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The Music Room => General Classical Music Discussion => Topic started by: arpeggio on September 09, 2016, 02:36:58 PM

Title: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on September 09, 2016, 02:36:58 PM
One of the biggest mistake a newbie makes is starting a thread that already exists.  So I checked this out so I hope this a new idea

My music library is based on breath instead of depth.  Instead of fifty recordings of Beethoven's Fifth I would prefer to have fifty recordings of different symphonies. 

Since I am always on the lookout for new composers and music one of my favorite threads in another forum is "Pieces that have blown you away recently".  This is a thread where a person can post their experiences with a new work they have never heard before or a new composer.

This would not be a thread for a person who already has fifty recordings of Beethoven's Fifth and he just acquired his fifty-first.  This thread is for a person who had never heard Beethoven's Fifth and his initial exposure to it was awesome.

I will start by talking about recent discovery for me.

I subscribe to the BBC Music Magazine.  One of the there CD's had some piano music of Ravel and Faure.  I am not a fan of Faure.  When the Faure train left the station I was not on it.  This recording of some of his barcarolles and nocturnes blew me away.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on September 09, 2016, 03:03:53 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on September 09, 2016, 02:36:58 PM
One of the biggest mistake a newbie makes is starting a thread that already exists.  So I checked this out so I hope this a new idea

My music library is based on breath instead of depth.  Instead of fifty recordings of Beethoven's Fifth I would prefer to have fifty recordings of different symphonies. 

Since I am always on the lookout for new composers and music one of my favorite threads in another forum is "Pieces that have blown you away recently".  This is a thread where a person can post their experiences with a new work they have never heard before or a new composer.

This would not be a thread for a person who already has fifty recordings of Beethoven's Fifth and he just acquired his fifty-first.  This thread is for a person who had never heard Beethoven's Fifth and his initial exposure to it was awesome.

I will start by talking about recent discovery for me.

I subscribe to the BBC Music Magazine.  One of the there CD's had some piano music of Ravel and Faure.  I am not a fan of Faure.  When the Faure train left the station I was not on it.  This recording of some of his barcarolles and nocturnes blew me away.  :)

Try his string quartets. Any of his chamber music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Rinaldo on September 09, 2016, 03:27:00 PM
Blown away, hmm.. it's been awhile, but Luc Brewaeys' Talisker, courtesy of pjme's in memoriam thread (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,25429.msg940497.html)

https://www.youtube.com/v/-CDkZ6TdHHQ

and before that, Henrico Albicastro's 12 Concerti a Quatro, which nobody seems to give a damn about, so I'm probably mad when I call this work a baroque masterpiece, on par with the greats:

https://www.youtube.com/v/uNvxFy_GtvQ
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andante on September 09, 2016, 03:46:17 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on September 09, 2016, 02:36:58 PM

My music library is based on breath instead of depth.  Instead of fifty recordings of Beethoven's Fifth I would prefer to have fifty recordings of different symphonies. 
When I started my collection I would read as many reviews of a work that I could find and purchase the one considered best, eventually over time you will find a recording that is rated better and so I may make another purchase hence I do not have 100 of LvB 5th. It works for me  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: PerfectWagnerite on September 09, 2016, 04:20:54 PM
Try LVB's late quartets, the harmonies, structure and dimensions are 100 yrs at least ahead of its times.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on September 09, 2016, 05:23:36 PM
I was recently blown away by Contretemps (https://youtu.be/kMGsh7RGdAg) by Aperghis. I've heard only one work of his prior to this which I enjoyed...I think it was called 'Teeter-totter,' but it was certainly 'Contretemps' which has made me an Aperghis fan!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on September 09, 2016, 06:46:25 PM
Quote from: Rinaldo on September 09, 2016, 03:27:00 PM
Blown away, hmm.. it's been awhile, but Luc Brewaeys' Talisker, courtesy of pjme's in memoriam thread (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,25429.msg940497.html)


Wow!!  Very effective use of multiphonics with the woodwinds.  From Faure to Brewaeys.  This would drive some of the ultraconservatives in my old forum nuts.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andante on September 09, 2016, 08:05:50 PM
Quote from: jessop on September 09, 2016, 05:23:36 PM
I was recently blown away by Contretemps (https://youtu.be/kMGsh7RGdAg) by Aperghis. I've heard only one work of his prior to this which I enjoyed...I think it was called 'Teeter-totter,' but it was certainly 'Contretemps' which has made me an Aperghis fan!

Re your link, you like this type of thing fair enough, but what is it that you find so enjoyable? I am serious and curious.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: bhodges on September 09, 2016, 08:11:05 PM
Quote from: jessop on September 09, 2016, 05:23:36 PM
I was recently blown away by Contretemps (https://youtu.be/kMGsh7RGdAg) by Aperghis. I've heard only one work of his prior to this which I enjoyed...I think it was called 'Teeter-totter,' but it was certainly 'Contretemps' which has made me an Aperghis fan!

Though I haven't heard Contretemps, I love Aperghis, ever since seeing some of his Récitations for solo voice. Recently the Talea Ensemble here has done Le Corps à corps, a short piece for solo percussionist.

Even more ambitious, the fantastic video of Luna Park, an hour-long multimedia piece. Check it out:

https://youtu.be/biTGIRROgZA

To address the thread, this blew me away.

--Bruce
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on September 09, 2016, 08:37:31 PM
Quote from: Andante on September 09, 2016, 08:05:50 PM
Re your link, you like this type of thing fair enough, but what is it that you find so enjoyable? I am serious and curious.

I find the vocal writing to be delightful in particular. Having heard it only once, i recall being very attracted to the orchestration and found the pace thrilling (especially during the first three minutes and similar moments to it). Do you like it as well? I'd be curious to hear your thoughts. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: GioCar on September 09, 2016, 09:24:03 PM
I've recently found many gems among the earlier Takemitsu works.
One of them really blew me away: Munari by Munari (1967-72) for percussions
Sorry I couldn't find a decent YT link. I have it on CD from the Complete Takemitsu Edition
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5217/5531885067_72db1786fc_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on September 09, 2016, 09:31:46 PM
Quote from: Rinaldo on September 09, 2016, 03:27:00 PM

Henrico Albicastro's 12 Concerti a Quatro, which nobody seems to give a damn about, so I'm probably mad when I call this work a baroque masterpiece, on par with the greats:


I am all of the time running into Baroque composers that are not among the big three (Bach, Handel and Vivaldi) whose music I enjoy listening to.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 09, 2016, 09:54:04 PM
Just yesterday, Friedrich Gulda's Concerto for Cello and Wind Orchestra knocked my socks off.

I was driving my car while listening and my three-and-a-half year old son danced all through the first movement on the rear seat.  :D.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: nathanb on September 10, 2016, 03:50:19 PM
I'll be sure to post lots in this thread when it's applicable, but I've pretty much listened to nothing but Stockhausen and Cage for the last two or three weeks in celebration of each of their birthdays (the two of them being, together, my two favorite composers and all). I'll get back to you when I'm listening to "new" stuff again.

Glad to see Aperghis getting some love. I've find a lot of his music delightful as well.

As a side note: I'm always thoroughly happy and amused to see how much COAG name drops any great composer he's only just discovered. The guy cherishes every new thing he finds in a very inspiring way.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on September 10, 2016, 04:30:09 PM
Quote from: jessop on September 10, 2016, 03:41:40 AM
Ah the sound of the Shamisen, love this so much!

https://www.youtube.com/v/QBjIW8Zt7Ew

I posted this in current listening but I think I might post it here as well. Whilst it didn't blow my socks off, it was really cool to see an example of how one might compose notated music for shamisen!!! Fujikura is one of my favourite composers very active today, and I'll probably be posting more of his stuff here down the track. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on September 10, 2016, 04:32:01 PM
Quote from: nathanb on September 10, 2016, 03:50:19 PM

As a side note: I'm always thoroughly happy and amused to see how much jessop name drops any great composer he's only just discovered. The guy cherishes every new thing he finds in a very inspiring way.

Haha, I'm very glad, thank you :)
Always happy to share the things I discover and find interesting, and I'm even happier to be introduced by others to music i haven't come across before!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Rinaldo on September 10, 2016, 04:56:00 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on September 09, 2016, 09:31:46 PM
I am all of the time running into Baroque composers that are not among the big three (Bach, Handel and Vivaldi) whose music I enjoy listening to.

Same here, but they usually don't blow me away like Albicastro's concerto did. Last time a lesser-known baroque composer stopped me in my tracks was William Lawes.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andante on September 10, 2016, 05:27:45 PM
Quote from: jessop on September 09, 2016, 08:37:31 PM
I find the vocal writing to be delightful in particular. Having heard it only once, i recall being very attracted to the orchestration and found the pace thrilling (especially during the first three minutes and similar moments to it). Do you like it as well? I'd be curious to hear your thoughts. :)

No I am not a fan of this type of thing and do not hear what you hear but I was curious, however this thread is not the place for that type of discussion.

I did have another listen just in case I had missed something but could only stand it for 15 min as it seemed to my poor old ears to be much of the same I hear squeaky violins and tin can's being hit, and a high pitched voice warbling on and on and on, perhaps I am just passed this kind of "music"
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on September 10, 2016, 05:41:42 PM
Quote from: Rinaldo on September 10, 2016, 04:56:00 PM
Same here, but they usually don't blow me away like Albicastro's concerto did. Last time a lesser-known baroque composer stopped me in my tracks was William Lawes.

Lawes is splendid.
After decades of slighting Purcell I found a few years ago he's a first rate genius.
Title: Ginastera BOMARZO
Post by: arpeggio on September 10, 2016, 06:42:35 PM
Ginastera is one of my favorites.  He ranks forty-seventh in my library.  I have fifty recordings (now fifty-one) in my library.  If I factor out the duplicates, like the five copies of Estancia I still have recordings of over forty works.

Sony just released the only recording of Ginastera's opera Bomarzo.  Of course I snatched it up as soon as it was released.  I mentioned this in the "Purchases Today" Thread.

I love it.  Reminds me of a Spanish Lulu.  If one likes Lulu and late Ginastera they will love this.   
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on September 10, 2016, 06:47:07 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on September 10, 2016, 06:42:35 PM
Ginastera is one of my favorites.  He ranks forty-seventh in my library.  I have fifty recordings (now fifty-one) in my library.  If I factor out the duplicates, like the five copies of Estancia I still have recordings of over forty works.

Sony just released the only recording of Ginastera's opera Bomarzo.  Of course I snatched it up as soon as it was released.  I mentioned this in the "Purchases Today" Thread.

I love it.  Reminds me of a Spanish Lulu.  If one likes Lulu and late Ginastera they will love this.   

This is something I should probably check out then when I am in an opera sort of mood! :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: nathanb on September 10, 2016, 07:00:18 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on September 10, 2016, 05:03:16 PM
I think I need to take guidance from our friend Nathanb and purposefully limited the music I listen to. I discover too much on a daily basis to keep up with a lot of it.
New sounds are great, BUT when I'm not familiarising myself enough with them, I fail for a lot of pieces to mean something to me.

I'm considering listening to only:

Bartok's Sonata for Two Piano's and Percussion
Mahler's Wonderhorn
The obligatory Xenakis
And Lilburn's third Symphony

For a whole week.

;)

I've listened to nothing for the last 5 days but 33 discs worth of Cage, and I ain't complaining.

But I only really do it because I need to. I tend to get really aimless and hopeless when I don't force myself to have some semblance of structure. Personal experience has told me this. And not just musically speaking.

Other things I recommend: set aside time to listen to large box sets and collections with nothing in between. More than a couple of times now, I'll throw on the first disc of Donaueschinger Musiktage 2006, and before it's over, I'll tell myself that I'm not allowed to listen to anything else until I've listened through the final pieces of Donaueschinger Musiktage 2014.

Not only does this force a special kind of discipline and focus, but it usually tends to reliably increase your appreciation of the subject. It's musical intimacy really. For this week, I'm musically monogamous ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on September 10, 2016, 07:00:58 PM
I guess I'm not the only one who still finds, after decades of listening, stunning new stuff regularly.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: lisa needs braces on September 10, 2016, 07:33:46 PM
have u guys heard this piece called fur elise omg sooooo goooood
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andante on September 10, 2016, 08:22:34 PM
Quote from: -abe- on September 10, 2016, 07:33:46 PM
have u guys heard this piece called fur elise omg sooooo goooood
No! how does it go?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Reckoner on September 11, 2016, 03:52:39 AM
Rautavaara: Vigilia

http://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/rautavaara-vigilia

This was the first choral work of ER's that I had heard, and it is compelling, particularly the first half or so. Some beautiful harmonies, gorgeous writing for Bass, and totally exotic vocal effects in the form of glissandos and what not.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: lisa needs braces on September 11, 2016, 04:40:59 PM
Quote from: Andante on September 10, 2016, 08:22:34 PM
No! how does it go?

Everyone knows it!

Did you know it was LvB's primary way of getting laid? He'd be like, "here, I have composed a piece for you my lady. I call it, 'For Sarah.' Let me show you, come closer..." Except he'd do it over and over again with different women. Finally one of the women became aware of his ruse and boxed his ears, which caused his hearing loss.




Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on September 11, 2016, 06:08:37 PM
Toshio Hosokawa: Saxophone Concerto (https://youtu.be/EL8uwaycLQQ)

I listened to this for the first time ever last night and I'm really feeling that I need to listen to it more and more....I really love the way the soloist is introduced in this concerto! Wow!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on September 14, 2016, 03:57:55 AM
Charlotte Bray: At the Speed of Stillness.

Really good video, nice to hear the composer talk about her work as well. The piece itself starts around 3:20 in:

https://www.youtube.com/v/DPjwZiFO3p8
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 14, 2016, 04:10:31 AM
Brahms
Scherzo in B-flat minor op. 4

A remarkably beautiful and coherent piece for a first composition (the opus number is misleading, this is the first extant work of Brahms, composed in 1851).

https://www.youtube.com/v/uka3r__32yY

Mozart
Kyrie in F major KV 33

The first thought that camew into my mind after the first few bars: Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.

https://www.youtube.com/v/3ee0rwFaSsE
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on September 14, 2016, 05:17:41 AM
I enjoyed that Mozart very much Florestan! I'm especially a fan of his many Masses and other liturgical works. What are your favourites?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on September 14, 2016, 06:13:58 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 14, 2016, 04:10:31 AM
Brahms
Scherzo in B-flat minor op. 4

A remarkably beautiful and coherent piece for a first composition (the opus number is misleading, this is the first extant work of Brahms, composed in 1851).
It's a marvelous piece, indeed. Remember though that Brahms had written a fair number of works at that point - he just destroyed the lot after Schumann's article.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jo498 on September 14, 2016, 06:53:17 AM
Another odd thing about the Brahms's scherzo is that Brahms supposedly claimed he had not known the Chopin scherzi when he wrote it but it does sound damn close to some passages of these works...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 14, 2016, 07:08:43 AM
Quote from: jessop on September 14, 2016, 05:17:41 AM
I enjoyed that Mozart very much Florestan! I'm especially a fan of his many Masses and other liturgical works. What are your favourites?

To my shame I must confess that besides the Coronation Mass and the Requiem Mozart's sacred music is virtually unkown to me, a state of affairs which I intend to redress just these days, with the help of Messrs Harnoncourt, Neumann and Philips Mozart Edition. A project that will run parallel to that of chronologically listening to Brahms's complete works on DG.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 14, 2016, 07:10:32 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on September 14, 2016, 06:53:17 AM
Another odd thing about the Brahms's scherzo is that Brahms supposedly claimed he had not known the Chopin scherzi when he wrote it but it does sound damn close to some passages of these works...

Right from the beginning, actually.  :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Visions_fugitives on September 14, 2016, 09:09:20 AM
Schumann's Violinsonate no.2 op.121, in particular the third movement, "Leise, einfach".

Simply outstanding.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJc1RhzF9w0
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on September 14, 2016, 09:17:22 AM
Quote from: Visions_fugitives on September 14, 2016, 09:09:20 AM
Schumann's Violinsonate no.2 op.121, in particular the third movement, "Leise, einfach".

Simply outstanding.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJc1RhzF9w0
That certainly is a beauty!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 14, 2016, 09:23:02 AM
Quote from: North Star on September 14, 2016, 09:17:22 AM
That certainly is a beauty!

+ 1
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on September 14, 2016, 09:24:20 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 14, 2016, 07:08:43 AM
To my shame I must confess that besides the Coronation Mass and the Requiem Mozart's sacred music is virtually unkown to me ....

Hmmph. Romanians.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 14, 2016, 09:30:03 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 14, 2016, 09:24:20 AM
Hmmph. Romanians.

That´s right. Our ears are more accustomed to things like an All-Night Vigil or a Liturgy of St. John Chrysostomus than to a Mass.   ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on September 14, 2016, 09:43:44 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 14, 2016, 09:30:03 AM
That´s right. Our ears are more accustomed to things like an All-Night Vigil or a Liturgy of St. John Chrysostomus than to a Mass.   ;D
Ha!

But, please tell me you've heard the Great c minor Mass..

https://www.youtube.com/v/meZVDU17QBI
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 14, 2016, 10:08:31 AM
Quote from: North Star on September 14, 2016, 09:43:44 AM
Ha!

But, please tell me you've heard the Great c minor Mass..

https://www.youtube.com/v/meZVDU17QBI

Oh yes, that too but I forgot to mention it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on September 14, 2016, 12:41:50 PM
Quote from: Florestan on September 14, 2016, 07:08:43 AM
To my shame I must confess that besides the Coronation Mass and the Requiem Mozart's sacred music is virtually unkown to me, a state of affairs which I intend to redress just these days, with the help of Messrs Harnoncourt, Neumann and Philips Mozart Edition. A project that will run parallel to that of chronologically listening to Brahms's complete works on DG.
Harnoncourt and Neumann have made excellent recordings imo, not sure if I prefer one or the other, but I think I tend to like them more than the Philips edition (which isn't as HIP as the others).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: knight66 on September 14, 2016, 01:51:34 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on September 09, 2016, 02:36:58 PM
One of the biggest mistake a newbie makes is starting a thread that already exists.  So I checked this out so I hope this a new idea


Welcome, I will provide a couple of socks knocked off examples, but this post is just to reassure you about how we deal with threads. I will explain current thinking. A long time ago we tried hard to match new and old threads that covered the same topic. But I recall one Bach thread which had so much in it that when the topic came up again, the new folk were referred to the existing thread and it stifled discussion. That proved to be counterproductive in prompting people for their views. We are happy to let some duplicate threads emerge and if it is useful, once it has run its course, we can merge them to help focus later search results.

We also tend to try not to move threads about too much. So if a good discussion is going on about Beethoven's Fidelio in the Great Recordings section, we are unlikely to move it to the Opera and Vocal room. Sometimes the initiator asks us to move threads and we do that leaving a redirect message.

We have a fair few new members and I though that any passing by here can pick up on this explanation.

Enjoy!

Cheers, Knight, (Mike) 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: knight66 on September 14, 2016, 01:57:21 PM
I was going to put a link to this post, but instead, I have copied it across.

Let me tell you
Composer Hans Abrahamsen, words Paul Griffiths, Soprano Barbara Hannigan
Bayerischen Rundfunks Orch, Andris Nelsons, on the Winter and Winter label

A new song cycle that seems to me to be a masterpiece. But can it enter the repertoire?

Most great song cycles yield to some possibility of permitting different voice types to advocate them. There are some exceptions such as Strauss's Four Last Songs. But here, you need a high wire soprano who can cope with microtones. I cannot imagine the piece being transposed; it would destroy the orchestral sounds and textures. So very few singers will be able to advocate this piece; which does not make it any less compelling or important. But I doubt that you will get much opportunity to hear it live.

This group of songs uses the words of Hamlet's Ophelia extracted and reordered to provide a much more richly textured character: someone who can represent women and their experiences widely and deeply. The soundworld is tonal, but without a firm key. The orchestra kept reminding me of glass, evoking white light. Much of it lies high, it shimmers. The words are drawn from Shakespeare, the sounds often echo Monteverdi. Abrahamsen deploys a repeatedly struck note and word like the earlier composer did to hit home words or emphesise a point. That trait is most evident in the initial and then the final movement. There is melody, not long and sinuous, but transitory, snatched and short breathed. Yet, it does not feel fragmented, this is a deeply satisfying listen.

It is spellbinding music, moving and disolving like a mirage. The final movement fades away rather like the end of Das Lied. Without echoing Mahler, I neverthless kept thinking of the disolve at the end of the 9th Symphony.

The performance seems splendid; this singer is very much under the skin of the piece and has the technique to manage the extraordinary difficulties that have been stitched into it. Nelsons pulls out lots of layering and detail, though I have no idea what else it might sound like, but assume he serves the score faithfully, how would I know? But the orchestra sounds terrific.

At only just over half an hour it feels like an expensive disc......until you hear it.

Mike
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: hpowders on September 14, 2016, 03:08:43 PM
For the last several months I have been listening exclusively to the Bach organ works played by the likes of Walcha, Alain, Koopman, Hurford and Fickley.

If J.S. Bach wasn't the greatest composer who ever lived, he is sure doing a great impersonation of it here!  :)

As completely blown away as I ever could be!!  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: knight66 on September 14, 2016, 03:46:43 PM
I promised two, here is the second one. Although I very much enjoy Mozart's operas and a lot of his other compositions, for some reason I can't explain I avoided his songs. I recently bought a live 1954 recital by Schwarzkopf of a Aix Festival concert. The pianist is Hans Rosbaud. Part way through the song Abendempfindung jumped out of the speakers. It is a delicate, beautiful song and I love the way the singer delivers it in an almost conversational way. Here she was live, no opportunities to retake to eliminate one or two slightly overstreched phrases. But it does not matter, this performance gets to the heart of the song. A few minutes very well spent.

As you may detect, it is the performance as much as the song which so delghted me.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ89qQ3rFOw


Mike
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Monsieur Croche on September 14, 2016, 04:45:38 PM
David Lang ~ Crowd Out for 1000 voices.

I was very taken with the sound the piece makes as a piece as well as the social import of the piece as event.
https://www.youtube.com/v/puPmm9-3-nI
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: hpowders on September 14, 2016, 05:06:12 PM
The 12 Piano Sonatas by Vincent Persichetti.

Most are delightful neo-classical works, highly approachable and very witty.

I believe Haydn would have loved them.

They always blow me away!  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: nathanb on September 14, 2016, 05:56:12 PM
Quote from: El Píthi on September 14, 2016, 05:06:12 PM
The 12 Piano Sonatas by Vincent Persichetti.

Most are delightful neo-classical works, highly approachable and very witty.

I believe Haydn would have loved them.

They always blow me away!  :)

Recent discoveries only, powders
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on September 15, 2016, 12:12:24 AM
Probably one of the most dazzling and impressive violin concertos I have heard recently! :o

https://www.youtube.com/v/1uW5manYtAU
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: hpowders on September 15, 2016, 06:09:00 AM
Quote from: nathanb on September 14, 2016, 05:56:12 PM
Recent discoveries only, powders

powders? Whose that?

I am El Píthi.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Monsieur Croche on September 15, 2016, 09:31:47 AM
Quote from: El Píthi on September 15, 2016, 06:09:00 AM
powders? Whose that?

I am El Píthi.

Hal-El-u-Pithi....
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: hpowders on September 15, 2016, 10:33:37 AM
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on September 15, 2016, 09:31:47 AM
Hal-El-u-Pithi....

Right back atcha, Monsieur Croche!  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: frenchyboy on September 15, 2016, 12:08:01 PM
I discovered this little overture lately and I can't get enough of it :

https://www.youtube.com/v/lfKNfY1a31o
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: nathanb on September 15, 2016, 12:12:31 PM
Quote from: El Píthi on September 15, 2016, 06:09:00 AM
powders? Whose that?

I am El Píthi.

Don't change the subject.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Otis B. Driftwood on September 15, 2016, 12:48:36 PM
I was listening to Doina Rotaru recent compilation CD:

(https://img.discogs.com/6p0T4O3_UZY3ikShSwjSR4WnRSw=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8123512-1455793490-2699.jpeg.jpg)

And I got hooked by "Cantus Austerus":


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFq24r4wOjU
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: hpowders on September 15, 2016, 12:53:52 PM
El Píthi has been recently blown away by Schuman's Symphony No. 10 AND the Shostakovich Symphony No. 4.

Yes. I am settling in here on GMG very, very nicely!  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Que on September 16, 2016, 12:51:36 AM
Johannes Ockeghem's Missa prolationum (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missa_prolationum):

[asin]B0093N4DXU[/asin]

https://youtube.com/v/h5y36gL8E34

More details on the piece apart from the Wiki link above:

QuoteDescription by Timothy Dickey [Allmusic]

Ockeghem's Missa Prolationum may be the greatest exercise in contrapuntal virtuosity anywhere in the European Renaissance.
Strict rhythmic transformation of a notated melody had existed within the tradition of the isorhythmic motet, wherein subsequent sections of the piece would apply such transformations to the tenor's fixed melody by means of new time signatures. Ockeghem's colleague in the 1440s at Our Lady's of Antwerp, Petrus de Domarto, apparently was the first to apply mensural rhythmic transformation to the various movements of a Mass Ordinary cycle, in his Missa Spiritus alme.Guillaume Dufay posed himself the challenge of a "mensuration canon" -- two voices singing the same melody in different time signatures -- in an early motet, Inclita stella maris, and a late chanson, Les doleurs. But it was left to the supreme craftsman, Ockeghem, to raise the compositional stakes and challenge himself to write an entire mass based on a series of such canons: in short, to exploit the system of mensural notation as never before (and not since).

The musical feature which makes a mensuration canon possible is the fact that in the fifteenth century's system of notation, the same note symbol could take a different rhythmic value under different mensurations (or time signatures). This means that in addition to the more standard type of canon, where subsequent voices sing the same melody at a later time or a different pitch level, the same melody may be sung in counterpoint to itself in two different simultaneous time signatures. All of the movements of Ockeghem's Mass are examples of this most difficult type of canon. Moreover, all of the movements are double canons: two notated voices are each subjected to different mensuration canons to produce four vocal parts. As if this weren't enough of a challenge, Ockeghem sets each canon at a different musical interval: Kyrie at the unison, Christe at a whole step, Kyrie II at a third, Gloria at a fourth, etc., to Osanna at the octave. The Agnus Dei movements return to canonic intervals of the fourth and fifth.

The Prolation Mass is not merely an intellectual curiosity, however. Music theorists from shortly after Ockeghem's death until the twentieth century have extolled the concept and contrapuntal workmanship of the Mass; the later twentieth century has even seen in Ockeghem a kinship with the hyper-intellectual esotericism of "Contemporary-classical" music written by academic composers. However, the elegance of Ockeghem's Mass is not restricted to the conceptual world of notation and thought; it presents a sonic experience fully commensurate with the harmonies and melodies expected by his contemporary listeners. The openings of movements often seem rhythmically unmoored, as different voices sing long notes of various lengths, but the true test of his skill is the aural facility of his melodic weavings and his cadences; he even successfully slips an expressive accidental into the canonic complex at Crucifixus. A harmonically warmer Sanctus cannot be found in his work, and the octave canon in Osanna provides for a powerful conclusion. Even as natural laws of staggering complexity may govern in secret the processes of a budding rose, a terribly difficult, but hidden, level of craftsmanship yields the sweetness of Ockeghem's music.

Q
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Muse Wanderer on September 18, 2016, 07:54:43 AM
Completely blown away by Bartok's String Quartets!

I have marvelled at his 1st and 2nd string quartets. I am now listening to his 3rd and it is seismic in proportions!

I have no idea how, to my ears, Bartok managed to break the boundaries once laid down by Beethoven's late quartets.

Geez! - I thought that listening to Bartok's orchestral works followed by his piano concertos would give me a clue of his creativity.

Then I listen to these marvellous works and can barely close my mouth in astonishment.

Bartok's 3rd string quartet (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/String_Quartet_No._3_(Bart%C3%B3k)) is so tight starting off with a simple motif that evolves drastically creating a surreal atmosphere that is projected out in the wild by the tumultuous second movement. The third movement brings back the serene drama of the first with a climactic ending that mirrors the second.

https://www.youtube.com/v/FXQ2-uD_4LU

Now I am slowly 'absorbing' the 4th and can't wait to listen to his last 2!


Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: bhodges on September 18, 2016, 08:24:18 AM
If you're inclined, Muse, the Banff International String Quartet Competition has all of its performances (from about two weeks ago) on YouTube. In the first round, many of the groups did Bartók (and Haydn), and there are some terrific readings, especially of No. 4.

https://www.banffcentre.ca/bisqc-watch-and-listen

--Bruce
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Muse Wanderer on September 18, 2016, 08:58:15 AM
Quote from: Brewski on September 18, 2016, 08:24:18 AM
If you're inclined, Muse, the Banff International String Quartet Competition has all of its performances (from about two weeks ago) on YouTube. In the first round, many of the groups did Bartók (and Haydn), and there are some terrific readings, especially of No. 4.

https://www.banffcentre.ca/bisqc-watch-and-listen

--Bruce

Thanks Bruce.

I'll check these performances out once I digest the intricacies of the 4th and whatever Bartok conjures in the 5th and 6th.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 19, 2016, 06:27:36 AM
Henri Herz´s piano concertos.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on September 19, 2016, 06:41:44 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 19, 2016, 06:27:36 AM
Henri Herz´s piano concertos.
You listen frequently?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 19, 2016, 06:45:58 AM
Quote from: Ken B on September 19, 2016, 06:41:44 AM
You listen frequently?

Huh?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jo498 on September 19, 2016, 06:50:07 AM
Heinrich Hertz, not Henri Herz
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 19, 2016, 06:57:57 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on September 19, 2016, 06:50:07 AM
Heinrich Hertz, not Henri Herz

Cf.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zg6gyJZa5ME/VfriUBRHmyI/AAAAAAACcxg/kZNj4Bac1Vo/s1600/herz%2Bcontraportada.PNG)

Also

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Herz (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Herz)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: zamyrabyrd on September 19, 2016, 07:09:51 AM
Is anyone familiar with this delightful work? Reminds me of champagne bubbles.

https://www.youtube.com/v/EVUZoqvNqK8

Elias Parish Alvars - Harp Concerto in G-minor, Op.81 (1842)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jo498 on September 19, 2016, 07:17:11 AM
I know. I tried to explain Ken's pun Herz -> Hertz and frequency -> frequently.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 19, 2016, 07:19:08 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on September 19, 2016, 07:17:11 AM
I know. I tried to explain Ken's pun Herz -> Hertz and frequency -> frequently.

Oh, my! I had a second thought about it that it might have something to do with that Hertz. And now I got Ken´s pun, too.

You guys are too subtle for me.  :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 19, 2016, 07:21:27 AM
Quote from: zamyrabyrd on September 19, 2016, 07:09:51 AM
Is anyone familiar with this delightful work? Reminds me of champagne bubbles.

https://www.youtube.com/v/EVUZoqvNqK8

Elias Parish Alvars - Harp Concerto in G-minor, Op.81 (1842)

Thanks for posting it. Sounds great.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ghost Sonata on September 19, 2016, 07:32:10 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on September 19, 2016, 06:50:07 AM
Heinrich Hertz, not Henri Herz

Grove states Henri (with Heinrich in parentheses).  Born in Vienna, Heinrich was thoroughly Frenchified in name and style - and wildly popular in his day.  He crossed the U.S. on tour three times (!) and wrote about it : Mes voyages en Amérique [1866], which see:  https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044086313251;view=1up;seq=9  I might have a look inside myself (an English trans. published in 1966).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on September 19, 2016, 07:36:51 AM
Quote from: Ghost Sonata on September 19, 2016, 07:32:10 AM
Grove states Henri (with Heinrich in parentheses).  Born in Vienna, Heinrich was thoroughly Frenchified in name and style - and wildly popular in his day.  He crossed the U.S. on tour three times (!) and wrote about it : Mes voyages en Amérique [1866], which see:  https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044086313251;view=1up;seq=9  I might have a look inside myself (an English trans. published in 1966).
Heinrich Hertz is the scientist.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 19, 2016, 07:38:22 AM
Quote from: Ghost Sonata on September 19, 2016, 07:32:10 AM
He crossed the U.S. on tour three times (!) and wrote about it : Mes voyages en Amérique [1866], which see:  https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044086313251;view=1up;seq=9  I might have a look inside myself (an English trans. published in 1966).

The liner notes to the first Herz volume on Hyperion state that those are extremely well and witty written and gives three examples that indeed made me laugh. Many thanks for the link, Gregg!

I see it opens with one of my favorite Horace adages:

Coelum non animam mutant qui trans mare currunt.

Look very, very promising.  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ghost Sonata on September 19, 2016, 07:45:00 AM
Quote from: North Star on September 19, 2016, 07:36:51 AM
Heinrich Hertz is the scientist.

This hurts my head.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on September 19, 2016, 08:18:54 AM
Quote from: Ghost Sonata on September 19, 2016, 07:45:00 AM
This hurts my head.
Try this

(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/uToAAOSwVL1V~GUk/s-l300.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SeptimalTritone on September 19, 2016, 08:35:56 PM
These have blown me away recently. The second of these I have heard before, but revisiting it made a much greater impression on me.

Francisco Meirino - Recordings of Voltage Errors, Magnetic Fields, On Site Testimonies & Tape Tension https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcEeN9qAVmw

Sachiko M / Toshimaru Nakamura / Otomo Yoshihide - Good Morning, Good Night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHs0LkixGvY&list=PL6kbKbt4ZO4ZiobvZAacH7T-Jtsb4jugX

Michelle Lou - Untitled Three Part Construction https://soundcloud.com/yelloworange

Lionel Marchetti - Ocean https://lionelmarchetti.bandcamp.com/track/oc-an-de-la-fertilit-2016-composition-de-musique-concr-te

Alexander Khubeev - Sounds of the dark time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TlTKWR4LNU
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on September 19, 2016, 09:04:25 PM
Quote from: Jo498 on September 19, 2016, 07:17:11 AM
I know. I tried to explain Ken's pun Herz -> Hertz and frequency -> frequently.
Just like REM's song  "What's the frequency Kenneth?"..................
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: hpowders on September 20, 2016, 01:49:41 PM
What really blew me away this afternoon quite unexpectedly was the delightful, proud to be American Symphony No. 4 by William Schuman. I always liked it, but today it seriously impressed me!!  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 20, 2016, 07:25:31 PM
Quote from: hpowders on September 20, 2016, 01:49:41 PM
What really blew me away this afternoon quite unexpectedly was the delightful, proud to be American Symphony No. 4 by William Schuman. I always liked it, but today it seriously impressed me!!  8)

I really like the slow movement to that symphony. I can't remember much else about it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: nathanb on September 20, 2016, 07:45:07 PM
Quote from: SeptimalTritone on September 19, 2016, 08:35:56 PM
These have blown me away recently. The second of these I have heard before, but revisiting it made a much greater impression on me.

Sachiko M / Toshimaru Nakamura / Otomo Yoshihide - Good Morning, Good Night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHs0LkixGvY&list=PL6kbKbt4ZO4ZiobvZAacH7T-Jtsb4jugX

Have you heard the Keith Rowe / Sachiko M / Toshimaru Nakamura / Otomo Yoshihide 4 hour improvisation set in "ErstLive 005"? Guaranteed to blow you away.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Visions_fugitives on September 21, 2016, 02:08:15 PM
Gyorgy Kurtag | Stele op.33
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXDyfW-l0Go
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: knight66 on September 21, 2016, 10:16:45 PM
Quote from: Visions_fugitives on September 21, 2016, 02:08:15 PM
Gyorgy Kurtag | Stele op.33
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXDyfW-l0Go

I very much like this piece, and I really ought to explore the composer more widely. I heard it live then dived off to get hold of a recording.

Mike
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: GioCar on September 21, 2016, 11:19:48 PM
Quote from: Visions_fugitives on September 21, 2016, 02:08:15 PM
Gyorgy Kurtag | Stele op.33
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXDyfW-l0Go


Quote from: knight66 on September 21, 2016, 10:16:45 PM
I very much like this piece, and I really ought to explore the composer more widely. I heard it live then dived off to get hold of a recording.

Mike

Yes, I like it as well  :) I have it paired with Stockhausen's Gruppen  and another piece by Kurtag (Grabstein für Stephan) on that recording with Claudio Abbado and the Berliner.
Long live Maestro Kurtag! (you also have to finish your Opera Fin de partie  ;))
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: nathanb on September 23, 2016, 07:30:41 AM
I finally had the chance to hear Francisco Lopez's Antarctica Variations. Yep.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on September 27, 2016, 06:39:27 PM
Leo Brouwer: Canticum (https://youtu.be/85GlLFQjvy8) from his more experimental middle period, this was composed in 1968. Also recently blown away by Domeniconi's 'Koyunbaba' which I have decided to prepare for a recital some time next year along with Villa-Lobos preludes, some Brouwer pieces (including Canticum) and a great suite of character pieces (with some very cool extended techniques) by Australian composer Phillip Houghton called 'Scacchi.' 'Koyunbaba' is a piece I've known for a while but playing it for the first time is a totally different experience; feeling the notes under my fingers is hugely satisfying!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on September 30, 2016, 07:30:07 PM
I had recently purchased the following CD set:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81lLBjPnO9L._SX425_.jpg)

There were two works in the set that I was unfamiliar with:

Morton Gould: Spirituals for Orchestra.

This was typical Gould.  I still liked it but there have been other works of his that had a greater impact on me.  I. e. Jericho, Rhapsody for Band.

Charles Ives: Orchestral Set No. 2.

Now this work knocked my socks off.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on October 01, 2016, 09:35:11 PM
Based on a recommendation that I received here I had acquired the following CD:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006TK7U8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am a big fan of Bax and I was unfamiliar with this music.  I was not disappointed  :)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Patrick Murtha on October 02, 2016, 06:18:25 AM
After finishing listening to this year's Proms (about 75% of them), I've been digging around at the BBC website and found a couple of really good recent broadcasts with pieces I had not heard. Pietro Mascagni's opera Iris, conducted by Domingo Hindoyan at the Montpellier Festival, is most impressive, especially for its choral writing and imaginative orchestration. Florent Schmitt's large-scale setting of Psalm 47 is very much designed to "blow you away"; the performance I heard was led by Thierry Fischer.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on October 02, 2016, 03:30:17 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on September 30, 2016, 07:30:07 PM
I had recently purchased the following CD set:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81lLBjPnO9L._SX425_.jpg)

There were two works in the set that I was unfamiliar with:

Morton Gould: Spirituals for Orchestra.

This was typical Gould.  I still liked it but there have been other works of his that had a greater impact on me.  I. e. Jericho, Rhapsody for Band.

Charles Ives: Orchestral Set No. 2.

Now this work knocked my socks off.

Charles Ives has composed a tonne of amazing orchestral music which I barely know myself! The Robert Browning overture was a recent discovery for me. I only found out about it after reading some old programme notes from Boulez's tenure at NYPO. I've only heard it once but I really have to hear it again now that I think of it! It's a shame that Boulez never recorded it as far as I know; he would have made it more well known that what it is right now.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 02, 2016, 04:18:29 PM
Berg's Three Pieces for Orchestra never cease but to blow me away.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on October 07, 2016, 10:28:06 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on October 06, 2016, 06:39:19 PM
Penderecki's big early textural orchestral works are giving me a thrill ride at the moment!  ;D
Could you recommend any pieces and recordings to check out?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 08, 2016, 07:36:21 AM
Some string quintets by George Onslow and Luigi Cherubini.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on October 08, 2016, 11:34:35 AM
Faust Symphony by Liszt. This is a relatively new work to me, heard it for the first time only a couple of months ago. The Mephistopheles movement amazes me with it's cleverness and sheer creative power.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on October 08, 2016, 12:15:14 PM
Quote from: Alberich on October 08, 2016, 11:34:35 AM
Faust Symphony by Liszt. This is a relatively new work to me, heard it for the first time only a couple of months ago. The Mephistopheles movement amazes me with it's cleverness and sheer creative power.
A great slice of Romanticism, that.


What has blown me away recently? I don't know.. I pretty much expected to enjoy all the Haydn symphonies as much as I have done (i.e., enormously). Those Dufay isorhythmic motets on the Huelgas Ensemble disc O Gemma Lux, certainly. Bach's harpsichord partitas, going further back in time. Oh, and the sheer enjoyability of all those Purcell songs in the Hyperion complete songs box.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: alkan on October 08, 2016, 02:18:19 PM
Maslanka, Symphony No 8.

Completely unexpected and totally mindblowing.

Have a listen to this clip from Youtube.    Wind forward to 11 min for the final apotheosis

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsQk_Y1vIVE

Alternatively there is this recording, with video, but not so well played

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyYj50uVF5Y


Enjoy !!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: (poco) Sforzando on October 08, 2016, 02:30:28 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 02, 2016, 04:18:29 PM
Berg's Three Pieces for Orchestra never cease but to blow me away.

And how do you like that Lenny recording, dude?

I have been obsessed by Beethoven's Kreutzer Sonata lately, because I am writing a new play about a male Orthodox Jewish college student pianist madly in love with the Catholic girl student violinist he has been assigned to play the piece with.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on October 08, 2016, 03:58:19 PM
Quote from: alkan on October 08, 2016, 02:18:19 PM
Maslanka, Symphony No 8.

Completely unexpected and totally mindblowing.

Have a listen to this clip from Youtube.    Wind forward to 11 min for the final apotheosis

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsQk_Y1vIVE

Alternatively there is this recording, with video, but not so well played

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyYj50uVF5Y


Enjoy !!!

Note: Big Maslanka Fan  :)

If you think that is amazing check out this YouTube of the US Navy Band performing his Fourth Symphony

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2xcMoQ6ML4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2xcMoQ6ML4)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on October 08, 2016, 04:01:47 PM
Quote from: alkan on October 08, 2016, 02:18:19 PM
Maslanka, Symphony No 8.

Completely unexpected and totally mindblowing.

Have a listen to this clip from Youtube.    Wind forward to 11 min for the final apotheosis

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsQk_Y1vIVE

Alternatively there is this recording, with video, but not so well played

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyYj50uVF5Y


Enjoy !!!

I more or less insisted my gf to give that to her father for Christmas a year ago ( he's a keen amateur trombonist and long time wind band member). He loved it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on October 08, 2016, 04:27:04 PM
I had recently listened to the following set:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51K3G3EchpL._SX425_.jpg)

There were many new pieces that I was unfamiliar with.  The Journey to the Amazon CD had many fascinating works.

The one new work for me that knocked my socks off was the Ponce Concierto del sur.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on October 08, 2016, 10:44:58 PM
Quote from: Florestan on October 08, 2016, 07:36:21 AM
Some string quintets by George Onslow and Luigi Cherubini.
Haven't heard those Onslow quintets before? I heard a couple a few years ago along with a bunch of his other chamber works. Remarkable composer!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on October 09, 2016, 01:51:13 AM
NEW PIECE BY OLGA NEUWIRTH THIS IS A BIG DEAL AND IT'S AMAZING

https://youtu.be/MAy4FzongqM
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Artem on October 09, 2016, 04:49:14 AM
Brahms' 3 Intermezzi, Op. 117, especially the first two. Have been listening to them these two days.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: alkan on October 09, 2016, 11:51:36 AM
Thanks for the link to Maslanka's 4th symphony.    Very impressive.   It seems that Maslanka is a specialist in apotheoses .... a kind of 21st century Bruckner .... !!

After Maslanka, now for something completely different    (as Monty Python would say ....)

Have a listen to this, from my namesake Charles-Valentin Alkan.     I know it by heart but it may be new to many of you.
The Saltarella (from Op 47) arranged for piano duo ...... a wonderful rhythmic drive, virtuoso playing and plenty of excitement.    How can human beings play the piano like this and still find time to turn the pages of the score .... ????

This Youtube video is from a private performance in Italy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzmn-oQAtj0

Hope you enjoy
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on October 09, 2016, 01:24:41 PM
I've already mentioned it in his Composer Discussion thread, but I heard Alfred Schnittke's cantata Nagasaki the other day, and was blown away by it, especially the middle movement and the finale. What is it about fortissimos in Soviet music that leave you completely overwhelmed? They are absolutely incredible!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on October 09, 2016, 01:36:16 PM
I heard most of this today: excellent tone poem!

Ernest Bloch: Three Hebrew Poems

https://www.youtube.com/v/oGUnQ4pL_VM
Title: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: B_cereus on October 24, 2016, 07:52:58 PM
I am getting into once popular but now neglected works... Recently listening to Moog's recordings of:

Moszkowski - E major piano concerto

Anton Rubinstein - D minor piano concerto #4

I think both these pieces deserve resurrection in the concert halls :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 24, 2016, 09:15:16 PM
Mahler's 3rd has completely blown me away and, even though I've always liked this symphony, I absolutely love it now.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jo498 on October 24, 2016, 11:09:15 PM
Quote from: (poco) Sforzando on October 08, 2016, 02:30:28 PM
I have been obsessed by Beethoven's Kreutzer Sonata lately, because I am writing a new play about a male Orthodox Jewish college student pianist madly in love with the Catholic girl student violinist he has been assigned to play the piece with.
You know that there is already a book by some Russian dude about the Kreutzer Sonata... ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: MishaK on October 25, 2016, 07:08:01 AM
Bought Barenboim's new set of complete Schubert sonatas recently, most of which were unknown to me. Completely blown away by  D845 in A Minor. What a piece! Bought the score and now I'm learning to play it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on October 25, 2016, 07:17:55 AM
Quote from: MishaK on October 25, 2016, 07:08:01 AM
Bought Barenboim's new set of complete Schubert sonatas recently, most of which were unknown to me. Completely blown away by  D845 in A Minor. What a piece! Bought the score and now I'm learning to play it.
Yes, that's a great sonata. D784 in A minor is an interesting one, too.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 26, 2016, 06:12:07 AM
Louis Vierne - Piano Quintet in C minor op. 42 (1917)

A mournful, heartwrenching lamento for his son, killed in the trenches of WWI. A most impressive work which seems to have been composed with his own blood and tears by this most unfortunate of composers, born almost blind and whose life has been beset by countless tragedies.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: PerfectWagnerite on October 26, 2016, 03:14:03 PM
Quote from: (poco) Sforzando on October 08, 2016, 02:30:28 PM


, because I am writing a new play about a male Orthodox Jewish college student pianist madly in love with the Catholic girl student violinist he has been assigned to play the piece with.
Is that a joke?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on October 26, 2016, 04:35:06 PM
Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on October 26, 2016, 03:14:03 PM
Is that a joke?

Oh, I shouldn't think so. But it does establish some background for either drama or comedy.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Gaspard de la nuit on November 03, 2016, 07:02:42 PM
Quote from: knight66 on September 14, 2016, 01:57:21 PM
Let me tell you
Composer Hans Abrahamsen, words Paul Griffiths, Soprano Barbara Hannigan
Bayerischen Rundfunks Orch, Andris Nelsons, on the Winter and Winter label

I've been listening to this regularly since it came out. Definitely one of the best new works I've heard in years. I also highly recommend his other work 'Schnee', also on Winter & Winter. Abrahamsen is shaping up to be a truly incredible composer. Can't wait to hear what he does next.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: (poco) Sforzando on November 05, 2016, 03:24:39 PM
Quote from: Jo498 on October 24, 2016, 11:09:15 PM
You know that there is already a book by some Russian dude about the Kreutzer Sonata... ;)

How odd. I even make reference in my play to the student's father having an adulterous affair (though no one gets killed as a result or spends his life riding trains pleading for forgiveness).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on November 05, 2016, 03:44:17 PM
Quote from: (poco) Sforzando on November 05, 2016, 03:24:39 PM
How odd. I even make reference in my play to the student's father having an adulterous affair (though no one gets killed as a result or spends his life riding trains pleading for forgiveness).
I hope that whoever discovers and chases them also considers how foolish it would be to pursue them with just socks on your feet.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on November 12, 2016, 06:20:51 PM
OMG

(https://d3rt1990lpmkn.cloudfront.net/640/1f7cff53f47755c6d86cbd5b71e79a62ec665084)

OMG

OMG

OMG

A Stream After Dark

OMG

:o
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: EigenUser on November 13, 2016, 03:27:12 AM
I've been learning Scriabin's Sonata No. 9 ("Black Mass") on piano over the past month and THAT is a piece that blows me away! Listening to it is great, but playing it (no matter how poorly, haha) is an otherworldly experience that lures you into a very dark and sinister place with sensuous melodies (kind of like the mythical sirens).

I've also been into William Schuman's Symphony No. 3. I discovered it over a year ago, but I just started listening to it again.

Quote from: alkan on October 08, 2016, 02:18:19 PM
Maslanka, Symphony No 8.

Completely unexpected and totally mindblowing.

Have a listen to this clip from Youtube.    Wind forward to 11 min for the final apotheosis

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsQk_Y1vIVE

Alternatively there is this recording, with video, but not so well played

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyYj50uVF5Y


Enjoy !!!

I heard Maslanka's 8th a month or two ago and I really liked it. It was on some public access radio station. I don't recall how it sounds, but I remember it was thrilling.

Quote from: Que on September 16, 2016, 12:51:36 AM
Johannes Ockeghem's Missa prolationum (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missa_prolationum):

[asin]B0093N4DXU[/asin]

https://youtube.com/v/h5y36gL8E34

More details on the piece apart from the Wiki link above:

Q

This was my first Ockeghem I ever heard and it is still one of my favorites. My other favorite is his Missa Mi-mi -- particularly this recording (I've talked about it on here before):

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51jEIH6WiXL._SS500.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on November 18, 2016, 03:52:05 AM
Rudolf Escher:

Musique pour l'esprit en deuil

https://youtu.be/-ALYCV3_JQc

Hymne du Grand Meaulnes:

https://youtu.be/P-o8sDVkVLg

P.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Gaspard de la nuit on November 20, 2016, 11:50:11 AM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on November 17, 2016, 06:49:20 PM
Leonardo Balada - Steel Symphony

This composer/piece is the first time recently where I've discovered something new and felt; this sounds like something I would write!

This is an impressive composer I'm enjoying (alongside yesterday's discovery). I was amazed to learn that Leonardo was also John Zorn's teacher at one point!   :D

I've been going through his output on Naxos and I have to admit he's pretty good. The Caprichos, Guernica and Concierto Mágico are some stand outs for me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 20, 2016, 01:00:39 PM
Quote from: Gaspard de la nuit on November 20, 2016, 11:50:11 AM
I've been going through his output on Naxos and I have to admit he's pretty good. The Caprichos, Guernica and Concierto Mágico are some stand outs for me.

I checked out Balada a few years ago, but didn't really hear anything that stood out to me. That recording of his Steel Symphony with Maazel/Pittsburgh SO is worth owning for that sizzling performance of Schuman's 7th, although I did actually enjoy the Balada work for it's mechanical viciousness.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on November 20, 2016, 01:26:44 PM
Balada is a composer I'd like to check out.....never heard such praise or any mention of Balada until now! So thanks for mentioning his music :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 20, 2016, 02:16:34 PM
Quote from: jessop on November 20, 2016, 01:26:44 PM
Balada is a composer I'd like to check out.....never heard such praise or any mention of Balada until now! So thanks for mentioning his music :)

To Spotify and/or YouTube you go! :) Tell us what you think. I might be interested in listening to a few of his works again at some point to see if my opinion has changed. I remember Brian taking quite a liking to one of those Balada Naxos recordings. It might be this one:

[asin]B00005MFGY[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on November 20, 2016, 03:33:52 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 20, 2016, 02:16:34 PM
To Spotify and/or YouTube you go! :) Tell us what you think. I might be interested in listening to a few of his works again at some point to see if my opinion has changed. I remember Brian taking quite a liking to one of those Balada Naxos recordings. It might be this one:

[asin]B00005MFGY[/asin]
I liked that one quite a bit at first, and bought several discs, but then I just got tired of Balada. Not sure why. Lack of depth I think. But he's certainly worth investigating.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 20, 2016, 07:32:40 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 20, 2016, 03:33:52 PM
I liked that one quite a bit at first, and bought several discs, but then I just got tired of Balada. Not sure why. Lack of depth I think. But he's certainly worth investigating.

Hmmm...the 'lack of depth' part surely doesn't make me want to investigate, Ken. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on November 20, 2016, 07:38:27 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 20, 2016, 07:32:40 PM
Hmmm...the 'lack of depth' part surely doesn't make me want to investigate, Ken. :)
Well I thought you had!
I kinda feel the same way about Michael Torke. The music has an immediate appeal, but for me at least it paled pretty quickly. But I don't regret investigating him. Einaudi on the other hand was pretty much a waste of time. (Ask Brian about Einaudi.)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 20, 2016, 07:48:13 PM
Quote from: Ken B on November 20, 2016, 07:38:27 PM
Well I thought you had!
I kinda feel the same way about Michael Torke. The music has an immediate appeal, but for me at least it paled pretty quickly. But I don't regret investigating him. Einaudi on the other hand was pretty much a waste of time. (Ask Brian about Einaudi.)

Yes, I did mention I heard some of Balada's music, but I don't remember hardly anything I heard (this has been maybe 3-4 years ago). I felt the way you did with Balada and Torke but with Kenneth Fuchs. The surface sounded quite nice, but once I started digging into music I noticed that it just didn't really have anything to say nor was I particularly moved by it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on November 21, 2016, 01:53:46 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 20, 2016, 02:16:34 PM
To Spotify and/or YouTube you go! :) Tell us what you think. I might be interested in listening to a few of his works again at some point to see if my opinion has changed. I remember Brian taking quite a liking to one of those Balada Naxos recordings. It might be this one:

[asin]B00005MFGY[/asin]
Ah thanks, I will check out this recording if I can find it on youtube/spotify :D
Next time I have some money to spare I should stock up on a few recordings of new discoveries I have made this year. This thread will turn out to be very useful for me in terms of organising what music I really will spend my $ on ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on November 21, 2016, 01:55:11 AM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on November 20, 2016, 08:18:15 PM
Georg Haas' In Vain finally got to me  :D
Haas is pretty good, but a little shallow to me. This is good as well as 'limited approximations'
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on November 21, 2016, 02:04:00 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on November 21, 2016, 11:18:56 AM
Yeah, well he has always seemed better when he has something in the foreground.
Which is why I like his Concertos and Opera's more. Limited Approximations is good too yes, not my favourite Haas piece but it does evoke something in me. :)
Have you heard much Coates? She is very interesting in her exploration of microtones. I find that despite the very grand, slow pace on the surface of some of her works there is always very interesting sonorities on the micro level. It's very subtle but very interesting. Less 'direct' than something like Limited Approximations and other Haas works, but more fascinating to me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 21, 2016, 03:38:56 PM
I'm always blown away by Shostakovich's Leningrad Symphony whenever I listen to it nowadays. This used to be one of the symphonies I avoided the most from Shostakovich (along with the 2nd, 3rd, and 14th), but I've really come around to it over the last few years. There are many great performances of it, but there are so many good ones now that it doesn't really matter which one I hear per se as something different always seems to be brought to the musical table.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Rinaldo on November 21, 2016, 03:58:40 PM
Quote from: jessop on November 21, 2016, 01:55:11 AM
Haas is pretty good, but a little shallow to me. This is good as well as 'limited approximations'

5:4 has been raving about Haas' brand new piece, Hyena.

Yesterday, I've had the chance to catch Ostravská banda, a great multi-national contemporary ensemble, playing at a local venue. They closed the night with Sciarrino's Allegoria della notte and man oh man, what a tremendous piece!

https://www.youtube.com/v/LONGAJAMNk8
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on November 21, 2016, 04:38:45 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on November 21, 2016, 04:28:18 PM
What's her full name? the only Coates I've found is Eric Coates........
Gloria Coates. Eric Coates is some composer of popular light music I think........never really associated him with classical music :laugh:

Her 7th and 14th symphonies are particularly cool.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on November 21, 2016, 05:18:19 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 20, 2016, 02:16:34 PM
To Spotify and/or YouTube you go! :) Tell us what you think. I might be interested in listening to a few of his works again at some point to see if my opinion has changed. I remember Brian taking quite a liking to one of those Balada Naxos recordings. It might be this one:

[asin]B00005MFGY[/asin]
Not a huge fan of Eliot Fisk tbh
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 21, 2016, 05:25:08 PM
Quote from: jessop on November 21, 2016, 05:18:19 PM
Not a huge fan of Eliot Fisk tbh

Well, it could have Foghorn Leghorn on guitar and I'd never listen to the recording anyway. ;) ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mahlerian on November 27, 2016, 02:21:03 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71ErwzJV5qL._SX425_.jpg)

I've heard this work a number of times, but following along with the analysis in Jameux's book, I felt like I was really listening to it for the first time.  Exquisite!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on November 29, 2016, 04:57:35 AM
John Corigliano's "Red Violin" Concerto. I watched a performance on Youtube and it's an incredible piece! The 2nd movt. Pianissimo Scherzo reminded me of the scherzo movements in Ginastera's two piano concerti, with fast, fleeting moments here one minute and gone the next.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: cilgwyn on November 29, 2016, 05:07:12 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 24, 2016, 09:15:16 PM
Mahler's 3rd has completely blown me away and, even though I've always liked this symphony, I absolutely love it now.
Agreed! I'm hooked on that one now. The Seventh is another source of fascination. One of each is not enough!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 29, 2016, 07:16:32 AM
Quote from: cilgwyn on November 29, 2016, 05:07:12 AM
Agreed! I'm hooked on that one now. The Seventh is another source of fascination. One of each is not enough!!

Absolutely. Mahler's 6th and 9th also fascinate me. Love these two symphonies as much as I love the 3rd.

Thread duty:

Prokofiev's Violin Sonata No. 1 has recently blown me away even though I've heard it many times before. It really made an impression on me when I listened to it again yesterday. What a piece!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on November 29, 2016, 09:55:21 AM
From Alex Ross webpage:


Andrew Norman has won the 2017 Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition, for his formidable symphonic piece Play. In an interview with NPR, he has an exceptionally thoughtful reaction to the prize: "Maybe I can use this moment to talk about things that are important to me. Like to call attention to the fact that there are problems. For instance, this award has been given to three women out of its 30-year history. And to me that's kind of an issue. And in all honesty, I'm a white man and I get lots of commissions and there are systemic reasons for that, reasons we should all be talking about. There are so many talented composers out there. Rather than giving me another commission, why aren't we giving those people a commission?" Norman has also been named Musical America's Composer of the Year. I was asked to write a short essay for the occasion.

More on Norman: Will Robin's Times profile, Anne Lanzilotti's Music and Literature piece on Play.

https://www.youtube.com/v/c9DLBag6H1s

This caught my attention at once! Lovely, optimistic music from the US! Am listening again.

P.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on November 29, 2016, 11:01:38 AM
Quote from: pjme on November 29, 2016, 09:55:21 AM
From Alex Ross webpage:


Andrew Norman has won the 2017 Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition, for his formidable symphonic piece Play. In an interview with NPR, he has an exceptionally thoughtful reaction to the prize: "Maybe I can use this moment to talk about things that are important to me. Like to call attention to the fact that there are problems. For instance, this award has been given to three women out of its 30-year history. And to me that's kind of an issue. And in all honesty, I'm a white man and I get lots of commissions and there are systemic reasons for that, reasons we should all be talking about. There are so many talented composers out there. Rather than giving me another commission, why aren't we giving those people a commission?" Norman has also been named Musical America's Composer of the Year. I was asked to write a short essay for the occasion.

More on Norman: Will Robin's Times profile, Anne Lanzilotti's Music and Literature piece on Play.

https://www.youtube.com/v/c9DLBag6H1s

This caught my attention at once! Lovely, optimistic music from the US! Am listening again.

P.

Great piece and great reaction. I'll check out more from this composer. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 29, 2016, 11:41:26 AM
Quote from: pjme on November 29, 2016, 09:55:21 AM
From Alex Ross webpage:


Andrew Norman has won the 2017 Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition, for his formidable symphonic piece Play. In an interview with NPR, he has an exceptionally thoughtful reaction to the prize: "Maybe I can use this moment to talk about things that are important to me. Like to call attention to the fact that there are problems. For instance, this award has been given to three women out of its 30-year history. And to me that's kind of an issue. And in all honesty, I'm a white man and I get lots of commissions and there are systemic reasons for that, reasons we should all be talking about. There are so many talented composers out there. Rather than giving me another commission, why aren't we giving those people a commission?" Norman has also been named Musical America's Composer of the Year. I was asked to write a short essay for the occasion.

More on Norman: Will Robin's Times profile, Anne Lanzilotti's Music and Literature piece on Play.

https://www.youtube.com/v/c9DLBag6H1s

This caught my attention at once! Lovely, optimistic music from the US! Am listening again.

P.

I listened to maybe 5 minutes of this piece from Andrew Norman and that was enough for me. Optimistic music? Well, it's energetic, but that's about it. Nothing of remote substance, though IMHO.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Gie663 on December 12, 2016, 10:30:33 AM
(http://thumbnails117.imagebam.com/52001/2dac66520001064.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/2dac66520001064)

I'm a regular reader of the forums on this website, although I'm not a regular contributor myself.
But I do like to share my experience with this recording of Rameau's Six Concerts en Sextuor. Originally five of them were written for viola da gamba, violin and harpsichord (Christophe Rousset made an excellent recording of these). It was still during the lifetime of Rameau that these pieces were transcribed as six concerts in six parts -- presumably by Jacques-Joseph-Marie Decroix in 1768.
He did that with the utmost good taste and insight in Rameau's musical world. "The sound of the recording is quite resonant, and one might complain that the live acoustics of the studio tend to blur the parts too much. Yet this is easily forgiven when the strings' increased luster is weighed in the balance, and when choice dissonances melt into a halo of glorious sonority"(All Music website).
Rousset delivers such wonderful ensemble playing : it left me in tears, even after several listening sessions !
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on December 12, 2016, 03:04:24 PM
Yesterday I was blown away by this piece by British composer Mark Simpson (born 1988)

https://www.youtube.com/v/ABSLiMuwZY0
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on December 13, 2016, 05:53:11 PM
Again blown away, this time by Kourliandski with his elecotracoustic work The Riot of Spring. I gotta go and read all of nathanb's posts because he mentions some amazing stuff that no one is really talking about at all! Come on guys! :o

Quote from: jessop on December 13, 2016, 05:28:21 PM
First time listening to this......I might have to post this in the 'blown away' thread!

(https://d3rt1990lpmkn.cloudfront.net/640/9ca6edd5b9e6f3d71615799ebca9d9266f31b3e3)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on December 20, 2016, 10:26:43 PM
JUST HEARD HELEN GRIME'S VIOLIN CONCERTO

and

it was sooooooooooooooo good
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on December 21, 2016, 02:24:20 AM
Twice today I have been utterly blown away, although I have to say that from hearing Kate Soper's 'Voices From the Killing Jar' makes Helen Grime's violin concerto feel like a slight breeze compared to Soper's gale which totally blew me off my feet.

Quote from: jessop on December 21, 2016, 02:20:05 AM
Very rarely has a piece has affected me as much as Kate Soper's 'Voices from the Killing Jar' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCAt4mKhCpY) has. The music itself is captivating and with masterful word-painting of which I personally think can only compare with Britten for its theatrical nature, whereas Soper's score is both emotionally richer and more intricately detailed in orchestration than anything Britten has ever composed. This piece must be one of only a handful of pieces which I feel has truly managed to transport me into a sonic universe the likes of which could never be imagined before hearing the music for the first time. For the 40 plus minutes of its duration there was never a moment of exhaustion, never a moment of dullness or boredom, but only a logical transformation of one section to the next, one emotion to the next, one uniquely orchestrated moment to the next. The underlying rhythm of change in the music always keeps one on their toes and at the edge of their seat to find out what music lies ahead. What actually does lie ahead is never completely what one expects, but when it is finally heard it is impossible to imagine anything else it could have been. At the end of the piece, the final silence came almost as a shock as I had been so immersed in the universe of sound which Soper created that being brought back into reality is somewhat disappointing. 43 minutes of music just isn't enough, yet any change I feel would ruin the awesome experience of hearing this work for the first time. Highly recommended listen for anyone who hasn't heard this yet!

https://www.youtube.com/v/LCAt4mKhCpY
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on December 26, 2016, 10:59:23 AM
I picked up a recording of Puccini's Turandot the other week (Zubin Mehta conducting), and wow! I was absolutely blown away by it! Thrilling recording! If I'm going to get more opera recordings, I'll definitely go for Decca. It might mean paying a bit more, but they are wonderfully packaged, and more often than not they come with the complete libretto, absolutely essential for a first-time hearer of these opera, especially in a foreign language to your own.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on December 26, 2016, 08:29:54 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 26, 2016, 10:59:23 AM
I picked up a recording of Puccini's Turandot the other week (Zubin Mehta conducting), and wow! I was absolutely blown away by it! Thrilling recording! If I'm going to get more opera recordings, I'll definitely go for Decca. It might mean paying a bit more, but they are wonderfully packaged, and more often than not they come with the complete libretto, absolutely essential for a first-time hearer of these opera, especially in a foreign language to your own.

I would try Tosca next.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on December 26, 2016, 10:41:27 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 26, 2016, 10:59:23 AM
I picked up a recording of Puccini's Turandot the other week (Zubin Mehta conducting), and wow! I was absolutely blown away by it! Thrilling recording! If I'm going to get more opera recordings, I'll definitely go for Decca. It might mean paying a bit more, but they are wonderfully packaged, and more often than not they come with the complete libretto, absolutely essential for a first-time hearer of these opera, especially in a foreign language to your own.

I wonder which one by Mehta you listened to. Rubin does have a way with opera.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on December 26, 2016, 10:51:33 PM
Quote from: springrite on December 26, 2016, 10:41:27 PM
I wonder which one by Mehta you listened to. Rubin does have a way with opera.
Rubin?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on December 27, 2016, 09:58:00 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 26, 2016, 10:59:23 AM
I picked up a recording of Puccini's Turandot the other week (Zubin Mehta conducting), and wow! I was absolutely blown away by it! Thrilling recording! If I'm going to get more opera recordings, I'll definitely go for Decca. It might mean paying a bit more, but they are wonderfully packaged, and more often than not they come with the complete libretto, absolutely essential for a first-time hearer of these opera, especially in a foreign language to your own.
Glad you discovered Turandot! Puccini is terrific. His music is much more than just those popular arias like Nessun Dorma and so on ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: GioCar on December 27, 2016, 11:26:13 PM
Quote from: jessop on December 27, 2016, 09:58:00 PM
Glad you discovered Turandot! Puccini is terrific. His music is much more than just those popular arias like Nessun Dorma and so on ;)

How true....

To me, Puccini seems to be one of the most underrated composers in the English fora I use to follow. Maybe his image has been distorted by considering him a sort of Italian "Gilbert & Sullivan" equivalent? I don't really know...

Anyway, one of the best ways to really get into Puccini's world and music is through the reference biography by Mosco Carner or, more recently, the Budden's essay

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41OK5kD75rL._SX373_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51xZvok5IjL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)



Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on December 28, 2016, 01:04:50 AM
Thanks for those recommendations, GioCar! I hadn't thought of reading a book about him yet, but I will keep those in mind when I want to stock up on some more music books :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on December 28, 2016, 01:58:53 AM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on December 28, 2016, 01:12:04 AM
https://youtu.be/oV22ljekWYQ (https://youtu.be/oV22ljekWYQ)

Olivier Messiaen - Le Merle Noir for Flute and Piano

Excuse my french but HOLY SHIT this is an infectious and ecstatic piece  :-*
Le Merle also gave name to the grape varietal Merlot.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on December 28, 2016, 05:47:27 AM
Quote from: springrite on December 26, 2016, 10:41:27 PM
I wonder which one by Mehta you listened to. Rubin does have a way with opera.

I didn't know there were several. Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti and Peter Pears are among the cast on this particular recording.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on December 30, 2016, 09:13:29 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/512fU1A88bL.jpg)

Santa Claus just got me this.  Wow!!!!

I am now listening to the Blue/s Forms for Solo Violin.  Awesome.   :)

Link to the Cedille Websitehttp://www.cedillerecords.org/albums/coleridge-taylor-perkinson-a-celebration (http://www.cedillerecords.org/albums/coleridge-taylor-perkinson-a-celebration)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Rinaldo on January 02, 2017, 02:39:27 AM
Simeon ten Holt, where have you been all my life? Canto Ostinato (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canto_Ostinato) hits all my sweet spots:

https://www.youtube.com/v/JDCsOL2vBJc
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on January 02, 2017, 09:07:54 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 26, 2016, 10:59:23 AM
I picked up a recording of Puccini's Turandot the other week (Zubin Mehta conducting), and wow! I was absolutely blown away by it! Thrilling recording! If I'm going to get more opera recordings, I'll definitely go for Decca. It might mean paying a bit more, but they are wonderfully packaged, and more often than not they come with the complete libretto, absolutely essential for a first-time hearer of these opera, especially in a foreign language to your own.

Great, Turandot is in my top3 Puccini operas. Staggeringly beautiful, of course then there is Alfano's copy-paste ending...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 02, 2017, 02:06:08 PM
Debussy's Pelleas et Melisande has most definitely cast its' spell on me at the moment. I'm in complete awe.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on January 02, 2017, 05:53:33 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on January 02, 2017, 03:13:46 PM
Ben Johnston - String Quartets 5 & 6 and his "Quintet For Groups"  :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

So glad you've discovered this composer! I like his string quartets very much :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on January 03, 2017, 06:15:17 AM
Henri Herz - Ballade op. 117 No.1, Trois nocturnes caractéristiques Op 45

Sigismond Thalberg - Fantaisie sur des thèmes de l'opéra Moïse de G. Rossini op. 33, Grande Caprice sur des motifs de La Sonnambula, Opus 46

Gaetano Fusella - Suite campestre per violino e pianoforte
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on January 04, 2017, 01:40:26 PM
Circus Maximus by John Corigliano. First of all, I love how the piece calls for different ensembles dotted around the hall (Corigliano likes doing that). But what I'm really here for is the moment after the marching band leaves the stage (having come in from one side, marched across the stage and gone back up the other side). HO. LEE. COW!!! Probably the loudest and most crushing fortississississ...issimo anyone has ever conjured up!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on January 07, 2017, 01:40:16 AM
I was recently blown away by how humorous Chopin's Scherzo no. 2 is when I heard it being performed this evening by a pianist friend of mine. I hadn't really paid much attention to the piece before.....but it is terrific!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Todd on January 07, 2017, 01:11:28 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51hD8xo1csL._SS425.jpg)


Okay, I'll 'fess up: I bought this disc for the pianist and not the violinist.  Michail Lifits needs to be more widely recorded.  This disc reinforces that.

Ms Frang ends up being an equal draw.  Her playing is splendid and lovely throughout, and she seems to play everything with ease.  The duo make a delectable treat out of Grieg's first Violin Sonata, Op 8.  It is bouyant and playful and energetic, and when they play the lullaby-esque music in the final movement (Lifits, especially), it is just wonderful.  They rather trounce Dumay/Pires, who sound small and restrained and bland in comparison.

The middle of the disc is given over to Ms Frang's take on Bartok's Sonata for Violin.  She handles it extremely well, and if she doesn't play with, say, Tetzlaff's cooler, intense precision from his second recording, or Zsigmondy's colorful Hungarian abandon, she very much makes the piece her own, and generates more than satisfying excitement levels.

The disc ends with the Strauss Violin Sonata, and here Frang and Lifits are, if anything, even more at home than in the Grieg.  The playing is unabashedly romantic and both players deliver tonal luxuriance and command in perfect measure.  Prior to this disc, the Chung/Zimerman was probably the best version I'd heard (out of only maybe three), but this is the new standard-bearer for me.  Frang's tone and playing is much more to my liking than Chung's, and Lifits matches the mighty Krystian Zimerman in ivory tickling.  I actually really enjoy the piece in this recording.

It looks like Ms Frang and Mr Lifits are regular performance partners.  I will certainly snap up any future recordings they may make together with no little alacrity, and I would not mind one bit if they covered the core rep.  I mean, there is a Beethoven anniversary year not too far in the future.  Just sayin'. 

I now regret not having bought this when it came out six years ago; that's six years I could have been enjoying this disc.  It's very early in the year, I know, but this is an early contender for a purchase of the year.  An outstanding chamber music disc in every way. 

SOTA sound.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on January 07, 2017, 01:19:30 PM
I've certainly liked what (little) I've heard from Frang so far.

Quote from: Todd on January 07, 2017, 01:11:28 PMI mean, there is a Beethoven anniversary year not too far in the future.  Just sayin'.
And it's 190 years since his death in a couple of months. ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 07, 2017, 01:20:46 PM
Quote from: North Star on January 07, 2017, 01:19:30 PM
I've certainly liked what (little) I've heard from Frang so far.

Her Nielsen VC recording is quite fine.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on January 07, 2017, 09:06:03 PM
I recently heard Ferrari's Histoire de plaisir et de la desolation for the first time. That was pretty cool. Back in the day, some friends and I were in a constant competition as to who would get the next Ferrari LP, then CD. This was one I'd never run across. But here I am at my oldest son's house, and here is this Ferrari. It's not like any other Ferrari I've ever heard. And I've heard a lot of them. I defy anyone who has heard any Ferrari to identify this by simply listening to it.

So that was pretty fun. I suppose it "blew me away." Certainly the "recently" part is OK.

Also on this disc is Far West News No. 1. So if you only have Far West News Nos. 2 & 3, here's the one what precedes them.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on January 08, 2017, 11:46:51 AM
Thatfabulousalien: Sure!!

sanantonio: Yes. That's the one. And thank you for pointing out that other disc, too, which I also did not know about. A new (to me) Ferrari disc is always welcome.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: nathanb on January 08, 2017, 09:05:29 PM
QuoteThatfabulousalien: Sure!!

I demand some sort of cabinet position in the leadership team.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on February 01, 2017, 12:40:12 AM
Szymanowski Stabat Mater - CBSO, Simon Rattle

I s'pose there comes a time of life (late 50s) when you're thinking of Eliot's words "We shall not cease from exploration" and you say, "Yeah, but I've explored it all".  But no-one told me about Szymanowski.  I may even have shed a tear or two.  Or it may have been rain.  This is Wales.

I hesitate to ask for more recommendations, since such a request always draws down 17 pages of them from ever-helpful GMGers, but unless someone can give me a very good reason I'll be buying [asin]B0013D8JXI[/asin] in some format or other.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on February 01, 2017, 12:46:09 AM
Quote from: DaveF on February 01, 2017, 12:40:12 AM
Szymanowski Stabat Mater - CBSO, Simon Rattle

I s'pose there comes a time of life (late 50s) when you're thinking of Eliot's words "We shall not cease from exploration" and you say, "Yeah, but I've explored it all".  But no-one told me about Szymanowski.  I may even have shed a tear or two.  Or it may have been rain.  This is Wales.

I hesitate to ask for more recommendations, since such a request always draws down 17 pages of them from ever-helpful GMGers, but unless someone can give me a very good reason I'll be buying [Rattle Szymanowski box] in some format or other.
That Rattle set is very good indeed.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on February 01, 2017, 01:51:39 AM
Quote from: North Star on February 01, 2017, 12:46:09 AM
That Rattle set is very good indeed.

Thank you - ordered for £8.35 (free shipping) from dodax.co.uk

I also got briefly excited by https://www.dodax.co.uk/music-cds-dvds-vinyl/concerts-symphonies-orchestral-music/szymanowski-the-complete-music-for-viola-and-piano-pfvqsaxa/ (https://www.dodax.co.uk/music-cds-dvds-vinyl/concerts-symphonies-orchestral-music/szymanowski-the-complete-music-for-viola-and-piano-pfvqsaxa/) until I looked at the image and saw it isn't for a proper viola but one of those squeaky miniature ones that come out of Christmas crackers or somewhere.  Won't be buying that (writes a viola player).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 01, 2017, 05:02:42 AM
Quote from: DaveF on February 01, 2017, 12:40:12 AM
Szymanowski Stabat Mater - CBSO, Simon Rattle

I s'pose there comes a time of life (late 50s) when you're thinking of Eliot's words "We shall not cease from exploration" and you say, "Yeah, but I've explored it all".  But no-one told me about Szymanowski.  I may even have shed a tear or two.  Or it may have been rain.  This is Wales.

I hesitate to ask for more recommendations, since such a request always draws down 17 pages of them from ever-helpful GMGers, but unless someone can give me a very good reason I'll be buying [asin]B0013D8JXI[/asin] in some format or other.

Yep, Rattle's Szymanowski would definitely accompany me to that desert island. Everything is exquisitely performed. Some of Rattle's most inspired work actually.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on February 01, 2017, 01:04:34 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on February 01, 2017, 12:47:50 PM
Aperghis - Luna Park

https://youtu.be/biTGIRROgZA (https://youtu.be/biTGIRROgZA)

....woah!  :o

A composer who has written some truly astounding music! Have you heard much else by him?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on February 01, 2017, 01:39:15 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on February 01, 2017, 01:11:11 PM
....see the Aperghis thread?  ;)
Ok, I will have to find it, but thanks for pointing that out ^_^
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: aleazk on February 01, 2017, 03:41:20 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyCfJbJ8ZSI

Beep, beep, beep.  :D

François Bayle - Toupie Dans Le Ciel (New Version 2009)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on February 01, 2017, 03:45:42 PM
Quote from: aleazk on February 01, 2017, 03:41:20 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyCfJbJ8ZSI

Beep, beep, beep.  :D

François Bayle - Toupie Dans Le Ciel (New Version 2009)

Ok I am going to listen to this properly once I come home from university this afternoon, but what I have heard so far is  b e a u t i f u l

Thank you for posting this! I have never heard of Bayle before. Is there also a thread for his music in the composer discussion forum?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 01, 2017, 06:36:06 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on February 01, 2017, 01:51:44 PM
https://youtu.be/bzPI5z1cYvc (https://youtu.be/bzPI5z1cYvc)

I know it happened quickly but holy-shit, woah woah woah!!!! This piece is so exuberant and exciting, very modern yet retaining elements of romanticism. There's bits of Xenakis, Boulez and Stravinsky in there but it sounds so....unique  ???

Surprised you haven't checked out Lindberg before. He's a Contemporary composer I definitely enjoy.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 01, 2017, 10:02:03 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on February 01, 2017, 09:51:44 PM
Only heard him mentioned before but I was compelled yesterday and I'm amazed  :o

One of my favorite works from Lindberg is Graffiti, which is a work written for chorus and orchestra. I also like the Violin Concerto a lot.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: king ubu on February 01, 2017, 11:43:41 PM
I have one for this thread now: Beethoven op.131, as performed by the Takács Quartet in concert a couple of days ago. Outstanding performance of a mesmerising puece of music!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on February 02, 2017, 02:10:07 AM
Quote from: king ubu on February 01, 2017, 11:43:41 PM
I have one for this thread now: Beethoven op.131, as performed by the Takács Quartet in concert a couple of days ago. Outstanding performance of a mesmerising puece of music!

Aaa I remember first hearing this piece! It is certainly an amazing piece of music, and what a thrill it must have been to discover it in concert as performed by the Takács Quartet! I wish I were in your shoes!



Well, actually, I am listening to a string quartet for the first time as well: Ben Johnston's 7th. It is a really fun sounding quartet, not exactly 'blow me away' type music, but I'll be exploring Ben Johnston's string quartets for some period of time and there is definitely a chance I will be blown away by something I hadn't heard before. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ahinton on February 02, 2017, 02:35:15 AM
Quote from: jessop on February 02, 2017, 02:10:07 AM
Aaa I remember first hearing this piece! It is certainly an amazing piece of music, and what a thrill it must have been to discover it in concert as performed by the Takács Quartet! I wish I were in your shoes!
I heard an even finer performance of it - in fact the finest that I have ever heard, it has to be said - by the French ensemble Quatuor Diotima, as astonishing ensemble whose repertoire ranges from Haydn and Schubert to Ferneyhough; this was a live account of it but sadly it was not at all recently (I think that it must have been 9 or 10 years ago). They have a recent 5-CD set of the complete quartet works of Schönberg, Webern and Berg out and I've so far listened to almost half of it in performances that I can honestly describe as nothing less than peerless; their way with the "big one" - the D minor Schönberg Quartet - is far and away the best and most compelling that I've heard and is real "blow away" material.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on February 02, 2017, 02:37:37 AM
Quote from: ahinton on February 02, 2017, 02:35:15 AM
I heard an even finer performance of it - in fact the finest that I have ever heard, it has to be said - by the French ensemble Quatuor Diotima, as astonishing ensemble whose repertoire ranges from Haydn and Schubert to Ferneyhough; this was a live account of it but sadly it was not at all recently (I think that it must have been 9 or 10 years ago). They have a recent 5-CD set of the complete quartet works of Schönberg, Webern and Berg out and I've so far listened to almost half of it in performances that I can honestly describe as nothing less than peerless; their way with the "big one" - the D minor Schönberg Quartet - is far and away the best and most compelling that I've heard and is real "blow away" material.

Thanks for letting me know! I'm a big fan of SQ repertoire and I will check that recording out. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 02, 2017, 06:58:37 AM
I'll go ahead and mention RVW's 5 Mystical Songs as a work that has really knocked me out recently.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mahlerian on February 02, 2017, 08:20:11 AM
Quote from: jessop on February 02, 2017, 02:37:37 AM
Thanks for letting me know! I'm a big fan of SQ repertoire and I will check that recording out. :)

I will vouch for the set as well.  The Quatuor Diotima do a marvelous job of playing with both clarity and expressive power.  It's a tricky balance, and the music of the Second Viennese School always needs both, but they succeed.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: king ubu on February 02, 2017, 09:35:21 AM
Quote from: ahinton on February 02, 2017, 02:35:15 AM
I heard an even finer performance of it - in fact the finest that I have ever heard, it has to be said - by the French ensemble Quatuor Diotima, as astonishing ensemble whose repertoire ranges from Haydn and Schubert to Ferneyhough; this was a live account of it but sadly it was not at all recently (I think that it must have been 9 or 10 years ago). They have a recent 5-CD set of the complete quartet works of Schönberg, Webern and Berg out and I've so far listened to almost half of it in performances that I can honestly describe as nothing less than peerless; their way with the "big one" - the D minor Schönberg Quartet - is far and away the best and most compelling that I've heard and is real "blow away" material.

Not sure ... but if you are referring to Beethoven's op. 131, you then must have been at the Takács concert, too. Why didn't you say hi? Weird post and statement there.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: aleazk on February 04, 2017, 02:07:12 PM
Quote from: jessop on February 01, 2017, 03:45:42 PM
Ok I am going to listen to this properly once I come home from university this afternoon  $:)

...so?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on February 04, 2017, 03:21:11 PM
Quote from: aleazk on February 04, 2017, 02:07:12 PM
...so?
Ah I didn't get around to it.......maybe later!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: aleazk on February 05, 2017, 04:01:14 PM
Quote from: jessop on February 04, 2017, 03:21:11 PM
Ah I didn't get around to it.......maybe later!  $:)

>:(
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on February 05, 2017, 04:04:15 PM
Quote from: aleazk on February 05, 2017, 04:01:14 PM
>:(
$:) $:) $:) $:)




$:)
Title: Rorem: Water Music
Post by: arpeggio on February 06, 2017, 10:10:46 AM
Last week I attended a concert of the US Marine Chamber Orchestra (All of the service bands in Washington stage free concerts).

One of the works of the program that blew me away was Ned Rorem's Water Music.  I was unfamiliar with the work.  It was essentially a concerto for clarinet, violin, strings and percussion.  It was the most adventurous work that I have ever heard by Rorem.  I got to find a recording of it  :)
Title: Re: Rorem: Water Music
Post by: Karl Henning on February 06, 2017, 10:18:27 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on February 06, 2017, 10:10:46 AM
Last week I attended a concert of the US Marine Chamber Orchestra (All of the service bands in Washington stage free concerts).

One of the works of the program that blew me away was Ned Rorem's Water Music.  I was unfamiliar with the work.  It was essentially a concerto for clarinet, violin, strings and percussion.  It was the most adventurous work that I have ever heard by Rorem.  I got to find a recording of it  :)

Très cool!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on February 06, 2017, 01:15:31 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on February 06, 2017, 10:10:46 AM
Last week I attended a concert of the US Marine Chamber Orchestra (All of the service bands in Washington stage free concerts).

One of the works of the program that blew me away was Ned Rorem's Water Music.  I was unfamiliar with the work.  It was essentially a concerto for clarinet, violin, strings and percussion.  It was the most adventurous work that I have ever heard by Rorem.  I got to find a recording of it  :)
Very cool! I know of another concerto which has pretty much the exact same scoring coincidentally. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on it.

http://www.youtube.com/v/lo3mZcY1gRY
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on February 06, 2017, 07:52:30 PM
Three pieces that have blown me recently, specifically three awesome cello concertos:

Miaskovsky: Passionately melancholic
Moeran: It's warm, somewhat heroic
Lutoslawski: The rarer and the one that left me the strangest feeling
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on February 06, 2017, 09:30:27 PM
Quote from: jessop on February 06, 2017, 01:15:31 PM
Very cool! I know of another concerto which has pretty much the exact same scoring coincidentally. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on it.

http://www.youtube.com/v/lo3mZcY1gRY

Very nice  :)  I found a recording of it and put it on my wish list
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: bogdan101 on February 08, 2017, 09:30:34 PM
I heard Monteverdi's Combattimento before, but listening to it in concert conducted by Savall and sung, among others, by Furio Zanasi was an experience I'll never forget. This was in Montreal last week.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on February 09, 2017, 07:15:26 PM
Recent concert...I was blown away by Malcolm Arnold's Sonatina for clarinet and piano. What a cool piece!!!! I think that until now I have very unfairly regarded Arnold as 'kinda like Britten but not as good'.............. ::)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: torut on February 10, 2017, 09:38:44 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on December 30, 2016, 09:13:29 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/512fU1A88bL.jpg)

Santa Claus just got me this.  Wow!!!!

I am now listening to the Blue/s Forms for Solo Violin.  Awesome.   :)

Link to the Cedille Websitehttp://www.cedillerecords.org/albums/coleridge-taylor-perkinson-a-celebration (http://www.cedillerecords.org/albums/coleridge-taylor-perkinson-a-celebration)

This is wonderful. Vital, solid, and melodic. I particularly liked the solo and chamber works. The string trio is a lamenting, beautiful piece. Thanks for the post.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: torut on February 10, 2017, 09:46:41 PM
Quote from: Rinaldo on January 02, 2017, 02:39:27 AM
Simeon ten Holt, where have you been all my life? Canto Ostinato (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canto_Ostinato) hits all my sweet spots:

https://www.youtube.com/v/JDCsOL2vBJc

It is an incredible piece of music. I never get tired of it. I have van Veen's recordings XL (14 hours) and XXL (4 hours) using different combinations of instruments (1, 2, 4 pianos, 3 pianos + organ, 2 pianos + 2 marimbas, etc.)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Monsieur Croche on February 21, 2017, 09:44:00 PM
Quote from: torut on February 10, 2017, 09:46:41 PM
[Simeon ten Holt ~ Canto Ostinato] is an incredible piece of music.  I never get tired of it.  I have van Veen's recordings XL (14 hours) and XXL (4 hours) using different combinations of instruments (1, 2, 4 pianos, 3 pianos + organ, 2 pianos + 2 marimbas, etc.)

