachable and they're more conventional in sound than the Xenakis that Greg suggested. I'd never suggest Xenakis for a beginner. :)
Yeah, that was a bit of a head-scratcher for me.
Just quietly, I reckon Xenakis might be the kind of stuff you'd recommend to someone if you wanted them to
stay away from classical music. ("Oh, you won't like it. It's very scary.")
Oh, and speaking of scary (and getting off-topic):
http://www.youtube.com/v/sffh9spQopA
The first time I heard that was on a pair of headphones. I had it turned up loud, and it scared the heebee-jeebies out of me.
Quote from: Peter Power Pop on September 29, 2014, 04:50:17 PM
Oh, and speaking of scary (and getting off-topic):
http://www.youtube.com/v/sffh9spQopA
The first time I heard that was on a pair of headphones. I had it turned up loud, and it scared the heebee-jeebies out of me.
Mmmm, great music. And yes, a little scary. I heard this piece about 20 years ago and was instantly fascinated with how frightening and beautiful music could be at the same time. Still love it to this day, and that Kronos Quartet recording was the first one I heard.
Quote from: NorthNYMark on September 29, 2014, 10:58:26 AM
Indeed. There is no universal set of guidelines that will work well for every newcomer to classical music. Some might respond best to opera, for example (because of its unambiguously narrative aspect), while others would run screaming. Likewise, some might love the sunny elegance of 18th century classicism (which sounds like the case with this particular original poster), while others might find it too light or even "prissy." Some will like the big, sweeping Romantic symphonies, while others might find them painfully bombastic. When I began with classical, the Bartok and Xenakis recommendations would definitely have been the most enjoyable for me out of what has been recommended so far--at that point, I remember being disappointed upon first hearing the Rite of Spring, ...
Whereas I was intrigued.
But I've been plenty mystified by other music on first hearing. (Hello, Bartók String Quartets (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_string_quartets_by_B%C3%A9la_Bart%C3%B3k).)
Quote... in that it sounded much more conventional/conservative than I had been led to expect. Everyone is different!
They sure are.
QuoteThat being said, I think in the case of MGWolff (the OP), Peter Power Pop is probably right that by "aggressive," he does not seem to mean modernist aggression, but something more along the lines of "sprightly tunefulness."
When I saw mgwolff (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?action=profile;u=9761)'s list of music s/he enjoyed (Mozart, Vivaldi, Beethoven), I took his/her "aggressive" to mean "forthright".
In the realm of popular music, an equivalent to what mgwolff was describing would be power pop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_pop). (It's my favourite sub-genre of popular music, hence my online name.)
Power pop can be described as high-energy music. But it's not aggressive
per se.
Prime examples of power pop:
Raspberries (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberries_(band)) - "Go All The Way (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_All_the_Way_(song))" (1972)
http://www.youtube.com/v/ULL7apmAJTE
Cheap Trick (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheap_Trick) - "Surrender (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrender_(Cheap_Trick_song))" (1978)
http://www.youtube.com/v/1sAm5UCJ9vA
Badfinger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badfinger) - "No Matter What (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Matter_What_(Badfinger_song))" (1970)
http://www.youtube.com/v/9x1MZEDQbtA
If you want aggression in pop music, you turn to stuff like punk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punk_rock) or metal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_metal_music).
Sorry about veering off-topic for a moment, but I wanted to illustrate my interpretation of MGWolff's original comment. (Plus I wanted to play you some power pop.)
For me, "aggressive" in the context of mgwolff's musical tastes means confident, upbeat, exuberant, triumphant, and probably a few other words I can't think of at the moment. (Where's my thesaurus?)
Quote from: karlhenning on September 29, 2014, 06:59:50 AM
Yes. There's no one way which is right for all listeners.
You're not wrong there.
QuoteI think Daverz's recommendations are pretty spot-on in that context.
Yes indeed.
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 29, 2014, 03:25:21 PM
Which all comes down to the listener, it's up to them to decide what they like and what they dislike.
That's true. The present question, though, is more that there is no one "folder," if you will, of classical music which will be The Ideal Entrée for all listeners. For some, a
Mozart symphony, for others, a
Tallis motet, for others still,
Pierrot Lunaire.
Quote from: karlhenning on September 30, 2014, 02:15:00 AM
That's true. The present question, though, is more that there is no one "folder," if you will, of classical music which will be The Ideal Entrée for all listeners. For some, a Mozart symphony, for others, a Tallis motet, for others still, Pierrot Lunaire.
Yep.
Aggressive? Spiritually aggressive? Physically aggressive?