I found it, maybe, one of those fine pieces if taken as 'wallpaper music," i.e. put it on, don't listen attentively, and just let it run...

In a similar vein, one very nice comment on it being, "it is nice to put it on and have it be the air moving in the room," and now the full piece, to date, up on youtube in one long-play link. you might also enjoy
La Monte Young's The Well Tuned Piano., all five hours, one minute and thirty-two seconds of it ;-)

https://www.youtube.com/v/c3eN4xwADTI
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on February 22, 2017, 12:51:34 AM
I heard Copland's Third Symphony yesterday for the first time in ages, and for the first time as a purchased recording (first listen was at a Proms concert a while ago). I am going to have a great time getting really familiar with this symphony. Many American symphonies seem to be on the short and sprightly side, but this is a properly weighted symphony in the grand tradition, but a 20th century American take on the grand tradition.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 22, 2017, 05:53:33 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on February 22, 2017, 12:51:34 AM
I heard Copland's Third Symphony yesterday for the first time in ages, and for the first time as a purchased recording (first listen was at a Proms concert a while ago). I am going to have a great time getting really familiar with this symphony. Many American symphonies seem to be on the short and sprightly side, but this is a properly weighted symphony in the grand tradition, but a 20th century American take on the grand tradition.

May I also recommend Diamond's 3rd?

https://www.youtube.com/v/sZ5cQEqZ8Xk
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on February 23, 2017, 12:24:29 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 22, 2017, 05:53:33 AM
May I also recommend Diamond's 3rd?

Thanks for the recommendation. I already have a recording of Diamond's 2nd and 4th Symphonies, bought a good few years ago now. I just haven't gotten round to picking anything else of his up yet.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: brooklyn on March 04, 2017, 07:21:19 AM
I recently heard Louis Andriessen's Hout, a work for mixed ensemble (piano, guitar, saxophone, and marimba). An unusual combination that seemed very effective in this work. I loved the rhythms, and I almost always love the marimba.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on March 04, 2017, 03:47:25 PM
Quote from: brooklyn on March 04, 2017, 07:21:19 AM
I recently heard Louis Andriessen's Hout, a work for mixed ensemble (piano, guitar, saxophone, and marimba). An unusual combination that seemed very effective in this work. I loved the rhythms, and I almost always love the marimba.
Welcome to GMG! Andriessen is a really cool composer; I'm glad you enjoyed this work. It's one of my favourites of his. :)

Also, in a lecture on Electroacoustic music recently I was blown away by Concret PH by Xenakis.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on March 05, 2017, 02:44:57 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on February 06, 2017, 07:52:30 PM
Three pieces that have blown me recently, specifically three awesome cello concertos:

Miaskovsky: Passionately melancholic
Moeran: It's warmer, something heroic
Lutoslawski: The rarer and the one that left me the strangest feeling
I like all of those. The climax of the last movement of the Moeran in the Peers Coetmore (Mrs Moeran)/Boult performance is overwhelming. I prefer the Miaskovsky to the Elgar. Need to listen to the Lutoslawski again.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on March 05, 2017, 03:36:03 AM
(https://img.discogs.com/ablSE8LYLZC4_917b9NzPd9RsWo=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-2656432-1301856073.jpeg.jpg)

Lay de la Fonteine. Absolutely hairraisingly intense.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on March 05, 2017, 04:20:15 AM
Léo Delibes --- Missa brevis

All of it, but especially O salutaris hostia.

https://www.youtube.com/v/_bhqEhVTjJY
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: aleazk on March 05, 2017, 02:26:33 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0MfM6wJnQQ

Composition for Viola and Piano - M.Babbitt

I found this Milton Babbitt piece which I had not listened before quite nice.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 05, 2017, 05:28:12 PM
Sometime I am embarrassed to admit that I am unaware of a famous work that I hear for the first time and it blows me away.  This shows that no matter how much I think I know I do not know as much as I should.

I am currently listening to as I am typing this to Robert Schumann's Etudes Symphoniques.  WOW!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on March 08, 2017, 03:17:22 PM
I just heard the Madetoja's 2nd symphony: OMG! It exceeded my expectations! What a piece of work! Sublime, one of the most heroic, deep and fine symphonies I've listened to recently.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on March 08, 2017, 03:24:18 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on March 05, 2017, 02:44:57 AM
I like all of those. The climax of the last movement of the Moeran in the Peers Coetmore (Mrs Moeran)/Boult performance is overwhelming. I prefer the Miaskovsky to the Elgar. Need to listen to the Lutoslawski again.

I agree with you. The Miaskovsky's concerto is superb, certainly dolorous. Miaskovsky had a great "gift" for writing truly glum music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on March 08, 2017, 05:30:48 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on February 06, 2017, 07:52:30 PM
Three pieces that have blown me recently, specifically three awesome cello concertos:

Miaskovsky: Passionately melancholic
Moeran: It's warm, somewhat heroic
Lutoslawski: The rarer and the one that left me the strangest feeling

Love all three, and of the three, perhaps love Lutoslowski the most!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on March 09, 2017, 01:56:37 PM
Tatjana Kozlova-Johannes – Horizontals

Unfortunately no recordings of it in aware of.

EDIT: Found one on her Soundcloud page https://soundcloud.com/tatjana-kozlova-johannes/tatjana-kozlova-horisontaalid
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 15, 2017, 06:43:20 AM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on March 14, 2017, 10:20:56 PM
I'm very astonished by the composer Julius Eastman,  :o :o

I listened to some Eastman not too long ago and found the music rather uninteresting. It just sounded like some rehashed, minimalistic twaddle. :-\ All IMHO of course.

Thread duty -

I'm constantly amazed by Ives' Orchestral Set No. 2. For some musicologist (or whomever) to do an analysis on this work, it'd probably end up being the size of a novel. There's just so much crammed into this work, but somehow Ives makes it all gel together --- a remarkable achievement (as so many of his scores are).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on March 18, 2017, 05:26:51 AM
Miaskovsky cello sonata 2.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on March 18, 2017, 09:38:32 PM
Holmboe's symphonies (specially 1-8). Simply astonishing pieces, I loved that characteristic and strong rhythm in each one of them.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on March 18, 2017, 11:50:40 PM
Back from a performance of Rimsky's "The legend of Kitezh" with Opera Bergen last night. Strange story, not much drama, but: the score of this opera is so mindnumbingly beautiful. This simply must be the most wonderful orchestral score of any opera ever.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 19, 2017, 06:47:29 AM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on March 19, 2017, 03:54:45 AM
Debussy's Trio for harp, viola and flute.+ Nocturnes

Haven't heard either in a while and HOLY SHIT they're good!! Debussy was such a pioneer, he's so overlooked in that regard. There is so much of Varese (albeit not with the percussion or block form) and later texturalism/spectralism encoded in his music.
He was so radical, even more than Schoenberg in my experience. He pretty much threw out all traditional forms out the window (unlike Schoenberg, but the point isn't to compare).

The orchestration is so free to float but so tightly strung. I'm about to have another Debussy phase ain't I?  ;)

I'm not sure if I agree that Debussy was overlooked as an innovator. He's acknowledged all over the world as someone who broke new ground and tore down barriers. By dissolving the musical influence of Wagnerism and going his own way, his music has impacted the 20th and 21st Centuries like he never would have imagined.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on March 19, 2017, 06:59:48 AM
Strauss' tome poem, Macbeth. Not a new piece to me by any means, but considering the output of great tome poems, operas, concertos, etc. from Strauss I think this one gets overlooked, even by me. Composed when Strauss was between the ages of 22-24 years old, the piece doesn't reach the level of orchestral brilliance as some of his later works, but I'm really impressed with the eclectic colors and styles that young Strauss injected in this work.

Listened to a new purchase of Macbeth the other day, performed by Maazel/Vienna, and was truly affected. It had been too long since I listened to it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on March 19, 2017, 08:35:05 PM
This is so awesome

https://www.youtube.com/v/vcEeN9qAVmw
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 19, 2017, 08:44:18 PM
I'm still shook up after revisiting one of my musical hero's works for string orchestra: Bartók's Divertimento.

https://www.youtube.com/v/fEhacfM2S-U
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Todd on March 20, 2017, 11:41:41 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51FdPaHG-pL._SX425_.jpg)


This is the year of Marie-Luise Hinrichs for me.  Her two discs of Padre Antonio Soler are brilliant, with fantastically nuanced playing.  As great as they are, they didn't really prepare me for this disc of a dozen piano transcriptions of pieces by Hildegard von Bingen, five short pieces by Armenian composer and spiritualist/mystic George Gurdjieff, and one brief original work by the pianist.  Ms Hinrichs has entered the realm of Michel Block's best work with this disc.  Hinrichs writes in the liner notes that she only discovered Hildegard von Bingen in 2005, and soon thereafter transcribed pieces during a very spiritual time for her.  She states that she transcribed with God's help and that while working she sensed a second voice that was not hers.  I'm not spiritual myself, but the results point to the absolute sincerity of what she writes.  The Bingen pieces display a very serious, very devout, and very loving spirituality.  There's just no other way to describe it. 

The music is often simplicity itself, with beautiful monophonic melodies throughout.  Hinrichs fleshes the music out for piano wonderfully, and never overdoes it.  The transcriptions are not about virtuosic showmanship, but rather they focus on musical truth.  And they allow Hinrichs to display an amazing, soft variability of touch.  Piano and pianissimo come in many shades, and in a few pieces she achieves pianissimo as delicate and quiet as anything I've heard from Yaeko Yamane or Julian Gorus.  Hinrichs achieves some of this with generous una corda use, but sometimes she seems to be barely nudging the keys.  But there's much more than that.  Though generally quiet and spiritual, Hinrichs infuses the playing with delicately nuanced and perfectly judged rhythmic vitality.  Her rhythmic acumen is even more on display in the Gurdjieff pieces, which evoke the Orient in a hazy, sometimes languid, but always intensely appealing way.  As with fellow German pianist Ragna Schirmer, Hinrichs weaves pieces from seemingly disparate sources very well.  Indeed, I'd say Hinrichs does a better job here than Schirmer does in her traversal of Liszt's Annees.  Hinrichs' one original composition very much fits in with the conception of the disc as a whole.  I suppose it might be possible to find the strumming of the piano strings that start a few pieces, and a couple string plucks, to be a bit kitschy, and I usually find such devices unnecessary, but even those work splendidly here.  The music is so captivating, though in a very calming and reassuring way, that when I first spun the disc, I did something I almost never do: I played it twice, back to back.  The disc offers an hour of radiant serenity. 

Sound is inside-the-piano close, with pedal noise and damper noise.  It does not detract in the least, and it is less obvious through headphones, which offer an even more enveloping experience than speakers.

One of my purchases of the century.


(YouTube has some video of Hinrichs playing some of the music live in small settings, as well as what appears to be all the individual tracks from this disc, but they ultimately do not do full justice to the music.  It deserves to be heard in full resolution through decent headphones or standard gear for optimum effect.)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on March 20, 2017, 11:51:43 AM
Quote from: Todd on March 20, 2017, 11:41:41 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51FdPaHG-pL._SX425_.jpg)


This is the year of Marie-Luise Hinrichs for me.  Her two discs of Padre Antonio Soler are brilliant, with fantastically nuanced playing.  As great as they are, they didn't really prepare me for this disc of a dozen piano transcriptions of pieces by Hildegard von Bingen, five short pieces by Armenian composer and spiritualist/mystic George Gurdjieff, and one brief original work by the pianist.  Ms Hinrichs has entered the realm of Michel Block's best work with this disc.  Hinrichs writes in the liner notes that she only discovered Hildegard von Bingen in 2005, and soon thereafter transcribed pieces during a very spiritual time for her.  She states that she transcribed with God's help and that while working she sensed a second voice that was not hers.  I'm not spiritual myself, but the results point to the absolute sincerity of what she writes.  The Bingen pieces display a very serious, very devout, and very loving spirituality.  There's just no other way to describe it. 

The music is often simplicity itself, with beautiful monophonic melodies throughout.  Hinrichs fleshes the music out for piano wonderfully, and never overdoes it.  The transcriptions are not about virtuosic showmanship, but rather they focus on musical truth.  And they allow Hinrichs to display an amazing, soft variability of touch.  Piano and pianissimo come in many shades, and in a few pieces she achieves pianissimo as delicate and quiet as anything I've heard from Yaeko Yamane or Julian Gorus.  Hinrichs achieves some of this with generous una corda use, but sometimes she seems to be barely nudging the keys.  But there's much more than that.  Though generally quiet and spiritual, Hinrichs infuses the playing with delicately nuanced and perfectly judged rhythmic vitality.  Her rhythmic acumen is even more on display in the Gurdjieff pieces, which evoke the Orient in a hazy, sometimes languid, but always intensely appealing way.  As with fellow German pianist Ragna Schirmer, Hinrichs weaves pieces from seemingly disparate sources very well.  Indeed, I'd say Hinrichs does a better job here than Schirmer does in her traversal of Liszt's Annees.  Hinrichs' one original composition very much fits in with the conception of the disc as a whole.  I suppose it might be possible to find the strumming of the piano strings that start a few pieces, and a couple string plucks, to be a bit kitschy, and I usually find such devices unnecessary, but even those work splendidly here.  The music is so captivating, though in a very calming and reassuring way, that when I first spun the disc, I did something I almost never do: I played it twice, back to back.  The disc offers an hour of radiant serenity. 

Sound is inside-the-piano close, with pedal noise and damper noise.  It does not detract in the least, and it is less obvious through headphones, which offer an even more enveloping experience than speakers.

One of my purchases of the century.


(YouTube has some video of Hinrichs playing some of the music live in small settings, as well as what appears to be all the individual tracks from this disc, but they ultimately do not do full justice to the music.  It deserves to be heard in full resolution through decent headphones or standard gear for optimum effect.)

Immediately headed to my wish list. Thank you for the greatly detailed post, Todd.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on March 20, 2017, 11:56:42 AM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on March 20, 2017, 11:51:43 AM
Immediately headed to my wish list. Thank you for the greatly detailed post, Todd.
+1
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Todd on March 24, 2017, 05:50:53 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41aqunWedgL._SY425_.jpg)


The final disc of Olivier Vernet's traversal of Liszt's organ music is a duo disc where he and pianist Laurent Cabasso play re-transcriptions of four of Liszt's symphonic poems: Mazeppa (the non-transcendental form), Les Preludes, Orpheus, and Prometheus.  On paper, this does not necessarily seem as though it should work all that well.  In practice, it most certainly does.  The works end up sounding like over the top, gothic piano concertos.  The piano is more forward physically, and sounds slightly stage right, and instead of an orchestra backing the pianist, the organ generates a wall of sound behind the puny piano.  Vernet and Cabasso keep things very well balanced, with the piano getting plenty of attention.  Sometimes, when the massive bass pipes fire off, the piano sounds as though it is an instrument emerging from - escaping, even - the gaping maw of a giant musical beast; the low frequencies seem to emanate from all around, all at once, and the effect is dazzling.  No, this is not deep, profound music being delivered as solemn as a mass, or anything like that, but it is an outstanding scaling up of Liszt's most fantastically glitzy tendencies.  Completely unexpectedly, it ends up the most exciting and captivating disc of this already excellent set.  I'd love to hear something like this in person, though I doubt I ever get the chance.  A great good time.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on March 28, 2017, 05:14:23 AM
Jacob van Eyck - Engels Nachtegaeltje (the English Nightingale)

https://www.youtube.com/v/ZvDb5EmhfZI

This is good but the performance by Erik Bosgraaf on this 3-CD set is indeed mindblowing.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51eTL7BfKxL._SX355_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on April 02, 2017, 12:51:59 PM
Quote from: jessop on March 19, 2017, 08:35:05 PM
This is so awesome

https://www.youtube.com/v/vcEeN9qAVmw

Couldn't agree more. I just spent two very happy hours on his Soundcloud feed. Magical!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 02, 2017, 02:40:07 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on April 02, 2017, 12:37:51 PM
Not a new piece to me but I was blown away last night by how aggressive Schoenberg's Five pieces for orchestra is at times, then how serene Farben is

Schoenberg's Five Pieces has long been a favorite of mine. The tapestry of sound and drama pulls one in from beginning and keeps the listener gripped until the end. It's like we're witnessing someone who's tearing themselves apart trying to decide what they truly want.
Title: Paul Crossley plays Poulenc
Post by: arpeggio on April 02, 2017, 07:55:20 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/812MjD0leDL._SL1500_.jpg)

I submitted a post about the above in the "Purchases Today" thread.

I am listening to the second CD in the set.  There is some great music here.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 04, 2017, 06:44:22 PM
Tabakova's Cello Concerto has me utterly blown away. The slow movement, Longing, had me in tears the other night.

https://www.youtube.com/v/aQRRrWEY1OE
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on April 05, 2017, 06:02:30 AM
Robert Schumann - Abendmusik (Bunte Blätter op. 99 No. 12)

https://www.youtube.com/v/_csAaW31UmE#

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 08, 2017, 06:37:58 PM
I'm always blown away whenever I hear Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on April 08, 2017, 07:30:17 PM
Kilar: Requiem for Father Kolbe

Very emotional.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on April 09, 2017, 12:42:02 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 04, 2017, 06:44:22 PM
Tabakova's Cello Concerto has me utterly blown away. The slow movement, Longing, had me in tears the other night.

https://www.youtube.com/v/aQRRrWEY1OE
Very Gorecki/Part.  Let your inner minimalist bloom John! You know it's right!   >:D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on April 09, 2017, 01:53:57 AM
Rachmaninoff's The Miserly Knight. I've always loved this opera but the last time I listened to it was just magical.

And while on the subject of Rachmaninoff, Prince Rostislav as well.

Pretty much every work I've heard from Rachmaninoff has blown me away more or less.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on April 09, 2017, 03:06:37 AM
Quote from: Alberich on April 09, 2017, 01:53:57 AM
Pretty much every work I've heard from Rachmaninoff has blown me away more or less.

+ 1
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 09, 2017, 05:07:07 AM
Quote from: Ken B on April 09, 2017, 12:42:02 AM
Very Gorecki/Part.  Let your inner minimalist bloom John! You know it's right!   >:D

Oh, I love Gorecki and Part. I just don't like the American Minimalists.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Monsieur Croche on April 09, 2017, 06:33:26 AM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on April 09, 2017, 03:12:15 AM
I'm getting a kick out of Feldman's Music for piano and string quartet right now!

For quite a while, I couldn't get enough of it that I played it (Kronos Quartet and Aki Takahashi) repeatedly to an extent that now, this is a piece -- in full -- quite "stuck in my head."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEzPYIkfYOk
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on April 09, 2017, 08:26:26 AM
This really belongs in the "Embarrassing gaps in your musical knowledge" thread, but until I played in a performance of it last weekend, I'd never heard En Saga.  (I'm not a great sight-reader who can do it on one rehearsal - my contribution was 3 bars of triangle and a cymbal-crash.)  Heck, what a piece - 3 themes that you feel at some deep level are really all the same theme (something to do with those repeated notes, I guess).  And no timpani, but a big bass drum part, played with timpani sticks - strange.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 09, 2017, 08:54:01 AM
Quote from: DaveF on April 09, 2017, 08:26:26 AM
This really belongs in the "Embarrassing gaps in your musical knowledge" thread, but until I played in a performance of it last weekend, I'd never heard En Saga.  (I'm not a great sight-reader who can do it on one rehearsal - my contribution was 3 bars of triangle and a cymbal-crash.)  Heck, what a piece - 3 themes that you feel at some deep level are really all the same theme (something to do with those repeated notes, I guess).  And no timpani, but a big bass drum part, played with timpani sticks - strange.

Ah yes, Sibelius' En Saga certainly one of the this master's great works. Just for kicks, check out the original version of this work sometime:

https://www.youtube.com/v/U_rCidehBn0
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Sergeant Rock on April 09, 2017, 09:00:15 AM
Quote from: DaveF on April 09, 2017, 08:26:26 AMAnd no timpani, but a big bass drum part, played with timpani sticks - strange.

Love the bass drum in this piece...but you know, almost every recording fails to bring it out properly. The exceptions, and consequently my favorites are Vänskä/Lahti, Stein/Suisse Romande, and Schmidt/RPO.

Sarge
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 14, 2017, 07:39:31 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on April 14, 2017, 07:38:28 PM

Bruckner = WOW

Only can nod in agreement. A magnificent composer.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on April 15, 2017, 12:13:44 AM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on April 14, 2017, 07:38:28 PM
Bruckner's 9th is completely blowing me away yesterday and today, simultaneously with various works from Kagel.

Bruckner = WOW
First time? He is a remarkable composer!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on April 15, 2017, 12:57:34 AM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on April 15, 2017, 12:16:54 AM
First time really engaging with a Bruckner symphony and I'm in disbelief, so unreal.....astounding  ???
My favourite is number 7.

And my favourite Bruckner conductors are Jochum, Young and Celibidache.

Which recording did you hear?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on April 15, 2017, 01:38:13 AM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on April 15, 2017, 01:01:05 AM

I'll have to hear that next. I heard the one with Daniel Barenboim conducting, it was powerful!!!  :o
Lol....which one....?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on April 15, 2017, 03:52:33 AM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on April 15, 2017, 01:40:10 AM
(https://img.discogs.com/R0ouyMLf8kg9jowT0H0kh166gJs=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-5274964-1389324530-8084.jpeg.jpg)

That's a great one, alien. Barenboim and Berliners brilliantly bring out the apocalyptic tone of the music. The 9th has a great variety on record too, many greats to choose from.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on April 15, 2017, 06:04:09 PM
Three astounding compositions:

Kabelac: Mystery of Time (I've seen so good commentaries about this piece, I liked it so much)
Pärt: Tabula Rasa (Hypnotic and intense work)
Finzi: Cello concerto (One of the jewels of the 20th century, what level of beauty and power!!! The 2nd movement is sublime in the whole meaning of the word)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on April 16, 2017, 07:42:41 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on April 15, 2017, 06:04:09 PM
Finzi: Cello concerto (One of the jewels of the 20th century, what level of beauty and power!!! The 2nd movement is sublime in the whole meaning of the word)

Agreed on all counts. A fantastic concerto!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on April 16, 2017, 06:08:46 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on April 15, 2017, 06:37:15 PM
My current obsessions:

Bruckner - Symphony no 9 (One of the greatest romantic symphonies, period!!!)


I completely agree!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on April 16, 2017, 06:58:21 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on April 15, 2017, 12:16:54 AM
First time really engaging with a Bruckner symphony and I'm in disbelief, so unreal.....astounding  ???

We welcome all to Bruckner and Eugen Jochum, his top acolyte, at any time!  8) ;)

I can also recommend the Simon Rattle, Berlin Philharmonic performance with the completion of the final movement.

[asin]B007O3QC8K[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on April 18, 2017, 05:37:37 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqXgUIdXXaI
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on April 18, 2017, 06:13:26 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on April 18, 2017, 05:54:22 PM
Maderna's Hyperion, love it so much  :-*
Don't know the piece, but love his music in general so this is one I should check out!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on April 18, 2017, 06:17:07 PM
Quote from: jessop on April 18, 2017, 06:13:26 PM
Don't know the piece, but love his music in general so this is one I should check out!

Is this the same as the conductor Maderna?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kishnevi on April 18, 2017, 06:48:36 PM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on April 18, 2017, 06:17:07 PM
Is this the same as the conductor Maderna?
Yes.
I have one CD with the conductor (M9) and one CD of Maderna's works conducted by Sinopoli (Quadrivium, Biogramma, Aura). A lot easier to admire the conductor--a very recommendable M9--than the composer for me!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on April 18, 2017, 06:49:25 PM
Quote from: Thatfabulousalien on April 18, 2017, 06:47:16 PM
Yes, same situation as Boulez (both great composers AND conductors)  ;D

Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on April 18, 2017, 06:48:36 PM
Yes.
I have one CD with the conductor (M9) and one CD of Maderna's works conducted by Sinopoli (Quadrivium, Biogramma, Aura). A lot easier to admire the conductor--a very recommendable M9--than the composer for me!


Didn't know that about Maderna, will have to check out some of his works. Thanks, Friends.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on April 18, 2017, 07:54:36 PM
Quadrivium seems to be the most well known piece; it is especially good if you like percussion, I guess.

https://www.youtube.com/v/YLV5DUu1zqw

although personally I prefer Aura

https://www.youtube.com/v/Y9fwwDnTW6c

and Giardino Religioso

https://www.youtube.com/v/w93zOiuK_OY

Also, something I am surprised to have only just found out considering my enthusiasm for electroacoustic music, he has a sizeable number of tape compositions too if anyone else is interested.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on May 19, 2017, 07:38:14 PM
I mentioned the two below works in the Phillip Glass Thread.

The concerto for two timpanists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lnw0IHgjE2E

And the concerto for Saxophone Quartet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYkIrYh7zuw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9pUnqtc4-k
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: aleazk on June 05, 2017, 04:04:28 AM
This is great!

Babbitt was a very jazzy composer... I bet he would have loved this!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-PJw2lqW7c

The original piano solo work (semi-simple Variations): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb5Klc-8WPY
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on June 06, 2017, 04:09:16 PM
Schnittke - Cello concerto No. 1: There is a poignant suffering here. The whole concerto is haunting, but the last movement is incredibly brutal. Schnittke composed this with all his tormented soul.

More Schnittke - Piano quintet: One of the saddest pieces ever. The sorrow that I felt might not have comparison with similar works of any composer. This man has impressed me so so much!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: aleazk on June 07, 2017, 05:22:53 PM
Quote from: Neil Asuolubaftaht on June 05, 2017, 04:10:08 AM
Yep, classic video, love it! The Bad Plus are great, have you heard their Rite of Spring?   (which you may like as a fellow jazz enthusiast!)

The original work too, Babbitt is the man! He knows all the right notes  8)

I read somewhere that Babbitt indeed saw the video and he liked it and showed it to people, ha.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: PerfectWagnerite on June 07, 2017, 05:59:50 PM
Recently Ruggles' Portals for String Orchestra:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXhK0kUjwig (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXhK0kUjwig)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on June 10, 2017, 11:33:03 AM
Quote from: α | ì Æ ñ on June 08, 2017, 10:10:23 PM
Mahler 5 (and not for the adagietto either)


(But the adagietto is an extraordinary movement, that strong melancholy and the chromatic harmonies/polyphony <3  )

That's an incredible symphony, and the Adagietto stands as an oasis of calm amongst the turbulence surrounding it. It's interesting how the Adagietto is a genuine interruption of what come before it. The solo horn pretty much ends the scherzo (save for some final chords from the orchestra), and it starts the finale with the same note, just a different dynamic level, more fitting to smoothly bring us "back on track", so to speak.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: amw on June 17, 2017, 03:43:48 AM
Welcome to the dark side!

That was my first and favourite Richard Barrett. Also try to hear Opening of the Mouth if you can, it's much more contrapuntal and therefore tougher to crack but might be an even more powerful listening experience overall.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Todd on June 17, 2017, 05:31:36 AM
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/141/MI0001141524.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)


As packaged in:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51-x9fZDl7L._SS300.jpg)


Zoroaster said something.  Something wonderful.  I'll admit that Also Sprach Zarathustra has always been one of those Strauss works I've never been crazy about.  Oh, sure, the opening movement is great - but then there's a whole lot after that.  Now, I've heard some of the biggest of big names in Strauss here - eg, Fluffy, Kempe, Reiner - and they all do a splendid job directing their orchestras in tour de force playing.  But only Clemens Krauss, in crusty mono, ever really made the piece enjoyable for me.  Until Zubin Mehta's CBS recording arrived.  Mehta isn't quite as old-timey as Krauss, but he knows to make the piece lush and beautiful, and in Das Tanzlied he makes the listener almost forget that titanic opening.  It's almost as rustic sounding as Krauss, and it has that same relaxed fit and feel as Strauss' old protege.  And it's in excellent 1980 sound.  Okay, sure, there's some glare, the sound is a bit compressed by contemporary standards, there's too much spotlighting, resulting in some instruments sounding too big, and Glenn Dicterow's violin would never sound like he's standing in the second row playing like he does here in real life, but with all those details popping out in the context of a lush aural backdrop, who cares?  Not me!  Throw in an almost as enjoyable Don Juan, and the first disc in the eight-disc Mehta set on Sony justifies the price for the whole box.  I think I need to try his Decca version.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mahlerian on June 17, 2017, 08:09:49 AM
Elliott Carter's A Mirror on which to Dwell is stunning!  Such a wonderful balance between activity and restfulness, magnificently lyrical in the vocal writing and in the instrumental writing as well.  I've been listening to the Boulez/Bryn-Julson recording with the EI.  Does anyone know how it compares to the one on Bridge?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on June 17, 2017, 02:40:28 PM
Quote from: α | ì Æ ñ on June 17, 2017, 02:28:58 AM
Richard Barrett - Dark Matter (Cycle)


I'm having a major moment I think. Like when I heard Licht or Espaces Acoustiques for the first time, I haven't really ever heard anything quite like this before. I know the kind of music this has come out of but this is so distinctive. and sounds amazing!!

Mind = Blown tonight  :o

Aaaaaah I'm so glad you enjoyed this! It's certainly a favourite of mine. 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on June 17, 2017, 10:04:22 PM
Quote from: jessop on April 18, 2017, 07:54:36 PM
Quadrivium seems to be the most well known piece; it is especially good if you like percussion, I guess.

https://www.youtube.com/v/YLV5DUu1zqw

although personally I prefer Aura

https://www.youtube.com/v/Y9fwwDnTW6c

and Giardino Religioso

https://www.youtube.com/v/w93zOiuK_OY


Also, something I am surprised to have only just found out considering my enthusiasm for electroacoustic music, he has a sizeable number of tape compositions too if anyone else is interested.
I liked 'Aura' which reminded me a bit of Charles Ives.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: aleazk on June 21, 2017, 03:39:41 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln3wWjc7vn0

Ferneyhough: Lemma-Icon-Epigram.

Not a new face to me but... nice to see an actual performance rather than the score... it gives a different perspective of a Ferneyhough piece.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on June 24, 2017, 04:03:02 AM
Whoever is behind "Wellesz Theater" on YouTube, my thanks to them!  They offer an incredible array of unknown masterpieces from a large variety of composers, including the "quarter-tone, microtonal" composers.

I found this a few days ago:

https://www.youtube.com/v/ANZkYT4Ozg0
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on June 30, 2017, 02:48:51 AM
Thanks to nathanb I now know of the operas of Robert Ashley!

https://www.youtube.com/v/SFWYrAVAXrg

Whilst it isn't exactly anything that really is blowing me away, so to speak, it is interesting and unique enough to me :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on July 08, 2017, 02:13:03 AM
Brett Dean: Hamlet. Whilst retaining the real sense of drama and urgency from his first opera, his second really feels like a step up, somehow more streamlined.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on July 08, 2017, 06:09:38 AM
Quote from: α | ì Æ ñ on July 08, 2017, 01:52:13 AM
Ligeti - Lux Aeterna

I don't hear it often but when I do, it's a trip. Probably the single most influential Ligeti piece on my own work, I still haven't heard many piece which achieve anything like this. The power of canons!  :-*
Famously used in '2001: A Space Odyssey' - one of my favourite films.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on July 08, 2017, 07:00:19 AM
Quote from: α | ì Æ ñ on July 08, 2017, 06:21:40 AM
I've heard of that before (perhaps from you, but I I'm not sure). I've read a bit of Shakespeare over the years (I'm no expert believe me) but I think it would make a really crazy and fucking dark opera!!! (if handled seriously and not too old language, sorry Shakespeare)   :o
It is handled quite seriously. You can see it for yourself on the Glyndebourne website until Thursday.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on July 21, 2017, 09:22:11 PM
Many works have blown my mind lately:

-Prokofiev - Cantata for the 20th Anniversary of October Revolution: Bombastic in high degree!!! There are some moving moments here, despite of so many explosions.

-Prokofiev - Seven, They Are Seven: Effectively, and there are 7 glorious and imposing minutes. It does capture that antique Mesopotamian environment.

-Shostakovich - The Execution of Stepan Razin: Revisiting this completely terrific work, I can't get enough of this. It's magnific!!!

-Martinu - Czech Rhapsody for baritone, chorus, organ and orchestra: A new discovery for me. Simply EPIC and wonderful; here we have a young Martinu in the height of his powers!!!

-Novák, Vitezslav - The Storm: An excellent recommendation of Jeffrey (Vandermolen). Another epic composition with pirates and lots of passion with a rapturous ending. Majestic!!!

-Janácek - The Eternal Gospel: It reminded me of his Glagolitic Mass (which I deeply admire). I quite enjoyed it.

-Guridi - Pyrenees Symphony: Guridi was highly skillful when composed this. Clearly, one of his masterworks.

-Bortkiewicz - His 2 symphonies (especially the No. 2 in E flat major): How had I not heard this before? A fine example of Russian symphony in the vein of Borodin, Tchaikovsky and Glazunov. In addition, it's permeated with a notorious nostalgia and despair.

-Ben-Haim - His 2 symphonies: Other great revelations for me this month. As a big fan of symphonies I am, those were worthy of exploring.

-Lutoslawski - String quartet: First meeting with it. Fu***ng music, Lutoslawski shocked me again!!! I wonder where he got those ideas for creating such a creepy quartet, I would think from his scariest and darkest nightmares. Now it is one of my favorite works by him. I like his music more and more.

-Penderecki - Sextet: It has a singular beauty, which I find so charming.

-Bartók - String quartets 4 and 5: Long time ago I had listened to them, and now the experience has been more overwhelming. There are not enough words to describe such mastery. They are authentic pinnacles of the musical form, state-of-the-art pieces.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Crudblud on July 21, 2017, 11:44:02 PM
Quote from: jessop on June 30, 2017, 02:48:51 AM
Thanks to nathanb I now know of the operas of Robert Ashley!

Late reply, but.... I wholeheartedly recommend Ashley's Perfect Lives, his masterpiece in my opinion. The libretto has the warmth and humour and breadth of something like Ulysses, but a distinctly American voice, and I think it stands out from his later operas, which tend to be rather homogeneous in their musical content. Also, I recommend checking out a piece he did called The Wolfman (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKux6PuYkYw).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mr Bloom on July 22, 2017, 02:16:42 AM
Quote from: jessop on July 08, 2017, 02:13:03 AM
Brett Dean: Hamlet. Whilst retaining the real sense of drama and urgency from his first opera, his second really feels like a step up, somehow more streamlined.

I fail to see how it is a step up. Not that it is disappointing in any way, but everything that makes Hamlet great was already in Bliss. The latter seems more tightly structured to me, and I think Hamlet lacks a scene as good as the big mental hospital scene from the third act in Bliss. That being said, both are masterpieces.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on July 22, 2017, 03:19:11 AM
Both The Storm and The Tempest by Tchaikovsky.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Todd on July 24, 2017, 08:45:11 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51D-OSwMxyL._SS425.jpg)


From the Mischa Maisky 10 Classic Albums box.  Here's one of those discs that I would never have thought to buy on its own.  A mixed rep, transcription job, with Maisky and Pavel Gililov making small cello and piano pieces out of some well known and not so well known songs and solo works, the disc is a fantabulous success.  Gililov's accompaniment, and here that's what it is, is sensitive and expressive and wholly satisfying.  It makes me want to here him in some solo rep, but like Enrico Pace, he's basically a chamber music guy.  This show is pretty much all Maisky's.  Sure, it's possible to think of some of the transcriptions and playing as too sentimental by half, and Schumann's Traumerei could even be thought of as oppressively treacly, or at least it could if Maisky didn't deliver it, and all the pieces, with such authority and conviction.  This dude appears to believe in each and every note he plays with his whole being, and his playing fully realizes everything he wants to do.  To drive home this point, when I saw the Chopin Prelude in B minor - called just Prelude here - I did a snooty sniff, thinking along the lines "Hah, no way!".  But as I listened to the piece, which is arguably the best on the disc, I then thought "Oh, shit, oops!"  That the pieces selected are intrinsically beautiful is obviously no accident, and they sound as beautiful here as they probably can.  I guess this disc might qualify as a guilty pleasure, but as the pleasure so vastly outweighs the guilt, I'm just fine with that.

Turns out this disc is available for free on YouTube.  I'll stick with the high grade physical recording instead.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on July 25, 2017, 12:44:42 PM
https://www.youtube.com/v/sO6ih9ees2Q

A stormy, very windy day, here. Huge clouds & sun. Bursts of torrential rain.

Brahms "Ich schwing mein Horn..." - the text is really strange, the music overwhelmingly beautiful.

P.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: aleazk on August 01, 2017, 11:29:51 AM
And yet another great piece combining solo instruments with electronics from Dai Fujikura.

Poison Mushroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHrvumuC6yc
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: bwv 1080 on August 01, 2017, 11:43:56 AM
Beethoven op 7
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jo498 on August 02, 2017, 12:15:45 AM
Quote from: pjme on July 25, 2017, 12:44:42 PM
https://www.youtube.com/v/sO6ih9ees2Q

A stormy, very windy day, here. Huge clouds & sun. Bursts of torrential rain.

Brahms "Ich schwing mein Horn..." - the text is really strange, the music overwhelmingly beautiful.

The first line is really strange because usually one does not "swing" a (hunting) horn. It probably simply expresses the sadness of the hunter. (There is a still common saying in German "Trübsal blasen", literally "blowing sadness".) The rest of the anonymous poem (from the "Youth's Magic Horn", collected in the early 19th century, but probably at least a 100 years older or done in an archaic style on purpose) extensively uses the allegory of the hunting chase for the pursuit of a lover (who is the escaped game). Of course this is creepy in many ways for today's sensibilities, especially if done as thoroughly as here. Admittedly, I don't understand what "eating hare's meat" in the last stanza is supposed to mean. In the hunting context it obviously means that he has to contend with meagre fare. But I don't know if this had a corresponding meaning in the love context...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on August 02, 2017, 05:34:17 AM
Thanks, Jo. For me this strange text adds to the beauty of this ravishing setting. I found very little explanation on the INternet.

This I found at : http://www.kellydeanhansen.com/opus41.html


"...., an utterly gorgeous setting of an old German poem in an archaic style that is infinitely superior to its arrangement for solo voice and piano in Op. 43.  The timbre of men's voices in harmony is exploited to its fullest in this fine piece, whose style is completely different from that of the other four and whose text is timeless rather than dated.  Despite the differing voices, its character is much closer to that of another  "old German" setting for mixed chorus, Op. 62, No. 7, than to the following four Lemcke songs."
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Parsifal on August 07, 2017, 07:57:22 AM
Hindemith Konzertmusik for Brass and String Orchestra.

Listened to it because it was next up in my cpo set of Hindemith Orchestral Music. Had never sought it out before because the title was somehow off-putting to me. Gave me the impression that it would be some sort of concerto for various brass instruments.

But Wow! Not what I was expecting at all. The harmonies and he sonorities created are utterly captivating.

[asin]B000001RXO[/asin]

Performance is beautiful, audio engineering is perfect.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on August 07, 2017, 08:14:14 AM
Quote from: Scarpia on August 07, 2017, 07:57:22 AM
Hindemith Konzertmusik for Brass and String Orchestra.

Listened to it because it was next up in my cpo set of Hindemith Orchestral Music. Had never sought it out before because the title was somehow off-putting to me. Gave me the impression that it would be some sort of concerto for various brass instruments.

But Wow! Not what I was expecting at all. The harmonies and he sonorities created are utterly captivating.

[asin]B000001RXO[/asin]

Performance is beautiful, audio engineering is perfect.


Yes!  Possibly the second Hindemith piece I ever heard (after the Symphony in Bb which we played in a Region Band).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: aleazk on August 13, 2017, 12:49:29 PM
Ravel - Sad Birds (from the suite Miroirs)

And in this particular interpretation by the master himself! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDIAnwjFVVA

Every time I listen to it... and the title... oh, so beautiful combination... birds... but sad. Can birds be sad? Yes, and this piece is an evidence of that.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on August 14, 2017, 08:56:34 AM
Debussy's La cathédrale engloutie, from préludes, a wonderfully evocative piece.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: aleazk on August 15, 2017, 04:54:46 PM
I have been listening a lot to Cage lately. His sense of well being with the world, in some sort of child-like but also ecstatic way, gives me what I need.

My favorites are the Constructions, Sonatas and Interludes, Six Melodies, Number Pieces, In a Landscape, Dream, and so many more...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Omicron9 on August 16, 2017, 05:23:17 AM
The past couple of weeks, I've been listening to the new Naxos disk of Fricker string quartets.  I was previously unfamiliar with his work.  In it, I hear an almost Bartokian density.  I suspect that if you like the Bartok quartets, you'd also enjoy the work of Mr. Fricker.

https://www.amazon.com/Fricker-String-Quartets-Villiers-Quartet/dp/B01NCVFY3W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502889288&sr=8-1&keywords=fricker+string+quartets (https://www.amazon.com/Fricker-String-Quartets-Villiers-Quartet/dp/B01NCVFY3W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502889288&sr=8-1&keywords=fricker+string+quartets)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzoC3LigXc0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzoC3LigXc0)

Is there a way to embed a YouTube video, other than the URL?   Sorry; new to the forum here.   ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on August 16, 2017, 05:31:28 AM
Quote from: Omicron9 on August 16, 2017, 05:23:17 AM
Is there a way to embed a YouTube video, other than the URL?   Sorry; new to the forum here.   ;)

https://www.youtube.com/v/bzoC3LigXc0


1. Copy-paste the URL.

2. Delete "watch?" immediately in front of "v" and replace "=" immediately behind it with a /

2. Select the result and click on the Flash icon (red, second from the left, second row of icons)

4. Optional: adjust the width and height by modifying the corresponding dimensions in the flash tag; the default is 200,200.

5. Done!

Quote this post to see how it works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Omicron9 on August 16, 2017, 06:22:26 AM
Thank you, Florestan.  I will try that next time.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Spineur on August 16, 2017, 08:34:13 AM
In case you forget, locate a post with an embedded video and clic on "quote".  The syntax used will be apparent in the reply box.
0:)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on August 16, 2017, 02:56:19 PM
Mosolov's "Iron Foundry".
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Todd on August 17, 2017, 10:19:55 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41QN5QKX6NL.jpg)


This disc mostly contains music new to me.  The Grieg Cello Sonata is not, but this version is much better, much more vibrant than the Lloyd Webber/Forsberg recording.  Somewhat like with Isserlis' Janacek Pohadka recordings, the music is drained of some of its characteristic Grieginess, but the trade-off here is playing of such perfectly judged intensity and controlled passion as to make this emerge a true chamber music masterpiece.  It's so good that I think I may have to hear the Isserlis/Hough remake on Hyperion, which comes paired with Mendelssohn.

The five short Liszt works are all excellent, and even if not his best efforts, they reveal Liszt to be more than a showman alone, in the event such evidence is still needed. 

The Anton Rubinstein Cello Sonata No 1 is large scaled, rich, and romantic, like bulked up Mendelssohn, with some Tchaikovsky tossed in.  The Allegretto has some absolutely breathtaking cello playing, with Isserlis frantically whispering out figurations, which Hough later repeats expertly, though the effect is not quite the same due to the instrument.  The piano music at the beginning of the Allegro molto sounds like nothing other than a Lied ohne Worte.  If I could be assured all performances of Rubinstein's music were this good, I'd dramatically expand my collection of his music.

RCA's best 90s sound caps off an unexpectedly great disc.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Omicron9 on August 22, 2017, 03:46:32 AM
Quote from: α | ì Æ ñ on August 20, 2017, 02:15:49 AM
Been listening to several works from Francois Bernard Mache and I can't help but feel a little saddened he isn't riding the rails with Ligeti and the rest of the crew. His work is really high quality, inventive and unpredictable. Giving me a real thrill ride  :D

Alien,
I'd not heard of this composer, but ran over to YouTube to investigate.  Thank you for the recommendation.
Currently listening to/enjoying his Synergies, Opus 8 1963:

https://www.youtube.com/v/0f3wSIugFSI
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Omicron9 on August 23, 2017, 05:50:05 AM
I just posted this in the "current listening" thread, but because I think they need wider exposure and always achieve "blown away" status, I'll expose them in this thread.  Ginastera string quartets.  No matter how often I hear them, I'm left knocked out every time.

[asin]B0027DQHHS[/asin]

https://www.youtube.com/v/DQ-pRazXpc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DQ-pRazXpc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DQ-pRazXpc)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: aleazk on August 27, 2017, 06:59:59 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwiAoKn1aGw

Dai Fujikura - Prism Spectra (for viola and live electronics)

Really cool to see a piece like this live... it's like if all of those colorful electronic sounds were coming directly from the strings and flying to the air like the smoke of a cigar!  :P :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Todd on August 29, 2017, 06:26:08 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51qCrPM-H0L._SS425.jpg)


Sweet Jesus!  Jorge Luis Prats' so far sole Decca recital from 2011 is a knock-out.  A Cuban, he was long relegated to touring Soviet bloc countries only, only reemerging into the international scene last decade, and he has made only a handful of recordings.  This one of Spanish and Latin American solo piano music, taken from a single recital with no patching, is just phenomenal.  I've heard a fair number of recordings of Goyescas, but none sound so spontaneous and comfortable as this.  Sure, some others play with a bit more tonal nuance some of the time, and yes, Prats puts El Pelele fifth in the sequence and then plays El Amor y la muerte last, and drops Epilogo altogether, but the pianist offers his rationale, which is basically this: why do you need an epilogue when the lovers are dead?  A shoot-out is in order.  The disc then moves to Villa-Lobos Bachiana brasleira No 4.  I've got little Villa-Lobos solo piano music in my collection, but the little I have is superb, capped by Nelson Freire's discs for Teldec and Decca, though he doesn't play this work.  Prats is very close to Freire's equal.  The three short works by three different Cuban composers are likewise masterful.  Superb sound.

As to other recordings, there's a Rach 2 & 3 out there, a Grieg/Dohnanyi/Litolff disc, and a DVD recital, but I think I've found the disc I will to suggest to Eloquence for reissue: a late 70s DG disc of LvB (Op 101), Schumann (Toccata), and Ravel (Gaspard).  Hopefully he records more for Decca.

On a purchase related note, I bought this on Amazon MP from a seller I will try to avoid going forward.  The delivery was delayed a couple times, and it was supposed to be Prime, and the condition notes did not mention that it was ex-library.  When I opened the package, my heart sank upon seeing Cuyahoga County Library emblazoned on stickers on the case and on the disc.  Fortunately, it appears this specific disc was very unpopular as the surface had only two tiny, light scratches and plays just fine.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on August 29, 2017, 06:49:40 PM
Quote from: Todd on August 29, 2017, 06:26:08 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51qCrPM-H0L._SS425.jpg)


Sweet Jesus!  Jorge Luis Prats' so far sole Decca recital from 2011 is a knock-out.  A Cuban, he was long relegated to touring Soviet bloc countries only, only reemerging into the international scene last decade, and he has made only a handful of recordings.  This one of Spanish and Latin American solo piano music, taken from a single recital with no patching, is just phenomenal.  I've heard a fair number of recordings of Goyescas, but none sound so spontaneous and comfortable as this.  Sure, some others play with a bit more tonal nuance some of the time, and yes, Prats puts El Pelele fifth in the sequence and then plays El Amor y la muerte last, and drops Epilogo altogether, but the pianist offers his rationale, which is basically this: why do you need an epilogue when the lovers are dead?  A shoot-out is in order.  The disc then moves to Villa-Lobos Bachiana brasleira No 4.  I've got little Villa-Lobos solo piano music in my collection, but the little I have is superb, capped by Nelson Freire's discs for Teldec and Decca, though he doesn't play this work.  Prats is very close to Freire's equal.  The three short works by three different Cuban composers are likewise masterful.  Superb sound.

As to other recordings, there's a Rach 2 & 3 out there, a Grieg/Dohnanyi/Litolff disc, and a DVD recital, but I think I've found the disc I will to suggest to Eloquence for reissue: a late 70s DG disc of LvB (Op 101), Schumann (Toccata), and Ravel (Gaspard).  Hopefully he records more for Decca.

On a purchase related note, I bought this on Amazon MP from a seller I will try to avoid going forward.  The delivery was delayed a couple times, and it was supposed to be Prime, and the condition notes did not mention that it was ex-library.  When I opened the package, my heart sank upon seeing Cuyahoga County Library emblazoned on stickers on the case and on the disc.  Fortunately, it appears this specific disc was very unpopular as the surface had only two tiny, light scratches and plays just fine.

I get that this is an outstanding performance.  Great.  Question.  Which of the works on the CD are new pieces for you?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Todd on August 30, 2017, 06:45:00 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on August 29, 2017, 06:49:40 PM
I get that this is an outstanding performance.  Great.  Question.  Which of the works on the CD are new pieces for you?


The three pieces by the three Cuban composers Farinas, Cervantes, and Lecuona.
Title: Beveridge Yizkor Requiem
Post by: arpeggio on September 03, 2017, 08:42:10 PM
This CD was first released back in 2001:

[asin]B000051Y05[/asin]

I just picked it up at a second hand CD shop $2.

Now that I am listening to it I regret not acquiring it when it was first released in 2001  :(
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: aleazk on September 04, 2017, 09:29:42 AM
Quote from: α | ì Æ ñ on September 03, 2017, 09:16:39 PM
Can't stop listening to "Trans" (for orchestra and tape) by Stockhausen today.

Went for a walk and put it on my phone on loop. It's so fucking great  8)

I saw it live last year. The orchestra played behind some sort of semi transparent curtain and the only light was an intense purple one. All of this as per Stockhausen's instructions in the score. The idea is to generate a dream like atmosphere. I must say it indeed gave that exact feeling!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 04, 2017, 11:10:45 AM
Quote from: aleazk on September 04, 2017, 09:29:42 AM
I saw it live last year. The orchestra played behind some sort of semi transparent curtain and the only light was an intense purple one. All of this as per Stockhausen's instructions in the score. The idea is to generate a dream like atmosphere. I must say it indeed gave that exact feeling!

To the bolded text, it'd have to be a dream, because that would be the only way I'd listen to Stockhausen. :laugh: (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 04, 2017, 07:23:24 PM
Quote from: α | ì Æ ñ on September 04, 2017, 07:21:56 PM
The work is inspired and based on a dream Stockhausen had, and is therefore also intended to evoke a surreal dream-like feeling, which is most definitely achieves. I think this may be the key to the whole aesthetic of his work actually!

I think you missed the point: I dislike Stockhausen. ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 04, 2017, 07:27:23 PM
Quote from: α | ì Æ ñ on September 04, 2017, 07:26:26 PM
I've known that since I first met you  :laugh:

;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 05, 2017, 07:41:42 AM
Bartok's early (late-romantic) Piano Quintet. Wow! I was not expecting to be so blown away by it, especially after not having been too impressed with Kossuth, another one of his early works. Check out this exhilarating performance by Janine Jansen and friends: https://youtu.be/QpT0CvuDCQI
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: king ubu on September 05, 2017, 10:32:43 AM
Heinz Holliger's violin concerto - both as recorded with Thomas Zehetmair (on ECM) and as heard in concert with Patricia Kopatchinskaja (both conducted by Holliger himself).

Also promted me to start exploring Louis Soutter's graphic works ... I've seen the odd painting in museums here and there, but never really got into his style all that much. Big catalogue was sent to a friend in Germany (why do so many amazon marketplace vendors only ship within the country of the respective amazon site? I'm afraid if that goes on as it did in the past months, in a year I can no longer order like that at all).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: John Copeland on September 06, 2017, 02:11:57 PM
I heard Schelomo, The Hebraic Rhapsody for cello and orchestra for the first time by Ernst Bloch today (Isserlis on Cello) and thought very highly of it!  My radar is now tweaked in Blochs' direction...just...better watch out his tobacco pipe keeps out the damn way of my research...
(http://home.uni-leipzig.de/kustodie/ausstellungsarchiv/bloch/bilder/kopf.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on September 06, 2017, 02:31:30 PM
Quote from: Est.1965 on September 06, 2017, 02:11:57 PM
I heard Schelomo, The Hebraic Rhapsody for cello and orchestra for the first time by Ernst Bloch today (Isserlis on Cello) and thought very highly of it!  My radar is now tweaked in Blochs' direction...just...better watch out his tobacco pipe keeps out the damn way of my research...
Piano Quintet no. 1!
https://www.youtube.com/v/64PqvXPqt0g
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: John Copeland on September 06, 2017, 03:20:36 PM
Quote from: North Star on September 06, 2017, 02:31:30 PM
Piano Quintet no. 1!
https://www.youtube.com/v/64PqvXPqt0g

Wow.  A Piano Quintet with depth and character and some kind of angst or anger...he must have been going through a hell of a time in 1923!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: andolink on September 08, 2017, 05:18:47 AM
This 3-disc set arrived Wednesday and I put on the first piece on disc one and...OMG...absolutely breathtakingly beautiful--

Salvatore Sciarrino: Variazioni for violoncello and orchestra (1974)
Francesco Dillon, cello
Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della RAI/Tito Ceccherini

(https://img.discogs.com/D4Kc8-aE5wUcyyyT1iwIgL8YMJs=/fit-in/600x603/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2282667-1274288610.jpeg.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 08, 2017, 08:51:55 AM
Quote from: North Star on September 06, 2017, 02:31:30 PM
Piano Quintet no. 1!
https://www.youtube.com/v/64PqvXPqt0g

Yes!! One of the finest chamber works I know. The ending is like finally reaching the light at the end of a dark, dark tunnel - very moving.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 08, 2017, 08:20:03 PM
Quote from: Est.1965 on September 06, 2017, 02:11:57 PM
I heard Schelomo, The Hebraic Rhapsody for cello and orchestra for the first time by Ernst Bloch today (Isserlis on Cello) and thought very highly of it!  My radar is now tweaked in Blochs' direction...just...better watch out his tobacco pipe keeps out the damn way of my research...
(http://home.uni-leipzig.de/kustodie/ausstellungsarchiv/bloch/bilder/kopf.jpg)

Of course, this is a different Bloch you have posted --- the one you have posted is the Marxist philosopher. This is the Bloch you're referring to:

(https://oregonencyclopedia.org/media/uploads/Bloch_Ernest_1948_bb006122.jpg)

But both men enjoyed their pipes --- that's for sure. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: GioCar on September 08, 2017, 10:00:31 PM
Quote from: andolink on September 08, 2017, 05:18:47 AM
This 3-disc set arrived Wednesday and I put on the first piece on disc one and...OMG...absolutely breathtakingly beautiful--

Salvatore Sciarrino: Variazioni for violoncello and orchestra (1974)
Francesco Dillon, cello
Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della RAI/Tito Ceccherini

(https://img.discogs.com/D4Kc8-aE5wUcyyyT1iwIgL8YMJs=/fit-in/600x603/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2282667-1274288610.jpeg.jpg)

A great set! Wait tiil you reach disc 3, the most beautiful gems are there imo.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on September 08, 2017, 11:41:06 PM
Unfortunate thread title. The film music for Irma la Douce by Andre Previn perhaps. Wishing all in the southern US the best.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Daverz on September 09, 2017, 04:55:51 PM
Quote from: North Star on September 06, 2017, 02:31:30 PM
Piano Quintet no. 1!
https://www.youtube.com/v/64PqvXPqt0g

Violin Sonata No. 1 is a good follow up.  Shaham & Erez are very good.

[asin]B0007DBXGU[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Xenophanes on September 12, 2017, 09:08:34 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on September 09, 2016, 02:36:58 PM
One of the biggest mistake a newbie makes is starting a thread that already exists.  So I checked this out so I hope this a new idea

My music library is based on breath instead of depth.  Instead of fifty recordings of Beethoven's Fifth I would prefer to have fifty recordings of different symphonies. 

Since I am always on the lookout for new composers and music one of my favorite threads in another forum is "Pieces that have blown you away recently".  This is a thread where a person can post their experiences with a new work they have never heard before or a new composer.

This would not be a thread for a person who already has fifty recordings of Beethoven's Fifth and he just acquired his fifty-first.  This thread is for a person who had never heard Beethoven's Fifth and his initial exposure to it was awesome.

I will start by talking about recent discovery for me.

I subscribe to the BBC Music Magazine.  One of the there CD's had some piano music of Ravel and Faure.  I am not a fan of Faure.  When the Faure train left the station I was not on it.  This recording of some of his barcarolles and nocturnes blew me away.  :)

Sibelius, Luonnotar ----- sopranos: Mattila, Isokoski, Bryn-Julson, Soederstrom

I had heard Luonnotar before, but I recently really began to look into the text and I listened to some really stunning recordings of this piece, which must be some of the most demanding music for soprano.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Daverz on September 17, 2017, 09:59:15 PM
Quote from: Daverz on September 09, 2017, 04:55:51 PM
Violin Sonata No. 1 is a good follow up.  Shaham & Erez are very good.

[asin]B0007DBXGU[/asin]

And to make it a triptych from this same emotional landscape (with the Piano Quintet No. 1), add the String Quartet No. 2:

[asin]B000007QLH[/asin]

Excellent performance and recording from the Pro Arte Quartet and Laurel Records.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on September 19, 2017, 01:18:43 PM
Until I bought a few of the Quatuor Diotima's discs in the recent Qobuz sale, I don't think I'd ever heard the "other" two movements of Barber's string quartet.  What an exquisite piece the first movement is.  All it lacks is a big scherzo and fugal finale to balance the whole structure.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on September 19, 2017, 10:52:19 PM
Martinu's 4th Piano Concerto 'Incantations'.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on September 19, 2017, 11:44:09 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on September 19, 2017, 10:52:19 PM
Martinu's 4th Piano Concerto 'Incantations'.

I discovered that wonderful score through this LP:

(https://img.discogs.com/MJYiU4t5gpBWukOl6DyfnrQmkrc=/fit-in/400x400/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6906954-1429257370-3046.jpeg.jpg)

The Fantasia concertante ( concerto nr 5) is another favorite. The DGG LP/Cd (Margrit Weber / Kubelik) is a gem.

(https://img.discogs.com/S8vtVzHaF6SlWfn_ozY6WF_2rLk=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-7048038-1432495368-2213.jpeg.jpg)(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51JrLhssliL._SX342_QL70_.jpg)

Yesterday I was blown away by James McMillan's viola concerto!

P.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on September 20, 2017, 06:41:54 AM
Quote from: pjme on September 19, 2017, 11:44:09 PM
I discovered that wonderful score through this LP:

(https://img.discogs.com/MJYiU4t5gpBWukOl6DyfnrQmkrc=/fit-in/400x400/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6906954-1429257370-3046.jpeg.jpg)

The Fantasia concertante ( concerto nr 5) is another favorite. The DGG LP/Cd (Margrit Weber / Kubelik) is a gem.

(https://img.discogs.com/S8vtVzHaF6SlWfn_ozY6WF_2rLk=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-7048038-1432495368-2213.jpeg.jpg)(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51JrLhssliL._SX342_QL70_.jpg)

Yesterday I was blown away by James McMillan's viola concerto!

P.
Thanks for responding. Macmillan is one of those composers I need to investigate. The Head of Music at the school where I work was enthusing about his music (Symphony 4 in particular I think) when I was chatting to him over lunch last week.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on September 20, 2017, 02:10:49 PM
Hi Vandermolen,

(this was earlier in the" What are you listening to" section):

A couple of minutes ago on BBC 3 : James Mc Millan's viola concerto. Second time only (earlier this year it was performed & broadcast in the Netherlands). Loved it even better this time - the viola hisses as a angry cat , chirps as anxious birds ... sings like an angel!

From the Guardian:https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jan/19/manon-james-macmillan-viola-lawrence-power-review

....
Lasting nearly 40 minutes, this inventive, three-movement piece exploits fully the lyrical qualities of the instrument, launching with a rhapsodic solo ascent and finding bold colours via some hushed string harmonics, dissonances and glissandi. Bright sounds of harp, xylophone, vibraphone and tubular bells offset some more mellow string sounds, including those from the soloist's 400-year-old instrument.

At the start, after what sounds like a backward cadence (as if singing Amen in reverse), the viola floats over a murky, indistinct orchestral layer with almost imperceptible cross-rhythms, until interrupted by a sparky oboe and cor anglais. The second movement blasts to life with a vast, noisy clatter of percussion and full orchestra, out of which the songful viola emerges.

The work, a major contribution to the repertory, is full of musical debate, not least between the solo viola and the four front-desk players of the viola and cello section, but has little in the way of show-off virtuosity for its own sake. In an unexpected gesture, the soloist finishes fractionally ahead of everyone else after some spectacular, rapid string crossing, leaving his comrades to play two final chords. Counter to its ponderous image, the viola triumphantly proves its fleet-footed ability to gallop home first. James MacMillan has said he loved writing for the instrument and its player. Lawrence Power, in turn, looked as if he adored playing it. The cheers suggested everyone was of the same mind.

Or:

But violist Lawrence Power's extraordinary championship of the gift James MacMillan has given him might well prove to be the solo performance of the year – and it's only January. MacMillan is such a natural communicator and from the two simple chords ushering in Power's rhapsodic opening solo the compulsion to go where he led was a given. For a Scottish Catholic the tone of this solo – indeed much of the solo part – was (as the serendipity of the pairing would have it) hauntingly Hebraic, almost as if Bloch's Shelomo now had a son and heir. But it was MacMillan's fantastic ear for orchestral sound that turned his largish orchestra into an environment in which his soloist could hold court and shine and always be heard. Pitting the gruffly assertive and astonishingly virtuosic pyrotechnics of the solo part against equally virtuosic tuned percussion was one way – chesty ardour offset by sparkling iridescence above. Another was through the soloist's affecting alliance with pairs of violas and cellos or solo strings. Or simply by counterpointing the fast moving solo part with slow moving and highly characteristic plainchant in the wind.

MacMillan's innate theatricality (he and Mahler both) made for a gripping slow movement where indomitable brass chords and the roar of tam-tam cleared the floor for the soloist's rapt song. This most songful, hymn-like, writing incorporating the scoops and swoops and catches of an emotive vocalise eventually arrived at an unforgettable "evaporation" of the song in shortening phrases so high and so barely voiced as to sound like they were no longer emanating from the instrument at all.

From:http://www.edwardseckerson.biz/reviews/london-philharmonic-orchestra-power-jurowski-royal-festival-hall-review/

Afaik, no recording yet.

Peter
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 20, 2017, 03:51:39 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on September 20, 2017, 06:41:54 AM
Thanks for responding. Macmillan is one of those composers I need to investigate. The Head of Music at the school where I work was enthusing about his music (Symphony 4 in particular I think) when I was chatting to him over lunch last week.

MacMillan's Symphony no. 4 is a powerful work well worth investigating. Throughout the piece there is a contrast between violent, dissonant passages and passages of transcendent beauty. I find the extended cello soli about three-quarters of the way in particularly moving. I think you'd enjoy it, Jeffrey :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on September 21, 2017, 10:37:35 AM
From 1957, before Riley's In C, before Glass and Adams:

Proto-Minimalism  ???  from Miloslav Kabelac (or...?):

https://www.youtube.com/v/UgeYpx-azF0

It takes a while for it to take off, but it takes off!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on September 21, 2017, 10:53:40 AM
Quote from: Cato on September 21, 2017, 10:37:35 AM
From 1957, before Riley's In C, before Glass and Adams:

Proto-Minimalism  ???  from Miloslav Kabelac (or...?):

https://www.youtube.com/v/UgeYpx-azF0

It takes a while for it to take off, but it takes off!

You're welcome, Cato.  8)

I've rather enjoyed all the symphonies (seven out of eight) I've heard so far, too.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on September 21, 2017, 01:22:08 PM
Quote from: North Star on September 21, 2017, 10:53:40 AM
You're welcome, Cato.  8)

I've rather enjoyed all the symphonies (seven out of eight) I've heard so far, too.

Yes, many thanks to alert member North Star for spreading the Musical Gospel According to Kabelac!  :D

YouTube does not offer all the symphonies, or at least I have not yet found them all!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on September 21, 2017, 01:25:54 PM
Quote from: Cato on September 21, 2017, 01:22:08 PM
Yes, many thanks to alert member North Star for spreading the Musical Gospel According to Kabelac!  :D

YouTube does not offer all the symphonies, or at least I have not yet found them all!
There's the Supraphon set (without texts   >:() for the symphonies.  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Monsieur Croche on September 21, 2017, 01:56:51 PM
Quote from: Cato on September 21, 2017, 10:37:35 AM
From 1957, before Riley's In C, before Glass and Adams:

Proto-Minimalism  ???  from Miloslav Kabelac (or...?):

https://www.youtube.com/v/UgeYpx-azF0

It takes a while for it to take off, but it takes off!

I'm glad you put it thus, Proto-Minimalism  ??? , because I don't hear a scrap of anything relating to what is called minimalism in the Kabelac.  Sure, the musical materials are a bit 'spare,' but what I heard sounds and plays out and through as a rather romantic piece in its musical ideas and gestures, but I heard nothing remotely minimalist, in procedures or aesthetic, if you will, anywhere.

Elliott Carter's Eight Etudes and a Fantasy for woodwind quartet predates (1950) this piece and Riley's very seminal In C   Though the Etudes are very brief, some are more directly in line with that arena of procedure(s) we later came to know as minimalism, (especially those that deal are studies on one interval, lol) at least those early stages of it ala Riley's In C, early Reich, Adams and Glass pieces.
https://www.youtube.com/v/WqF96XKh64Q
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on September 21, 2017, 02:11:12 PM
Quote from: Cato on September 21, 2017, 10:37:35 AM
From 1957, before Riley's In C, before Glass and Adams:

Proto-Minimalism  ???  from Miloslav Kabelac (or...?):

https://www.youtube.com/v/UgeYpx-azF0

It takes a while for it to take off, but it takes off!

That's a corker, Cato.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 21, 2017, 06:31:02 PM
I'm always blown away by Shostakovich's Symphony No. 11, "The Year 1905".
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on September 23, 2017, 09:36:48 AM
OHHHH YES MY SON!!! That GLORIOUS and EMPHATIC F major fortissimo that ends Strauss' Symphonia Domestica! WOOOAHHH!!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on September 23, 2017, 11:45:25 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on September 23, 2017, 09:36:48 AM
OHHHH YES MY SON!!! That GLORIOUS and EMPHATIC F major fortissimo that ends Strauss' Symphonia Domestica! WOOOAHHH!!!

Have you just discovered this work?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on September 23, 2017, 01:18:20 PM
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on September 21, 2017, 01:56:51 PM

I'm glad you put it thus, Proto-Minimalism  ??? , because I don't hear a scrap of anything relating to what is called minimalism in the Kabelac.  Sure, the musical materials are a bit 'spare,' but what I heard sounds and plays out and through as a rather romantic piece in its musical ideas and gestures, but I heard nothing remotely minimalist, in procedures or aesthetic, if you will, anywhere.


I did!  0:)  e.g. The subtle - and slow - use of small variations building and building until suddenly one realizes that one has entered new territory different from just a few minutes earlier!  Is there an almost static, or even manic, repetitiveness, such as one finds in Koyaanisqatsi?  No.  If you hear a basically Romantic piece, no problem!  8)

Quote from: Ken B on September 21, 2017, 02:11:12 PM
That's a corker, Cato.


Agreed!   0:)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on September 24, 2017, 07:41:14 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on September 23, 2017, 11:45:25 AM
Have you just discovered this work?

No, but it always blows me away. That epilogue is just glorious marshalling of a huge orchestral juggernaut! Brilliantly bombastic and over-the-top!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 24, 2017, 08:10:05 AM
K.A. Hartmann's Symphony No. 6 has really hit me quite hard recently I must say. One of the most underrated symphonists of the 20th Century IMHO.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on September 24, 2017, 08:25:46 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 24, 2017, 08:10:05 AM
K.A. Hartmann's Symphony No. 6 has really hit me quite hard recently I must say. One of the most underrated symphonists of the 20th Century IMHO.

We welcome all to the World of the great Karl Amadeus Hartmann!   :D    If you do not know all the symphonies yet, get ready to have your soul battered and fried!   0:)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 24, 2017, 08:30:30 AM
Quote from: Cato on September 24, 2017, 08:25:46 AM
We welcome all to the World of the great Karl Amadeus Hartmann!   :D    If you do not know all the symphonies yet, get ready to have your soul battered and fried!   0:)

I know, and love, all of the numbered symphonies, Cato! Also, Sinfonia Tragica, Symphonische Hymnen, Concerto funebre, Kammerkonzert, and Gesangsszene are favorites as well. 8) Hartmann has been a favorite of mine for several years now.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on September 24, 2017, 09:04:16 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on September 24, 2017, 07:41:14 AM
No, but it always blows me away. That epilogue is just glorious marshalling of a huge orchestral juggernaut! Brilliantly bombastic and over-the-top!

Oddly, Symphonia domestica is my least favorite Strauss tone poem. Pretty much the only one which hasn't blown me away, apart from a couple of measures here and there.
Title: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on September 26, 2017, 01:03:22 AM
Hmm I thought I had heard everything by Steen-Andersen that is available on YouTube but I came across this wonderful little piece yesterday. Mesmerising indeed!

https://www.youtube.com/v/qQ7e4-4Tidc
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on September 26, 2017, 01:10:54 AM
I have been very impressed by Selim Palmgren's Piano Concerto No.2 'The River', which I have posted about separately.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on September 26, 2017, 12:09:05 PM
Marcel Tyberg, Symphony 3
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 26, 2017, 12:31:50 PM
John Ireland, various solo piano and chamber music works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on September 26, 2017, 12:33:07 PM
Quote from: Florestan on September 26, 2017, 12:31:50 PM
John Ireland, various solo piano and chamber music works.
Have you heard the Piano Concerto, Andrei?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 26, 2017, 12:34:29 PM
Quote from: North Star on September 26, 2017, 12:33:07 PM
Have you heard the Piano Concerto, Andrei?

I'll be listening to it and the Legend in about 10 minutes time.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Parsifal on September 26, 2017, 12:47:22 PM
Quote from: Florestan on September 26, 2017, 12:31:50 PM
John Ireland, various solo piano and chamber music works.

Yes, utterly beautiful stuff. I was directed to it years ago by our now mostly absent member Luke.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 26, 2017, 06:27:19 PM
The more I hear William Schuman's Violin Concerto, the more I start feeling like it really is a masterpiece.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 30, 2017, 10:45:09 PM
Malcolm Arnold's Symphony no. 9, in particular its unbearably poignant closing Lento, which is a clear homage to the finale of Mahler's 9th in its valedictory mood. After over 20 minutes of bleakness the movement finally comes to rest on a simple D major chord - very moving. Notice my avatar change :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 01, 2017, 05:39:12 AM
Quote from: kyjo on September 30, 2017, 10:45:09 PMMalcolm Arnold's Symphony no. 9, in particular its unbearably poignant closing Lento, which is a clear homage to the finale of Mahler's 9th in its valedictory mood. After over 20 minutes of bleakness the movement finally comes to rest on a simple D major chord - very moving. Notice my avatar change :)

Looks like you liked Arnold's 9th, Kyle. ;) I think that Lento movement could be considered an homage to Mahler's 9th, but I also feel that the composer expressed something that went deeper beyond it being a mere homage. This movement has a lifetime of pain and suffering inside of it and as I mentioned before it was as Arnold was throwing in the towel and bidding farewell to the world as he once knew it. In a sense, I'm reminded of Schnittke's Symphony No. 8 as well given that the centerpiece of this symphony was also a Lento that drips with eeriness, has an emotional calm about it, and, like the Arnold's 9th, is the longest movement of the symphony.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 01, 2017, 05:54:01 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 01, 2017, 05:39:12 AM
Looks like you liked Arnold's 9th, Kyle. ;) I think that Lento movement could be considered an homage to Mahler's 9th, but I also feel that the composer expressed something that went deeper beyond it being a mere homage. This movement has a lifetime of pain and suffering inside of it and as I mentioned before it was as Arnold was throwing in the towel and bidding farewell to the world as he once knew it. In a sense, I'm reminded of Schnittke's Symphony No. 8 as well given that the centerpiece of this symphony was also a Lento that drips with eeriness, has an emotional calm about it, and, like the Arnold's 9th, is the longest movement of the symphony.

Oh, I didn't mean to imply that the finale of Arnold's 9th is nothing more than a mere homage to Mahler's 9th. It's incredibly deep and personal music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Monsieur Croche on October 01, 2017, 07:01:53 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 26, 2017, 06:27:19 PM
The more I hear William Schuman's Violin Concerto, the more I start feeling like it really is a masterpiece.

That may well be, but I reserve His Masterpiece, i.e. singular from his entire oeuvre, for this concertante work:
Song of Orpheus. (fantasy for 'Cello and orchestra)
https://www.youtube.com/v/E3FdppWLMJQ


Best regards.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 01, 2017, 07:06:56 PM
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on October 01, 2017, 07:01:53 PM
That may well be, but I reserve His Masterpiece, i.e. singular from his entire oeuvre, for this concertante work:
Song of Orpheus. (fantasy for 'Cello and orchestra)
https://www.youtube.com/v/E3FdppWLMJQ


Best regards.

I really should revisit that Schuman work. It's been ages since I've heard it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on October 02, 2017, 05:21:10 AM
Zemlinsky's "Die Seejungfrau".
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on October 02, 2017, 05:53:29 AM
Arnold 9 does take a bit of getting used to, with its sparsity and all. It's a truly remarkable statement from a man who was at the end of his life, despite living for another 20 years after its composition.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 02, 2017, 06:25:25 AM
Quote from: Alberich on October 02, 2017, 05:21:10 AM
Zemlinsky's "Die Seejungfrau".

A wonderful piece to be sure. It should be played as often as Strauss' tone poems IMO, as it contains some of the most gorgeous orchestration I've ever heard.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 02, 2017, 06:34:50 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on October 02, 2017, 05:53:29 AM
Arnold 9 does take a bit of getting used to, with its sparsity and all. It's a truly remarkable statement from a man who was at the end of his life, despite living for another 20 years after its composition.

Yes, but those last 20 years were plagued by failing mental health, so he really wasn't 'present' in his later years.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on October 02, 2017, 07:05:15 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 02, 2017, 06:25:25 AM
A wonderful piece to be sure. It should be played as often as Strauss' tone poems IMO, as it contains some of the most gorgeous orchestration I've ever heard.

Agreed. The orchestration was amazing.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on October 04, 2017, 07:12:38 AM
At the Reading of a Psalm: S. Taneyev

[asin]B0002XMEO0[/asin]

Exquisite performance of an exquisite work!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 04, 2017, 07:41:47 AM
Last night Bruckner's 6th blew me away --- such an underrated symphony IMHO.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on October 04, 2017, 08:04:38 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 04, 2017, 07:41:47 AM
Last night Bruckner's 6th blew me away --- such an underrated symphony IMHO.

Is this a work that you are familiar with that blew you away for the first time?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 04, 2017, 08:06:16 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on October 04, 2017, 08:04:38 AM
Is this a work that you are familiar with that blew you away for the first time?

I'm very familiar with this symphony, but I'm simply blown away each time I hear it. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on October 04, 2017, 08:22:54 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 04, 2017, 07:41:47 AM
Last night Bruckner's 6th blew me away --- such an underrated symphony IMHO.

The little funeral march in the slow movement, and the way it is transformed into an angelic bliss at the end...!  0:) 

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 04, 2017, 08:40:20 AM
Quote from: Cato on October 04, 2017, 08:22:54 AM
The little funeral march in the slow movement, and the way it is transformed into an angelic bliss at the end...!  0:)

Indeed!

Just that Scherzo is enough to drop my jaw with all those rhythmic motifs striking away amongst other things happening at the same time.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on October 05, 2017, 07:59:42 PM
I can come up with a list of a hundred works that blow me away every time I hear them.  Please check the OP.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Parsifal on October 05, 2017, 08:41:31 PM
Quote from: Florestan on September 09, 2016, 09:54:04 PM
Just yesterday, Friedrich Gulda's Concerto for Cello and Wind Orchestra knocked my socks off.

I was driving my car while listening and my three-and-a-half year old son danced all through the first movement on the rear seat.  :D.

:o

Not in a car seat? In the U.S. you could literally be put in prison for that. Forty years ago it would have been fine.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: yekov on October 05, 2017, 10:35:28 PM
Grieg's String Quartet No. 1
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 06, 2017, 06:16:51 AM
Quote from: yekov on October 05, 2017, 10:35:28 PM
Grieg's String Quartet No. 1

A fine work indeed. I tend to favor Grieg's chamber music over his other music. The solo piano works are also worth checking out.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 06, 2017, 07:00:01 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 06, 2017, 06:16:51 AM
A fine work indeed. I tend to favorite Grieg's chamber music over his other music. The solo piano works are also worth checking out.

+1 Although I also love his Piano Concerto and Holberg Suite. In my estimate, his String Quartet (no. 1) and Cello Sonata are among the finest chamber works of the 19th century. It's been a while since I've listened to his violin sonatas but I remember them being very fine as well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 06, 2017, 07:10:32 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 06, 2017, 07:00:01 AM
+1 Although I also love his Piano Concerto and Holberg Suite. In my estimate, his String Quartet (no. 1) and Cello Sonata are among the finest chamber works of the 19th century. It's been a while since I've listened to his violin sonatas but I remember them being very fine as well.

Overfamiliarity with the Piano Concerto has kind of soured me on that work, although it's certainly not a bad piece --- far from it. Holberg Suite is an awesome work. Yes, I agree with about the Cello Sonata. I haven't heard the violin sonatas in quite some time, but I remember the third standing out the most.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on October 06, 2017, 10:14:18 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 04, 2017, 08:06:16 AM
I'm very familiar with this symphony, but I'm simply blown away each time I hear it. :)

I thought this was a thread about pieces we are hearing for the first time...........

Quote from: arpeggio on September 09, 2016, 02:36:58 PM
This is a thread where a person can post their experiences with a new work they have never heard before or a new composer
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on October 07, 2017, 07:44:38 AM
Quote from: jessop on October 06, 2017, 10:14:18 PM
I thought this was a thread about pieces we are hearing for the first time...........

Thanks.  That is the point I have been trying to make as well.  Sadly I am a lousy diplomat.  I hope no one is offended by the what I tried to accomplish by starting this thread.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: GioCar on October 07, 2017, 11:50:22 PM
My familiarity with Obrecht's masses was null till I've listened to his Missa sicut rosa spinam last week, from this album

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71jXHhMphwL._SL1500_.jpg)

and I've been completely blown away by it.

Now I have to fill a large gap in my listening experience. Next step will be Missa Maria zart.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Que on October 08, 2017, 05:21:01 AM
Quote from: GioCar on October 07, 2017, 11:50:22 PM
My familiarity with Obrecht's masses was null till I've listened to his Missa sicut rosa spinam last week, from this album

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71jXHhMphwL._SL1500_.jpg)

and I've been completely blown away by it.

Now I have to fill a large gap in my listening experience. Next step will be Missa Maria zart.

Nice!  :)

Q
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on October 10, 2017, 04:19:25 PM
Boris Tchaikovsky - Sebastopol Symphony and The Wind of Siberia

(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/102/MI0001102374.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)

Excellent music! Those pieces are magnificent, great, which deserve more spread.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 10, 2017, 07:08:52 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on October 10, 2017, 04:19:25 PM
Boris Tchaikovsky - Sebastopol Symphony and The Wind of Siberia

(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/102/MI0001102374.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)

Excellent music! Those pieces are magnificent, great, which deserve more spread.

Absolutely! I've been singing praises for this Boris Tchaikovsky recording on GMG for years. Sebastopol Symphony is too personal for me to play too often. There's something about it that I just find so haunting and it, for whatever reason, brings a flood of memories back to me. I almost love the other two works, Music for Orchestra and The Wind of Siberia, just as much.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on October 11, 2017, 03:27:32 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 10, 2017, 07:08:52 PM
Absolutely! I've been singing praises for this Boris Tchaikovsky recording on GMG for years. Sebastopol Symphony is too personal for me to play too often. There's something about it that I just find so haunting and it, for whatever reason, brings a flood of memories back to me. I almost love the other two works, Music for Orchestra and The Wind of Siberia, just as much.

Nice to know you are a big fan of B. Tchaikovsky. I fell in love with those works, especially Sebastopol. It's really engaging. I'm not sure whether Boris intended to create a descriptive symphony, anyway I could perceive ship horns, those busy activities of docks, etc. I found quite fascinating all of that work represents.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 11, 2017, 05:26:13 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on October 11, 2017, 03:27:32 PM
Nice to know you are a big fan of B. Tchaikovsky. I fell in love with those works, especially Sebastopol. It's really engaging. I'm not sure whether Boris intended to create a descriptive symphony, anyway I could perceive ship horns, those busy activities of docks, etc. I found quite fascinating all of that work represents.

Indeed. 8) I must revisit this recording soon.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on October 16, 2017, 07:54:58 PM
On the way home from band rehearsal we were listening to Ferdinand Ries' Seventh Symphony.  I carpool to rehearsal with another musician.  A few years ago he and I performed one of Ries' piano concertos.  We were very impressed with the symphony.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on October 16, 2017, 08:17:22 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on October 16, 2017, 07:54:58 PM
On the way home from band rehearsal we were listening to Ferdinand Ries' Seventh Symphony.  I carpool to rehearsal with another musician.  A few years ago he and I performed one of Ries' piano concertos.  We were very impressed with the symphony.

Ries' symphonies are pretty good actually. Unfortunately, I don't know the concertos. I have them, though. You encouraged me to listen to them when time allows me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 19, 2017, 08:59:31 PM
Tubin's Symphony no. 2 The Legendary. See my post in the Tubin thread :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 20, 2017, 03:05:23 AM
Sibelius - Humoresque for Violin and Orchestra in E-flat major, op. 89 / 3
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on October 20, 2017, 04:31:17 AM
Stravinsky's Les noces...I know I listened to this many years ago, but for some reason it didn't register. But now, it's quickly moving up for me as one of Stravinsky's greatest works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: bhodges on October 20, 2017, 04:37:19 AM
Les noces! One of his greatest, for sure.

About 2 weeks ago I heard Primo Libro, a new a capella choral piece by James Weeks, director of EXAUDI in London.

Weeks used a microtonal scale with 31 notes to an octave, and then created major and minor triads using that scale -- ridiculously hard to sing, and definitely blew me away. I wrote about it here:

http://seenandheard-international.com/2017/10/vocalists-and-21st-century-microtones-in-a-crypt/

--Bruce
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on October 21, 2017, 02:00:52 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 19, 2017, 08:59:31 PM
Tubin's Symphony no. 2 The Legendary. See my post in the Tubin thread :)
I did. And hope you moved on to the Sixth in the meantime - his greatest, IMHO, and an impressive recording.  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 21, 2017, 07:12:40 AM
Quote from: Christo on October 21, 2017, 02:00:52 AM
I did. And hope you moved on to the Sixth in the meantime - his greatest, IMHO, and an impressive recording.  ;D

I'll be checking out the 6th in due course :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jay F on October 21, 2017, 09:02:45 AM
I heard The Chairman Dances (Foxtrot for Orchestra) in concert Thursday night by the Carnegie-Mellon Philharmonic. Everything about it "blew me away," particularly the percussion people. I ordered both the Edo DeWaart and Simon Rattle versions the next day. Wish the CMP made recordings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbs7cUuk9z4
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 21, 2017, 09:16:07 AM
Quote from: Jay F on October 21, 2017, 09:02:45 AM
I heard The Chairman Dances (Foxtrot for Orchestra) in concert Thursday night by the Carnegie-Mellon Philharmonic. Everything about it "blew me away," particularly the percussion people. I ordered both the Edo DeWaart and Simon Rattle versions the next day. Wish the CMP made recordings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbs7cUuk9z4

Hey, I was playing in that concert! Glad you enjoyed it :) The Adams is such a fun piece, but it is stressful to count!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jay F on October 21, 2017, 10:24:25 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 21, 2017, 09:16:07 AM
Hey, I was playing in that concert! Glad you enjoyed it :) The Adams is such a fun piece, but it is stressful to count!
Thank you very much, kyjo, for the excellent performance.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 21, 2017, 11:57:07 AM
Quote from: Jay F on October 21, 2017, 10:24:25 AM
Thank you very much, kyjo, for the excellent performance.

:)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Peter Power Pop on October 21, 2017, 03:43:58 PM
Quote from: Florestan on September 09, 2016, 09:54:04 PM
Just yesterday, Friedrich Gulda's Concerto for Cello and Wind Orchestra knocked my socks off.

https://www.youtube.com/v/1VgVBv9M-rc

or

https://www.youtube.com/v/Cdxa4uJ1Wyo
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 21, 2017, 07:06:28 PM
Quote from: kyjo on October 21, 2017, 09:16:07 AM
Hey, I was playing in that concert! Glad you enjoyed it :) The Adams is such a fun piece, but it is stressful to count!

I didn't see you in the orchestra, Kyle. :-\

Edit: Okay, I see that Jay F has linked a completely different concert in his initial post.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jay F on October 22, 2017, 07:33:24 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 21, 2017, 07:06:28 PM
I didn't you in the orchestra, Kyle. :-\

Edit: Okay, I see that Jay F has linked a completely different concert in his initial post.

I'm glad you posted, MI. Originally, I searched for "Chairman Dances" on youtube, and nothing came up for the CMU Philharmonic. I didn't realize they had videos on youtube until today; reading your post inspired me to search for "CMU Philharmonic." Here's the concert, beginning at 25:55. It starts with "The Chairman Dances," and includes Stravinsky's Violin Concerto and Brahms' Symphony No. 2 as well.

https://youtu.be/QCqQhAdiFK4?t=25m55s (https://youtu.be/QCqQhAdiFK4?t=25m55s)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 22, 2017, 09:11:46 AM
Quote from: Jay F on October 22, 2017, 07:33:24 AM
I'm glad you posted, MI. Originally, I searched for "Chairman Dances" on youtube, and nothing came up for the CMU Philharmonic. I didn't realize they had videos on youtube until today; reading your post inspired me to search for "CMU Philharmonic." Here's the concert, beginning at 25:55. It starts with "The Chairman Dances," and includes Stravinsky's Violin Concerto and Brahms' Symphony No. 2 as well.

https://youtu.be/QCqQhAdiFK4?t=25m55s (https://youtu.be/QCqQhAdiFK4?t=25m55s)

Very nice, Jay. Kudos for the link. 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on October 26, 2017, 05:34:33 AM
Weber's Euryanthe. Can't believe my first reaction to this opera used to be meh.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: You did it on December 03, 2017, 06:05:14 PM
Schoenberg - Variations on a Recitative for Organ


One damn great organ piece!!!  :o
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: bwv 1080 on December 03, 2017, 06:26:00 PM
Fernando Sor Fantasies Villageoise - a pastoral sonata for guitar.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on December 29, 2017, 06:39:35 AM
I found a performance on Youtube, a visual one too rather than just audio, of Rued Langgaard's Symphony No. 1. Holy cow, that's an incredible work!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on December 29, 2017, 06:55:31 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 29, 2017, 06:39:35 AM
I found a performance on Youtube, a visual one too rather than just audio, of Rued Langgaard's Symphony No. 1. Holy cow, that's an incredible work!

It's also written by quite a young man as Langgaard was 16 at the time he finished it. A little bit of surprising trivia: this work was premiered by the Berlin Philharmonic. Quite a feat for such a young man.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on December 30, 2017, 01:46:44 PM
Debussy's Jeux has really blown me away. In my earlier listening days, this was a work that puzzled me. Nowadays, I can appreciate it much more and I wished it received the kind of popularity Stravinsky's Le sacre received (both works were premiered in May of 1913). Stravinsky went for the jugular with Le sacre while Debussy went for more of a cerebral, hallucinatory approach with Jeux.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on January 06, 2018, 10:24:14 AM
Another discovery that I really enjoyed today: Multiversum by Peter Eötvös, for the very interesting combination of grand organ, Hammond organ and orchestra.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christabel on January 07, 2018, 04:05:49 PM
I absolutely ADORE this staggering work and never tire of it:  made all the more enjoyable by following along with the score.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9tbCkACbGU
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on January 08, 2018, 02:30:54 AM
Quote from: Christabel on January 07, 2018, 04:05:49 PM
I absolutely ADORE this staggering work and never tire of it:  made all the more enjoyable by following along with the score.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9tbCkACbGU

Is this a new work for you?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christabel on January 08, 2018, 09:49:24 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on January 08, 2018, 02:30:54 AM
Is this a new work for you?

No;  I've been familiar with it for a few years and never stop wanting to hear it!!  I believe it's one of the great works by Brahms and he was still young at the time of its composition.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on January 09, 2018, 06:09:08 AM
IIRC, Brahms played that piece to Wagner and he liked it. This was when Brahms was in his thirties so the rivalry between them hadn't started yet (Brahms probably never even saw Wagner as a rival in the first place).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on January 09, 2018, 06:24:33 AM
Quote from: Christabel on January 08, 2018, 09:49:24 AM
No;  I've been familiar with it for a few years and never stop wanting to hear it!!  I believe it's one of the great works by Brahms and he was still young at the time of its composition.

Please check he OP.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Baron Scarpia on January 11, 2018, 07:52:52 AM
From Messiaen, Apparition de L'Eglise Eternelle, performed by Marie-Clair Alain

[asin]B00000E8TE[/asin]

Wow, astonishing. Such harmonies, such dissonances, such sonority. You think it can't get any more intense, and then it does. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Omicron9 on January 11, 2018, 09:07:59 AM
Greetings.

Of late, I've been listening to/being blown away by this:

[asin]B000I2IUWA[/asin]

If you like 20th-century quartets like Bartok, Shostakovich... you'll be all over this.


Regards,
-09
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on January 11, 2018, 10:33:57 AM
Quote from: Omicron9 on January 11, 2018, 09:07:59 AM
Greetings.

Of late, I've been listening to/being blown away by this:

[asin]B000I2IUWA[/asin]

If you like 20th-century quartets like Bartok, Shostakovich... you'll be all over this.


Regards,
-09

Duly noted! I've been meaning to explore more of Rawsthorne's music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on January 11, 2018, 04:19:15 PM
 >:( I hate you guys.  Just added stuff to my wish list
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Omicron9 on January 12, 2018, 09:43:19 AM
Quote from: kyjo on January 11, 2018, 10:33:57 AM
Duly noted! I've been meaning to explore more of Rawsthorne's music.

Excellent.  Please report back after listening and let us know what you think.

Regards.
-09
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on January 19, 2018, 03:13:46 PM
Wilhelm Stenhammer.

I have just heard his Symphony No. 2 for the first time.  It was on a CD that I received with the BBC Music Magazine.  I was very impressed.

Any suggestions from Stenhammer fans?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on January 20, 2018, 04:48:41 AM
Schoenberg's Die Jacobsleiter!! ( as finished by Wilfried Zillig)

(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51y-UaBXGPL._AC_US218_.jpg)

Very, very deeply impressed & moved by these ca 40 minutes. I was amazed at reading that Schoenberg thought of a huge symphony with "Jacobsleiter" as the final movement.
P.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 20, 2018, 04:53:18 AM
Quote from: pjme on January 20, 2018, 04:48:41 AM
Schoenberg's Die Jacobsleiter!! ( as finished by Wilfried Zillig)

(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51y-UaBXGPL._AC_US218_.jpg)

Very, very deeply impressed & moved by these ca 40 minutes. I was amazed at reading that Schoenberg thought of a huge symphony with "Jacobsleiter" as the final movement.
P.

Yes! A very cool work by Schoenberg. I don't know that Gielen performance. The only performance I know is Boulez's on Columbia (Sony). I can't remember if Craft recorded this work or not. If he did, I should definitely check out his performance.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on January 20, 2018, 05:17:57 AM
Afaiik, Craft did not record Jakobsleiter (will check).

This I find interesting:

https://www.youtube.com/v/BpMjjzKznDo

It is available on cd

(https://media3.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/4032250197632.jpg)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently: SCHOENBERG'S Jakobsleiter
Post by: Cato on January 20, 2018, 05:56:10 AM
Quote from: pjme on January 20, 2018, 05:17:57 AM
Afaiik, Craft did not record Jakobsleiter (will check).

This I find interesting:

https://www.youtube.com/v/BpMjjzKznDo

It is available on cd

(https://media3.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/4032250197632.jpg)

WOW!  It was broadcast on television!  I wonder how many people watched!

Quote from: Mirror Image on January 20, 2018, 04:53:18 AM
Yes! A very cool work by Schoenberg. I don't know that Gielen performance. The only performance I know is Boulez's on Columbia (Sony). I

Many years ago Die Jakobsleiter became one of my favorite works: one hears Schoenberg's earlier works in it (e.g. compare the Klaus-Narr section of Gurrelieder with the section sung by Der Aufrueherischer ), as well as the future (Moses und Aron).  Its "incomplete" nature is not noticeable to my mind: like Moses und Aron, it ends on a single note, and seems just perfect!

Thanks to a certain GMG member,* I have a recording of Bruno Maderna's performance with a Dutch orchestra and the incredible Guenter Reich as Gabriel from the 1970's: I had it on tape, courtesy of the Schoenberg family, but it was somehow lost.  That is also an excellent, atmospheric, even eerie performance.

* Many thanks to him!  I will not mention his name, lest he possibly be inundated with requests!  ;) 
However, send me a message, and I will see about forwarding the file to you!   0:)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on January 30, 2018, 04:01:48 PM
Wow!!!

Based on the recommendation of another member I purchased the following:

[asin]B072K3PLCX[/asin]

This is some of the most amazing Carter I have ever heard. 

Even as a centenarian he was composing great music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on January 30, 2018, 08:29:29 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on January 30, 2018, 04:01:48 PM
Wow!!!

Based on the recommendation of another member I purchased the following:

[asin]B072K3PLCX[/asin]

This is some of the most amazing Carter I have ever heard. 

Even as a centenarian he was composing great music.

Yes! These are some of my favourite works of his. And this recording is spectacular as well. 8)

As for me, I have recently listened to The Dream of Gerontius for the very first time and I have been blown away!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: bhodges on February 01, 2018, 12:43:32 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on January 30, 2018, 04:01:48 PM
Wow!!!

Based on the recommendation of another member I purchased the following:

[asin]B072K3PLCX[/asin]

This is some of the most amazing Carter I have ever heard. 

Even as a centenarian he was composing great music.

Though I haven't yet heard this recording (and from the comments should do it soon), I have heard all of the pieces, either on other recordings or live. There's probably a case to be made that Carter's late works are his very best. Though that said, I wouldn't want to be without the Variations for Orchestra, Double Concerto, or chamber works like Esprit rude/Esprit doux, the early string quartets, etc.

--Bruce
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: bhodges on February 01, 2018, 12:45:54 PM
Last night, heard violinist Benjamin Baker and pianist Daniel Lebhardt in Britten's Suite, Op. 6, and Elgar's Sonata for Violin and Piano, Op. 82. Had never encountered either, live or recorded, and they're both marvelous -- especially the Britten, which he wrote when he was 22.

--Bruce
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on February 01, 2018, 07:06:36 PM
I have Verizon as my cable and internet.

One of the networks they carry is Music Choice.  I have learned that this network is available with other providers.

I have been listening to the classical station and it is really good.  They provide a good mix of the familiar and unfamiliar.  I have been introduce to many composers and works that I am unfamiliar with.  I just listen to Pierne's Ratmunicho Suite #2.  What a fascinating work.  If you have access to this station I would check it out.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Judith on February 01, 2018, 10:48:19 PM
Was by 2nd movement of Tchaikovsky Symphony no 1. So sublime. Only discovered it recently. Loved the rest of this symphony too :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on February 01, 2018, 11:36:10 PM
Quote from: Judith on February 01, 2018, 10:48:19 PM
Was by 2nd movement of Tchaikovsky Symphony no 1. So sublime. Only discovered it recently. Loved the rest of this symphony too :)

I am a huge fan of that 2nd movement too (and of that symphony in general). The orchestration and melodic invention of that symphony is mind-blowing.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on February 01, 2018, 11:52:22 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on January 19, 2018, 03:13:46 PM
Wilhelm Stenhammer.

I have just heard his Symphony No. 2 for the first time.  It was on a CD that I received with the BBC Music Magazine.  I was very impressed.

Any suggestions from Stenhammer fans?

Symphony No.1 is very impressive but very different.  It opens with a rather wonderful Brucknerian chorale for 6 horns.  As it happens I listened to jarvi's 1st recording of this on BIS just the other day - very fine
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on February 08, 2018, 08:03:53 AM
Belshazzar's feast by William Walton. This is the first composition of his that I've heard and loving every second of it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on February 08, 2018, 05:07:37 PM
Quote from: Alberich on February 08, 2018, 08:03:53 AM
Belshazzar's feast by William Walton. This is the first composition of his that I've heard and loving every second of it.

It's a treat. "May my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth."

Walton wrote a relatively small amount of stuff, but some of it is top drawer. The next things to listen to are the three concerti, and the first symphony. But don't overlook the chamber music. And you might like the Henry V Concert suite. I like the Chandos recording with Christopher Plummer.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on February 08, 2018, 08:18:08 PM
Quote from: Alberich on February 08, 2018, 08:03:53 AM
Belshazzar's feast by William Walton. This is the first composition of his that I've heard and loving every second of it.

Don't delay in checking out both his symphonies and his concerti! Great stuff.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 13, 2018, 07:27:56 AM
I am right now listening to a new composer on the Verizon Classical Cable Channel: James Cohn.  I am listening to his Piano Concerto.

He was born in 1928 and graduated from Julliard in 1950.  The Concerto was composed in 2000.

This is a tonal work and very neo-classical.  The last movement is very latin.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on March 13, 2018, 11:21:51 AM
Quote from: Alberich on February 01, 2018, 11:36:10 PM
I am a huge fan of that 2nd movement too (and of that symphony in general). The orchestration and melodic invention of that symphony is mind-blowing.

I love Tchaikovsky 1! First time really listening to it was a memorable experience, on holiday, at c. 4am, unable to sleep and in a darkened room. That 2nd movement and the slow sections of the finale particularly made an impact in that atmosphere.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 13, 2018, 07:06:09 PM
I have to say that Debussy's mélodies have completely blown me away....that's all I've got to say (for now). 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Traverso on March 16, 2018, 05:19:48 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on January 11, 2018, 07:52:52 AM
From Messiaen, Apparition de L'Eglise Eternelle, performed by Marie-Clair Alain

[asin]B00000E8TE[/asin]

Wow, astonishing. Such harmonies, such dissonances, such sonority. You think it can't get any more intense, and then it does. :)

Exactly my feelings earlier this week when I listened to a recording by Willem Tanke.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Manwithaplan on March 18, 2018, 07:52:24 PM
After going four months without any classical music (apart from a one-off of Scriabin) I listen to Keqrops by Xenakis two days ago and had the most profound kind of feeling. That piano concerto erupts, distills, weaves in and out in the most awesome way. It is for sure in my top three piano concertos, period  :)

I haven't listened to any classical music since (despite rejoining here today)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on March 19, 2018, 09:37:02 AM
Hans Rott's Symphony in E major. I can't remember the last time I heard a symphony of that era sound so full and rich and glorious!

And what a terrible man Brahms was for rejecting this work so severely! At least this has actual emotion rather than just plain old academia music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: NikF on March 19, 2018, 09:49:45 AM
Debussy - Bilitis for Flute and Piano.
One of the pieces I heard yesterday at a recital. Maybe it was the combo of it being new to me coupled with the relative intimacy of the performance, but it was colourful to the point of being exotic, and also deeply moving.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 19, 2018, 10:42:48 AM
Quote from: NikF on March 19, 2018, 09:49:45 AM
Debussy - Bilitis for Flute and Piano.
One of the pieces I heard yesterday at a recital. Maybe it was the combo of it being new to me coupled with the relative intimacy of the performance, but it was colourful to the point of being exotic, and also deeply moving.

Certainly you mean Chansons de Bilitis? This is probably a transcription done for flute and piano by one of the musicians or perhaps someone other musician. There's also Musique de scène pour les Chansons de Bilitis which is a fascinating work written for reciter, two flutes, two harps, and celesta, which can be found on a DG (Ensemble Wien-Berlin) and Virgin Classics (Nash Ensemble). The music is gorgeous regardless and I'm glad you were moved by the experience.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Baron Scarpia on March 19, 2018, 11:00:58 AM
From the publisher:

(https://www.thedukesmusic.co.uk/spimages/getimage.php?img=UE16954&w=350)

https://www.thedukesmusic.co.uk/debussy-bilitis-for-flute-and-piano.html

Seems like a version of Six épigraphes antiques (which Debussy adapted from the Musique de scène pour les Chansons de Bilitis) for flute and piano.

The cover page does not specify a transcriber, so it may have been Debussy himself.

[corrected based on ritter's post]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: NikF on March 19, 2018, 11:08:46 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 19, 2018, 10:42:48 AM
Certainly you mean Chansons de Bilitis? This is probably a transcription done for flute and piano by one of the musicians or perhaps someone other musician. There's also Musique de scène pour les Chansons de Bilitis which is a fascinating work written for reciter, two flutes, two harps, and celesta, which can be found on a DG (Ensemble Wien-Berlin) and Virgin Classics (Nash Ensemble). The music is gorgeous regardless and I'm glad you were moved by the experience.

Yeah, that's it. And I'm sure they used the same transcription as this -

http://www.youtube.com/v/B247SYZIOcA
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: NikF on March 19, 2018, 11:09:36 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on March 19, 2018, 11:00:58 AM
From the publisher:

(https://www.thedukesmusic.co.uk/spimages/getimage.php?img=UE16954&w=350)

https://www.thedukesmusic.co.uk/debussy-bilitis-for-flute-and-piano.html

Seems like a version of Six épigraphes antiques (which Debussy adapted from the Chansons de Bilitis) for flute and piano.

The cover page does not specify a transcriber, so it may have been Debussy himself.

Ah, that probably clears it up. Cheers

e: here's how it was listed -

(https://i.imgur.com/WeeBqfp.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Baron Scarpia on March 19, 2018, 11:38:02 AM
Quote from: NikF on March 19, 2018, 11:09:36 AM
Ah, that probably clears it up. Cheers

e: here's how it was listed -

(https://i.imgur.com/WeeBqfp.jpg)

Was it a suite of 6 short movements, or a single movement?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on March 19, 2018, 11:39:57 AM
From the précis of a dissertation at Rice University:

"Debussy reworked six movements of Les Chansons de Bilitis for piano four-hands in 1914 and titled them Six Epigraphes antiques. Two versions for flute and piano have since been made from these works. Donald Peck published a version, titled Bilitis, for Bourne Co. based on Les Chansons de Bilitis in 1979, and Karl Lenski published a version for Universal Edition based on the Epigraphes, also titled Bilitis , in 1984. This document discusses all of the editions listed above, and provides background information on Pierre Louys, his friendship with Debussy, and the origins of Les Chansons de Bilitis."

https://scholarship.rice.edu/handle/1911/19522

The Chansons de Bilitis (no direct link to the Trois chansons de Bilitis) have a bit of a checkered history. They started out as the work for reciter and ensemble that Mirror Image pointed out, and then were adapted by Debussy himself as Six épigraphes antiques for piano duet, but also for solo piano. Then, after Debussy's death, Ernest Ansermet orchestrated them (a version I find devoid of any charm).

Debussy at the top of his game MHO, partucularly the opening Pour invoquer Pan, dieu du vent d'été.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: NikF on March 19, 2018, 11:45:53 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on March 19, 2018, 11:38:02 AM
Was it a suite of 6 short movements, or a single movement?

Six short movements. And that was another thing about it, that they seemed so natural, so fluid coming one after the other. Maybe that's down to some kind of consistency in the writing or something? I don't know.

Quote from: ritter on March 19, 2018, 11:39:57 AM
From the précis of a dissertation at Rice University:

"Debussy reworked six movements of Les Chansons de Bilitis for piano four-hands in 1914 and titled them Six Epigraphes antiques. Two versions for flute and piano have since been made from these works. Donald Peck published a version, titled Bilitis, for Bourne Co. based on Les Chansons de Bilitis in 1979, and Karl Lenski published a version for Universal Edition based on the Epigraphes, also titled Bilitis , in 1984. This document discusses all of the editions listed above, and provides background information on Pierre Louys, his friendship with Debussy, and the origins of Les Chansons de Bilitis."

https://scholarship.rice.edu/handle/1911/19522

The Chansons de Bilitis (no direct link to the Trois chansons de Bilitis) have a bit of a checkered history. They started out as the work for reciter and ensemble that Mirror Image pointed out, and then were adapted by Debussy himself as Six épigraphes antiques for piano duet, but also for solo piano. Then, after Debussy's death, Ernest Ansermet orchestrated them (a version I find devoid of any charm).

Debussy at the top of his game MHO, partucularly the opening Pour invoquer Pan, dieu du vent d'été.  :)

That's interesting. Thanks. And on reading it now, some of it seems familiar from the introduction at the recital.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Baron Scarpia on March 19, 2018, 11:53:56 AM
Quote from: NikF on March 19, 2018, 11:45:53 AM
Six short movements. And that was another thing about it, that they seemed so natural, so fluid coming one after the other. Maybe that's down to some kind of consistency in the writing or something? I don't know.

That's interesting. Thanks. And on reading it now, some of it seems familiar from the introduction at the recital.

Very interesting. I've not found any recording of the flute and piano version, so the closest you can probably get to re-experiencing it in a recording is to listen to Debussy's Six épigraphes antiques.

I just noticed that the original 12 movement "Musique de scène pour Chansons de Bilitis" is included in Warner complete edition, so maybe I will check that out.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 19, 2018, 11:57:08 AM
Thanks for all the input, fellas. 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: NikF on March 19, 2018, 01:24:11 PM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on March 19, 2018, 11:53:56 AM
Very interesting. I've not found any recording of the flute and piano version, so the closest you can probably get to re-experiencing it in a recording is to listen to Debussy's Six épigraphes antiques.

I just noticed that the original 12 movement "Musique de scène pour Chansons de Bilitis" is included in Warner complete edition, so maybe I will check that out.

I'm about to give it an initial listen via the youtubes.

Quote from: Mirror Image on March 19, 2018, 11:57:08 AM
Thanks for all the input, fellas. 8)

Yer welcome, brocephus.  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Baron Scarpia on March 19, 2018, 10:39:47 PM
I'm very glad you mentioned these unassuming pieces. It is easy to miss things, feeding discs into CD players and letting the music go by. It is important to stop and notice things.

I've heard these pieces before, but with the prejudice that they are relatively minor works, not particularly distinguished. Today I really listened to them (the Six epigraphs antiques) and they are utterly charming in their simplicity and melodic invention. I listened to Werner Haas and Noel Lee's fine recording. I understand your impression that they seem very fluid and natural. There is a genius in creating simplicity. I can imagine how they could be very naturally performed with flute and piano.

[asin]B00000417I[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: NikF on March 20, 2018, 08:55:57 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on March 19, 2018, 10:39:47 PM
I'm very glad you mentioned these unassuming pieces. It is easy to miss things, feeding discs into CD players and letting the music go by. It is important to stop and notice things.

I've heard these pieces before, but with the prejudice that they are relatively minor works, not particularly distinguished. Today I really listened to them (the Six epigraphs antiques) and they are utterly charming in their simplicity and melodic invention. I listened to Werner Haas and Noel Lee's fine recording. I understand your impression that they seem very fluid and natural. There is a genius in creating simplicity. I can imagine how they could be very naturally performed with flute and piano.

[asin]B00000417I[/asin]

Yeah, that's what struck me most of all - how seamless it was - almost as natural as breathing.

"There is a genius in creating simplicity" - absolutely. Less is more etc. And it's not limited to music. Even for the humble hoi polloi it takes balls to continually be honest and enlightened enough to remove what might have initially been a hard worked for element or aspect, just so the whole can then prosper and bloom.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Baron Scarpia on March 20, 2018, 09:01:49 AM
Quote from: NikF on March 20, 2018, 08:55:57 AM
Yeah, that's what struck me most of all - how seamless it was - almost as natural as breathing.

"There is a genius in creating simplicity" - absolutely. Less is more etc. And it's not limited to music. Even for the humble hoi polloi it takes balls to continually be honest and enlightened enough to remove what might have initially been a hard worked for element or aspect, just so the whole can then prosper and bloom.

It is a universal problem, in my field as well. Writing scientific papers there is a strong prejudice to include text describing how ingenious you were to make the breakthrough, then you realize that to the reader it is superfluous and only obscures the result.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: NikF on March 20, 2018, 09:21:32 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on March 20, 2018, 09:01:49 AM
It is a universal problem, in my field as well. Writing scientific papers there is a strong prejudice to include text describing how ingenious you were to make the breakthrough, then you realize that to the reader it is superfluous and only obscures the result.

I was unaware of that. But I can imagine the risk is ever present, because of human nature.
If you leave the superfluous stuff in, your average (whatever that means) person isn't going to recognise or even notice that it's there. And those who can identify it know you're indulging yourself to the point of lacking discipline.

When I listen to Debussy (or any composer) my frame of reference is small. And when that's coupled with my limited knowledge of music theory, it means all I can do is recognise that he's employing something clever and relatively rare. But nevertheless it's there,, and it's a pleasure to hear, discover, and consider.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Baron Scarpia on March 20, 2018, 09:32:53 AM
Quote from: NikF on March 20, 2018, 09:21:32 AM
I was unaware of that. But I can imagine the risk is ever present, because of human nature.
If you leave the superfluous stuff in, your average (whatever that means) person isn't going to recognise or even notice that it's there. And those who can identify it know you're indulging yourself to the point of lacking discipline.

When I listen to Debussy (or any composer) my frame of reference is small. And when that's coupled with my limited knowledge of music theory, it means all I can do is recognise that he's employing something clever and relatively rare. But nevertheless it's there,, and it's a pleasure to hear, discover, and consider.

For me, the usual case is that there is a trail of ideas and realizations that leads to the insight. There is a temptation to think that you have to lead the reader down the same trail. But if you think about it you can usually find a more direct way to reach the conclusion. You have to go against your pride, because you are letting the reader take a shortcut that you did not have the advantage of and it makes your supposedly ingenious deduction seem trivial.

I studied music a little, but not enough to really understand this stuff in depth. But in works like these of Debussy, I think the magic comes from the fact that he uses harmonies for color, not based on the traditional harmonic progressions where harmonies had to be prepared and resolved. In this piece there is a deceptively simple melody, and then a chord appears like a vivid splash of color, just because it essentially dropped out of the sky, without any preparation. It is at once very naive, and revolutionary, if you think of it in terms of the tradition.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Sergeant Rock on March 20, 2018, 09:41:56 AM
Chansons de Bilitis for 2 flutes, 2 harps, celesta and reciter (Catherine Deneuve)

(https://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/asheville/DebussyDeneuve.jpg)

(https://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/asheville/Catherine-Deneuve.jpg)


Sarge
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Baron Scarpia on March 20, 2018, 09:44:40 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on March 20, 2018, 09:41:56 AM
Chansons de Bilitis for 2 flutes, 2 harps, celesta and reciter (Catherine Deneuve)

(https://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/asheville/DebussyDeneuve.jpg)

My next goal is to listen to that piece (I have a different recording) to see how it relates to the six epigraphs antiques.

Is there a lot of talking in the piece?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Sergeant Rock on March 20, 2018, 09:49:08 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on March 20, 2018, 09:44:40 AM
My next goal is to listen to that piece (I have a different recording) to see how it relates to the six epigraphs antiques.

Is there a lot of talking in the piece?

Mostly talking...but since it's Deneuve talking, I don't mind  ;)

Sarge
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: NikF on March 20, 2018, 09:55:20 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on March 20, 2018, 09:32:53 AM
For me, the usual case is that there is a trail of ideas and realizations that leads to the insight. There is a temptation to think that you have to lead the reader down the same trail. But if you think about it you can usually find a more direct way to reach the conclusion. You have to go against your pride, because you are letting the reader take a shortcut that you did not have the advantage of and it makes your supposedly ingenious deduction seem trivial.
A couple of years ago I posted a photo in the photography thread. It was of a young woman standing in an airport. Head and shoulders, with a big 'custard pie of light' in her pretty face. I could have explained why that photo was a near perfect example of what it was supposed to be. But I didn't and instead bit my topute and let it go. I think you need to take comfort in the fact you know what's right, even if you're almost obliged to play the 'game' for the benefit of others.


Quote
I studied music a little, but not enough to really understand this stuff in depth. But in works like these of Debussy, I think the magic comes from the fact that he uses harmonies for color, not based on the traditional harmonic progressions where harmonies had to be prepared and resolved. In this piece there is a deceptively simple melody, and then a chord appears like a vivid splash of color, just because it essentially dropped out of the sky, without any preparation. It is at once very naive, and revolutionary, if you think of it in terms of the tradition.

That's a good and relatable way to put it, and one I should keep in mind when listening to Debussy.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: NikF on March 20, 2018, 09:56:04 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on March 20, 2018, 09:41:56 AM
Chansons de Bilitis for 2 flutes, 2 harps, celesta and reciter (Catherine Deneuve)

(https://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/asheville/DebussyDeneuve.jpg)

(https://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/asheville/Catherine-Deneuve.jpg)


Sarge

8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 20, 2018, 07:56:27 PM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on March 20, 2018, 09:44:40 AM
My next goal is to listen to that piece (I have a different recording) to see how it relates to the six epigraphs antiques.

Is there a lot of talking in the piece?

Unfortunately and I say this because I'm not one who likes narration in a piece of music unless it's done at the very beginning as some kind of prologue like in Bartók's Bluebeard's Castle and then that's it. The music, however, in this work from Debussy is absolutely enchanting.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ainsi la nuit on March 21, 2018, 05:37:04 PM
I've been in the process of discovering Kurtág's music recently. There's an absolutely fantastic new recording on the ECM label that claims to contain the complete works for choir and ensemble - whether that's true, I have no idea since I don't know Kurtág's entire catalogue - and to be fair, I'm often relatively salty about such claims because of previous disappointments. I'm still annoyed at Decca's "complete" Stravinsky ballet set which certainly didn't include all of his ballet music...

Rant over, back to Kurtág: the recording I mentioned contains a lot of music that is simply brilliant, but the one work I can't get out of my head is the strange work for piano and ensemble called ...quasi una fantasia...; it's apparently supposed to have some spatial element to it (I saw a video of it on BP's Digital Concert Hall website) but I've haven't seen the score so I don't know what Kurtág's instructions are. Anyway, it's a wonderful piece. Not very long, but just the right length. Given the name of the piece and the opus number 27/1, the piece forms a reference that no one can miss... It doesn't really surprise me that Kurtág would do something like that, since his output is literally filled with little references, memorials, hommages and mementos to artists, writers, composers and thinkers, both alive and dead.

The piece starts with a staggeringly simple gesture, a descending scale on the piano that the ensemble carefully comments. There's a lot of energy and aggression to be heard, though, as the piece explodes into a more frantic mode. It's difficult to express in words how otherworldly the music sounds, there's something außerirdisch about it. A thoroughly enjoyable work, warmly recommended! The Op 27/2 is a double concerto for piano and cello, and worth a listen as well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: GioCar on March 22, 2018, 12:19:14 AM
Quote from: Ainsi la nuit on March 21, 2018, 05:37:04 PM
I've been in the process of discovering Kurtág's music recently. There's an absolutely fantastic new recording on the ECM label that claims to contain the complete works for choir and ensemble - whether that's true, I have no idea since I don't know Kurtág's entire catalogue - and to be fair, I'm often relatively salty about such claims because of previous disappointments. I'm still annoyed at Decca's "complete" Stravinsky ballet set which certainly didn't include all of his ballet music...

Rant over, back to Kurtág: the recording I mentioned contains a lot of music that is simply brilliant, but the one work I can't get out of my head is the strange work for piano and ensemble called ...quasi una fantasia...; it's apparently supposed to have some spatial element to it (I saw a video of it on BP's Digital Concert Hall website) but I've haven't seen the score so I don't know what Kurtág's instructions are. Anyway, it's a wonderful piece. Not very long, but just the right length. Given the name of the piece and the opus number 27/1, the piece forms a reference that no one can miss... It doesn't really surprise me that Kurtág would do something like that, since his output is literally filled with little references, memorials, hommages and mementos to artists, writers, composers and thinkers, both alive and dead.

The piece starts with a staggeringly simple gesture, a descending scale on the piano that the ensemble carefully comments. There's a lot of energy and aggression to be heard, though, as the piece explodes into a more frantic mode. It's difficult to express in words how otherworldly the music sounds, there's something außerirdisch about it. A thoroughly enjoyable work, warmly recommended! The Op 27/2 is a double concerto for piano and cello, and worth a listen as well.

I've been fascinated by op.27/1...quasi una fantasia... as well.
Together with op.27/2 and Brefs messages op.47, it's my favourite piece in that wonderful album.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 24, 2018, 11:41:45 AM
The BBC Music CD's have done it again.

I have just been introduced to the music of Reynaldo Hahn.  I have checked into his impressive catalogue.  I need to check out more of his works.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on March 24, 2018, 11:45:16 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on March 24, 2018, 11:41:45 AM
The BBC Music CD's have done it again.

I have just been introduced to the music of Reynaldo Hahn.  I have checked into his impressive catalogue.  I need to check out more of his works.  :)
The songs on Hyperion. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Zeus on March 24, 2018, 07:45:15 PM
Maybe it's the thrill of new discovery, but I really like Trittico botticelliano, off of this album:

[asin] B0776K6NKF[/asin]

Best Respighi work ever?  Tonight it is.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich on March 26, 2018, 05:00:43 AM
Once again blewn away by Ifukube - Eglogue
https://youtu.be/Db9GlA2s0gw?t=120
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on March 26, 2018, 05:30:42 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on March 24, 2018, 11:41:45 AM
The BBC Music CD's have done it again.

I have just been introduced to the music of Reynaldo Hahn.  I have checked into his impressive catalogue.  I need to check out more of his works.  :)
You've got some suggestions here (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,24790.msg896088.html#msg896088), arpeggio.

Regards,

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 26, 2018, 09:10:45 AM
Even though I've heard Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande a few times, it seems that now I'm responding to it on a more personal level and I'M COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY!!! Wow....
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on March 26, 2018, 09:42:19 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 26, 2018, 09:10:45 AM
Even though I've heard Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande a few times, it seems that now I'm responding to it on a more personal level and I'M COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY!!! Wow....

I'm blown away every time I hear it, John. I adore its ethereal, dream-like atmosphere.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Traverso on March 26, 2018, 09:45:18 AM
Quote from: Alberich on March 26, 2018, 09:42:19 AM
I'm blown away every time I hear it, John. I adore its ethereal, dream-like atmosphere.

Your avatar underlines that perfectly. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on March 26, 2018, 09:47:58 AM
(* chortle *)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 26, 2018, 10:10:06 AM
Quote from: Alberich on March 26, 2018, 09:42:19 AM
I'm blown away every time I hear it, John. I adore its ethereal, dream-like atmosphere.

Yes, indeed.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on March 26, 2018, 01:52:36 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 26, 2018, 09:10:45 AM
Even though I've heard Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande a few times, it seems that now I'm responding to it on a more personal level and I'M COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY!!! Wow....

It must be very good because of your reaction. Another opera that goes to my list.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on March 26, 2018, 03:37:14 PM
Speaking of opera, I recently listened tp Rimsky-Korsakov's Sadko, and I must say that it did, indeed, blow me away. So underrated opera and opera composer.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 26, 2018, 06:16:50 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on March 26, 2018, 01:52:36 PM
It must be very good because of your reaction. Another opera that goes to my list.

Yes and please get the Abbado recording (if you can). I think this would be a better introduction than the Boulez (even as much as I like Pierre's performance of it).

[asin]B000001GFU[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on March 27, 2018, 09:14:45 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 26, 2018, 06:16:50 PM
Yes and please get the Abbado recording (if you can). I think this would be a better introduction than the Boulez (even as much as I like Pierre's performance of it).

[asin]B000001GFU[/asin]

Sure, thanks!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on March 27, 2018, 12:54:09 PM
Quote from: Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich on March 26, 2018, 05:00:43 AM
Once again blewn away by Ifukube - Eglogue
https://youtu.be/Db9GlA2s0gw?t=120

What a fantastic work! Catchy, poetic and memorable. I'm very pleased to have discovered it and thanks for posting it here.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich on March 28, 2018, 07:30:07 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on March 27, 2018, 12:54:09 PM
What a fantastic work! Catchy, poetic and memorable. I'm very pleased to have discovered it and thanks for posting it here.
Glad to hear that. Yes, catchy indeed! I thought the piece could deserve even some more power as in Shostakovich or Shostas creepiness (thinking of the ending of Shosta4, or after the battle scene in Sym. #11)...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 28, 2018, 07:32:10 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on March 27, 2018, 09:14:45 AM
Sure, thanks!

No problem. I hope you love this performance as much as I do, although I'm not really sure whether this particular set is still in print. Will have to check this out...

Edit:

Amazon FR has it:

https://www.amazon.fr/Debussy-Pelléas-Mélisande-Claude/dp/B000001GFU/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1522251281&sr=1-2&keywords=Debussy+Abbado&dpID=51UUDiTlIPL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch (https://www.amazon.fr/Debussy-Pell%C3%A9as-M%C3%A9lisande-Claude/dp/B000001GFU/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1522251281&sr=1-2&keywords=Debussy+Abbado&dpID=51UUDiTlIPL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch)

I'm not sure of your location, but I'm certain that other European Amazon sites have it in-stock as well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on March 28, 2018, 09:32:57 AM
Quote from: Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich on March 28, 2018, 07:30:07 AM
Glad to hear that. Yes, catchy indeed! I thought the piece could deserve even some more power as in Shostakovich or Shostas creepiness (thinking of the ending of Shosta4, or after the battle scene in Sym. #11)...
It really held my attention throughout.
It's not on CD as far as I can see.
>:(
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on March 28, 2018, 12:25:14 PM
Actually, there is a CD which contains this piece (listening just right now: mindblowing, a representation of Japanese tragedies in a vivid, gloomy and dramatic way, yet poetic, finely expressive too. A rather nice blend between Oriental folklore and Western classical/academic music.)

It is in Amazon.com:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81GXDEj2o3L._SL1245_.jpg)

(https://www.amazon.com/ARTISTRY-AKIRA-IFUKUBE-6/dp/B0000DJW9W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522268196&sr=8-2&keywords=artistry+ifukube)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on March 28, 2018, 04:58:27 PM
Quote from: Alberich on March 26, 2018, 03:37:14 PM
Speaking of opera, I recently listened to Rimsky-Korsakov's Sadko, and I must say that it did, indeed, blow me away. So underrated opera and opera composer.

Rimsky RAWKS!  Give The Invisible City of Kitezh and the Maiden Fevroniya a chance also!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 28, 2018, 10:45:17 PM
...........       
[asin]B000003WUD[/asin]

While listening to the cable classical music station I heard Howard Cable's Quebec Folk Fantasy.  This was a very nice work and I purchased the CD. Cable is Canadian and a new composer for me.  Along with the Quebec Folk Fantasy the CD had his Snake Fence Country.  These are very nice works composed in a contemporary tonal style.

The CD contained works by the following composers that are new to me.
Stephan Chapman (An American who lives in Canada)
Godfrey Rideout (Another Canadian)
Pierre Mercure (Another Canadian)

The rest of the CD contains recordings of standard concert band works which I have already have recordings of.  It was worth the duplicates in order to get these new works.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on March 28, 2018, 10:59:23 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on March 28, 2018, 12:25:14 PM
Actually, there is a CD which contains this piece (listening just right now: mindblowing, a representation of Japanese tragedies in a vivid, gloomy and dramatic way, yet poetic, finely expressive too. A rather nice blend between Oriental folklore and Western classical/academic music.)

It is in Amazon.com:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81GXDEj2o3L._SL1245_.jpg)

(https://www.amazon.com/ARTISTRY-AKIRA-IFUKUBE-6/dp/B0000DJW9W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522268196&sr=8-2&keywords=artistry+ifukube)

Thank you Caesar!
:)

PS I found it on Amazon UK as well going (a bit) cheaper although it will save me a lot in postage. I was a amused to see the CD of this poetic and gentle work juxtaposed against titles such as 'Destroy All Monsters!' and 'King Kong v Godzilla' etc.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on March 29, 2018, 12:13:05 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on March 28, 2018, 10:59:23 PM
Thank you Caesar!
:)

PS I found it on Amazon UK as well going (a bit) cheaper although it will save me a lot in postage. I was a amused to see the CD of this poetic and gentle work juxtaposed against titles such as 'Destroy All Monsters!' and 'King Kong v Godzilla' etc.

You're welcome. Then it's much better on Amazon.co.uk.

A strong contrast amongst those works indeed. Music for all tastes.

Now I'm more curios about the Ifukube's output. It seems worthy to explore.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 31, 2018, 09:56:11 PM
A large gap in my musical background is German Lieder.

To my embarrassment I have to confess that I have just heard some of Robert Schumann's Lieder for the first time.  Blew me away. 

RATS!!!!!! Now I will have to acquire his Lieder for my library.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on March 31, 2018, 10:05:05 PM
Recently listened to this piece. The notation looks very clear and the piece sounds great!

https://www.youtube.com/v/mT96lgpX5N4
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Baron Scarpia on March 31, 2018, 10:56:40 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on March 31, 2018, 10:01:12 PM
A large gap in my musical background is German Lieder.

To my embarrassment I have to confess that I have just heard some of Robert Schumann's Lieder for the first time.  Blew me away. 

RATS!!!!!! Now I will have to acquire his Lieder for my library.

Posted six times! I think you've set a new record!  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: knight66 on March 31, 2018, 11:58:24 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on March 31, 2018, 10:01:12 PM
A large gap in my musical background is German Lieder.

To my embarrassment I have to confess that I have just heard some of Robert Schumann's Lieder for the first time.  Blew me away. 

RATS!!!!!! Now I will have to acquire his Lieder for my library.

You can delete your own posts, feel free to reduce the amplification of your message.

Cheers,

Mike
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: knight66 on April 01, 2018, 12:11:59 AM
Recently, after a gap of about 30 years, I have been relearning the bass choral part of Mahler 8 for a performance in August. Leading up to that we have been concentrating on Daphnis and Chloe, so the contrast has been a shot in the arm. I love the Ravel, but it is all ahhs and ooohs and inconclusive phrases. This time round I am a bit more alert to the odd sintila of themes that recur across the two movements. I have long had problems finding thematic tie-ins between the two dispirate movements. But they are there and no doubt many are embedded that I am too thick to detect.

As well as the adrenal rush of the propusive full-on passages, there is the wonderful beauty of the many filligree moments. It has sent me back to one of my favourite recordings, Wyn Morris. His take on it is rather how I imagine Furtwangler might have conducted it. An especially pointless thought process on my part especially as it was not in his repertoire, however, meant as a compliment. Morris manages a wonderful ebb and flow and especially suspensions where time stands still and you are taken somewhere entirely out of yourself.

Mike
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mahlerian on April 01, 2018, 02:14:10 AM
Quote from: knight66 on April 01, 2018, 12:11:59 AM
Recently, after a gap of about 30 years, I have been relearning the bass choral part of Mahler 8 for a performance in August. Leading up to that we have been concentrating on Daphnis and Chloe, so the contrast has been a shot in the arm. I love the Ravel, but it is all ahhs and ooohs and inconclusive phrases. This time round I am a bit more alert to the odd sintila of themes that recur across the two movements. I have long had problems finding thematic tie-ins between the two dispirate movements. But they are there and no doubt many are embedded that I am too thick to detect.

Pretty much every single element of Part 2 is derived from Part 1, most of it (however remotely) from the first few pages of the work.  Glad to hear you're coming to terms with it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: knight66 on April 01, 2018, 03:18:27 AM
Thanks, I probably did not make myself clear, the piece has been a great favourite for decades. I am not trying to reconcile myself to it. But its structure has puzzled me. A long time ago Jonathan here pointed out a couple of thematic tie-ups between the movements. But now, listening and looking from the inside of it, some more are emerging for me.

Mike
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 01, 2018, 07:10:03 AM
I am sorry gentlemen about the repetitions.  I kept receiving a message that my post was rejected and to try submitting later.  Every time I tried to submit the post I received the same message.  So I gave up.  This morning to my embarrassment I saw that six of my attempts were accepted  :o.  I will delete the duplicates.

Again my apologies.  April Fool on me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Baron Scarpia on April 01, 2018, 07:12:20 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on April 01, 2018, 07:10:03 AM
I am sorry gentlemen about the repetitions.  I keep receiving a message that my post was rejected and to try submitting later.  Every time I tried to submit the post a received the same message.  So I gave up.  This morning to my embarrassment I saw that six of my attempts were accepted  :o.  I will delete the duplicates.

Again my apologies.  April Fool on me.

We've all been caught in that trap. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mahlerian on April 01, 2018, 09:42:56 AM
Quote from: knight66 on April 01, 2018, 03:18:27 AMThanks, I probably did not make myself clear, the piece has been a great favourite for decades. I am not trying to reconcile myself to it. But its structure has puzzled me. A long time ago Jonathan here pointed out a couple of thematic tie-ups between the movements. But now, listening and looking from the inside of it, some more are emerging for me.

Thanks for the clarification.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 01, 2018, 07:57:49 PM
...............
[asin]B00FLBA2QU[/asin]

Although I am familiar with the band version of Circuits the rest of the works on this CD are new to me.  I have been a big fan of Ms. McTee for many years.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 12, 2018, 04:37:38 PM
Secured the following based on a post in the "Purchased Today" Thread.

[asin]B075KN3YMH[/asin]

WOW!  What fantastic music.  Even though I have a large Martinu selection in my library (even though are a few duplicates I have recordings of over 90 of his works in my library), this is a new work for me.  Some of the best Martinu I have ever heard.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on April 12, 2018, 09:06:34 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on April 12, 2018, 04:37:38 PM
Secured the following based on a post in the "Purchased Today" Thread.

[asin]B075KN3YMH[/asin]

WOW!  What fantastic music.  Even though I have a large Martinu selection in my library (even though are a few duplicates I have recordings of over 90 of his works in my library), this is a new work for me.  Some of the best Martinu I have ever heard.

An excellent work without any doubt.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 12, 2018, 09:12:28 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on April 12, 2018, 04:37:38 PM
Secured the following based on a post in the "Purchased Today" Thread.

[asin]B075KN3YMH[/asin]

WOW!  What fantastic music.  Even though I have a large Martinu selection in my library (even though are a few duplicates I have recordings of over 90 of his works in my library), this is a new work for me.  Some of the best Martinu I have ever heard.

A very nice work, but I wouldn't say it's quite on the same level as The Epic of Gilgamesh for example.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 13, 2018, 07:32:51 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 12, 2018, 09:12:28 PM
A very nice work, but I wouldn't say it's quite on the same level as The Epic of Gilgamesh for example.

So.  I do not think Beethoven's Fourth is as good as his Fifth but it is still a great listen  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 13, 2018, 07:37:19 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on April 12, 2018, 04:37:38 PM
Secured the following based on a post in the "Purchased Today" Thread.

[asin]B075KN3YMH[/asin]

WOW!  What fantastic music.  Even though I have a large Martinu selection in my library (even though are a few duplicates I have recordings of over 90 of his works in my library), this is a new work for me.  Some of the best Martinu I have ever heard.

As a result of my incompetence I missed an obvious feature of this CD.  The Philharmonic Dances sounded so much like Martinu I though they were composed by Martinu.  It was actually Christopher Marlow  ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ainsi la nuit on April 14, 2018, 06:46:02 AM
I'm currently listening to the first sonata for piano by Charles Ives, played by the impeccable pianist Joanna MacGregor, whose recording of Birtwistle's Antiphonies I greatly admire. What is special here is that I had literally no idea that the first sonata is a work that actually exists - I always thought it was unrealized or completely lost! Maybe the abundance of recordings of the second sonata, widely considered a modern classic and rightly so, has led me to believe that perhaps there isn't a first sonata at all.

Unfinished though it apparently is, the first sonata is a huge work, spanning over thirty minutes. I'm so excited about this discovery!

Ives is one of my favourite composers, and his music commands my undivided attention whenever I listen to it. I love a lot of his music deeply. I might post about my thoughts on him at some point to the topic dedicated to him on this forum...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 14, 2018, 09:46:16 AM
Quote from: Ainsi la nuit on April 14, 2018, 06:46:02 AM
I'm currently listening to the first sonata for piano by Charles Ives, played by the impeccable pianist Joanna MacGregor, whose recording of Birtwistle's Antiphonies I greatly admire. What is special here is that I had literally no idea that the first sonata is a work that actually exists - I always thought it was unrealized or completely lost! Maybe the abundance of recordings of the second sonata, widely considered a modern classic and rightly so, has led me to believe that perhaps there isn't a first sonata at all.

Unfinished though it apparently is, the first sonata is a huge work, spanning over thirty minutes. I'm so excited about this discovery!

Ives is one of my favourite composers, and his music commands my undivided attention whenever I listen to it. I love a lot of his music deeply. I might post about my thoughts on him at some point to the topic dedicated to him on this forum...

This would be most excellent and I look forward to your comments. Ives is a favorite of mine, too. Come to think of it, I don't think I heard his first piano sonata. Must be something!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 14, 2018, 09:33:04 PM
................
[asin]B0007YMS22[/asin]


I already have recordings of the Corigliano and the Saariaho.

I only have one other work by Long is my library: Song of the Ch'in.

The Immortal, as will as the other works on the CD, are examples of contermporary that really appeal to me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 15, 2018, 06:09:50 AM
I have to say that Shostakovich's Preludes & Fugues has blown me away. I finally was able to finish listening to the work and I've enjoyed it immensely.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on April 15, 2018, 06:45:04 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 15, 2018, 06:09:50 AM
I have to say that Shostakovich's Preludes & Fugues has blown me away. I finally was able to finish listening to the work and I've enjoyed it immensely.
It's the only Shostakovich work I really enjoy...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 15, 2018, 06:58:49 AM
Quote from: ritter on April 15, 2018, 06:45:04 AM
It's the only Shostakovich work I really enjoy...

Yeah, I can hear why indeed, Rafael, but, of course, I love a lot of the composer's other music even if I don't listen to it with much frequency these days.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on April 15, 2018, 03:45:37 PM
Thanks to the string quartet game, I have listened to the Adamek work on there for the first time and I enjoy it very much.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 16, 2018, 07:56:11 AM
I'm not a huge fan of contemporary trends in music, but this work from Samuel Andreyev has really impressed me:

https://www.youtube.com/v/_t2RefGg34w
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 20, 2018, 03:02:28 PM
..........
[asin]B01B17C4TK[/asin]

I am currently listening to disc 7 in this set.  About half of the works I am unfamiliar with.  On disc 6 was a wonderful oboe concerto.

On this disc the new work that blew me away is the Philharmonic Concerto.  Awesome.

There are four more discs to listen to.  In the remaining discs there many new concertos that I looking forward to listen to.  This is a great set for anyone interested in Arnold.

Edit: I am now listening to the Symphony for Strings, op. 13.  Wow!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 21, 2018, 08:29:51 PM
...............
[asin]B0000267VJ[/asin]

I am not sure whether it is the performance or the work but Bassoon Concerto blew me away.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: king ubu on April 22, 2018, 01:06:34 AM
A (jazz) musician friend raved about Schumann's "Die Gesänge der Frühe" Op. 133 a few weeks ago, pointing out the Pollini recording, which I bought about a month ago, listening to "Die Gesänge" several times, without really getting them ... dug up the Staier recording this morning, and wow! This time they hit me in the face. Amazing stuff!

(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0002/974/MI0002974675.jpg)

The disc, alas, is missing the rarely played third sonata - which is from 1853, as are "Die Gesänge der Frühe" - but it's excellent all around, I find!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: anothername on April 22, 2018, 08:52:06 PM
The things one can find on sound cloud, it's either hell ore dooming for eternity.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Judith on April 22, 2018, 10:16:11 PM
Listening to Saint Saens Violin Concerto no 3 and the second movement is so sublime.   Absolutely beautiful :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on April 24, 2018, 03:02:19 PM
Two works of the highest level:


Hausegger - Barbarossa

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CX7666.jpg)

German late-romanticism in all its glory! Absolutely terrific, knightly, heroic, lush, a true Technicolor symphonic poem. Something to wallow enormously.


Karayev - The Seven Beauties Suite

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/NX3122.jpg)

If this is the suite, I'll like to listen to the rest of this magnificent and opulent score! I can perceive a strong voice of Karayev and echoes from some composers (Respighi, Shostakovich, Rimsky-Korsakov, Prokofiev, Khachaturian) blended with Oriental exoticism. The result is mindblowing, simply ravishing.


I'm fully blown away by these works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on May 10, 2018, 02:37:02 AM
I have never heard such a colourful solo organ work before. Amazing!

https://www.youtube.com/v/kwE6NFFCRQY
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: aleazk on May 12, 2018, 02:32:13 PM
I love the introduction in this movement:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w1KUcj_hgk
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on May 16, 2018, 01:55:41 PM
Not me, but my son (15) has had to write an essay on Grieg's Bryllupsdag på Troldhaugen, despite which he has talked about it all evening with the greatest enthusiasm.  When I confessed that the entirety of Grieg in my collection was one Django Reinhardt track (Fantaisie sur une danse norvégienne) he was horrified.  So now I'm under orders to buy recordings of all the Lyric Pieces (Ciccolini's 3-disc set is supposedly very good).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Baron Scarpia on May 16, 2018, 02:04:32 PM
I have the Oppitz set of Grieg Piano music (complete). It exists, I can say that much. Never cracked it open. :(
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on May 16, 2018, 02:10:51 PM
Quote from: DaveF on May 16, 2018, 01:55:41 PM
Not me, but my son (15) has had to write an essay on Grieg's Bryllupsdag på Troldhaugen, despite which he has talked about it all evening with the greatest enthusiasm.  When I confessed that the entirety of Grieg in my collection was one Django Reinhardt track (Fantaisie sur une danse norvégienne) he was horrified.  So now I'm under orders to buy recordings of all the Lyric Pieces (Ciccolini's 3-disc set is supposedly very good).
It's indeed a beautiful piece. I only have Andsnes' album of selections (Bryllupsdag included, naturligvis) on Grieg's Steinway, and I do like it very much.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on May 17, 2018, 12:43:50 AM
Thanks, both.  Physical discs of the Oppitz are at silly prices, but Qobuz has the whole set for £15.49 (or £54.99, depending on which you feel like paying), so I may pull the trigger on that one - reviews are generally good without being ecstatic.  Andsnes' and Gilels' selections seem to be the classic ones.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on May 17, 2018, 08:24:48 AM
La Damnation de Faust by Hector Berlioz. It is so wonderful.

The first chorus is so irresistibly catchy that it makes one wonder why Faust was so weary of life while listening to it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ainsi la nuit on May 21, 2018, 01:18:10 AM
I decided to take a plunge into the world of Roger Sessions yesterday, and I have been enormously impressed so far - even though I've only listened to a few of his works!

There's something about his way of writing that reminds me of Schoenberg - one of my favourite composers! - but I haven't listened to his work enough to make any further assessments about such impressions. I did encounter some of his thoughts on twelve-tone music, and many of his views resonated with me strongly.

Any recommendations are well appreciated! It's sad to see that his music seems to have slipped out of the radar in recent times, so to say. At least it's quite difficult to find articles, reviews and analyses of his work online. I wish more artists would record this music and bring it back to the spotlight - it certainly deserves more attention!

On other news, I also listened to Mahler's 3rd symphony for the first time since last summer, and my love for the work has been once again multiplied. What an absolutely stunning piece of music! How can it be that whenever I listen to a Mahler symphony, that symphony feels like the most important piece of music ever written? The 3rd in particular holds a very special place in my heart. The Nietzsche setting is one of the most magical moments in the entire symphonic literature.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mahlerian on May 21, 2018, 07:59:45 AM
Quote from: Ainsi la nuit on May 21, 2018, 01:18:10 AM
I decided to take a plunge into the world of Roger Sessions yesterday, and I have been enormously impressed so far - even though I've only listened to a few of his works!

There's something about his way of writing that reminds me of Schoenberg - one of my favourite composers! - but I haven't listened to his work enough to make any further assessments about such impressions. I did encounter some of his thoughts on twelve-tone music, and many of his views resonated with me strongly.

Any recommendations are well appreciated! It's sad to see that his music seems to have slipped out of the radar in recent times, so to say. At least it's quite difficult to find articles, reviews and analyses of his work online. I wish more artists would record this music and bring it back to the spotlight - it certainly deserves more attention!

He wasn't a student of Schoenberg's, but he was certainly an admirer, though his treatment of rhythm is quite different.  Sessions' music is very traditional in its outward elements, though the inner workings are quite idiosyncratic.  Here are some discs I like:

[asin]B0000030D0[/asin]
[asin]B000005TWR[/asin]
[asin]B011QLB3N4[/asin]
[asin]B00000423N[/asin]


Quote from: Ainsi la nuit on May 21, 2018, 01:18:10 AMOn other news, I also listened to Mahler's 3rd symphony for the first time since last summer, and my love for the work has been once again multiplied. What an absolutely stunning piece of music! How can it be that whenever I listen to a Mahler symphony, that symphony feels like the most important piece of music ever written? The 3rd in particular holds a very special place in my heart. The Nietzsche setting is one of the most magical moments in the entire symphonic literature.

Oh, I know exactly what you mean!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Baron Scarpia on May 21, 2018, 08:01:06 AM
I have loved everything I have heard by Sessions. Admittedly, that is not a lot.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ainsi la nuit on May 25, 2018, 12:56:56 PM
I heard Leila Josefowicz perform Bernd Alois Zimmermann's violin concerto tonight, with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra under Hannu Lintu.

It was one of the most intense musical experiences of my life, I'm really glad the performance was recorded and will be released on a CD later at some point. Absolutely essential!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Moonfish on May 25, 2018, 05:06:29 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on April 24, 2018, 03:02:19 PM
Two works of the highest level:


Hausegger - Barbarossa

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CX7666.jpg)

German late-romanticism in all its glory! Absolutely terrific, knightly, heroic, lush, a true Technicolor symphonic poem. Something to wallow enormously.


I'm fully blown away by these works.

Hmm, that Hausegger disc looks quite intriguing. I need to sample it...
Thanks for bringing it up, SymphonicAddict!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on May 25, 2018, 06:30:35 PM
I can't begin to list all the string quartets I've found myself listening to recently, but some (like the Adamek and Zemlinsky quartets) have certainly blown me away.

As a general question, has anyone else discovered a new love for a piece of music they had not heard before as a direct result of listening to unfamiliar music when particilating in the games?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Baron Scarpia on May 25, 2018, 11:37:11 PM
I'm listening to the Debussy String quartet. It is not blowing me away, it is sinking in. I'm listening to Zemlinsky 2 now, but it is more or less a continuation of a Zemlinsky project that started before the quartet game (with the 4th quartet).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Crudblud on May 26, 2018, 07:24:52 AM
Quote from: jessop on May 25, 2018, 06:30:35 PM
I can't begin to list all the string quartets I've found myself listening to recently, but some (like the Adamek and Zemlinsky quartets) have certainly blown me away.

As a general question, has anyone else discovered a new love for a piece of music they had not heard before as a direct result of listening to unfamiliar music when particilating in the games?

I was definitely impressed with Zemlinsky 2, although I will need to listen more to really get it, it's quite dense.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mahlerian on May 26, 2018, 07:31:27 AM
Quote from: jessop on May 25, 2018, 06:30:35 PM
I can't begin to list all the string quartets I've found myself listening to recently, but some (like the Adamek and Zemlinsky quartets) have certainly blown me away.

As a general question, has anyone else discovered a new love for a piece of music they had not heard before as a direct result of listening to unfamiliar music when particilating in the games?

I discovered a few new pieces to enjoy as well.  Thanks to everyone for their selections!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Sergeant Rock on May 26, 2018, 07:56:32 AM
Quote from: jessop on May 25, 2018, 06:30:35 PM

As a general question, has anyone else discovered a new love for a piece of music they had not heard before as a direct result of listening to unfamiliar music when particilating in the games?

My great discovery was Weinberg's String Quartet no. 5 in B flat major, op. 27. I don't remember who nominated it but I'm in their debt; it truly blew me away.

Sarge
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on May 26, 2018, 10:51:10 AM
Quote from: Moonfish on May 25, 2018, 05:06:29 PM
Hmm, that Hausegger disc looks quite intriguing. I need to sample it...
Thanks for bringing it up, SymphonicAddict!

If you like epic stuff (seriously, this is epic!) mixed with a magnificent orchestration, then this is for you. Some might say it's kind of derivative (something Wagnerian-Straussian mainly), but it's highly enjoyable. The sound engineering is shattering, powerful. I hope you can enjoy it!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on May 26, 2018, 10:53:45 PM
Nor Earth, Nor Boundless Sea
from Sleep by Max Richter

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QhkIZmXl6mI (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QhkIZmXl6mI)

I have mixed feelings about a lot of Sleep but this is wonderful.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on May 27, 2018, 02:43:38 PM
Quote from: Ken B on May 26, 2018, 10:53:45 PM
Nor Earth, Nor Boundless Sea
from Sleep by Max Richter

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QhkIZmXl6mI (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QhkIZmXl6mI)

I have mixed feelings about a lot of Sleep but this is wonderful.

Nice, Ken. I like this as well, but I'm also a fan of most of Richter's music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on May 27, 2018, 04:36:07 PM
I finally heard this piece of music by Bernhard Gander in full recently. It is so fun! 8)

https://www.youtube.com/v/vqGchkDv7GY
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 27, 2018, 04:50:15 PM
Berg's Wozzeck. Plain and simple, it's one of the most incredible pieces of music of this last century.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on May 28, 2018, 04:14:44 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 27, 2018, 04:50:15 PM
Berg's Wozzeck. Plain and simple, it's one of the most incredible pieces of music of this last century.

True, John. It never fails to send me through an array of emotions.

Speaking of music that I've been familiar with for decades but is having a big resurgence and I've becoming more impressed with is Bartok's Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta. Been spending more time studying the composition while listening to various recordings and I'm loving it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 28, 2018, 06:19:15 AM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on May 28, 2018, 04:14:44 AM
True, John. It never fails to send me through an array of emotions.

Speaking of music that I've been familiar with for decades but is having a big resurgence and I've becoming more impressed with is Bartok's Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta. Been spending more time studying the composition while listening to various recordings and I'm loving it.

Indeed. Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta is a work that should be required listening for anyone interested in 20th Century music IMHO.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on May 28, 2018, 06:23:33 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 28, 2018, 06:19:15 AM
Indeed. Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta is a work that should be required listening for anyone interested in 20th Century IMHO.

I have to confess I have never really listened to it
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 28, 2018, 06:36:31 AM
Quote from: jessop on May 28, 2018, 06:23:33 AM
I have to confess I have never really listened to it

:o Oh, you should definitely remedy that, Jessop. ASAP!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on May 28, 2018, 06:56:16 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 28, 2018, 06:36:31 AM
:o Oh, you should definitely remedy that, Jessop. ASAP!

If it blows me away, you know where to find my reaction. ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on May 28, 2018, 07:11:40 AM
The only work I like from Bartok so far is Bluebeard's castle. :/ Seems like I like absolute music less and less as the time goes by...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 28, 2018, 07:19:01 AM
Quote from: jessop on May 28, 2018, 06:56:16 AM
If it blows me away, you know where to find my reaction. ;D

;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Baron Scarpia on May 28, 2018, 07:20:58 AM
Quote from: jessop on May 28, 2018, 06:23:33 AM
I have to confess I have never really listened to it

I don't know about required listening, but I like it. I find it is a piece which is brilliant, or falls flat for me, depending on the performance. I like Dutoit best.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 28, 2018, 08:37:21 AM
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on May 28, 2018, 07:20:58 AM
I don't know about required listening, but I like it. I find it is a piece which is brilliant, or falls flat for me, depending on the performance. I like Dutoit best.

I personally like Dutoit the least. In fact, Dutoit is hardly a conductor I flock to anyway. Jessop, try Boulez's Columbia performance. You'll thank me later. ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 28, 2018, 08:39:04 AM
Quote from: Alberich on May 28, 2018, 07:11:40 AM
The only work I like from Bartok so far is Bluebeard's castle. :/ Seems like I like absolute music less and less as the time goes by...

No love for The Miraculous Mandarin, Dance Suite, or Hungarian Sketches? :-\
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on May 28, 2018, 02:19:47 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 28, 2018, 08:39:04 AM
No love for The Miraculous Mandarin, Dance Suite, or Hungarian Sketches? :-\

Not when I last listened to them. I'll report back when I do love them - maybe it just takes a few re-listenings.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on May 29, 2018, 03:57:57 PM
Two magnificent works, widely contrasted in mood:

Dmitry Kabalevsky - Piano sonata No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 45: Wow, such a dramatic piano sonata. Composed in 1945, an authentic war sonata: turbulent, relentless, with few moments of rest. Its power is so big that it seems a symphony. What a discovery!

Arthur Meulemans - Symphony No. 3 Fir: Composed in 1933, this is a dreamy, utterly inspiring work, with a noticeable impressionistic influence. The magical landscape Meulemans painted is really fairy. They are around 19 minutes of sheer ecstasy.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Baron Scarpia on June 07, 2018, 08:02:08 AM
Two works from this release:

[asin]B00000E4XT[/asin]

Tre Ricercare, especially the first movement which begins modestly and builds to a fever pitch of joy and creativity, and the second which begins sounding like a Bach Trio Sonata before waking up to the 20th century.

The other revelation was the first Canzone from Toccata e due Canzoni. This is a slow movement which begins with a haunting ostinato on piano which recurs at various points during the movement, between passages of haunting chromaticism.

Both are utterly beautiful and unique.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on June 10, 2018, 08:51:05 AM
The Snow Maiden by Rimsky-Korsakov. Why are his operas performed so rarely? I would love to see them live!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on June 10, 2018, 06:01:30 PM
Quote from: Alberich on June 10, 2018, 08:51:05 AM
The Snow Maiden by Rimsky-Korsakov. Why are his operas performed so rarely? I would love to see them live!

I remember when I first discovered this opera about a year ago.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on June 11, 2018, 07:25:52 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on June 10, 2018, 06:01:30 PM
I remember when I first discovered this opera about a year ago.

And, did you like it?  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on June 11, 2018, 07:34:55 AM
Quote from: Alberich on June 11, 2018, 07:25:52 AM
And, did you like it?  8)

Of course I did  ;) Blew me away.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on June 11, 2018, 03:52:41 PM
Mozart: Minuet K355

https://www.youtube.com/v/ci-PTOKqsHY
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: andolink on June 12, 2018, 07:56:48 AM
David Hudry: Störungen (2011)
ensemble recherche

(https://www.talkclassical.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=104572&d=1528473640&thumb=1)

https://soundcloud.com/david_hudry/sets/st-rungen
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on June 12, 2018, 05:48:07 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 28, 2018, 08:39:04 AM
No love for The Miraculous Mandarin, Dance Suite, or Hungarian Sketches? :-\
Quote from: Alberich on May 28, 2018, 02:19:47 PM
Not when I last listened to them. I'll report back when I do love them - maybe it just takes a few re-listenings.  :)

The Miraculous Mandarin is Rite of Spring on angel dust. Love it!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Monsieur Croche on June 18, 2018, 07:11:14 PM
Quote from: springrite on June 12, 2018, 05:48:07 PM
The Miraculous Mandarin is Rite of Spring on angel dust. Love it!

Of course, as is usual with some of these outstanding 20th century ballet scores, like the Stravinsky Ballets, Ravel's Daphnis et Chloe, and Miraculous Mandarin, the suites are USELESS.

If you want to get any idea of the real impact of these works, always go for the full-length piece.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Monsieur Croche on June 18, 2018, 07:19:39 PM
Michael Tippet ~ Fantasia Concertante on a theme of Corelli, for string orchestra (1953)

This is a stringent yet lush-sounding work (enough so a colleague called it 'erotic'), and the counterpoint therein is quite stunning.
The piece impressed me greatly, and I've given it several listens already.  It is also a bit striking to me that compared to others of the more-most modern pieces from that decade, this stands out as a composer who was absolutely following the beat of their own drummer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VZv8IxuS1I
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Omicron9 on June 26, 2018, 08:48:26 AM
Berg: "Lyric Suite."  It's been blowing me away for the past 20+ years, but I pulled it out and gave it another listen this week.  The blow-away factor only increases for me.  Heilig schiesse.

-09
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on June 26, 2018, 01:35:40 PM
FYI.  Please check OP.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on June 26, 2018, 04:17:37 PM
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on June 18, 2018, 07:11:14 PM
Of course, as is usual with some of these outstanding 20th century ballet scores, like the Stravinsky Ballets, Ravel's Daphnis et Chloe, and Miraculous Mandarin, the suites are USELESS.

If you want to get any idea of the real impact of these works, always go for the full-length piece.

I totally agree.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on July 03, 2018, 12:25:38 AM
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on June 18, 2018, 07:11:14 PM
Of course, as is usual with some of these outstanding 20th century ballet scores, like the Stravinsky Ballets, Ravel's Daphnis et Chloe, and Miraculous Mandarin, the suites are USELESS.

If you want to get any idea of the real impact of these works, always go for the full-length piece.


I agree too. And it doesn't just apply to these shortish scores either. Just go for the full-length piece every time.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on July 03, 2018, 01:50:01 PM
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on June 18, 2018, 07:19:39 PM
Michael Tippet ~ Fantasia Concertante on a theme of Corelli, for string orchestra (1953)

This is a stringent yet lush-sounding work (enough so a colleague called it 'erotic'), and the counterpoint therein is quite stunning.
The piece impressed me greatly, and I've given it several listens already.  It is also a bit striking to me that compared to others of the more-most modern pieces from that decade, this stands out as a composer who was absolutely following the beat of their own drummer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VZv8IxuS1I

This work has to be one of the greatest creations for string orchestra ever composed. The first time I listened to it I was speechless. Sheer overwhelming beauty.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 03, 2018, 07:27:19 PM
Frank Martin's Trio sur des mélodies populaires irlandaises (piano trio). An absolutely delightful folk-inspired work, with catchy melodies and rhythms presented in a unique way. Lovers of Ravel or Bax in lively-folksy mood need not hesitate!
https://youtu.be/5w1Fn9_jQMk (https://youtu.be/5w1Fn9_jQMk)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on July 20, 2018, 05:53:56 PM
Hekla

(http://www.eclassical.com/shop/17115/art15/h3662/4433662-origpic-79369b.jpg)

If my memory serves, I didn't remember a work as thundering as this one! Man, Leifs did know how to depict an explosion!! It's just a loud feast, but an interesting one. I'm really shocked in a good way  :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: PerfectWagnerite on July 21, 2018, 04:56:45 PM
Quote from: Mahlerian on May 21, 2018, 07:59:45 AM
He wasn't a student of Schoenberg's, but he was certainly an admirer, though his treatment of rhythm is quite different.  Sessions' music is very traditional in its outward elements, though the inner workings are quite idiosyncratic.  Here are some discs I like:

[asin]B0000030D0[/asin]

Didn't know he wrote music to Lilacs also, as I only know the Hindemith one.

Quote from: Alberich on May 28, 2018, 07:11:40 AM
The only work I like from Bartok so far is Bluebeard's castle. :/ Seems like I like absolute music less and less as the time goes by...
Admittedly it is an acquired taste. I like Bluebeard and also the Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste but am lukewarm about everything else.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on July 24, 2018, 07:48:41 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on May 29, 2018, 03:57:57 PM
Two magnificent works, widely contrasted in mood:

Dmitry Kabalevsky - Piano sonata No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 45: Wow, such a dramatic piano sonata. Composed in 1945, an authentic war sonata: turbulent, relentless, with few moments of rest. Its power is so big that it seems a symphony. What a discovery!

Arthur Meulemans - Symphony No. 3 Fir: Composed in 1933, this is a dreamy, utterly inspiring work, with a noticeable impressionistic influence. The magical landscape Meulemans painted is really fairy. They are around 19 minutes of sheer ecstasy.

I've been blown away by Kabalevsky's Cello Concerto 2, Symphony 4 and Piano Concerto 1. Meulemans's 'Pliny's Fountain' is a beautiful poetic score.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: schnittkease on July 24, 2018, 11:41:32 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on July 24, 2018, 07:48:41 AM
I've been blown away by Kabalevsky's Cello Concerto 2, Symphony 4 and Piano Concerto 1. Meulemans's 'Pliny's Fountain' is a beautiful poetic score.

Have you tried the 2nd PC?  A substantial work, while the 3rd is as good as Soviet propaganda gets.  Nothing by Kabalevsky has ever blown me away, but the cello concertos came very close.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: PerfectWagnerite on July 24, 2018, 03:53:36 PM
Lately I have been bowed over by DSCH's 4th Symphony. That final movement with its 3 note Star Trek like theme ending with those mysterious notes on the celeste is just surreal. I don't think there is anything like it out there and is quite special even by DSCH's high standards.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 26, 2018, 08:51:46 PM
FYI: Please check the OP

I stumbled onto this on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0aiui59aJQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0aiui59aJQ)

I have only recordings of two works of Franco Ceasrini: Interlude for Band and Poema Alpestre.  These works were not that impressive, but this symphony blew me away.  If Respighi had composed a real band work this would have been it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on July 26, 2018, 09:01:42 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on July 26, 2018, 08:51:46 PM
FYI: Please check the OP

I stumbled onto this on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0aiui59aJQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0aiui59aJQ)

I have only recordings of two works of Franco Ceasrini: Interlude for Band and Poema Alpestre.  These works were not that impressive, but this symphony blew me away.  If Respighi had composed a real band work this would have been it.

Did you say Respighi? This is something I can't miss!

Edit: I'm listening to it and it seems Respighian indeed!! Symphony Nr. 1 'The Archangels'. Epic and glorious!! It can be one of my favorite works for band. I saw a commentary on the video that says: Rozsa and Respighi have a successor. Quite accurate!

Thanks for bringing it to our knowledge.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 26, 2018, 09:26:45 PM
I am also checking out some of his other works on You Tube.  He is a Swiss composer and he has composed some great stuff for band.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on August 01, 2018, 06:09:55 AM
While I am still not the biggest fan of Les Troyens, there is some great music in it, in particular I enjoy the Marche Troyenne that ends the Act 1. The lyrics are great as well and the final cries of "Rayonnez triumphants!" are irresistible earworms.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ainsi la nuit on August 03, 2018, 01:59:27 PM
I was deeply, utterly moved by Janáček's Piano Sonata tonight. His music is so strange, I really struggle to follow his thoughts - but I say that with full admiration, rather than as a negative quality. Listening to his Sinfonietta sent me to another world, and the Violin Sonata remains as elusive as ever. What a great composer! Listening to his music feels like drinking a glass of fresh water after a long drought. I don't give him enough attention; his music sort of remains at the fringes of my listening world - but when he comes back, it feels like I'm greeting an old friend who has a lot of stories and secrets to share with me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on August 04, 2018, 09:51:29 PM
Quote from: Ainsi la nuit on August 03, 2018, 01:59:27 PM
I was deeply, utterly moved by Janáček's Piano Sonata tonight. His music is so strange, I really struggle to follow his thoughts - but I say that with full admiration, rather than as a negative quality. Listening to his Sinfonietta sent me to another world, and the Violin Sonata remains as elusive as ever. What a great composer! Listening to his music feels like drinking a glass of fresh water after a long drought. I don't give him enough attention; his music sort of remains at the fringes of my listening world - but when he comes back, it feels like I'm greeting an old friend who has a lot of stories and secrets to share with me.

Well said, especially the text that I bolded. Janáček is such a superb composer. I still struggle with his operatic music, but it's no secret around here that opera is far from a favorite genre of mine.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: king ubu on August 06, 2018, 10:17:55 PM
Quote from: king ubu on August 06, 2018, 11:48:18 AM
(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0004/455/MI0004455599.jpg)

Holy moly! It contains four pieces by Eastman - but the entire disc just blew me away on first listen last night!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on August 09, 2018, 07:14:09 PM
More rediscoveries today:

Spring Song, op. 16
In less than 8 minutes, Sibelius achieved an important accomplishment: showing us the spring's splendour, the mature way to handle both the orchestra and the themes. I'm blown away as it says the title of this thread. The work is a punch of beauty and uplifting writing  :D

The addition of the bells, almost at the ending, gives a tremendous effect.

Music from heaven literally  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 09, 2018, 11:59:40 PM
Definitely Bax's Piano Quintet - thanks to recommendations here (you know who you are  :))
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 10, 2018, 09:56:50 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on August 09, 2018, 07:14:09 PM
More rediscoveries today:

Spring Song, op. 16
In less than 8 minutes, Sibelius achieved an important accomplishment: showing us the spring's splendour, the mature way to handle both the orchestra and the themes. I'm blown away as it says the title of this thread. The work is a punch of beauty and uplifting writing  :D

The addition of the bells, almost at the ending, gives a tremendous effect.

Music from heaven literally  ;D

I totally agree! I'm really surprised this gorgeous work isn't better known! Same with his powerful early tone poem The Wood Nymph.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on August 11, 2018, 12:39:56 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 09, 2018, 11:59:40 PM
Definitely Bax's Piano Quintet - thanks to recommendations here (you know who you are  :))

;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on August 11, 2018, 12:40:55 PM
Quote from: kyjo on August 10, 2018, 09:56:50 AM
I totally agree! I'm really surprised this gorgeous work isn't better known! Same with his powerful early tone poem The Wood Nymph.

Yeah, both works would be a real success in concert halls!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: king ubu on August 12, 2018, 06:38:24 AM
Quote from: schnittkease on August 08, 2018, 12:53:38 PM
Nice! I've never heard Evil Nigger or Gay Guerrilla played on strings before, although I know those pieces are open instrumentation. I remember Eastman saying, however, that around 18 instruments was what he had in mind (rather than a quartet).

Four times 88 tuned drums should be sufficient, shouldn't it?  ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on August 16, 2018, 10:11:19 PM
P. Glass - Concerto Fantasy for two timpanists and orchestra

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91WHX1seGtL._SY355_.jpg)

This is truly awesome. Glass is not a composer of my predilection, but this piece ranks very high for me now. It's sheer excitement, you feel invigorated when hearing. As the timpani are one of my favorite instruments, this work fits perfectly to my tastes. Originality and thrill to say the least.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 17, 2018, 07:45:21 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on August 16, 2018, 10:11:19 PM
P. Glass - Concerto Fantasy for two timpanists and orchestra

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91WHX1seGtL._SY355_.jpg)

This is truly awesome. Glass is not a composer of my predilection, but this piece ranks very high for me now. It's sheer excitement, you feel invigorated when hearing. As the timpani are one of my favorite instruments, this work fits perfectly to my tastes. Originality and thrill to say the least.

Nice! I've been meaning to check out this work for some time. I love the thrilling, dynamic energy the timpani creates, so this concerto ought to be a treat!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on August 17, 2018, 07:49:03 AM
Once again another Rimsky-Korsakov opera that I am amazed by. First The Golden Cockerel, then Sadko, then Snow Maiden and now the magnificent The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 20, 2018, 06:45:59 AM
Jean-Michel Damase's Symphonie (1952), courtesy of Jeffrey's recommendation. Words cannot express what a gloriously uplifting work this is!! The ominous opening is a bit of a "red herring", as the first movement eventually develops into a lovely "rolling" tune that gathers an increasingly ecstatic tread until the end of the movement, bringing to mind a gorgeous sunrise. The remaining two movements are no less attractive and inspiriting. I love this kind of life-enhancing, accessible music from the 20th century (Atterberg, Braga Santos, Damase, Hanson, Martinu, etc.)  - in most musicological accounts of the music of this century, it's pretty much ignored in favor of Schoenberg, Boulez, Stockhausen and the rest of the avant-garde scene, which I think is a very sore misjudgment. Huge tap tip to Jeffrey for this marvelous discovery! :)

[asin]B00M2D7MY0[/asin]

https://youtu.be/YFQS4AEpaI4
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on August 20, 2018, 06:52:13 AM
Quote from: kyjo on August 20, 2018, 06:45:59 AM
I love this kind of life-enhancing, accessible music from the 20th century (Atterberg, Braga Santos, Damase, Hanson, Martinu, etc.)  - in most musicological accounts of the music of this century, it's pretty much ignored in favor of Schoenberg, Boulez, Stockhausen and the rest of the avant-garde scene, which I think is a very sore misjudgment.

There are no rules. Pleasure is the law. - Claude Debussy

Woe unto you, Adorno and Boulez influenced 20-th century musicologists, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in - Florestan

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 20, 2018, 06:56:44 AM
Quote from: Florestan on August 20, 2018, 06:52:13 AM
There are no rules. Pleasure is the law. - Claude Debussy

Woe unto you, Adorno and Boulez influenced 20-th century musicologists, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in - Florestan

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

I knew you'd agree with me, Andrei!  :D 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on August 20, 2018, 07:01:53 AM
Quote from: kyjo on August 20, 2018, 06:56:44 AM
I knew you'd agree with me, Andrei!  :D 8)

I always do, ... (wooops, I forgot your name   :( please remind me, I promise never to forget it again.)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 20, 2018, 07:20:27 AM
Quote from: Florestan on August 20, 2018, 07:01:53 AM
I always do, ... (wooops, I forgot your name   :( please remind me, I promise never to forget it again.)

The name's Kyle.  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on August 20, 2018, 07:22:18 AM
Quote from: kyjo on August 20, 2018, 07:20:27 AM
The name's Kyle.  8)

Duly noted!  :-*
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on August 20, 2018, 07:23:27 AM
I know I've posted this disc on several other threads, but the Symphony in C minor from Anton Zimmermann is wonderful. Listened to it for the first time this week, and twice since the initial spin.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81JEpSiK5WL._SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on August 20, 2018, 07:30:42 AM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on August 20, 2018, 07:23:27 AM
I know I've posted this disc on several other threads, but the Symphony in C minor from Anton Zimmermann is wonderful. Listened to it for the first time this week, and twice since the initial spin.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81JEpSiK5WL._SL1500_.jpg)

Duly noted as well, thanks!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: GioCar on August 26, 2018, 12:27:23 AM
Listening to Dusapin's String Quartets (the first five) for the first time.

[asin]B0031Q8VZ6[/asin]
They are really good! No.2 (Time Zones) is possibly that one that struck me most, but all five, written between 1982 and 2005, are compelling indeed (except perhaps the early No.1).
Can't wait to listen to the more recent No.6 (with orchestra) and No.7.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: 71 dB on August 26, 2018, 09:15:19 AM
Ned Rorem's Flute Concerto  0:)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: motoboy on August 26, 2018, 05:01:40 PM
I caught some of Suk's Asrael symphony on P.T. last week. It really struck me as something special. Looking forward to finding a recording and digging into it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on August 26, 2018, 05:34:18 PM
Quote from: kyjo on August 20, 2018, 06:45:59 AM
Jean-Michel Damase's Symphonie (1952), courtesy of Jeffrey's recommendation. Words cannot express what a gloriously uplifting work this is!! The ominous opening is a bit of a "red herring", as the first movement eventually develops into a lovely "rolling" tune that gathers an increasingly ecstatic tread until the end of the movement, bringing to mind a gorgeous sunrise. The remaining two movements are no less attractive and inspiriting. I love this kind of life-enhancing, accessible music from the 20th century (Atterberg, Braga Santos, Damase, Hanson, Martinu, etc.)  - in most musicological accounts of the music of this century, it's pretty much ignored in favor of Schoenberg, Boulez, Stockhausen and the rest of the avant-garde scene, which I think is a very sore misjudgment. Huge tap tip to Jeffrey for this marvelous discovery! :)

[asin]B00M2D7MY0[/asin]

https://youtu.be/YFQS4AEpaI4

A very fine work and I can't deny disappointment there weren't many more symphonies to explore from this composer.  I also hear Bax and Prokofiev influences. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 26, 2018, 07:38:41 PM
Quote from: relm1 on August 26, 2018, 05:34:18 PM
A very fine work and I can't deny disappointment there weren't many more symphonies to explore from this composer.  I also hear Bax and Prokofiev influences.

I agree - it's a real shame that Damase didn't write more symphonies or more large-scale works in general.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 26, 2018, 07:43:46 PM
Alwyn's Symphony no. 3. A gripping, dramatic work that (apparently) uses twelve-tone methods, but in a very tonal and accessible way (don't ask me how!). I especially loved Alwyn's writing for the percussion throughout the work. There's also some lovely lyrical passages in the slow movement and near the end of the finale. At the work's premiere, John Ireland controversially declared that it was the greatest British symphony since Elgar's 2nd (it was written 1955-56) - well, I dunno about that, since that excludes the entirety of RVW's cycle - but it's certainly a really fine, well-constructed work which makes a big impression.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 27, 2018, 11:01:11 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on August 16, 2018, 10:11:19 PM
P. Glass - Concerto Fantasy for two timpanists and orchestra

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91WHX1seGtL._SY355_.jpg)

This is truly awesome. Glass is not a composer of my predilection, but this piece ranks very high for me now. It's sheer excitement, you feel invigorated when hearing. As the timpani are one of my favorite instruments, this work fits perfectly to my tastes. Originality and thrill to say the least.
More temptation!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 27, 2018, 11:02:42 PM
Quote from: Alberich on August 17, 2018, 07:49:03 AM
Once again another Rimsky-Korsakov opera that I am amazed by. First The Golden Cockerel, then Sadko, then Snow Maiden and now the magnificent The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh.
I love the Suite from the Invisible City of Kitezh. One of my favourite works by RK.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 27, 2018, 11:14:54 PM
Quote from: kyjo on August 26, 2018, 07:43:46 PM
Alwyn's Symphony no. 3. A gripping, dramatic work that (apparently) uses twelve-tone methods, but in a very tonal and accessible way (don't ask me how!). I especially loved Alwyn's writing for the percussion throughout the work. There's also some lovely lyrical passages in the slow movement and near the end of the finale. At the work's premiere, John Ireland controversially declared that it was the greatest British symphony since Elgar's 2nd (it was written 1955-56) - well, I dunno about that, since that excludes the entirety of RVW's cycle - but it's certainly a really fine, well-constructed work which makes a big impression.
Coincidentally I have been listening to this work as well Kyle. I think that the Hickox version is the best although I have three other versions ( ::)) including the premiere performance under Beecham. Yes, I'm not sure that I'd agree that it's the greatest British symphony since Elgar but it is a very fine score in every respect. In fact Alwyn is a composer whose work continues to give me great pleasure. The biggest mystery to me is why his Violin Concerto is so ignored. I think that IS one of the finest British violin concertos. The Chandos CD coupling the VC with Symphony 3 is perhaps my favourite Alwyn disc.

Of course I'm delighted that the Damase 'Symphonie' has been such a hit with you.

A work that has really struck me recently is 'The Taking of T'ung Kuan' by Jacob Avshalomov, for which I have relm1 to thank. It only lasts eight minutes but is a powerful, craggy, tonal and dramatic score which I have played many times since receiving the CD (a 1952 performance with Stokowski conducting):
[asin]B000JJSP72[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 27, 2018, 11:25:04 PM
Quote from: motoboy on August 26, 2018, 05:01:40 PM
I caught some of Suk's Asrael symphony on P.T. last week. It really struck me as something special. Looking forward to finding a recording and digging into it.
A great work - very moving and powerful. There are many fine recordings, including ones by Ancerl, Tallich, Kubelik and Mackerras.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on August 28, 2018, 04:14:51 AM
https://www.youtube.com/v/pyfnU5Bd5HI

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Buzko.jpg/330px-Buzko.jpg)

It seems difficult to find recent information on this enigmatic composer...and I do not read/understand Russian.
Anyway, I discovered "Lord Novgorod the Great" by accident on YT and have been listening to this symphony/symphonic suite (with mixed chorus and mezzo/alto solo) over and over again. Mesmerising! The big sweeping melodies are (very) easy on the ear, but for me the composition works as an aural vortex. Would love to hear & see in a concert hall.
I love the alto soloist in part 3 - a wonderfully huge voice, sweet, hot and grating at the same time....But who is she?

Yuri Boutsko (b. 1938 - d.2015) has devoted his life and art to adapting the old Russian chant (called "znamenny rospev") to modern times, while at the same time preserving its context and religious meaning. The znamenny chant is interpreted by Butsko as "the ideal of spiritual perfection, a goal to be constantly pursued." The composer has constructed an original system determining the "method of working with znamenny chant." The underlying principle of the system is a melodic scale extracted from znamenny chant (the ancient Russian tone-row). Although the scale is limited by the compass of a human voice, Boutsko extends it in by adding tri-tones [or trichords] above and below until the initial starting pitch is restored. The system is open and contains twelve tones. Boutsko describes it as a kind of Russian dodecaphony, applying a twelve-tone row extracted from Russian material. Boutsko's religious approach determines specific qualities of his music: extended durations, a continuous elaboration of each image or motive, and an absence of sharp contrasts. The ever intense 'tone' and the need to shape an exhaustive statement generate the quality of "extended time," sometimes to the extent of meditation.
Boutsko's music has been widely performed in Russia and many other countries.

Source: https://uiowa.edu/cnm/festival-composers

I. Вьюн над водой: (Плач) ....(shout or cry)
II. Ах вы, ветры: (Причитание) .....(lament or elegy)
III. Слава: (Величальная) ......(cheering or joy, glory)

Who can translate corrrectly? + Give some information on the meaning.....
P.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 28, 2018, 05:38:41 AM
Quote from: pjme on August 28, 2018, 04:14:51 AM
https://www.youtube.com/v/pyfnU5Bd5HI

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Buzko.jpg/330px-Buzko.jpg)

It seems difficult to find recent information on this enigmatic composer...and I do not read/understand Russian.
Anyway, I discovered "Lord Novgorod the Great" by accident on YT and have been listening to this symphony/symphonic suite (with mixed chorus and mezzo/alto solo) over and over again. Mesmerising! The big sweeping melodies are (very) easy on the ear, but for me the composition works as an aural vortex. Would love to hear & see in a concert hall.
I love the alto soloist in part 3 - a wonderfully huge voice, sweet, hot and grating at the same time....But who is she?