For the latter, Arvo Paert's Third Symphony (I believe) has a section where the musicians argue. :laugh:
Also try: Cesar Franck's Le Chasseur Maudit (The Wild Huntsman)
For both senses: the 8 symphonies of Karl Amadeus Hartmann, the 6 organ symphonies of Louis Vierne, and of course the works of Anton Bruckner, Gustav Mahler, and Arnold Schoenberg.
Quote from: Cato on September 30, 2014, 03:26:50 AM
For the latter, Arvo Paert's Third Symphony (I believe) has a section where the musicians argue. :laugh:
They argue, but can only use the word
Stockhausen.
It's amusing that we're debating what the OP meant by aggressive; amusing that we continue to recommend music. Does it matter anymore? Did it ever matter? He/she hasn't been back to the forum in three months. Last active, 1 July, the day he arrived ;D
Sarge
Quote from: karlhenning on September 30, 2014, 03:36:18 AM
They argue, but can only use the word Stockhausen.
The ultimate argument!
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on September 30, 2014, 03:57:18 AM
It's amusing that we're debating what the OP meant by aggressive; amusing that we continue to recommend music. Does it matter anymore? Did it ever matter? He/she hasn't been back to the forum in three months. Last active, 1 July, the day he arrived ;D
Sarge
Hmm, I did not notice that: just followed the herd off the cliff! :laugh:
Oh well, others now have our recommendations: and any time I can recommend the works above to anyone who might give them a chance is a good day! :laugh:
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on September 30, 2014, 03:57:18 AM
It's amusing that we're debating what the OP meant by aggressive; amusing that we continue to recommend music. Does it matter anymore? Did it ever matter? He/she hasn't been back to the forum in three months. Last active, 1 July, the day he arrived ;D
Sarge
I thought we were all just enjoying the conversation, despite the absence of the original poster. It's like being at a party, and the host stepped out for a while.
Plus, there's the possibility that I had no idea the first post was three months ago.
(You might want to replace that "possibility" with "fact".)
Quote from: Peter Power Pop on September 30, 2014, 05:37:07 AM
I thought we were all just enjoying the conversation, despite the absence of the original poster. It's like being at a party, and the host stepped out for a while.
Plus, there's the possibility that I had no idea the first post was three months ago.
(You might want to replace that "possibility" with "fact".)
This happens quite often. Newbies who ask a question and then, for whatever reason, are never heard from again. You are right, of course: the party continues, as it should. Who knows, he/she may return...and be utterly bewildered by the range of recommendations ;D
Apropos Power Pop: are you a Blondie fan?
Sarge
Quote from: karlhenning on September 30, 2014, 02:15:00 AM
That's true. The present question, though, is more that there is no one "folder," if you will, of classical music which will be The Ideal Entrée for all listeners. For some, a Mozart symphony, for others, a Tallis motet, for others still, Pierrot Lunaire.
Yep, so whatever strikes this listener's fancy will be a success and hopefully a bridge into exploring more music. :)
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 30, 2014, 06:59:45 AM
Yep, so whatever strikes this listener's fancy will be a success and hopefully a bridge into exploring more music. :)
Don't be so aggressive, John. ;D
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 30, 2014, 06:59:45 AM
Yep, so whatever strikes this listener's fancy will be a success and hopefully a bridge into exploring more music. :)
The audacity of hope! 8)
Quote from: karlhenning on September 30, 2014, 07:20:29 AM
The audacity of hope! 8)
Yes, sir! Like sunlight shining through the clouds. I'm a believer. ;D
John, I'm surprised you didn't recommend Eventyr ??? ;D ;)
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 13, 2014, 10:51:51 AM
I think Holten's performances are hit/miss for many people...I wouldn't call his performance of Eventyr earth-shattering, but he does seem to understand the aggression that lays beneath the surface of the work. His trolls are LOUD!
Sarge
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on September 30, 2014, 07:39:21 AM
John, I'm surprised you didn't recommend Eventyr ??? ;D ;)
Sarge
Oh boy, I'm going to be the butt of many jokes now I see.... ;D Well, it certainly won't be the first time nor will it be the last. :)
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on September 30, 2014, 05:53:29 AM
This happens quite often. Newbies who ask a question and then, for whatever reason, are never heard from again. You are right, of course: the party continues, as it should. Who knows, he/she may return...and be utterly bewildered by the range of recommendations ;D
Ah well. Maybe they had other forums* to attend to.
QuoteApropos Power Pop: are you a Blondie fan?
Sarge
Yes indeed.
Parallel Lines (http://youtu.be/WodSSuZvPjY) is one of my all-time favourite power pop albums.