Yuri Boutsko (b. 1938) has devoted his life and art to adapting the old Russian chant (called "znamenny rospev") to modern times, while at the same time preserving its context and religious meaning. The znamenny chant is interpreted by Butsko as "the ideal of spiritual perfection, a goal to be constantly pursued." The composer has constructed an original system determining the "method of working with znamenny chant." The underlying principle of the system is a melodic scale extracted from znamenny chant (the ancient Russian tone-row). Although the scale is limited by the compass of a human voice, Boutsko extends it in by adding tri-tones [or trichords] above and below until the initial starting pitch is restored. The system is open and contains twelve tones. Boutsko describes it as a kind of Russian dodecaphony, applying a twelve-tone row extracted from Russian material. Boutsko's religious approach determines specific qualities of his music: extended durations, a continuous elaboration of each image or motive, and an absence of sharp contrasts. The ever intense 'tone' and the need to shape an exhaustive statement generate the quality of "extended time," sometimes to the extent of meditation.
Boutsko's music has been widely performed in Russia and many other countries.

Source: https://uiowa.edu/cnm/festival-composers
Sounds like a most interesting discovery!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 28, 2018, 06:35:09 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 27, 2018, 11:14:54 PM
Coincidentally I have been listening to this work as well Kyle. I think that the Hickox version is the best although I have three other versions ( ::)) including the premiere performance under Beecham. Yes, I'm not sure that I'd agree that it's the greatest British symphony since Elgar but it is a very fine score in every respect. In fact Alwyn is a composer whose work continues to give me great pleasure. The biggest mystery to me is why his Violin Concerto is so ignored. I think that IS one of the finest British violin concertos. The Chandos CD coupling the VC with Symphony 3 is perhaps my favourite Alwyn disc.

Yes, that Chandos CD is really fantastic and the VC contained on it was another great recent discovery for me. I agree that its neglect is baffling and I prefer it to the more well-known VCs by Elgar and Britten, for example. In general, Alwyn is a really fine composer.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 28, 2018, 09:44:43 AM
Quote from: kyjo on August 28, 2018, 06:35:09 AM
Yes, that Chandos CD is really fantastic and the VC contained on it was another great recent discovery for me. I agree that its neglect is baffling and I prefer it to the more well-known VCs by Elgar and Britten, for example. In general, Alwyn is a really fine composer.
I totally agree with you Kyle. I prefer the Alwyn VC to virtually any other VC I know, including the one by Sibelius. Perhaps the Sibelius is the greater work but I much prefer the Alwyn. The BBCs negative attitude to Alwyn's VC probably is largely responsible for its neglect. Perhaps the greatest of all in my view is the No.2 by Pettersson and the No.1 by Shostakovich but I find the Alwyn just as moving in a different way. Malcolm Williamson's VC is another neglected yet very worthwhile VC. I wonder if you know it?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on August 28, 2018, 12:00:07 PM
Quote from: pjme on August 28, 2018, 04:14:51 AM
https://www.youtube.com/v/pyfnU5Bd5HI

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Buzko.jpg/330px-Buzko.jpg)

It seems difficult to find recent information on this enigmatic composer...and I do not read/understand Russian.
Anyway, I discovered "Lord Novgorod the Great" by accident on YT and have been listening to this symphony/symphonic suite (with mixed chorus and mezzo/alto solo) over and over again. Mesmerising! The big sweeping melodies are (very) easy on the ear, but for me the composition works as an aural vortex. Would love to hear & see in a concert hall.
I love the alto soloist in part 3 - a wonderfully huge voice, sweet, hot and grating at the same time....But who is she?

Yuri Boutsko (b. 1938 - d.2015) has devoted his life and art to adapting the old Russian chant (called "znamenny rospev") to modern times, while at the same time preserving its context and religious meaning. The znamenny chant is interpreted by Butsko as "the ideal of spiritual perfection, a goal to be constantly pursued." The composer has constructed an original system determining the "method of working with znamenny chant." The underlying principle of the system is a melodic scale extracted from znamenny chant (the ancient Russian tone-row). Although the scale is limited by the compass of a human voice, Boutsko extends it in by adding tri-tones [or trichords] above and below until the initial starting pitch is restored. The system is open and contains twelve tones. Boutsko describes it as a kind of Russian dodecaphony, applying a twelve-tone row extracted from Russian material. Boutsko's religious approach determines specific qualities of his music: extended durations, a continuous elaboration of each image or motive, and an absence of sharp contrasts. The ever intense 'tone' and the need to shape an exhaustive statement generate the quality of "extended time," sometimes to the extent of meditation.
Boutsko's music has been widely performed in Russia and many other countries.

Source: https://uiowa.edu/cnm/festival-composers

I. Вьюн над водой: (Плач) ....(shout or cry)
II. Ах вы, ветры: (Причитание) .....(lament or elegy)
III. Слава: (Величальная) ......(cheering or joy, glory)

Who can translate corrrectly? + Give some information on the meaning.....
P.

You post really rare music, and that is quite fine for me. Many thanks for this, it sounds very intriguing and exotic.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on August 28, 2018, 12:03:29 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 27, 2018, 11:14:54 PM
A work that has really struck me recently is 'The Taking of T'ung Kuan' by Jacob Avshalomov, for which I have relm1 to thank. It only lasts eight minutes but is a powerful, craggy, tonal and dramatic score which I have played many times since receiving the CD (a 1952 performance with Stokowski conducting):
[asin]B000JJSP72[/asin]

I saw somewhere Avshalomov was influenced by Chinese music (in fact, the title of that work seems Chinese). It looks interesting because for your description. Another new work to play. Thanks!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on August 28, 2018, 01:11:42 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on August 28, 2018, 12:00:07 PM
You post really rare music, and that is quite fine for me. Many thanks for this, it sounds very intriguing and exotic.

You're welcome. I love archives and go treasure hunting for the odd cd or book: car boot sales, second hand shops (I love old scores), the Internet....! It helps to be retired. I admit.
P.


Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on August 28, 2018, 03:38:05 PM
Quote from: pjme on August 28, 2018, 04:14:51 AM
https://www.youtube.com/v/pyfnU5Bd5HI

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Buzko.jpg/330px-Buzko.jpg)

It seems difficult to find recent information on this enigmatic composer...and I do not read/understand Russian.
Anyway, I discovered "Lord Novgorod the Great" by accident on YT and have been listening to this symphony/symphonic suite (with mixed chorus and mezzo/alto solo) over and over again. Mesmerising! The big sweeping melodies are (very) easy on the ear, but for me the composition works as an aural vortex. Would love to hear & see in a concert hall.
I love the alto soloist in part 3 - a wonderfully huge voice, sweet, hot and grating at the same time....But who is she?

Yuri Boutsko (b. 1938 - d.2015) has devoted his life and art to adapting the old Russian chant (called "znamenny rospev") to modern times, while at the same time preserving its context and religious meaning. The znamenny chant is interpreted by Butsko as "the ideal of spiritual perfection, a goal to be constantly pursued." The composer has constructed an original system determining the "method of working with znamenny chant." The underlying principle of the system is a melodic scale extracted from znamenny chant (the ancient Russian tone-row). Although the scale is limited by the compass of a human voice, Boutsko extends it in by adding tri-tones [or trichords] above and below until the initial starting pitch is restored. The system is open and contains twelve tones. Boutsko describes it as a kind of Russian dodecaphony, applying a twelve-tone row extracted from Russian material. Boutsko's religious approach determines specific qualities of his music: extended durations, a continuous elaboration of each image or motive, and an absence of sharp contrasts. The ever intense 'tone' and the need to shape an exhaustive statement generate the quality of "extended time," sometimes to the extent of meditation.
Boutsko's music has been widely performed in Russia and many other countries.

Source: https://uiowa.edu/cnm/festival-composers

I. Вьюн над водой: (Плач) ....(shout or cry)
II. Ах вы, ветры: (Причитание) .....(lament or elegy)
III. Слава: (Величальная) ......(cheering or joy, glory)

Who can translate corrrectly? + Give some information on the meaning.....
P.

I found this work list:
Compositions:
Opera
"Notes of a Madman" (according to NV Gogol)
"White Nights" (after FM Dostoevsky)
"From the letters of the artist" (according to KA Korovin)
"Venediktov or the Golden Triangle" (according to AV Chayanov)

Oratorio

"The Legend of the Pugachev Riot"
"Pesnoslov" (on the verses of NA Klyuyev)
7 cantatas (including "Wedding Songs", "Evenings", "Ode to the Revolution", "Liturgical Chants") and other choral compositions

Symphonies
7 for a large symphony orchestra
3 for the chamber (string) orchestra, including "Spiritual verse" (No. 3), "Ode to the memory of the victims of the Revolution" (No. 2)
3 symphonies for mixed composition: "Old Russian Painting" (No. 1), "From Russian Antiquity" (No. 2), "Mister Veliky Novgorod" (No. 3)

Concerts
"Polyphonic Concert" - 19 counterpoints for keyboards on the themes of the famous singing
12 concerts for string and string orchestra (including 4 for violin, 2 for viola, 2 for cello and orchestra).
3 concert symphonies (or "Double concerts": violin - viola, violin - cello)
2 piano concertos

Chamber compositions
Sonatas (for piano, viola, violin)
7 quartets
3 trios
The "trio-quintet" ("Es muss sein")

Compositions for Organ
"The Great Organ Book"
"Liturgical Music" (in memory of Maria Rasputina)
...and other works

Music for theater and cinema
Music for films, including the 13-episode film "Walking by Flour", "The Mistress and the Hooligan" (by VV Mayakovsky), etc.
Theatrical music: Pugachev, Mother, What to Do, Hamlet (Taganka Theater), Tsar's Hunt, The Last Victim (Mossovet Theater), Petersburg Dreams, Anna Karenina (Vakhtangov Theater), Puchin (Small Academic Theater), and others.

Vocal cycles
"6 scenes" by AA Blok ("12") for bass and piano
"Loneliness" by VF Khodasevich for baritone and piano
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 28, 2018, 04:29:02 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 28, 2018, 09:44:43 AM
I totally agree with you Kyle. I prefer the Alwyn VC to virtually any other VC I know, including the one by Sibelius. Perhaps the Sibelius is the greater work but I much prefer the Alwyn. The BBCs negative attitude to Alwyn's VC probably is largely responsible for its neglect. Perhaps the greatest of all in my view is the No.2 by Pettersson and the No.1 by Shostakovich but I find the Alwyn just as moving in a different way. Malcolm Williamson's VC is another neglected yet very worthwhile VC. I wonder if you know it?

I love the Sibelius VC, but it's quite overplayed, and there's no reason why, say, the Alwyn shouldn't be played instead sometimes. Probably because it's not "virtuosic" enough.  ::) I agree about the greatness of the Shostakovich VC 1 but don't know the Pettersson or Williamson works - must investigate. Other lesser-known VCs I've had great pleasure in discovering include those by Piston (no. 1), Wirén, Karlowicz, Goldmark, Atterberg, Röntgen (A minor), and Tariverdiev (no. 1).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 29, 2018, 01:00:09 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on August 28, 2018, 12:03:29 PM
I saw somewhere Avshalomov was influenced by Chinese music (in fact, the title of that work seems Chinese). It looks interesting because for your description. Another new work to play. Thanks!
And here it is:
https://youtu.be/UflLGcY4ZZk
:)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on August 29, 2018, 01:07:35 AM
Quote from: relm1 on August 28, 2018, 03:38:05 PM
I found this work list:
Compositions:
.....

Thanks for that info Relm.
On YT one can find several performances of works by Butsko. At least two symphonies, the Wedding cantata (an early work - Stravinsky's Svadebka was surely an inspiration), the Canon to the Guardian Angel, the Old Russian paintings suite and « Artist's Life » a capriccio for piano, Strings and percussion (2004).
I haven't listened to it all. Butsko seems to have a voice, a style / grammar that I like.
P.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on August 29, 2018, 01:15:35 AM
Thanks Vandermolen!


Quote from: vandermolen on August 29, 2018, 01:00:09 AM
And here it is:
https://youtu.be/UflLGcY4ZZk
:)

It was these lines from a poem by Li-Po which inspired Avshalomov: "came the barbarian horde with the autumn/ out went the army of the House of Han..."

https://keisersouthernmusic.com/compositions/taking-tung-kuan-fs
and
Born in 1919, Jacob Avshalomov spent the first 18 years of his life in China. He grew up learning music from his Russian-Jewish composer father, who had chosen to dedicate much of his career to bridging western and Chinese idioms. Upon relocating to the US for college, Avshalomov played percussion and cello with Portland Junior Symphony (later PYP) while studying conducting with Jacques Gershkovitch and attending Reed, before leaving for Eastman School of Music and service as an interpreter in WWII.

For Avshalomov's own first major orchestral composition in 1943 (revised in '47 and '53), he followed in his father's footsteps and took inspiration from a pair of anti-war poems by the treasured 8th century Chinese poet Li Po describing an epochal rebellion that nearly destroyed the Chinese empire to create The Taking of T'ung Kuan [modern Tongguan].  Avshalomov called it 'a battle piece' that 'sort of screams'.  While most of the piece does convey war's chaos and violence, the more pensive middle section may reflect the image of woman depicted in the poems worrying over her soldier-lover, "only to learn how futile all her tears are." Musically, it bears many hallmarks of Chinese influence such as pentatonic scale, counterpoint lines rather than a single melody supported by harmony, and foregrounded use of percussion.

Source/https://portlandyouthphil.org/concerts-tickets/more-about-jeremiah-symphony/

48. BY THE GREAT WALL

Came the barbarian horde with the autumn;
Out went the imperial army from the House of Han.
The general has divided the tiger tallies,
And the dunes of White Dragon are now
The camping ground of the brave.
The moon in the wilderness
Follows the movement of his bow,
And upon his sword the desert frost blossoms.
He has not even entered this side of the Jewel Gate
Pass.
But do not heave a
long sigh, 0 little wife!

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 29, 2018, 05:50:15 AM
Quote from: pjme on August 29, 2018, 01:15:35 AM
Thanks Vandermolen!


It was these lines from a poem by Li-Po which inspired Avshalomov: "came the barbarian horde with the autumn/ out went the army of the House of Han..."

https://keisersouthernmusic.com/compositions/taking-tung-kuan-fs
and
Born in 1919, Jacob Avshalomov spent the first 18 years of his life in China. He grew up learning music from his Russian-Jewish composer father, who had chosen to dedicate much of his career to bridging western and Chinese idioms. Upon relocating to the US for college, Avshalomov played percussion and cello with Portland Junior Symphony (later PYP) while studying conducting with Jacques Gershkovitch and attending Reed, before leaving for Eastman School of Music and service as an interpreter in WWII.

For Avshalomov's own first major orchestral composition in 1943 (revised in '47 and '53), he followed in his father's footsteps and took inspiration from a pair of anti-war poems by the treasured 8th century Chinese poet Li Po describing an epochal rebellion that nearly destroyed the Chinese empire to create The Taking of T'ung Kuan [modern Tongguan].  Avshalomov called it 'a battle piece' that 'sort of screams'.  While most of the piece does convey war's chaos and violence, the more pensive middle section may reflect the image of woman depicted in the poems worrying over her soldier-lover, "only to learn how futile all her tears are." Musically, it bears many hallmarks of Chinese influence such as pentatonic scale, counterpoint lines rather than a single melody supported by harmony, and foregrounded use of percussion.

Source/https://portlandyouthphil.org/concerts-tickets/more-about-jeremiah-symphony/

48. BY THE GREAT WALL

Came the barbarian horde with the autumn;
Out went the imperial army from the House of Han.
The general has divided the tiger tallies,
And the dunes of White Dragon are now
The camping ground of the brave.
The moon in the wilderness
Follows the movement of his bow,
And upon his sword the desert frost blossoms.
He has not even entered this side of the Jewel Gate
Pass.
But do not heave a
long sigh, 0 little wife!
My pleasure and thank you pjme for the additional info.
It was relm1 who originally alerted me to the work, surmising correctly that it was just the sort of crash-bang-wallop music which would appeal to me.
:)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on August 29, 2018, 07:30:06 AM
...then surely you like Bax' Paean !

https://youtu.be/9431PsC0Wik

Peter
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 29, 2018, 09:57:27 AM
Quote from: pjme on August 29, 2018, 07:30:06 AM
...then surely you like Bax' Paean !

https://youtu.be/9431PsC0Wik

Peter

Absolutely! Actually it features on one of my very favourite Bax CDs:
[asin]B000000ARU[/asin]
Nympholept, Christmas Eve in the Mountains and even the unpromising sounding Festival Overture are all excellent in my view.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on August 29, 2018, 01:51:58 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 29, 2018, 01:00:09 AM
And here it is:
https://youtu.be/UflLGcY4ZZk
:)

Listening to it now. It's craggy indeed, and ferocious with Chinese touches. I like it! Thanks for the link, Jeffrey!

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on August 29, 2018, 02:12:37 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 27, 2018, 11:14:54 PM


A work that has really struck me recently is 'The Taking of T'ung Kuan' by Jacob Avshalomov, for which I have relm1 to thank. It only lasts eight minutes but is a powerful, craggy, tonal and dramatic score which I have played many times since receiving the CD (a 1952 performance with Stokowski conducting):
[asin]B000JJSP72[/asin]


Leopold Stokowski!  What a marvel the man was!  Contemporary composers usually found great support from him!  Ever hear of Hans Barth?   He invented a quarter-tone piano in the 1920's and wrote music for the instrument, including a concerto.

Guess who conducted the premiere of his Concerto for Quarter-Tone Piano ?  ;)   Yes, Leopold!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 29, 2018, 09:45:57 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on August 29, 2018, 01:51:58 PM
Listening to it now. It's craggy indeed, and ferocious with Chinese touches. I like it! Thanks for the link, Jeffrey!
Delighted that you like it Cesar!
:)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 29, 2018, 09:47:29 PM
Quote from: Cato on August 29, 2018, 02:12:37 PM
Leopold Stokowski!  What a marvel the man was!  Contemporary composers usually found great support from him!  Ever hear of Hans Barth?   He invented a quarter-tone piano in the 1920's and wrote music for the instrument, including a concerto.

Guess who conducted the premiere of his Concerto for Quarter-Tone Piano ?  ;)   Yes, Leopold!
No, never heard of him Leo but will look out for his music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Capeditiea on September 02, 2018, 06:28:47 AM
Guillame Lakeu's Cello Sonata in F Minor.

i was looking up strange classical facts the other day and ended up at this page with strange deaths and such. Turn's out this dude died at the age of 24 from a contanimated Sorbet. So i was inclined to listen.

I was pleased. I want to hear more of his works. :D

but such a young age... and for a strange reason too. :O
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on September 08, 2018, 06:01:15 PM
(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/HA3045.jpg)

Le Buisson ardent

What an original and oniric composition. It captured my attention from the very beginning with its dissonant strings passage. This is a music that has mystery and some chaotic parts, but it's meditative most of the time. I also think it shares some ideas with The Jungle Book.

Being a first hearing I'm very satisfied with what I listened to.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on September 08, 2018, 11:13:24 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on September 08, 2018, 06:01:15 PM
(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/HA3045.jpg)

Le Buisson ardent

What an original and oniric composition. It captured my attention from the very beginning with its dissonant strings passage. This is a music that has mystery and some chaotic parts, but it's meditative most of the time. I also think it shares some ideas with The Jungle Book.

Being a first hearing I'm very satisfied with what I listened to.

Koechlin is a composer whose work I have come to appreciate in recent years.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on September 11, 2018, 12:56:10 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on September 08, 2018, 11:13:24 PM
Koechlin is a composer whose work I have come to appreciate in recent years.

Me too, I'm realizing how appealing his works are, with a quite personal voice.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on September 12, 2018, 07:18:40 AM
Once again I can't thank Cesar and Kyle enough for this. I know that I have been enthusing about Ruth Gipps but I had heard recordings of both her works before - in the case of Bax's Piano Quintet it had completely passed me by. I have both recordings on Chandos and Naxos now and love them both (the Chandos is about 5 minutes longer).

As I've mentioned before this has not been a good couple of weeks for me with the death of, an admittedly very elderly, aunt (90) whom I was very fond of but also a close friend from my student-teacher days in Exeter (a fine artist and teacher) and this work has meant a great deal to me over this period. One of my most important discoveries in recent years. One of the best things about the GMG Forum:
[asin]B0043XCKSU[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on September 12, 2018, 09:01:26 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on September 12, 2018, 07:18:40 AM
Once again I can't thank Cesar and Kyle enough for this. I know that I have been enthusing about Ruth Gipps but I had heard recordings of both her works before - in the case of Bax's Piano Quintet it had completely passed me by. I have both recordings on Chandos and Naxos now and love them both (the Chandos is about 5 minutes longer).

As I've mentioned before this has not been a good couple of weeks for me with the death of, an admittedly very elderly, aunt (90) whom I was very fond of but also a close friend from my student-teacher days in Exeter (a fine artist and teacher) and this work has meant a great deal to me over this period. One of my most important discoveries in recent years. One of the best things about the GMG Forum:
[asin]B0043XCKSU[/asin]

My pleasure, Jeffrey!

Music is a kind of comfort in difficult times, it has also helped me lately. It's gratifying to know you are enjoying or getting relief with the Bax because you appear a great human being, and one very kind. I hope things will get better for you in every sense.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on September 13, 2018, 05:04:00 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on September 12, 2018, 07:18:40 AM
Once again I can't thank Cesar and Kyle enough for this. I know that I have been enthusing about Ruth Gipps but I had heard recordings of both her works before - in the case of Bax's Piano Quintet it had completely passed me by. I have both recordings on Chandos and Naxos now and love them both (the Chandos is about 5 minutes longer).

As I've mentioned before this has not been a good couple of weeks for me with the death of, an admittedly very elderly, aunt (90) whom I was very fond of but also a close friend from my student-teacher days in Exeter (a fine artist and teacher) and this work has meant a great deal to me over this period. One of my most important discoveries in recent years. One of the best things about the GMG Forum:
[asin]B0043XCKSU[/asin]

Very sorry to hear about death of your aunt, Jeffrey! But I'm glad that music helps you!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on September 13, 2018, 05:04:45 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on September 12, 2018, 09:01:26 PM
My pleasure, Jeffrey!

Music is a kind of comfort in difficult times, it has also helped me lately. It's gratifying to know you are enjoying or getting relief with the Bax because you appear a great human being, and one very kind. I hope things will get better for you in every sense.  :)

+1
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 13, 2018, 08:24:17 AM
Quote from: Alberich on September 13, 2018, 05:04:45 AM
+1

+ 2.

TD

Today while driving I overheard on the Romanian classical music radio station a piece written for wind ensemble, of which I heard only the Scherzo and the finale. I swear I thought it was a 20-th century work written as a nod to the Harmoniemusik of yore. It was great fun and almost jazzy. I educated-guessed Friedrich Gulda. Surprise, surprise, it turned out to be the Octet from this recording:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51JpF0hob9L.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41zVEgaVwlL.jpg)

Back at home I looked in my music library and found I have it in this incarnation:

(https://img.discogs.com/sk2mJdPRJBN8XFdmv0jvQ2IKwzA=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3600246-1336896511-4660.jpeg.jpg)

so I know what I'll be listening to tonight.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on September 13, 2018, 10:36:30 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on September 12, 2018, 09:01:26 PM
My pleasure, Jeffrey!

Music is a kind of comfort in difficult times, it has also helped me lately. It's gratifying to know you are enjoying or getting relief with the Bax because you appear a great human being, and one very kind. I hope things will get better for you in every sense.  :)

How kind of you Cesar! Thank you very much and thank you to Alberich and Andrei (F) as well.

I think I've become rather addicted to that Bax Piano Quintet!

Thanks again.

:)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 14, 2018, 10:16:11 AM
Quote from: schnittkease on September 13, 2018, 09:08:54 PM
+1

An underrated composer -- did you know that he was friends with Schubert?

Yes, I knew that. The liner notes for the Consortium Classicum recording quote in full a letter he send to Bauernfeld when they were both in their 80s and in which he spoke warmly about their long deceased friend.

Even more remarkable, his brothers Ignaz and Vinzenz were also composers; the former wrote some superb trios for the unusual combo piano, violin and viola, highly recommended for Schubertians and Mendelssohnians.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 15, 2018, 02:31:10 AM
Not a piece but a performance. Again while driving I overheard on the Romanian classical music radio station Beethoven's 3rd piano concerto, starting with the 2nd movement. Live recording. Slow, slow, slow --- made me think of Pogorelich. Lots of rubato, almost Chopinesque at times. Caressing, velvety, lyrical, poetic and above all warm, all warmth --- never heard it played like that, honestly; I just loved it but for purists it might have been a nightmare. Then the finale: a contest between jovial jocularity and aggressive martiality, won by the former by a wide margin. A very idiosyncratic but imo splendid rendition.

Guess who?

Well, exactly: Mihaela Ursuleasa, Horia Andreescu and the Bucharest Radio Chamber Orchestra.  :)

Hands down the best version of this warhorse I've ever heard. Fortunately, on CD

(http://www.edituracasaradio.ro/images/prod/prod-1955-ursuleasa.jpg)

coupled with Mozart's KV 466 and Paul Constantinescu's Toccata as encore. Note to self: buy it first thing Monday morning.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on September 17, 2018, 03:21:56 PM
Two riveting works:

(https://direct.rhapsody.com/imageserver/images/Alb.236778833/500x500.jpg)

Cornelis Dopper - Symphony No. 7 Zuiderzee

An absolutely startling piece with an engaging melodic content. Did I say it is thrilling? Well, it is!


Ludomir Rózycki - Anhelli (Symphonic poem)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu86V9HQeOI&t=402s

I already knew his two hyper-romantic piano concertos (on Hyperion), and this work is on the same league, even more full-blooded impassionate. The recording is decent and it cries for a professional performance/recording.
Title: Sousa: Looking Upward Suite
Post by: arpeggio on September 20, 2018, 02:15:12 PM
I am going to violate one my rules an express a highly opinionated opinion like those who trash all the modern music they do not like.

I am a band junkie and I am going to commit sacrilege.  I am not impressed with the marches of Sousa.  They are extremely formulaic (As far as I am concerned he wrote the same march a hundred times), they are heavily scored and they are not the difficult to play.

One of the reasons they are formulaic that along with being marches they are also dance tunes.  A type of dance that was becoming popular in the late 19th century was the two-step.  One could perform the two-step with a march.  The Sousa band would frequently perform for balls where people would dance waltzes and two-step to his marches.  As a result all of their tempos were about the same.

As far a scoring is concerned they lack transparency.  This is a technical term we snotty musicians like to use.  I can best explain by giving an example.  When Mahler would orchestrate one of his symphonies one will notice during a performance that very rarely would the whole orchestra would be playing at the same time.  Most episodes would be performed by alternating groups of instruments.  I played the Mahler Fourth and it was like playing chamber music.  A Sousa march is scored by producing mass blocks of sound.  Occasionally there would be an impressive solo like the piccolos in Stars and Stripe.  The bassoon parts are very boring and covered up by the trombones and baritones.  His marches are scored so even if one maybe missing some of the voices in their band, they can still perform the march.  I know normally a band can perform one of Sousa's marches if they are missing double reeds.  I know some of the real musicians around here can do a better job of explaining is than I do. 

Even though the Sousa band was a virtuosic group their marches are difficult to play.  They can be handled by most high school groups.

Before you Sousa people jump on me for being an elitist pseudo intellectual snob I will state that I have just played a Sousa work that blew this snob away.  At our next concert we will performing real concert work by Sousa and it is excellent.  The more I listen to it the more it grows on me.  It is nothing like his marches and reminds me of Offenbach.  It is a three movement work called the Looking Upward Suite.  There is much more variety than one finds in one of his marches.  There is some really nice music in the second movement.  There is some interesting scoring including some duets between the bassoon and the oboe.  That would be unheard of in a Sousa march.  And finally it is extremely challenging to play.  The trumpets are having hernias trying to play their parts.  No wonder it is rarely performed it is a hard piece to play with many difficult passages.  Stars and Stripes is a walk in the park compared to this monster.

I have found links to a performance of the Marine Band.  Do not be fooled.  They make it sound easy.  I hope you guys find it as a fastening as I do.  The City for Fairfax Band will be performing it on October 20th at Fairfax High School at 7:30.  We will also be doing Holst's transcription for band of the "Mars" movement from The Planets,  Hopefully we will work out the glitches with the Sousa.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBheV3mX70Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBheV3mX70Q)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hj00O5acos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hj00O5acos)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1peF9TZjdqw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1peF9TZjdqw)

I love the second movement.  I am listening to it as I am writing this and I am freaking out.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: woofer on September 20, 2018, 02:37:04 PM
The Shosti "16th"
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on September 20, 2018, 04:19:47 PM
Quote from: woofer on September 20, 2018, 02:37:04 PM
The Shosti "16th"

Is that work kind of similar to the 14th Symphony?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: woofer on September 20, 2018, 05:49:16 PM
yes in some respects but the 14th sets poems by several poets and is for soprano and bass, the Michelangelo verses are single author and solo bass only with stripped down orchestra along the lines of the 15th.  I believe there are more recordings of the version for piano and bass rather than the orchestrated version.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: woofer on September 20, 2018, 05:55:01 PM
correction - it is a full orchestra but used more sparingly than in the non choral symphonic workd
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on September 20, 2018, 06:47:19 PM
Quote from: woofer on September 20, 2018, 05:49:16 PM
yes in some respects but the 14th sets poems by several poets and is for soprano and bass, the Michelangelo verses are single author and solo bass only with stripped down orchestra along the lines of the 15th.  I believe there are more recordings of the version for piano and bass rather than the orchestrated version.

Quote from: woofer on September 20, 2018, 05:55:01 PM
correction - it is a full orchestra but used more sparingly than in the non choral symphonic workd

Thanks for your kind replies. I will investigate this. Somehow I expect the extreme bleakness of Dmitry's last compositive period, which I find quite moving.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on October 07, 2018, 03:55:38 AM
BWV 31 Der Himmel lacht! Die Erde jubilieret, in particular the aria for soprano near the end, "Letzte Stunde, brich herein".
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: knight66 on October 13, 2018, 01:11:11 AM
https://www.amazon.com/Rotterdam-Philharmonic-Orchestra-Collection-CD/dp/B07C5H8DPN


Five CDs, live performances of and chosen by Yannick Nezet Seguin.DG

I bought this set a few months ago via Amazon UK at much less than advertised here. I kept it in the car for long journeys and only this week brought it into the house to listen properly. And I was and have again been blown away by several of the performances. The Mahler 10 is as good as I know of. The pain in it is so visceral and he also manages great tenderness. I suggest the conductor explores these extremes very completely, in this and in other works, yet it never feels worked up or artificial.

Just as good is the Shosta 4th and a really wonderful Bruckner 8th. Now, away from car and traffic noices, I can concentrate on the Debussy Nocturnes which are aptly fluid and entrancing. The Dvorak 8th is songful and lyrical, I enjoyed it very much. The surprise, a new piece recorded on its world premier, is Turnage's Piano concerto played by Marc-Andre Hamelin. Thoroughly enjoyable with a middle movement that provides a real change from Turnage's usual energetic style. It deserves wide attention.

I have for some time been looking out for Nezet-Seguin's recordings, so this was a real find for me. I would be very happy if more miscelanious groups of his performances find their way to us. This was like getting three year's major releases all at once.

Mike
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on October 15, 2018, 11:29:01 AM
A piece by Martinu, Sinfonia Concertante for Oboe, Bassoon, Violin, Cello and orchestra. Hickox and the London Sinfonietta. I am not aware of another recording of this piece. There is an earlier wo by Martinu called Sinfonia Concertante but it is a different piece. This one was written in 1949, I think

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81BJreWBpgL._SL1300_.jpg)

It is a really amazing piece. It has the general organization of a Baroque Concerto Grosso, but reimagined in 20th century style. The usual baroque techniques are there, tutti vs concertante contrasts, melodic sequence, etc, but with a modern harmonic intensity. Really a wonderful work. I discovered it along side another fine work, the double concerto or two string orchestras, piano and timpani, which is also recorded by Hickox, but which I think gets its best performance by Conlon and the Orchestra National de France.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Sergeant Rock on October 15, 2018, 12:26:31 PM
Quote from: knight66 on October 13, 2018, 01:11:11 AM
https://www.amazon.com/Rotterdam-Philharmonic-Orchestra-Collection-CD/dp/B07C5H8DPN


Five CDs, live performances of and chosen by Yannick Nezet Seguin.DG

Damn you, Knight  ;) That box is really tempting.

Sarge
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on October 15, 2018, 01:35:19 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on October 15, 2018, 11:29:01 AM
A piece by Martinu, Sinfonia Concertante for Oboe, Bassoon, Violin, Cello and orchestra. Hickox and the London Sinfonietta. I am not aware of another recording of this piece. There is an earlier wo by Martinu called Sinfonia Concertante but it is a different piece. This one was written in 1949, I think

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81BJreWBpgL._SL1300_.jpg)

It is a really amazing piece. It has the general organization of a Baroque Concerto Grosso, but reimagined in 20th century style. The usual baroque techniques are there, tutti vs concertante contrasts, melodic sequence, etc, but with a modern harmonic intensity. Really a wonderful work. I discovered it along side another fine work, the double concerto or two string orchestras, piano and timpani, which is also recorded by Hickox, but which I think gets its best performance by Conlon and the Orchestra National de France.

Curse you.  A Martinu work I do not have.  I just ordered it. ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Archaic Torso of Apollo on October 15, 2018, 01:38:21 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on October 15, 2018, 11:29:01 AM
A piece by Martinu, Sinfonia Concertante for Oboe, Bassoon, Violin, Cello and orchestra. Hickox and the London Sinfonietta. I am not aware of another recording of this piece

I love that piece! It seems to be obscure even to Martinu fans. It's Martinu in his best "feelgood" mode.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on October 15, 2018, 02:52:01 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on October 15, 2018, 01:35:19 PM
Curse you.  A Martinu work I do not have.  I just ordered it. ;D

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did (as as much as I will again this evening, hopefully).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 15, 2018, 07:28:32 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on October 15, 2018, 11:29:01 AM
A piece by Martinu, Sinfonia Concertante for Oboe, Bassoon, Violin, Cello and orchestra. Hickox and the London Sinfonietta. I am not aware of another recording of this piece. There is an earlier wo by Martinu called Sinfonia Concertante but it is a different piece. This one was written in 1949, I think

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81BJreWBpgL._SL1300_.jpg)

It is a really amazing piece. It has the general organization of a Baroque Concerto Grosso, but reimagined in 20th century style. The usual baroque techniques are there, tutti vs concertante contrasts, melodic sequence, etc, but with a modern harmonic intensity. Really a wonderful work. I discovered it along side another fine work, the double concerto or two string orchestras, piano and timpani, which is also recorded by Hickox, but which I think gets its best performance by Conlon and the Orchestra National de France.

I have this 2-CD set somewhere. I must pull it out. The best I can remember of this work is it's textbook Neoclassical Martinů. Apparently, there's two Sinfonia Concertante pieces as there's another one composed for two orchestras that has been recorded by Bělohlávek (on Supraphon).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: knight66 on October 16, 2018, 12:43:10 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on October 15, 2018, 12:26:31 PM
Damn you, Knight  ;) That box is really tempting.

Sarge

If you get it, let me know what you think.

Mike
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on October 19, 2018, 01:58:23 PM
Telemann: Overture-Suite for 3 oboes and strings, TWV55:D15, from the big Telemann Masterworks box.  This is so good! - the Overture like Bach at his orchestral best, the other movements perhaps more Handelian... the Loure is a gem, with a hair-raising and entirely nonchalant set of modulations in the middle (D major - B minor - F major (!) - E, A and back to D).  The Freiburg Baroque Orchestra do the honours.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on October 19, 2018, 08:22:55 PM
One of the groups I play with is the National Concert Band of America. Our next concert is on October 28th. One of the works we have programed is a work that is new to me. The Chorale and Shaker Dance by John P. Zdechlik. I am only familiar with one of Zdechlik's chamber works.


Link to recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUeft1Wehv0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUeft1Wehv0)

Link to information about work: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chorale_and_Shaker_Dance (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chorale_and_Shaker_Dance)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on October 21, 2018, 08:10:31 AM
Egon Wellesz, Symphony No 2. Wow!

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/6134yUQoWSL.jpg)

This is a work which, according the album notes anyway, is basically atonal but flirts with tonality. In any case, it is a work from the mid 20th century which very clearly follows the classical scheme for a symphony (Allegro, Scherzo, Slow movement, Allegro finale). The music draws from all of the compositional techniques known at the time to create what sounds like a "romantic" symphony with amplified intensity. The first movement has two distinct theme groups, reminded me a bit of a Bruckner symphony. The music is melodic, dramatic, at times shockingly dissonant. Use of the orchestra, especially the brass section, is revelatory. The second movement is a scherzo which consists largely of imitative counterpoint, both in the main section and in a central trio-like structure. The third movement is a song-like slow movement and the final returns to the mood of the opening movement, with in infusion of the imitative counterpoint that was introduced in the Scherzo.

I have come to think of this piece as one of the masterpieces of the 20th century. (I had a similar enthusiastic reaction to Wellesz Symphony No 1 when I listened to it early this year.)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on October 22, 2018, 02:47:37 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on October 21, 2018, 08:10:31 AM
This is a work which, according the album notes anyway, is basically atonal but flirts with tonality.

The first movement has two distinct theme groups, reminded me a bit of a Bruckner symphony.

Have they got that the wrong way round?  Surely "basically tonal, but flirts with atonality".  There's not much in it that would have made Bruckner's hair stand on end, if he'd had any.  And to my ears, the first movement has 3 themes, if you count that dotted coda-like one at the end of the exposition, so even more Brucknerian.  And yes, agreed, it's a terrifically enjoyable piece, and would make a great "guess the composer" quiz to bamboozle the averagely knowledgeable listener.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on October 24, 2018, 09:36:58 AM
Quote from: DaveF on October 22, 2018, 02:47:37 AM
Have they got that the wrong way round?  Surely "basically tonal, but flirts with atonality".  There's not much in it that would have made Bruckner's hair stand on end, if he'd had any.  And to my ears, the first movement has 3 themes, if you count that dotted coda-like one at the end of the exposition, so even more Brucknerian.  And yes, agreed, it's a terrifically enjoyable piece, and would make a great "guess the composer" quiz to bamboozle the averagely knowledgeable listener.

My impression is similar. A lot of passages seem like extended tonal harmony, but then things suddenly go haywire. Perhaps atonal in the sense of "I'll do whatever pleases me, including passages that seem to resemble tonal harmony, until they don't."

I'm going to listen to this one another time or two before I move on. Looking forward to going through the entire cycle, but not at once.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Omicron9 on October 30, 2018, 06:05:07 AM
I recently discovered Scriabin's Poemes.  Have always dug his PS, but these are new to me, and I have the CD on repeat.  This is the Ohlsson recording.  Recommended!

-09
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 30, 2018, 06:08:10 AM
Beethoven - Hammerklavier Sonata

How I could ignore this masterpiece for so long is beyond me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: JBS on October 31, 2018, 06:39:35 PM
Quote from: Omicron9 on October 30, 2018, 06:05:07 AM
I recently discovered Scriabin's Poemes.  Have always dug his PS, but these are new to me, and I have the CD on repeat.  This is the Ohlsson recording.  Recommended!

-09

Try Ponti.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on November 01, 2018, 06:08:51 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 30, 2018, 06:08:10 AM
Beethoven - Hammerklavier Sonata

How I could ignore this masterpiece for so long is beyond me.

I am not surprised.  There are so many great works it is impossible to know everything.  Like I have just recently become familiar with the string quartets of Haydn.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on November 01, 2018, 06:30:44 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on November 01, 2018, 06:08:51 AM
[...]  Like I have just recently become familiar with the string quartets of Haydn.

Although I may be ahead of you there, I am not way ahead of you  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Omicron9 on November 01, 2018, 11:07:17 AM
Quote from: JBS on October 31, 2018, 06:39:35 PM
Try Ponti.

Thanks for that; it's now in my Amazon cart.  How would you summarize the different performances?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: mr. mojo on November 02, 2018, 09:04:56 PM
I have in the last couple days been really impressed with a Dvorak Violin Concerto MONO on the Heliodor Label From Johanna Martzy with Fricsay Conducting and also the Scheherezade with Stokowski Conducting on the Decca Label. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on November 07, 2018, 01:22:01 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51kDskZZ0XL._SS500.jpg)

Symphony No. 1

This is clearly one of the most impressive revelations this year for me. What a stunning work! The music sounds so fresh, so invigorating, sometimes raw and with an incredible spark. I hope the rest of them will be similar or better!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on November 07, 2018, 05:07:36 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on November 07, 2018, 01:22:01 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51kDskZZ0XL._SS500.jpg)

Symphony No. 1

This is clearly one of the most impressive revelations this year for me. What a stunning work! The music sounds so fresh, so invigorating, sometimes raw and with an incredible spark. I hope the rest of them will be similar or better!

This looks very interesting. Musicweb is quite enthusiastic too. Where and how did you get this set? I can't find it on Amazon  :(.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on November 08, 2018, 12:54:44 AM
Donnerwetter!

https://www.youtube.com/v/WDm2wTyw_xM

read more onhis symphonies: http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2016/Sep/Sulek_symphonies.htm


Jan Kapr (Prague 1914-1988) wrote some eerily unsettling music. I love his seventh symphony - creepy in an unusual, poetic way!

https://www.youtube.com/v/rovupxmbCw0
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on November 08, 2018, 05:56:17 PM
Quote from: André on November 07, 2018, 05:07:36 PM
This looks very interesting. Musicweb is quite enthusiastic too. Where and how did you get this set? I can't find it on Amazon  :(.

I acquired this set in a garage sale. It appears that is not easy to get it, so I had to buy it immediately.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on November 11, 2018, 02:59:18 AM
BWV 70. It's almost as good as BWV 65. Almost.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on November 22, 2018, 10:38:10 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71JcaKeoH6L._SX355_.jpg)

Oh, holy God from the most majestic heavens!!! I'm thoroughly overwhelmed by this hyper-monumental and inextinguishably glorious opera!!! Oh God, a million thanks for bringing this world to Puccini. He was a genius of the highest calibre, and such a sensitive human being to give life suchlike apotheosis in music!!! It's definitely and without any doubt a work of supreme creativity, power, majesty, awesomeness, greatness, exoticism, colorful, and so on!!! Several tears of ecstasy were provoked at listening to this. What an unforgettable experience!!! Now I think I can die in peace  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on November 23, 2018, 05:26:28 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on November 22, 2018, 10:38:10 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71JcaKeoH6L._SX355_.jpg)

Oh, holy God from the most majestic heavens!!! I'm thoroughly overwhelmed by this hyper-monumental and inextinguishably glorious opera!!! Oh God, a million thanks for bringing this world to Puccini. He was a genius of the highest calibre, and such a sensitive human being to give life suchlike apotheosis in music!!! It's definitely and without any doubt a work of supreme creativity, power, majesty, awesomeness, greatness, exoticism, colorful, and so on!!! Several tears of ecstasy were provoked at listening to this. What an unforgettable experience!!!

This must be the most enthusiastic ode to Puccini ever posted on this forum --- not that there were many.

Quote
Now I think I can die in peace  ;D

And Puccini can finally rest in peace, he's been eulogized on GMG.

:D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on November 23, 2018, 09:42:13 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 23, 2018, 05:26:28 AM
This must be the most enthusiastic ode to Puccini ever posted on this forum --- not that there were many.

And Puccini can finally rest in peace, he's been eulogized on GMG.

:D

Hehehe it's true. I saw his thread and there are no many posts. He's not the only composer, though.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on November 24, 2018, 04:20:52 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on November 22, 2018, 10:38:10 AM
Oh, holy God from the most majestic heavens!!! I'm thoroughly overwhelmed by this hyper-monumental and inextinguishably glorious opera!!! Oh God, a million thanks for bringing this world to Puccini. He was a genius of the highest calibre, and such a sensitive human being to give life suchlike apotheosis in music!!! It's definitely and without any doubt a work of supreme creativity, power, majesty, awesomeness, greatness, exoticism, colorful, and so on!!! Several tears of ecstasy were provoked at listening to this. What an unforgettable experience!!! Now I think I can die in peace  ;D

This is one of my favourite posts I've ever read on this forum. I totally echo all of these sentiments. An utterly stellar recording of the opera too.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on November 24, 2018, 04:14:08 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on November 24, 2018, 04:20:52 AM
This is one of my favourite posts I've ever read on this forum. I totally echo all of these sentiments. An utterly stellar recording of the opera too.

It's possibly the best available recording with such a stellar cast. I think that all about this recording is top-notch.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Crudblud on December 14, 2018, 02:07:14 PM
Currently struck by the beauty of Schoenberg's Op. 26, which had previously eluded me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on December 14, 2018, 02:45:39 PM
Quote from: Crudblud on December 14, 2018, 02:07:14 PM
Currently struck by the beauty of Schoenberg's  Op. 26, which had previously eluded me.

We welcome all to the Opus 26, no matter when!   8)

For those who do not know the work:

https://www.youtube.com/v/NrtmTu1PxY0
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Daverz on December 14, 2018, 04:40:12 PM
Quote from: Cato on December 14, 2018, 02:45:39 PM
We welcome all to the Opus 26, no matter when!   8)

For those who do not know the work:

https://www.youtube.com/v/VUEj5q43nec

Fixed.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on December 14, 2018, 05:53:52 PM
Quote from: Daverz on December 14, 2018, 04:40:12 PM
Fixed.

Thank you!  I even checked it with a Preview!   ???

I have found a different performance: see above!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 15, 2018, 02:08:11 PM
Leroy Anderson's Piano Concerto in C major, his only "serious" (non-"light music") work. What an utterly delightful work, chock-full of instantly memorable tunes, wit, and charm! At just 20 minutes it is over far too soon. It would make a great substitute for the Gershwin concerto or Rhapsody in Blue on a concert program. It makes me wish he had written many more "serious" works, but I should probably give his "light music" a chance  :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: schnittkease on December 15, 2018, 10:18:29 PM
Did you know that Anderson withdrew the work as he felt it had weak spots? If you do choose to explore the light music, I can wholeheartedly recommend this release:

[asin]B000009HTO[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on December 16, 2018, 07:28:23 AM
Quote from: kyjo on December 15, 2018, 02:08:11 PM
Leroy Anderson's Piano Concerto in C major, his only "serious" (non-"light music") work. What an utterly delightful work, chock-full of instantly memorable tunes, wit, and charm! At just 20 minutes it is over far too soon. It would make a great substitute for the Gershwin concerto or Rhapsody in Blue on a concert program. It makes me wish he had written many more "serious" works, but I should probably give his "light music" a chance  :D

Cheers, Kyle! Try the Naxos series, it has several volumes of pure joy. My firm favorite is Buggler's Holiday.

Oh, and I disagree (sort of): his Piano Concerto is as light as his other works and his other works are as serious as his Piano Concerto. Writing genuinely light music is a serious business and writing first-hand light music is much more difficult than writing second- or third-hand serious music.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 17, 2018, 08:56:29 AM
Thanks for the feedback, guys. Seems as if I have some delightful listening ahead of me :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: JBS on December 19, 2018, 04:02:28 PM
Crosspost from the WAYLT thread
Anyone heard of Kurt Leimer?
Because as pianist and composer he contributes the most interesting CD in this sub-box of the Karajan Remastered
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Tcq-Nk45L.jpg)
He apparently wrote several concertos for himself to play as soloist. This CD includes the Concerto in C and the Concerto for the Left Hand, originally released on the Electrola label in Germany. The Karajan set seems to be the only incarnation available on CD.  Amazon has several entries for him in the Digital Music category, including this one which might be the same recording
[asin]B001L051U2[/asin]
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41AiD480vSL.jpg)
The Karajan liner notes say that when Strauss heard him play Panthenaenzug he was so impressed he gave Leimer the exclusive right to play it for three years.
I don't think the Concerto in C is one of the Amazon downloads.

At any rate, I think these concertos deserve being revived by a modern pianist. There is more than a little jazz evident, but the overall effect is sort of Gershwin meets Prokofiev.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 20, 2018, 07:08:19 AM
Quote from: JBS on December 19, 2018, 04:02:28 PM
Crosspost from the WAYLT thread
Anyone heard of Kurt Leimer?
Because as pianist and composer he contributes the most interesting CD in this sub-box of the Karajan Remastered
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Tcq-Nk45L.jpg)
He apparently wrote several concertos for himself to play as soloist. This CD includes the Concerto in C and the Concerto for the Left Hand, originally released on the Electrola label in Germany. The Karajan set seems to be the only incarnation available on CD.  Amazon has several entries for him in the Digital Music category, including this one which might be the same recording
[asin]B001L051U2[/asin]
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41AiD480vSL.jpg)
The Karajan liner notes say that when Strauss heard him play Panthenaenzug he was so impressed he gave Leimer the exclusive right to play it for three years.
I don't think the Concerto in C is one of the Amazon downloads.

At any rate, I think these concertos deserve being revived by a modern pianist. There is more than a little jazz evident, but the overall effect is sort of Gershwin meets Prokofiev.

Sounds delightful! Thanks for bringing him to our attention.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on December 20, 2018, 05:58:47 PM
I have been bowled over by Braunfels' cosmic, cathartic Te Deum.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/611DubOosIL.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on December 20, 2018, 10:10:41 PM


From The Guardian in 2008 - and I could not have said it better....

Half-Jewish by birth, Catholic by creed, and deeply opposed to the rise of the far right in Weimar Republic Germany, Walter Braunfels (1882-1954) wrote his Te Deum in 1922 as a reaffirmation of his own faith after experiencing the horrors of the trenches during the first world war. Conceived on an enormous scale, it's a monumental, powerhouse score that equates war with apocalypse and envisions peace as the re-establishment of God's kingdom on earth. Braunfels' idiom, richly coloured yet harmonically austere, creates an impression of great numinosity by means of unresolved suspensions and slow rhythmic repetitions.
Some may find the majestic optimism of the closing pages naive in the light of subsequent history, which saw Braunfels dodging the Nazis by retreating from public life into compositional silence.
The best of it, however, stands comparison with both Berlioz's Te Deum and Britten's War Requiem, which is saying a lot.
Conducted by Manfred Honeck, the performance features the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir, all of whom are on blisteringly committed form. The recording is far too reverberant, but it all makes for overwhelming listening nevertheless.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jan/11/classicalmusicandopera3
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 21, 2018, 10:45:14 AM
Quote from: André on December 20, 2018, 05:58:47 PM
I have been bowled over by Braunfels' cosmic, cathartic Te Deum.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/611DubOosIL.jpg)

I have yet to listen to his Te Deum, but I recently discovered his epic Große Messe, which is absolutely fantastic:


[asin]B01D5OY1VG[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on December 21, 2018, 12:17:24 PM
Quote from: kyjo on December 21, 2018, 10:45:14 AM
I have yet to listen to his Te Deum, but I recently discovered his epic Große Messe, which is absolutely fantastic:


[asin]B01D5OY1VG[/asin]

As the saying goes, I can't wait. But wait I will. Another listening to the Te Deum will take place first.  ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: PerfectWagnerite on December 26, 2018, 02:14:35 PM
This recording of Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat from the below box totally blew me away:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61%2BCUOUtp3L._SS500.jpg)

It features concertmaster Rafael Druian and principal violist Abraham Skernick. You talk about chemistry between the two soloist and there you have it. The violin and the viola seem like it is a single instrument. The slow movt might seem a bit plodding by today's standards but Szell makes it so detailed and transparent you hardly notice it.

Couldn't help but notice Rafael Druian was also concertmaster for another Budapest-born maestro Antal Dorati...
I wonder what it was like to be concertmaster to Szell, literally inches away from his baton.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: king ubu on January 12, 2019, 03:49:34 AM
Britten's violin concerto - first listen in concert last night, at Tonhalle (cond. Juanjo Mena) with Julia Fischer in great form.

Now have to check out some recordings, I guess. I have Menuhin, Haendel, FP Zimmermann and Frang and am inclined to start with Frang (i know where that CD is located  ;D - ah, ok, I see the Haendel is in the EMI britton box, maybe I start with that then).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on January 12, 2019, 05:23:54 AM
Going through the string quartets of Ernest Bloch, I have been struck at how powerful yet concise nos 2 and 3 are. Instant hits both.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 12, 2019, 06:54:45 AM
Quote from: king ubu on January 12, 2019, 03:49:34 AM
Britten's violin concerto - first listen in concert last night, at Tonhalle (cond. Juanjo Mena) with Julia Fischer in great form.

Now have to check out some recordings, I guess. I have Menuhin, Haendel, FP Zimmermann and Frang and am inclined to start with Frang (i know where that CD is located  ;D - ah, ok, I see the Haendel is in the EMI britton box, maybe I start with that then).

My favorite performance of Britten's Violin Concerto is with Anthony Marwood with Ilan Volkov conducting the BBC Scottish SO on Hyperion. You should definitely check this performance out. Also, if you haven't heard his Double Concerto, then please do so!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on January 12, 2019, 07:13:55 AM
Quote from: king ubu on January 12, 2019, 03:49:34 AM
Britten's violin concerto - first listen in concert last night, at Tonhalle (cond. Juanjo Mena) with Julia Fischer in great form.

Now have to check out some recordings, I guess. I have Menuhin, Haendel, FP Zimmermann and Frang and am inclined to start with Frang (i know where that CD is located  ;D - ah, ok, I see the Haendel is in the EMI britton box, maybe I start with that then).

Janine Jansen plays the Britten with an incredible intensity, especially in the final minutes. Her violin sounds as if it's crying. I also really like Daniel Hope's performance, which is paired with Berg's VC. There's a healthy amount of recordings of Britten's work, I haven't heard them all but it's a piece worth exploring.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/712MJmicUbL._SL1400_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51uuFNmqDkL.jpg)



Quote from: Mirror Image on January 12, 2019, 06:54:45 AM
My favorite performance of Britten's Violin Concerto with Anthony Marwood with Ilan Volkov conducting the BBC Scottish SO on Hyperion. You should definitely check this performance out. Also, if you haven't heard his Double Concerto, then please do so!

Hi, John. That's a very good album you mentioned, showcases Britten's ability to write so lyrically, and emotionally for solo strings. I recommend as well!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on January 12, 2019, 07:33:26 AM
Quote from: kyjo on December 21, 2018, 10:45:14 AM
I have yet to listen to his Te Deum, but I recently discovered his epic Große Messe, which is absolutely fantastic:


[asin]B01D5OY1VG[/asin]

Braunfels is another nearly unknown genius of the past buried by circumstances of history.

One Amazon reviewer gave a one-star rating because his download of the work malfunctioned!!!   ??? ::)

I wish people would understand that the rating is supposed to be for the performance, not for technical issues unconnected to the performance and the work itself.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 12, 2019, 07:37:24 AM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on January 12, 2019, 07:13:55 AMHi, John. That's a very good album you mentioned, showcases Britten's ability to write so lyrically, and emotionally for solo strings. I recommend as well!

Hey Greg, to be even more honest, I love the whole Britten Hyperion series.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on January 12, 2019, 09:11:04 AM
Quote from: Cato on January 12, 2019, 07:33:26 AM
Braunfels is another nearly unknown genius of the past buried by circumstances of history.

One Amazon reviewer gave a one-star rating because his download of the work malfunctioned!!!   ??? ::)

I wish people would understand that the rating is supposed to be for the performance, not for technical issues unconnected to the performance and the work itself.

The Te Deum certainly blew me away, the more so as it made its way to the last movement. The cumulative impact was shattering. The Grosse Messe is on its way - hopefully I'll get it next week.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 12, 2019, 07:28:09 PM
Each time I hear the majority of Debussy's solo piano music, I'm blown away, but this really goes for most of his music in general. The guy really has become my musical soulmate over the past year or so.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on January 12, 2019, 08:18:28 PM
Quote from: André on January 12, 2019, 05:23:54 AM
Going through the string quartets of Ernest Bloch, I have been struck at how powerful yet concise nos 2 and 3 are. Instant hits both.

Glad you're enjoying them, André! Bloch is such a fantastic yet underrated composer.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on January 12, 2019, 08:20:27 PM
Quote from: Cato on January 12, 2019, 07:33:26 AM
Braunfels is another nearly unknown genius of the past buried by circumstances of history.

One Amazon reviewer gave a one-star rating because his download of the work malfunctioned!!!   ??? ::)

I wish people would understand that the rating is supposed to be for the performance, not for technical issues unconnected to the performance and the work itself.

Yeah, I hate when Amazon reviewers give low ratings because of technical/shipping problems! It's so misleading for potential buyers of the product in question. ::)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: lisa needs braces on January 12, 2019, 09:26:28 PM
Variation 15 from the Eroica Variations is sublime (it blew me away per the thread title.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cxv7AnLYG4&t=14m05s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cxv7AnLYG4&t=14m05s)

The fugue afterwards is also great.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mandryka on January 12, 2019, 10:56:55 PM
Quote from: -abe- on January 12, 2019, 09:26:28 PM
Variation 15 from the Eroica Variations is sublime (it blew me away per the thread title.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cxv7AnLYG4&t=14m05s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cxv7AnLYG4&t=14m05s)

The fugue afterwards is also great.

A good example of Richter's piano style there, he makes a synthesis, a blend.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on January 13, 2019, 08:29:02 AM
Quote from: kyjo on January 12, 2019, 08:18:28 PM
Glad you're enjoying them, André! Bloch is such a fantastic yet underrated composer.

I have a quite decent Bloch collection, actually, but the quartets had always escaped my attention. I'm glad this is remedied now  :D . Yesterday I listened to the 4th quartet but didn't quite connect with it: a rather angry piece, unrelentingly off-putting. But that's only an initial impression, I'm not discarding it at all. Very often repeated hearings of such works allow me to penetrate the spirit behind the surface  0:). The middle quartets are those I preferred, by far, both in their language and construction, with intellect and emotions in perfect symbiosis.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on January 16, 2019, 04:23:28 AM
Quote from: kyjo on January 12, 2019, 08:20:27 PM
Yeah, I hate when Amazon reviewers give low ratings because of technical/shipping problems! It's so misleading for potential buyers of the product in question. ::)

Hopefully potential buyers will be intelligent enough to see past that. Like, if the majority of reviews are 4-5 star then you get just 1 or 2 one-star reviews, you just brush those aside because they're irrelevant. But yeah, it's immensely annoying.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jo498 on January 16, 2019, 06:45:03 AM
Quote from: André on January 12, 2019, 05:23:54 AM
Going through the string quartets of Ernest Bloch, I have been struck at how powerful yet concise nos 2 and 3 are. Instant hits both.
Is there still no more recent and available recording than the Griller? (1-4 only). After the very good recordings of the Zemlinsky and Hindemith quartets one could hope for a Naxos recording of Bloch's...
Get the piano quintets (esp. the first), if you don't have them already (hyperion).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on January 16, 2019, 06:55:19 AM
I don't think the Bloch quartets are a hot cd ticket. As far as I can tell, only the Portlands have recorded the 5th quartet (I don't have it).  I do have the piano quintets on Hyperion and know the first in other performances.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jo498 on January 16, 2019, 07:00:36 AM
Not super hot. But neither is a whole lot of other stuff that seems to get recorded.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on January 20, 2019, 01:58:32 PM
Dukas - La Péri

Such was my delight to hear this piece again that it was like if I had listened to it for the first time. This is gloriously gorgeous music!!! By listening this simply I can't understand why Dukas was too self-critical, it's beyond me. Sensuality, exoticism and lush orchestration competing with those examples by Ravel and Schmitt for citing some composers.

I loved this piece and how utterly gratifying it was.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 20, 2019, 04:36:06 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on January 20, 2019, 01:58:32 PM
Dukas - La Péri

Such was my delight to hear this piece again that it was like if I had listened to it for the first time. This is gloriously gorgeous music!!! By listening this simply I can't understand why Dukas was too self-critical, it's beyond me. Sensuality, exoticism and lush orchestration competing with those examples by Ravel and Schmitt for citing some composers.

I loved this piece and how utterly gratifying it was.

It's just too bad his oeuvre is so small. He threw out more than he published which is a real shame.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on January 20, 2019, 05:33:51 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 20, 2019, 04:36:06 PM
It's just too bad his oeuvre is so small. He threw out more than he published which is a real shame.

Quite true. I'm sure many of the works he destroyed had potential. We are fortunate to enjoy the few works that survived.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 20, 2019, 05:46:51 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on January 20, 2019, 05:33:51 PM
Quite true. I'm sure many of the works he destroyed had potential. We are fortunate to enjoy the few works that survived.

Indeed. He's much like Henri Duparc and Maurice Duruflé in this regard.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on January 24, 2019, 07:04:08 AM
https://www.youtube.com/v/BU6ysWUmwBI

Not exactly this version but the orchestral one with Simon Rattle and the Birmingham SO --- overheard yesterday on my car radio. Truly springtime-like, fresh, innocent and carefree --- it really made my day.

Honestly, I find this scaled-down version even better, and the accordion is to die for.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on February 04, 2019, 09:46:45 PM
Honegger, Prelude, Fugue and Postlude.

I have this recording, I don't know of any other modern recordings of the piece.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81hk2Eg1a%2BL._SL1500_.jpg)

(The recording is also available on a subsequent 2CD re-release.) I learned it was extracted from an early Ballet, Amphion, which seems to be equally obscure.

It is a beautiful work. It starts out with ominous harmonies from the orchestra, then a striking fugue, and a return to the material from the opening. I find it captivating.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 04, 2019, 10:00:44 PM
Yikes! Holy humongous image, Batman!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on February 04, 2019, 11:34:56 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on February 04, 2019, 09:46:45 PM
Honegger, Prelude, Fugue and Postlude.

I have this recording, I don't know of any other modern recordings of the piece.

I learned it was extracted from an early Ballet, Amphion, which seems to be equally obscure

Timpani issued "Amphion" some years ago. I listened only once or twice.... Still, a good idea to take that cd out of oblivion today. Will report back later.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51T3j43f4FL.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on February 05, 2019, 12:31:41 AM
Quote from: Florestan on January 24, 2019, 07:04:08 AM
https://www.youtube.com/v/BU6ysWUmwBI

Not exactly this version but the orchestral one with Simon Rattle and the Birmingham SO --- overheard yesterday on my car radio. Truly springtime-like, fresh, innocent and carefree --- it really made my day.

Honestly, I find this scaled-down version even better, and the accordion is to die for.
In August, 1995, on my way back from the Khanty-Mansiisk region in Siberia, I spent a few days in Tallinn and recall seeing Lepo Sumera in the Kloostri Ait in a small company, happily dancing & enjoying. We already knew his symphonies, issued by BIS. He would die in 2000, only 50 years old.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on February 05, 2019, 08:14:08 AM
Quote from: pjme on February 04, 2019, 11:34:56 PM
Timpani issued "Amphion" some years ago. I listened only once or twice.... Still, a good idea to take that cd out of oblivion today. Will report back later.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51T3j43f4FL.jpg)

I did come across that release, but at least on amazon, only available used for unreasonable prices. I could consider a download (they have lossless at Presto).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on February 06, 2019, 12:30:45 AM
I enjoyed listening to "Amphion" and "L'impératrice aux rochers", both written for Ida Rubinstein.

Amphion (written in 1929, premiere 1931) is an unusual work as it combines elements from ballet, oratorio, opera and "mélodrame". There's little real melodrama in this work : Récit d'Amphion (Discourse of Amphion) takes  only 5 minutes. I find it (very) beautiful, even if Valéry's text may seem a bit pompous today. The musical accompaniment is delicate and has echoes of Jeanne au bûcher.
Other fragments reminded me of early Honegger (Le dit des jeux du monde): the (brief) use of solo percussion + contrabasses, some solo lines in the wind instruments.
Baritone Olivier Lallouette has a 5 minute (stark & noble) 'Récit d'Apollon', the Muses are sung by 4 female soli.
I will listen again - at about 38 minutes it isn't a difficult or heavy task at all. I definitely would like to see Amphion in a contemporary setting. The myth of Amphion (and Paul Valéry's libretto) contains many elements that call out for visual effects: Apollo gives Amphion, an uncultered brute, his lyre. He discovers the scale, then music itself and, while playing, rocks and stones form a temple dedicated to Apollo, of course.
Valéry gives the plot a bitter twist. Amphion, now seen as an "artist", must disappear. After completing his work, the creative artist interests mankind no more.The muses abandon Amphion and Honegger's delicate Postlude brings the score to a sad and gloomy end.
I found the recording (made in Timisoara) lacking depth. The orchestra isn't in the top league either. Still, it's the only recording....
The purely orchestral score for l'Impératrice aux rochers is very colourful. This recording adds 5 more fragments to the Suite that Honegger devised himself in 1928.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jaakko Keskinen on February 11, 2019, 08:22:05 AM
Prokofiev's The Tale of the Stone Flower, it quickly became one of my favorite ballets ever!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on February 11, 2019, 08:30:27 AM
Rachmaninoff's 1st symphony, especially after attending a live performance last weekend.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on February 11, 2019, 09:00:05 AM
Quote from: pjme on February 06, 2019, 12:30:45 AM
I enjoyed listening to "Amphion" and "L'impératrice aux rochers", both written for Ida Rubinstein.

Amphion (written in 1929, premiere 1931) is an unusual work as it combines elements from ballet, oratorio, opera and "mélodrame". There's little real melodrama in this work : Récit d'Amphion (Discourse of Amphion) takes  only 5 minutes. I find it (very) beautiful, even if Valéry's text may seem a bit pompous today. The musical accompaniment is delicate and has echoes of Jeanne au bûcher.
Other fragments reminded me of early Honegger (Le dit des jeux du monde): the (brief) use of solo percussion + contrabasses, some solo lines in the wind instruments.
Baritone Olivier Lallouette has a 5 minute (stark & noble) 'Récit d'Apollon', the Muses are sung by 4 female soli.
I will listen again - at about 38 minutes it isn't a difficult or heavy task at all. I definitely would like to see Amphion in a contemporary setting. The myth of Amphion (and Paul Valéry's libretto) contains many elements that call out for visual effects: Apollo gives Amphion, an uncultered brute, his lyre. He discovers the scale, then music itself and, while playing, rocks and stones form a temple dedicated to Apollo, of course.
Valéry gives the plot a bitter twist. Amphion, now seen as an "artist", must disappear. After completing his work, the creative artist interests mankind no more.The muses abandon Amphion and Honegger's delicate Postlude brings the score to a sad and gloomy end.
I found the recording (made in Timisoara) lacking depth. The orchestra isn't in the top league either. Still, it's the only recording....
The purely orchestral score for l'Impératrice aux rochers is very colourful. This recording adds 5 more fragments to the Suite that Honegger devised himself in 1928.

Thanks for your report. I must say, the presence of spoken material does not attract me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on February 11, 2019, 09:26:08 AM
Quote from: Alberich on February 11, 2019, 08:22:05 AM
Prokofiev's The Tale of the Stone Flower, it quickly became one of my favorite ballets ever!
A gorgeous grab bag of melody isn't it? I prefer the suite, since the whole thing is long. A guilty pleasure of mine is the Varviso recording, which is schmalzy and wonderful.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 11, 2019, 09:47:38 AM
Quote from: Alberich on February 11, 2019, 08:22:05 AM
Prokofiev's The Tale of the Stone Flower, it quickly became one of my favorite ballets ever!

One of my least favorite Prokofiev ballets (along with Romeo & Juliet). I find it overlong and could do with a lot of trimming. My favorite Prokofiev ballet is a toss-up between On the Dnieper and Le pas d'acier. The Prodigal Son and Chout are also favorites.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on February 11, 2019, 11:54:13 AM
Quote from: Alberich on February 11, 2019, 08:22:05 AM
Prokofiev's The Tale of the Stone Flower, it quickly became one of my favorite ballets ever!

That is his only ballet I don't know yet. What recording did you listen to?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on February 11, 2019, 12:16:13 PM
Quote from: ChamberNut on February 11, 2019, 08:30:27 AM
Rachmaninoff's 1st symphony, especially after attending a live performance last weekend.

That's great ! A thrilling work indeed.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on February 11, 2019, 03:14:55 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 11, 2019, 09:47:38 AM
One of my least favorite Prokofiev ballets (along with Romeo & Juliet).

To the bolded text: ???
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 11, 2019, 03:45:29 PM
Quote from: kyjo on February 11, 2019, 03:14:55 PM
To the bolded text: ???

Well, it's true. I like these two ballets the least and it's not because they're popular (well...The Stone Flower isn't popular), but rather because I find the them overlong with some good ideas, but my interest begins to wane quite a bit when listening to them and this especially goes for The Stone Flower. I have found that I've lived with this music for many years now that my tastes have become more streamlined and, dare I say, I've become more discriminating towards certain works and composers. I simply can't help it, but it's just the way my ears have developed over the years.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on February 12, 2019, 12:35:17 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 11, 2019, 03:45:29 PM
Well, it's true. I like these two ballets the least and it's not because they're popular (well...The Stone Flower isn't popular), but rather because I find the them overlong with some good ideas, but my interest begins to wane quite a bit when listening to them

Try watching them instead of listening to them. After all, that's what they are meant for. Just saying.  :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on February 12, 2019, 12:48:40 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 11, 2019, 03:45:29 PM
Well, it's true. I like these two ballets the least and it's not because they're popular (well...The Stone Flower isn't popular), but rather because I find the them overlong with some good ideas, but my interest begins to wane quite a bit when listening to them and this especially goes for The Stone Flower. I have found that I've lived with this music for many years now that my tastes have become more streamlined and, dare I say, I've become more discriminating towards certain works and composers. I simply can't help it, but it's just the way my ears have developed over the years.
Yet you object when I say exactly the same thing about Debussy's orchestral longueurs  ::)

Stone Flower is certainly too long and a bit slack in places. But the suite is gorgeous.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 12, 2019, 07:45:08 AM
Quote from: Ken B on February 12, 2019, 12:48:40 AM
Yet you object when I say exactly the same thing about Debussy's orchestral longueurs  ::)

Stone Flower is certainly too long and a bit slack in places. But the suite is gorgeous.

Umm....no. It's not the same thing. You've made a punchline (or attempted a punchline rather) at Debussy's La Mer for a long, long time and have already ,more than anything, stated how you feel about this work. I think I'm allowed a 'get out of jail' pass for my comments on those Prokofiev ballets. I've only made two comments on them and compared to your endless barrage of insults hurled at Debussy's La Mer, it's absolutely nothing to get bent out of shape about.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 12, 2019, 07:50:30 AM
Quote from: Florestan on February 12, 2019, 12:35:17 AM
Try watching them instead of listening to them. After all, that's what they are meant for. Just saying.  :D

I don't really understand ballet or the choreography behind it and a lot of the ballet music I love (i. e. Bartók's The Miraculous Mandarin, Stravinsky's Agon, Debussy's Jeux, etc.), I don't really understand how they thought the music could be danced to. But that's just my uninformed, uneducated opinion. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: PerfectWagnerite on February 12, 2019, 05:07:05 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 12, 2019, 07:50:30 AM
I don't really understand ballet or the choreography behind it and a lot of the ballet music I love (i. e. Bartók's _The Miraculous Mandarin_, Stravinsky's _Agon_, Debussy's _Jeux_, etc.), I don't really understand how they thought the music could be danced to. But that's just my uninformed, uneducated opinion. :)
Apparently neither did most of the audience when the work was premiered. Stravinsky got Debussy trumped with The Rite of Spring a few weeks later with the same ballet company.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on February 23, 2019, 09:51:05 AM
(Cross post from WAYLT thread)

Maiden listen

Beethoven --- An die Ferne Geliebte Op. 98

No. 1: Auf dem Hügel sitz ich spähend

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau / Joerg Demus

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81BF0db%2B6QL._SX355_.jpg)

Great. Gorgeous. Exquisite. Superb. Splendid. Excellent.

Bottom line: I am blown away.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on February 23, 2019, 10:19:36 AM
Quote from: Florestan on February 23, 2019, 09:51:05 AM
(Cross post from WAYLT thread)

Maiden listen

Beethoven --- An die Ferne Geliebte Op. 98

No. 1: Auf dem Hügel sitz ich spähend

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau / Joerg Demus

Great. Gorgeous. Exquisite. Superb. Splendid. Excellent.

Bottom line: I am blown away.
Yes, a very fine work indeed. Schubert was aiming to out-do it with Einsamkeit, D620. I've been meaning to listen to them together.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on February 23, 2019, 10:24:10 AM
Quote from: North Star on February 23, 2019, 10:19:36 AM
Yes, a very fine work indeed. Schubert was aiming to out-do it with Einsamkeit, D620. I've been meaning to listen to them together.

Thanks for the tip. I know what I'll be listening to later tonight.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on February 23, 2019, 10:51:27 AM
Quote from: Florestan on February 23, 2019, 09:51:05 AM
(Cross post from WAYLT thread)

Maiden listen

Beethoven --- An die Ferne Geliebte Op. 98

No. 1: Auf dem Hügel sitz ich spähend

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau / Joerg Demus

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81BF0db%2B6QL._SX355_.jpg)

Great. Gorgeous. Exquisite. Superb. Splendid. Excellent.

Bottom line: I am blown away.
For once we agree on things musical!   ;)  Indeed, a wonderful piece in a wonderful performance....

"Diese Wolken in den Höhen,
Dieser Vöglein muntrer Zug,
Werden dich, o Huldin, sehen...."


Wunderbar!  :) :) :) :)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on February 23, 2019, 11:05:28 AM
Quote from: ritter on February 23, 2019, 10:51:27 AM
For once we agree on things musical!   ;) 

Alas!   :-*

Quote
Winderbar!  :) :) :) :)

That's the Catalan word for maravilloso, right?   :) :) :) :)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on February 23, 2019, 11:37:46 AM
Quote from: Florestan on February 23, 2019, 11:05:28 AM
That's the Catalan word for maravilloso, right?   :) :) :) :)
Maleïda correcció automàtica... >:(
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on February 23, 2019, 11:49:49 AM
Quote from: ritter on February 23, 2019, 11:37:46 AM
Maleïda correcció automàtica... >:(

Què hi ha en un nom? El que anomenem un'  rosa
per qualsevol alt' nom, farà olor tan dolç.


:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 24, 2019, 02:09:36 PM
I don't want to say 'blown away' as this adjective means my jaw dropped, but Roussel's Résurrection is a close contender. This work is hardly a revolutionary piece nor is it particularly innovative, but it's absolutely oozing with atmosphere and so gorgeous. Apparently, it was composed during Roussel's time as a student, so this was around 1902-03.

https://www.youtube.com/v/nfOHWRnxPsw
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on March 04, 2019, 04:04:25 PM
Some works have made that for me lately, among them this Piano Quintet by Vittorio Giannini. A composer often associated more with band music, he composed some relevant chamber music. The PQ could be easily associated with some styles, but certainly it works like synthesis between French influence (with the tonal Martin) and sonority of the late-romantics. The label is from the Australian MSR Classics.

I was gripped by it, I was at the edge of my seat, very stunned!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 04, 2019, 04:20:37 PM
I'll go ahead and say that Enescu's Oedipe has blown me away!

This recording in particular:

(https://d27t0qkxhe4r68.cloudfront.net/t_900/5099920883355.jpg?1461084723)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on March 04, 2019, 05:18:57 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 04, 2019, 04:20:37 PM
I'll go ahead and say that Enescu's Oedipe has blown me away!

This recording in particular:

(https://d27t0qkxhe4r68.cloudfront.net/t_900/5099920883355.jpg?1461084723)
Interesting. How will you and Andrei manage to fight over this?  >:D ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on March 04, 2019, 11:53:37 PM
Quote from: Ken B on March 04, 2019, 05:18:57 PM
Interesting. How will you and Andrei manage to fight over this?  >:D ;)

I've never heard it so I can't comment.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on March 05, 2019, 01:16:37 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 04, 2019, 04:20:37 PM
I'll go ahead and say that Enescu's Oedipe has blown me away!

This recording in particular:

(https://d27t0qkxhe4r68.cloudfront.net/t_900/5099920883355.jpg?1461084723)
Glad to read this, John. I was sure it would impress you... A masterpiece!

Quote from: Florestan on March 04, 2019, 11:53:37 PM
I've never heard it so I can't comment.
How very unpatriotic of you, Andrei!  ;) I really recommend this opera...It's noble, profound, moving and exquisitely written.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 04:56:57 AM
Quote from: ritter on March 05, 2019, 01:16:37 AM
How very unpatriotic of you, Andrei!  ;) I really recommend this opera...It's noble, profound, moving and exquisitely written.

I'm sure it is and I'll certainly try it some time.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on March 05, 2019, 05:01:00 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 04:56:57 AM
I'm sure it is and I'll certainly try it some time.
Good day to you, Sir!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 05:04:59 AM
Quote from: ritter on March 05, 2019, 05:01:00 AM
Good day to you, Sir!

Bo día, señor! Como estas hoxe?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on March 05, 2019, 05:07:58 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 05:04:59 AM
Bo día, señor! Como estas hoxe?
Preparing for a visit to the dentist in an hour or so. ..hèlas!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 05:09:24 AM
Quote from: ritter on March 05, 2019, 05:07:58 AM
Preparing for a visit to the dentist in an hour or so. ..hèlas!

Well, good luck then! In my experience, nothing soothes the nerves after a visit to the dentist better than Musica callada.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on March 05, 2019, 05:15:57 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 05:09:24 AM
Well, good luck then! In my experience, nothing soothes the nerves after a visit to the dentist better than Musica callada.
I'd rather have the job done without anesthesia than listen to Mompou   ::). But thanks anyway; I know your intentions are the best.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 05:23:40 AM
Quote from: ritter on March 05, 2019, 05:15:57 AM
I'd rather have the job done without anesthesia than listen to Mompou   ::). But thanks anyway; I know your intentions are the best.  :)

Jesus Christ, Rafael! When it comes to music I'm from Mars and you're from Venus, or is it the other way around?  :D

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on March 05, 2019, 05:52:20 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 05:23:40 AM
Jesus Christ, Rafael! When it comes to music I'm from Mars and you're from Venus, or is it the other way around?  :D
Some it seems...but we'll always have An die ferne Geliebte... :)

Quote from: San Antone on March 05, 2019, 05:39:24 AM
...and ritter's taste in music is also very different (like 180 degrees different) from mine.   :-X
Vive la différence!  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Dima on March 05, 2019, 05:52:39 AM
Quote from: Ken B on February 11, 2019, 09:26:08 AM
A gorgeous grab bag of melody isn't it? I prefer the suite, since the whole thing is long. A guilty pleasure of mine is the Varviso recording, which is schmalzy and wonderful.

I want to pay attention to the fact that the "Wedding suite" op.126 from the Stone Flower of Prokofiev is not an ordinary parts from ballet, but along with the 7th symphony of Prokofiev is the composer's farewell work.
In this suite, as well as in the "Youthful" symphony (the original name of 7th symphony), wise dramaturgy is hidden.
As a symbol of this, after the sorrowful music, there is a conclusion from his old composition called "The Swan" -
in other words, this is his swan song.

There is an outstanding recording of this beauty suite by Arnold Katz with the Novosibirsk orchestra that I can highly recommend:
https://www.amazon.com/Novosibirsk-Symphony-Orchestra-Arnold-Prokofiev/dp/B017IWNLAS/ref=sr_1_1

You can find it also on Spotify.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 05, 2019, 06:15:34 AM
Quote from: ritter on March 05, 2019, 05:15:57 AM
I'd rather have the job done without anesthesia than listen to Mompou   ::). But thanks anyway; I know your intentions are the best.  :)

Rafael and I have many favorite composers in common, but we have many differences as well. These differences are what makes the world turn. Without them, we'd all be clones of each other. This said, I'm trying to get into Mompou, but I'm not having much luck.

Edit: I have a question for you, what do you think about Messiaen's music?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 05, 2019, 06:18:02 AM
Quote from: Ken B on March 04, 2019, 05:18:57 PM
Interesting. How will you and Andrei manage to fight over this?  >:D ;)
Quote from: Florestan on March 04, 2019, 11:53:37 PM
I've never heard it so I can't comment.
Quote from: ritter on March 05, 2019, 01:16:37 AM
Glad to read this, John. I was sure it would impress you... A masterpiece!
How very unpatriotic of you, Andrei!  ;) I really recommend this opera...It's noble, profound, moving and exquisitely written.

I concur with Rafael. Andrei, you should hear this opera ASAP!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 07:51:38 AM
Quote from: ritter on March 05, 2019, 05:52:20 AM
Some it seems...but we'll always have An die ferne Geliebte... :)

And Telemann. And the Liszt megabox.  :-*

Quote
Vive la différence!  8)

Vivat, crescat, floreat!  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 07:58:44 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 05, 2019, 06:18:02 AM
I concur with Rafael. Andrei, you should hear this opera ASAP!

Thanks, John, I surelly will, but truth is these days I'm not in the mood for such serious endeavours. My life has been hectic and stressful lately and I really need music that soothes, relax, entertains and cheers me. Honestly, tonight I'd rather have Rossini or even a Strauss operetta than Oedipe --- actually, I'll have neither but that's the idea. When time will come, I will surely post my thoughts on it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 05, 2019, 08:03:53 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 04, 2019, 04:20:37 PM
I'll go ahead and say that Enescu's Oedipe has blown me away!

This recording in particular:

(https://d27t0qkxhe4r68.cloudfront.net/t_900/5099920883355.jpg?1461084723)

Forgot I've been meaning to listen to the thing for five years

[asin]B004LP15N6[/asin]

Oh dear.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on March 05, 2019, 08:11:50 AM
Listening to the thing on Spotify, I'd say it's worth it. ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 08:16:50 AM
Quote from: San Antone on March 05, 2019, 08:15:34 AM
It appears that ritter and I do have Liszt in common, so all is not lost.

8)

I know for a fact that he owns that box.  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on March 05, 2019, 08:19:53 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 08:16:50 AM
I know for a fact that he owns that box.  8)
And I know for a fact that I don't, yet...  :laugh:
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 08:21:36 AM
Quote from: North Star on March 05, 2019, 08:19:53 AM
And I know for a fact that I don't, yet...  :laugh:

Ask yourself: do you really need it?  :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on March 05, 2019, 08:29:00 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 08:21:36 AM
Ask yourself: do you really need it?  :D
Not any less than anyone else.  0:)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on March 05, 2019, 10:13:10 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 05, 2019, 06:15:34 AM
Edit: I have a question for you, what do you think about Messiaen's music?
I'm not sure whether you're asking me, John, but if so, the answer is that wonderful phrase of the English language: "mixed feelings'.  ;) Messiaen actually appeared on my list in the "Your top favourite 25 composers" thread, and also is one of my "Top 10 French composers". Having said that, there's much of his music I admire tremendously—mainly for piano—, some that I'm rather indifferent to, and some I cannot stand (it was me who described the Trois petites liturgies... as "Fauré meets Mars Attacks!"  :D here on GMG).  This might not be the right thread to elaborate any further, but at least you have the short answer.

BTW, I met Messiaen once and exchanged some (very brief) words with him  8); unfortunately, this was after a concert of one of the "cannot stand" works, the song cycle Harawi (with Yvonne Loriod at the piano,  8) again).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 05, 2019, 07:13:36 PM
Quote from: Florestan on March 05, 2019, 07:58:44 AM
Thanks, John, I surelly will, but truth is these days I'm not in the mood for such serious endeavours. My life has been hectic and stressful lately and I really need music that soothes, relax, entertains and cheers me. Honestly, tonight I'd rather have Rossini or even a Strauss operetta than Oedipe --- actually, I'll have neither but that's the idea. When time will come, I will surely post my thoughts on it.

Looking forward to reading your thoughts on this work, which I haven't finished yet. I plan a listen to the second disc of the set over the weekend. Possibly Friday night.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 05, 2019, 07:14:13 PM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on March 05, 2019, 08:03:53 AM
Forgot I've been meaning to listen to the thing for five years

[asin]B004LP15N6[/asin]

Oh dear.

Would love to know your thoughts on this opera as well, Scarpia.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 05, 2019, 07:17:02 PM
Quote from: ritter on March 05, 2019, 10:13:10 AM
I'm not sure whether you're asking me, John, but if so, the answer is that wonderful phrase of the English language: "mixed feelings'.  ;) Messiaen actually appeared on my list in the "Your top favourite 25 composers" thread, and also is one of my "Top 10 French composers". Having said that, there's much of his music I admire tremendously—mainly for piano—, some that I'm rather indifferent to, and some I cannot stand (it was me who described the Trois petites liturgies... as "Fauré meets Mars Attacks!"  :D here on GMG).  This might not be the right thread to elaborate any further, but at least you have the short answer.

BTW, I met Messiaen once and exchanged some (very brief) words with him  8); unfortunately, this was after a concert of one of the "cannot stand" works, the song cycle Harawi (with Yvonne Loriod at the piano,  8) again).

Thanks for answering my question. I feel similarly to you, Rafael. I just can't stomach a lot of his music --- it does absolutely nothing for me. Probably the only work I can say for certain that I actively like is his L'ascension (whether it be for organ or orchestra). One of his most gorgeous works, IMHO.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on March 19, 2019, 08:12:57 PM
Cross-posted from the George Lloyd thread:

I just listened to Lloyd's 4th Symphony Arctic for the first time (Philarmonia/Downes on Lyrita) and I am utterly BLOWN AWAY!!! My God, this man could write some bewilderingly thrilling, colorful, memorable music!!! The first three movements are fantastic, but nothing prepared me for the sheer gloriousness of the 20-minute finale, where one splendid, life-affirming idea follows another in a manner not unlike the finale of another great 4th, the Braga Santos. When I read that the symphony was inspired by horrific events Lloyd experienced while serving in the Arctic Envoy (?) during WWII, I was expecting a dark, tragic piece, but, save for the dramatic climax of the first movement which very effectively portrays gunfire, this is an uplifting, tuneful, and masterfully orchestrated work which demands to be heard. Definitely my discovery of the year so far!!!

Movements 1 and 2: https://youtu.be/2HpAqbdIpxQ
Movements 3 and 4: https://youtu.be/xo9GQLSRxG4

[asin]B000S75CB2[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on March 19, 2019, 08:23:01 PM
Quote from: kyjo on March 19, 2019, 08:12:57 PM
Cross-posted from the George Lloyd thread:

I just listened to Lloyd's 4th Symphony Arctic for the first time (Philarmonia/Downes on Lyrita) and I am utterly BLOWN AWAY!!! My God, this man could write some bewilderingly thrilling, colorful, memorable music!!! The first three movements are fantastic, but nothing prepared me for the sheer gloriousness of the 20-minute finale, where one splendid, life-affirming idea follows another in a manner not unlike the finale of another great 4th, the Braga Santos. When I read that the symphony was inspired by horrific events Lloyd experienced while serving in the Arctic Envoy (?) during WWII, I was expecting a dark, tragic piece, but, save for the dramatic climax of the first movement which very effectively portrays gunfire, this is an uplifting, tuneful, and masterfully orchestrated work which demands to be heard. Definitely my discovery of the year so far!!!

Movements 1 and 2: https://youtu.be/2HpAqbdIpxQ
Movements 3 and 4: https://youtu.be/xo9GQLSRxG4

[asin]B000S75CB2[/asin]

Quoteit is now widely accepted that, during the 1960s and 1970s, guided by the philosophy of Boulez, Radio 3 suppressed tonal composers such as George Lloyd,
https://www.newstatesman.com/node/150961 (https://www.newstatesman.com/node/150961)

I have not heard 4 yet, but am slowly exploring. I especially liked 5 and 7.

Update. Heard 6 and liked it. Started 4 and didn't. Might give it another try.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 20, 2019, 02:34:35 AM
Welcome to the George Lloyd fan club.

Whenever some misinformed self proclaimed expert bemoans the lack of tonal 20th century music, Lloyd is one of the composers I use to counter their claims.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Papy Oli on March 20, 2019, 07:56:04 AM
Quote from: Ken B on March 19, 2019, 08:23:01 PM
https://www.newstatesman.com/node/150961 (https://www.newstatesman.com/node/150961)


Thank you for the link, Ken.

I am now curious to explore Berthold Goldschmidt and Andrzej Panufnik.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on March 20, 2019, 01:26:39 PM
A recent discovery. Beauty!

https://www.youtube.com/v/g1zO6Zi1TYI

https://www.youtube.com/v/kL9WRv75qpM
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 20, 2019, 01:51:48 PM
Debussy's Blanc et noir has truly blown me away since the first time I heard it:

https://www.youtube.com/v/fRRB9fABhpQ
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on April 06, 2019, 12:31:39 PM
Quote from: kyjo on March 19, 2019, 08:12:57 PM
Cross-posted from the George Lloyd thread:

I just listened to Lloyd's 4th Symphony Arctic for the first time (Philarmonia/Downes on Lyrita) and I am utterly BLOWN AWAY!!! My God, this man could write some bewilderingly thrilling, colorful, memorable music!!! The first three movements are fantastic, but nothing prepared me for the sheer gloriousness of the 20-minute finale, where one splendid, life-affirming idea follows another in a manner not unlike the finale of another great 4th, the Braga Santos. When I read that the symphony was inspired by horrific events Lloyd experienced while serving in the Arctic Envoy (?) during WWII, I was expecting a dark, tragic piece, but, save for the dramatic climax of the first movement which very effectively portrays gunfire, this is an uplifting, tuneful, and masterfully orchestrated work which demands to be heard. Definitely my discovery of the year so far!!!

Movements 1 and 2: https://youtu.be/2HpAqbdIpxQ
Movements 3 and 4: https://youtu.be/xo9GQLSRxG4

[asin]B000S75CB2[/asin]
Delighted that you discovered this fine symphony Kyle. It is my favourite although Symphony 7 and 11 (which I've heard live) mean a lot to me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on April 06, 2019, 12:33:06 PM
Symphony 4
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on April 07, 2019, 04:50:02 AM
The Symhonie Concertante (1962), especially the central movement 'Tema con Variazione', and most of all the delicate aria section for solo violin and harp (there are eight variations on the theme from Valerius' Gedenck-clanck (1628): gavotte, sarabande, bourré, pavane, aria, menuetto, passepied, polonaise).
(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0003/868/MI0003868336.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on April 07, 2019, 06:16:41 AM
Quote from: Christo on April 07, 2019, 04:50:02 AM
The Symhonie Concertante (1962), especially the central movement 'Tema con Variazione', and most of all the delicate aria section for solo violin and harp (there are eight variations on the theme from Valerius' Gedenck-clanck (1628): gavotte, sarabande, bourré, pavane, aria, menuetto, passepied, polonaise).
(https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0003/868/MI0003868336.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
A vey fine series which should appeal to lovers of Vaughan Williams and Braga Santos.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on April 09, 2019, 09:19:01 PM
http://www.youtube.com/v/OPlK5HwFxcw

I'm speechless at this. Sublime is simply too short to describe it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on April 09, 2019, 10:37:40 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on April 09, 2019, 09:19:01 PM
http://www.youtube.com/v/OPlK5HwFxcw

I'm speechless at this. Sublime is simply too short to describe it.

What a beautiful work! Never heard of it and would never have guessed the composer. Thanks for posting this Cesar.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on April 10, 2019, 01:06:32 AM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgy_of_St._John_Chrysostom_(Tchaikovsky)

https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/tchaikovsky-sacred-choral-music

https://youtu.be/w_3-htU3Egs (the 1979 Obretenov version)

Superb, indeed.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on April 10, 2019, 01:11:03 AM
Quote from: pjme on April 10, 2019, 01:06:32 AM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgy_of_St._John_Chrysostom_(Tchaikovsky)

https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/tchaikovsky-sacred-choral-music

https://youtu.be/w_3-htU3Egs (the 1979 Obretenov version)

Superb, indeed.

Thanks for posting this. Interesting Gramophone review.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on April 10, 2019, 02:52:23 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 09, 2019, 10:37:40 PM
What a beautiful work! Never heard of it and would never have guessed the composer. Thanks for posting this Cesar.

You're welcome, Jeffrey! It was a real surprise for me too. It appeared to me as a suggestion on YouTube, and I'm glad it was so.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: king ubu on April 12, 2019, 12:36:53 PM
Grisey,  Vortex temporum

On my way home from a live performance ... hadn't heard it before. Outstanding!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on April 12, 2019, 11:56:10 PM
Yizkor 'Evocation' certainly made a big impression on me:
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on April 13, 2019, 07:33:29 AM
Quote from: Florestan on April 13, 2019, 05:27:06 AM
Earlier today, on radio in the car:

Boccherini - Symphony No. 26 in C Minor, Op. 41, G. 519, Akademie fuer Alte Musik Berlin

Sturm und Drang Boccherini --- blew me away!

This --- the second movement, Pastorale lentorello, is to die for.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on April 21, 2019, 10:49:33 AM
Besides the astounding Mosolov's Piano Concerto No. 1, this Holy Week has brought to me two rather mainstream works, which incredibly I never hadn't listened to before:

(https://www.universalmusic.it/dbcommon/file/cover/20012567029.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51-CUuGGYwL._SX355_.jpg)

Messiah is a quite charming oratorio, and now I know why it's regarded as a masterpiece from the baroque era. It's endlessly lovely, thoroughly life-enhancing and with some very moving moments (especially the ones on the part II). I'm not a fan of historical instruments performances, I much prefer a warmer and brighter sound, so this recording completely fulfilled those requirements. It's a majesticly radiant rendition, bringing the work in all its glory. Despite its length (a bit more than two hours and a half), I didn't feel tired by it, I might listen to it many times.

Cavalleria Rusticana is one of those kind of operas that appeals to me enormously. Man, this is simply fantastic! This music melted my heart from the very beginning, what soaring melodies!! This represents, undoubtedly, a vivid Italian scenery from the 19th century, with the most possible endearing music. I read somewhere that Mascagni had discarded the Intermezzo, but his wife made him change his mind and very fortunately he included it on the work. One can't get tired of such moving miniature. Yet another outstanding Italian opera, along with those by Puccini, my favorites so far.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on April 22, 2019, 05:38:26 AM
The Easter Hymn in Cavalleria never fails to lift the spirits. I always think of it as a red-blooded italian version of the Pump and Circumstance march no 1.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on April 22, 2019, 12:38:50 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on April 21, 2019, 10:49:33 AM
Messiah is a quite charming oratorio, and now I know why it's regarded as a masterpiece from the baroque era. It's endlessly lovely, thoroughly life-enhancing and with some very moving moments (especially the ones on the part II). I'm not a fan of historical instruments performances...

You should try the Colin Davis recording as well, which always seems to come out top of the non-HIP pops:

[asin]B00000416H[/asin]

I have both this and the Andrew Parrott, and return to both with equal, although different, pleasure.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jo498 on April 22, 2019, 01:13:27 PM
the 1966 Davis and the early 70s? Marriner/Decca are my favorite non-HIP-Messiah-recordings. The Marriner uses a somewhat uncommon edition though with a few pieces slightly different than in most recordings.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: PerfectWagnerite on April 22, 2019, 02:03:42 PM
Quote from: DaveF on April 22, 2019, 12:38:50 PM
You should try the Colin Davis recording as well, which always seems to come out top of the non-HIP pops:

[asin]B00000416H[/asin]

I have both this and the Andrew Parrott, and return to both with equal, although different, pleasure.
Not a piece I normally listen to but I like this version as I find most of the HIP versions rather dull:
[asin]B0000041Q8[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on April 22, 2019, 06:59:38 PM
Quote from: André on April 22, 2019, 05:38:26 AM
The Easter Hymn in Cavalleria never fails to lift the spirits. I always think of it as a red-blooded italian version of the Pump and Circumstance march no 1.

It's really uplifting indeed! And your comparison certainly makes sense.


Quote from: DaveF on April 22, 2019, 12:38:50 PM
You should try the Colin Davis recording as well, which always seems to come out top of the non-HIP pops:

[asin]B00000416H[/asin]

I have both this and the Andrew Parrott, and return to both with equal, although different, pleasure.

Quote from: Jo498 on April 22, 2019, 01:13:27 PM
the 1966 Davis and the early 70s? Marriner/Decca are my favorite non-HIP-Messiah-recordings. The Marriner uses a somewhat uncommon edition though with a few pieces slightly different than in most recordings.

Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on April 22, 2019, 02:03:42 PM
Not a piece I normally listen to but I like this version as I find most of the HIP versions rather dull:
[asin]B0000041Q8[/asin]

I'll be investigating your suggestions. Thank you.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on April 22, 2019, 11:34:07 PM
My first posting on this thread for good reason that until I came across William Wordsworth's 5th string quartet I have not listened to any new work that qualifies. I love the three Britten quartets which hold a special place, so when I say the Wordsworth 5th is like stumbling across a Britten 4th it is the highest possible praise. Paul Comway writes this work is suggestive of Egon Wellesz, which possibly it is, but for me the association is with Britten. I have not heard Wordsworth's symphonies but read they can be like the man himself, dour. The 5th quartet is not dour in any shape or form, but a work full of life and invention. The recording by Bob Auger is superb. It is criminal that as I believe this recording has not been issued on CD.

(https://img.discogs.com/UkDwZNgyCUVxWk1CNW1dwFv3CKg=/fit-in/600x592/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8236812-1457708006-3242.jpeg.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on April 23, 2019, 06:00:50 PM
Quote from: Irons on April 22, 2019, 11:34:07 PM
My first posting on this thread for good reason that until I came across William Wordsworth's 5th string quartet I have not listened to any new work that qualifies. I love the three Britten quartets which hold a special place, so when I say the Wordsworth 5th is like stumbling across a Britten 4th it is the highest possible praise. Paul Comway writes this work is suggestive of Egon Wellesz, which possibly it is, but for me the association is with Britten. I have not heard Wordsworth's symphonies but read they can be like the man himself, dour. The 5th quartet is not dour in any shape or form, but a work full of life and invention. The recording by Bob Auger is superb. It is criminal that as I believe this recording has not been issued on CD.

(https://img.discogs.com/UkDwZNgyCUVxWk1CNW1dwFv3CKg=/fit-in/600x592/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8236812-1457708006-3242.jpeg.jpg)

Interesting. I only know his 4th Symphony on a relatively new Toccata release and I rather liked it. I wish these quartets were on CD. Hopefully, Toccata label will record them, or Chandos might take the task.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on April 23, 2019, 11:29:55 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on April 23, 2019, 06:00:50 PM
Interesting. I only know his 4th Symphony on a relatively new Toccata release and I rather liked it. I wish these quartets were on CD. Hopefully, Toccata label will record them, or Chandos might take the task.

This is one of the few occasions where an LP collector is spoilt for choice compared to his CD counterpart. The third, fifth and sixth string quartets are available but as far as I am aware not one symphony. For obvious reasons searching for William Wordsworth on the net is a nightmare. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on April 24, 2019, 12:27:07 AM
Quote from: Irons on April 23, 2019, 11:29:55 PM
string quartets are available but as far as I am aware not one symphony
Apart from the new Toccata CD with his Fourth and Eight symphonies - which I don't know yet, but apparently Cesar does - there are recordings of the First, Second, Third and Fifth symphonies. I love the Lyrita CD with his Second and Third, that I received as a present from forum member Dundonnell (Colin) on his visit to Utrecht, ten years ago.
(https://d2duss065tgxcq.cloudfront.net/toccata/wp-content/uploads/20180501150240/TOCC0480cover.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71yM3ZDm%2B%2BL._SY355_.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/713svNAFQDL._SL1078_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on April 24, 2019, 03:13:18 AM
Quote from: Christo on April 24, 2019, 12:27:07 AM
Apart from the new Toccata CD with his Fourth and Eight symphonies - which I don't know yet, but apparently Cesar does - there are recordings of the First, Second, Third and Fifth symphonies. I love the Lyrita CD with his Second and Third, that I received as a present from forum member Dundonnell (Colin) on his visit to Utrecht, ten years ago.
(https://d2duss065tgxcq.cloudfront.net/toccata/wp-content/uploads/20180501150240/TOCC0480cover.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71yM3ZDm%2B%2BL._SY355_.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/713svNAFQDL._SL1078_.jpg)

I do not buy many CDs but I rather like the look of those. I will order one or perhaps all three. Thanks.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on April 24, 2019, 01:07:37 PM
Quote from: Irons on April 24, 2019, 03:13:18 AM
I do not buy many CDs but I rather like the look of those. I will order one or perhaps all three. Thanks.

I recommend all three discs without hesitation  :).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on April 24, 2019, 01:13:37 PM
Quote from: Irons on April 24, 2019, 03:13:18 AM
I do not buy many CDs but I rather like the look of those. I will order one or perhaps all three. Thanks.
I agree with Christo that the CD with Symphony 2 is a great place to start. I don't know the Toccata disc.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on April 25, 2019, 12:08:08 AM
I have ordered yesterday the Lyrita CD of symphonies 1 & 5 on eBay at a very good price brand new. The other Lyrita which Jeffrey recommends was even cheaper but second-hand and the condition did sound iffy. I will look for a new copy.

Listened to the 3rd String Quartet last night. A deep work which is not as immediately accessible as the 5th.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on April 29, 2019, 04:10:06 AM
I knew I'd seen a bit of conversation about Wordsworth somewhere. Well, it's inspired a listen to Symphony No. 3, which I have on the Lyrita British Symphonies box. The middle movement in particular is magnificent, with the haunting celesta solo in the middle, and the gong-enforced climaxes.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on April 29, 2019, 05:24:00 AM
Karol Szymanowski: Stabat Mater

1961 recording with Stefania Woytowicz (sop.), Krystyna Szczepanska (alto), Andrzej Hiolski (bar.), Warsaw Nat. PhO and chorus / Witold Rowicki.

Sumptuously beautiful!!!

"However, and this should be strongly emphasised, the external, at times ascetic severity of the musical shape and manner of expression are exquisitely combined with the inner warmth and subtle tenderness of the content. It is perhaps exactly that special, attractive combination of apparent oppositions – severity of form and tenderness of expression – which so easily moves the listener and makes audiences react to Stabat Mater with greater warmth than to any other of Szymanowski's works."
Source: http://www.karolszymanowski.pl/watch-listen/voices-and-orchestra/stabat-mater-for-soprano-alto-baritone-mixed-choir-and-orchestra-op-53-1914-1916/

Amen.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 29, 2019, 06:31:57 AM
Quote from: pjme on April 29, 2019, 05:24:00 AM
Karol Szymanowski: Stabat Mater

1961 recording with Stefania Woytowicz (sop.), Krystyna Szczepanska (alto), Andrzej Hiolski (bar.), Warsaw Nat. PhO and chorus / Witold Rowicki.

Sumptuously beautiful!!!

"However, and this should be strongly emphasised, the external, at times ascetic severity of the musical shape and manner of expression are exquisitely combined with the inner warmth and subtle tenderness of the content. It is perhaps exactly that special, attractive combination of apparent oppositions – severity of form and tenderness of expression – which so easily moves the listener and makes audiences react to Stabat Mater with greater warmth than to any other of Szymanowski's works."
Source: http://www.karolszymanowski.pl/watch-listen/voices-and-orchestra/stabat-mater-for-soprano-alto-baritone-mixed-choir-and-orchestra-op-53-1914-1916/

Amen.

Szymanowski's Stabat Mater is one of his finest works, IMHO. So far, the only part of Szymanowski's oeuvre that I don't like is his solo piano music, which comes across as a meandering and unmemorable.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on April 29, 2019, 10:13:41 AM
I'm not familiar with his pianoworks. I have Piotr Anderszewski's Métopes, sonata nr 3 + Masques, but haven't played it in ages....
Harnasie is another great favorite, and so is Symphony nr 4.

Peter
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 29, 2019, 11:09:22 AM
Quote from: pjme on April 29, 2019, 10:13:41 AM
I'm not familiar with his pianoworks. I have Piotr Anderszewski's Métopes, sonata nr 3 + Masques, but haven't played it in ages....
Harnasie is another great favorite, and so is Symphony nr 4.

Peter

I suppose I'll just list my favorite Szymanowski works since it'll be a lot easier for me:

String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2
Mythes
Symphony No. 3, "Song of the Night"
Symphony No. 4, "Symphonie concertante"
Harnasie
Stabat Mater
Litany to the Virgin Mary
King Roger
Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2
Three Fragments from Poems by Jan Kasprowicz
Love Songs of Hafiz


One of the more fascinating aspects of Szymanowski is in his use of ever-changing harmony. There always seems to be a restless and feeling of unease in his music. Of course, this isn't to say that the music doesn't have moments of consonance that help bind these more unsettled harmonies and melodies. This has always been intriguing for me and I've spent a great deal of time trying to figure out the harmonic structures of his music only to be turned around and slapped in the face with a chord I didn't even expect.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on April 29, 2019, 11:30:01 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 29, 2019, 11:09:22 AM
I suppose I'll just list my favorite Szymanowski works since it'll be a lot easier for me:

String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2
Mythes
Symphony No. 3, "Song of the Night"
Symphony No. 4, "Symphonie concertante"
Harnasie
Stabat Mater
Litany to the Virgin Mary
King Roger
Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2
Three Fragments from Poems by Jan Kasprowicz
Love Songs of Hafiz


We share the same tastes on this composer. I don't know the Love Songs of Hafiz and the Three Fragments, though. I'd replace Mythes with Veni Creator.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 29, 2019, 05:27:58 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on April 29, 2019, 11:30:01 AM
We share the same tastes on this composer. I don't know the Love Songs of Hafiz and the Three Fragments, though. I'd replace Mythes with Veni Creator.

Very good to know, SymphonicAddict. I couldn't part with Mythes, though. I love it too much. Do check out those orchestral songs.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on April 29, 2019, 07:48:28 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 29, 2019, 05:27:58 PM
Very good to know, SymphonicAddict. I couldn't part with Mythes, though. I love it too much. Do check out those orchestral songs.

I've already put an eye on some recordings of them. I hope to be enthralled by that music!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on April 29, 2019, 09:57:56 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 29, 2019, 11:09:22 AM
I suppose I'll just list my favorite Szymanowski works since it'll be a lot easier for me:

String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2
Mythes
Symphony No. 3, "Song of the Night"
Symphony No. 4, "Symphonie concertante"
Harnasie
Stabat Mater
Litany to the Virgin Mary
King Roger
Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2
Three Fragments from Poems by Jan Kasprowicz
Love Songs of Hafiz


One of the more fascinating aspects of Szymanowski is in his use of ever-changing harmony. There always seems to be a restless and feeling of unease in his music. Of course, this isn't to say that the music doesn't have moments of consonance that help bind these more unsettled harmonies and melodies. This has always been intriguing for me and I've spent a great deal of time trying to figure out the harmonic structures of his music only to be turned around and slapped in the face with a chord I didn't even expect.

I don't know much of Szymanowski's work but like everything I've heard, especially the beautiful Stabat Mater, Litany to the Virgin Mary and the Symphony 3.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on April 30, 2019, 01:04:57 AM
Szymanowski's music sounds (hyper?) refined, not only in the harmonic-tonal structures, but also in the search for (luxurious)"texture" and instrumentation (tremoloes, arpeggios, glissandoes, trills, figurations..sul ponticello, the combination of piano & 2 harps in the first violinconcerto....etc.). Ravel, Debussy and Scriabin et. al. were equally superb sound jewellers. Szymanowski very often manages to produce a very individual "brew" of exotic/impressionistic/Polish folksong infused/ Art Nouveau-like hot house symbolism...which I find ever so intoxicating.

The voice of Jadwiga Rappé helps to get blown away....

https://www.youtube.com/v/X5tQABxWfjU


Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 30, 2019, 11:23:48 AM
Quote from: pjme on April 30, 2019, 01:04:57 AM
Szymanowski's music sounds (hyper?) refined, not only in the harmonic-tonal structures, but also in the search for (luxurious)"texture" and instrumentation (tremoloes, arpeggios, glissandoes, trills, figurations..sul ponticello, the combination of piano & 2 harps in the first violinconcerto....etc.). Ravel, Debussy and Scriabin et. al. were equally superb sound jewellers. Szymanowski very often manages to produce a very individual "brew" of exotic/impressionistic/Polish folksong infused/ Art Nouveau-like hot house symbolism...which I find ever so intoxicating.

The voice of Jadwiga Rappé helps to get blown away....

https://www.youtube.com/v/X5tQABxWfjU

To the bolded text, you said a mouthful there and I completely concur. 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: mus_gique on May 06, 2019, 01:15:18 PM
I've recently found a young talented composer Dmytro Gordon, who was supported at some crowdfunding platform for musicians. He's a blast! They'll release a video with him soon, but the track is now on streaming, it's called "Waltzing With Life". I think it's an amazing idea to compare classical music and modern approach in the video with a clown theme https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YL_q3ZOLLA
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on May 13, 2019, 09:37:18 AM
Dmytro Illich Hordon (Ukrainian: Дмитро Ілліч Гордон), born October 21, 1967, Kyiv, is a Ukrainian writer, journalist, TV presenter and singer. He is also the editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Boulevard" (from June, 1995), later – "Gordon Boulevard".


(https://2warpstoneptune.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/dead-clown1.jpg?w=244&h=250&zoom=2)

Apparently there's another Gordon (junior??) at work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on May 14, 2019, 07:54:06 AM
Rachmaninoff - Vespers

in this performance:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51OYyqSOIoL._SS500.jpg)

I heard it on my car radio last week and I was mesmerized by its sheer beauty. Rachmaninoff was a devout Orthodox Christian and it shows. I am familiar with the Orthodox church music and I can safely say this is a monumental achievement in this respect, right there with Bortniansky's Sacred Concertos, Tchaikovsky's Liturgy of St. John Chrisostom and Pavel Chesnokov's works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on May 14, 2019, 11:30:37 AM
Quote from: Florestan on May 14, 2019, 07:54:06 AM
Rachmaninoff - Vespers

in this performance:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51OYyqSOIoL._SS500.jpg)

I heard it on my car radio last week and I was mesmerized by its sheer beauty. Rachmaninoff was a devout Orthodox Christian and it shows. I am familiar with the Orthodox church music and I can safely say this is a monumental achievement in this respect, right there with Bortniansky's Sacred Concertos, Tchaikovsky's Liturgy of St. John Chrisostom and Pavel Chesnokov's works.

I listened to Vespers some time ago, but I must confess I wasn't impressed. After some minutes, I got a little tired. I know it's my fault. Maybe I didn't listen to the right performance.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on May 14, 2019, 11:48:16 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on May 14, 2019, 11:30:37 AM
I listened to Vespers some time ago, but I must confess I wasn't impressed. After some minutes, I got a little tired. I know it's my fault. Maybe I didn't listen to the right performance.

Don't know about the right performance. I'd say it's all about the right state of mind. Let go all your Western prejudices expectations about what, and how, sacred music should sound. Just listen. You don't have to understand any single word. Just listen.

Then ccome back and post your sincere reaction. Please do.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on May 15, 2019, 05:14:17 AM
For my part -being a heathen  -I'm bowled over by this music, as I am by Bach's cantatas.

May I recommend this highly?

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61VIebMfH5L._SY355_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 16, 2019, 09:22:20 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on April 29, 2019, 11:30:01 AM
We share the same tastes on this composer. I don't know the Love Songs of Hafiz and the Three Fragments, though. I'd replace Mythes with Veni Creator.

You must hear Love Songs of Hafiz - such sensually gorgeous and exotic music! It reminded me of another "exotic" orchestral song cycle written around the same time by another Eastern European composer - Martinu's Magic Nights.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 16, 2019, 09:34:37 PM
Out of many wonderful recent discoveries and re-discoveries, I thought I'd mention the absolutely lovely Quintet in F major for the unusual combination of oboe, string trio, and piano by Theodore Dubois, featured on this CD:

[asin]B000QFBW2Y[/asin]

This is exactly the type of melodic and elegant (yet not without depth) French Romanticism that I cherish. Dubois shows himself to be a melodist nearly on the level of Saint-Saens, which is no small feat. Gorgeous! Now off to explore more Dubois...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on May 17, 2019, 06:43:28 AM
Love that disc, too. Dubois is a second-rank, but high quality composer. The Palazatto BruZane book/discs is a very nice complement (3 discs), but I especially recommend this superb release from François-Zavier Roth-Les Siècles:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71cJhTeLkWL._SX522_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on May 17, 2019, 08:24:55 AM
Quote from: The new erato on May 15, 2019, 05:14:17 AM
For my part -being a heathen  -I'm bowled over by this music, as I am by Bach's cantatas.

Maybe you're less of a heathen than you think you are...

Quote
May I recommend this highly?

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61VIebMfH5L._SY355_.jpg)

To the wishlist it goes.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on May 17, 2019, 08:27:16 AM
Quote from: André on May 17, 2019, 06:43:28 AM
Dubois is a second-rank, but high quality composer.

Just like Richard Strauss, right?  :laugh:
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on May 17, 2019, 09:34:08 AM
Quote from: Florestan on May 17, 2019, 08:27:16 AM
Just like Richard Strauss, right?  :laugh:
'second-rank, but dull' carries a slightly different meaning.  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 17, 2019, 07:06:11 PM
Quote from: kyjo on May 16, 2019, 09:22:20 PM
You must hear Love Songs of Hafiz - such sensually gorgeous and exotic music! It reminded me of another "exotic" orchestral song cycle written around the same time by another Eastern European composer - Martinu's Magic Nights.

Absolutely adore Martinů's Magic Nights, but let's not forget Nipponari as well, which is another gorgeous song cycle from him.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on May 18, 2019, 06:26:53 PM
Quote from: kyjo on May 16, 2019, 09:22:20 PM
You must hear Love Songs of Hafiz - such sensually gorgeous and exotic music! It reminded me of another "exotic" orchestral song cycle written around the same time by another Eastern European composer - Martinu's Magic Nights.

Sure, it's awaiting for me on my listening list!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on May 18, 2019, 06:27:59 PM
Quote from: Christo on May 17, 2019, 09:34:08 AM
'second-rank, but dull' carries a slightly different meaning.  8)

'second-rank, but dull according to me' should be the correct sentence.  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 18, 2019, 08:37:09 PM
Quote from: André on May 17, 2019, 06:43:28 AM
Love that disc, too. Dubois is a second-rank, but high quality composer. The Palazatto BruZane book/discs is a very nice complement (3 discs), but I especially recommend this superb release from François-Zavier Roth-Les Siècles:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71cJhTeLkWL._SX522_.jpg)

Thanks, André. I'll be checking that disc out soon!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 18, 2019, 08:38:22 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 17, 2019, 07:06:11 PM
Absolutely adore Martinů's Magic Nights, but let's not forget Nipponari as well, which is another gorgeous song cycle from him.

Ah yes, you've reminded me that I need to listen to Nipponari!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 18, 2019, 08:42:55 PM
Quote from: kyjo on May 18, 2019, 08:38:22 PM
Ah yes, you've reminded me that I need to listen to Nipponari!

8) Would love to know what you think about it once you've heard it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 31, 2019, 05:11:06 AM
Not a first listen, but a rediscovery - the wonderful Chants d'Auvergne by Joseph Canteloube. It's such gorgeous, evocative, magical music of great rustic charm. It's some of the most instantly appealing vocal music I know, due in no small part to Canteloube's colorful, glittering orchestration which features bucolic woodwind solos and a prominent piano part (something I always love). Of course, the well-known Baïlèro is a highlight, but every song is treasurable. I listened to this superb Naxos recording (the first of two discs of the collection of Chants), featuring the wonderfully pure-voiced Véronique Gens, who brings out the innocent charm of this music and resists any temptation to make it unnecessarily operatic:

[asin]B00068VQAY[/asin]

Though these Chants have been recorded multiple times, the rest of Canteloube's output, including multiple operas, tone poems, piano works, and other vocal works, languishes in obscurity. I'd certainly like to hear more of it!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on May 31, 2019, 06:12:51 AM
Quote from: kyjo on May 31, 2019, 05:11:06 AM
Not a first listen, but a rediscovery - the wonderful Chants d'Auvergne by Joseph Canteloube. It's such gorgeous, evocative, magical music of great rustic charm. It's some of the most instantly appealing vocal music I know, due in no small part to Canteloube's colorful, glittering orchestration which features bucolic woodwind solos and a prominent piano part (something I always love). Of course, the well-known Baïlèro is a highlight, but every song is treasurable. I listened to this superb Naxos recording (the first of two discs of the collection of Chants), featuring the wonderfully pure-voiced Véronique Gens, who brings out the innocent charm of this music and resists any temptation to make it unnecessarily operatic:

[asin]B00068VQAY[/asin]

Though these Chants have been recorded multiple times, the rest of Canteloube's output, including multiple operas, tone poems, piano works, and other vocal works, languishes in obscurity. I'd certainly like to hear more of it!



May I offer this recommendation?

;)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61jZRfV3qAL.jpg)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 31, 2019, 06:19:30 AM
Quote from: André on May 31, 2019, 06:12:51 AM


May I offer this recommendation?

;)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61jZRfV3qAL.jpg)

Thanks, André - I do remember coming across that disc before. It has glowing reviews on Amazon.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on May 31, 2019, 07:23:56 AM
Quote from: André on May 31, 2019, 06:12:51 AM


May I offer this recommendation?

;)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61jZRfV3qAL.jpg)

A lovely CD!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on June 03, 2019, 11:55:31 PM
Patrick Hadley: "The Trees So High - Vernon Hadley, LPO. Lyrita & Matthias Bamert, Philharmonia. Chandos.

Frank Howes in his book "The English Musical Renaissance" provide some analytical notes: So, too, in a more formal way, is "The Trees So High" a choral symphony, though more in the shape of Mendelssohn's Lobgesang, consisting as it does of three instrumental movements, "three independent brooks" (though thematically related in their derivation from the tune of the ballad) "which flow into one stream of the last movement", where soloist and chorus sing the actual ballad. These uses of symphonic form in vocal composition are the most original feature of Hadley's work and by them he overcomes the well-known recalcitrance of folk-song and symphony to each other.

(https://www.audiophileusa.com/covers400water/8000.jpg)

The Lyrita, recorded at the Kingsway Hall are not the usual sound engineers but by John Dunkerley and Colin Moorfoot.  I would put this recording in the top three for quality of sound for this label. "Trees" is a very nuanced work and the detail caught by the engineers is top-draw. In comparison the Chandos sounds slightly veiled and less open. I thought Handley shaded the performance too, with smoother flow. The Lyrita does not win on all counts though, as there are two important advantages with the Chandos set. I tend to avoid choral works, but here the vocal element is wonderful and the Philharmonia Chorus come into their own. I actually got goose bumps listening to their rendition. Secondly, the Chandos double CD also includes three works from an even more obscure British composer, Philip Sainton. This is worth price of admission alone.
I refuse to prevaricate so my advice if you are tempted (If you like RVW you should be) - get them both! No sitting on the fence from me. 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on June 04, 2019, 02:38:27 AM
Quote from: kyjo on May 31, 2019, 06:19:30 AM
Thanks, André - I do remember coming across that disc before. It has glowing reviews on Amazon.

On YT one can listen to a 1962 radio performance of Canteloube's opera "Le mas" (written ca 1911-1913, premiered in 1929).
Most of the singers (Vessières, Voli) are very good with superb diction. But as a whole this 57-year old recording isn't very convincing to my ears: recessed orchestra & chorus, a pompous/sentimental/dated style that adds extra weight to Canteloube's already heavy (very nationalistic & pathetically folkloristic) libretto...
Canteloube distilled a purely symphonic Suite from Le mas. Possibly that work is digestive!

https://www.youtube.com/v/9WaPoSpSPso

Still, there may definitely be some hidden treasures in Canteloube's oeuvre.

His wonderful "Tryptique" (in the version by Frederica Von Stade/ de Almeida) blew me away when I first heard it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 04, 2019, 06:12:29 AM
A work that has blown me away recently was Liszt's Années de pèlerinage, Deuxième année: Italie through Leslie Howard's recording on Hyperion. I marveled at the sheer inventiveness and remarkable harmonies that Liszt created. Many movements sounding as if it was written in the 20th Century. This composer was so ahead of his time.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on June 06, 2019, 10:27:35 AM
Three specific works:

Vasks - Credo, for orchestra: This composer always has some treasures to discover. Credo is unbelievably life-enhancing and visionary, I found it very moving. It reminded me of Górecki and Braga Santos in some fragments.

Nyman - MGV: I've known other works by Nyman (Piano Concerto and The Draughtman's Contract) and this piece has enthralled me a lot as well. Sounds so optimistic, luminous, futuristic and even epic. The music is incessantly sparkling. A great discovery.

Xenakis - Jonchaies, for 109 musicians: The antidote for the previous uplifting stuff. This is wild and threatening! Here the restless rhythm is the rule. Simply impressive.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 06, 2019, 10:45:08 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on June 06, 2019, 10:27:35 AM
Three specific works:

Vasks - Credo, for orchestra: This composer always has some treasures to discover. Credo is unbelievably life-enhancing and visionary, I found it very moving. It reminded me of Górecki and Braga Santos in some fragments.

Nyman - MGV: I've known other works by Nyman (Piano Concerto and The Draughtman's Contract) and this piece has enthralled me a lot as well. Sounds so optimistic, luminous, futuristic and even epic. The music is incessantly sparkling. A great discovery.

Xenakis - Jonchaies, for 109 musicians: The antidote for the previous uplifting stuff. This is wild and threatening! Here the restless rhythm is the rule. Simply impressive.

I have enjoyed works by Vasks before and listened to samples from the album containing Credo. Wow, that does sound good!. Lossless download is already on my hard disc. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on June 06, 2019, 11:36:28 AM
Quote from: pjme on June 04, 2019, 02:38:27 AM
Still, there may definitely be some hidden treasures in Canteloube's oeuvre.
His wonderful "Tryptique" (in the version by Frederica Von Stade/ de Almeida) blew me away when I first heard it.

Don't know Von Stade's recording but the version on Naxos by Veronique Gens is very beautiful too.....

[asin]B000PFU8L6[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on June 06, 2019, 12:28:09 PM
There's no doubt about that: Véronique Gens is a superb artist! Her version of the Triptyque is on YT - I will definitely listen.
I discovered that work at least 30 years ago on France Musique. On Friday evenings a program with treasures from the archives was broadcast. Triptyque was sung by Ludmilla Lebedeva and André Cluytens conducted the ORTF orchestra & chorus.
In the fifties French orchestras were able to dish up original programs. On the 29th december 1952 one could listen in the Théatre des Champs Elysées to:
Ouverture to le roi d'Ys by Lalo
Triptyque by Canteloube
Hornconcerto by Hindemith (Louis Courtinat soloist)
Prélude to act 1 /Fervaal by d'Indy
Psaume du fond de l'abime by Lily Boulanger (Hélène Bouvier et Paul Derenne soloists). !!

Imho,the "5 chants d'amour" by Arthur Degreef for soprano and orchestre (written 1901) have a Canteloube-like perfumed, Art Nouveau lushness. Do try....
https://youtu.be/tI0o7TPTU94
Saint Saens "La nuit" is another gem.
https://youtu.be/wDO6EnqDIhM
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 06, 2019, 12:38:02 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on June 06, 2019, 11:36:28 AM
Don't know Von Stade's recording but the version on Naxos by Veronique Gens is very beautiful too.....

[asin]B000PFU8L6[/asin]

I have the famous de los Angeles recording, which left me cold.

I should try Gens, I suspect. Her early recital disc of French melodie is one of the few albums of vocal music that I really connect with.

[asin]B00003ZKR9[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 06, 2019, 08:41:01 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on June 06, 2019, 10:27:35 AMXenakis - Jonchaies, for 109 musicians: The antidote for the previous uplifting stuff. This is wild and threatening! Here the restless rhythm is the rule. Simply impressive.

Very cool work. I like it. Believe it or not, I played Jonchaies for my mom and she really enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on June 07, 2019, 09:00:55 AM
Reger's Mozart Variations hasn't so much blown me away as it has charmed me no end. It's absolutely stunning! Mozart's original theme (from the first movement of the Piano Sonata in A, K. 331, apparently itself a set of variations on this theme) is very memorable, so it's easy to spot it within the variations.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 07, 2019, 09:04:19 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on June 07, 2019, 09:00:55 AM
Reger's Mozart Variations hasn't so much blown me away as it has charmed me no end. It's absolutely stunning! Mozart's original theme (from the first movement of the Piano Sonata in A, K. 331, apparently itself a set of variations on this theme) is very memorable, so it's easy to spot it within the variations.

I recall the piece falling like a sack of coal on my first exposure. I will have to revisit! :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on June 07, 2019, 10:32:56 AM
Quote from: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 07, 2019, 09:04:19 AM
I recall the piece falling like a sack of coal on my first exposure. I will have to revisit! :)

The Hiller Variations are even better IMO. The Beethoven Variations, whilst not as great as those, offer a delectable listen too.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on June 07, 2019, 10:33:48 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 06, 2019, 08:41:01 PM
Very cool work. I like it. Believe it or not, I played Jonchaies for my mom and she really enjoyed it.

Then your mom has good taste!  ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Sergeant Rock on June 07, 2019, 11:32:57 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on June 07, 2019, 09:00:55 AM
Reger's Mozart Variations hasn't so much blown me away as it has charmed me no end. It's absolutely stunning! Mozart's original theme (from the first movement of the Piano Sonata in A, K. 331, apparently itself a set of variations on this theme) is very memorable...

Quote from: SymphonicAddict on June 07, 2019, 10:32:56 AM
The Hiller Variations are even better IMO.

I love the Mozart Variations (and not only because K.331 is my favorite Mozart Sonata) but I have to agree: the Hiller Variations are even better.

Sarge
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ghost of Baron Scarpia on June 07, 2019, 12:51:20 PM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on June 07, 2019, 11:32:57 AM
I love the Mozart Variations (and not only because K.331 is my favorite Mozart Sonata) but I have to agree: the Hiller Variations are even better.

Sarge

Favorite recordings?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 07, 2019, 08:23:10 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on June 07, 2019, 10:33:48 AM
Then your mom has good taste!  ;)

:D Indeed, and all joking aside, she has enjoyed a lot of the classical music I've played back for her. I think her favorite so far has been Stravinsky's Le sacre du printemps. Yeah, she's definitely my mom. ;) ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on June 20, 2019, 11:17:12 AM
Yesterday, on radio while driving

Dvorak - Symphony No. 3 - Czech PO, Jiri Belohlavek

A first listen to this splendid work. Reminded me that I haven't yet listened to all of Dvorak's symphonies.

Tioday, ditto:

Beethoven - Piano Sonata Op. 2 No. 3 - Alice Sara Ott

Not a first listen to this splendid work. Reminded me that I haven't yet listened to all of Beethoven's piano sonatas.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on June 20, 2019, 11:29:21 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 20, 2019, 11:17:12 AM
Yesterday, on radio while driving

Dvorak - Symphony No. 3 - Czech PO, Jiri Belohlavek

A first listen to this splendid work. Reminded me that I haven't yet listened to all of Dvorak's symphonies.

Tioday, ditto:

Beethoven - Piano Sonata Op. 2 No. 3 - Alice Sara Ott

Not a first listen to this splendid work. Reminded me that I haven't yet listened to all of Beethoven's piano sonatas.


All the Dvorak symphonies are very good, even his first two, but it's from the 3rd that his style gets more personal and Czech.

I'm starting revisiting all his sonatas and I'm finding them better than I had thought of initially.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on June 20, 2019, 08:09:27 PM
The have never been able to connect to the early works of Phillip Glass, but his later stuff has blown me away.

I just heard his Tenth Symphony.  Wow.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on June 20, 2019, 10:03:40 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on June 20, 2019, 08:09:27 PM
The have never been able to connect to the early works of Phillip Glass, but his later stuff has blown me away.

I just heard his Tenth Symphony.  Wow.
Brian felt differently, in his review: http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2015/Aug/Glass_sy10_OMM0101.htm  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on June 20, 2019, 11:43:24 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on June 20, 2019, 11:29:21 AM
All the Dvorak symphonies are very good, even his first two, but it's from the 3rd that his style gets more personal and Czech.

Well, I found the 3rd to be rather Wagnerian than Czech.  :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on June 21, 2019, 07:54:50 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 20, 2019, 11:43:24 PM
Well, I found the 3rd to be rather Wagnerian than Czech.  :D
Oh oh. Someone has set Andrei off on "the abominable Brucknerization of Czech folk dances".
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on June 21, 2019, 10:22:56 AM
Quote from: Christo on June 20, 2019, 10:03:40 PM
Brian felt differently, in his review: http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2015/Aug/Glass_sy10_OMM0101.htm  ;D

Thanks for the interesting review.  The recording I listened to was a BBC Music Magazine CD with BBC National Orchestra of Whales conducted by Nicholas Collon.  Mr. Reinhart would have disliked that recording as well.  My feelings are definitely different about the symphony.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on June 21, 2019, 11:18:07 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on June 20, 2019, 08:09:27 PM
The have never been able to connect to the early works of Phillip Glass, but his later stuff has blown me away.

I just heard his Tenth Symphony.  Wow.

Do you know the concerti? Wonderful things. I especially like the Tympani one but the two VCs are the most popular.
I have not heard symphony 10 yet, but really like 8.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on June 22, 2019, 08:54:03 PM
Quote from: Ken B on June 21, 2019, 11:18:07 AM
Do you know the concerti? Wonderful things. I especially like the Tympani one but the two VCs are the most popular.
I have not heard symphony 10 yet, but really like 8.

I am familiar with a few, including tympani and saxophone quartet.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on June 22, 2019, 09:11:19 PM
Cross-posted from the "Favorite Viola Concerti" thread:

Just recently I played the orchestra part for the Theme and Variations for viola and orchestra (1940) by American composer Alan Shulman (1915-2002), whose music I had never encountered before. What a fine work, possibly a masterpiece! It sounds much more British than American, with gorgeous modal harmonies often reminiscent of Vaughan Williams (though by no means slavishly derivative). After progressing through several dancelike, virtuosic variations, the work concludes with a moving chorale and a spine-tingling postlude which concludes the work on a resigned note. There exist three different versions of the work - with full orchestra, string orchestra and harp, or piano. Of those, I prefer the version with string orchestra and harp, and all three can be found on YouTube. Highly recommended!!

https://youtu.be/tyUTRdstJow
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on June 23, 2019, 08:05:38 PM
Quote from: kyjo on June 22, 2019, 09:11:19 PM
Cross-posted from the "Favorite Viola Concerti" thread:

Just recently I played the orchestra part for the Theme and Variations for viola and orchestra (1940) by American composer Alan Shulman (1915-2002), whose music I had never encountered before. What a fine work, possibly a masterpiece! It sounds much more British than American, with gorgeous modal harmonies often reminiscent of Vaughan Williams (though by no means slavishly derivative). After progressing through several dancelike, virtuosic variations, the work concludes with a moving chorale and a spine-tingling postlude which concludes the work on a resigned note. There exist three different versions of the work - with full orchestra, string orchestra and harp, or piano. Of those, I prefer the version with string orchestra and harp, and all three can be found on YouTube. Highly recommended!!

https://youtu.be/tyUTRdstJow

I'll be investigating this. Thanks!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on June 30, 2019, 12:03:40 PM
Two riveting works:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41CQ3BKM23L.jpg)

Strauss - Salome - Opera in one act

Wow! This opera has been a revelation of the highest importance for me. I'm astounded by the intense drama deployed, the lush orchestration, the dramatic voices who make this piece a real treat to hear. It's quite breathless most of the time. It was noticeable the prominent role of the orchestra, making it a very symphonic opera. The Dance of the Seven Veils is a tone poem itself, supremely spectacular. And what about that stirring ending? The epitome of tragedy!! Needless to say that now it's one of my favorite operas and favorite works by Strauss.


http://www.youtube.com/v/G69cAO6Wui0

Castillon - Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 1

How on earth is it little known nowadays? Likely this is not a case of 'neglected composers deserve their fame'. I don't think so. This work is an ode to love, to beauty. It's a superb example of French piano quintets written in the 19th century, more precisely composed in 1863. It sounds pretty original for that time. Those melodies... oh God, lovely, just lovely. They stick on your mind. All in all, a moving and emotional find for me. Castillon wrote few works, unfortunately he died at a premature age. By listening to this work I realize the important loss he meant for music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: andolink on July 01, 2019, 08:42:47 AM
First listening to Bach's Easter Oratorio, BWV 249 and blown away I was.

(https://www.bach-cantatas.com/Pic-Rec-BIG/Herreweghe-C08-2a%5BHMF-CD%5D.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 01, 2019, 08:26:13 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on June 30, 2019, 12:03:40 PM
http://www.youtube.com/v/G69cAO6Wui0

Castillon - Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 1

How on earth is it little known nowadays? Likely this is not a case of 'neglected composers deserve their fame'. I don't think so. This work is an ode to love, to beauty. It's a superb example of French piano quintets written in the 19th century, more precisely composed in 1863. It sounds pretty original for that time. Those melodies... oh God, lovely, just lovely. They stick on your mind. All in all, a moving and emotional find for me. Castillon wrote few works, unfortunately he died at a premature age. By listening to this work I realize the important loss he meant for music.

Haven't heard his Piano Quintet, but Castillon's Piano Concerto is a real beauty with the most gorgeous first movement. Perhaps the finale is a bit of a letdown (comparatively), but it's certainly a work worth hearing.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 04, 2019, 05:57:26 PM
Cross-posted from the Schulhoff thread:

It's a shame to see this remarkable composer has only one page to his thread! Well, just now I discovered a work of great genius and wit: Schulhoff's Piano Concerto no. 2 (alternatively titled Concerto for Piano and Small Orchestra, but the orchestra employed sounds anything but small, with a colorfully augmented percussion section!). It's very much a work of its time (1923), and though one can hear the occasional influences of Ravel and Prokofiev, Schulhoff's style is quite personal. The Amazon blurb very accurately describes it as "a wild blend of Impressionist, late-Romantic and jazz-inspired sounds and rhythms." The first movement opens mysteriously and builds to a frenzied climax right before the end. The second movement returns to the mysterious, impressionistic mood of the opening and there's some truly magical writing towards the end. And then comes the madcap romp of the finale, where the aforementioned augmented percussion section (including one exotic-sounding instrument which I can't identify) really comes into play! In the center of the movement, there's a tender duet between a solo violin and the piano to offer some respite. Highly recommended to anyone who loves 20th century piano concerti:


[asin]B00J9SEXKM[/asin]
(one of multiple recordings)

https://youtu.be/10F3IxZkoCs
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on July 05, 2019, 05:13:10 AM
Quote from: kyjo on July 04, 2019, 05:57:26 PM
Cross-posted from the Schulhoff thread:
(including one exotic-sounding instrument which I can't identify)

I think it is a "flute à coulisse".
https://youtu.be/y3QLKyPX4M0

Ravel used it in L'enfant et les sortilèges. It features often in old funny films soundtracks (Laurel & Hardy, Tom & Jerry etc.)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 05, 2019, 06:41:07 AM
Quote from: pjme on July 05, 2019, 05:13:10 AM
I think it is a "flute à coulisse".
https://youtu.be/y3QLKyPX4M0

Ravel used it in L'enfant et les sortilèges. It features often in old funny films soundtracks (Laurel & Hardy, Tom & Jerry etc.)

Thank you, Peter! You are quite the fount of knowledge, as always!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on July 06, 2019, 03:24:48 AM
Merci beaucoup. You're welcome. I remember quite well a recording with Dagmar Baloghova on Supraphon. I love that concerto!
Have a nice day!

And, actually, the scoring of this concerto may be even more complicated.

Schott music gives a detailed list:

Picc. · 1 · 1 · Engl. Hr. · 1 · Bassklar. · 1 · Kfg. (Kontrafagott)- 2 · 1 · 0 · 0 -
P. S. (Trgl. · Gl. · Kuhgl. · Beck. · Tamb. · jap. Tr. · Mil. Tr. · Rührtr. · gr. Tr. · Ratsche · Sir. (Torpedo) · Lachteufel · Amboss · Glsp. · Xyl.) (9 Spieler) - Hfe. - Str.

Translation:
triangle
bell & cow bell
Cymbals
Japanese drum(s?)
Military drum
Snare drum
Bass drum
Ratsche = guiro or rattle ?
Siren = Torpedo = Torpedopfeife , so, it is NOT a "flûte à coulisse"!! http://thewhistlegallery.com/spotlight/096-torpedo-sirens

Lachteufel? Laughing bag / sac à rire. However, Wikipedia tells me that the laughing bag was invented in  1968.
The (rubber) whoopee cushion dates back tot he roaring twenties....???
What else can a "Lachteufel" be?

Anvil
Glockenspiel
Xylophone

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on July 06, 2019, 03:26:07 AM
Quote from: kyjo on July 05, 2019, 06:41:07 AMYou are quite the fount of knowledge, as always!
Exactly! Learned more from Peter than from anyone else, I think.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on July 06, 2019, 03:26:55 AM
(.... hides in a dark corner and blushes...)  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on July 19, 2019, 05:14:51 AM
I seem to have had a major revelation when it came to Russian composers this year. Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Rachmaninoff have been massively inspiring to me, where even this time last year I continued to be mostly lukewarm (I was always a fan of the Tchai 6th, but the Currentzis performance really hit me hardest).

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on July 19, 2019, 05:15:39 AM
Quote from: Andy D. on July 19, 2019, 05:14:51 AM
I seem to have had a major revelation when it came to Russian composers this year. Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Rachmaninoff have been massively inspiring to me, whereas even this time last year I was mostly lukewarm (I was always a fan of the Tchai 6th, but the Currentzis performance really hit me hardest).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: schnittkease on July 26, 2019, 08:09:18 AM
Quote from: Andy D. on July 19, 2019, 05:14:51 AM
I seem to have had a major revelation when it came to Russian composers this year. Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Rachmaninoff have been massively inspiring to me, where even this time last year I continued to be mostly lukewarm (I was always a fan of the Tchai 6th, but the Currentzis performance really hit me hardest).

Now try some Schnittke!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on July 26, 2019, 08:22:01 AM
Quartet no 2 by Pavel Haas. A stunning work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on July 26, 2019, 12:23:17 PM
Quote from: schnittkease on July 26, 2019, 08:09:18 AM
Now try some Schnittke!
I've liked his viola concerto for quite a while :).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on July 26, 2019, 12:25:14 PM
Without question, the Shostakovich Symphony 8 has been the piece that has blown me away recently. Not far from that status are the 10th and 11th.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: 71 dB on August 01, 2019, 03:11:58 PM
John Rutter - Suite Antique

Easy, beautiful, comforting, colorful and smiling music to help people with anxiety.  0:)

(Naxos 8.573146 - Harpsichord Concerts. The Glass and Francaix pieces are nice too, but Rutter blew me away.)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on August 01, 2019, 03:53:14 PM
Shostakovich again! The Barshai and Petrenko recordings of the Leningrad symphony really helped me click. I must admit to being weirded out that some people consider this piece a hack job.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on August 01, 2019, 05:36:37 PM
Quote from: Andy D. on August 01, 2019, 03:53:14 PM
Shostakovich again! The Barshai and Petrenko recordings of the Leningrad symphony really helped me click. I must admit to being weirded out that some people consider this piece a hack job.
Have you heard his cello concerti? Especially #2 — seek out the Ozawa/Rostropovich recording.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on August 01, 2019, 05:42:47 PM
Quote from: 71 dB on August 01, 2019, 03:11:58 PM
John Rutter - Suite Antique

Easy, beautiful, comforting, colorful and smiling music to help people with anxiety.  0:)

(Naxos 8.573146 - Harpsichord Concerts. The Glass and Francaix pieces are nice too, but Rutter blew me away.)

I've heard nothing by that composer so far. Interesting suggestion. Thank you!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on August 02, 2019, 12:23:10 AM
Quote from: Ken B on August 01, 2019, 05:36:37 PM
Have you heard his cello concerti? Especially #2 — seek out the Ozawa/Rostropovich recording.

Will be checking out more of Shosty's Kammermusik soon...I love Rostropovich!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: 71 dB on August 02, 2019, 04:50:27 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on August 01, 2019, 05:42:47 PM
I've heard nothing by that composer so far. Interesting suggestion. Thank you!

You're welcome.

This was my first taste of Rutter, but it certainly made me interested of his other stuff!  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 03, 2019, 10:51:21 PM
Quote from: 71 dB on August 01, 2019, 03:11:58 PM
John Rutter - Suite Antique

Easy, beautiful, comforting, colorful and smiling music to help people with anxiety.  0:)

(Naxos 8.573146 - Harpsichord Concerts. The Glass and Francaix pieces are nice too, but Rutter blew me away.)
The Requiem is well worth hearing.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 05, 2019, 03:52:40 AM
Just made a most wonderful discovery - the tone poem Aurora by William Lloyd Webber (yes, the father of the much more famous Andrew and Julian). This is sensuous, incandescent music depicting the Roman goddess of the dawn. The main theme that appears a minute or so into the piece is a glorious gift of a melody that has staying power. This is a relatively brief but stunning piece which makes me regret that he mostly wrote small-scale works.

https://youtu.be/S-DRoD4Jh2A

It's featured on this Chandos disc:

[asin]B000007MY2[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on August 05, 2019, 03:56:36 AM
Was delightedly kicked in the buttocks last weekend, as Shostakovich's 4th (Barshai) made a huge impression.

I'm so happy I didn't read too much about Mitya's symphonies and what they were "about" before I listened to them. I actually read all the (heavy and unfair) criticisms of the Leningrad after the fact, and was so glad I waited. I think it's a total masterpiece, and reading all the critic's opinions beforehand might have influenced me.

Anyway, in the past month Shostakovich really stole me away; completely sycophantic toward his 4, 8th, 10th, 11th, 13th and 15th. Am expecting to convert to one of the other soon :)

This is turning out to be an incredible journey with Shostakovich.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on August 10, 2019, 05:05:00 PM
This:

Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 10, 2019, 04:33:50 PM
Britten
Cello Symphony, Op. 68
Truls Mørk
CBSO
Rattle


Like hearing it for the first time!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on August 11, 2019, 03:04:24 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 10, 2019, 05:05:00 PM
This:

Like hearing it for the first time!

I've come to enjoy this piece recently, albeit I confess I'm not the hugest fan of it. It's a paradoxical piece because I feel it like dense and sparse at the same time, and somehow that intrigues me and encourages me to not give up.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on August 11, 2019, 03:45:17 PM
Yes, yes, I know it's not a revelation, but damn I'm amazed by the quality of the music, performance, and recording of Bartok's Miraculous Mandarin on the Chailly/RCO recording.  Suburb.  It is also the complete ballet.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on August 11, 2019, 05:13:40 PM
Quote from: relm1 on August 11, 2019, 03:45:17 PM
Yes, yes, I know it's not a revelation, but damn I'm amazed by the quality of the music, performance, and recording of Bartok's Miraculous Mandarin on the Chailly/RCO recording.  Suburb.  It is also the complete ballet.

Excellent!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on August 12, 2019, 02:25:18 AM
Witold Lutosławski's Jeux vénitiens. Wow, what a piece. He really does a lot with it despite its brevity.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on August 12, 2019, 03:47:14 PM
Quote from: kyjo on August 05, 2019, 03:52:40 AM
Just made a most wonderful discovery - the tone poem Aurora by William Lloyd Webber (yes, the father of the much more famous Andrew and Julian). This is sensuous, incandescent music depicting the Roman goddess of the dawn. The main theme that appears a minute or so into the piece is a glorious gift of a melody that has staying power. This is a relatively brief but stunning piece which makes me regret that he mostly wrote small-scale works.

https://youtu.be/S-DRoD4Jh2A

It's featured on this Chandos disc:

[asin]B000007MY2[/asin]
Have it, and wasn't too much impressed with the old Lloyd Webber's musical world, but will certainly single this piece out to re-evaluate.  :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on August 13, 2019, 01:04:29 AM
With a superb performance of the Schnittke by the Danel Quartet and Leif Ove Andsnes at the Rosendal Festival the piece finally clicked for me. And Hamelin's performance of the Feinberg sonata no 4 and Scriabin no 7 was mindblowing.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 13, 2019, 07:12:00 AM
Quote from: Christo on August 12, 2019, 03:47:14 PM
Have it, and wasn't too much impressed with the old Lloyd Webber's musical world, but will certainly single this piece out to re-evaluate.  :D

I sampled a few other pieces on this disc and they were pleasant but nowhere near as compelling as Aurora. I have a feeling it may be far and away his finest work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Biffo on August 13, 2019, 07:47:00 AM
Quote from: kyjo on August 13, 2019, 07:12:00 AM
I sampled a few other pieces on this disc and they were pleasant but nowhere near as compelling as Aurora. I have a feeling it may be far and away his finest work.

I listened to Aurora and also Invocation, both fine works, especially the former but neither 'blew me away' .There is a turbulent passage in Aurora that reminded me of Scriabin but that might just be me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on August 16, 2019, 12:10:05 PM
A friend of mine alerted me of a composer who curiously was born a day like today: the Norwegian Olav Kielland. More accurately it was his Sinfonia I (or Sinfonia No. 1), Op. 3 the work that he recommended me. I'm so glad he did it so. It's in a Nielsen-Langgaard-Holmboe-sounding field (the latter two are more related to the idiom of the piece from my view, though). It has some elements of Langgaard's 4th and 6th Symphonies, though this work is less episodic than those symphonies, and has the rawness and organic growth of Holmboe's stamp but without the rhytmic vitality of his style. At first hearing it sounds sober, and I think it has to do with its instrumentation (think of a Sibelius symphony, for example). I like the ostinato-like passages, they give some sense of urgency I find exciting. Pastoral, gray and quiet moments also permeate it, suggesting some Norwegian folk influences. A few of tempestuous climaxes appear in places. It's the kind of works that goes from dark to light. All is concentrated in 27 minutes. A very succinct and attractive piece.

I consider it a find of a significant importance, and it can be the best Norwegian symphony I've heard thus far. Kielland composed other 3 symphonies, so I urge to record labels to bring them to life!

Also, these works:

Martinu - Duo No. 1 for violin and viola and Les Rondes. Joy for ears!

Akutagawa - Prima Sinfonia. Energetic and fierce.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on August 17, 2019, 10:01:07 AM
The Adagio from Mozart's B-flat viola quintet !!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 18, 2019, 03:54:02 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on August 16, 2019, 12:10:05 PM
A friend of mine alerted me of a composer who curiously was born a day like today: the Norwegian Olav Kielland. More accurately it was his Sinfonia I (or Sinfonia No. 1), Op. 3 the work that he recommended me. I'm so glad he did it so. It's in a Nielsen-Langgaard-Holmboe-sounding field (the latter two are more related to the idiom of the piece from my view, though). It has some elements of Langgaard's 4th and 6th Symphonies, though this work is less episodic than those symphonies, and has the rawness and organic growth of Holmboe's stamp but without the rhytmic vitality of his style. At first hearing it sounds sober, and I think it has to do with its instrumentation (think of a Sibelius symphony, for example). I like the ostinato-like passages, they give some sense of urgency I find exciting. Pastoral, gray and quiet moments also permeate it, suggesting some Norwegian folk influences. A few of tempestuous climaxes appear in places. It's the kind of works that goes from dark to light. All is concentrated in 27 minutes. A very succinct and attractive piece.

I consider it a find of a significant importance, and it can be the best Norwegian symphony I've heard thus far. Kielland composed other 3 symphonies, so I urge to record labels to bring them to life!

Also, these works:

Martinu - Duo No. 1 for violin and viola and Les Rondes. Joy for ears!

Akutagawa - Prima Sinfonia. Energetic and fierce.
Following your recommendation Cesar I found a copy of the Kielland symphony quite inexpensively on eBay.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on August 18, 2019, 05:56:53 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 18, 2019, 03:54:02 PM
Following your recommendation Cesar I found a copy of the Kielland symphony quite inexpensively on eBay.

Very good, Jeffrey. I'm gonna feel guilty if you don't enjoy it.  ;D

Please, let me know what you think of it when you get it, no matter if your impressions are positive or not.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on August 19, 2019, 08:30:50 AM
François Bayle - Erosphère.

Back in the early 70s, when I was first listening to electroacoustic music, one name I never ran across was François Bayle. And later, when I heard one of his pieces, it was not something I particularly liked, so I didn't pursue Bayle's music. My mistake.

I've heard many things on youtube, of course, and I have many Bayle pieces on CD, which I enjoy very much.

I had never heard Erosphère[/], however, until just now, and it is a long and continuously fascinating piece. That is, you never feel (I never felt) like you've heard enough after ten or twenty or 57 minutes. And when it is over, you feel (I felt) as if 62 minutes was too short.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on August 25, 2019, 12:59:06 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71pt43paDWL._SY355_.jpg)

It's more than fair that this work is here. An insane and epic work for piano. The wide variety of styles and variations around the famous song leaves a strong impression. Inventiveness and virtuosity aplenty.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on August 26, 2019, 01:39:17 AM
Not concert music (necessarily), but John Williams' score for Jaws 2. Some of my admiration comes from the fact that John didn't overdo the original, iconic theme in the sequel...instead taking things into different territory, and then knocking them out of the park.

Faves, as if anyone gives a yee-haw:

1) Alfred Newman
2) Jerry Goldsmith
3) Bernard Herrmann
4) Miklos Rozsa
5) Williams
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on August 26, 2019, 02:32:32 AM
Quote from: Andy D. on August 26, 2019, 01:39:17 AM
Not concert music (necessarily), but John Williams' score for Jaws 2. Some of my admiration comes from the fact that John didn't overdo the original, iconic theme in the sequel...instead taking things into different territory, and then knocking them out of the park.

Faves, as if anyone gives a yee-haw:

1) Alfred Newman
2) Jerry Goldsmith
3) Bernard Herrmann
4) Miklos Rozsa
5) Williams

Definitely give a yee-haw!  My list wouldn't include your nos.1&2 - excellent though both are (sorry!) but would have to include the big three Korngold/Waxman/Steiner and would add James Horner.  I'm sure you know the latter's score to "Glory" - one of my favourite films anyway but hugely enhanced by Horner's stirring/moving score..
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on August 26, 2019, 02:52:35 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on August 26, 2019, 02:32:32 AM
Definitely give a yee-haw!  My list wouldn't include your nos.1&2 - excellent though both are (sorry!) but would have to include the big three Korngold/Waxman/Steiner and would add James Horner.  I'm sure you know the latter's score to "Glory" - one of my favourite films anyway but hugely enhanced by Horner's stirring/moving score..

Glory is the one thing I really like by Horner (no offense).  But hey you can probably guess I'm nuts about your trio there.

I'm almost entirely about the Golden and Silver ages, RS. Back then the composers were far more influenced by Wagner, Mahler, Straus...even Shostakovich (Goldsmith cribbed part of his chilling "Final Conflict" motif from Mitya's 8th symphony).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on August 26, 2019, 02:53:14 AM
A few pieces of Pierre Boulez: Le Marteau sans maître, which I've just begun to appreciate, and Répons, which blows my mind every time I hear it!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on August 26, 2019, 03:00:02 AM
Quote from: vers la flamme on August 26, 2019, 02:53:14 AM
A few pieces of Pierre Boulez: Le Marteau sans maître, which I've just begun to appreciate, and Répons, which blows my mind every time I hear it!
Great stuff...you definitely have to listen to Pli selon pli next.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on August 26, 2019, 04:12:35 PM
Quote from: ritter on August 26, 2019, 03:00:02 AM
Great stuff...you definitely have to listen to Pli selon pli next.  :)
I have a lot of love for that work already  :) I may have to listen to it in the morning.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on August 26, 2019, 11:32:27 PM
Quote from: Andy D. on August 26, 2019, 02:52:35 AM
Glory is the one thing I really like by Horner (no offense).  But hey you can probably guess I'm nuts about your trio there.

I'm almost entirely about the Golden and Silver ages, RS. Back then the composers were far more influenced by Wagner, Mahler, Straus...even Shostakovich (Goldsmith cribbed part of his chilling "Final Conflict" motif from Mitya's 8th symphony).

Have you checked out Herrmann's concert music?  I really like his symphony although its not as challenging or unusual as somehow you'd expect given his very individual scoring for his films.  Worth reading the biography too - "A Fire at Heart's Center".  A man of immense talent and brilliance who struggled with simply getting on with people!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on August 27, 2019, 12:50:46 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on August 26, 2019, 11:32:27 PM
Have you checked out Herrmann's concert music?  I really like his symphony although its not as challenging or unusual as somehow you'd expect given his very individual scoring for his films.  Worth reading the biography too - "A Fire at Heart's Center".  A man of immense talent and brilliance who struggled with simply getting on with people!

I'm a fan of both the symphony and the book. I actually thought his symphony was a very nice work...Bernard wasn't too often in  writing Byzantine structures, etc. He was mostly about economy and plain (if at time hair-raising) spokenness in his  music.

A lot of people will take serious umbrage at this, but I think Williams, Goldsmith, Herrmann, Korngold...those guys were some of the greatest composers of the 21st century (given the idiom they wrote within).

I'm looking forward to checking out Shosty's film music soon.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on August 27, 2019, 04:50:09 AM
Quote from: Andy D. on August 27, 2019, 12:50:46 AM
I'm a fan of both the symphony and the book. I actually thought his symphony was a very nice work...Bernard wasn't too often in  writing Byzantine structures, etc. He was mostly about economy and plain (if at time hair-raising) spokenness in his  music.

A lot of people will take serious umbrage at this, but I think Williams, Goldsmith, Herrmann, Korngold...those guys were some of the greatest composers of the 21st century (given the idiom they wrote within).

I'm looking forward to checking out Shosty's film music soon.

I suspect the "standard" scoring of the symphony was down to pragmatism on Herrmann's behalf.  No point scoring a work for 4 contrabassoons (cf beneath the 12 mile reef) if you want it in a 'standard' concert programme!  I assume you know the Herrmann disc in the "Classic Film Scores" series?  It contains two of my all-time favourite film music excerpts; "the death hunt" and Salammbo's aria from Citizen Kane.  I can clearly remember the very first time I heard that recording - absolutely a "piece that blew me away" moment.  The National Philharmonic horns in the Death Hunt are just amazing!

[asin]B000026MYJ[/asin]

PS:  when you start on Shosty film music do try New Babylon first.  NOT the big lush propaganda scores that he wrote to stay alive after the denunciations but really interesting quirky stuff.......  (I like the propaganda stuff too!)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on August 27, 2019, 06:46:14 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on August 27, 2019, 04:50:09 AM
I suspect the "standard" scoring of the symphony was down to pragmatism on Herrmann's behalf.  No point scoring a work for 4 contrabassoons (cf beneath the 12 mile reef) if you want it in a 'standard' concert programme!  I assume you know the Herrmann disc in the "Classic Film Scores" series?  It contains two of my all-time favourite film music excerpts; "the death hunt" and Salammbo's aria from Citizen Kane.  I can clearly remember the very first time I heard that recording - absolutely a "piece that blew me away" moment.  The National Philharmonic horns in the Death Hunt are just amazing!

[asin]B000026MYJ[/asin]

PS:  when you start on Shosty film music do try New Babylon first.  NOT the big lush propaganda scores that he wrote to stay alive after the denunciations but really interesting quirky stuff.......  (I like the propaganda stuff too!)

That is such a good one, my friend. Kiri is really good.

Have you heard the McNeely re-recording of Citizen Kane? It's excellent imo, and so great hearing those cues in a more modern recorded context.

Oh, and if you really like Bernard, please do NOT miss out on the Stromberg rerecording of Fahrenheit 451, it is STELLAR! Also the Tadlow records' Obsession. Both are worth their weight in gold.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on August 27, 2019, 07:38:13 AM
Quote from: Andy D. on August 27, 2019, 06:46:14 AM
That is such a good one, my friend. Kiri is really good.

Have you heard the McNeely re-recording of Citizen Kane? It's excellent imo, and so great hearing those cues in a more modern recorded context.

Oh, and if you really like Bernard, please do NOT miss out on the Stromberg rerecording of Fahrenheit 451, it is STELLAR! Also the Tadlow records' Obsession. Both are worth their weight in gold.

McNeely - yes (as you say good to have all those 'extra' cues).  Don't know/can't find the Stromberg 451 - just Herrmann's own and the Salonen suite....?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on August 27, 2019, 12:53:18 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on August 27, 2019, 07:38:13 AM
McNeely - yes (as you say good to have all those 'extra' cues).  Don't know/can't find the Stromberg 451 - just Herrmann's own and the Salonen suite....?

Forget those, recently recorded with obvious love, nice booklet

https://www.amazon.com/Bernard-Herrmann-FAHRENHEIT-TWILIGHT-ZONE/dp/B000ZLRVCE/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=herrmann%5D+fahrenheit+451&qid=1566939130&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on August 27, 2019, 01:46:12 PM
Quote from: Andy D. on August 27, 2019, 12:53:18 PM
Forget those, recently recorded with obvious love, nice booklet

https://www.amazon.com/Bernard-Herrmann-FAHRENHEIT-TWILIGHT-ZONE/dp/B000ZLRVCE/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=herrmann%5D+fahrenheit+451&qid=1566939130&s=gateway&sr=8-1

looks great - but can't find on UK Amazon....!  But is on Spotify I see..... have added to my playlists.  Thanks for the tip.

Correction - just found it but £25.00 - will have to stick with lo-res Spotify for the time being!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on August 27, 2019, 03:47:44 PM
I just listened to Samuel Barber's opera, Vanessa, and really enjoyed it.  such a fine operatic and lyric composer.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on August 27, 2019, 05:10:00 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on August 27, 2019, 04:50:09 AM
I suspect the "standard" scoring of the symphony was down to pragmatism on Herrmann's behalf.  No point scoring a work for 4 contrabassoons (cf beneath the 12 mile reef) if you want it in a 'standard' concert programme!  I assume you know the Herrmann disc in the "Classic Film Scores" series?  It contains two of my all-time favourite film music excerpts; "the death hunt" and Salammbo's aria from Citizen Kane.  I can clearly remember the very first time I heard that recording - absolutely a "piece that blew me away" moment.  The National Philharmonic horns in the Death Hunt are just amazing!

[asin]B000026MYJ[/asin]



DUDE!  You are in the club!!!  Yes, The Death Hunt performance on that recording is fantastic!  The movie concerned is On Dangerous Ground.

The original soundtrack - in fair to poor condition - was on a Film Score Monthly CD for a while: expensive second-hand copies are available!  But I think the Gerhardt recording outdoes the composer himself for The Death Hunt.

Apple has a digital restoration of the original soundtrack: the samples sound impressive!

https://music.apple.com/us/album/on-dangerous-ground-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/706495631 (https://music.apple.com/us/album/on-dangerous-ground-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/706495631)

This 2-CD set offers a good chunk of the original soundtrack:

[asin]B000023XGI[/asin]



 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on August 28, 2019, 01:07:59 AM
The Hunt is great, a grail  track for fans.

On Dangerous Ground is also a very good old movie, with a stunningly beautiful female lead.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on August 29, 2019, 01:37:09 PM
Quote from: Andy D. on August 28, 2019, 01:07:59 AM
The Hunt is great, a grail  track for fans.

On Dangerous Ground is also a very good old movie, with a stunningly beautiful female lead.

Ida Lupino was also a ground-breaking director, e.g.  the first woman to direct a film noir. and a director unfraid to make movies about unpleasant realities (e.g. the polio epidemic).

(https://www.austinfilm.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/lupinoheadernotes.jpg)

See:

https://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/lists/ida-lupino-director (https://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/lists/ida-lupino-director)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on August 29, 2019, 01:46:24 PM
Quote from: Cato on August 29, 2019, 01:37:09 PM
Ida Lupino was also a ground-breaking director, e.g.  the first woman to direct a film noir. and a director unfraid to make movies about unpleasant realities (e.g. the polio epidemic).

(https://www.austinfilm.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/lupinoheadernotes.jpg)

See:

https://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/lists/ida-lupino-director (https://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/lists/ida-lupino-director)

I've crushed on  her since first watching that movie with my dad. Good flick imo.

That's one that could use a whopping new rerecording.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on September 01, 2019, 01:09:04 PM
The incidental music for Richard II (1944) is a rather functional piece, delved from the archives for the very first time for this recording. Yet the 14 tracks end with a 'Maestoso' finale built on a haunting motive in the strings, lifting the whole thing to another sphere. Recommended:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91bEcTUbyWL._SL1429_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 02, 2019, 10:59:04 AM
Quote from: relm1 on August 27, 2019, 03:47:44 PM
I just listened to Samuel Barber's opera, Vanessa, and really enjoyed it.  such a fine operatic and lyric composer.

I agree - a gorgeous work. Barber's intensely lyrical idiom is so naturally suited to the human voice.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on September 02, 2019, 03:40:20 PM
Quote from: kyjo on September 02, 2019, 10:59:04 AM
I agree - a gorgeous work. Barber's intensely lyrical idiom is so naturally suited to the human voice.

He was unfairly treated because of some poor performances but his music is complex, sophisticated, and the extremely moving. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on September 05, 2019, 05:42:56 AM
Not blown away, but I gave Ligeti a more concentrated listen over the past couple of days and changed my mind about him. I tended to lump him in with the guys whom at times seemed more concerned with orchestral effects than music (I know, dumb of me and I'm appreciating Xenakis more now, too).

Now I decidedly like his music and would like to know a good place to begin: which one? Keep  in mind that I greatly appreciate even older recordings, but prefer more recent (most especially with killer performances).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: schnittkease on September 05, 2019, 07:15:58 PM
Quote from: Andy D. on September 05, 2019, 05:42:56 AM
Now I decidedly like his music and would like to know a good place to begin: which one? Keep  in mind that I greatly appreciate even older recordings, but prefer more recent (most especially with killer performances).

Love Ligeti! Try these:

(https://cdn.radiofrance.fr/s3/cruiser-production/2016/10/288b0a73-bd23-4478-92d7-1f8600d887fa/838_couverture-ligeti-e1475070635970.jpg)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/8162HOe7bvL._SS500_.jpg)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71O0ETMvhqL._SY355_.jpg)

(More at a later date.)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: JBS on September 05, 2019, 07:35:17 PM
Quote from: schnittkease on September 05, 2019, 07:15:58 PM
Love Ligeti! Try these:

(https://cdn.radiofrance.fr/s3/cruiser-production/2016/10/288b0a73-bd23-4478-92d7-1f8600d887fa/838_couverture-ligeti-e1475070635970.jpg)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/8162HOe7bvL._SS500_.jpg)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71O0ETMvhqL._SY355_.jpg)

(More at a later date.)

Les Siecles do Ligeti? I thought they focused on early 20th century, but that interests me.

The Boulez Ligeti CD is in the DG set Andy posted. In general I like the performances in that set more than those in the  Warner set...but the DG set has less stuff.

The chamber works clicked for me before the orchestral/choral works, so I would suggest the Sony set, especially now that it's been reissued as part of their cheap white box series. The Aimard CD is of course part of that.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Andy D. on September 06, 2019, 12:21:50 AM
Quote from: schnittkease on September 05, 2019, 07:15:58 PM
Love Ligeti! Try these:

(https://cdn.radiofrance.fr/s3/cruiser-production/2016/10/288b0a73-bd23-4478-92d7-1f8600d887fa/838_couverture-ligeti-e1475070635970.jpg)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/8162HOe7bvL._SS500_.jpg)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71O0ETMvhqL._SY355_.jpg)

(More at a later date.)

Many thanks! Your forum name has me taking out Schnittke's Viola Concerto (love that piece).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on September 07, 2019, 01:08:32 PM
The Ligeti Project set is very good, and if you later get this one, you have all the Ligeti you need - they're two parts of the same project to record all of Ligeti's music, but they changed labels midway.
[asin]B07MCW81MK[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on September 07, 2019, 01:48:50 PM
Time for a Ligetti's Lovenest page I think....! :D ;)

Here's a disc I picked up cheap in a charity shop..... didn't listen to for months...... finally did today and its brilliant!

[asin]B00005RFSF[/asin]

Fascinating programme of Estonian music played with brilliance by the Stockholm PO and conducted with real flair by Paavo Jarvi.  I love the harumphing review on Amazon that moans that the Part Symphony isn't like his later (more familiar) minimalistic/'spiritual' music.  What a remarkable thought - composers...... wait for it....... change and don't always write in exactly the same way for all their careers.  Who would have thought it!  I got the disc for the completion of Tubin's 11th Symphony and very effective it sounds too.  But the whole disc is a winner and one I will put on for another spin very soon
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: schnittkease on September 07, 2019, 02:20:45 PM
Quote from: JBS on September 05, 2019, 07:35:17 PM
Les Siecles do Ligeti? I thought they focused on early 20th century, but that interests me.

They do Ligeti, and they do it well.

Quote from: Andy D. on September 06, 2019, 12:21:50 AM
Many thanks! Your forum name has me taking out Schnittke's Viola Concerto (love that piece).

Don't get me started on Schnittke...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on September 08, 2019, 03:18:20 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on September 07, 2019, 01:48:50 PM
Time for a Ligetti's Lovenest page I think....! :D ;)

Here's a disc I picked up cheap in a charity shop..... didn't listen to for months...... finally did today and its brilliant!

[asin]B00005RFSF[/asin]

Fascinating programme of Estonian music played with brilliance by the Stockholm PO and conducted with real flair by Paavo Jarvi.  I love the harumphing review on Amazon that moans that the Part Symphony isn't like his later (more familiar) minimalistic/'spiritual' music.  What a remarkable thought - composers...... wait for it....... change and don't always write in exactly the same way for all their careers.  Who would have thought it!  I got the disc for the completion of Tubin's 11th Symphony and very effective it sounds too.  But the whole disc is a winner and one I will put on for another spin very soon

What Tüür work is included there? Have you listened to his symphonies? or do you considerate them as too modern for you?

I already see it: some orchestral/ensemble pieces. Interesting.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 09, 2019, 11:50:00 AM
This:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81Hr6FPlE3L._SY355_.jpg)

Aita Donostia (Father Donostia, born José Gonzalo Zulaica, 1886-1956) was a Basque Capuchin friar and composer. His music is full of warm lyricism, nostalgic poetry, delicacy of feelings and simplicity of expression. It charmed me no end.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on September 12, 2019, 01:49:55 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on September 08, 2019, 03:18:20 PM
What Tüür work is included there? Have you listened to his symphonies? or do you considerate them as too modern for you?

I already see it: some orchestral/ensemble pieces. Interesting.

This is my first encounter with Tuur and I enjoyed it so I will try and find some more of his music within my budget!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on September 12, 2019, 03:33:32 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on September 12, 2019, 01:49:55 PM
This is my first encounter with Tuur and I enjoyed it so I will try and find some more of his music within my budget!

Very nice! Enjoy!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on September 12, 2019, 04:46:02 PM
Leif Kayser, symphonies 1 and 4. I have attempted to describe them in the WAYLT thread. I keep noticing the influence of Nielsen in the 4th, not so much as through a rearview mirror, but in the other direction. Kayser takes off where Nielsen left. This is utterly convincing and original.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on September 13, 2019, 12:35:26 AM
Quote from: André on September 12, 2019, 04:46:02 PM
Leif Kayser, symphonies 1 and 4. I have attempted to describe them in the WAYLT thread. I keep noticing the influence of Nielsen in the 4th, not so much as through a rearview mirror, but in the other direction. Kayser takes off where Nielsen left. This is utterly convincing and original.
Put both CD's in my playlist; many thanks for the recommendation - inspiring !  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on September 13, 2019, 05:37:31 AM
At first listening I was mildly satisfied with symphony 4, but interest turned to admiration and enthusiasm with subsequent listenings. The work's structure is quite unusual. It starts very deceptively.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 13, 2019, 09:53:11 AM
These.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71QI84sg%2ByL._SX342_.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91pQrEbJVEL._SL1500_.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71uQpLe-boL._SX466_.jpg)(https://www.eclassical.com/shop/17115/art15/h7081/4757081-origpic-442c65.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on September 15, 2019, 09:58:26 AM
Quote from: André on September 12, 2019, 04:46:02 PM
Leif Kayser, symphonies 1 and 4. I have attempted to describe them in the WAYLT thread. I keep noticing the influence of Nielsen in the 4th, not so much as through a rearview mirror, but in the other direction. Kayser takes off where Nielsen left. This is utterly convincing and original.

Don't know the composer or the music - but I LOVE your description of it... evocative and intriguing and one that prompts me to seek this music out - thankyou!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on September 17, 2019, 03:13:56 AM
Quote from: Andy D. on August 28, 2019, 01:07:59 AM
The Hunt is great, a grail  track for fans.

On Dangerous Ground is also a very good old movie, with a stunningly beautiful female lead.

Not specifically linked to the comment above - more a Film Music/Piece that blew me away recently thing...... (is there a film music thread here?)

Picked up one of those Marco Polo/Moscow/Score reconstruction discs recently - Max Steiner's scores for Lost Patrol/Beast with 5 fingers/Virginia City.  I find some in this series can be interesting but not compelling.  This time I got this one:

[asin]B001LYEXQG[/asin]

The link above is from the UK Amazon site - this disc can be listened to there as part of their "Prime" package. 

First selection - "Lost Patrol" definitely falls into the interesting not compelling category.  Skillful potpourri of familiar themes/tunes - quite evocative, pretty well played..... unlikely to return to the score often.  THEN, the Beast With Five Fingers.  I'm always partial to a good big overblown arrangement of baroque music for a large symphony orchestra (Stokowski/Elgar/Respighi et al) - I had NO idea the main music theme of this score is a very neurotic working out of the Bach Chaconne (extrapolated from the Busoni piano arrangement I assume).  But loved the whole score - dark and menacing with the Bach exploding out at unexpected points.  I remember dimly having seen the film but this prompts me to see it again.

The disc closes with another fairly routine Western score - Virginia City - its that Beast that is the keeper!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on September 17, 2019, 12:12:37 PM
Penderecki - Utrenja

Mind-blowingly scary!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on September 17, 2019, 03:12:51 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on September 17, 2019, 12:12:37 PM
Penderecki - Utrenja

Mind-blowingly scary!!

I was able to buy the score when Part I of the work (Die Grablegung Christi was fairly new (I still have it, somewhat worn after nearly 50 years) and found certain pages amazing: one page I called "How to Notate a Riot!"  In some bars Penderecki asks the singers to hit quarter-tones, which was one factor causing my impulse to want and buy the score of Part I. 

Yes, an excellent work!  I did not find it scary, but...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on September 17, 2019, 03:59:31 PM
Quote from: schnittkease on September 17, 2019, 02:21:05 PM
In a good way, right? That's my relationship with Xenakis.

Don't hesitate!  ;)

Quote from: Cato on September 17, 2019, 03:12:51 PM
I was able to buy the score when Part I of the work (Die Grablegung Christi was fairly new (I still have it, somewhat worn after nearly 50 years) and found certain pages amazing: one page I called "How to Notate a Riot!"  In some bars Penderecki asks the singers to hit quarter-tones, which was one factor causing my impulse to want and buy the score of Part I. 

Yes, an excellent work!  I did not find it scary, but...

If I were able to read scores and if I had it in front of me, I would be more fascinated by it. That feeling of scary is often elicited by his works on me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on September 17, 2019, 04:40:37 PM
Yesterday My friends and I had a 'string quartet day'. On the program were works by Dvorak, Beethoven, Mørk Karlsen, Bartok, Rosenberg, Britten, Haas, Ives and Zemlinsky.

The 3rd quartet by Kjell Mørk Karlsen (1998), a mere 10 minutes long, had everyone perking up their ears. I found it absolutely magical, an instant classic. Heartily recommended.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31N2K27CGPL.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Ken B on September 18, 2019, 10:50:26 AM
Quote from: André on September 17, 2019, 04:40:37 PM
Yesterday My friends and I had a 'string quartet day'. On the program were works by Dvorak, Beethoven, Mørk Karlsen, Bartok, Rosenberg, Britten, Haas, Ives and Zemlinsky.

The 3rd quartet by Kjell Mørk Karlsen (1998), a mere 10 minutes long, had everyone perking up their ears. I found it absolutely magical, an instant classic. Heartily recommended.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31N2K27CGPL.jpg)

Hmm. If I had a string quartet day I wouldn't have any friends left!

Of course if I included Ives I would kinda deserve it ... 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on September 19, 2019, 03:49:29 AM
Bernard Parmegiani, Pour en finir avec le pouvoir d'Orphée.

I was on youtube just now, scrolling through Parmegiani pieces looking for a title that did not look familiar. I have many of Parmegiani's pieces on CD (well, they are computer sound files all of them now), but I had a feeling there was music of his I hadn't heard.

And here it was. Pour en finir avec le pouvoir d'Orphée. Not only a piece I hadn't heard before (though it is from 1972), but a piece that blew me away. Not a very long piece, the youtube clip clocks in at 23:25, but so set up that it seems as leisurely as a piece twice its length. And while it has a long section that is literally leisurely--slow and soft--it covers quite a lot of ground in twenty minutes. There's even a significant break about two thirds of the way through followed by music quite different from what has gone before. So it's even got two obvious parts in its short span.

Well, here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNnnhT_penE

It's well worth a listen, I think. I would recommend it, highly, whether you're an aficionado or a neophyte. And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go give it another whirl. Because I can.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on September 21, 2019, 04:47:14 PM
Quote from: André on September 17, 2019, 04:40:37 PM
Yesterday My friends and I had a 'string quartet day'. On the program were works by Dvorak, Beethoven, Mørk Karlsen, Bartok, Rosenberg, Britten, Haas, Ives and Zemlinsky.

The 3rd quartet by Kjell Mørk Karlsen (1998), a mere 10 minutes long, had everyone perking up their ears. I found it absolutely magical, an instant classic. Heartily recommended.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31N2K27CGPL.jpg)

And this was playing on my stereo. Certainly a masterpiece. It sounds like Pettersson-sounding at moments but not as demonic and disturbed, and very Nordic too. Thanks for sharing it! I enjoyed it gallore.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on September 21, 2019, 06:05:01 PM
Glad you liked it ! I'm expecting a disc with his 3rd symphony any time now, another masterpiece IMO (I have a download of it). So much great music out there !
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on September 23, 2019, 03:52:42 AM
Finally a performance of Johann Pachelbel's famous Canon in D, that I like! https://twitter.com/i/status/1175524972137254913
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on September 29, 2019, 11:59:16 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81V9M92lNVL._SY355_.jpg)

Could the Piano Concerto be the most melodious one ever? If not, it's a super strong candidate for sure. This is insanely fantastic, memorable, delightful, the perfect cross between a sort of Neo-Romanticism (with tinges of Rachmaninov) and Neoclassicism. I am in awe of this!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 29, 2019, 12:53:34 PM
Quote from: Christo on September 23, 2019, 03:52:42 AM
Finally a performance of Johann Pachelbel's famous Canon in D, that I like! https://twitter.com/i/status/1175524972137254913

;D :D ;D

Sarge
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 30, 2019, 12:13:03 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on September 29, 2019, 11:59:16 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81V9M92lNVL._SY355_.jpg)

Could the Piano Concerto be the most melodious one ever? If not, it's a super strong candidate for sure. This is insanely fantastic, memorable, delightful, the perfect cross between a sort of Neo-Romanticism (with tinges of Rachmaninov) and Neoclassicism. I am in awe of this!