(*Or is that "fora"?)
Quote from: Peter Power Pop on September 30, 2014, 03:06:05 PM
Ah well. Maybe they had other forums* to attend to.
Yes indeed. Parallel Lines (http://youtu.be/WodSSuZvPjY) is one of my all-time favourite power pop albums.
(*Or is that "fora"?)
And an exquisite guest appearance by His Frippness.
Quote from: karlhenning on October 01, 2014, 03:49:08 AM
And an exquisite guest appearance by His Frippness.
Yes indeed. I'm a fan of King Crimson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Crimson) – especially
Discipline (http://www.amazon.com/Discipline-King-Crimson/dp/B00064WSNW)-era KC.
Certainly Shostakovich's "String Quartet No. 8" applies here. 8)
Quote from: Cato on September 30, 2014, 03:26:50 AM
Aggressive? Spiritually aggressive? Physically aggressive?
For the latter, Arvo Paert's Third Symphony (I believe) has a section where the musicians argue. :laugh:
Also try: Cesar Franck's Le Chasseur Maudit (The Wild Huntsman)
For both senses: the 8 symphonies of Karl Amadeus Hartmann, the 6 organ symphonies of Louis Vierne, and of course the works of Anton Bruckner, Gustav Mahler, and Arnold Schoenberg.
I must say, to take the OP's word 'aggressive' and apply it to music by these composers (I'll admit I don't know about Hartmann) seems a bit bizarre to me.
Shostakovitch too, come to that. Let alone Bach, Mozart, Beethoven as suggested upthread. I wouldn't use 'aggressive' to describe any music that I've heard by any of these people.
It's such an inappropriate word to use, in a classical music context, either for the composition itself or (as is often used in these fora) for the performance style. Lots of other better words have been suggested upthread. A lot of music that I enjoy I might describe as 'challenging'.
Try VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Symphony no.4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83StWY0So4Y
"challenging" is a completely different category of evaluation. The Goldberg Variations may be "challenging" for a listener, because they are long, complex etc. It is not really an impression of the emotions conveyed by the music (although one or two of the pieces might seem aggressive if played in such a fashion)
Whereas "aggressive" is an apparent emotion conveyed by the music. Of course one could discuss whether often defiant, violent or stubborn. E.g. "Mut" from Winterreise is an expression of defiance and the music fits.
I think one could describe many passages in Beethoven as aggressive or angry. Take the beginning of the f minor quartet, the first section (after the "overtura") of op.133, the beginning of the op.10/1 sonata, the coda of the Appassionata...
Here's a couple very well-chosen examples :P for the long gone topic starter: two works that make me go wild when hearing them alive and kicking (and even at home):
Bach's Praeludium und Fugue b-moll BWV 544, here played In Cold Blood (the way I like it) by Connie Hensley Golden:
http://www.youtube.com/v/K_U3LEsyQc8
And I will never forget the shock I got when I expectantly first listened to this next compelling piece of music ... expectations were far exceeded!!
Schubert's Streichquartett d-moll D 810, nicknamed "Der Tod und das Mädchen" (after the 2nd movement, which is a series of variations on Schubert's song with that same title).
I also never forget a hefty live experience during my student's years, when this piece was passionately played by the all-dressed-in-black girlie Colorado Quartet.
http://www.youtube.com/v/8fXYjSmR6Bw
Quote from: Marc on October 06, 2014, 09:03:11 AM
Bach's Praeludium und Fugue b-moll BWV 544, here played In Cold Blood (the way I like it) by Connie Hensley Golden:
http://www.youtube.com/v/K_U3LEsyQc8
No need to deny her dexterity, but if we listen to her rather stiff style, there is not much which distinguish it from etwa Karl Richter´s style, except that she does not change stops that often.
Quote from: (: premont :) on October 06, 2014, 10:39:51 AM
No need to deny her dexterity, but if we listen to her rather stiff style, there is not much which distinguish it from etwa Karl Richter´s style, except that she does not change stops that often.
I will consider the founding of a Karl Richter fanclub.
:)
You do have a point, though.
Apparently, in Bach's organ music, I'm able to like more different styles than in other genres. But the fact that you mentioned the register changing matter is really essential to me: I found that in most free organ works I definitely prefer this 'all the way' type of playing, which gives me the exciting thrill of an auditory perception of the
perpetuum mobile.
Quote from: karlhenning on September 29, 2014, 06:59:50 AM
Yes. There's no one way which is right for all listeners.
With exception of BWV 1052.
by far, my favorite: Concerto for 4 Violins & Cello
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rdc4u4S_7jY