+ 1.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 01, 2019, 05:15:10 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on September 29, 2019, 11:59:16 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81V9M92lNVL._SY355_.jpg)

Could the Piano Concerto be the most melodious one ever? If not, it's a super strong candidate for sure. This is insanely fantastic, memorable, delightful, the perfect cross between a sort of Neo-Romanticism (with tinges of Rachmaninov) and Neoclassicism. I am in awe of this!

Oh yes! It's sheer gorgeousness indeed! Another Poulenc piece that has blown me away recently is his Stabat Mater. What an awesomely sublime piece of music! It shows Poulenc at his most serious, but it's never heavy-handed and has some wonderful, luminous writing that is quite goosebump-inducing!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 01, 2019, 05:46:31 AM
The Concerto for Two Pianos is equally marvellous.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on October 01, 2019, 10:47:20 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 01, 2019, 05:15:10 AM
Oh yes! It's sheer gorgeousness indeed! Another Poulenc piece that has blown me away recently is his Stabat Mater. What an awesomely sublime piece of music! It shows Poulenc at his most serious, but it's never heavy-handed and has some wonderful, luminous writing that is quite goosebump-inducing!

The Stabat Mater is tremendous indeed. I even prefer it to the Gloria.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on October 01, 2019, 10:48:53 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 01, 2019, 05:46:31 AM
The Concerto for Two Pianos is equally marvellous.

A most compelling work. It has a Mozartian feel to it that appeals to me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 01, 2019, 11:21:21 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on October 01, 2019, 10:48:53 AM
A most compelling work. It has a Mozartian feel to it that appeals to me.

Precisely. The second movement could come straight from a Mozart concerto.

TD (cross post from the WAYLT2 thread)

First listen.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81kxXcKbYSL._SS500_.jpg)

(actually, I have it as part of the Sony Complete Masterpieces box)

Wow. No, I mean: WOW!!! A thrilling work which piqued my interest from the very first bars and sustained it crescendo until the very last. It made it on the spot from unkown to my list of favorite Romantic vocal-orchestral works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on October 02, 2019, 08:07:21 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 01, 2019, 11:21:21 AM
Precisely. The second movement could come straight from a Mozart concerto.

TD (cross post from the WAYLT2 thread)

First listen.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81kxXcKbYSL._SS500_.jpg)

(actually, I have it as part of the Sony Complete Masterpieces box)

Wow. No, I mean: WOW!!! A thrilling work which piqued my interest from the very first bars and sustained it crescendo until the very last. It made it on the spot from unknown to my list of favorite Romantic vocal-orchestral works.

Wow!  OR: WOW!!!  What a coincidence!  Because I just heard a performance of the Mendelssohn Third Symphony on the radio that was incredible.  It seemed as if the conductor thought the score said Bruckner rather than Mendelssohn!

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Jaime Laredo conducting, on NIMBUS, from 1992.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/417hAvoetUL.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 02, 2019, 08:41:48 AM
Quote from: Cato on October 02, 2019, 08:07:21 AM
Wow!  OR: WOW!!!  What a coincidence!  Because I just heard a performance of the Mendelssohn Third Symphony on the radio that was incredible.  It seemed as if the conductor thought the score said Bruckner rather than Mendelssohn!

I'm not sure I would like that.  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on October 02, 2019, 09:34:08 AM
Quote from: Cato on October 02, 2019, 08:07:21 AM
Wow!  OR: WOW!!!  What a coincidence!  Because I just heard a performance of the Mendelssohn Third Symphony on the radio that was incredible.  It seemed as if the conductor thought the score said Bruckner rather than Mendelssohn!



Quote from: Florestan on October 02, 2019, 08:41:48 AM
I'm not sure I would like that.  ;D

:D  Heh-heh!

Not to worry: there was nevertheless a great Kammermusik feel to the clarity of the polyphony.

One can hear it via YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/v/9RmSTa30h1M&list=OLAK5uy_l_GGd6EBCMlIZEPj6ELJrMM9GJCW8r9oo
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on October 18, 2019, 02:27:17 PM
(https://direct.rhapsody.com/imageserver/images/alb.63324539/600x600.jpg)

Milhaud's first two string quartets are abusively lovely, I mean, intensely idyllic in its expressivity! You just have to get carried away by such endearing and warm music. The version of the 1st quartet is in 4 movements. Now I'm planning to hear the rest of the quartets very soon. Milhaud had some very kept secrets.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on October 22, 2019, 08:40:08 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 01, 2019, 11:21:21 AM
Precisely. The second movement could come straight from a Mozart concerto.

TD (cross post from the WAYLT2 thread)

First listen.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81kxXcKbYSL._SS500_.jpg)

(actually, I have it as part of the Sony Complete Masterpieces box)

Wow. No, I mean: WOW!!! A thrilling work which piqued my interest from the very first bars and sustained it crescendo until the very last. It made it on the spot from unknown to my list of favorite Romantic vocal-orchestral works.

WOW!!!  How has this work remained unknown to me?!  Why is it not better known?!

A live performance from 5 years ago on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/v/RkH7hUVSDfQ
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 22, 2019, 09:19:16 AM
Alexey Shor - Childhood Memories

Listened to them on this disc:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81Qcc1CUqvL._SL1500_.jpg)

and the music charmed me no end from the very first bar to the very last.

Here it is, played by Ingolf Wunder

https://www.youtube.com/v/uPkkXLomW4s&t=43s
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on October 22, 2019, 09:49:06 AM
Having just "listened to it for the first time, again": the exquisite Schnittke Choir Concerto
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Que on October 22, 2019, 10:23:49 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on September 17, 2019, 03:13:56 AM
Not specifically linked to the comment above - more a Film Music/Piece that blew me away recently thing...... (is there a film music thread here?)

Picked up one of those Marco Polo/Moscow/Score reconstruction discs recently - Max Steiner's scores for Lost Patrol/Beast with 5 fingers/Virginia City.  I find some in this series can be interesting but not compelling.  This time I got this one:

[asin]B00000465J[/asin]

The link above is from the UK US Amazon site - this disc can be listened to there as part of their "Prime" package. 

First selection - "Lost Patrol" definitely falls into the interesting not compelling category.  Skillful potpourri of familiar themes/tunes - quite evocative, pretty well played..... unlikely to return to the score often.  THEN, the Beast With Five Fingers.  I'm always partial to a good big overblown arrangement of baroque music for a large symphony orchestra (Stokowski/Elgar/Respighi et al) - I had NO idea the main music theme of this score is a very neurotic working out of the Bach Chaconne (extrapolated from the Busoni piano arrangement I assume).  But loved the whole score - dark and menacing with the Bach exploding out at unexpected points.  I remember dimly having seen the film but this prompts me to see it again.

The disc closes with another fairly routine Western score - Virginia City - its that Beast that is the keeper!

The asin feature only works with the asin of the physical  recording.  :)

Q
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 26, 2019, 03:12:16 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on October 18, 2019, 02:27:17 PM
(https://direct.rhapsody.com/imageserver/images/alb.63324539/600x600.jpg)

Milhaud's first two string quartets are abusively lovely, I mean, intensely idyllic in its expressivity! You just have to get carried away by such endearing and warm music. The version of the 1st quartet is in 4 movements. Now I'm planning to hear the rest of the quartets very soon. Milhaud had some very kept secrets.

I listened to the 1st Quartet a couple days ago in this recording:

[asin]B00HCUBDWU[/asin]

My expectations were certainly exceeded by this inventive, melodious, and joyous music! "Abusively lovely" indeed! There are echoes of Debussy and Ravel, but the music is far from derivative. A very nice discovery, so thanks for the tip, Cesar!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on October 26, 2019, 04:30:24 PM
Quote from: kyjo on October 26, 2019, 03:12:16 PM
I listened to the 1st Quartet a couple days ago in this recording:

[asin]B00HCUBDWU[/asin]

My expectations were certainly exceeded by this inventive, melodious, and joyous music! "Abusively lovely" indeed! There are echoes of Debussy and Ravel, but the music is far from derivative. A very nice discovery, so thanks for the tip, Cesar!

Very glad you liked them, Kyle! These are gorgeous, sunny, idyllic works indeed with some touches of Impressionism. The subsequent ones tend to be more Milhaud. The 3rd one is with soprano (a la Schoenberg), and it implies that is more dissonant but very approachable nonetheless. Last week I finished listening to all of them and definitely it's been a major project, Very meaty, quirky, rustic, enjoyable quartets.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on October 26, 2019, 05:16:11 PM
Not a first listen, but Sibelius' Symphony No. 7 has moved me in a way that is difficult to explain. To be honest, it's one of the most beautiful works I've heard in my life. Period.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 27, 2019, 08:15:50 AM
A recent revisitation of Martinů's Viola Sonata really has impressed me to no end. What a magnificent piece of music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on October 27, 2019, 11:16:57 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on October 26, 2019, 05:16:11 PM
Not a first listen, but Sibelius' Symphony No. 7 has moved me in a way that is difficult to explain. To be honest, it's one of the most beautiful works I've heard in my life. Period.

I've been playing timps in rehearsals of it (a "proper" timpanist is probably going to turn up for the performance >:() and, yeah, it's like discovering it afresh.  A poorly-expressed thought that occurred to me while standing there desperately counting 28 slow 3/2 bars' rest (with no cues) was that the piece is at the same time the most masterly exercise in transition ever composed, and yet each episode, and each bar, seems utterly self-contained and poised within itself, without the least hint of striving to get anywhere other than where it is.  (Told you it was poorly expressed.)  How is this contradictory miracle possible?  I dunno.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on October 27, 2019, 01:03:59 PM
Quote from: DaveF on October 27, 2019, 11:16:57 AM
I've been playing timps in rehearsals of it (a "proper" timpanist is probably going to turn up for the performance >:() and, yeah, it's like discovering it afresh.  A poorly-expressed thought that occurred to me while standing there desperately counting 28 slow 3/2 bars' rest (with no cues) was that the piece is at the same time the most masterly exercise in transition ever composed, and yet each episode, and each bar, seems utterly self-contained and poised within itself, without the least hint of striving to get anywhere other than where it is.  (Told you it was poorly expressed.)  How is this contradictory miracle possible?  I dunno.

Interesting appreciation and I don't think it's poorly expressed. I don't know how to read scores, but somehow what you say reflects the 'behaviour' and development of that work, its construction seems succinct, condensed, even austere to some extent, but that is one of its most remarkable features, all what Sibelius wanted to express is there and nothing is missing. That miracle was possible because Sibelius was a genius and knew his stuff. There may be other more sophisticated explanations, but I sum up it that way.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Rinaldo on October 30, 2019, 08:04:00 AM
Not really sure where to post this, but I was really blown away by this orchestral rendition of Sergio Ortega's El pueblo unido (https://twitter.com/MidiaNINJA/status/1189202344547934208) in front of the Basílica de los Sacramentinos in Santiago. One almost forgets how unifying music can be. Such a beautiful moment.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Rinaldo on October 30, 2019, 12:23:48 PM
Quote from: Rinaldo on October 30, 2019, 08:04:00 AM
Not really sure where to post this, but I was really blown away by this orchestral rendition of Sergio Ortega's El pueblo unido (https://twitter.com/MidiaNINJA/status/1189202344547934208) in front of the Basílica de los Sacramentinos in Santiago. One almost forgets how unifying music can be. Such a beautiful moment.

Here's the full performance:

https://www.youtube.com/v/VAfXvacUC88
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SymphonicAddict on November 02, 2019, 07:27:20 PM
I'm blown away by the bravery and tenacity of the Latin American countries.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on November 04, 2019, 08:48:16 AM
Quote from: DaveF on October 27, 2019, 11:16:57 AM
I've been playing timps in rehearsals of it (a "proper" timpanist is probably going to turn up for the performance >:() and, yeah, it's like discovering it afresh.  A poorly-expressed thought that occurred to me while standing there desperately counting 28 slow 3/2 bars' rest (with no cues) was that the piece is at the same time the most masterly exercise in transition ever composed, and yet each episode, and each bar, seems utterly self-contained and poised within itself, without the least hint of striving to get anywhere other than where it is.  (Told you it was poorly expressed.)  How is this contradictory miracle possible?  I dunno.

Quote from: SymphonicAddict on October 27, 2019, 01:03:59 PM
Interesting appreciation and I don't think it's poorly expressed. I don't know how to read scores, but somehow what you say reflects the 'behaviour' and development of that work, its construction seems succinct, condensed, even austere to some extent, but that is one of its most remarkable features, all what Sibelius wanted to express is there and nothing is missing. That miracle was possible because Sibelius was a genius and knew his stuff. There may be other more sophisticated explanations, but I sum up it that way.

Think of the bars of music in the Sibelius Seventh Symphony as tiles in a mosaic: individually, the tile may not seem like much, but as your eyes put all the tiles together to create a picture, you begin to sense the cohesion among all of them.  And suddenly, ta-DAAA, the picture e.g. of a tiger leaps forth into your consciousness.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 06, 2019, 03:19:51 PM
I have to say that I was rather enthralled today with my revisitation of Sibelius second symphony. I listened to the Berglund/Bournemouth set (from a newly acquired hybrid SACD set) and it truly felt like I was listening to the work for the first-time. Either it's been so long since I've heard it or Berglund's convincing and powerful performance swayed me, I'm not sure, but I was blown away by the whole musical experience.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: andolink on November 15, 2019, 10:01:21 PM
Pictures of an Exhibition (Iconosonics III) by Clemens Gadenstätter (b.1966) from this 3 disc set - -

(https://d27t0qkxhe4r68.cloudfront.net/t_900/9120040735067.jpg?1570620892)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on November 17, 2019, 07:14:52 AM
Hey andolink,

I'm intrigued. It's a fun piece and all, whimsical and full of energy, but why did it blow you away?

It's OK if you can't really explain. I thought of a couple of things that have blown me away, and I don't think I could explain why about any of them. They just did is all.

Otherwise, I've had a love/hate relationship with Kairos for a long time. They put out that exceptional (away blowing) set of Francisco López in 2009, which I bought immediately. But then I started my usual routine of buying anything of Kairos I saw. And the López began to seem more and more of an anomaly, their focus being mainly on safe, central European "avant garde." Which is OK, I guess. I was more interested in dangerous, central European avant garde, I guess. Still, there's the Andre, too, which I quite like. And a few others....
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on November 17, 2019, 12:12:10 PM
Quote from: Cato on November 04, 2019, 08:48:16 AM
Think of the bars of music in the Sibelius Seventh Symphony as tiles in a mosaic: individually, the tile may not seem like much, but as your eyes put all the tiles together to create a picture, you begin to sense the cohesion among all of them.  And suddenly, ta-DAAA, the picture e.g. of a tiger leaps forth into your consciousness.

That's OK as far as it goes - isn't it something Sibelius said himself? - and it beautifully encapsulates the idea of apparently unrelated parts fitting together into a whole, but for me misses the dynamic nature of music as opposed to visual art.  A completed mosaic is static, whereas Sibelius 7, or any other piece of music that is intended to progress somewhere, moves from somewhere to somewhere else (or back to where it started).  The way that Sibelius manages this while working with predetermined chunks of material is beyond my comprehension.  (Just come back from (sitting through) the performance, hearing a much better timpanist than me romp through it, and heart and mind are full of it just now.)

(I knew I'd seen that Sibelius quote - it's MI's strapline.)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on November 17, 2019, 12:51:24 PM
Quote from: DaveF on November 17, 2019, 12:12:10 PM

That's OK as far as it goes -isn't it something Sibelius said himself? ...
(I knew I'd seen that Sibelius quote - it's MI's strapline.)



I honestly never noticed!  0:)


Anyway, yes, the analogy is not perfect, since pictorial art (non-animated at least) is static.  Perhaps to make the analogy better, one can think of the mosaic pieces as drops of thick liquid, slowly flowing together to create an image - and then flowing apart to destroy it and form a new image.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: andolink on November 18, 2019, 12:28:55 AM
Quote from: some guy on November 17, 2019, 07:14:52 AM
Hey andolink,

I'm intrigued. It's a fun piece and all, whimsical and full of energy, but why did it blow you away?

It's OK if you can't really explain. I thought of a couple of things that have blown me away, and I don't think I could explain why about any of them. They just did is all.

Otherwise, I've had a love/hate relationship with Kairos for a long time. They put out that exceptional (away blowing) set of Francisco López in 2009, which I bought immediately. But then I started my usual routine of buying anything of Kairos I saw. And the López began to seem more and more of an anomaly, their focus being mainly on safe, central European "avant garde." Which is OK, I guess. I was more interested in dangerous, central European avant garde, I guess. Still, there's the Andre, too, which I quite like. And a few others....

There are certain pieces that, upon first listening, intrigue me without my understanding what's going on in them.  This one did that.  My second listening, maybe I was in a particularly receptive mood or something, I felt like I was now clearly seeing what the composer was doing and it was revelatory to me because I'd never before heard a piece do the things I was hearing in this one and when a piece of music jolts me into a different place than what I'm familiar with, and it works, that's always wonderful to me.  And your descriptors (fun, whimsical, full of energy) are spot on for me too and are very good things for music to be.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: amw on November 18, 2019, 01:05:15 AM
Quote from: some guy on November 17, 2019, 07:14:52 AM
Otherwise, I've had a love/hate relationship with Kairos for a long time. They put out that exceptional (away blowing) set of Francisco López in 2009, which I bought immediately. But then I started my usual routine of buying anything of Kairos I saw. And the López began to seem more and more of an anomaly, their focus being mainly on safe, central European "avant garde." Which is OK, I guess. I was more interested in dangerous, central European avant garde, I guess. Still, there's the Andre, too, which I quite like. And a few others....
I look to Kairos for a few things—one is reference recordings of core 20thC rep, which they have provided quite a few of (Grisey's Quatre chants and Les espaces acoustiques, Lachenmann's string quartets & Das Mädchen, Sciarrino's Luci mie traditrici & various orchestral and vocal works, Messiaen's Éclairs, Nono's La lontananza, etc). The other one is their relationship with established composers who I already like (Rebecca Saunders, Olga Neuwirth, Chaya Czernowin etc) and who act kind of as their house stable. I don't expect anything exceptionally countercultural or nonacademic.

Their one-off composer portraits series are obviously going to be pretty hit or miss, but I enjoy a few of the composers I've discovered that way—Gadenstätter, Alwynne Pritchard, Pierre Jodlowski, Stefan Węgłowski, Samir Odeh-Tamimi, Mark Andre (although I already knew him from soundcloud). Others are more.... generic conservatory music. But that's the price of taking a chance.

The Francisco López box set was definitely an aberration, but of course Kairos licenced all those recordings in order to reissue them—they're not Kairos "originals"—and it definitely did a great service to those of us who were, say, six years old when the originals were in print.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on November 18, 2019, 02:01:26 AM
Quote from: andolink on November 18, 2019, 12:28:55 AM
There are certain pieces that, upon first listening, intrigue me without my understanding what's going on in them.  This one did that.  My second listening, maybe I was in a particularly receptive mood or something, I felt like I was now clearly seeing what the composer was doing and it was revelatory to me because I'd never before heard a piece do the things I was hearing in this one and when a piece of music jolts me into a different place than what I'm familiar with, and it works, that's always wonderful to me.
Nicely put. Indeed, I'm humiliated that I've never, in all my many years of listening (in all my years of writing), been able to express things so well. Consider my hat to be permanently off to you!

Quote from: amw on November 18, 2019, 01:05:15 AM
I don't expect anything exceptionally countercultural or nonacademic.
Yes, this is exactly it. My expectations. Expectations are indeed the very devil.

Quote from: amw on November 18, 2019, 01:05:15 AMBut that's the price of taking a chance.
Again, yes. And I shouldn't have to be reminded that in engagements with the arts, particularly the newer things, taking a chance is never too costly.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on November 21, 2019, 12:10:51 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81hFY0zxT7L._SY355_.jpg)

Liszt --- Grosse Concert-Phantasie ueber spanische Weisen S 253

An astonishing blend of virtuosity and tunefulness that will make you ask yourself whether what you've just heard was real, or even possible.

https://www.youtube.com/v/B2qWUPejJA4
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 21, 2019, 06:30:53 AM
This:

https://www.youtube.com/v/J0w0t4Qn6LY

If you have headphones, then please give this a listen. An exceptional performance from Hahn. Mikko Franck is also a fine Sibelian.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: jess on November 23, 2019, 01:58:24 AM
My latest recent discovery which has made such an impression on me that I wanted to immediately hear it again was this piece:

Quote from: jess on November 22, 2019, 04:56:39 PM
Eva Reiter (*1976)
Wächter, for bass flutes and pipe orchestra (2019)

Michael Schmid (flute)
Eva Reiter, Susanne Fröhlich (paetzold-flute)
Deutscher Kammerchor
SWR Symphonieorchester
Tito Ceccherini (conductor)

World Premiere, 20 October 2019, Donaueschinger Musiktage 2019

https://www.youtube.com/v/lEXhWF0A78k

A richly sonorous work with great use of air sounds and sustained chords that grow and swell like waves out on the ocean. There's a really good sense of pacing that works with the forward propulsion the composition has, and the performance is polished and has an emotional drive that takes the listener into the unique aural universe Reiter creates without any blemishes that removes one from the total experience. I do think the piece seems to sag around the 12:40 mark with the introduction of what sounds like a drum kit used in a totally conventional way. It isn't an idea which is picked up later in the piece or has a huge amount of precedence in what Reiter has already managed to set up. But the piece overall is really attractive.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on November 23, 2019, 03:43:53 AM
Wow. Yes.

And not only a new composer, for me, but a few seconds on Google led to the Festival Archipel, which I didn't know about, and then to Marianthi Papalexandri-Alexandri, whom I had also never heard of, but who has a nice Vimeo presence. Her clips there are mostly way way too short. But oh well.

Fun times. Gadenstätter. Reiter. Papalexandri-Alexandri. My ears haven't been this happy since I first heard, and met, Andrea Neumann.

Music is just delightful, no?

(https://vimeo.com/124423722)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: jess on November 23, 2019, 07:57:42 AM
Music is delightful indeed! ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 23, 2019, 02:00:15 PM
A twofer of terrific symphonies!


Matthew Taylor: Symphony No. 2

This is very recommended for lovers of Nielsen, Holmboe, a bit of Sibelius and Tubin, even of Olav Kielland whose 1st Symphony (or Sinfonia I) has meant an all-time revelation. A very exciting work, with many fine details and stormy nature. The strength of its gestures and its cohesive narrative make it a most compelling symphony. Matthew Taylor is an English composer who proves that symphony is too far from dissapearing (fortunately)!!!

(https://d2duss065tgxcq.cloudfront.net/toccata/wp-content/uploads/20130701000000/TOCC0175-jc-cover.jpg)


Robert Farnon: Symphony No. 2

Yet another discovery of some significant importance for my tastes. Hyper-Romantic, tuneful, film-like and eventually moving to say the least. This piece has a Korngoldian-like flavour that is just irresistible. One of those works that can easily stick on your mind. Farnon was a Canadian composer of film and light-music, chiefly. Now you know what to expect.


(https://is3-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music/4f/ed/3b/mzi.eygwbruc.jpg/1200x630wp.png)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 23, 2019, 04:49:32 PM
Quote from: Florestan on November 21, 2019, 12:10:51 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81hFY0zxT7L._SY355_.jpg)

Liszt --- Grosse Concert-Phantasie ueber spanische Weisen S 253

An astonishing blend of virtuosity and tunefulness that will make you ask yourself whether what you've just heard was real, or even possible.

https://www.youtube.com/v/B2qWUPejJA4

Yes, a really fun work. Whilst don't consider one of his best works, it has all the ingredients to appeal anyone. There was a moment where I thought I was listening to a Mexican song, in the 2nd half.

His Paraphrases on composers' operas are just unthinkable in their virtuosic skills and creativeness too. Pleasure galore.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on November 27, 2019, 12:29:57 PM
https://www.youtube.com/v/pyfnU5Bd5HI

I don't know how to describe this music - sublimely kitschy, grandiose, deep, heartfelt, Ur-Russian... neo- romantic, pathetic. But it brings tears to my eyes. The female soloist (a mezzo or alto?) is superb...
For those who read Russian: http://www.yuributsko.com/ru/works

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on November 28, 2019, 11:11:44 AM
Lately, these works have fit the qualification:

Franz Schmidt: The Book with Seven Seals. This epic oratorio starts off in a rather benign fashion, but soon develops into an absolutely hair-raising, apocalyptic, terrifying piece of music as befits its subject matter - the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse from the book of Revelation - and eventually coming to a ecstatically triumphant conclusion. I had previously only known Schmidt's symphonies, which, though excellent (especially the 4th), didn't quite prepare me for the emotional range and dramatic scope of this work. Anyone who enjoys 20th century vocal/orchestral music simply must hear this! I listened to the Kristjan Jarvi recording on Chandos.

Schnittke: Requiem. A mind-blowingly imaginative masterwork that is deeply unsettling yet approachable and communicative. The eerily monotonous spoken chants of the Tuba mirum and the Credo with its drumkit (!) part are especially unforgettable. Now I see what all the hype about Schnittke on this forum is all about! I listened to the Polyansky recording on Chandos.

John Powell: Symphony in A major Virginia Symphony. Apparently Powell was a terribly racist person, but so was Wagner and his music still gets performed around the world. IMO, it's best to separate the man from the music. This symphony completely exceeded my expectations - it is a 55-minute edifice of simply glorious and life-affirming music where ideas flow in the most natural and organic manner. The way Powell weaves Appalachian folk tunes into the music is completely engaging and successful. Perhaps think of Braga Santos' first four symphonies but a bit less variegated and more understated in mood. I listened to the JoAnn Falletta recording on Albany Records.

Samuel Jones: Roundings: Musings and Meditations on Texas New Deal Murals (symphonic suite). Anyone who has, like me, fallen in love with Jones' 3rd Symphony Palo Duro Canyon (I know there are a couple on this forum) simply must hear this substantial piece. I believe Jones is one of America's most sorely neglected contemporary composers - much of his output remains unperformed and unrecorded while contemporary composers of lesser stature (IMO) get promoted by the country's top orchestras. (Perhaps his very generic name hasn't done him any favors? :D) His music is very much in the great American tradition of Copland, Barber, Harris, and Hanson (his teacher) and never gets involved with contemporary gimmicks and "-isms". Roundings is a deeply compelling work which takes the listener on a journey back to Depression-era America, with stunningly vivid portraits of a windmill, an oil well, a locomotive, a tractor, etc. Jones' orchestration is constantly inventive and his musical language always engaging. The only recording available is with the Amarillo SO under James Setapen on Naxos - not a world-class ensemble perhaps but they acquit themselves very well with Jones' soundworld.

Harold Shapero: Symphony for Classical Orchestra. Another great American discovery! Harold Shapero is not a frequently discussed composer, not even on this forum, but on the evidence of this work he is definitely one worth remembering. I'll quote Amazon reviewer G.D. who gives an excellent description of the work:

"What a marvelous, exhilarating work Harold Shapero's Symphony for Classical Orchestra is! As expected from the title, the style is neo-classical and quite conservative, but the results are thrilling - the image that springs to mind js Shapero donning his sunglasses and taking Haydn, Beethoven and Stravinsky on a swift-paced ride through New England in a sleek sports car. That description is not meant to cast aspersions on the results; indeed, I am willing to claim that it is something of a travesty that Shapero's work hasn't established itself as one of the most widely recognized and admired American symphonies of the twentieth century. It is a young man's work - Shapero showed the score to a dismissive Stravinsky in 1947 (Copland was also dismissive, which is probably partially to blame for the fact that Shapero stopped composing for almost twenty years) - but is extremely skillfully and imaginatively put together, and the ideas are fresh, vital and strong. The music is also almost surprisingly original - while Stravinsky's influence is obvious it doesn't really sound anything like the music of other neo-classical composers working in the US at the time.

The most obvious model for the symphony seems to have been Beethoven's seventh, but the symphony can hardly be called derivative. Its opening movement is thoroughly compelling and thematically memorable. The long Adagietto is the heart of the symphony, however, and it is achingly beautiful and sufficiently varied and imaginative to sustain its rather substantial duration without trouble. The Scherzo is great fun; exuberant, playful and stormy, and the Finale brings it home in a deeply impressive way. Yes, there is much in the symphony that is almost conservative enough to have been written in the classical age (though there are plenty of modern harmonic and rhythmic touches as well), but Shapero imbues it all with a personal touch. A magnificent work."

(I listened to the LA Phil/Previn recording on New World Records.)


P.S. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'll post some more of my recent discoveries eventually. I finally have some time to post here, as I am on break for the next few days. I'll be back at school for a few more weeks and then I'll have a month-long Christmas break when I will surely have enough time to post here regularly again.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on November 28, 2019, 11:23:50 AM
Thanks for this nice and very informative post, Kyle ! Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 28, 2019, 11:59:51 AM
Quote from: kyjo on November 28, 2019, 11:11:44 AM
Lately, these works have fit the qualification:

Franz Schmidt: The Book with Seven Seals. This epic oratorio starts off in a rather benign fashion, but soon develops into an absolutely hair-raising, apocalyptic, terrifying piece of music as befits its subject matter - the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse from the book of Revelation - and eventually coming to a ecstatically triumphant conclusion. I had previously only known Schmidt's symphonies, which, though excellent (especially the 4th), didn't quite prepare me for the emotional range and dramatic scope of this work. Anyone who enjoys 20th century vocal/orchestral music simply must hear this! I listened to the Kristjan Jarvi recording on Chandos.


This work is certainly impressive, but I felt it had some longueurs that distracted me a little. The final moments are glorious, though. I've also heard his opera Notre Dame. It's lovely and very romantic, but it's not a strong work I'm afraid. Its most famous Intermezzo ranks very high by me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on November 28, 2019, 01:16:46 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on November 28, 2019, 11:59:51 AM
This work is certainly impressive, but I felt it had some longueurs that distracted me a little. The final moments are glorious, though. I've also heard his opera Notre Dame. It's lovely and very romantic, but it's not a strong work I'm afraid. Its most famous Intermezzo ranks very high by me.

Yeah, that's a valid criticism. I felt the less exciting moments to be a necessary respite from the sections of white-hot intensity, though. Just out of curiosity, what recording did you listen to?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 28, 2019, 02:37:01 PM
Quote from: kyjo on November 28, 2019, 01:16:46 PM
Yeah, that's a valid criticism. I felt the less exciting moments to be a necessary respite from the sections of white-hot intensity, though. Just out of curiosity, what recording did you listen to?

This:

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/0724358578256.jpg)

I too heard some bits of Harnoncourt/VPO but I thought the rendition was lacklustre, and the sound quality seemed inferior too.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 28, 2019, 08:30:18 PM
Quote from: kyjo on November 28, 2019, 11:11:44 AM
Schnittke: Requiem. A mind-blowingly imaginative masterwork that is deeply unsettling yet approachable and communicative. The eerily monotonous spoken chants of the Tuba mirum and the Credo with its drumkit (!) part are especially unforgettable. Now I see what all the hype about Schnittke on this forum is all about! I listened to the Polyansky recording on Chandos.

P.S. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'll post some more of my recent discoveries eventually. I finally have some time to post here, as I am on break for the next few days. I'll be back at school for a few more weeks and then I'll have a month-long Christmas break when I will surely have enough time to post here regularly again.  :)

Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Kyle! I'm glad you enjoyed Schnittke's Requiem. I'm quite a fan of this work (as with much of Schnittke's music). I'm going to try and revisit some Schnittke's music next week at some point. Right now, I'm quite mesmerized by Rachmaninov's solo piano music (amongst other works of his that I haven't spent much time with) and I'm sure I'll need more time before I come out of this particular daze. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 28, 2019, 08:57:49 PM
As for works that I'm blown away with at the moment, Rachmaninov's Preludes, Opuses 23 & 32. So amazing!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: jess on December 05, 2019, 02:44:16 AM
some guy mentioned this guy........and this guy is blowing my mind right now

https://www.youtube.com/v/miOorqR7w8s

francisco lopez is brilliant
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on December 07, 2019, 05:21:27 AM
 :)

He is certainly one of my favorites!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on December 07, 2019, 05:29:31 AM
Probably the most moving, utterly beautiful piece I encountered this year: Kinder Scout (1923) an unknown tone poem by English composer Patrick Hadley (1899-1973):
(http://i.scdn.co/image/f99538ed6ec0e8dfe20ef2dfcfedd4751f4db19d)(https://s.s-bol.com/imgbase0/imagebase3/backcover/large/FC/3/4/2/2/9200000117252243.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: jess on December 11, 2019, 04:00:31 PM
Cross post alert................. but this is something I am listening to right now and I have to say this is absolutely mindblowingly good

Out of Range by Norwegian composer Jana Winderen

Quote from: Winderen"Out of Range" is an audio work based on ultrasound and echolocation used by bats, dolphins and other creatures who operate beyond the range of human hearing - 'seeing' with sound, or perhaps 'hearing' objects.
more here

This is astonishingly beautiful.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 11, 2019, 05:49:55 PM
Quote from: jess on December 11, 2019, 04:00:31 PM
Cross post alert................. but this is something I am listening to right now and I have to say this is absolutely mindblowingly good

Out of Range by Norwegian composer Jana Winderen

more here (http://www.janawinderen.com/releases/out_of_range_digital_download.html#.XfGPhXtfgUt)

This is astonishingly beautiful.

(https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a0544443394_10.jpg)

You piqued my curiosity. I'm listening to it on YouTube. It's certainly different, a sort of a more-contemporary Cantus Arcticus (?), just that with other animal and environment sounds. The music is intriguing, not necessarily beautiful IMO, albeit everybody has a different meaning of beauty.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: jess on December 14, 2019, 03:50:24 PM
Incredible stuff

https://www.youtube.com/v/cFFvxSxacwA
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on December 15, 2019, 12:44:41 AM
Thanks, Jess.

Winderen was a new name for me. I anticipate that her music will be coming out of my speakers quite frequently now.

(Looking up Vaggione images, to see if I had perhaps met him in Bourges, I came upon a picture of Rocío Cano Valiño. I look forward to hearing some of her stuff now, too. She has a whole raft of photos of her hanging out with people whose music I already know and love: Jonty Harrison, Francis Dhomont, Horacio Vaggione....

Not interrupting this magnificent "Out of Range" to do so, though. :-) What lovely music.)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: jess on December 15, 2019, 12:56:24 AM
It's very lovely! Had to listen to it quite a number of times; couldn't get enough of it! Inspired me to make some more music myself, of course.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on December 16, 2019, 06:09:06 AM
I've probably said this already, but Korngold's Symphony in F sharp blows me away every time I listen to it. It's one of those rare pieces where, once it's over I'm wanting to listen to it again.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: jess on December 16, 2019, 02:15:09 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 16, 2019, 06:09:06 AM
I've probably said this already, but Korngold's Symphony in F sharp blows me away every time I listen to it. It's one of those rare pieces where, once it's over I'm wanting to listen to it again.
Ooh I remember when this was a first discovery for me as well. Glad you found it!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 16, 2019, 02:51:26 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Bud%2BuWNCL._SL1429_.jpg)

This composer never ceases to amaze me. Impressive, imposing, exultant, glorious work!! An early work, but a quite majestic one. I was reminded of Berlioz in its unabashed celebratory choruses and passages, albeit it has several lyrical moments, quite apt to contrast the whole piece. If you want to indulge yourself with powerful music, then this is for you.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 16, 2019, 03:02:57 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 16, 2019, 06:09:06 AM
I've probably said this already, but Korngold's Symphony in F sharp blows me away every time I listen to it. It's one of those rare pieces where, once it's over I'm wanting to listen to it again.

Indeed. It hardly tires.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on December 16, 2019, 05:12:24 PM
I'm not sure if I posted this before, but I'm continuously blown away by this work from Boulanger:

https://www.youtube.com/v/sKR-eywonBk
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 18, 2019, 08:57:45 PM
Some that have fit the qualification recently:

Bacewicz: String Quartet no. 4. For some reason, I was expecting something much more astringent and Bartokian. Instead, I was met with lovely, melodic music with folksy overtones and gorgeously subtle, almost Gallic harmonies. This is really treasurable music to which I shall return soon! I listened to the Silesian SQ on Chandos.

Gallagher: Symphony no. 2 "Ascendant". It is quite heartening to see composers of our time writing symphonies on a grand scale, as American composer Jack Gallagher has done in this hour-long symphony from 2010-13. The music is splendidly and virtuosically orchestrated, with a sweeping sense of forward momentum in the outer movements (often putting me in mind of the scherzo of the Korngold Symphony) and enrapturing lyrical calm in the slow movement. The work is quite fortunate to have had the advocacy of JoAnn Falletta and the LSO in their excellent Naxos recording.

Niigaki (falsely claimed by Samuragochi): Symphony no. 1 "Hiroshima". I won't go into the complicated history behind the genesis of this ghost-written work from 2003, but I will say that it is an absolutely epic (80-minute), riveting work written in a generally late-romantic style but with some modernist touches in the more intense sections. In particular, the third movement (finale) is absolutely tremendous, working towards a shattering climax and ending in a glowing apotheosis. I've read some criticisms of this work as "an amateurish Mahler pastiche" which I really don't agree with. Yes, there are touches of Mahler here and there but hardly anything overbearing. Then again, I suppose I have a much higher tolerance for this kind of music than a lot of people do! I listened to the only recording available, the Tokyo SO conducted by Naoto Otomo.

Raff: Symphony no. 4 in G minor. To be honest, I did not expect much from this work, knowing that some of Raff's lesser-known symphonies can be rather uninspired (e.g. nos. 2 and 10). I ended up being thoroughly delighted by this vigorously energetic and generously lyrical work, which doesn't have a single dull moment from the lovely secondary theme of the first movement to the laugh-out-loud parody at the opening of the finale (I won't spoil it for you!). The Hans Stadlmair/Bamberg Symphony recording on Tudor is wonderfully crisp and alive.

Tovey: Sonata for Solo Cello. The work by this composer that has impressed me the most so far. (The Symphony in D major is quite good but suffers from a rather subpar recording on Toccata Classics.) The first two movements are very good, but the crowning achievement here is undoubtedly the final Passacaglia, a masterful and fearsomely virtuosic edifice of a movement which keeps accumulating energy as it progresses. This is a work worthy in greatness of standing alongside the Kodaly solo sonata, with which it is coupled in the fabulously committed recording by Nancy Green on JRI Recordings (the only one available, I think).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on December 19, 2019, 04:04:08 AM
Quote from: kyjo on December 18, 2019, 08:57:45 PM
Gallagher: Symphony no. 2 "Ascendant". It is quite heartening to see composers of our time writing symphonies on a grand scale, as American composer Jack Gallagher has done in this hour-long symphony from 2010-13. The music is splendidly and virtuosically orchestrated, with a sweeping sense of forward momentum in the outer movements (often putting me in mind of the scherzo of the Korngold Symphony) and enrapturing lyrical calm in the slow movement. The work is quite fortunate to have had the advocacy of JoAnn Falletta and the LSO in their excellent Naxos recording.

I need to give this another listen. I've had the disc for some months now, but I can only remember vague bits about the work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 21, 2019, 10:07:24 AM
Quote from: kyjo on December 18, 2019, 08:57:45 PM
Some that have fit the qualification recently:

Bacewicz: String Quartet no. 4. For some reason, I was expecting something much more astringent and Bartokian. Instead, I was met with lovely, melodic music with folksy overtones and gorgeously subtle, almost Gallic harmonies. This is really treasurable music to which I shall return soon! I listened to the Silesian SQ on Chandos.

Gallagher: Symphony no. 2 "Ascendant". It is quite heartening to see composers of our time writing symphonies on a grand scale, as American composer Jack Gallagher has done in this hour-long symphony from 2010-13. The music is splendidly and virtuosically orchestrated, with a sweeping sense of forward momentum in the outer movements (often putting me in mind of the scherzo of the Korngold Symphony) and enrapturing lyrical calm in the slow movement. The work is quite fortunate to have had the advocacy of JoAnn Falletta and the LSO in their excellent Naxos recording.

Niigaki (falsely claimed by Samuragochi): Symphony no. 1 "Hiroshima". I won't go into the complicated history behind the genesis of this ghost-written work from 2003, but I will say that it is an absolutely epic (80-minute), riveting work written in a generally late-romantic style but with some modernist touches in the more intense sections. In particular, the third movement (finale) is absolutely tremendous, working towards a shattering climax and ending in a glowing apotheosis. I've read some criticisms of this work as "an amateurish Mahler pastiche" which I really don't agree with. Yes, there are touches of Mahler here and there but hardly anything overbearing. Then again, I suppose I have a much higher tolerance for this kind of music than a lot of people do! I listened to the only recording available, the Tokyo SO conducted by Naoto Otomo.

Raff: Symphony no. 4 in G minor. To be honest, I did not expect much from this work, knowing that some of Raff's lesser-known symphonies can be rather uninspired (e.g. nos. 2 and 10). I ended up being thoroughly delighted by this vigorously energetic and generously lyrical work, which doesn't have a single dull moment from the lovely secondary theme of the first movement to the laugh-out-loud parody at the opening of the finale (I won't spoil it for you!). The Hans Stadlmair/Bamberg Symphony recording on Tudor is wonderfully crisp and alive.

Tovey: Sonata for Solo Cello. The work by this composer that has impressed me the most so far. (The Symphony in D major is quite good but suffers from a rather subpar recording on Toccata Classics.) The first two movements are very good, but the crowning achievement here is undoubtedly the final Passacaglia, a masterful and fearsomely virtuosic edifice of a movement which keeps accumulating energy as it progresses. This is a work worthy in greatness of standing alongside the Kodaly solo sonata, with which it is coupled in the fabulously committed recording by Nancy Green on JRI Recordings (the only one available, I think).

Huge thumbs up for the Bacewicz and the Niigaki. In fact, I consider all the 7 SQs by Bacewicz being really marvelous stuff, each quartet seems more advanced than the previous one, but not for that less fascinating.

Samuragochi/Niigaki hyper epic symphony was a tremendous revelation when I heard it. The Mahler hints are spot on, and I dare to say any fan of the latter is in safe field if they give it a try.

The Tovey looks enticing. As for his chamber works, the SQ No. 1 and the Aria and Variations for SQ are the only works I know of his, and they're incredibly lovely and wonderfully crafted. Music to dream.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 23, 2019, 07:59:56 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 21, 2019, 10:07:24 AM
Huge thumbs up for the Bacewicz and the Niigaki. In fact, I consider all the 7 SQs by Bacewicz being really marvelous stuff, each quartet seems more advanced than the previous one, but not for that less fascinating.

Samuragochi/Niigaki hyper epic symphony was a tremendous revelation when I heard it. The Mahler hints are spot on, and I dare to say any fan of the latter is in safe field if they give it a try.

The Tovey looks enticing. As for his chamber works, the SQ No. 1 and the Aria and Variations for SQ are the only works I know of his, and they're incredibly lovely and wonderfully crafted. Music to dream.

Interestingly, I recall Bacewicz's 2nd SQ being more astringent (and less compelling) than the 4th. My interest is definitely piqued to explore the whole cycle!

Glad to see someone else knows the Samuragochi/Niigaki symphony! A really thrilling and ultimately moving work.

I'll have to check out those two Tovey works you mention. Last night, I was listening to his Piano Quartet, which has a rather dull first movement but a gorgeous theme-and-variations second movement.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 08, 2020, 05:09:34 PM
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/Vangelis_El_Greco_album_art.jpeg)

Not sure if this fits here in terms of Classical Music. What I'm sure about is the incredibly transcending sense of well-being it conveys. New Age meets Classical Music meets Electronic Music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 08, 2020, 06:25:33 PM
Yesterday, I was absolutely blown away by two Bernstein works: Halil and Chichester Psalms. Chichester Psalms I've heard multiple times in the past 11 years, but it didn't really register or hit me until I listened thoroughly to Bernstein's DG recording. Absolutely magical from start to finish and I was so won over by the work that I ended up reading much about the work and it's origin. Fascinating back story to this work. Halil is also a fascinating work filled with haunting moments. I find the use of flute and harp to be incredibly beautiful and it caused me to go back and listen to the work several times.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Chaszz on January 10, 2020, 11:25:09 AM
After years of putting it off, I've begun systematically listening to Bach's cantatas, in hope of discovering new gems of great movements in unexplored (by me) works. I especially like big choral movements, with or without trumpets and kettledrums, in his church music. And sometimes an aria is very original and beautiful. So far, I have loved most nos. 140 and 66 among ones I hadn't heard before.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on January 11, 2020, 03:57:39 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 16, 2019, 03:02:57 PM
Indeed. It hardly tires.
Agree, just heard the New Chandos recording. And we all know where Jofn Williams got the Star Wars stuff from.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on January 21, 2020, 10:55:40 AM
Just finished listening to John Foulds' Dynamic Triptych for piano and orchestra (Shelley), and it's probably up there among my favourite piano concertos already.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 22, 2020, 09:17:05 AM
I have to say I'm blown away by Britten's Gloriana. And now that I've heard it in its entirety, I must count it amongst my favorites of his operas. It's right up there with The Turn of the Screw, Peter Grimes, and Death in Venice for me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on January 23, 2020, 01:39:26 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on January 21, 2020, 10:55:40 AM
Just finished listening to John Foulds' Dynamic Triptych for piano and orchestra (Shelley), and it's probably up there among my favourite piano concertos already.

It really is an extra-ordinary (in the literal sense!) piece.  But I generally find a lot of Foulds is - Vandermolen has been singing the praises of the Cello Sonata a lot recently which I still don't know but every thing else of his which I do is always striking at the very least....
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on January 23, 2020, 01:57:58 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on January 23, 2020, 01:39:26 PM
It really is an extra-ordinary (in the literal sense!) piece.  But I generally find a lot of Foulds is - Vandermolen has been singing the praises of the Cello Sonata a lot recently which I still don't know but every thing else of his which I do is always striking at the very least....
Well, I have indeed been 'blown away' by the Foulds Cello Sonata as I was some time back by Bax's Piano Quintet. I like the  'Dynamic Triptych' very much - a most exciting piece. I remember playing it to my wife when we were first going out. I don't recall her being very impressed, only commenting sarcastically 'well, it certainly is dynamic!'  ::).
His 'World Requiem', which I've seen live, is another fine and moving work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: AlberichUndHagen on February 01, 2020, 07:18:53 AM
BWV 106. Amazing! One of my very favorite Bach Cantatas of those of his that I've heard (although I've still only heard about half of them).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 01, 2020, 01:13:41 PM
Lately these two most utterly moving and uplifting works, respectively:

Werner Josten (1885-1963) - Concerto sacro, for piano and strings: A new German composer in my book whom I discovered recently by hearing a fine CD whose music devoted to him is simply astounding (Jungle - Symphonic poem, Symphony in F, Canzone seria for piano and winds and Concerto sacro for piano and string orchestra). This last piece was the most noteworthy. This work is based on Christ's experiences. Absolutely beautiful, heavenly, with a rather moving depth of expression. There is a profound feeling of pure religiousness. The strings sound lush, intense, dense, almost in your face, but the sound quality is a bit regrettable. The piano sometimes gets more percussive. A modern recording of this piece (it was conducted by Stokowski) would be enormously appreciated. A gorgeous discovery.

Théodore Dubois - Fantaisie Triomphale, for organ and orchestra: Sheer magnificence this is!!! I hadn't heard a most wondrous piece like this in some time. Exultant, apotheosic but not banal, life enhancing, celebratory, glorious. The middle section has a wonderful melody whose mood is slightly more reflexive. It includes bells as well. I mean, GRANDEUR!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on February 01, 2020, 02:08:08 PM
Quote from: AlberichUndHagen on February 01, 2020, 07:18:53 AM
BWV 106. Amazing! One of my very favorite Bach Cantatas of those of his that I've heard (although I've still only heard about half of them).

Agreed - indeed I find many of those early cantatas (106, 150, 4, 71) to be more exciting (in terms of not knowing what's going to happen next) than the later ones, where the format of chorus-recit-aria-recit-aria-chorale is securely established.  Whose recording of the Actus tragicus do you have?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on February 08, 2020, 05:56:34 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on January 23, 2020, 01:57:58 PM
Well, I have indeed been 'blown away' by the Foulds Cello Sonata as I was some time back by Bax's Piano Quintet. I like the  'Dynamic Triptych' very much - a most exciting piece. I remember playing it to my wife when we were first going out. I don't recall her being very impressed, only commenting sarcastically 'well, it certainly is dynamic!'  ::).
His 'World Requiem', which I've seen live, is another fine and moving work.

The Foulds Cello Sonata was a great recent discovery of mine as well thanks to your advocacy, Jeffrey! I particularly enjoyed the moving slow movement (with its brief episode that experiments with quarter tones, very ahead-of-its-time for 1905) and the life-affirming, catchy finale. The Paul and Huw Watkins recording on Chandos (part of the album "British Cello Sonatas, Vol. 1") is superb. Foulds was a composer of great quality and originality and I also cherish his Cello Concerto, Dynamic Triptyich, and the The Mantras from Avatara. I need to investigate the World Requiem. It's a great shame that his apparently visionary Symphony of East and West was lost...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 02, 2020, 05:35:59 PM
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/ALC2019.jpg)

The unique Ilya Murometz

WOW!!!

A superlative interpretation of this towering masterpiece. I'm in sheer awe with this!!! It worked extraordinarily well with the slow pace in the first two movements. Epic in its supreme expression. Worth each of its 93 minutes. For me it's the definitive recording.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on April 03, 2020, 05:51:07 AM
+1, Cesar. I love the extra breadth of the reading and the recording's sheer amplitude of sound. Room-filling stuff.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 03, 2020, 12:06:20 PM
Quote from: André on April 03, 2020, 05:51:07 AM
+1, Cesar. I love the extra breadth of the reading and the recording's sheer amplitude of sound. Room-filling stuff.

Indeed! Overwhelming and impressive in all accounts.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Daverz on April 03, 2020, 03:50:36 PM
I've been dipping my toe into the quite extensive Penderecki discography, and so far 2 pieces qualify for the "blown away" soubriquet, the Violin Concerto No. 1 with Stern and Skrowaczewski and the Concerto Grosso No. 1 for 3 cellos & orchestra.  The Concerto Grosso is very dramatic and theatrical, as you might imagine a work with 3 cello soloists would be. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 03, 2020, 08:13:32 PM
Quote from: Daverz on April 03, 2020, 03:50:36 PM
I've been dipping my toe into the quite extensive Penderecki discography, and so far 2 pieces qualify for the "blown away" soubriquet, the Violin Concerto No. 1 with Stern and Skrowaczewski and the Concerto Grosso No. 1 for 3 cellos & orchestra.  The Concerto Grosso is very dramatic and theatrical, as you might imagine a work with 3 cello soloists would be.

Two quite dense pieces. I call the VC 1 'the purgatory's music'. All his concertante works with cello are very good.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on April 05, 2020, 03:18:02 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 02, 2020, 05:35:59 PM
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/ALC2019.jpg)

The unique Ilya Murometz

WOW!!!

A superlative interpretation of this towering masterpiece. I'm in sheer awe with this!!! It worked extraordinarily well with the slow pace in the first two movements. Epic in its supreme expression. Worth each of its 93 minutes. For me it's the definitive recording.

I'm with you completely on this both regarding the piece and this particular recording.  Its a quite unique conception of this work - I'm not sure any other interpretation (of the uncut work) even breaks 80 minutes let alone 90!  I know for many it makes the piece too long and bloated but I hear a grandeur and epic quality as you say.  Also, huge credit to the original recording company Unicorn for making this one of their very first digital recordings.  I think I am right in saying this was at the point digital tapes could not be edited so everything had to be single takes.  If that is so, it makes the sheer concentration of the RPO's playing even more impressive - and I can forgive the horn section the various splits!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 05, 2020, 12:58:01 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on April 05, 2020, 03:18:02 AM
I'm with you completely on this both regarding the piece and this particular recording.  Its a quite unique conception of this work - I'm not sure any other interpretation (of the uncut work) even breaks 80 minutes let alone 90!  I know for many it makes the piece too long and bloated but I hear a grandeur and epic quality as you say.  Also, huge credit to the original recording company Unicorn for making this one of their very first digital recordings.  I think I am right in saying this was at the point digital tapes could not be edited so everything had to be single takes.  If that is so, it makes the sheer concentration of the RPO's playing even more impressive - and I can forgive the horn section the various splits!

The last part would make that performance even more remarkable, epic in all the sense of the word!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 05, 2020, 01:59:33 PM
I have recently joined the Association of Concert Bands.

One of the perks of membership is that one gains access to the Naxos Music Library.  There library includes more labels than just Naxos.  There are over 150,000 cd's in their library.  As a result I am discovering all sort of new works and composers.

One of them are the Symphonies of Joly Braga Santos.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/8.223879.gif) (https://www.nml3.naxosmusiclibrary.com/catalogue/8.225216)

(https://www.nml3.naxosmusiclibrary.com/catalogue/8.225087)  (https://www.nml3.naxosmusiclibrary.com/catalogue/8.225233)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 05, 2020, 02:04:24 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on April 05, 2020, 01:59:33 PM
I have recently joined the Association of Concert Bands.

One of the perks of membership is that one gains access to the Naxos Music Library.  There library includes more labels than just Naxos.  There are over 150,000 cd's in their library.  As a result I am discovering all sort of new works and composers.

One of them are the Symphonies of Joly Braga Santos.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/8.223879.gif) (https://www.nml3.naxosmusiclibrary.com/catalogue/8.225216)

(https://www.nml3.naxosmusiclibrary.com/catalogue/8.225087)  (https://www.nml3.naxosmusiclibrary.com/catalogue/8.225233)

Good to know you're getting acquainted with this Portuguese composer. Braga Santos was a striking symphonist. I haven't found any work from his I dislike yet.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 05, 2020, 02:09:29 PM
I have also discovered some contemporary composers that I am very disappointed in.  I really avoid making negative waves posts.  One man's meat may be another's poison.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 10, 2020, 07:29:46 PM
Although his music did not quite blow me away a new interesting composer I have discovered is Karol Beffa.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/KLA097D.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on April 10, 2020, 09:32:03 PM
I recently found Henk Badings' Armageddon on youtube. It was pretty cool. I wouldn't say blown away, but very impressed. (It's from 1968, so even though I'd not heard the piece before, the idiom is familiar.)

I suppose however that "blown away" is appropriate for Eva Reiter's Wächter, for bass flutes and pipe orchestra. A really gorgeous piece that youtube's generally sucky algorithm threw up today in a rare moment of inspiration. If an algorithm can be inspired, that is.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on April 11, 2020, 03:00:39 AM
Pérotin's Viderunt omnes as performed by the Hilliard Ensemble totally blew me away when I heard it earlier in the week.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 16, 2020, 09:31:16 PM
This CD contained new works as well as some that I was already familiar with.


[asin]B00000J6TT[/asin]

The one new work that blew me away was a band work by Charles Wuorinen: Windfall.  I checked Wuorinen's catalogue and this is the only band work he composed.

The other new works did not impress me:

Syrtos - Nicolas Roussakis
Heaven's Gate - Scott R. Hawkinson
Sinfonia XVII: Transcendental Vienna - Timothy Broege

Follow-up:  I purchased and received the CD.  I have listened to it on Naxos and You Tube.  The CD sounds better.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on April 17, 2020, 12:01:16 AM
Yeah, that Wuorinen piece is pretty cool.

Thanks for the tip!

(And yeah, too bad the other ones are so lame. Oh well. The Wuorinen is worth the price of admission.)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 18, 2020, 05:51:36 PM
I have been listening to the following three Wuorinen discs on the Naxos Music Library:

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/CD-4800.gif)

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/CD-4801.gif)

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/CD-4932.gif)

My favorite work was the Concerto for Amplified Violin And Orchestra in volume two.

While I was checking Wuorinen I discovered that he passed away on March 11, 2020.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on April 18, 2020, 09:47:33 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on November 23, 2019, 02:00:15 PM
A twofer of terrific symphonies!


Matthew Taylor: Symphony No. 2

This is very recommended for lovers of Nielsen, Holmboe, a bit of Sibelius and Tubin, even of Olav Kielland whose 1st Symphony (or Sinfonia I) has meant an all-time revelation. A very exciting work, with many fine details and stormy nature. The strength of its gestures and its cohesive narrative make it a most compelling symphony. Matthew Taylor is an English composer who proves that symphony is too far from dissapearing (fortunately)!!!

(https://d2duss065tgxcq.cloudfront.net/toccata/wp-content/uploads/20130701000000/TOCC0175-jc-cover.jpg)


Robert Farnon: Symphony No. 2

Yet another discovery of some significant importance for my tastes. Hyper-Romantic, tuneful, film-like and eventually moving to say the least. This piece has a Korngoldian-like flavour that is just irresistible. One of those works that can easily stick on your mind. Farnon was a Canadian composer of film and light-music, chiefly. Now you know what to expect.


(https://is3-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music/4f/ed/3b/mzi.eygwbruc.jpg/1200x630wp.png)
How did I miss this post? I have the Farnon disc but the Taylor one looks to be of great interest as we share similar tastes in music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on April 18, 2020, 09:55:15 PM
Quote from: Christo on December 07, 2019, 05:29:31 AM
Probably the most moving, utterly beautiful piece I encountered this year: Kinder Scout (1923) an unknown tone poem by English composer Patrick Hadley (1899-1973):
(http://i.scdn.co/image/f99538ed6ec0e8dfe20ef2dfcfedd4751f4db19d)(https://s.s-bol.com/imgbase0/imagebase3/backcover/large/FC/3/4/2/2/9200000117252243.jpg)
+1 this was a great discovery, especially having scrambled up Kinder Scout at least three times myself.
Also a big thumbs up for Faberman's epic recording of Gliere's epic 'Ilya Murometz' and also for Korngold's Symphony. It was used as background for a radio production/drama about Elizabeth 1st and the Earl of Essex last week and, of course, Korngold composed the score for the film 'Elizabeth and Essex' - one of his most memorable film scores.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on April 18, 2020, 09:58:34 PM
Quote from: pjme on November 27, 2019, 12:29:57 PM
https://www.youtube.com/v/pyfnU5Bd5HI

I don't know how to describe this music - sublimely kitschy, grandiose, deep, heartfelt, Ur-Russian... neo- romantic, pathetic. But it brings tears to my eyes. The female soloist (a mezzo or alto?) is superb...
For those who read Russian: http://www.yuributsko.com/ru/works
I like the sound of this.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 19, 2020, 04:45:17 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 18, 2020, 09:47:33 PM
How did I miss this post? I have the Farnon disc but the Taylor one looks to be of great interest as we share similar tastes in music.

Indeed, Jeffrey. Both works might appeal to your tastes.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 19, 2020, 11:18:27 PM
Another CD that I discovered on Naxos that has all sort of great new music on it.

It was just released on April 17.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/GIACD-1073.jpg)

The CD contains the following works:

Philip Spark: Reflections on an Old Japanese Folktune

Paul Fauchet: Symphony in B-Flat Major

James Michael David: Ghosts of the Old Year

James Stephenson: Symphony No. 2, "Voices"

Unlike the earlier Windfall disc every work on the CD is a winner.

Fauchet is a French composer.  The Symphony was composed in 1926.  It is a very traditional late romantic work that still sounds fresh.

The others are living composers and the music was composed between 2015 and 2018.  Although they are tonal they are still outstanding.

In another forum that I am occasionally involved with, there is a small group that think that all contemporary music is atonal, like the fine Wuorinen work in the above CD.  I have given up trying to communicate to them that contemporary composers write in many styles from atonal to tonal.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on April 20, 2020, 01:31:00 AM
i would say that "tonal" and "atonal" don't really cover all the ways of making music.

At first glance, it would seem that those two terms cover everything, but it's like dividing all animals up into canine and acanine. Sure, "acanine" does cover "all the animals that aren't dogs," but that lumps elephants and scorpions into the same category, which I would think makes the category not really all that useful or desirable. Besides, "acanine" could arguably cover non-animals as well, trees, stones, and philosophical constructs.

It is certainly true that not all music centers on pitch relations, as both tonal and atonal do. That is, if you use a fairly controlled and theoretical definition of atonal. (Several years ago, I catalogued six different definitions of "atonal." I did it simply by noting the ways people have used that word. I doubt I could describe all six today. Suffice that it's messy. And contradictory.)

Anyway, Steve, you might be interested to know that the Badings I mentioned awhile back (Armageddon) is for wind ensemble, soprano, and tape.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 20, 2020, 04:08:49 AM
I know technically 'atonal' may not be correct, but I do not know what other term I could use.

I think everyone would know what I meant.

No need to have a debate about it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on April 20, 2020, 03:42:39 PM
No debate. Just pointing out that a ton of things in the past 100 years aren't really covered by either of those terms is all.

Like the Badings, for instance.  ;)

Anyway, you know I hold you and your musical intelligence in high esteem. No debate there, for sure.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 22, 2020, 08:59:13 PM
Another new composer I have discovered: Robin Stevens

[asin]B083XVGVXD[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on April 23, 2020, 12:09:24 PM
When I moved from Southern California to Oregon several years ago, I burned my lps to cd and put all of my cds, burned and commercial, into four dj boxes. Later, I started ripping all of those to store in my laptop and some external hard drives. When I moved from Oregon to Europe, I ripped the cds I had purchased in Oregon, of course, and also deposited the dj boxes in a friend's garage. Each visit to the US included a visit to this friend; each (short) visit to this friend included some more ripping. When I was diagnosed with cancer in December (2019), I came to the US to stay with this friend and get treatment under Medicare and get quarantined by COVID-19. Couldn't be a better place to be stuck. Four of my favorite people live here. Many of my most favorite books are in the garage, and I've started through the dj boxes for the fourth time and ripping cds I haven't heard for many years.

I'm only half way through the B's, and already I've been blown away by numerous things, most delightfully by things that hadn't blown me away when I had those cds in my home. Aperghis Graffitis, Alsina Hinterland, Barber, Medea ballet suite, Bartók, Four Pieces and Suite #2, Bastard Noise Advantages of Having a Multifaceted Defense System, Battistelli, Ostinato, Bazelon, symphony #8 1/2, and Brume Cliché numbers one, two, and three. What fun!!

I feel that it's not so much that my current cloud has a silver lining, but more that along with the big, fat silver lining there has been a little bit of cloud.

(Also, I just got to listen to Robin Stevens quartets on Youtube....)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: North Star on April 23, 2020, 11:34:19 PM
Quote from: some guy on April 23, 2020, 12:09:24 PM
When I moved from Southern California to Oregon several years ago, I burned my lps to cd and put all of my cds, burned and commercial, into four dj boxes. Later, I started ripping all of those to store in my laptop and some external hard drives. When I moved from Oregon to Europe, I ripped the cds I had purchased in Oregon, of course, and also deposited the dj boxes in a friend's garage. Each visit to the US included a visit to this friend; each (short) visit to this friend included some more ripping. When I was diagnosed with cancer in December (2019), I came to the US to stay with this friend and get treatment under Medicare and get quarantined by COVID-19. Couldn't be a better place to be stuck. Four of my favorite people live here. Many of my most favorite books are in the garage, and I've started through the dj boxes for the fourth time and ripping cds I haven't heard for many years.

I'm only half way through the B's, and already I've been blown away by numerous things, most delightfully by things that hadn't blown me away when I had those cds in my home. Aperghis Graffitis, Alsina Hinterland, Barber, Medea ballet suite, Bartók, Four Pieces and Suite #2, Bastard Noise Advantages of Having a Multifaceted Defense System, Battistelli, Ostinato, Bazelon, symphony #8 1/2, and Brume Cliché numbers one, two, and three. What fun!!

I feel that it's not so much that my current cloud has a silver lining, but more that along with the big, fat silver lining there has been a little bit of cloud.

(Also, I just got to listen to Robin Stevens quartets on Youtube....)
That certainly doesn't sound like a bad place to be stuck in. Best of luck, and thank goodness for clouds - where would we be without silver linings? Enjoying the sunshine, that's where, and desperately looking for a nice shade.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on April 24, 2020, 11:23:15 AM
Ha ha, yeah. It's been nice here in Southern California so far, cool temperatures and lots of rain (and, in the mountains, lots of snow). But that's over now. Now it's temperatures in the 30s (86 farenheit and up) every day. Whew. But "oh well." It is nice to be surrounded by the books and cds that I used to own. That makes up for a lot.

I just ripped some Behrman last night. Whew!! That's some nice stuff. When I was first listening to twentieth century music, devouring I suppose I should say, I came across an lp of the Sonic Arts Union. This was the first thing I had come across that was too much, even for me. (Well, the second. The first was Elliott Carter's Double Concerto.) I found it very rough going, except maybe for the Mumma, but I also knew that this was the real thing, and that when I was ready, it would all seem fine.

I was eventually ready, and it was all fine. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 24, 2020, 03:35:40 PM
Lydia Auster (1912-1933), an Estonian composer. Piano Concerto No. 1 in G major. Is there anything more devastatingly beautiful? Very sensitive indeed, but masterly written too. Not apt for ultra-romantic allergic!  ;D

Pizzetti, Tubin, Rachmaninov, Vaughan Williams, Puccini, the very romantic Marx, even Korngold and Sibelius, are names whom I can associate this splendorous concerto in style. What a find.

It's even more astonishing is that is from Kazakh origins the composer.

A Youtube link is provided there to enjoy it if you're 'adventurous'.  8)

Very recommended.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on April 24, 2020, 04:15:27 PM
Lydia was 81 when she died, not 21.

Under attack for some of that time for "formalism," the Soviet catchall term for "music we don't like." You know, kinda like "atonal" is for classical music discussion groups.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 25, 2020, 07:35:25 AM
I am a fan of most of the music of George Antheil.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/555196-2.jpg)

The above CD contaings the following works:

Serenade No. 1   
   
Serenade No. 2   
      
The Golden Bird (version for orchestra)   
   
Dreams   


These are all new works for me with the exception of The Golden Bird.  I am familiar with the original piano version.  Antheil orchestrated them in 1921.  The orchestral version is very effective.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: 71 dB on April 25, 2020, 11:49:52 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 24, 2020, 03:35:40 PM
Lydia Auster (1912-1933), an Estonian composer. Piano Concerto No. 1 in G major.

Did she use Lydian mode?  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on April 25, 2020, 11:54:15 AM
Quote from: 71 dB on April 25, 2020, 11:49:52 AM
Did she use Lydian mode?  ;D
And, was she tattooed?  ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on April 25, 2020, 12:37:46 PM
Every so and so, I have a Bloch period. Every time I go through his music I am struck - astounded even - by how intensely felt his music sounds. Whether it's chamber, instrumental or orchestral music, it never fails to transport me into a realm where emotions reign unchecked and unchallenged.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 25, 2020, 09:41:49 PM
Ernest Bloch.

I am having similar experiences Bloch.

I received the following as a present from my son. It was on my Amazon Wish List.  It has been on it for so long I forgot about it.

[asin]B000000T7P[/asin]

WOW!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 26, 2020, 10:43:04 PM
I am a big fan of the Marine Band.  I attend as many of their concerts that I can.

The following CD is of a concert that I missed.  Even though I was familiar with most of the works I had to get the CD to hear thieir fantastic interpretations.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/8.573121.gif)


I am most impressed by the way the band performs Copland's Emblems.  This is the second recording I have of the Marine Band performing it.  For me it is incoherent.  But when the Marine Band plays it, it makes sense.

The work that really blew away was Gerard Schwarz's Above and Beyond.  I had know idea that he was an accomplished composer.  He composed it for the Marine Band.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on April 29, 2020, 03:10:55 PM
+1 for Bloch
Interesting that 'Wind Band Classics' mentioned above features Paul Creston. I was just going to nominate his Third Symphony for this thread. I've liked his Second Symphony for decades but until now I had not realised how fine No.3 is, especially its deeply moving slow movement - one of my best musical discoveries of this year, music which I find consoling in our troubled times.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 29, 2020, 04:26:24 PM
Creston composed several works for band.  I have performed some of them. His best known is the Celebration Overture.  I have a few recordings of it.  This is the best one.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on April 30, 2020, 02:47:19 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on April 29, 2020, 04:26:24 PM
Creston composed several works for band.  I have performed some of them. His best known is the Celebration Overture.  I have a few recordings of it.  This is the best one.
Thanks - good to know. I must look out for it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 30, 2020, 07:35:14 PM
There so much classical music I frequently discover works from the standard repertoire for the first time.

Even though Rachmaninov is one of my favorites, I have just discovered his Opus 23 and 32 Preludes.

After all of these years, how could I have missed them?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on May 01, 2020, 08:22:15 AM
Cross-post from the WAYL2N thread

Earlier today, live on radio while driving, the Berlin PO concert

Mahler - Symphony No. 4

Kirill Petrenko (conductor), Christiane Karg (soprano)

I have never ever heard this symphony performed this way, almost chamberlike, almost like a concerto grosso alternating ripieno and concertino. The strangest version I've ever heard --- and also the best hands down. It charmed, touched and moved my soul as no other performance of this symphony I've ever heard. Desert island stuff. I hope they recorded it and will release it in the near future.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on May 01, 2020, 08:29:36 AM
Quote from: Florestan on May 01, 2020, 08:22:15 AM
Cross-post from the WAYL2N thread

Earlier today, live on radio while driving, the Berlin PO concert

Mahler - Symphony No. 4

Kirill Petrenko (conductor), Christiane Karg (soprano)

I have never ever heard this symphony performed this way, almost chamberlike, almost like a concerto grosso alternating ripieno and concertino. The strangest version I've ever heard --- and also the best hands down. It charmed, touched and moved my soul as no other performance of this symphony I've ever heard. Desert island stuff. I hope they recorded it and will release it in the near future.

Sounds great. Of course, Kirill Petrenko is an extraordinarily gifted conductor, and Chistiane Karg is a marvellous soprano. Yes, let's hope they release the recording.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on May 01, 2020, 08:36:40 AM
Quote from: ritter on May 01, 2020, 08:29:36 AM
Sounds great. Of course, Kirill Petrenko is an extraordinarily gifted conductor, and Chistiane Karg is a marvellous soprano. Yes, let's hope they release the recording.  :)

I tell you, I was literally blown away --- and I'm not even much of a Mahlerian.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on May 01, 2020, 08:39:58 PM
I have discovered another awsome composer in the Naxos Library  :)




(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.574225.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on May 01, 2020, 08:41:40 PM
Quote from: Florestan on May 01, 2020, 08:36:40 AM
I tell you, I was literally blown away --- and I'm not even much of a Mahlerian.

The only Mahler Symphony I have ever performed was the Fourth and it was an awesome experience.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jo498 on May 02, 2020, 12:10:56 AM
Quote from: Florestan on May 01, 2020, 08:22:15 AM
Cross-post from the WAYL2N thread

Earlier today, live on radio while driving, the Berlin PO concert

Mahler - Symphony No. 4

Kirill Petrenko (conductor), Christiane Karg (soprano)

I have never ever heard this symphony performed this way, almost chamberlike, almost like a concerto grosso alternating ripieno and concertino. The strangest version I've ever heard --- and also the best hands down. It charmed, touched and moved my soul as no other performance of this symphony I've ever heard. Desert island stuff. I hope they recorded it and will release it in the near future.

I have not heard it but if I understand correctly, it actually WAS a chamber (or at least reduced) orchestra version, partly because of the Corona distancing rules.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on May 02, 2020, 06:28:26 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on May 01, 2020, 08:41:40 PM
The only Mahler Symphony I have ever performed was the Fourth and it was an awesome experience.

The chamber version:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7979160--mahler-symphony-no-4
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk3OTE2MC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjEyODUxNTM5ODJ9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on May 02, 2020, 10:03:51 AM
I have that in the Linos Ensemble box on Caprice. Very nice.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on May 03, 2020, 05:32:55 AM
Christopher Rouse's Flute Concerto. I first heard this piece around 20 years ago, but in the past few months I've been replaying it a lot, and it gets better and better with every listen. I believe it's one of the best wind instrument-concertos of the 20th century.  The piece was composed in 1993 and dedicated to James Bulger, a 2-year old boy that was murdered in Liverpool.
Geoffrey Norris of Gramophone said..."It expresses the shock and incomprehension that we all experienced at that appalling, senseless crime, but at the same time it enshrines the beauty and innocence of an infant life so cruelly snuffed out."

Both of these recordings are available to stream, and both are excellent.


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Vf7YlLIiL._SY355_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Enw7XgUQL._SL350_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on May 03, 2020, 11:10:03 AM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on May 03, 2020, 05:32:55 AM
Christopher Rouse's Flute Concerto. I first heard this piece around 20 years ago, but in the past few months I've been replaying it a lot, and it gets better and better with every listen. I believe it's one of the best wind instrument-concertos of the 20th century.  The piece was composed in 1993 and dedicated to James Bulger, a 2-year old boy that was murdered in Liverpool.
Geoffrey Norris of Gramophone said..."It expresses the shock and incomprehension that we all experienced at that appalling, senseless crime, but at the same time it enshrines the beauty and innocence of an infant life so cruelly snuffed out."

Both of these recordings are available to stream, and both are excellent.


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Vf7YlLIiL._SY355_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Enw7XgUQL._SL350_.jpg)

Oh yes, I do remember this work. One of the greatest flute concertos ever.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 03, 2020, 11:22:51 AM
Welcome back, Monkey Greg! I've missed seeing you around here.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on May 03, 2020, 01:03:53 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 03, 2020, 11:22:51 AM
Welcome back, Monkey Greg! I've missed seeing you around here.

Hey there Mirror John! I hope you're well.
I hadn't posted in about 9-10 month period, but had still been spying on the thread for a bit  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: AlberichUndHagen on May 03, 2020, 01:20:31 PM
Welcome back from me as well!  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 03, 2020, 03:46:09 PM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on May 03, 2020, 01:03:53 PM
Hey there Mirror John! I hope you're well.
I hadn't posted in about 9-10 month period, but had still been spying on the thread for a bit  8)

Excellent to hear, Greg. Welcome back, good sir!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on May 03, 2020, 09:02:26 PM
New CD of music from one of my favorite living composers.





(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/BIS-2186.gif)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on May 08, 2020, 12:56:44 PM
The BBC magazine had a CD of the music of Steve Reich that I have finally got around to listening to.

The CD had The Desert Music.

I normally do not care for minimalism but there was just something about this work that blew me away.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: SergeCpp on May 08, 2020, 02:00:48 PM
Hello to all!

Quote from: arpeggio on September 09, 2016, 02:36:58 PMThis is a thread where a person can post their experiences with a new work they have never heard before...

This thread is for a person who had never heard Beethoven's Fifth and his initial exposure to it was awesome.

Maybe I'd heard these works earlier but completely forgotten them. This is music of especial charm.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71-cX9jPa9L._SL500_.jpg)

Haydn Piano Chamber Music — Haydn Trio Eisenstadt (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l5BGraDxp7l_jmCUNvaib9ueGbZBsl4bw)

Do not miss Adagio from Concertino C Major, Hob. XIV:12 (https://youtu.be/zimmntaYpWQ) (I've listened then several other interpretations of this piece and this remained most charming for me.)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on May 10, 2020, 05:18:21 PM
I have seen two Met broadcasts of operas of Adès': Tempest and Exterminating Angel

This is new recording of some of his piano works.  Some of them are interesting but the one that blew me away was In Seven Days, a work for piano and orchestra.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on May 10, 2020, 05:57:07 PM
There are two standard works that I am embarrassed to admit I was unfamiliar with.

I have never been that impressed with the Symphonies of Schumann.  I have recently have been exposed to some of his chamber works that have blown me away.  The latest is the Piano Trio in F major, Op. 80.

As a wind player I am really embarrassed to admit that I have just discovered the Weber Clarinet Quintet in Bb major, Op. 34.

This is what is so great about classical music.  No matter how much you know it is still possible to discover new works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Total Rafa on May 11, 2020, 02:15:37 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on May 10, 2020, 05:18:21 PM
I have seen two Met broadcasts of operas of Adès': Tempest and Exterminating Angel

This is new recording of some of his piano works.  Some of them are interesting but the one that blew me away was In Seven Days, a work for piano and orchestra.

There is now a recording of his recent piano concerto. Big, bold music.

(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IlmE_rv2Y78/maxresdefault.jpg)


Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on May 11, 2020, 02:51:11 PM
Quote from: Total Rafa on May 11, 2020, 02:15:37 AM
There is now a recording of his recent piano concerto. Big, bold music.

(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IlmE_rv2Y78/maxresdefault.jpg)

I found the Concerto in the Naxos Music Library website.

I am listening to as I am typing this. 

Awesome. 

Thanks  ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 11, 2020, 02:59:36 PM
Recently I've been blown away by Dvořák's Te Deum. What a fantastic work. Also, another Dvořák work that blew me away was the Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 81. I'm constantly finding works from this composer that either hit me over the head like a ton of bricks or enter in my ear canals and live there for a month (i. e. earworms).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on May 11, 2020, 03:06:13 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 11, 2020, 02:59:36 PM
Recently I've been blown away by Dvořák's Te Deum. What a fantastic work. Also, another Dvořák work that blew me away was the Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 81. I'm constantly finding works from this composer that either hit me over the head like a ton of bricks or enter in my ear canals and live there for a month (i. e. earworms).

I love that Te Deum too. My favorite recording is this:

(https://img.discogs.com/2iI_4334CYJYhgyEh0lccRpquj0=/fit-in/449x450/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2651441-1295019268.jpeg.jpg)

That timpani pounding marks a great opening for a stunning work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 11, 2020, 03:51:04 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on May 11, 2020, 03:06:13 PM
I love that Te Deum too. My favorite recording is this:

(https://img.discogs.com/2iI_4334CYJYhgyEh0lccRpquj0=/fit-in/449x450/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2651441-1295019268.jpeg.jpg)

That timpani pounding marks a great opening for a stunning work.

That's the recording I own. 8) It's in the blue box set of Dvořák's sacred works and cantatas on Supraphon.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 14, 2020, 08:39:36 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 24, 2020, 03:35:40 PM
Lydia Auster (1912-1933), an Estonian composer. Piano Concerto No. 1 in G major. Is there anything more devastatingly beautiful? Very sensitive indeed, but masterly written too. Not apt for ultra-romantic allergic!  ;D

Pizzetti, Tubin, Rachmaninov, Vaughan Williams, Puccini, the very romantic Marx, even Korngold and Sibelius, are names whom I can associate this splendorous concerto in style. What a find.

It's even more astonishing is that is from Kazakh origins the composer.

A Youtube link is provided there to enjoy it if you're 'adventurous'.  8)

Very recommended.

A lovely work indeed! One of many fantastic piano&orchestra works by women composers that I've discovered (Beach, Bosmans, N. Boulanger, Garuta, Gipps, Kuzmenko, Levina, Tailleferre, etc).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 21, 2020, 09:02:24 AM
Pretty much this whole disc --- every work:

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkzNjc3Ni4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NzI0NjUwNzd9)

Tveitt taps into that folky idiom that I love so dearly but yet, like any composer with such an individual voice, puts his own spin on it. This music is wonderfully atmospheric and I'm completely drawn into the sonic world the music inhabits. The entire Tveitt series on BIS is definitely worth exploring.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 22, 2020, 01:08:09 PM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on May 03, 2020, 05:32:55 AM
Christopher Rouse's Flute Concerto. I first heard this piece around 20 years ago, but in the past few months I've been replaying it a lot, and it gets better and better with every listen. I believe it's one of the best wind instrument-concertos of the 20th century.  The piece was composed in 1993 and dedicated to James Bulger, a 2-year old boy that was murdered in Liverpool.
Geoffrey Norris of Gramophone said..."It expresses the shock and incomprehension that we all experienced at that appalling, senseless crime, but at the same time it enshrines the beauty and innocence of an infant life so cruelly snuffed out."

Both of these recordings are available to stream, and both are excellent.


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Vf7YlLIiL._SY355_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Enw7XgUQL._SL350_.jpg)

A great work indeed. The slow movement is devastatingly moving.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 22, 2020, 01:16:12 PM
Quote from: kyjo on May 22, 2020, 01:08:09 PM
A great work indeed. The slow movement is devastatingly moving.

+ 1
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on May 22, 2020, 01:47:03 PM
Speaking of moving music, I thought I should post this work here: Songs of the Mountain and Meadow Mari

(https://img.discogs.com/KO7QNPaY3euzKkQ4T_hL9GIE-Q0=/fit-in/600x591/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-10941360-1506890382-6496.jpeg.jpg)

Lovely, lovely, lovely!! This is such a gorgeous piece of music. It brought some tears to my eyes, and the folk element of the music is incredibly vivid. A real find thank Jeffrey for recommending it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 22, 2020, 01:56:55 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on May 22, 2020, 01:47:03 PM
Speaking of moving music, I thought I should post this work here: Songs of the Mountain and Meadow Mari

(https://img.discogs.com/KO7QNPaY3euzKkQ4T_hL9GIE-Q0=/fit-in/600x591/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-10941360-1506890382-6496.jpeg.jpg)

Lovely, lovely, lovely!! This is such a gorgeous piece of music. It brought some tears to my eyes, and the folk element of the music is incredibly vivid. A real find thank Jeffrey for recommending it.

Eshpai is a very cool composer, indeed and, like you, I have our Jeffrey to thank for the introduction.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 22, 2020, 07:51:50 PM
Currently, I'm being blown away by every Glazunov work I hear.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on May 23, 2020, 02:50:09 AM
And I'm being blown away by this:
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: FelixSkodi on May 23, 2020, 10:40:43 AM
Liza Lim's Atlas of the Sky (World Premiere):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAca_LZh9pQ
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: T. D. on May 28, 2020, 07:43:03 AM
Recently discovered the music of David Diamond. String Quartet # 4 from
(https://img.discogs.com/6tTU1sqzPowhLjpbo6qipkXPqbw=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-6990510-1431162149-4703.jpeg.jpg)
though the other 2 pieces on the disc are not exactly chopped liver.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 28, 2020, 11:50:42 AM
Weinberg's Clarinet Concerto has definitely knocked my socks off and while I do like the Chandos recording, I have to say the directness and aural impact from this Naxos recording is even better:

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODc1NDYwNS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1ODE1Mjg5MDZ9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 28, 2020, 01:24:41 PM
Quote from: T. D. on May 28, 2020, 07:43:03 AM
Recently discovered the music of David Diamond. String Quartet # 4 from
(https://img.discogs.com/6tTU1sqzPowhLjpbo6qipkXPqbw=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-6990510-1431162149-4703.jpeg.jpg)
though the other 2 pieces on the disc are not exactly chopped liver.

I was blown away by Diamond's 3rd quartet recently (the only quartet of his I know yet). It dates from his early tonal/modal period and shares its language with the first four symphonies. What a sublime work it is, flowing and lyrical but often with a melancholy undertone, especially in the extended final slow movement, which is all the more poignant for its understated tone. I'm sure Jeffrey, Cesar, MI, etc. would all enjoy this work very much if they don't know it already:

https://youtu.be/jWw-gFnmiw4

[asin]B000063CO4[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 28, 2020, 03:05:28 PM
Quote from: kyjo on May 28, 2020, 01:24:41 PM
I was blown away by Diamond's 3rd quartet recently (the only quartet of his I know yet). It dates from his early tonal/modal period and shares its language with the first four symphonies. What a sublime work it is, flowing and lyrical but often with a melancholy undertone, especially in the extended final slow movement, which is all the more poignant for its understated tone. I'm sure Jeffrey, Cesar, MI, etc. would all enjoy this work very much if they don't know it already:

https://youtu.be/jWw-gFnmiw4

[asin]B000063CO4[/asin]

Oh yes, it's a fantastic work, Kyle. I enjoy it very much. Those earlier Diamond works are just so fantastic.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on June 03, 2020, 04:41:04 PM
The only work I am familiar with by Kurt Weill is the Three Penny Opera and some of his songs.

I was listening to a performance of his Second Symphony on Sirius Radio with the Philadelphia Orchestra.  Impressive.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on June 03, 2020, 05:08:13 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on June 03, 2020, 04:41:04 PM
The only work I am familiar with by Kurt Weill is the Three Penny Opera and some of his songs.

I was listening to a performance of his Second Symphony on Sirius Radio with the Philadelphia Orchestra.  Impressive.

Weill's 2nd Symphony is a wonderful work, overall quite serious in tone but with his customary sardonic wit prevalent in some passages. There's also some lovely lyrical sections, which oddly enough reminded me a bit of Malcolm Arnold! I was fortunate to hear a live performance of the work by the Pittsburgh Symphony a couple years ago - a riveting experience!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on June 04, 2020, 06:21:07 PM
Since I have become a member of the Naxos Music Library I am discovering all sorts of new music, even by older composers.

I have just discovered the symphonies of Carl Reinecke.   Very impressive.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 04, 2020, 08:52:46 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on June 04, 2020, 06:21:07 PM
Since I have become a member of the Naxos Music Library I am discovering all sort of new music, even by older composers.

I have just discovered the symphonies of Carl Reinecke.   Very impressive.

I remember hearing those symphonies and being impressed by the No. 2 in C minor (sometimes called Hakon Jarl). The beginning of it is so gothic and somber. Very effective. The slow movement is lovely and memorable.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on June 04, 2020, 11:41:35 PM
Quote from: kyjo on May 28, 2020, 01:24:41 PM
I was blown away by Diamond's 3rd quartet recently (the only quartet of his I know yet). It dates from his early tonal/modal period and shares its language with the first four symphonies. What a sublime work it is, flowing and lyrical but often with a melancholy undertone, especially in the extended final slow movement, which is all the more poignant for its understated tone. I'm sure Jeffrey, Cesar, MI, etc. would all enjoy this work very much if they don't know it already:

https://youtu.be/jWw-gFnmiw4

[asin]B000063CO4[/asin]

I think that I have it in my collection (somewhere  ::)) so will look it out as I love Diamond's music of that period.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jo498 on June 04, 2020, 11:54:34 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on June 03, 2020, 04:41:04 PM
The only work I am familiar with by Kurt Weill is the Three Penny Opera and some of his songs.

I was listening to a performance of his Second Symphony on Sirius Radio with the Philadelphia Orchestra.  Impressive.
We briefly touched Weill's instrumental works a few weeks ago. I think the 2nd symphony is closest to the Weill we know from the Three Penny Oper and similar works but the violin concerto (with only wind orchestra) seems to me the most convincing. The 1st symphony is also interesting but very early and not only a little rough.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: 71 dB on June 05, 2020, 11:19:16 AM
I revisited today the CPO disc of Weinberg's Chamber Music for Woodwinds. It's a nice disc, but the last work, "Trio for Flute, Viola and Harp" Op. 127 sounded really exciting! The instruments live their own life, but still form coherent music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: knight66 on June 05, 2020, 11:45:56 AM
https://youtu.be/gPN2eN2GDHo



I have been listening most days recently to the new Vikingour Olafsson, (Surely the coolest ever name.), disc of Debussy and Rameau. I believe it really is a special disc. A deal of it was new to me and I so enjoy how he leads us between the composers finding correspondences. I find the atmosphere Created is rather Zen-like, which I am currently very grateful for.

One highlight is the track which gives its subtitle name to the disc, The Arts and the Hours, an arrangement Olafsson made from a Rameau piece of orchestral music.

Mike
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: some guy on June 06, 2020, 09:42:21 AM
Quote from: Jo498 on June 04, 2020, 11:54:34 PM
The 1st symphony is also interesting but very early and not only a little rough.
Just for the record, I have found the 1st symphony vastly more rewarding than either "also interesting" or "not only a little rough."

Why, I think I'll just give that a spin right now, as I have the technology.

Also, for thread duty, I'll report that my continuing story of ripping my old cds continues to toss up jewels from the past, many of them that were decidedly not precious then but are quite zippy now. An Alvin Curran disc that I never liked much but which is quite cool, a Paul-Heinz Dittrich disc that left me cold for years but that has some very satisfying music on it, an old Czajkowski synth thing that never did much for me that is now perfectly sweet and fun.


Curran: Electric Rags II
Dittrich: Concert avec plusieurs instruments nr. IV, Action-Reaction, and ETYM
Czajkowski: People the sky
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 06, 2020, 09:53:01 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 04, 2020, 11:41:35 PM
I think that I have it in my collection (somewhere  ::)) so will look it out as I love Diamond's music of that period.

You really should, Jeffrey. Diamond 3rd SQ is a masterpiece! One of the best SQs I've ever heard and that's no joke because I've heard a ton of them.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 06, 2020, 06:30:36 PM
The Piano Concerto by Carl Vine. I loved this work instantly. There is such drive and energy in the outer movements, whilst the 2nd one features some of the most dreamy music. The heart of the piece with no doubts. A splendid work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 06, 2020, 06:31:37 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 06, 2020, 06:30:36 PM
The Piano Concerto by Carl Vine. I loved this work instantly. There is such drive and energy in the outer movements, whilst the 2nd one features some of the most dreamy music. The heart of the piece with no doubts. A splendid piece.

Very nice. Do check out his symphonies and the Oboe Concerto if you haven't already done so, Cesar. The SQs are pretty darn good, too.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on June 07, 2020, 07:22:23 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 06, 2020, 09:53:01 AM
You really should, Jeffrey. Diamond 3rd SQ is a masterpiece! One of the best SQs I've ever heard and that's no joke because I've heard a ton of them.
I only have one Diamond Quartet CD -- 2, 9, 10.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 07, 2020, 08:15:33 PM
Quote from: springrite on June 07, 2020, 07:22:23 PM
I only have one Diamond Quartet CD -- 2, 9, 10.

You definitely should give the 3rd SQ a listen, Paul! Here's a link to a video on YouTube (at least you'll be able to listen to it):

https://www.youtube.com/v/0fGNz4vcV0M
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 07, 2020, 08:24:56 PM
I'm not sure if I posted this here (it may have been erased due to the forum crash), but I'll post it again.

This particular symphony from Malipiero almost had me on the verge of tears many nights ago (something that doesn't happen very often):

https://www.youtube.com/v/h0UmbIXcCMI

This performance is better than both Naxos recordings. I remember buying this recording and I felt an instant connection with the performance. It does have a bit of a reverberance and it's a live recording, but the performance itself is deeply felt and any of the sonic shortcomings can be forgiven.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on June 08, 2020, 05:40:58 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 06, 2020, 06:30:36 PM
The Piano Concerto by Carl Vine. I loved this work instantly. There is such drive and energy in the outer movements, whilst the 2nd one features some of the most dreamy music. The heart of the piece with no doubts. A splendid work.

I don't think I've heard anything of his I disliked.  Very fine composer.  His symphonies are all excellent too!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 08, 2020, 10:10:05 AM
Quote from: relm1 on June 08, 2020, 05:40:58 AM
I don't think I've heard anything of his I disliked.  Very fine composer.  His symphonies are all excellent too!

Yes, the symphonies don't disappoint at all. Other members have recommended the Piano Sonata No. 1, the Oboe Concerto and the String Quartets, so there is much more music to enjoy by him!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Papy Oli on June 09, 2020, 06:27:28 AM
Holmboe - 7th - Presto.

There.

As you were.

8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on June 10, 2020, 10:25:33 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on June 09, 2020, 06:27:28 AM
Holmboe - 7th - Presto.

There.

As you were.

8)
Now try 5, 6, 7 and 8 in a row and you will be blown to pieces!  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Papy Oli on June 10, 2020, 01:08:04 PM
I have been through 1st to 8th so far, was only underwhelmed by 4th & 6th but definitely was intrigued or enjoyed the rest on first listen. Promising composer and cycle so far.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Crudblud on June 13, 2020, 12:23:58 PM
Haydn's Op. 54 quartets. I mean, I've been enjoying my journey through his major works in the genre so far, but these seem uniquely eccentric.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 14, 2020, 12:58:05 PM
Rimsky-Korsakov's Symphony No. 2, "Antar" blew my mind last night, especially the Svetlanov performance on Melodiya.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 14, 2020, 01:02:57 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 14, 2020, 12:58:05 PM
Rimsky-Korsakov's Symphony No. 2, "Antar" blew my mind last night, especially the Svetlanov performance on Melodiya.

A wonderful symphony. An excellent alternative to the most famous Scheherazade. Even some prefer it over the latter, and I couldn't disagree with that.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 14, 2020, 01:05:00 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 14, 2020, 01:02:57 PM
A wonderful symphony. An excellent alternative to the most famous Scheherazade. Even some prefer it over the latter, and I couldn't disagree with that.

Yes, indeed. I do love Scheherazade, but R-K wrote so much good music that it'd be foolish of me to just focus on this one work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 15, 2020, 05:03:56 PM
Today I was blown away by Shchedrin's Cello Concerto, "sotto voce concerto". What a brooding and haunting work. I'm starting to understand what makes Shchedrin's music so unique to him and it can be found in his treatment of not only the musical material but also the why it's constructed. It has some of lingering sadness you hear in a work of his like Concerto for Orchestra No. 5, "Four Russian Songs".
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: T. D. on June 15, 2020, 05:57:16 PM
Yesterday watched (live, Zoom) a super performance of Rzewski's Which Side Are You On? by Conrad Tao. I previously knew nothing about Tao, but I definitely want to hear more from him.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 15, 2020, 06:06:56 PM
Another Shchedrin work that has blown me away: Russian Photographs.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on June 17, 2020, 08:57:03 PM
This shows how one can change.

It has been decades since I have tried to listen to Boulez's Le marteau sans maître.  The last time I tried to listen to it, it entered my left ear, rattled around my brain and left by the right ear.

I am listening to the following new recording:


(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/WWE1CD20447.jpg)

This time my ear get's it.  What a fascinating work.  Maybe I am finally hearing a decent performance.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 17, 2020, 09:04:33 PM
I have been blown away by Eshpai's Symphony No. 4. What a composer! I remember several years ago I bought six recordings of Eshpai's music and none of them have been disappointing. I believe it was through Jeffrey (Vandermolen) that I discovered this composer's music. I'm such a Russophile in terms of their musical heritage (not their political one), so I'm rather surprised I hadn't discovered Eshpai earlier.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on June 18, 2020, 06:39:02 PM
Copland: Appalachian Spring - Complete Score
I feel as if I've heard this work maybe 100 times, in full or at least parts of it. My high school even performed it one year in marching band. I know this work. Rather I know the suite of Appalachian Spring, which I do enjoy, but certainty never at a level higher than enjoy. And embarrassingly it's taken me decades to get to the complete version, but I just had the thrill of hearing this piece for the first time, again! Even though there is only about a difference of 10 minutes of music between the complete score and suite, I feel that added time draws the tone of the work to a darker, more expansive atmosphere. The biggest revelation though was how the variations of the shaker tune "Simple Gifts" differs compared to the suite. First, the theme is slowly introduced by the violins rather than the chirpy clarinet, this affect was more fluid to my ears, and a lovelier introduction to the section. And the final variation, the slower-climactic variation, of Simple Gifts is separated from the previous variations. Those minutes of separation made that climactic variation more impactful, more meaningful to me than in the suite.

I've never been a big listener of Copland, I've always found his best music to be in his quieter, more lyrical moments of Quiet City, or Corral Nocturne, but the complete score of Appalachian has really opened my ears to something new.

And for reference I listened to MTT/SFS on RCA, a great performance.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 18, 2020, 06:43:44 PM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on June 18, 2020, 06:39:02 PM
Copland: Appalachian Spring - Complete Score
I feel as if I've heard this work maybe 100 times, in full or at least parts of it. My high school even performed it one year in marching band. I know this work. Rather I know the suite of Appalachian Spring, which I do enjoy, but certainty never at a level higher than enjoy. And embarrassingly it's taken me decades to get to the complete version, but I just had the thrill of hearing this piece for the first time, again! Even though there is only about a difference of 10 minutes of music between the complete score and suite, I feel that added time draws the tone of the work to a darker, more expansive atmosphere. The biggest revelation though was how the variations of the shaker tune "Simple Gifts" differs compared to the suite. First, the theme is slowly introduced by the violins rather than the chirpy clarinet, this affect was more fluid to my ears, and a lovelier introduction to the section. And the final variation, the slower-climactic variation, of Simple Gifts is separated from the previous variations. Those minutes of separation made that climactic variation more impactful, more meaningful to me than in the suite.

I've never been a big listener of Copland, I've always found his best music to be in his quieter, more lyrical moments of Quiet City, or Corral Nocturne, but the complete score of Appalachian has really opened my ears to something new.

And for reference I listened to MTT/SFS on RCA, a great performance.

Good to see you've come around to Appalachian Spring, Greg. Which, IMHO, is one of Copland's masterpieces. What do you think of the original version for chamber ensemble? For me, I love both versions for different reasons. Also, if you haven't seen MTT's Keeping Score on Copland, then check it out:

https://www.youtube.com/v/Ix2xIl2XVro

My affection for this work goes all the way back to when I was a kid in the 80s. I remember hearing this work performed on PBS as some sort of a special event, I can't recall what the occasion was, but I remember being rather enchanted with it's loveliness and beauty.

Special edit: I also heard Copland's Rodeo or, the movement from Rodeo, Hoe-Down, in a 'Beef, It's What's For Dinner' commercial. I may be misremembering what the actual commercial was.

Edit No. 2: Okay, I remembered correctly. :)

https://www.youtube.com/v/tviyAIS9c_U
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on June 18, 2020, 06:56:01 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on June 17, 2020, 08:57:03 PM
This shows how one can change.

It has been decades since I have tried to listen to Boulez's Le marteau sans maître.  The last time I tried to listen to it, it entered my left ear, rattled around my brain and left by the right ear.

I am listening to the following new recording:


(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/WWE1CD20447.jpg)

This time my ear get's it.  What a fascinating work.  Maybe I am finally hearing a decent performance.

Très cool!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on June 18, 2020, 06:57:15 PM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on June 18, 2020, 06:39:02 PM
Copland: Appalachian Spring - Complete Score
I feel as if I've heard this work maybe 100 times, in full or at least parts of it. My high school even performed it one year in marching band. I know this work. Rather I know the suite of Appalachian Spring, which I do enjoy, but certainty never at a level higher than enjoy. And embarrassingly it's taken me decades to get to the complete version, but I just had the thrill of hearing this piece for the first time, again! Even though there is only about a difference of 10 minutes of music between the complete score and suite, I feel that added time draws the tone of the work to a darker, more expansive atmosphere. The biggest revelation though was how the variations of the shaker tune "Simple Gifts" differs compared to the suite. First, the theme is slowly introduced by the violins rather than the chirpy clarinet, this affect was more fluid to my ears, and a lovelier introduction to the section. And the final variation, the slower-climactic variation, of Simple Gifts is separated from the previous variations. Those minutes of separation made that climactic variation more impactful, more meaningful to me than in the suite.

I've never been a big listener of Copland, I've always found his best music to be in his quieter, more lyrical moments of Quiet City, or Corral Nocturne, but the complete score of Appalachian has really opened my ears to something new.

And for reference I listened to MTT/SFS on RCA, a great performance.

Excellent!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 20, 2020, 03:58:11 PM
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/00028946404324.jpg)

I was utterly impressed by the Double Concerto for oboe and harp by Lutoslawski. This is a unique creation. Once again, this composer, to my ears, manages to conjure up some bizarre soundscape that is just mesmerizing. I find his style engrossing to say the least. The oboist must be a thoroughly skilled musician to play this, there are passages of sheer craziness. All in all, what a discovery!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 20, 2020, 04:06:21 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 20, 2020, 03:58:11 PM
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/00028946404324.jpg)

I was utterly impressed by the Double Concerto for oboe and harp by Lutoslawski. This is a unique creation. Once again, this composer, to my ears, manages to conjure up some bizarre soundscape that is just mesmerizing. I find his style engrossing to say the least. The oboist must be a thoroughly skilled musician to play this, there are passages of sheer craziness. All in all, what a discovery!

Very cool, Cesar. I like so much of Lutosławski's music. His attention to color and texture are out-of-this-world. What do you think about his compatriot's music, Panufnik?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 20, 2020, 08:05:16 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 20, 2020, 04:06:21 PM
Very cool, Cesar. I like so much of Lutosławski's music. His attention to color and texture are out-of-this-world. What do you think about his compatriot's music, Panufnik?

I'm not too familiar with his music, John, but in terms of originality, Lutoslawski leads by a wide margin IMO. What works do you recommend by Panufnik? I've heard his symphonies and string quartets so far.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 20, 2020, 08:09:51 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 20, 2020, 08:05:16 PM
I'm not too familiar with his music, John, but in terms of originality, Lutoslawski leads by a wide margin IMO. What works do you recommend by Panufnik? I've heard his symphonies and string quartets so far.

One of the most moving works from Panufnik, IMHO, is Autumn Music. The CPO recording does this work full justice, IMHO. I've heard a few that don't quite get the balances right.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 20, 2020, 08:16:13 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 20, 2020, 08:09:51 PM
One of the most moving works from Panufnik, IMHO, is Autumn Music. The CPO recording does this work full justice, IMHO. I've heard a few that don't quite get the balances right.

Thank you, John. That will be a reason to revisit his music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 20, 2020, 08:30:31 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 20, 2020, 08:16:13 PM
Thank you, John. That will be a reason to revisit his music.

My pleasure, Cesar. I hope you enjoy this work as much as I have.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on June 21, 2020, 01:54:42 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 17, 2020, 09:04:33 PM
I have been blown away by Eshpai's Symphony No. 4. What a composer! I remember several years ago I bought six recordings of Eshpai's music and none of them have been disappointing. I believe it was through Jeffrey (Vandermolen) that I discovered this composer's music. I'm such a Russophile in terms of their musical heritage (not their political one), so I'm rather surprised I hadn't discovered Eshpai earlier.
I'm glad that you're enjoying Eshpai's music John and thumbs up for Shchedrin's Cello Concerto as well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 21, 2020, 08:13:39 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 21, 2020, 01:54:42 AM
I'm glad that you're enjoying Eshpai's music John and thumbs up for Shchedrin's Cello Concerto as well.

Yes, indeed. I really need to get back to listening to Eshpai, because there's still a good bit I haven't heard from my collection (all of those Albany releases for example).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on June 21, 2020, 11:10:31 AM
Walton: Variations on a theme by Hindemith - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Litton.  I don't know how I've missed out on this one - was vaguely aware that it used the theme from the finale of the Mathis symphony, but no more.  The opening, while not presenting the theme at all in the way Hindemith does, nevertheless manages in its orchestration to sound exactly like him.  And every variation that follows seems to be similarly brilliantly orchestrated.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on June 21, 2020, 03:47:09 PM
Quote from: DaveF on June 21, 2020, 11:10:31 AM
Walton: Variations on a theme by Hindemith - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Litton.  I don't know how I've missed out on this one - was vaguely aware that it used the theme from the finale of the Mathis symphony, but no more.  The opening, while not presenting the theme at all in the way Hindemith does, nevertheless manages in its orchestration to sound exactly like him.  And every variation that follows seems to be similarly brilliantly orchestrated.

Yes, a very fine work. One of many examples of Walton's genius!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on June 21, 2020, 07:22:59 PM
There are several works on the CD that are new to me.

The Ewazen Celestial Dances was the one the blew me away.

[asin] B004DIPLSG[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on June 27, 2020, 06:10:36 AM
I really REALLY loved this new album of Philip Sawyers' Symphony No. 4.  Very dramatic and finely crafted symphony in the style of Mahler, Shostakovich, and Ralph Vaughan Williams.  I was blown away by this great release.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81Ex%2B%2BH7R3L._SX425_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 27, 2020, 06:32:52 AM
Quote from: relm1 on June 27, 2020, 06:10:36 AM
I really REALLY loved this new album of Philip Sawyers' Symphony No. 4.  Very dramatic and finely crafted symphony in the style of Mahler, Shostakovich, and Ralph Vaughan Williams.  I was blown away by this great release.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81Ex%2B%2BH7R3L._SX425_.jpg)

Very interesting. Two years ago someone suggested me his Symphony No. 2 and I too heard some Mahler echoes there. I thought it was great work, so I must hear this symphony as well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 03, 2020, 05:13:06 PM
I think this pretty much sums it up at the moment...

Quote from: Mirror Image on July 03, 2020, 05:11:39 PM
First-Listen Fridays -

Gayane

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81qaC0JI-%2BL._SL1089_.jpg)

WOW!!! WOW!!! I'm just speechless...

;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: 71 dB on July 04, 2020, 07:39:46 AM
Haydn's String Quartets Op. 20.

Crazy how long it took me to discover them, but that's how it is. Finding your favorites is slow, because other people can't show you the way 100 % reliably: They don't 100 % share your taste.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on July 04, 2020, 07:43:19 AM
Quote from: 71 dB on July 04, 2020, 07:39:46 AM
Haydn's String Quartets Op. 20.

Crazy how long it took me to discover them, but that's how it is. Finding your favorites is slow, because other people can't show you the way 100 % reliably: They don't 100 % share your taste.

Great discovery! No.5 from the Op.20 is one of my top 3 favorite string quartets from Haydn. If you move on to the next lot of Papa's quartets, Op.33, you'll discover some more great works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: 71 dB on July 04, 2020, 08:11:15 AM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on July 04, 2020, 07:43:19 AM
Great discovery! No.5 from the Op.20 is one of my top 3 favorite string quartets from Haydn. If you move on to the next lot of Papa's quartets, Op.33, you'll discover some more great works.

Damn! I am new to these works, but I think No. 5 is also my favorite of the six, althou the rest aren't much weaker.  :)

I do enjoy Dittersdorf's String Quartets and I read they are said to be the same style as Haydn's Op. 33 so that certainly indicates They are something to explore next. Also, Op. 17 should be close to Op. 20, maybe not as good, but stylistically close. However, I will take it easy and enjoy Op. 20 for now. Then there is Op. 50, which seems to get praise among some people, but they might be too "modern" Haydn to my liking... ...based on how I have semi-struggled with Op. 64 and Op. 76.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 04, 2020, 11:54:24 AM
Quote from: 71 dB on July 04, 2020, 07:39:46 AM
Haydn's String Quartets Op. 20.

Crazy how long it took me to discover them, but that's how it is. Finding your favorites is slow, because other people can't show you the way 100 % reliably: They don't 100 % share your taste.

No. 2 in C major is surely one of my favorite string quartets of the Classical Era. A magnificent work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jo498 on July 04, 2020, 11:54:45 AM
Haydn op.17 (and op.9 they are quite similar) are more dominated by the first violin than most/any of his later quartets. If you like Dittersdorf and if #5 is your favorite of op.20 you are bound to like op.9/17. They are actually very good and not "early", written only a few years before op. 20 (ca. 1769-70). For me, op.20#5 and #1 are closest to the style of op.9+17. The "violin aria" style of the slow movements of #5 and #6 can be found in several of the earlier works and the first movements of the quartets in the minor (op.9#4, 17#4 and 20#5 also resemble each other (but op.20#3 g minor is totally different!)
Their only "faults" if measured against the very best is that violin dominance and a somewhat close adherence to a bunch of formal models that can lead to a bit of stiffness occasionally. Both collections have 4 pieces in the "standard" form with Moderato-Menuetto-slow movement-fast finale and one each with slowish variations as first (and therefore actually 2 slow movements and no real big sonata form movement) and one with a faster first movement that is overall a "lighter" piece (#6 in both cases, I like these actually a lot despite op.9#6 being very short and somewhat slight). At least one of these variation movements sounds a bit like going through the standard procedures and the themes for the variations are not terribly inspired either. But overall, I think they are rather underrated pieces, even if I don't like all 12 of them equally well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jo498 on July 04, 2020, 12:04:18 PM
Quote from: kyjo on July 04, 2020, 11:54:24 AM
No. 2 in C major is surely one of my favorite string quartets of the Classical Era. A magnificent work.
You are a cellist, aren't you? ;)
I remember when I first heard that piece in a semi-professional concert where a friend of mine played violin in an amateur quartet, I almost fell from my chair when I heard that great beginning. And then again when that recitative-like second movement in c minor started. I had heard some Haydn quartets back then, the usual suspects with names like the Lark, Rider, Emperor but I had stupidly thought op.20 were "early", less significant pieces. The evening had started with a somewhat tenuously played version of an early Mozart (K 130ish) divertimento they probably had not rehearsed much (and it is not a very exciting or interesting piece), so I was extremely pleasantly surprised by the op.20#2 (The third piece was the c minor quintet by Mozart which was good (I do prefer the woodwind version), but the pearl was really the Haydn.)
But I could not decide between op.20#2 and #4. The latter has not such a great first movement but the finale with cymbalon-gypsy fiddling effects and the great variation movement are as stunning as #2.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 04, 2020, 12:19:23 PM
Haydn string quartets were a late discovery for me as well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: 71 dB on July 04, 2020, 04:48:29 PM
Quote from: Jo498 on July 04, 2020, 11:54:45 AM
Haydn op.17 (and op.9 they are quite similar) are more dominated by the first violin than most/any of his later quartets. If you like Dittersdorf and if #5 is your favorite of op.20 you are bound to like op.9/17. They are actually very good and not "early", written only a few years before op. 20 (ca. 1769-70). For me, op.20#5 and #1 are closest to the style of op.9+17. The "violin aria" style of the slow movements of #5 and #6 can be found in several of the earlier works and the first movements of the quartets in the minor (op.9#4, 17#4 and 20#5 also resemble each other (but op.20#3 g minor is totally different!)
Their only "faults" if measured against the very best is that violin dominance and a somewhat close adherence to a bunch of formal models that can lead to a bit of stiffness occasionally. Both collections have 4 pieces in the "standard" form with Moderato-Menuetto-slow movement-fast finale and one each with slowish variations as first (and therefore actually 2 slow movements and no real big sonata form movement) and one with a faster first movement that is overall a "lighter" piece (#6 in both cases, I like these actually a lot despite op.9#6 being very short and somewhat slight). At least one of these variation movements sounds a bit like going through the standard procedures and the themes for the variations are not terribly inspired either. But overall, I think they are rather underrated pieces, even if I don't like all 12 of them equally well.

Interesting information. Looks like Op. 9 to Op. 33 are on my alley.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 04, 2020, 05:34:51 PM
A few months ago I was blown away by the symphonies of Joly Braga Santos.

I am now discovering his chamber music:

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/TOCC0428.gif)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 04, 2020, 07:52:17 PM
Quote from: Jo498 on July 04, 2020, 12:04:18 PM
You are a cellist, aren't you? ;)

How did you know? ;) Yeah, I've always had a soft spot for op. 20/2 partly because of its great cello part (especially that glorious opening), something that Classical era quartets don't always have!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 04, 2020, 07:59:20 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on July 04, 2020, 05:34:51 PM
A few months ago I was blown away by the symphonies of Joly Braga Santos.

I am now discovering his chamber music:

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/TOCC0428.gif)

Woah, that album is on Spotify already! I'll have to go give it a spin. 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 04, 2020, 09:06:48 PM
Quote from: kyjo on July 04, 2020, 07:59:20 PM
Woah, that album is on Spotify already! I'll have to go give it a spin. 8)

I heard it on the Naxos Music Site.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 07, 2020, 09:30:23 PM
The new work for me was the Stevens Symphony

[asin] B013H112Z0[/asin]


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51rZK-sYewL.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 08, 2020, 07:55:41 AM
Korngold's Symphony in F sharp blew me away last night in the Previn recording. Wow...what a work!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on July 08, 2020, 09:14:08 AM
Indeed.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 08, 2020, 11:10:08 AM
Two works that have blown me away today are both from Holst: Lyric Movement and The Mystic Trumpeter. Both works weave their magic spell in different ways and are both incredibly gorgeous.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 09, 2020, 07:41:08 PM
Alan Hovhanness


(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/8.559837.gif)


(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/8.559385.gif)


(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/8.559207.gif)


Over the past few month I have acquired the above CD's on the band music of Hovhaness.  Prior to acquiring these recordings I had no idea that he had made such contributions to the band literature.  I recall when I was in graduate school taking a course in wind band literature in 1972.  I went and found my old textbooks and there was no mention of these works.  I do not recall discussing these works in the class.  What an omission.

Better late than never.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 11, 2020, 05:35:13 PM
Although he is not everybody's cup of tea I have always been a fan of Danielpour.

[asin]B083N38FHJ[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 11, 2020, 06:15:40 PM
Ben-Haim's String Quartet! What a marvelous work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 12, 2020, 06:46:53 AM
Quote from: Dowder on July 12, 2020, 05:52:47 AM
Some Havergal Brian symphonies. Quite enjoyable.

Well, I'm glad someone enjoys them. ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 12, 2020, 01:52:10 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on July 12, 2020, 06:46:53 AM
Well, I'm glad someone enjoys them. ;)

Nos. 1, 6-10 and 16 are the ones I do enjoy very much, but overall I'm not a sucker for his music either.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 12, 2020, 03:42:29 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 12, 2020, 01:52:10 PM
Nos. 1, 6-10 and 16 are the ones I do enjoy very much, but overall I'm not a sucker for his music either.

The Gothic is certainly an impressive feat, but I'm afraid so much of his music just goes in one ear and out the other. There's plenty of people here who love his music, though, as I believe his composer thread has one of the highest number of pages --- 398 pages and still going.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 12, 2020, 07:51:26 PM
Some recent stunners:

Bloch: Trois Poèmes Juifs

[asin]B000001SH1[/asin]

Similarly to his symphonic suite Evocations, this is Bloch in full-on exotic, colorful mode. The moods and atmospheres he creates in this work are really compelling - by turns sensuous, mystical, and threatening. Superb stuff.


Suk: Asrael Symphony and Piano Quintet

[asin]B001N26H0G[/asin]
[asin]B0882N61TH[/asin]

I had previously heard both of these works before and enjoyed them, but these recordings really brought them to life for me and now they are firm favorites of mine. Suk is a composer I love more and more. The Asrael Symphony is, of course, one of his masterpieces (a nod to the "Hurwitzer" for recommending the superb Helsinki/Ashkenazy recording). While being a work of great emotional power, it's also quite subtle and its harmonic language can be a bit difficult to grasp. Listening to it with a score really revealed to me the genius and sophistication of Suk's orchestration (and writing in general) in this work. And that ending is cathartic beyond words! Suk's chamber output doesn't seem to get discussed much, but it's of such high quality. His Piano Quintet is revealed to be a passionate, engaging work of stature in this superlative performance.


Kabalevsky - Symphony no. 4

[asin]B001C7D278[/asin]

This composer never fails to impress me greatly. The first two movements of this symphony show Kabalevsky at his darkest (the first concludes with...wait for it...a truly doomed processional)! 8) The last two movements are lighter in tone but it hardly matters when the music is so witty and engaging. I particularly loved Kabalevsky's use of orchestral piano in its bass register throughout the work, reminding me a bit of Prokofiev.


Beethoven - Serenade in D major for string trio, op. 8

[asin]B00IIZ2908[/asin]

I would usually never dream of calling a Beethoven work "underrated", but I think this early Serenade fits the bill (compared to most of his other works, at least). Sheer delightful invention from start to finish. I think I prefer it to any of the op. 18 quartets, for example (not that I dislike those, just that I like the Serenade better)! And I simply can't imagine a better performance than the one here.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 12, 2020, 08:27:07 PM
And some more.....


Sadao Bekku (1922-2012): Symphony no. 1 (Ireland NSO/Yuasa)

https://youtu.be/KuOCRfDpYTA

It's always interesting to hear the music of non-Western composers. This eclectic symphony by the Japanese composer Sadao Bekku improves with each movement. The first movement is atmospheric but not particularly memorable, the scherzo is violent and uneasy, and the slow movement is somber and haunting with chorale-like textures. Best of all is the finale, which unexpectedly moves into Shostakovich/Prokofiev/Kabalevsky territory complete with a jaunty, catchy main theme, hi-jinks from the xylophone, and a surprise ending. Well worth investigating!


Wetz: Symphony no. 2

[asin]B00004HYO0[/asin]

This exceeded my expectations, to be honest. I was expecting "Bruckner-lite" given the frequent comparisons with that composer, but this turned out to be gorgeous, life-affirming symphony of plenty of individuality and heart. Wetz's orchestration is nothing short of remarkable, very fluent with frequent coloration from the harp. Firmly recommended to lovers of Austro/Germanic late-romanticism.


Hartmann - Symphony no. 6 (Netherlands Radio PO/Poppen)

[asin]B00H1EOR3Y[/asin]

It's been a while since I've listened to any of this composer's music, and it was high time I gave it another spin. It's not hard to see why this bipartite symphony is often regarded as his finest - it's a work of blistering intensity. Not an "easy" listen perhaps, but hardly inaccessible. I think it would appeal to admirers of William Schuman, for example. I was gripped throughout. I love the visibly disturbed image of the composer on the cover - his expression very clearly matches his music!


Foerster - Cello Sonata no. 1

[asin]B000025GYI[/asin]

What else I've heard of Foerster's music has been pleasant without being particularly compelling. This sonata, however, is in a different league. It's shot through with a very personal, distinctly Czech, melancholy lyricism which is quite moving. The music often moves in unexpected harmonic directions and exhibits frequent character changes. An unexpectedly wonderful discovery.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 12, 2020, 08:38:10 PM
Great stuff, Kyle!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 13, 2020, 10:09:48 AM
A good selection, Kyle.

I had listened to the 4th Symphony by Bekku but I didn't find it too much interesting. I could like the 2nd better.

The Kabalevsky is the best of his symphonies IMO.

Have you ever heard Foerster's string quartets? They have that melancholy nature found in the cello sonata as you say (which I haven't listened to it yet).

Wetz's 2nd Symphony is my favorite by him. The other two tend to be less memorable.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 13, 2020, 02:12:31 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on July 12, 2020, 08:38:10 PM
Great stuff, Kyle!

Thanks, John. 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 13, 2020, 02:21:28 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 13, 2020, 10:09:48 AM
A good selection, Kyle.

I had listened to the 4th Symphony by Bekku but I didn't find it too much interesting. I could like the 2nd better.

The Kabalevsky is the best of his symphonies IMO.

Have you ever heard Foerster's string quartets? They have that melancholy nature found in the cello sonata as you say (which I haven't listened to it yet).

Wetz's 2nd Symphony is my favorite by him. The other two tend to be less memorable.

Thanks, Cesar. The 1st Symphony was the first work by Bekku I've heard, it's not a masterpiece by any means but it certainly kept my attention. I'm intrigued to hear his other works.

I haven't heard Foerster's SQs, but your comment has encouraged me to give them a spin. Another work I like by him is his Shakespeare Suite for orchestra.

Regarding Wetz, I've heard positive things about his 3rd Symphony, VC, and Requiem. Even if they're not quite as good as the 2nd Symphony, they should be worth hearing.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on July 15, 2020, 06:17:20 AM
Quote from: kyjo on July 12, 2020, 08:27:07 PM
And some more.....

Sadao Bekku (1922-2012): Symphony no. 1 (Ireland NSO/Yuasa)

https://youtu.be/KuOCRfDpYTA


I really like this!  Will look for more works by this composer.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 18, 2020, 04:43:04 AM
Big Persichetti fan.

[asin]B00HFDKSU2[/asin]

Contains world premier recording of recently discover Sonata for Violin.  The opening piece, the "Sonata for Violin and Piano" opus 15 had previously been unknown. The violinist on this recording, Hasse Borup, discovered the piece after a good deal of digging at the New York Public Library.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 18, 2020, 04:46:33 AM
John Robertson

[asin]B07D57WC3N[/asin]

When I first listened to this CD I was not impressed.  After repeated listenings I am partially blown away.  Maybe a breeze.

Anyone else familiar with his works?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 18, 2020, 08:05:54 AM
Quote from: relm1 on July 15, 2020, 06:17:20 AM
I really like this!  Will look for more works by this composer.

Awesome! 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on July 18, 2020, 09:34:06 AM
First time listening to Lithuanian born composer Onutė Narbutaitė (b. 1956). The piece was Three Symphonies of the Mother of God (2003), from the recording below. Her music creates such a beautiful, and mysterious atmosphere. Filled with colorful orchestrations, and a hauntingly sounding choir. I just ordered the CD, and am ready to explore more of her music.
Anyone here familiar with Narbutaitė?


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71pH8tVXmWL._SY355_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 18, 2020, 09:51:45 AM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on July 18, 2020, 09:34:06 AM
First time listening to Lithuanian born composer Onutė Narbutaitė (b. 1956). The piece was Three Symphonies of the Mother of God (2003), from the recording below. Her music creates such a beautiful, and mysterious atmosphere. Filled with colorful orchestrations, and a hauntingly sounding choir. I just ordered the CD, and am ready to explore more of her music.
Anyone here familiar with Narbutaitė?


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71pH8tVXmWL._SY355_.jpg)

I was just talking about her with a friend of mine the other day. I haven't really heard much of her music, but from what I've heard, it's not really my cup of tea. It seems outside of two Naxos recordings, her music is difficult to come by seeing as some of her music has appeared on the long-defunct Finlandia label. You could probably find these recordings in the used market. I remember the recording of her 2nd symphony being rather pricey.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on July 18, 2020, 12:10:40 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on July 18, 2020, 09:51:45 AM
I was just talking about her with a friend of mine the other day. I haven't really heard much of her music, but from what I've heard, it's not really my cup of tea. It seems outside of two Naxos recordings, her music is difficult to come by seeing as some of her music has appeared on the long-defunct Finlandia label. You could probably find these recordings in the used market. I remember the recording of her 2nd symphony being rather pricey.

Hi, John.
I found that other Naxos disc but you're right, outside of those two recordings are not easy to come by. Her music may not be very accessible to a mass audience, but I'm so taken by the unique tone the music presents, it's cosmically free.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 18, 2020, 03:38:32 PM
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/685738924462.jpg)

WOW!!! Poulenc's Organ Concerto on this recording is cracking!!! I had not heard a more tremendous performance of this masterpiece before. There were several goosebump-inducing moments throughout. I'm in awe with this work!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 18, 2020, 03:39:16 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 18, 2020, 03:38:32 PM
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/685738924462.jpg)

WOW!!! Poulenc's Organ Concerto on this recording is cracking!!! I had not heard a more tremendous performance of this masterpiece before. There were several goosebump-inducing moments throughout. I'm in awe with this work!!

Yep, it's a fantastic work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 19, 2020, 11:01:33 AM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on July 18, 2020, 09:34:06 AM
First time listening to Lithuanian born composer Onutė Narbutaitė (b. 1956). The piece was Three Symphonies of the Mother of God (2003), from the recording below. Her music creates such a beautiful, and mysterious atmosphere. Filled with colorful orchestrations, and a hauntingly sounding choir. I just ordered the CD, and am ready to explore more of her music.
Anyone here familiar with Narbutaitė?


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71pH8tVXmWL._SY355_.jpg)

Sounds interesting, Greg! Thanks for bringing her to our attention.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 19, 2020, 11:57:52 AM
I'll go ahead and say I'm blown away by Walton's Symphony No. 1 in B♭ minor yet again (the Previn/LSO performance).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 20, 2020, 05:18:02 PM
Two impressive pieces:

Mosolov: String Quartet No. 1

When I first heard his Piano Concerto No. 1 I was blown away, and today the same effect was on me but thank this truly spicy piece. Both its harmonic and rhythmic language are striking. I had thought that Janacek and Bartók's quartets had no rivals for me, but on hearing the Mosolov I think I could add to the list of the greatest ones.


Lundquist: Symphony No. 4 Sinfonia ecologica

I must say this is the greatest and most epic symphony I've heard recently. From the imposing beginning with timpani and bells you are hooked. It's a very busy work with lots of drama and intensity. 45 minutes very well spent.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 23, 2020, 09:47:11 PM
Boris Papandopulo.

New composer for my and new music.

Both socks get knocked off.  CPO has released other CD's of his music.

[asin]B01NB20S4K[/asin]

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81W1P+ev0oL._SS500_.jpg)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 24, 2020, 08:09:40 AM
Koechlin's Viola Sonata...wow, just so so gorgeous.

(https://www.amazon.com/images/I/91fbIGGKX9L._SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on July 24, 2020, 08:27:32 AM
(https://www.amazon.com/images/I/81XBd2Zu4HL._SS500_.jpg)

All the works here are superb, but Widmer's concerto for piano, percussion and orchestra is simply amazing.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 24, 2020, 10:12:59 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on July 23, 2020, 09:47:11 PM
Boris Papandopulo.

New composer for my and new music.

Both socks get knocked off.  CPO has released other CD's of his music.

[asin]B01NB20S4K[/asin]

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81W1P+ev0oL._SS500_.jpg)
Haven't heard of that composer before now, but since it was a two-sock-knock-off, I'll have to look into it Charlie Brown.  ;)

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on July 24, 2020, 10:33:08 AM
Mozart - String Quartet No. 4 in C major KV 157, 3rd Movement: Presto

It's stuck in my head ever since I've heard it for the first time a few days ago (Heutling Quartet).

https://www.youtube.com/v/wwQKvIUUwzs

The Hagens take it rather Prestissimo, but still --- pure genius, pure bliss.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 24, 2020, 03:23:11 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 24, 2020, 10:12:59 AM
Haven't heard of that composer before now, but since it was a two-sock-knock-off, I'll have to look into it Charlie Brown.  ;)

PD

I have listened to some of his other works on the Naxos Library and the Piano Concerto is the best.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 24, 2020, 07:44:10 PM
I have had a lot of luck with new music lately.

The latest is the Lyell Cresswell, a composer from New Zealand.

Fascinating non-tonal composer.

[asin]B00HFDKSXE[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on July 25, 2020, 10:33:47 AM
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0020/5219/4359/products/Derschatzgraber_1080x.jpg?v=1563201389)

Schreker's Der Schatzgräber (The Treasure Hunter) is unabashedly sensual and late-romantic in idiom, symbolist and expressionist in argument. It's quite a treat in this excellent production from the Netherlands Opera. The composer is a recent discovery for me (about 2018 I guess) and everything I've heard so far is nothing but spectacularly good. This is the second opera of his I listen to, after Der Ferne Klang. I have Flammen on my pile and just ordered Die Gezeichneten (The Stigmatized), his 'scandal piece' on DVD. I look forward to more yummy discoveries from Schreker  :).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 26, 2020, 07:57:04 PM
R. Nathaniel Dett: The Ordering of Moses

[asin]B01DXGD5G8[/asin]

WOW!!! Just wow!!! How such an incredible oratorio (stylized a "Biblical Folk Scene" by the composer) by this African-American composer (1882-1943) could have languished in obscurity for so long is a mystery. This is really superb, soulful, and thrilling music and is worthy of comparison with the great choral-orchestral masterworks of the 20th century. One can hear the influence of spirituals on Dett's melodic writing as well an undoubted mastery of orchestration. It's a shame that Dett hardly wrote any more large-scale works, apparently. Fortunately, the performance and recording here are fantastic. Certainly one of my discoveries of the year so far! See Rob Barnett's enthusiastic review:

http://musicweb-international.com/classrev/2016/Jul/Dett_Moses_9462.htm
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on July 27, 2020, 05:28:50 AM
Very interesting. Thanks, Kyle !
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 27, 2020, 05:39:01 PM
Danny Elfman has been branching out into concert music.  This CD contains the first concert music of his that I have heard.  This is not what I expected and it blew me away.

[asin]B07MCDXXJD[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 27, 2020, 07:23:55 PM
Another CD I discovered on the Naxos Music Library that blew me away:

[asin]B00I0BTI3G[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on July 27, 2020, 11:22:45 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 18, 2020, 03:38:32 PM
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/685738924462.jpg)

WOW!!! Poulenc's Organ Concerto on this recording is cracking!!! I had not heard a more tremendous performance of this masterpiece before. There were several goosebump-inducing moments throughout. I'm in awe with this work!!
Looks like a very nice compilation of works Cesar.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 28, 2020, 03:38:45 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on July 27, 2020, 05:39:01 PM
Danny Elfman has been branching out into concert music.  This CD contains the first concert music of his that I have heard.  This is not what I expected and it blew me away.

[asin]B07MCDXXJD[/asin]
Oh, neat!  I've admired his cinematic music for years.  :) I found this (and watched it on youtube) about the making of his violin concerto.  Quite interesting!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpgwUVcSwzc

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Peter Power Pop on July 28, 2020, 05:45:38 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 18, 2020, 03:38:32 PM
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/685738924462.jpg)

WOW!!! Poulenc's Organ Concerto on this recording is cracking!!! I had not heard a more tremendous performance of this masterpiece before. There were several goosebump-inducing moments throughout. I'm in awe with this work!!

It's been posted on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/oohn-xMnC6o (https://youtu.be/oohn-xMnC6o)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on July 29, 2020, 05:57:56 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on July 24, 2020, 07:44:10 PM
I have had a lot of luck with new music lately.

The latest is the Lyell Cresswell, a composer from New Zealand.

Fascinating non-tonal composer.

[asin]B00HFDKSXE[/asin]

I've had this disc for a few years, and although it's not in regular rotation, I do very much enjoy it every time I listen to it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on July 29, 2020, 06:12:10 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on July 27, 2020, 05:39:01 PM
Danny Elfman has been branching out into concert music.  This CD contains the first concert music of his that I have heard.  This is not what I expected and it blew me away.

[asin]B07MCDXXJD[/asin]

You might also like his Symphony then too. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on July 29, 2020, 06:16:30 AM
Thierry Escaich (b. 1965)
Fantaisie concertante pour piano et orchestre

This is a great and exciting piano concertante work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmh2k-wJvX4
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on July 31, 2020, 03:43:40 AM
Luciano Berio's Sinfonia, which I only heard in full for the first time this past week. Wow!! A truly phenomenal work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on July 31, 2020, 06:00:56 AM
Quote from: vers la flamme on July 31, 2020, 03:43:40 AM
Luciano Berio's Sinfonia, which I only heard in full for the first time this past week. Wow!! A truly phenomenal work.
Isn't it? And not just the justly famous and endlessly fascinating third movement...I particularly like the second section of Sinfonia, O King. It's well worth getting to know it in its original version for solo voice and ensemble (I had the chance to hear it live many years ago, my first encounter with Berio's music in concert). Really beautiful.

It's available in these discs (there's another couple of recordings as well):

(http://www.arkivmusic.com/graphics/covers/full/27/276550.JPG)

(http://www.arkivmusic.com/graphics/covers/full/20/206640.JPG)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 31, 2020, 09:19:58 PM
I realize that most of the members are familiar with the symphonies of Allan Pettersson.  I was unfamiliar with his music.  I checked out his Ninth Symphony on the Naxos Music Library Website.
Wow! I have to check out the rest of his music.

[asin]B00GP90AVY[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on August 01, 2020, 12:28:58 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on July 31, 2020, 09:19:58 PM
I realize that most of the members are familiar with the symphonies of Allan Pettersson.  I was unfamiliar with his music.  I checked out his Ninth Symphony on the Naxos Music Library Website.
Wow! I have to check out the rest of his music.

Judging from what I've read here and in other places, starting at the Ninth seems to be going in at the deep end. I haven't reached there yet, but after this almost everything else (bar No. 13) should be a relative stroll in the park.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on August 01, 2020, 08:14:34 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on August 01, 2020, 12:28:58 AM
Judging from what I've read here and in other places, starting at the Ninth seems to be going in at the deep end. I haven't reached there yet, but after this almost everything else (bar No. 13) should be a relative stroll in the park.

I hope I will not be disappointed in the others.

I had an interesting experience with the symphonies of George Lloyd.  The very first one of his that I heard was the seventh.  It blew me away.  Although his other symphonies were OK, none of them packed the wallop of the seventh.  It still is my favorite work by Lloyd.   
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 15, 2020, 05:00:42 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/511E9DQpHML.jpg)

Symphonische Hymnen (a concerto for orchestra in all but name) is a masterpiece of first categories. Vibrant rhythms, masterly in form and musical coherence, cogent orchestration, gripping atmosphere, that portrays quite dramatic moods at times, and I could say moving in a sort of way at others. Just the 1st movement is wonderful already and I'm utterly impressed by it! With what you already know, you can identify good or bad stuff, and for me this work lies into the first category. A very exciting creation.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on August 16, 2020, 05:55:08 AM
Joaquin Rodrigo - Per la flor del lliri blau

For the Flower of the Blue Lily: a gorgeously tuneful, lushly orchestrated tone poem* alternating ominous fanfares, lyrical chamber-like strings and luminous woodwinds, at times superposing them all. A magical work which inhabits a completely different soundworld than that which made Rodrigo famous; actually, had I not known the composer beforehand I wouldn't have guessed him at all. Rodrigo in Late Romantic guise (and that, in 1934!). A sheer delight from start to finish.

Cesar, Kyle --- do give it a try.


* based on a Valencian legend in which the three sons of a dying king go in search of a blue lily whose magic powers can save their father. The outcome is successful but tragic, as the son who finds it is killed by the other two.


https://www.youtube.com/v/ZY6tWfN1Mc0

This is not the version I've listened to but it has a good commentary on the work, including Rodrigo's own words about it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 16, 2020, 09:09:19 AM
Quote from: Florestan on August 16, 2020, 05:55:08 AM
Joaquin Rodrigo - Per la flor del lliri blau

For the Flower of the Blue Lily: a gorgeously tuneful, lushly orchestrated tone poem* alternating ominous fanfares, lyrical chamber-like strings and luminous woodwinds, at times superposing them all. A magical work which inhabits a completely different soundworld than that which made Rodrigo famous; actually, had I not known the composer beforehand I wouldn't have guessed him at all. Rodrigo in Late Romantic guise (and that, in 1934!). A sheer delight from start to finish.

Cesar, Kyle --- do give it a try.


* based on a Valencian legend in which the three sons of a dying king go in search of a blue lily whose magic powers can save their father. The outcome is successful but tragic, as the son who finds it is killed by the other two.


https://www.youtube.com/v/ZY6tWfN1Mc0

This is not the version I've listened to but it has a good commentary on the work, including Rodrigo's own words about it.

Thanks for the recommendation. I explored Rodrigo's orchestral works long time ago and I do recall being delighted by that tone poem and other pieces.

Another work I consider lovely and touching is Zarabanda lejana y Villancico. Do you know it, Andrei? Very worth your time I suspect.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on August 16, 2020, 09:11:25 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on August 16, 2020, 09:09:19 AM
Thanks for the recommendation. I explored Rodrigo's orchestral works long time ago and I do recall being delighted by that tone poem and other pieces.

Great!

Quote
Another work I consider lovely and touching is Zarabanda lejana y Villancico. Do you know it, Andrei? Very worth your time I suspect.

Do not know it, Cesar! Duly noted for an asap listening.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 16, 2020, 09:14:36 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on August 15, 2020, 05:00:42 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/511E9DQpHML.jpg)

Symphonische Hymnen (a concerto for orchestra in all but name) is a masterpiece of first categories. Vibrant rhythms, masterly in form and musical coherence, cogent orchestration, gripping atmosphere, that portrays quite dramatic moods at times, and I could say moving in a sort of way at others. Just the 1st movement is wonderful already and I'm utterly impressed by it! With what you already know, you can identify good or bad stuff, and for me this work lies into the first category. A very exciting creation.

Very cool, Cesar. Having been very impressed by Hartmann's 6th Symphony recently, I'm keen to explore more of his music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 16, 2020, 09:15:28 AM
Quote from: Florestan on August 16, 2020, 05:55:08 AM
Joaquin Rodrigo - Per la flor del lliri blau

For the Flower of the Blue Lily: a gorgeously tuneful, lushly orchestrated tone poem* alternating ominous fanfares, lyrical chamber-like strings and luminous woodwinds, at times superposing them all. A magical work which inhabits a completely different soundworld than that which made Rodrigo famous; actually, had I not known the composer beforehand I wouldn't have guessed him at all. Rodrigo in Late Romantic guise (and that, in 1934!). A sheer delight from start to finish.

Cesar, Kyle --- do give it a try.


* based on a Valencian legend in which the three sons of a dying king go in search of a blue lily whose magic powers can save their father. The outcome is successful but tragic, as the son who finds it is killed by the other two.


https://www.youtube.com/v/ZY6tWfN1Mc0

This is not the version I've listened to but it has a good commentary on the work, including Rodrigo's own words about it.

Thanks, Andrei - will do. I'm not familiar with Rodrigo's output outside his concerti.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on August 16, 2020, 09:26:21 AM
Quote from: kyjo on August 16, 2020, 09:15:28 AM
Thanks, Andrei - will do. I'm not familiar with Rodrigo's output outside his concerti.

The Cello Concerto, Violin Concerto and Flute Concerto are on a par with the famous Guitar ones, maybe even better imho.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on August 16, 2020, 09:36:39 AM
Quote from: Florestan on August 16, 2020, 09:26:21 AM
The Cello Concerto, Violin Concerto and Flute Concerto are on a par with the famous Guitar ones, maybe even better imho.
Let's not forget the Harp Concerto!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on August 16, 2020, 09:39:36 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on August 01, 2020, 08:14:34 AM

I had an interesting experience with the symphonies of George Lloyd.  The very first one of his that I heard was the seventh.  It blew me away.  Although his other symphonies were OK, none of them packed the wallop of the seventh.  It still is my favorite work by Lloyd.
I only had one casual listening to the 7th. I will give it an attentive listening tomorrow!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on August 16, 2020, 09:47:55 AM
Quote from: springrite on August 16, 2020, 09:36:39 AM
Let's not forget the Harp Concerto!

How could I forget it? Too much Jidvei* perhaps.  ;)

* google it
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on August 16, 2020, 09:53:15 AM
Quote from: Florestan on August 16, 2020, 09:47:55 AM
How could I forget it? Too much Jidvei* perhaps.  ;)

* google it
I can use a glass of Jidvei Reisling now!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on August 16, 2020, 09:57:18 AM
Quote from: springrite on August 16, 2020, 09:53:15 AM
I can use a glass of Jidvei Reisling now!

Here's my last glass of Jidvei Gewürztraminer this evening to you and all your loved ones! Stay safe!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 16, 2020, 09:59:58 AM
Quote from: Florestan on August 16, 2020, 09:26:21 AM
The Cello Concerto, Violin Concerto and Flute Concerto are on a par with the famous Guitar ones, maybe even better imho.

Also, the Piano Concerto Concierto heroico is excellent IIRC. Btw, he wrote two cello concerti - Concierto in modo galante and Concierto como un Divertimento. I've heard one of them, can't remember which...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 16, 2020, 10:01:05 AM
Quote from: springrite on August 16, 2020, 09:39:36 AM
I only had one casual listening to the 7th. I will give it an attentive listening tomorrow!

Please do report back with your thoughts! ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on August 16, 2020, 10:23:57 AM
Quote from: kyjo on August 16, 2020, 09:59:58 AM
he wrote two cello concerti - Concierto in modo galante and Concierto como un Divertimento. I've heard one of them, can't remember which...

I can't either.  :D

All I can remember is that the one I've listened to is excellent.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on August 16, 2020, 04:16:31 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on August 01, 2020, 08:14:34 AM
I hope I will not be disappointed in the others.

I had an interesting experience with the symphonies of George Lloyd.  The very first one of his that I heard was the seventh.  It blew me away.  Although his other symphonies were OK, none of them packed the wallop of the seventh.  It still is my favorite work by Lloyd.

Oh good for you!  I am currently doing a musical analysis of George Lloyd's No. 7.  It's fantastic!  He is a wonderful composer and is unjustly neglected.  The No. 7 is a turbulent work befitting its subject matter but extremely beautiful too.  It's almost like a symphony ballet.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 16, 2020, 04:58:19 PM
Quote from: kyjo on August 16, 2020, 09:14:36 AM
Very cool, Cesar. Having been very impressed by Hartmann's 6th Symphony recently, I'm keen to explore more of his music.

If you don't know it yet, please don't walk, run to give it a try! You'll be in for a real treat!  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on August 16, 2020, 05:23:18 PM
I hesitate btw Arnell's 4th and 5th symphonies. Both are remarkable. The 4th's first movement and the 5th's last are stunning. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 16, 2020, 07:06:34 PM
Quote from: relm1 on August 16, 2020, 04:16:31 PM
Oh good for you!  I am currently doing a musical analysis of George Lloyd's No. 7.  It's fantastic!  He is a wonderful composer and is unjustly neglected.  The No. 7 is a turbulent work befitting its subject matter but extremely beautiful too.  It's almost like a symphony ballet.

+1 I'd be interested to read your analysis once you're finished! :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on August 16, 2020, 07:21:51 PM
I have just listened to the following CD on the Naxos Music Library.

The works on the CD are:

John Adams: Hallelujah Junction
Steven Mackey: Stumble to Grace While the other works on this CD are solo piano, this one is for piano and orchestra
Steven Mackey: Sneaky March
John Adams: China Gates

These are new works for me.

Steven Mackey is a new composer for me.

The following is a biography of Mr. Mackey from the Naxos website:

"Steven Mackey's first musical passion was playing the electric guitar in rock bands based in northern California. He later discovered concert music and has composed for orchestras, chamber ensembles, dance and opera. Among his commissions are works for the Chicago, San Francisco and St Louis Symphonies, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Orchestra of St Martin-in-the-Fields, the Swedish, Scottish and Irish Chamber Orchestras, BBC Philharmonic, the Kronos Quartet, the Brentano String Quartet, the Borromeo String Quartet and many others. As a guitarist he has performed his chamber music with the Arditti, Brentano, Borromeo and Kronos Quartets, the London Sinfonietta, Joey Baron, Fred Sherry and many others. He has performed his concertos with many conductors including, Dennis Russel Davies, Peter Eötvös, David Robertson, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Michael Tilson Thomas and David Zinman. Steven Mackey is currently Professor of Music and chairman of the music department at Princeton University where he has been a member of the faculty since 1985."

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on August 16, 2020, 08:38:57 PM
Julius Röntgen.

I have just discovered this fine composer.  There are not that many entries about him in GMG.

[asin]B06WWR7YZ6[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on August 17, 2020, 06:58:16 AM
Quote from: kyjo on August 16, 2020, 10:01:05 AM
Please do report back with your thoughts! ;)

Had a good listening of the Lloyd 7th. I remembered the turbulent and powerful third movement, but I had not noticed last time how beautiful the second movement was.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 17, 2020, 08:53:40 AM
Quote from: springrite on August 17, 2020, 06:58:16 AM
Had a good listening of the Lloyd 7th. I remembered the turbulent and powerful third movement, but I had not noticed last time how beautiful the second movement was.

Indeed, the second movement is an oasis of calm between the turbulent, dramatic outer movements.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on August 18, 2020, 05:51:25 AM
Quote from: relm1 on August 16, 2020, 04:16:31 PM
Oh good for you!  I am currently doing a musical analysis of George Lloyd's No. 7.  It's fantastic!  He is a wonderful composer and is unjustly neglected.  The No. 7 is a turbulent work befitting its subject matter but extremely beautiful too.  It's almost like a symphony ballet.

Quote from: kyjo on August 16, 2020, 07:06:34 PM
+1 I'd be interested to read your analysis once you're finished! :)

+1 here too. The 7th was the first Lloyd symphony I heard.

I think the work that has blown me away most recently is Karl Amadeus Hartmann's 6th Symphony. I've not heard music as thrilling as the finale of this symphony since I first heard the finale of Ginastera's 1st Piano Concerto.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: T. D. on August 20, 2020, 07:39:48 AM
Mysterious Mountain, from this
(https://img.discogs.com/nkxPEXpxXOR8aRojk5ognJtyFFY=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-5631229-1398458342-5818.jpeg.jpg)
though I enjoy this whole disc.

I never listened to Hovhaness before, didn't think I'd like it. I think John ("Mirror Image") recently made a traversal of H's work, which made me scratch my head. Recently got the above as part of a box and saw the point.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 20, 2020, 09:21:53 AM
Quote from: T. D. on August 20, 2020, 07:39:48 AM
Mysterious Mountain, from this
(https://img.discogs.com/nkxPEXpxXOR8aRojk5ognJtyFFY=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-5631229-1398458342-5818.jpeg.jpg)
though I enjoy this whole disc.

I never listened to Hovhaness before, didn't think I'd like it. I think John ("Mirror Image") recently made a traversal of H's work, which made me scratch my head. Recently got the above as part of a box and saw the point.
I remember hearing his whales work a while ago and recall liking it...quite different!

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 20, 2020, 04:40:16 PM
Quote from: T. D. on August 20, 2020, 07:39:48 AM
Mysterious Mountain, from this
(https://img.discogs.com/nkxPEXpxXOR8aRojk5ognJtyFFY=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-5631229-1398458342-5818.jpeg.jpg)
though I enjoy this whole disc.

I never listened to Hovhaness before, didn't think I'd like it. I think John ("Mirror Image") recently made a traversal of H's work, which made me scratch my head. Recently got the above as part of a box and saw the point.

That work embodies the best of Hovhaness. A life-enhancing creation.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on August 21, 2020, 06:16:12 AM
Yes. Quintessential Hovhanness.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 22, 2020, 05:31:38 PM
I wouldn't hesitate to include this bunch like deserved pieces that really have blown away me recently:

1) The epic and monolithic Kabelac's Mystery of Time. This is how a riveting passacaglia would sound like. Listening to this stupendous work makes me realize its rigurous grandeur, imposing marching-like sections carrying a very sharp rhythm. Sounds like war struggles. The last sections are incredibly moving. It's very impressive.


2) The Concerto per voci s strumenti by Lepo Sumera. For chorus (plus clapping closing the work) and strings. A most singular piece this is. Weirdly beautiful would be a general apt description. It's like a mosaic of moods and styles, from the most ineffable moving music to apparently non-sense dissertations by the different voices from the chorus. The 2nd movement is simply mesmerizingly gorgeous. A mini-masterpiece. It reflects what a stunning composer Sumera was. A work of a genius IMO. Don't miss this.


3) The suffocatingly lovely Rautavaara's Lintukoto (Isle of Bliss), for orchestra. Not apt for hedonistic nor sybarite people (because they could become addicted by it). Ravishing, indescribably captivating beauty expressed in music, and Rautavaara printing his mystical and serious mood achieves a remarkable work, and he used the orchestration to great effect.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on August 27, 2020, 10:55:35 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on August 16, 2020, 08:38:57 PM
Julius Röntgen.

I have just discovered this fine composer.  There are not that many entries about him in GMG.

[asin]B06WWR7YZ6[/asin]
There's this thread about him: https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,9988.msg1288334.html#msg1288334
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 27, 2020, 07:30:26 PM
Dutilleux: Piano Sonata

Really superb stuff. The sense of mystery that this work encapsulates is nothing short of spellbinding. One of the best piano works I've listened to lately.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 27, 2020, 09:15:29 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on August 22, 2020, 05:31:38 PM
I wouldn't hesitate to include this bunch like deserved pieces that really have blown away me recently:

1) The epic and monolithic Kabelac's Mystery of Time. This is how a riveting passacaglia would sound like. Listening to this stupendous work makes me realize its rigurous grandeur, imposing marching-like sections carrying a very sharp rhythm. Sounds like war struggles. The last sections are incredibly moving. It's very impressive.


2) The Concerto per voci s strumenti by Lepo Sumera. For chorus (plus clapping closing the work) and strings. A most singular piece this is. Weirdly beautiful would be a general apt description. It's like a mosaic of moods and styles, from the most ineffable moving music to apparently non-sense dissertations by the different voices from the chorus. The 2nd movement is simply mesmerizingly gorgeous. A mini-masterpiece. It reflects what a stunning composer Sumera was. A work of a genius IMO. Don't miss this.


3) The suffocatingly lovely Rautavaara's Lintukoto (Isle of Bliss), for orchestra. Not apt for hedonistic nor sybarite people (because they could become addicted by it). Ravishing, indescribably captivating beauty expressed in music, and Rautavaara printing his mystical and serious mood achieves a remarkable work, and he used the orchestration to great effect.
+1 for Mystery of Time and I like those whales in the Hovhaness work. Sumera's Symphony No.2 is a great work so I must try to hear the work for chorus, clapping and strings as well. He was a most interesting composer who died too young.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 28, 2020, 07:02:14 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on August 27, 2020, 07:30:26 PM
Dutilleux: Piano Sonata

Really superb stuff. The sense of mystery that this work encapsulates is nothing short of spellbinding. One of the best piano works I've listened to lately.

Indeed, it's an astonishingly assured opus 1. Dutilleux's music never fails to captivate me with its nocturnal, fantastical atmospheres.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on August 28, 2020, 08:38:42 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on August 27, 2020, 07:30:26 PM
Dutilleux: Piano Sonata

Really superb stuff. The sense of mystery that this work encapsulates is nothing short of spellbinding. One of the best piano works I've listened to lately.
Dutilleux is not a prolific composer. Every work he puts out is a gem. No duds.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 28, 2020, 10:16:33 AM
Quote from: springrite on August 28, 2020, 08:38:42 AM
Dutilleux is not a prolific composer. Every work he puts out is a gem. No duds.

+1
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 31, 2020, 07:52:59 PM
Quote from: Florestan on August 16, 2020, 05:55:08 AM
Joaquin Rodrigo - Per la flor del lliri blau

For the Flower of the Blue Lily: a gorgeously tuneful, lushly orchestrated tone poem* alternating ominous fanfares, lyrical chamber-like strings and luminous woodwinds, at times superposing them all. A magical work which inhabits a completely different soundworld than that which made Rodrigo famous; actually, had I not known the composer beforehand I wouldn't have guessed him at all. Rodrigo in Late Romantic guise (and that, in 1934!). A sheer delight from start to finish.

Cesar, Kyle --- do give it a try.


* based on a Valencian legend in which the three sons of a dying king go in search of a blue lily whose magic powers can save their father. The outcome is successful but tragic, as the son who finds it is killed by the other two.


https://www.youtube.com/v/ZY6tWfN1Mc0

This is not the version I've listened to but it has a good commentary on the work, including Rodrigo's own words about it.

Hi Andrei, I gave this work a listen and enjoyed it very much indeed. It's rather episodic perhaps, but possessing some lovely lyrical writing near the beginning and becoming quite exciting in the central section. I'm with you in that I wouldn't have been able to identify the composer as Rodrigo had I not known, though it still possesses a noticeable "Spanish" flavor.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on August 31, 2020, 11:02:19 PM
I have just discovered the music of Fikret Amirov at the Naxos Music Library.

I particularly liked Symphony for String Orchestra, "Pamyati Nizami (To the Memory of Nizami)"

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 05, 2020, 05:11:08 PM
https://www.youtube.com/v/nfemhSHDlrY

Vyacheslav Ovchinnikov: Symphony No. 1 in E flat minor

My goodness... astounding, epic, moving!! And even better, in my favorite key, the dark and imposing six-flats key.

For music like this it's that I love Youtube.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on September 05, 2020, 05:48:45 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on September 05, 2020, 05:11:08 PM
https://www.youtube.com/v/nfemhSHDlrY

Vyacheslav Ovchinnikov: Symphony No. 1 in E flat minor

My goodness... astounding, epic, moving!! And even better, in my favorite key, the dark and imposing six-flats key.

For music like this it's that I love Youtube.

+1

A great favourite. Astounding indeed.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on September 06, 2020, 06:24:41 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on September 05, 2020, 05:11:08 PM
https://www.youtube.com/v/nfemhSHDlrY

Vyacheslav Ovchinnikov: Symphony No. 1 in E flat minor

My goodness... astounding, epic, moving!! And even better, in my favorite key, the dark and imposing six-flats key.

For music like this it's that I love Youtube.

Oh yes! Absolutely brilliant as was his score for the movie 'War and Peace'. I recently ordered the LP of the First Symphony to play on my cheapo turntable. Leo of this forum made me a CD-R copy of it years ago  :)
I'm still blown away by Boris Tchaikovsky's 'Sevastopol Symphony' - his greatest work IMO (or at least of the ones that I know). In some ways it has the same epic appeal as the Ovchinnikov symphony.
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on September 06, 2020, 06:26:39 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on August 31, 2020, 11:02:19 PM
I have just discovered the music of Fikret Amirov at the Naxos Music Library.

I particularly liked Symphony for String Orchestra, "Pamyati Nizami (To the Memory of Nizami)"
+1 for Amirov. I have the old Olympia recordings which have given me much pleasure over the years.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on September 06, 2020, 06:52:22 AM
Quote from: springrite on August 28, 2020, 08:38:42 AM
Dutilleux is not a prolific composer. Every work he puts out is a gem. No duds.

For those who are interested - the Chandos Summer Sale includes their set of the complete Dutilleux orchestral works for £15.00
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on September 06, 2020, 09:02:44 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on September 06, 2020, 06:52:22 AM
For those who are interested - the Chandos Summer Sale includes their set of the complete Dutilleux orchestral works for £15.00
Lots of other good bargains there as well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: MishaK on September 07, 2020, 09:20:30 PM
This!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gidbTgGGBmw

What a marvelous piece!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on September 08, 2020, 04:13:10 AM
Erkki Salmenhaara: Symphony No.4
Currently playing it over and over again:
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 09, 2020, 03:53:47 PM
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/6.220527.jpg)

This: Benzin

Completely delightful!! It has to be one of the most imaginative, witty, quirky, fun, uplifting works I've listened to recently (a most necessary 'antidote' to the severe Eklund disc  8) ). Really fantastic music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on September 18, 2020, 07:36:27 AM
I have been a Per Nørgård addict for many years.  The following did not disappoint:

[asin]B001MUJSEQ[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on September 18, 2020, 03:56:05 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on September 18, 2020, 07:36:27 AM
I have been a Per Nørgård addict for many years.  The following did not disappoint:

[asin]B001MUJSEQ[/asin]

I find his output fascinating as well.  I wish he can produce a Ninth Symphony because it sounds like he wants to but health has intervened.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 18, 2020, 07:36:59 PM
Delius: Violin Sonata in B major, op. posth. (1892)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51TZfwDeTPL._SX425_.jpg)

I am quite in awe of this rapturously beautiful, passionate music!! Early Delius is the Delius I prefer, before he got all moody and amorphous. ;) This has automatically taken its place among my very favorite violin sonatas. A stunning find!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on September 19, 2020, 12:05:42 AM
Quote from: kyjo on September 18, 2020, 07:36:59 PM
Delius: Violin Sonata in B major, op. posth. (1892)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51TZfwDeTPL._SX425_.jpg)

I am quite in awe of this rapturously beautiful, passionate music!! Early Delius is the Delius I prefer, before he got all moody and amorphous. ;) This has automatically taken its place among my very favorite violin sonatas. A stunning find!

Good for you! Poor old Delius receives a bit of a kicking, unfairly in my view. His string quartet is lovely too.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 20, 2020, 09:13:07 AM
Quote from: Irons on September 19, 2020, 12:05:42 AM
 

His string quartet is lovely too.

I endorse this. Thank God he wrote one, and very fine it is.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: bhodges on September 22, 2020, 01:28:26 PM
Julius Eastman: Femenine (1974) - Heard this live for the first time a few days ago, performed by the London-based new music group, Apartment House. It will be available on YouTube for 30 days at the link below, and I'll surely be watching again.

It's listed as 72 minutes, and seems a landmark of minimalism, not unrelated to Terry Riley's In C. But Eastman's concerns are different, although the result is as happy and ecstatic as Riley's. As the rudder, playing a repeated vibraphone motif for over an hour, Simon Limbrick deserves the lion's share of praise, but the entire group was outstanding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KakHBK44ko

--Bruce
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on September 25, 2020, 04:36:31 PM
I really loved this recording I just listened to.  Gorgeous music from start to end, full of drama, atmosphere, and intrigue all finely recorded.  Are the rest of his symphonies this good?

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71q-Spt78CL._SX425_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 25, 2020, 07:54:47 PM
Well, that symphony is certainly his most dramatic and lush (and tragic to some extent), so I would say the others don't possess such level of intensity but they're more than good. The 2nd and 4th symphonies are my favorites by him, although I like all of them.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on September 25, 2020, 10:46:32 PM
Quote from: relm1 on September 25, 2020, 04:36:31 PM
I really loved this recording I just listened to.  Gorgeous music from start to end, full of drama, atmosphere, and intrigue all finely recorded.  Are the rest of his symphonies this good?

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71q-Spt78CL._SX425_.jpg)

In my view that one is the best but the others are enjoyable.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on September 25, 2020, 11:12:18 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on September 25, 2020, 10:46:32 PM
In my view that one is the best but the others are enjoyable.

+1 - all are definitely worth a listen but No.4 is probably best of the bunch.  I think overall I prefer this Naxos series to Jarvi on BIS.  With the latter, for all the brilliance of the playing and recording (great fun Swedish Rhapsodies for example) just that nagging doubt that Jarvi is pushing on through the music too often......
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 26, 2020, 08:22:13 AM
Quote from: relm1 on September 25, 2020, 04:36:31 PM
I really loved this recording I just listened to.  Gorgeous music from start to end, full of drama, atmosphere, and intrigue all finely recorded.  Are the rest of his symphonies this good?

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71q-Spt78CL._SX425_.jpg)

Actually, my personal favorite of Alfvén's symphonies is the 3rd. It's very different from the dramatic 4th, though! It's an unabashedly optimistic, bucolic work which could be characterized as a Swedish take on Dvorak with some lush Straussian harmonies thrown in. Most importantly, it is absolutely filled to the brim with memorable tunes, and the slow movement is just sublimely beautiful beyond words. This recent CPO recording is particularly excellent:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91TwZbGrBxL._SS500_.jpg)

As far as Alfvén's other symphonies go, the 1st very much sounds like a first symphony - it's quite awkward-sounding at times and not always engaging, but the opening, in particular, is quite remarkable in its unusual orchestration choices. The 2nd is a very solid late-romantic symphony; my one gripe is that I feel like too much of the slow movement is written at a loud dynamic - I would've preferred some more reflective, lyrical music there. The late 5th boasts an excellent, dramatic first movement but the rest is rather variable in quality. I'd say after the 3rd and 4th symphonies, the next place to go with Alfvén is his magnificently colorful and exciting ballet Bergakungen:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61MjC7isE-L._SX425_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on September 26, 2020, 12:19:59 PM
This IMO is the stand-out recorded performance of Symphony No.4
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 26, 2020, 04:24:36 PM
Quote from: kyjo on September 26, 2020, 08:22:13 AM
Actually, my personal favorite of Alfvén's symphonies is the 3rd. It's very different from the dramatic 4th, though! It's an unabashedly optimistic, bucolic work which could be characterized as a Swedish take on Dvorak with some lush Straussian harmonies thrown in. Most importantly, it is absolutely filled to the brim with memorable tunes, and the slow movement is just sublimely beautiful beyond words. This recent CPO recording is particularly excellent:

Oh yes, that's the definitive performance of Alfvén's 3rd IMO.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on October 01, 2020, 07:22:01 AM
I am a big fan of Hovhaness.  I noticed that I had recordings of most of the symphonies that have been recorded so I decided to fill our my collection.

I just received the last of the ones I purchased:

[asin]B000005DUM[/asin]

Normally listening to Hovhaness is gratifying but the Third Symphony was awesome.  Sadly the recording is out of print but I found a used one on Amazon.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 06, 2020, 07:43:08 PM
Bruch: String Quartets nos. 1 and 2

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51LTtpKkiNL._SX425_.jpg)

These works greatly exceeded my expectations. Passionate, exciting, imaginative music from the young Bruch that avoids the stifling academic nature found in some string quartets of this period. The 1st quartet, in c minor, possesses Beethovenian drive and power in the outer movements and a true lyrical poignancy in the slow movement. The 2nd, in E major, is not quite the relaxed pastoral idyll we'd expect given the key. There are striking passages throughout, not least in the vigorous, memorable scherzo. What's also remarkable is how concise both works are, there's no "waste" whatsoever. And what marvelous advocates the Diogenes Quartett are, playing up the music's vigor and dynamism without skimping on the lyrical moments. Highly recommended to lovers of Romantic chamber music! (I haven't listened to the Quartet in c minor, op. posth. yet, but it's apparently very good too.)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on October 07, 2020, 06:39:06 AM
That's an interesting take, given how I personally found Bruch's symphonies to be the very definition of emotionless academia.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on October 07, 2020, 06:41:33 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on October 01, 2020, 07:22:01 AM
I am a big fan of Hovhaness.  I noticed that I had recordings of most of the symphonies that have been recorded so I decided to fill our my collection.

I just received the last of the ones I purchased:

[asin]B000005DUM[/asin]

Normally listening to Hovhaness is gratifying but the Third Symphony was awesome.  Sadly the recording is out of print but I found a used one on Amazon.
I have that recording and share your admiration for this composer.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on October 07, 2020, 09:04:19 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 06, 2020, 07:43:08 PM
Bruch: String Quartets nos. 1 and 2

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51LTtpKkiNL._SX425_.jpg)

These works greatly exceeded my expectations. Passionate, exciting, imaginative music from the young Bruch that avoids the stifling academic nature found in some string quartets of this period. The 1st quartet, in c minor, possesses Beethovenian drive and power in the outer movements and a true lyrical poignancy in the slow movement. The 2nd, in E major, is not quite the relaxed pastoral idyll we'd expect given the key. There are striking passages throughout, not least in the vigorous, memorable scherzo. What's also remarkable is how concise both works are, there's no "waste" whatsoever. And what marvelous advocates the Diogenes Quartett are, playing up the music's vigor and dynamism without skimping on the lyrical moments. Highly recommended to lovers of Romantic chamber music! (I haven't listened to the Quartet in c minor, op. posth. yet, but it's apparently very good too.)

Two works to revisit, I don't remember them at all. Do you know his String Octet? Another striking piece. The CPO recording brings all the greatness of the work in full display.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 07, 2020, 07:08:42 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on October 07, 2020, 06:39:06 AM
That's an interesting take, given how I personally found Bruch's symphonies to be the very definition of emotionless academia.

Worry not, I find them to be much stronger works than the symphonies. ;) But then again, you're not much of a chamber music guy, if I'm not mistaken.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 07, 2020, 07:09:56 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on October 07, 2020, 09:04:19 AM
Two works to revisit, I don't remember them at all. Do you know his String Octet? Another striking piece. The CPO recording brings all the greatness of the work in full display.

For some odd reason, the Octet didn't make too big of an impression on me (I listened to the CPO recording too). Maybe I was just in a bad mood that day. :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on October 09, 2020, 06:40:25 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 07, 2020, 07:08:42 PM
Worry not, I find them to be much stronger works than the symphonies. ;) But then again, you're not much of a chamber music guy, if I'm not mistaken.

Afraid so. I was just intrigued by that response, given my lacklustre impression of the symphonies. I enjoy the 1st Violin Concerto, although it's not in my regular rotation. I kinda have the impression that all his worthy works are popular and the rest can largely be ignored without feeling like I'm missing out on a neglected masterpiece.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on October 31, 2020, 02:56:19 AM
https://www.youtube.com/v/bHAcCMjELaE

I'm listening again to this "Poème" - what strange and ultimately enchanting music! As a violin virtuoso Durosoir refined his technique in Germany (advice by Joseph Joachim!) and traveled widely the Austro-Hungarian empire. WW1 changed the course of his life...fascinating!

https://www.durosoir.com/Biography.html
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on October 31, 2020, 08:25:09 AM
(https://img.discogs.com/8w40LvqnCYftkxsZS4B5qTne2ts=/fit-in/300x294/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-9927268-1488684647-5241.jpeg.jpg)

Symphony no 5. I think this is a true masterpiece. A fascinating work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on October 31, 2020, 09:59:24 PM
I am familiar with some of the chamber works Paul Ben-Heim.  I am not familiar with any of his orchestral works.

I have been listening to this new CD on the Naxos Music Library website.  Very impressive  :)

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/CHAN20169.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on October 31, 2020, 10:04:39 PM
Listened to these CD"s at the Naxos Music Library Website

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.572823.jpg)

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.572501.jpg)

These works had their moments.

I added them to my with list.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on October 31, 2020, 10:47:29 PM
Generally speaking my ears have not been impressed with the music of Langgaard.  A few of his symphonies (I have copies of all of them) and his opera Antikrist.

Finally got around to checking out Music of the Spheres.  My ears gave it a + rating  :)

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/6.220535.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on October 31, 2020, 11:14:38 PM
Jan van der Roost is a Belgian composer who has written some neat concert band music:

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.573206.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 01, 2020, 06:04:49 AM
Thumbs up for the Ben-Haim, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, and above, all for the Langgaard. A visionary creation.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 01, 2020, 07:06:15 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on October 31, 2020, 10:47:29 PM
Generally speaking my ears have not been impressed with the music of Langgaard.  A few of his symphonies (I have copies of all of them) and his opera Antikrist.

Finally got around to checking out Music of the Spheres.  My ears gave it a + rating  :)

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/6.220535.jpg)
I found out that it's available through my library system; looking forward to listening to it!  :)

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on November 02, 2020, 02:53:49 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on November 01, 2020, 06:04:49 AM
Thumbs up for the Ben-Haim, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, and above, all for the Langgaard. A visionary creation.
+1 for all those composers - the Ben Haim CD has just arrived so I look forward to hearing it later.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 12, 2020, 02:48:31 PM
Villa-Lobos: Rudepoêma

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.557735.jpg)

Rudepoêma is such a kaleidoscopic piece for piano. There is magic, mysticism, mystery. The closing low notes/chords have a strong intensity! It gave me goosebumps. For me it's a masterwork.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 12, 2020, 03:37:03 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on November 12, 2020, 02:48:31 PM
Villa-Lobos: Rudepoêma

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.557735.jpg)

Rudepoêma is such a kaleidoscopic piece for piano. There is magic, mysticism, mystery. The closing low notes/chords have a strong intensity! It gave me goosebumps. For me it's a masterwork.

It sure is! To take it one step further, have you heard the orchestration of Rudepoêma? Definitely worth hearing.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 12, 2020, 05:36:36 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 12, 2020, 03:37:03 PM
It sure is! To take it one step further, have you heard the orchestration of Rudepoêma? Definitely worth hearing.

Yes, I have, but this version made a stronger impression on me. The piano just has the tone to express the myriad of moods this work possess.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 12, 2020, 05:54:58 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on November 12, 2020, 05:36:36 PM
Yes, I have, but this version made a stronger impression on me. The piano just has the tone to express the myriad of moods this work possess.

Yes, I agree and this is why I prefer the piano originals to the orchestration and this goes for any of my favorite composers. There are some cases where an orchestration does some justice to the original piano version, but this doesn't happen very often.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on November 13, 2020, 12:40:36 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 12, 2020, 05:54:58 PM
Yes, I agree and this is why I prefer the piano originals to the orchestration and this goes for any of my favorite composers. There are some cases where an orchestration does some justice to the original piano version, but this doesn't happen very often.

Ravel?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 13, 2020, 06:44:00 AM
Quote from: Irons on November 13, 2020, 12:40:36 AM
Ravel?

I think Ravel's orchestrations are wonderful and fun to listen to, but I wouldn't say they're 'better' than the original solo piano works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on November 13, 2020, 06:55:58 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 13, 2020, 06:44:00 AM
I think Ravel's orchestrations are wonderful and fun to listen to, but I wouldn't say they're 'better' than the original solo piano works.

No argument. It was the first name to come to mind when reading your post.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on November 18, 2020, 05:46:37 AM
X-posted from the WAYLTN thread:

Quote from: ritter on November 18, 2020, 05:44:33 AMRevisiting Darius Milhaud's Le carnaval de Londres.

(https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/jpegs/150dpi/034571151687.png)
I was very favourably impressed by this work when I first encountered it a couple of days ago, but this time around I'm positively blown away. This is so happy music! In essence, its an orchestral suite with themes from The Beggar's Opera, and this is what the liner notes of the Hyperion CD (written by Robert Matthew-Walker) say about its gestation:

As was Milhaud's custom, no sooner had he completed his arrangements of Gay's ballad-opera than he utilized several of the tunes in a concert work for small orchestra (single wind, timpani, harp, percussion and strings), calling it Le carnaval de Londres and completing it by the end of September. Milhaud conducted the broadcast premiere of his version of The Beggar's Opera on Radio Marseille; Manuel Rosenthal conducted the first performance of Le carnaval de Londres in 1939 at a Revue Musicale concert. As with Le carnaval d'Aix, it is not necessary to know the story of the seminal work to appreciate the skill and charm, the beauty and allure of this enchanting work, whose joie de vivre is so typical of this composer at his most light-hearted. His settings of the old themes, and folk material – notably Lillibulero – are accomplished with considerable affection and artistry.

The opening Bal -- Ouverture is an unlikely arrangement of Over the Hills and far Away using a....rumba rhythm! Outlandish, but really effective and engaging, and quite wonderfully scored. The recording under Ronald Corp is excellent.

Here's the whole work, but in another recording. If you listen to the first 1'21" (the overture), you'll see what I mean. Unfortunately, the percussionist in  this particular reading seems to have some trouble with the rumba rhythm.

[flash=300,200]https://www.youtube.com/v/c-Xi6xJoxZQ&t=32s[/flash]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on November 19, 2020, 09:59:52 PM
I have just discovered a fascinating contemporary English composer: Joe Cutler


(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/BRC010.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 20, 2020, 04:32:09 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on November 19, 2020, 09:59:52 PM
I have just discovered a fascinating contemporary English composer: Joe Cutler


(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/BRC010.jpg)
Nice!  I'll have to look into his music.  I did find his website (am looking for music samples there).

Love the quirky cover too!

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on November 20, 2020, 06:20:54 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 20, 2020, 04:32:09 AM
Nice!  I'll have to look into his music.  I did find his website (am looking for music samples there).

Love the quirky cover too!

PD

I discovered his music at the Naxos Music Library website.

I like the jazz elements in Hawaii, Hawaii, Hawaii.

This is a new CD and the only place that has it is Presto.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 20, 2020, 06:39:32 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on November 20, 2020, 06:20:54 AM
I discovered his music at the Naxos Music Library website.

I like the jazz elements in Hawaii, Hawaii, Hawaii.

This is a new CD and the only place that has it is Presto.
Ah.  I did find samples from it on his website:  http://joecutler.com/listen-watch/

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 24, 2020, 07:45:09 PM
Today I played Weinberg's 6th String Quartet. Holy cow, this is hot stuff!!! An incredibly intense piece. The short 3rd movement has a tense nature that becomes exciting. It's a tour of force with a rest on the slow movement. Weinberg at his most inspired. I also liked the 5th very much, especially the movement Humoreska. That was something else!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 24, 2020, 09:34:38 PM
Cool, Cesar. 8) I'll have to revisit that one when I'm feeling in a Russian kind of mood.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on November 25, 2020, 07:37:18 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on November 24, 2020, 07:45:09 PM
Today I played Weinberg's 6th String Quartet. Holy cow, this is hot stuff!!! An incredibly intense piece. The short 3rd movement has a tense nature that becomes exciting. It's a tour of force with a rest on the slow movement. Weinberg at his most inspired. I also liked the 5th very much, especially the movement Humoreska. That was something else!

Oh yes! It's one of the only quartets of his that I know, and it's superb indeed.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on November 25, 2020, 02:43:05 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on November 24, 2020, 07:45:09 PM
Today I played Weinberg's 6th String Quartet. Holy cow, this is hot stuff!!! An incredibly intense piece. The short 3rd movement has a tense nature that becomes exciting. It's a tour of force with a rest on the slow movement. Weinberg at his most inspired. I also liked the 5th very much, especially the movement Humoreska. That was something else!
I have to go back and see which ones I have...

I have 1, 10, 12, 17
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 25, 2020, 05:04:01 PM
Quote from: springrite on November 25, 2020, 02:43:05 PM
I have to go back and see which ones I have...

I have 1, 10, 12, 17

I only know the 1st one and it's a great piece being a first attempt in the form. These early quartets have been a good revelation to me lately.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on November 25, 2020, 07:46:32 PM
I have discovered the following CD's from the Naxos Music Library.
The following is a new avant garde composer I am unfamiliar with.  The instrumental works were really neat.  The choral work was not my cup of tea.
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/WWE1CD20004.gif)
Stylistically the opposite of Eisenburg but still some good stuff.  I was at a premier of one of his band works with the Marine Band.
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/FR-739SACD.gif)
The following CD contains some interesting chamber music for clarinet by Canadian Composers:
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/CRC3826.gif)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on November 25, 2020, 07:50:06 PM
Peter Maxwell Davis has always been hit or miss for me.  This was definitely a hit.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/00028947883647.gif)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on November 25, 2020, 10:31:34 PM
Fastening collection of contemporary music.


(https://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6318/images/nv6318%20-%20sci%2034%20-%20front%20cover%20xs517x517.jpg?crc=531576171)

Link to the CD company's website:  https://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6318/ (https://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6318/)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on November 27, 2020, 07:17:10 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on November 25, 2020, 07:50:06 PM
Peter Maxwell Davis has always been hit or miss for me.  This was definitely a hit.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/00028947883647.gif)

I have yet to hear a "serious" piece by him that I like. I've sampled a few of the symphonies and Naxos Quartets and I thought them some of dreariest stuff I've ever heard... :(
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 27, 2020, 07:39:01 AM
I have to say I was rather blown away by Schoenberg's 4 Orchestral Songs last night. What a piece!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on November 27, 2020, 08:04:38 PM
A CD on some pretty obscure music.  Interesting range of music from the avant garde Three Pieces of Euchar Gravina to the impressionistic Rih (Wind) by Alexander Vella Gregory.


(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/NV6322.gif)

Link to the Navona Website: https://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6322/ (https://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6322/)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 27, 2020, 08:08:51 PM
Upon revisitation of Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde, I was yet again blown away. Every movement is rewarding and spectacular in its own way, but hearing Janet Baker in Der Abschied is certainly one of the greatest moments in music that I know.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 09, 2020, 10:25:27 AM
Mythology Symphony by Stacy Garrop.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91Cq3xf%2B2bL._SX466_.jpg)

This bewitchingly gorgeous symphony by the American composer Stacy Garrop was premiered in 2015, so symphonies haven't died yet (and they won't)! It's inspired by or based on 5 Greek mythological feminine characters (Medusa, Penelope, Sirens, the Fates and Pandora (doesn't include the most expected ones: Athenea, Gaia, Andromeda, etc). Orchestration, strength, mesmerizing sonorities and rhythms, really splendid handle of orchestra and cogent musical development. I'm amazed. One of the best contemporary symphonies I've heard lately. If anyrhing, I can relate her style to that of Rautavaara. The third movement The Lovely Sirens by itself is impressive, and ends like Holst's Mars, the bringer of War. Excitingly stormy!


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61WEdEtkQcL._SY300_QL70_ML2_.jpg)

Theatre Divertimento by Valery Gavrilin. Gosh, this is such a delight of a piece! It has the fun and carefree side of Shostakovich, Kabalevsky, Sviridov and B. Tchaikovsky. Gallop and Rain and merciless in their catchiness and freshness.


The Martini has to be here too. Completely blown away!

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41Lvu4z2k7L.jpg)

Piano Concerto No. 4 Incantations

This is what I call sheer mastery and magic together. A kaleidoscopic piece, captivating sonorities aplenty, excitement throughout, and sheer magic in writing and atmospheres. How could have I ignored this wonder? One that goes to the top for me from now on (including the Alnaes).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on December 09, 2020, 04:54:21 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on November 25, 2020, 07:50:06 PM
Peter Maxwell Davis has always been hit or miss for me.  This was definitely a hit.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/00028947883647.gif)

I feel the same way, why was it a hit for you?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on December 09, 2020, 06:07:12 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on November 25, 2020, 07:50:06 PM
Peter Maxwell Davis has always been hit or miss for me.  This was definitely a hit.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/00028947883647.gif)
Listened to this work yesterday.

PMD is not hit or miss for me. It is a matter of whether I am in the right mood for it. When i am, it is always a hit. When i am not, it is just perpetual noise.

Yesterday I was in the right mood.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on December 17, 2020, 01:00:41 PM
These two works:

Franck's Symphony in D minor (via an early 2020 live performance I attended of the WSO with Matthias Bamert conducting)

Kalinnikov's Symphony No. 1 in G minor (via local Classical radio station - Kuchar conducting the Ukrainian National Symphony Orchestra)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 17, 2020, 02:52:47 PM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on December 17, 2020, 01:00:41 PM
These two works:

Franck's Symphony in D minor (via an early 2020 live performance I attended of the WSO with Matthias Bamert conducting)

Kalinnikov's Symphony No. 1 in G minor (via local Classical radio station - Kuchar conducting the Ukrainian National Symphony Orchestra)

If you don't know Kalinnikov's 2nd, you could enjoy it as well. A thoroughly life-affirming and warm work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on December 17, 2020, 11:15:35 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 27, 2020, 08:08:51 PM
Upon revisitation of Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde, I was yet again blown away. Every movement is rewarding and spectacular in its own way, but hearing Janet Baker in Der Abschied is certainly one of the greatest moments in music that I know.
Definitely agree. A desert Island version of one of the greatest works I know.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on December 18, 2020, 06:03:17 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 17, 2020, 02:52:47 PM
If you don't know Kalinnikov's 2nd, you could enjoy it as well. A thoroughly life-affirming and warm work.

I plan on giving it a listen, indeed.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on December 19, 2020, 09:38:23 AM
Chopin - Variations brilliantes, op. 12

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61EiRBx8neL._SL1200_.jpg)

For me and my loved ones, this bloody effing year finishes just as it started: bloody effing awful ---but/yet so does Chopin's music: consoling and nerve-soothing.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on December 19, 2020, 09:55:19 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 09, 2020, 10:25:27 AM
Mythology Symphony by Stacy Garrop.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91Cq3xf%2B2bL._SX466_.jpg)

This bewitchingly gorgeous symphony by the American composer Stacy Garrop was premiered in 2015, so symphonies haven't died yet (and they won't)! It's inspired by or based on 5 Greek mythological feminine characters (Medusa, Penelope, Sirens, the Fates and Pandora (doesn't include the most expected ones: Athenea, Gaia, Andromeda, etc). Orchestration, strength, mesmerizing sonorities and rhythms, really splendid handle of orchestra and cogent musical development. I'm amazed. One of the best contemporary symphonies I've heard lately. If anyrhing, I can relate her style to that of Rautavaara. The third movement The Lovely Sirens by itself is impressive, and ends like Holst's Mars, the bringer of War. Excitingly stormy!


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61WEdEtkQcL._SY300_QL70_ML2_.jpg)

Theatre Divertimento by Valery Gavrilin. Gosh, this is such a delight of a piece! It has the fun and carefree side of Shostakovich, Kabalevsky, Sviridov and B. Tchaikovsky. Gallop and Rain and merciless in their catchiness and freshness.


The Martini has to be here too. Completely blown away!

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41Lvu4z2k7L.jpg)

Piano Concerto No. 4 Incantations

This is what I call sheer mastery and magic together. A kaleidoscopic piece, captivating sonorities aplenty, excitement throughout, and sheer magic in writing and atmospheres. How could have I ignored this wonder? One that goes to the top for me from now on (including the Alnaes).
You're a VERY BAD influence Cesar! That Mythology Symphony looks most beguiling. I have that Martinu CD which is the best ever for featuring both 'Incantations' and my favourite recording of Symphony No.4.
;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on December 19, 2020, 11:44:41 AM
Quote from: The new erato on December 17, 2020, 11:15:35 PM
Definitely agree. A desert Island version of one of the greatest works I know.

Absolutely! :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 19, 2020, 12:51:21 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on December 19, 2020, 09:55:19 AM
You're a VERY BAD influence Cesar! That Mythology Symphony looks most beguiling. I have that Martinu CD which is the best ever for featuring both 'Incantations' and my favourite recording of Symphony No.4.
;D

I'm not as persuasive as you, Jeffrey.  :D

And yes, that is a great symphony. Tonal, gripping, evocative.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on December 19, 2020, 01:11:58 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 19, 2020, 12:51:21 PM
I'm not as persuasive as you, Jeffrey.  :D

And yes, that is a great symphony. Tonal, gripping, evocative.

Definitely on my wish list Cesar. I tend to like works influenced by Greek Mythology, Bantock, Hovhaness's 'Odysseus Symphony' etc.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 22, 2020, 03:26:43 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on December 19, 2020, 09:55:19 AM
You're a VERY BAD influence Cesar! That Mythology Symphony looks most beguiling. I have that Martinu CD which is the best ever for featuring both 'Incantations' and my favourite recording of Symphony No.4.
;D
Yes, that Mythology Symphony does sound intriguing!

By the way, that Apex/Martinu CD is also available as part of this small set (which I own):  http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=773351

(http://www.arkivmusic.com/graphics/covers/AMG/covers/large/224/2246400.jpg)

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 22, 2020, 03:33:28 AM
A further note re the Mythology Symphony, you can listen to some of it here (composer's website):  https://garrop.com/Instrumental/Orchestra/

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on December 22, 2020, 05:49:43 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 22, 2020, 03:26:43 AM
Yes, that Mythology Symphony does sound intriguing!

By the way, that Apex/Martinu CD is also available as part of this small set (which I own):  http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=773351

(http://www.arkivmusic.com/graphics/covers/AMG/covers/large/224/2246400.jpg)

PD
Great set PD! Turnovsky's Martinu Symphony No.4 is the best!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on December 22, 2020, 05:50:09 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 22, 2020, 03:33:28 AM
A further note re the Mythology Symphony, you can listen to some of it here (composer's website):  https://garrop.com/Instrumental/Orchestra/

PD

I have this disc.  Excellent album, exciting and well recorded work - she's a great composer and this work doesn't disappoint. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on December 22, 2020, 05:52:11 AM
Quote from: relm1 on December 22, 2020, 05:50:09 AM
I have this disc.  Excellent album, exciting and well recorded work - she's a great composer and this work doesn't disappoint.
Oh, that's good news from you and PD. I'm sure that it will be coming my way soon.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on December 22, 2020, 07:03:05 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on December 22, 2020, 05:49:43 AM
Great set PD! Turnovsky's Martinu Symphony No.4 is the best!

+ 1
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 22, 2020, 12:24:30 PM
Quote from: relm1 on December 22, 2020, 05:50:09 AM
I have this disc.  Excellent album, exciting and well recorded work - she's a great composer and this work doesn't disappoint.
Good to hear relm1.  :)

PD

p.s.  It was interesting to read on (I believe that it was Cedille's website or possibly her own?  If you're interested, I'll look into it again.) as to how that symphony came about.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on December 23, 2020, 06:39:50 AM
Jonathan Leshnoff: 3rd Symphony.

From a live performance by the Kansas City Orchestra accompanied by images from the Kansas City WWI Museum.

Blew me away without a doubt!    https://youtu.be/kXsmuyxD09A
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on December 23, 2020, 08:01:06 AM
Last night it was Bax's Tintagel that blew me away. Today, it is Bax's 6th symphony!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 23, 2020, 08:03:46 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on December 23, 2020, 08:01:06 AM
Last night it was Bax's Tintagel that blew me away. Today, it is Bax's 6th symphony!

Looks like you finally are digesting some Bax. Nice!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on December 23, 2020, 08:04:56 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 23, 2020, 08:03:46 AM
Looks like you finally are digesting some Bax. Nice!

Yes and it's about time! I own A LOT of his music on disc.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on December 24, 2020, 02:29:46 PM
Quote from: Irons on December 23, 2020, 06:39:50 AM
Jonathan Leshnoff: 3rd Symphony.

From a live performance by the Kansas City Orchestra accompanied by images from the Kansas City WWI Museum.

Blew me away without a doubt!    https://youtu.be/kXsmuyxD09A
This is on its way to me.
:)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on December 25, 2020, 05:24:15 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on December 24, 2020, 02:29:46 PM
This is on its way to me.
:)

So there is a commercial recording Jeffrey?! A friend sent me the YT link which absolutely floored me.

Edit: On the way here too.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on December 26, 2020, 07:31:20 AM
Quote from: relm1 on December 09, 2020, 04:54:21 PM
I feel the same way, why was it a hit for you?

I do not know.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on December 26, 2020, 07:34:56 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on December 26, 2020, 07:31:20 AM
I do not know.

You don't know why you liked a piece of music? Was it the harmonies? Rhythms? The way the piece was structured? The emotional content?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on December 26, 2020, 07:42:20 AM
Reminder, check out opening post.

This is for music that one is previously unfamiliar with.

I have yesterday listen to a DVD I received for Christmas that blew me away:

[asin]B07HN55VZH[/asin]

I have performed and I am familiar with every work on this DVD.  If I want to discuss how great this DVD is I will do it in another thread.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on December 26, 2020, 08:04:30 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on December 26, 2020, 07:34:56 AM
You don't know why you liked a piece of music? Was it the harmonies? Rhythms? The way the piece was structured? The emotional content?

Sorry I honestly do not know.  In other forums I used to get into trouble because I could not answer such questions.

For example, one of my desert island discs would be the Verdi Requiem.  Yet I can not stand anything else that Verdi composed.  I can not explain it.

As a band junkie one of my favorite composers is Vincent Persichetti.  Yet he composed one band work, the Bagatelles, which I can not stand.  Why? I do not have the foggiest idea.

When I was younger I tried to come up with criteria for determining whether or not a piece of music was great.  No matter what I came up with there ended up being notable exceptions.  So I gave up trying to answer such questions.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: MusicTurner on December 26, 2020, 10:39:04 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on December 26, 2020, 08:04:30 AM
(...)

For example, one of my desert island discs would be the Verdi Requiem.  Yet I can not stand anything else that Verdi composed.  I can not explain it.
(...)

You're not alone with that, for sure - ditto here, though there's quite a bit by him not listened to.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 27, 2020, 05:54:02 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on December 26, 2020, 08:04:30 AM
Sorry I honestly do not know.  In other forums I used to get into trouble because I could not answer such questions.

For example, one of my desert island discs would be the Verdi Requiem.

As a band junkie one of my favorite composers is Vincent Persichetti.  Yet he composed one band work, the Bagatelles, which I can not stand.  Why? I do not have the foggiest idea.

When I was younger I tried to come up with criteria for determining whether or not a piece of music was great.  No matter what I came up with there ended up being notable exceptions.  So I gave up trying to answer such questions.

Quote from: MusicTurner on December 26, 2020, 10:39:04 AM
You're not alone with that, for sure - ditto here, though there's quite a bit by him not listened to.
And, as for yours truly, Verdi's Requiem is the one work by him that I don't like!  Go figure?  ::) :-\

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: MusicTurner on December 27, 2020, 07:12:43 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 27, 2020, 05:54:02 AM
And, as for yours truly, Verdi's Requiem is the one work by him that I don't like!  Go figure?  ::) :-\

PD

? ?  :laugh:

Any favourite?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 27, 2020, 12:56:38 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 27, 2020, 07:12:43 AM
? ?  :laugh:

Any favourite?
In terms of other works by Verdi that I love/like?

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: MusicTurner on December 27, 2020, 01:02:15 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 27, 2020, 12:56:38 PM
In terms of other works by Verdi that I love/like?

PD

Yes.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 27, 2020, 01:10:46 PM
Quote from: MusicTurner on December 27, 2020, 01:02:15 PM
Yes.
Don Carlo, Aida, La Forza del Destino, Otello, La Traviata, Nabucco, Rigoletto......and the list goes on....  ;)  :)

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: MusicTurner on December 27, 2020, 01:22:45 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 27, 2020, 01:10:46 PM
Don Carlo, Aida, La Forza del Destino, Otello, La Traviata, Nabucco, Rigoletto......and the list goes on....  ;)  :)

PD

That's quite a few. I have most of them, but didn't go much into detail yet ...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on December 28, 2020, 07:20:24 PM
I'm currently blown away by Walton's Portsmouth Point Overture. Many would view this short piece as a lot of fireworks with substance, but I don't even care! It's fun, lively and really gets the heart racing. I can't decide whether I like the Previn or the Latham-Koenig performance the best. They're both just so good.

https://www.youtube.com/v/4XYX6A-5PSc
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on December 29, 2020, 06:03:57 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on December 28, 2020, 07:20:24 PM
I'm currently blown away by Walton's Portsmouth Point Overture. Many would view this short piece as a lot of fireworks with substance, but I don't even care! It's fun, lively and really gets the heart racing. I can't decide whether I like the Previn or the Latham-Koenig performance the best. They're both just so good.

https://www.youtube.com/v/4XYX6A-5PSc

I've always enjoyed 'Portsmouth Point' and there are a number of fine performances. I think that it's great fun.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on December 29, 2020, 07:07:46 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on December 29, 2020, 06:03:57 AM
I've always enjoyed 'Portsmouth Point' and there are a number of fine performances. I think that it's great fun.

It sure is! By the way, I listened to Haitink's performance of Walton's 1st yesterday and rather enjoyed it. It's been quite some time since I've listened to this performance. It's certainly one of the better ones I've heard.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on December 30, 2020, 10:21:02 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on December 29, 2020, 07:07:46 AM
It sure is! By the way, I listened to Haitink's performance of Walton's 1st yesterday and rather enjoyed it. It's been quite some time since I've listened to this performance. It's certainly one of the better ones I've heard.
I had the LP when it first came out. It was quite different to other performances, rather heavier I think, but I still enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on December 30, 2020, 03:28:02 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on December 30, 2020, 10:21:02 AM
I had the LP when it first came out. It was quite different to other performances, rather heavier I think, but I still enjoyed it.

I think Haitink was able to nail the grandeur of this symphony that is sometimes downplayed for an edgier approach, but I think it worked rather well. My go-to recording of Walton's 1st is still Previn's legendary account with the LSO on RCA.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on December 31, 2020, 01:06:36 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/913WRRK29jL._SL425_.jpg)

Braunfels gave a diminutive title to his 1948 symphony, an author's caprice really, as the Sinfonia Brevis is anything but short (33 minutes) or small in scale. Cast in the regular 4 movements it packs a tremendous amount of symphonic weight and energy. Post-romantic and quasi atonal in places it is a more demanding piece than his other symphonic works. It felt at times as if Braunfels had uncovered the secret to Bruckner's 9th finale, dissected it and recast in 4 different movements. It evokes that work's vision of heaven, hell and the Great Beyond.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 31, 2020, 02:04:00 PM
Yes, the Sinfonia Brevis has superb music, and it definitely is the best work on the CD.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on January 01, 2021, 08:42:45 AM
Quote from: André on December 31, 2020, 01:06:36 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/913WRRK29jL._SL425_.jpg)

Braunfels gave a diminutive title to his 1948 symphony, an author's caprice really, as the Sinfonia Brevis is anything but short (33 minutes) or small in scale. Cast in the regular 4 movements it packs a tremendous amount of symphonic weight and energy. Post-romantic and quasi atonal in places it is a more demanding piece than his other symphonic works. It felt at times as if Braunfels had uncovered the secret to Bruckner's 9th finale, dissected it and recast in 4 different movements. It evokes that work's vision of heaven, hell and the Great Beyond.

Another great description Andre!  You've nailed this - I agree completely.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Artem on January 02, 2021, 01:08:06 PM
William Walton's Five Bagatelles. What an astonishing piece. Never heard a piece of music by this composer before, but sampled this wonderful compositions for guitar on youtube played by Sean Shibe and was totally mesmerised and, yes, blown away.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 02, 2021, 06:59:42 PM
This blew me so far away. I think it like my first important discovery of 2021 (a great number), and numerous others for coming. This blown-away moment is specifically about La noche de los Mayas (Mayan Night) by the Mexican Silvestre Revueltas (who was born on December 31 1899). ¡Santo Dios Maya del Popol Vuh! I mean, an autochtonous epos translated into music. It's a masterpiece of the first order, and I'm not kidding. Revueltas is not known like the Mariachi Stravinsky for anything. Revueltas is to Mexico (or maybe that one would be Carlos Chávez, I can't figure out) what Villa-Lobos is to Brazil what Ginatera is to Argentina what Leo Brouwer is to Cuba. Mayans would have been proud for the work of Revueltas in evoking an unforgettable night. It comprises four movements:

Noche de los Mayas
Noche de Jaranas
Noche de Yucatán
Noche de encantamiento


It's a colossal orchestral machine (but not in lenght as it lasts less than half an hour), a treatise itself about orchestration. It mixes all very well: themes, melodies, Latin-American tricky rhythms, folksong influences and popular airs/dances, formidable orchestral handling. Again, I mean! Why did I come to dig up a fantastic composition like this until now? A real stunner. I can't recommend it enough. It's that great!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 02, 2021, 08:06:15 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 02, 2021, 06:59:42 PM
This blew me so far away. I think it like my first important discovery of 2021 (a great number), and numerous others for coming. This blown-away moment is specifically about La noche de los Mayas (Mayan Night) by the Mexican Silvestre Revueltas (who was born on December 31 1899). ¡Santo Dios Maya del Popol Vuh! I mean, an autochtonous epos translated into music. It's a masterpiece of the first order, and I'm not kidding. Revueltas is not known like the Mariachi Stravinsky for anything. Revueltas is to Mexico (or maybe that one would be Carlos Chávez, I can't figure out) what Villa-Lobos is to Brazil what Ginatera is to Argentina what Leo Brouwer is to Cuba. Mayans would have been proud for the work of Revueltas in evoking an unforgettable night. It comprises four movements:

Noche de los Mayas
Noche de Jaranas
Noche de Yucatán
Noche de encantamiento


It's a colossal orchestral machine (but not in lenght as it lasts less than half an hour), a treatise itself about orchestration. It mixes all very well: themes, melodies, Latin-American tricky rhythms, folksong influences and popular airs/dances, formidable orchestral handling. Again, I mean! Why did I come to dig up a fantastic composition like this until now? A real stunner. I can't recommend it enough. It's that great!!

I've known and loved Revueltas' music for the past 12 years. Welcome aboard! ;D When I first joined this forum, I felt like I was the only member who enjoyed Latin American music, but it turns out I was wrong thankfully. Unfortunately, many of the members that I used to converse with about Reveultas, Chávez, Villa-Lobos, Ginastera, Moncayo, Galindo, Guarnieri, Estévez, etc. have long left the forum. I've written a good bit about Revueltas on the forum, but it would be great if you could dig up the Revueltas thread and perhaps get some conversation going again. I wish more people were excited and passionate about Latin American music as you seem to be.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on January 02, 2021, 11:59:40 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 02, 2021, 08:06:15 PM
I've known and loved Revueltas' music for the past 12 years. Welcome aboard! ;D When I first joined this forum, I felt like I was the only member who enjoyed Latin American music, but it turns out I was wrong thankfully. Unfortunately, many of the members that I used to converse with about Reveultas, Chávez, Villa-Lobos, Ginastera, Moncayo, Galindo, Guarnieri, Estévez, etc. have long left the forum. I've written a good bit about Revueltas on the forum, but it would be great if you could dig up the Revueltas thread and perhaps get some conversation going again. I wish more people were excited and passionate about Latin American music as you seem to be.

I still feel that Latin American music is the most under-appreciated area of what is loosely called "classical music".  Remarkable richness and diversity and interest.  Probably what frustrates me most is that while CM "reaches out" for cultural diversity (a good thing as such) by embracing all kinds of different types of music it ignores so much music already written within the genre.  Certainly I think this is the case in the UK.  I'm a big fan of the BBC and the Proms but look no further than the entire list of works performed at the Proms over its 100+ years.  Type in just about any Latin American composer and either there will be none or possibly a handful of the "pops" pieces only.  Certainly no Guarnieri.  Revueltas 4 times (3 in 2002 and none since).  Even Ginastera has only been played 4 times of which 3 are Estancia!  I find its absence completely inexplicable given the interest and appeal of this repertoire
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 03, 2021, 06:51:54 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on January 02, 2021, 11:59:40 PMI still feel that Latin American music is the most under-appreciated area of what is loosely called "classical music".  Remarkable richness and diversity and interest.  Probably what frustrates me most is that while CM "reaches out" for cultural diversity (a good thing as such) by embracing all kinds of different types of music it ignores so much music already written within the genre.  Certainly I think this is the case in the UK.  I'm a big fan of the BBC and the Proms but look no further than the entire list of works performed at the Proms over its 100+ years.  Type in just about any Latin American composer and either there will be none or possibly a handful of the "pops" pieces only.  Certainly no Guarnieri.  Revueltas 4 times (3 in 2002 and none since).  Even Ginastera has only been played 4 times of which 3 are Estancia!  I find its absence completely inexplicable given the interest and appeal of this repertoire.

It is frustrating that no major European orchestra (or US one for that matter) seem to think Latin American music is that important or worth performing. A conductor that has truly disappointed me in this regard is Gustavo Dudamel. Here is a guy that hails from Venezuela and even fronted a world-renowned orchestra youth orchestra during his time there (and is still music director of this orchestra I believe), but when he got the job with the LA Philharmonic, he performed Latin American music less and less. I simply do not understand why he doesn't do more for these composers given that he has had the opportunity to perform this music on an even more international scale. Your own disappointment registers strongly with me and I agree with what you wrote.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on January 03, 2021, 07:48:46 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 03, 2021, 06:51:54 AM
It is frustrating that no major European orchestra (or US one for that matter) seem to think Latin American music is that important or worth performing. A conductor that has truly disappointed me in this regard is Gustavo Dudamel. Here is a guy that hails from Venezuela and even fronted a world-renowned orchestra youth orchestra during his time there (and is still music director of this orchestra I believe), but when he got the job with the LA Philharmonic, he performed Latin American music less and less. I simply do not understand why he doesn't do more for these composers given that he has had the opportunity to perform this music on an even more international scale. Your own disappointment registers strongly with me and I agree with what you wrote.

The ASV (latterly Brilliant Classics) set of "Musica Mexicana" was a great place to start with just that country's music I thought

(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2009/July09/Musica_Mexicana_8771.jpg)

and I've enjoyed these Dorian discs too

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/519qy7x8k-L._AC_SY355_.jpg)

I know what you mean about Dudamel but then again (playing Devil's Advocate) perhaps he wants to avoid being known as a conductor who "just" does Latin American music.  As ever - a jusicious balance would probably be the answer.  Certainly if he promoted it, the wider world would listen.....
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on January 03, 2021, 04:12:00 PM
I really liked this piece by young American composer, Will Healy, called Kolmanskop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeEVBA1k-Wk
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 03, 2021, 07:19:44 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on January 03, 2021, 07:48:46 AM
The ASV (latterly Brilliant Classics) set of "Musica Mexicana" was a great place to start with just that country's music I thought

(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2009/July09/Musica_Mexicana_8771.jpg)

and I've enjoyed these Dorian discs too

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/519qy7x8k-L._AC_SY355_.jpg)

I know what you mean about Dudamel but then again (playing Devil's Advocate) perhaps he wants to avoid being known as a conductor who "just" does Latin American music.  As ever - a jusicious balance would probably be the answer.  Certainly if he promoted it, the wider world would listen.....

Yes, indeed. I own both of those sets. :) I certainly understand why Dudamel would want to conduct more European composers given how the more familiar names draw in crowds, but it would be nice if conducted more Latin American music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on January 03, 2021, 11:00:40 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on January 03, 2021, 07:48:46 AM
The ASV (latterly Brilliant Classics) set of "Musica Mexicana" was a great place to start with just that country's music I thought

(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2009/July09/Musica_Mexicana_8771.jpg)

and I've enjoyed these Dorian discs too

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/519qy7x8k-L._AC_SY355_.jpg)

I know what you mean about Dudamel but then again (playing Devil's Advocate) perhaps he wants to avoid being known as a conductor who "just" does Latin American music.  As ever - a jusicious balance would probably be the answer.  Certainly if he promoted it, the wider world would listen.....
I really enjoy the Dorian box as well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on January 03, 2021, 11:07:17 PM
"La noche de los Mayas" has an interesting, if chequered history. Wiki has all the details:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_noche_de_los_mayas_(suite)

(https://img.discogs.com/iW0vzx-3UXpVr14hFXZFXhQ0kmc=/fit-in/600x612/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8772921-1468456688-5365.jpeg.jpg)

New fact for me : in 1946, Paul Hindemith made a visit to Mexico where he met Rosaura Revueltas, sister of Silvestre. This led to his concert arrangement in two movements.

Read more here:
https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/revueltas-la-noche-de-los-mayas-trigos-concerto-no-2
Hindemith's version can be heard here:

https://youtu.be/c-nnAB4bjIE

Dudamel recorded "La noche" for DGG:

(https://static.fnac-static.com/multimedia/images_produits/ZoomPE/4/5/7/0028947787754/tsp20130830220826/Rite.jpg)

To see Revueltas/Limantour's version of this blockbuster performed is of course great (for some addictive...) fun:

https://www.youtube.com/v/uenaA6djuzQ

Orchestre de Paris / Alondra de la Parra

https://www.youtube.com/v/fVSpSBdxRmY

WDR Sinfonieorchester / Semyon Byshkov

The film directed by Chano Urueta, isn't on YT. In this clip one can see some (very short) fragments from the film :

https://youtu.be/0-E7ZDZcmzs

More : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Night_of_the_Mayas




Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on January 04, 2021, 05:32:01 AM
Good to see some attention given to Revueltas. The best entry point into his music is the 2-disc set issued for the centenary year by RCA/BMG. Then there's the Salonen Sony disc. His string quartets are rather special as well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Rosalba on January 05, 2021, 07:23:37 AM
Pergolesi, Magnificat in C Major.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoW3cbXUGMo
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: knight66 on January 11, 2021, 11:32:25 AM
Quote from: André on December 31, 2020, 01:06:36 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/913WRRK29jL._SL425_.jpg)

Braunfels gave a diminutive title to his 1948 symphony, an author's caprice really, as the Sinfonia Brevis is anything but short (33 minutes) or small in scale. Cast in the regular 4 movements it packs a tremendous amount of symphonic weight and energy. Post-romantic and quasi atonal in places it is a more demanding piece than his other symphonic works. It felt at times as if Braunfels had uncovered the secret to Bruckner's 9th finale, dissected it and recast in 4 different movements. It evokes that work's vision of heaven, hell and the Great Beyond.

Thanks for the head's up. I have just streamed it. Very enjoyable. I have The Birds and I bought his Requiem and thought it was a duffer. I will explore more of his orchestral music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 12, 2021, 02:39:07 PM
The Norwegian Halvor Haug is the Stephen King of music. This is what I call truly haunting music, even terrifying at times, shattering at moments. Simply impressive. A master of suspense, of effects, of expectation, of drama, of conflict. It's severe, austere in a way, but oh boy, it's just terrific. The orchestration is inexorably bewitching, the daring and tonal harmony palette employed is felt by the handling of a remarkable composer. A symphonic mini-drama. It shares the icy feel to it
that one hears in Pettersson, albeit this is not as "depressing" or "intense". Heavily atmospheric is how I would describe this thoroughly spectacular symphony. There is granitic-like-music galore. 26 minutes (25:55 actually) of breathtaking atmosphere.

I can't recommend it enough.  A discovery of first rate category. The orchestra play it with full conviction. They breathe this composition.


(https://resources.tidal.com/images/611a2515/e5d6/4303/8274/bec3760629fc/640x640.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on January 12, 2021, 04:13:17 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 12, 2021, 02:39:07 PM
The Norwegian Halvor Haug is the Stephen King of music. This is what I call truly haunting music, even terrifying at times, shattering at moments. Simply impressive. A master of suspense, of effects, of expectation, of drama, of conflict. It's severe, austere in a way, but oh boy, it's just terrific. The orchestration is inexorably bewitching, the daring and tonal harmony palette employed is felt by the handling of a remarkable composer. A symphonic mini-drama. It shares the icy feel to it
that one hears in Pettersson, albeit this is not as "depressing" or "intense". Heavily atmospheric is how I would describe this thoroughly spectacular symphony. There is granitic-like-music galore. 26 minutes (25:55 actually) of breathtaking atmosphere.

I can't recommend it enough.  A discovery of first rate category. The orchestra play it with full conviction. They breathe this composition.


(https://resources.tidal.com/images/611a2515/e5d6/4303/8274/bec3760629fc/640x640.jpg)

I agree and endorse him too!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 02, 2021, 05:19:48 PM
I have to say that many of the works I've heard lately from Hindemith and Schulhoff have blown me away. There is a remarkable consistency to both of these composers that make them great, IMHO. They are composers that I somehow have neglected in years past, although I've neglected Schulhoff far longer than Hindemith (with whom I knew a good bit of his music already).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on February 03, 2021, 11:17:12 PM
Very original tonal composer.  I met him when the Marine Band performed one of his works.  Piano Concerto blew me away..


(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81zrjjGwV0L._SS500_.jpg)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on February 04, 2021, 10:49:21 AM
Purchase the following albums that contained music that blew me away.

The one really awesome work in the Maslanka album is Alex and the Phantom Band.  It is like a Young Person's Guide To the Band.  It contains some of the finest and original music I have heard from Maslanka.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/7111%2Bdz5lJL._SX425_.jpg)

The music here is a little grittier than other works I have heard from Lieberson like his Neruda Songs.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41oHFkuWLVL._SX425_.jpg)

Anna Clyne is a new composer for me.  The 20th century has started to produce some fine women composers. 

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/812pL-pXFbL._SX425_.jpg)





Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 06, 2021, 03:59:03 PM
Two really mind-blowing pieces this time:


1. Strauss: Preludio from Capriccio, for string sextet. The shortest way I could call this creation is: orgasm. A real orgasmic experience. But not an ordinary horny one. It's like having sex with the woman you love the most under the more exquisite and sensuous music writing in a moment of mutual communion between both actors. Music where tenderness, a real sense of loveliness can't be missed. It's melodically, harmonically and structurally satisfying and impressive. Not to mention the fine and natural transitions among its dfferent sections. It's a mini-masterpiece for sure.

It leads to think where Langgaard drew inspiration for his music for string quartet (in a significant part, of course). That sort of craftsmanship is to be found in the quartets 1, 4 and 5.


2. Debussy: Fantaisie for piano and orchestra. For me it's like a sinfonia concertante. The piano has a prominent role, but it's not "bigger" or more important than the orchestra. Both parts under a judicious and sensitive conductor. And all of that is obtained with Aldo Ciccolini on the piano, the Orchestre National de l'ORTF and Jean Martinon, provide a myriad of emotions beautifully conveyed. Debussy got strong inspiration to write such a fantastic (no pun intended) early masterpiece. Gorgeous to say the least.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on February 09, 2021, 01:04:01 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 06, 2021, 03:59:03 PM
Two really mind-blowing pieces this time:


1. Strauss: Preludio from Capriccio, for string sextet. The shortest way I could call this creation is: orgasm. A real orgasmic experience. But not an ordinary horny one. It's like having sex with the woman you love the most under the more exquisite and sensuous music writing in a moment of mutual communion between both actors. Music where tenderness, a real sense of loveliness can't be missed. It's melodically, harmonically and structurally satisfying and impressive. Not to mention the fine and natural transitions among its dfferent sections. It's a mini-masterpiece for sure.

It leads to think where Langgaard drew inspiration for his music for string quartet (in a significant part, of course). That sort of craftsmanship is to be found in the quartets 1, 4 and 5.


2. Debussy: Fantaisie for piano and orchestra. For me it's like a sinfonia concertante. The piano has a prominent role, but it's not "bigger" or more important than the orchestra. Both parts under a judicious and sensitive conductor. And all of that is obtained with Aldo Ciccolini on the piano, the Orchestre National de l'ORTF and Jean Martinon, provide a myriad of emotions beautifully conveyed. Debussy got strong inspiration to write such a fantastic (no pun intended) early masterpiece. Gorgeous to say the least.

After reading your post I discovered having a recording of Debussy's Fantaisie for Piano & Orchestra in a Debussy/Martinon LP box set. Thanks for heads up, I will give it a spin.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 09, 2021, 06:44:35 AM
Quote from: Irons on February 09, 2021, 01:04:01 AM
After reading your post I discovered having a recording of Debussy's Fantaisie for Piano & Orchestra in a Debussy/Martinon LP box set. Thanks for heads up, I will give it a spin.

FWIW, Debussy's Fantaisie is a decent early work, but I don't find it particular noteworthy. I think it's an attempt at a form that Debussy wasn't either ready for yet or didn't quite know how to get the music off the ground. I think works like Danse sacrée et danse profane or the Première rhapsodie are more successful examples of Debussy writing for a solo instrument with an orchestra. Of course, these works came later than the Fantaisie.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 09, 2021, 07:12:15 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 09, 2021, 06:44:35 AM
FWIW, Debussy's Fantaisie is a decent early work, but I don't find it particular noteworthy. I think it's an attempt at a form that Debussy wasn't either ready for yet or didn't quite know how to get the music off the ground. I think works like Danse sacrée et danse profane or the Première rhapsodie are more successful examples of Debussy writing for a solo instrument with an orchestra. Of course, these works came later than the Fantaisie.
I found the Debussy in one of those EMI Icon boxsets:  the one of Walter Gieseking.

(https://media1.jpc.de/image/w220/front/0/5099926508122.jpg)

I don't know the Strauss sextet (looked also to see whether or not I had a recording of his Capriccio, but I don't alas :( ).

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 09, 2021, 07:17:37 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 09, 2021, 07:12:15 AM
I found the Debussy in one of those EMI Icon boxsets:  the one of Walter Gieseking.

(https://media1.jpc.de/image/w220/front/0/5099926508122.jpg)

I don't know the Strauss sextet (looked also to see whether or not I had a recording of his Capriccio, but I don't alas :( ).

PD

Hmmm...I think this post is in response to SymphonicAddict's post as I didn't mention being blown away by the Debussy or the Strauss. ;)

Here's his post:

Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 06, 2021, 03:59:03 PM
Two really mind-blowing pieces this time:


1. Strauss: Preludio from Capriccio, for string sextet. The shortest way I could call this creation is: orgasm. A real orgasmic experience. But not an ordinary horny one. It's like having sex with the woman you love the most under the more exquisite and sensuous music writing in a moment of mutual communion between both actors. Music where tenderness, a real sense of loveliness can't be missed. It's melodically, harmonically and structurally satisfying and impressive. Not to mention the fine and natural transitions among its dfferent sections. It's a mini-masterpiece for sure.

It leads to think where Langgaard drew inspiration for his music for string quartet (in a significant part, of course). That sort of craftsmanship is to be found in the quartets 1, 4 and 5.


2. Debussy: Fantaisie for piano and orchestra. For me it's like a sinfonia concertante. The piano has a prominent role, but it's not "bigger" or more important than the orchestra. Both parts under a judicious and sensitive conductor. And all of that is obtained with Aldo Ciccolini on the piano, the Orchestre National de l'ORTF and Jean Martinon, provide a myriad of emotions beautifully conveyed. Debussy got strong inspiration to write such a fantastic (no pun intended) early masterpiece. Gorgeous to say the least.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 09, 2021, 07:21:05 AM
You don't enjoy the Strauss work either?  I found it on youtube, but haven't had a chance to listen to it yet (getting ready to start shoveling).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 09, 2021, 07:39:41 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 09, 2021, 07:21:05 AM
You don't enjoy the Strauss work either?  I found it on youtube, but haven't had a chance to listen to it yet (getting ready to start shoveling).

That's an exquisite work, pure sensuousness. I can't recommend it enough. For those who believe that Strauss' music is trash, this sole piece should reconsider their thinking about him.

There is a version for string orchestra in various recordings. I need hear that too.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 09, 2021, 07:52:14 AM
Well, I don't consider Debussy's Fantaisie a "decent" work at all. I even think it like much more cohesive or appealing than some of his other concertante pieces. It embodies a sort of late-Romantic Debussy. However, I come to think I don't enjoy the properly impressionist Debussy other than certain specific works. Perhaps it has to do with my personal view about the aforementioned composition.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 09, 2021, 07:55:02 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 09, 2021, 07:21:05 AM
You don't enjoy the Strauss work either?  I found it on youtube, but haven't had a chance to listen to it yet (getting ready to start shoveling).

I mean it's an 'okay' piece, but not top-drawer Strauss for me. The enthusiasms of our friend Cesar don't match mine a lot of the times, although we do have some common interests here and there. I certainly have a better taste for Debussy than he does. ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Papy Oli on February 10, 2021, 08:20:48 AM
Ravel - Le Tombeau de Couperin

:o
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 10, 2021, 08:23:57 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on February 10, 2021, 08:20:48 AM
Ravel - Le Tombeau de Couperin

:o

The original for solo piano or the arrangement for orchestra or both?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on February 10, 2021, 08:24:47 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on February 10, 2021, 08:20:48 AM
Ravel - Le Tombeau de Couperin

:o
Glad to read that, Olivier. Le tombeau de Couperin (piano and orchestral versions) is one of my favourite musical works of all time, in any genre...a stunning composition that touches perfection.

Good evening to you, cher Monsieur.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 10, 2021, 08:26:04 AM
Quote from: ritter on February 10, 2021, 08:24:47 AM
Glad to read that, Olivier. Le tombeau de Couperin (piano and orchestral versions) is one of my favourite musical works of all time, in any genre...a stunning composition that touches perfection.

Good evening to you, cher Monsieur.

+1 I adore this work as well, Rafael. But with Ravel, it doesn't take much to sway me as he's one of my favorites.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Papy Oli on February 10, 2021, 08:30:06 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 10, 2021, 08:23:57 AM
The original for solo piano or the arrangement for orchestra or both?

The piano version played by Queffélec, John. I got completely lost into that work.

Jeux d'eau, Menuet & Pavane were top notch too.

Miroirs was a bit more challenging, I need to re-listen.

I have approached the orchestral versions yet.

Quote from: ritter on February 10, 2021, 08:24:47 AM
Glad to read that, Olivier. Le tombeau de Couperin (piano and orchestral versions) is one of my favourite musical works of all time, in any genre...a stunning composition that touches perfection.

Good evening to you, cher Monsieur.

Good to read, Rafael. Unlocking those one at a time here :) And bonsoir to you too !  8) 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 10, 2021, 09:03:47 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on February 10, 2021, 08:30:06 AM
The piano version played by Queffélec, John. I got completely lost into that work.

Jeux d'eau, Menuet & Pavane were top notch too.

Miroirs was a bit more challenging, I need to re-listen.

I have approached the orchestral versions yet.

Very nice, Olivier. Miroirs is my favorite Ravel work believe it or not. It's essentially a suite for piano and each movement is dedicated to one of his friends. Oiseaux tristes, in particular, is one of my favorite individual pieces of music of all-time. Absolutely haunting from start to finish. To be fair, I love almost everything Ravel has composed and his solo piano works are no exception.

Here's a nice writeup on Miroirs that you may be interested in reading:

https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/musicdb/pieces/2345/miroirs (https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/musicdb/pieces/2345/miroirs)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Papy Oli on February 10, 2021, 09:52:38 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 10, 2021, 09:03:47 AM
Here's a nice writeup on Miroirs that you may be interested in reading:

https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/musicdb/pieces/2345/miroirs (https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/musicdb/pieces/2345/miroirs)

Interesting, thank you.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: bhodges on February 10, 2021, 08:53:47 PM
Still pondering the incredible Piano Concerto (2014) from Danish composer Simon Steen-Andersen, using two pianos, with one a disheveled mess after being dropped from a great height onto the floor. Playing a live (non-dropped) piano, the pianist syncs with his taped self using the broken one. Half of the orchestra has conventional tuning; the other half is tuned in microtones. The overall effect is wild, overwhelming.

Here's a performance that's excellent, though it only gives a hint of the visual craziness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUH29h5A0LY&t=633s

--Bruce
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on February 11, 2021, 09:52:59 PM
Quote from: Brewski on February 10, 2021, 08:53:47 PM
Still pondering the incredible Piano Concerto (2014) from Danish composer Simon Steen-Andersen, using two pianos, with one a disheveled mess after being dropped from a great height onto the floor. Playing a live (non-dropped) piano, the pianist syncs with his taped self using the broken one. Half of the orchestra has conventional tuning; the other half is tuned in microtones. The overall effect is wild, overwhelming.

Here's a performance that's excellent, though it only gives a hint of the visual craziness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUH29h5A0LY&t=633s

--Bruce
Just sampled it - it's quite something!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 19, 2021, 07:55:39 AM
Quote from: Artem on January 02, 2021, 01:08:06 PM
William Walton's Five Bagatelles. What an astonishing piece. Never heard a piece of music by this composer before, but sampled this wonderful compositions for guitar on youtube played by Sean Shibe and was totally mesmerised and, yes, blown away.


Yes, I was shocked when I listened to Walton's Five Bagatelles first time. I was a college student. The musical beauty, plus the harmonic structures and movements based on the guitar fretboard were innovative and astonishing. I think Julian Bream asked Walton for a composition for guitar, and Walton, in his composition process later, asked Bream questions about playability of some harmonic movements several times. I don't know the recording by Shibe, but the recordings by Isbin, Bream, Vidovic are very good. There are also guitar concerto version and orchestral version of the Bagatelles as well. The both sound excellent.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Artem on February 19, 2021, 11:31:39 AM
Thank you for recommendation. I will check out those performers.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 20, 2021, 05:24:32 PM
Dohnányi: String Quartet No. 3 in A minor, Op. 33 (as played by The Nash Ensemble)

I'm speechless at this towering creation. Terrific, just terrific. The impressive technique displayed in each movement is something proper of a craftsman and of an authentic genius. Recommended for fans of Brahms, Reger (just that less rigid and perhaps less chromatic), and early Schönberg, chiefly. We're very lucky at having this ensemble playing this work in an extraordinary rendition like this one. The codas of the outer movements are utterly breathtaking. They will have you at the edge of your seat.



Respighi: Poema autunnale (from the Brilliant Classics Respighi box)

Suffocatingly beautiful, achingly touching. I must confess it moved me to tears. The first section is unbearably heart-melting as anything. On this revisit, I really was astounded. One of the Respighi's best works. The performance has nothing to be desired. It was flawless or almost flawless to my ears.



And last, but not least: Friedrich Gulda's exhilarating Symphony in G.

Holy cow, what a hyper-cool work!!!

I mean, this is just mindblowing in genius, form and wit. It's like if Mozart had lived to the 20th century, absorbing American music, mostly Jazz.

Just the 2nd movement is of a stunning quality. A moody-melancholic movement that as well. If you know his Concerto for cello and jazz band, that's nothing compared with this.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 22, 2021, 05:47:38 PM
Frank Martin's Cantate pour le temps de Noël has totally blown me away. It's scored for solos, mixed choir (and small female choir), boys' choir, string orchestra (with violas da gamba), harpsichord and organ. To say I was spellbound by this music would certainly be the understatement.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 22, 2021, 08:00:31 PM
This piece must be counted among the most original and "imaginative" works I've ever heard.

Such an irreverent composer.  :laugh: ;D

https://www.youtube.com/v/i6BySOI8SM8
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 22, 2021, 08:12:59 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 22, 2021, 08:00:31 PM
This piece must be counted among the most original and "imaginative" works I've ever heard.

Such an irreverent composer.  :laugh: ;D

https://www.youtube.com/v/i6BySOI8SM8

Schulhoff certainly had a warped sense of humor. :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 23, 2021, 11:42:09 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 22, 2021, 08:12:59 PM
Schulhoff certainly had a warped sense of humor. :D

Certainly! A man with a real personality.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on February 24, 2021, 02:55:00 PM
Hi.  I took a break from this forum because I got suckered into whatever is the greatest discussion in the other forum. 

They now have a new generation of anti-modernist that try to use non-musical criteria to judge music.  Well I added some new members to my ignore list.

I have a few recordings I like to mention over the next few days.

The following had a work that blew me away:

(http://www.arkivmusic.com/graphics/covers/non-muze2/large/747313421879.png)


The works by Karl Jenkins and New Rorem were OK.

The Alexis Alrich Marimba Concerto blew me away.

She is a composer who I am unfamiliar with.

Link to her website: www.alexisalrichcomposer.com/

Hopefully more of her music will be recorded.



Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on February 24, 2021, 04:23:40 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on February 24, 2021, 02:55:00 PM
Hi.  I took a break from this forum because I got suckered into whatever is the greatest discussion in the other forum. 

They now have a new generation of anti-modernist that try to use non-musical criteria to judge music.  Well I added some new members to my ignore list.

I have a few recordings I like to mention over the next few days.

The following had a work that blew me away:

(http://www.arkivmusic.com/graphics/covers/non-muze2/large/747313421879.png)


The works by Karl Jenkins and New Rorem were OK.

The Alexis Alrich Marimba Concerto blew me away.

She is a composer who I am unfamiliar with.

Link to her website: www.alexisalrichcomposer.com/

Hopefully more of her music will be recorded.

Yay! My first composition teacher!  Alexis Alrich is a fantastic human being, wonderful composer, and excellent teacher!  I LOVE her music and feel she should be much better known!  She was also my piano teacher and the problem with piano teachers teaching composers is we don't do the homework.  We write music and come to the lesson with a composition rather than playing what we were supposed to practice and she sat there and listened and encouraged that in me!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on February 24, 2021, 04:42:10 PM
^^^^^^^^^^^

Right on!!!!!!

Unfortunantly I could find very little biographical information about her.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 24, 2021, 04:44:11 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on February 24, 2021, 04:42:10 PM
^^^^^^^^^^^

Right on!!!!!!

Unfortunantly I could find very little biographical information about her.

This may help:

http://www.alexisalrich.com/biography.html (http://www.alexisalrich.com/biography.html)

From what little I've heard of her music, she's definitely not my cup of tea. I really despise American Minimalism and the particular work I heard sounds influenced by Glass, Reich, etc.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on February 25, 2021, 01:57:32 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 20, 2021, 05:24:32 PM
Dohnányi: String Quartet No. 3 in A minor, Op. 33 (as played by The Nash Ensemble)

I'm speechless at this towering creation. Terrific, just terrific. The impressive technique displayed in each movement is something proper of a craftsman and of an authentic genius. Recommended for fans of Brahms, Reger (just that less rigid and perhaps less chromatic), and early Schönberg, chiefly. We're very lucky at having this ensemble playing this work in an extraordinary rendition like this one. The codas of the outer movements are utterly breathtaking. They will have you at the edge of your seat.



Respighi: Poema autunnale (from the Brilliant Classics Respighi box)

Suffocatingly beautiful, achingly touching. I must confess it moved me to tears. The first section is unbearably heart-melting as anything. On this revisit, I really was astounded. One of the Respighi's best works. The performance has nothing to be desired. It was flawless or almost flawless to my ears.



And last, but not least: Friedrich Gulda's exhilarating Symphony in G.

Holy cow, what a hyper-cool work!!!

I mean, this is just mindblowing in genius, form and wit. It's like if Mozart had lived to the 20th century, absorbing American music, mostly Jazz.

Just the 2nd movement is of a stunning quality. A moody-melancholic movement that as well. If you know his Concerto for cello and jazz band, that's nothing compared with this.
+1 for the Respighi
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 25, 2021, 03:43:50 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on February 24, 2021, 02:55:00 PM
Hi.  I took a break from this forum because I got suckered into whatever is the greatest discussion in the other forum. 

They now have a new generation of anti-modernist that try to use non-musical criteria to judge music.  Well I added some new members to my ignore list.

I have a few recordings I like to mention over the next few days.

The following had a work that blew me away:

(http://www.arkivmusic.com/graphics/covers/non-muze2/large/747313421879.png)


The works by Karl Jenkins and New Rorem were OK.

The Alexis Alrich Marimba Concerto blew me away.

She is a composer who I am unfamiliar with.

Link to her website: www.alexisalrichcomposer.com/

Hopefully more of her music will be recorded.
I am quite enjoying her Marimba Concerto!  There's a video of it on her website.  Don't know when it was recorded (alas the definition quality isn't very good, but the sound is).  :)

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on February 25, 2021, 07:15:25 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 25, 2021, 03:43:50 AM
I am quite enjoying her Marimba Concerto!  There's a video of it on her website.  Don't know when it was recorded (alas the definition quality isn't very good, but the sound is).  :)

PD

Yes, I know of the You Tube.

I became familiar with it through the Naxos Music Library and went ahead and purchased the CD.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: T. D. on February 25, 2021, 04:13:36 PM
Unusual listening fare for me, and maybe not "objectively" great compositions, but I recently heard Bortkiewicz's Piano Concertos #2 and 3 for the first time. Liked them so much that I replayed the disc!
It's this recording, reissued by Brilliant Classics as part of a big box.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71sOMPI%2BkzL._SX425_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on February 25, 2021, 05:13:15 PM
Quote from: T. D. on February 25, 2021, 04:13:36 PM
Unusual listening fare for me, and maybe not "objectively" great compositions, but I recently heard Bortkiewicz's Piano Concertos #2 and 3 for the first time. Liked them so much that I replayed the disc!
It's this recording, reissued by Brilliant Classics as part of a big box.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71sOMPI%2BkzL._SX425_.jpg)

There is a lot of great music that is not great.  Some people carry on, especially in another forum, that we should only listen great music.

I thing I will check this not in the Naxos Music Library.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 25, 2021, 06:11:39 PM
Quote from: T. D. on February 25, 2021, 04:13:36 PM
Unusual listening fare for me, and maybe not "objectively" great compositions, but I recently heard Bortkiewicz's Piano Concertos #2 and 3 for the first time. Liked them so much that I replayed the disc!
It's this recording, reissued by Brilliant Classics as part of a big box.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71sOMPI%2BkzL._SX425_.jpg)

Two quite appealing concertos with strong Russian pathos alla Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov. A pity they didn't record the Piano Concerto No. 1. The only recording I know of it is on a Hyperion CD, nevertheless.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: T. D. on February 25, 2021, 06:20:45 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 25, 2021, 06:11:39 PM
Two quite appealing concertos with strong Russian pathos alla Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov. A pity they didn't record the Piano Concerto No. 1. The only recording I know of it is on a Hyperion CD, nevertheless.

I'll have to give that Hyperion a listen. Some online reviews opined that Concerto #1 is stronger than the latter two.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on February 25, 2021, 06:33:37 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 25, 2021, 06:11:39 PM
Two quite appealing concertos with strong Russian pathos alla Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov. A pity they didn't record the Piano Concerto No. 1. The only recording I know of it is on a Hyperion CD, nevertheless.

I just finished listening to them.  I agree with you assessment.  Excellent  ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Daverz on February 26, 2021, 02:09:33 AM
Shapero, Sinfonia in C Minor

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81-chhJ6aQL._SX522_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on February 26, 2021, 03:04:02 AM
Quote from: T. D. on February 25, 2021, 06:20:45 PM
I'll have to give that Hyperion a listen. Some online reviews opined that Concerto #1 is stronger than the latter two.
Yes it is.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on March 01, 2021, 07:17:01 AM
(https://www.naxos.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.573955.jpg)

This is an absolutely amazing disc!  :)

My first exposure to all pieces.  Le Chasseur maudit was a knock out.  All were great, but the true standout "blown me away" work was actually the Psyché, symphonic poem for chorus and orchestra.  Highly recommend this disc!

*Cross posted from the Cesar Franck composer thread.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 02, 2021, 08:33:26 PM
I just listened to the following interesting albums on the Naxos Music Library



(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/9120010280863.jpg)

Wide variety of styles in the following.  The most interesting were the atonal works.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.579059.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 03, 2021, 04:32:32 PM
I'm not going to say 'blown away' (now that I think about this, it's just too over-the-top of an expression), but I will say I'm quite impressed with all three of Zemlinsky's Psalms from the Conlon recording on EMI. I find it quite odd that Warner Classics hasn't gotten around to reissuing Conlon's Zemlinsky (not that I need it at this point, but I would like to get the operas).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on March 03, 2021, 05:26:38 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 03, 2021, 04:32:32 PM
I'm not going to say 'blown away' (now that I think about this, it's just too over-the-top of an expression), but I will say I'm quite impressed with all three of Zemlinsky's Psalms from the Conlon recording on EMI. I find it quite odd that Warner Classics hasn't gotten around to reissuing Conlon's Zemlinsky (not that I need it at this point, but I would like to get the operas).

Yes, magnificent works. There is one of them that is especially thrilling. It includes an organ, methinks.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 03, 2021, 05:30:38 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on March 03, 2021, 05:26:38 PM
Yes, magnificent works. There is one of them that is especially thrilling. It includes an organ, methinks.

I loved them all and I don't recall an organ, but it might've been buried, I just didn't hear it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on March 04, 2021, 01:50:26 PM
I am astounded at these first two guitar concertos by Leo Brouwer. My goodness, this is simply STUNNING MUSIC!!

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/886445428315.jpg)(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91uflFFavZL._SS500_.jpg)

The Guitar Concerto No. 1 has a bewitching nature because of its incredible effects, sonorities and atmosphere. I could perceive some echoes from Lutoslawski in some passages. An utterly striking piece of music without doubts.

If I found the first concerto amazing, the 2nd Concierto de Lieja is even more ravishing, mostly because of its more approachable style. The music has a magical and colourful feel to it that just overwhelmed me. I didn't expect music of such quality, and I can't believe I hadn't heard this work before. There are no dull moments whatsoever, a work that effortlessly hooks you. Recommended with full enthusiasm.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on March 04, 2021, 04:17:49 PM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 01, 2021, 07:17:01 AM
(https://www.naxos.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.573955.jpg)

This is an absolutely amazing disc!  :)

My first exposure to all pieces.  Le Chasseur maudit was a knock out.  All were great, but the true standout "blown me away" work was actually the Psyché, symphonic poem for chorus and orchestra.  Highly recommend this disc!

*Cross posted from the Cesar Franck composer thread.

On your endorsement, I listened to it.  Fantastic music!  Extremely rewarding listening experience.  Thank you for enlightening me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on March 04, 2021, 06:41:08 PM
Quote from: relm1 on March 04, 2021, 04:17:49 PM
On your endorsement, I listened to it.  Fantastic music!  Extremely rewarding listening experience.  Thank you for enlightening me.

Marvelous to hear! I'm sure happy to hear you enjoyed it.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 05, 2021, 06:10:08 AM
I have never been a big aficionado of Faure.

Recently I have discovered some of his music that really impressed me.

The latest I heard on the Naxos Music Library Website.  I need to explore more of his music.  Even though I performed it I never could get into his Requiem.  My loss.


(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/BC95961.jpg)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on March 05, 2021, 06:39:22 AM
Tosca (Puccini): Te Deum Scene (Bryn Terfel/Swedish RSO/Paul Daniel).
Most unusual listening for me!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 05, 2021, 06:53:07 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on March 05, 2021, 06:39:22 AM
Tosca (Puccini): Te Deum Scene (Bryn Terfel/Swedish RSO/Paul Daniel).
Most unusual listening for me!

Yes.  I run hot and cold with Puccini.  Some Puccini leaves me cold.  Tosca is hot.  The greatest short overture in the history of opera.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 05, 2021, 07:03:07 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on March 05, 2021, 06:39:22 AM
Tosca (Puccini): Te Deum Scene (Bryn Terfel/Swedish RSO/Paul Daniel).
Most unusual listening for me!
Glad to hear that you're sticking your big toe in the water.  :)  Now, why don't you put it into context and listen to (and/or watch) the complete opera?

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on March 05, 2021, 07:07:51 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 05, 2021, 07:03:07 AM
Glad to hear that you're sticking your big toe in the water.  :)  Now, why don't you put it into context and listen to (and/or watch) the complete opera?

PD

That's like taking the polar bear plunge.  :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 05, 2021, 07:37:43 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 05, 2021, 07:07:51 AM
That's like taking the polar bear plunge.  :D
I suspect that he'll quickly get 'sucked into it'.  :D  And the time will fly!

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on March 05, 2021, 07:54:57 AM
We shall see, although part of me wonders if the 'Te Deum' scene is going to be the only part of the opera which appeals to me. I think that Biffo said something to that effect. Meanwhile I've played the Te Deum scene about ten times today!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 05, 2021, 11:34:01 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on March 05, 2021, 07:54:57 AM
We shall see, although part of me wonders if the 'Te Deum' scene is going to be the only part of the opera which appeals to me. I think that Biffo said something to that effect. Meanwhile I've played the Te Deum scene about ten times today!
Jeffrey,

It's a story...and a powerful one.  You listen to so much (for you) new music....PLEASE give it a shot.  I truly think that it will awe you.

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 05, 2021, 11:39:50 AM
I have been listening to the "Te Diem" scene myself and freaking out.  I subscribe to Met on Demand.

May I suggest the First Act to Turandot.  That is the "Te Diem" on steroids.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 05, 2021, 12:22:13 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on March 05, 2021, 11:39:50 AM
I have been listening to the "Te Diem" scene myself and freaking out.  I subscribe to Met on Demand.

May I suggest the First Act to Turandot.  That is the "Te Diem" on steroids.
Yes, Turandot is great, but please what about listening to Tosca?!  :(
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 05, 2021, 02:26:11 PM
I think I can see where the Vandermolen is coming from.  The rest of the opera just may not be his cup of tea.

There are many operas that I can only connect with sections of them.

I just thought of another that might appeal to him.  The "Coronation Scene" from Boris Godunov.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on March 05, 2021, 11:23:48 PM
Thanks PD and Arpeggio for interesting and thought-provoking suggestions. Actually Boris Godunov is one of the (very) few operas which I like (I have seen it staged several times and have about three recordings of it), although I find the love scenes with 'Marina' rather irritating and gather that Mussorgsky was obliged to add them in. The Coronation Scene is, indeed, terrific. The ending, featuring the Simpleton in the forest is one of the most moving things that I know in music. It's quite early here and I've already played the Te Deum scene from Tosca half-a-dozen times!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 06, 2021, 12:30:26 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on March 05, 2021, 11:23:48 PM
Thanks PD and Arpeggio for interesting and thought-provoking suggestions. Actually Boris Godunov is one of the (very) few operas which I like (I have seen it staged several times and have about three recordings of it), although I find the love scenes with 'Marina' rather irritating and gather that Mussorgsky was obliged to add them in. The Coronation Scene is, indeed, terrific. The ending, featuring the Simpleton in the forest is one of the most moving things that I know in music. It's quite early here and I've already played the Te Deum scene from Tosca half-a-dozen times!
Wow!  That's a lot of replays!

And, yes, Boris G. is quite a whopper of an opera too!  :)

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 06, 2021, 02:41:12 AM
My first love for opera was Boris.

Generally speaking I really did not get into opera until I was in my fifties.  When I was younger I was obsessed with trying to understand the plots and the narratives.  I then said the hell with the plots, just listen to the music.  That for me that was the turning point.

One of the few Wagner operas that I like is Tristan.  I had no idea what was going on I just thought it was great.  I then saw a live production and thought my God this is really stupid.  I still dig the music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 06, 2021, 03:11:21 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on March 06, 2021, 02:41:12 AM
My first love for opera was Boris.

Generally speaking I really did not get into opera until I was in my fifties.  When I was younger I was obsessed with trying to understand the plots and the narratives.  I then said the hell with the plots, just listen to the music.  That for me that was the turning point.

One of the few Wagner operas that I like is Tristan.  I had no idea what was going on I just thought it was great.  I then saw a live production and thought my God this is really stupid.  I still dig the music.
Tristan is great!  Love the Liebestod.

And, yes, well, the plots of most operas are shall we say, rather out there?  :D

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on March 06, 2021, 07:57:34 AM
How about modern opera?  I thought Adams' Doctor Atomic was fantastic and a very intense ending even though we all know what happens.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 06, 2021, 06:47:02 PM
At the Naxos Music Library Website I discovered an obscure 19th century composer: Michal Bergson.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/DUX1704.jpg)

His piano concerto is mundane in a few places.

To my ears his solo piano music is comparable to Chopin.

The Luisa di Montfort, Op. 82: Scene and Aria for clarinet and orchestra is great.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on March 06, 2021, 11:46:26 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on March 06, 2021, 02:41:12 AM
My first love for opera was Boris.

Generally speaking I really did not get into opera until I was in my fifties.  When I was younger I was obsessed with trying to understand the plots and the narratives.  I then said the hell with the plots, just listen to the music.  That for me that was the turning point.

One of the few Wagner operas that I like is Tristan.  I had no idea what was going on I just thought it was great.  I then saw a live production and thought my God this is really stupid.  I still dig the music.
Interesting. I'd like to hear Martinu's 'Julietta' which I missed when it was in London decades ago. I like VW's 'Pilgrim's Progress' and 'Riders to the Sea' and consider them amongst his greatest works, although they are not especially 'operatic'.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: MusicTurner on March 07, 2021, 06:44:40 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on March 06, 2021, 06:47:02 PM
At the Naxos Music Library Website I discovered an obscure 19th century composer: Michal Bergson.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/DUX1704.jpg)

His piano concerto is mundane in a few places.

To my ears his solo piano music is comparable to Chopin.

The Luisa di Montfort, Op. 82: Scene and Aria for clarinet and orchestra is great.

Thank you, didn't know this guy. Turns out he was the father of the influential philosopher Henri Bergson.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 09, 2021, 07:32:08 PM
I do not know as much about baroque music as I should.  Several years ago I purchased the following collection:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91c42X7gDeL._SL1500_.jpg)

I have discover many composers that I was unfamiliar (Other than reading about them in music history).

The latest work that blew my away on this set is the Biber Requiem.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 15, 2021, 07:21:34 PM
I have just listened to the following albums on the Naxos Music Library website that contains music of Janacek that I was not familiar with.  Awesome  8)

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/81-1393-2.gif)

JANÁČEK, L.: Capriccio, JW VII/11 / Concertino, JW VII/12 / 1.X.1905 (Chamber Compositions) (Wiesner, Havlák, Klánská, Maceček, Marek, Svárovský)

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/others/81-1297-2.gif)

JANÁČEK, L.: Diary of One Who Disappeared (The) / Silesian Songs / Hukvaldy Folk Poetry in Songs (Vodička, Zerhauová, Kvapil)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on March 15, 2021, 07:32:59 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 20, 2021, 05:24:32 PM
Dohnányi: String Quartet No. 3 in A minor, Op. 33 (as played by The Nash Ensemble)

I'm speechless at this towering creation. Terrific, just terrific. The impressive technique displayed in each movement is something proper of a craftsman and of an authentic genius. Recommended for fans of Brahms, Reger (just that less rigid and perhaps less chromatic), and early Schönberg, chiefly. We're very lucky at having this ensemble playing this work in an extraordinary rendition like this one. The codas of the outer movements are utterly breathtaking. They will have you at the edge of your seat.



Respighi: Poema autunnale (from the Brilliant Classics Respighi box)

Suffocatingly beautiful, achingly touching. I must confess it moved me to tears. The first section is unbearably heart-melting as anything. On this revisit, I really was astounded. One of the Respighi's best works. The performance has nothing to be desired. It was flawless or almost flawless to my ears.



And last, but not least: Friedrich Gulda's exhilarating Symphony in G.

Holy cow, what a hyper-cool work!!!

I mean, this is just mindblowing in genius, form and wit. It's like if Mozart had lived to the 20th century, absorbing American music, mostly Jazz.

Just the 2nd movement is of a stunning quality. A moody-melancholic movement that as well. If you know his Concerto for cello and jazz band, that's nothing compared with this.

Totally agree about the Dohnányi. For some reason I don't recall being too impressed by the Respighi - time for a revisit. And thanks for the pointer about the Gulda - I had no idea it existed! I love his Cello Concerto, so I'm definitely looking forward to hearing it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on March 15, 2021, 09:55:30 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on March 06, 2021, 02:41:12 AM
My first love for opera was Boris.

Generally speaking I really did not get into opera until I was in my fifties.  When I was younger I was obsessed with trying to understand the plots and the narratives.  I then said the hell with the plots, just listen to the music.  That for me that was the turning point.

One of the few Wagner operas that I like is Tristan.  I had no idea what was going on I just thought it was great.  I then saw a live production and thought my God this is really stupid.  I still dig the music.
Opera plots are intentionally stupid so you'd ignore them and pay attention exclusively to the music!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on March 16, 2021, 08:27:51 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on March 05, 2021, 06:10:08 AM
I have never been a big aficionado of Faure.

Recently I have discovered some of his music that really impressed me.

The latest I heard on the Naxos Music Library Website.  I need to explore more of his music.  Even though I performed it I never could get into his Requiem.  My loss.


(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/BC95961.jpg)

Fauré's piano quartets - and indeed all of his chamber music - are sublime. I'm currently playing the first one with some of my colleagues, and what a great work it is! I highly recommend the Trio Wanderer (with violist Antoine Tamestit) recording on Harmonia Mundi.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on March 18, 2021, 04:21:13 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61IscdI6cVL._AC_.jpg)

Both works here are absolutely breathtaking, with symphony no 3 having claims to be a real masterpiece.

The sax concerto's style reminds me a bit of Sandström's Motorbike Concerto (for trombone) in its unabashed relish in assaulting the ears with its raucousness and relentless rythmic drive. But it's not mere sound and fury. There is a genuine urgency behind the flood of sound, the piling up of neon flashes and pyrotechnics. There are important parts for piano and percussion. The composer says it's almost a triple concerto but, at least in this recording, it's the saxophone that takes center stage. It must be a hoot to witness in concert.

The symphony is a grand statement, 45 minutes of energy and kaleidoscopic colours. The opening chord on the double basses is reminiscent of the 8th symphony by Shostakovich, but immediately gives way to oriental sonorities (japanese flutes) and plenty of other vistas as well. The composer writes that «  it is music that completely liberates those melodies, harmonies and beats bearing the seal of the twentieth century, and unleashes the passions of a composer ». He also mentions the clash/dichotomy between masculine and feminine elements. Quite a program and quite a mouthful to chew on.

This is different from anything I have experienced before but at the same time it is anchored in traditional western musical forms so that I never sense I am lost at sea. Recommended !

P.S. I have long known and loved  Yoshimatsu's 2nd symphony (also on Chandos) but had never managed to pursue the exploration of this composer's works. I must remedy to that asap.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 18, 2021, 06:22:15 PM
^^^^^^^^^^
Thanks.  I will have to check this out  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on March 18, 2021, 07:34:56 PM
Quote from: André on March 18, 2021, 04:21:13 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61IscdI6cVL._AC_.jpg)

Both works here are absolutely breathtaking, with symphony no 3 having claims to be a real masterpiece.

The sax concerto's style reminds me a bit of Sandström's Motorbike Concerto (for trombone) in its unabashed relish in assaulting the ears with its raucousness and relentless rythmic drive. But it's not mere sound and fury. There is a genuine urgency behind the flood of sound, the piling up of neon flashes and pyrotechnics. There are important parts for piano and percussion. The composer says it's almost a triple concerto but, at least in this recording, it's the saxophone that takes center stage. It must be a hoot to witness in concert.

The symphony is a grand statement, 45 minutes of energy and kaleidoscopic colours. The opening chord on the double basses is reminiscent of the 8th symphony by Shostakovich, but immediately gives way to oriental sonorities (japanese flutes) and plenty of other vistas as well. The composer writes that «  it is music that completely liberates those melodies, harmonies and beats bearing the seal of the twentieth century, and unleashes the passions of a composer ». He also mentions the clash/dichotomy between masculine and feminine elements. Quite a program and quite a mouthful to chew on.

This is different from anything I have experienced before but at the same time it is anchored in traditional western musical forms so that I never sense I am lost at sea. Recommended !

P.S. I have long known and loved  Yoshimatsu's 2nd symphony (also on Chandos) but had never managed to pursue the exploration of this composer's works. I must remedy to that asap.

Yoshimatsu looks like an underrated composer nowadays, and it shouldn't be that way since his music is imbued with freshness, a sort of minimalism that is not cloying coming up here and there and drive and fierceness when needed.

I don't know that concerto yet, but with your enthusiastic post I'll have to give it a listen soon.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 20, 2021, 08:02:50 PM
Quote from: André on March 18, 2021, 04:21:13 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61IscdI6cVL._AC_.jpg)

Both works here are absolutely breathtaking, with symphony no 3 having claims to be a real masterpiece.

The sax concerto's style reminds me a bit of Sandström's Motorbike Concerto (for trombone) in its unabashed relish in assaulting the ears with its raucousness and relentless rythmic drive. But it's not mere sound and fury. There is a genuine urgency behind the flood of sound, the piling up of neon flashes and pyrotechnics. There are important parts for piano and percussion. The composer says it's almost a triple concerto but, at least in this recording, it's the saxophone that takes center stage. It must be a hoot to witness in concert.

The symphony is a grand statement, 45 minutes of energy and kaleidoscopic colours. The opening chord on the double basses is reminiscent of the 8th symphony by Shostakovich, but immediately gives way to oriental sonorities (japanese flutes) and plenty of other vistas as well. The composer writes that «  it is music that completely liberates those melodies, harmonies and beats bearing the seal of the twentieth century, and unleashes the passions of a composer ». He also mentions the clash/dichotomy between masculine and feminine elements. Quite a program and quite a mouthful to chew on.

This is different from anything I have experienced before but at the same time it is anchored in traditional western musical forms so that I never sense I am lost at sea. Recommended !

P.S. I have long known and loved  Yoshimatsu's 2nd symphony (also on Chandos) but had never managed to pursue the exploration of this composer's works. I must remedy to that asap.

I just listened to this on the Naxos Music Library Website.  Excellent  ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Papy Oli on March 24, 2021, 08:53:02 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 10, 2021, 09:03:47 AM
Very nice, Olivier. Miroirs is my favorite Ravel work believe it or not. It's essentially a suite for piano and each movement is dedicated to one of his friends. Oiseaux tristes, in particular, is one of my favorite individual pieces of music of all-time. Absolutely haunting from start to finish. To be fair, I love almost everything Ravel has composed and his solo piano works are no exception.

Here's a nice writeup on Miroirs that you may be interested in reading:

https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/musicdb/pieces/2345/miroirs (https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/musicdb/pieces/2345/miroirs)

A month and a bit later, Chamayou is really converting me to Miroirs right now...  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 24, 2021, 09:12:30 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on March 24, 2021, 08:53:02 AM
A month and a bit later, Chamayou is really converting me to Miroirs right now...  8)

Very nice, Olivier. I'll have to revisit Chamayou as I recall he did absolutely nothing for me in Ravel's incredible piano music. My favorites still remain Tharaud and Queffélec.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on March 24, 2021, 11:31:08 AM
Elgar's first symphony was a new discovery.  Posters (who have not been here for many, many years) dissuaded me for ever bothering with his symphonies.  Well I love the first!  It is so melodic.  I'll probably buy the recording that I've been listening to.

(https://bis.se/shop/17115/art15/h2052/4852052-origpic-6dc4d1.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on March 24, 2021, 11:51:53 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 24, 2021, 11:31:08 AM
Elgar's first symphony was a new discovery.  Posters (who have not been here for many, many years) dissuaded me for ever bothering with his symphonies.  Well I love the first!  It is so melodic.  I'll probably buy the recording that I've been listening to.

(https://bis.se/shop/17115/art15/h2052/4852052-origpic-6dc4d1.jpg)

For me, the 2nd is even greater and memorable.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 24, 2021, 11:53:21 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on March 24, 2021, 11:51:53 AM
For me, the 2nd is even greater and memorable.

+1 I think the 2nd encapsulates everything that made Elgar great from a musical perspective but also the myriad of emotions that seem to permeate so many of his works. This kind of tug-of-war between emotional extremes is what made his music special.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on March 24, 2021, 12:36:26 PM
Great!  The second symphony is next for me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 24, 2021, 12:37:19 PM
Quote from: DavidW on March 24, 2021, 12:36:26 PM
Great!  The second symphony is next for me.

The Larghetto movement from the 2nd is one of the best pieces of music I've ever heard. I kid you not!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on March 24, 2021, 01:33:42 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 24, 2021, 12:37:19 PM
The Larghetto movement from the 2nd is one of the best pieces of music I've ever heard. I kid you not!

+ 1

That being said, I prefer the 1st  :P
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 24, 2021, 01:34:42 PM
Quote from: André on March 24, 2021, 01:33:42 PM
+ 1

That being said, I prefer the 1st  :P

Hah! ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on March 24, 2021, 02:23:02 PM
Quote from: DavidW on March 24, 2021, 12:36:26 PM
Great!  The second symphony is next for me.

David, I will also be discovering the Elgar symphonies for the first time very shortly (Slatkin).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on March 24, 2021, 04:53:48 PM
Quote from: André on March 24, 2021, 01:33:42 PM
+ 1

That being said, I prefer the 1st  :P
It is almost obligatory that I now give the 3rd a chance!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 25, 2021, 06:59:41 AM
Last night, I revisit Berg's Der Wein and I was blown away by it. This is the recording I listened to:

(https://albumart.primephonic.com/s900/886446597928.jpg)

I can't imagine Norman/Boulez being topped but I'm going to listen to the Otter/Abbado recording on DG later on tonight.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on March 31, 2021, 07:38:57 PM
Ludwig Thuille (1861-1907): Piano Quintet no. 2 in E-flat major (1901)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51u70wCOLiL._SY355_.jpg)

Make no mistake, this is a major work - it truly belongs amongst the greatest piano quintets. Thuille was a friend of R. Strauss, and on the evidence of this work I'd say his early death was a tragic one. What is especially remarkable about this work is how it synthesizes Brahmsian formal mastery with Wagnerian/Brucknerian chromatic harmonies in a most original and compelling way. And my god, is this passionate music - full of energy and drive, with sweeping and memorable melodic lines. The extended slow movement is a truly profound and deeply moving utterance. This work simply must be heard by anyone with an interest in Romantic chamber music! (The first piano quintet, while not scaling the heights of the second, is still an excellent work.)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on March 31, 2021, 07:44:14 PM
Quote from: André on March 18, 2021, 04:21:13 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61IscdI6cVL._AC_.jpg)

Both works here are absolutely breathtaking, with symphony no 3 having claims to be a real masterpiece.

The sax concerto's style reminds me a bit of Sandström's Motorbike Concerto (for trombone) in its unabashed relish in assaulting the ears with its raucousness and relentless rythmic drive. But it's not mere sound and fury. There is a genuine urgency behind the flood of sound, the piling up of neon flashes and pyrotechnics. There are important parts for piano and percussion. The composer says it's almost a triple concerto but, at least in this recording, it's the saxophone that takes center stage. It must be a hoot to witness in concert.

The symphony is a grand statement, 45 minutes of energy and kaleidoscopic colours. The opening chord on the double basses is reminiscent of the 8th symphony by Shostakovich, but immediately gives way to oriental sonorities (japanese flutes) and plenty of other vistas as well. The composer writes that «  it is music that completely liberates those melodies, harmonies and beats bearing the seal of the twentieth century, and unleashes the passions of a composer ». He also mentions the clash/dichotomy between masculine and feminine elements. Quite a program and quite a mouthful to chew on.

This is different from anything I have experienced before but at the same time it is anchored in traditional western musical forms so that I never sense I am lost at sea. Recommended !

P.S. I have long known and loved  Yoshimatsu's 2nd symphony (also on Chandos) but had never managed to pursue the exploration of this composer's works. I must remedy to that asap.

Totally agreed about the 3rd Symphony. It's one of the most compelling, exciting, and appealing works I know from the past 25 years or so. Yoshimatsu knows how to combine "serious" and "popular" styles in a really entertaining way.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on March 31, 2021, 11:18:01 PM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 24, 2021, 02:23:02 PM
David, I will also be discovering the Elgar symphonies for the first time very shortly (Slatkin).

I hope you enjoy No.2 - its a work I return to often and with great pleasure.  Slatkin is very good - one little "novelty" - he uses the organ pedals at the end of the whole work.  They are not in the score as Elgar wrote it but prompted by a comment from Boult along the lines of "this is the kind of place Elgar used organ pedals", first Handley, then Slatkin and (I think) Mackerras added them.  I love it - a wonderful valedictory moment at the end of a glorious work......
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: 71 dB on April 01, 2021, 04:02:03 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 24, 2021, 11:31:08 AM
Elgar's first symphony was a new discovery.  Posters (who have not been here for many, many years) dissuaded me for ever bothering with his symphonies.  Well I love the first!  It is so melodic.  I'll probably buy the recording that I've been listening to.

(https://bis.se/shop/17115/art15/h2052/4852052-origpic-6dc4d1.jpg)

What silly people! Elgar's symphonies are my absolute favorite symphonies (preferring the 2nd which I think is one of Elgar's greatest works). Nice to hear you gave Elgar a chance and liked the first one.  :)

Elgar was a master of melodies and pretty much everything he wrote is very melodic.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on April 02, 2021, 06:33:39 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 24, 2021, 11:31:08 AM
Elgar's first symphony was a new discovery.  Posters (who have not been here for many, many years) dissuaded me for ever bothering with his symphonies.  Well I love the first!  It is so melodic.  I'll probably buy the recording that I've been listening to.

Shame. On. Them. I cannot put that strongly enough. Thank goodness you've finally seen past that and come to listen to them and judge for yourself. All three* symphonies are utterly majestic.

(*In your own time, you absolutely should listen to the Elgar/Payne 3rd Symphony. It's a fantastic work regardless of how much of it is by whom. It's a great achievement in and of itself.)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on April 02, 2021, 09:53:42 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on April 02, 2021, 06:33:39 AM
Shame. On. Them. I cannot put that strongly enough. Thank goodness you've finally seen past that and come to listen to them and judge for yourself. All three* symphonies are utterly majestic.

(*In your own time, you absolutely should listen to the Elgar/Payne 3rd Symphony. It's a fantastic work regardless of how much of it is by whom. It's a great achievement in and of itself.)

There's a general snobbishness from many American musicians and listeners towards British music which I've never understood. There are some notable exceptions for certain pieces - Elgar's Enigma Variations and Cello Concerto, Holst's The Planets, and a couple works by Britten - but overall British music tends to be looked down upon as vastly inferior to Austro/German and Russian music. You all know my thoughts on this... ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 02, 2021, 03:11:48 PM
Quote from: kyjo on April 02, 2021, 09:53:42 AM
There's a general snobbishness from many American musicians and listeners towards British music which I've never understood. There are some notable exceptions for certain pieces - Elgar's Enigma Variations and Cello Concerto, Holst's The Planets, and a couple works by Britten - but overall British music tends to be looked down upon as vastly inferior to Austro/German and Russian music. You all know my thoughts on this... ;)

This is not true with the musicians I hang out with.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 02, 2021, 07:18:38 PM
I can't believe I didn't remember how thoroughly stupendous Copland's Clarinet Concerto is. A seriously extraordinary piece, with its pensive and nostalgic beginning that lead to a tricky cadenza, and after that, a quite fun and rhythmic jazzistic section. Great use of orchestral piano as well. One of my favorite clarinet concertos from now on.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk3NjkwNS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NTc0MDc0MTJ9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 02, 2021, 07:26:18 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 02, 2021, 07:18:38 PM
I can't believe I didn't remember how thoroughly stupendous Copland's Clarinet Concerto is. A seriously extraordinary piece, with its pensive and nostalgic beginning that lead to a tricky cadenza, and after that, a quite fun and rhythmic jazzistic section. Great use of orchestral piano as well. One of my favorite clarinet concertos from now on.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk3NjkwNS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NTc0MDc0MTJ9)

Yeah, I've always liked this concerto as well, Cesar. You've got to hear the Goodman/Copland performance. It's a classic!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Elvira_R0825 on April 03, 2021, 09:24:42 AM
Not that recently, but "Il grande inquisitor!" bass duet again and again.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on April 03, 2021, 11:25:53 PM
Quote from: kyjo on April 02, 2021, 09:53:42 AM
There's a general snobbishness from many American musicians and listeners towards British music which I've never understood. There are some notable exceptions for certain pieces - Elgar's Enigma Variations and Cello Concerto, Holst's The Planets, and a couple works by Britten - but overall British music tends to be looked down upon as vastly inferior to Austro/German and Russian music. You all know my thoughts on this... ;)

I think that is probably generally true of other countries as well. British literature (Shakespeare, Chaucer, Milton, Dickens, Orwell etc), art, theatre and cinema are often admired but not music, other than pop music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on April 04, 2021, 07:24:52 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 03, 2021, 11:25:53 PM
I think that is probably generally true of other countries as well. British literature (Shakespeare, Chaucer, Milton, Dickens, Orwell etc), art, theatre and cinema are often admired but not music, other than pop music.

Your cuisine is also not appreciated! ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on April 20, 2021, 08:12:37 PM
Cross-posted from the Medtner thread:

Recently I've been blown away by Medtner's Sonata Romantica in B-flat minor. I have no trouble declaring this as one of my favorite solo piano works ever. It's absolutely sublime. The secondary theme of the first movement, which enters just after the 1-minute mark, is one of the most achingly beautiful melodies I've ever heard. It's one of those themes that sticks with you for days on end. It's so tender, longing, nostalgic, just lovely beyond words. Medtner also knows how to write really effective energetic music too, as demonstrated by the 2nd and 4th movements which have a decidedly jazzy syncopated feel at times. I've sometimes seen Medtner called "the Russian Brahms" or "Rachmaninoff without the tunes" but let me say that is total nonsense. He was a masterful composer, and in fact I must say that I overall prefer his solo piano music to that of Rachmaninoff! Sergei is of course one of my favorite composers on the basis of his wonderful concertante and orchestral music, but some of his solo piano music is a bit elusive to me. Medtner's, on the other hand, speaks directly to me, especially the wonderful Sonata Romantica.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 20, 2021, 08:16:13 PM
Quote from: kyjo on April 20, 2021, 08:12:37 PM
Cross-posted from the Medtner thread:

Recently I've been blown away by Medtner's Sonata Romantica in B-flat minor. I have no trouble declaring this as one of my favorite solo piano works ever. It's absolutely sublime. The secondary theme of the first movement, which enters just after the 1-minute mark, is one of the most achingly beautiful melodies I've ever heard. It's one of those themes that sticks with you for days on end. It's so tender, longing, nostalgic, just lovely beyond words. Medtner also knows how to write really effective energetic music too, as demonstrated by the 2nd and 4th movements which have a decidedly jazzy syncopated feel at times. I've sometimes seen Medtner called "the Russian Brahms" or "Rachmaninoff without the tunes" but let me say that is total nonsense. He was a masterful composer, and in fact I must say that I overall prefer his solo piano music to that of Rachmaninoff! Sergei is of course one of my favorite composers on the basis of his wonderful concertante and orchestral music, but some of his solo piano music is a bit elusive to me. Medtner's, on the other hand, speaks directly to me, especially the wonderful Sonata Romantica.

I still think he's basically Rachmaninov without the tunes. So, yeah, I guess it's as nonsensical to praise him as it is not to praise him. Either way, I haven't heard one work from Medtner that I'd want to listen to again.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Wanderer on April 21, 2021, 12:20:09 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 20, 2021, 08:16:13 PM
I still think he's basically Rachmaninov without the tunes. So, yeah, I guess it's as nonsensical to praise him as it is not to praise him. Either way, I haven't heard one work from Medtner that I'd want to listen to again.

That only really reflects on your abilities of appreciation rather than on Medtner's quality as a composer.  ::)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Wanderer on April 21, 2021, 12:25:24 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 24, 2021, 11:31:08 AM
Elgar's first symphony was a new discovery.  Posters (who have not been here for many, many years) dissuaded me for ever bothering with his symphonies.

Hell is filled with people like these.  ;D

Do listen to the Sinopoli version, as well - and, of course, the second symphony also awaits you.  ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: bhodges on April 21, 2021, 04:42:05 AM
Quote from: kyjo on April 02, 2021, 09:53:42 AM
There's a general snobbishness from many American musicians and listeners towards British music which I've never understood. There are some notable exceptions for certain pieces - Elgar's Enigma Variations and Cello Concerto, Holst's The Planets, and a couple works by Britten - but overall British music tends to be looked down upon as vastly inferior to Austro/German and Russian music. You all know my thoughts on this... ;)

I have never understood this, either. The other day I saw a piece by Finzi programmed (still trying to find the concert where it appeared) and realized that you rarely see any Finzi at all in the United States. And his choral music, especially, is about as radiant as it gets.

Quote from: kyjo on April 20, 2021, 08:12:37 PM
Cross-posted from the Medtner thread:

Recently I've been blown away by Medtner's Sonata Romantica in B-flat minor. I have no trouble declaring this as one of my favorite solo piano works ever. It's absolutely sublime. The secondary theme of the first movement, which enters just after the 1-minute mark, is one of the most achingly beautiful melodies I've ever heard. It's one of those themes that sticks with you for days on end. It's so tender, longing, nostalgic, just lovely beyond words. Medtner also knows how to write really effective energetic music too, as demonstrated by the 2nd and 4th movements which have a decidedly jazzy syncopated feel at times. I've sometimes seen Medtner called "the Russian Brahms" or "Rachmaninoff without the tunes" but let me say that is total nonsense. He was a masterful composer, and in fact I must say that I overall prefer his solo piano music to that of Rachmaninoff! Sergei is of course one of my favorite composers on the basis of his wonderful concertante and orchestral music, but some of his solo piano music is a bit elusive to me. Medtner's, on the other hand, speaks directly to me, especially the wonderful Sonata Romantica.

An extraordinary composer. I first heard Hamelin's recording of Forgotten Melodies (fantastic), and then found other works. Didn't know the Romantica, but am listening now -- by Geoffrey Tozer, synced with the score (which I often find makes interesting listening). I agree, lovely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_EAmPjn08Y

--Bruce
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Iota on April 21, 2021, 05:13:50 AM
Quote from: philoctetes on April 20, 2021, 09:03:56 PM
Luigi Russolo's Intonarumoris (1913)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYPXAo1cOA4

I've just begun to research the futurists, and I wish I had done it sooner - this piece is extraordinary, as it is the beginning (I think) of the music I love the the most - so expansive and exploratory, playfully stretching the ear readying it for new thoughts and ideas. In short, joyful noise.

That seems pretty amazing for 1913! I found myself wondering if it was ever done with more than one performer.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Iota on April 21, 2021, 06:17:23 AM
Quote from: philoctetes on April 21, 2021, 05:51:25 AM
I think this piece would be pretty amazing for 2021!  ;D

I'd love to give it a shot - get my sprinting boots on!  8)

;D  With your passion, I think you deserve a crack at it!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on April 21, 2021, 10:26:04 AM
Quote from: Brewski on April 21, 2021, 04:42:05 AM
I have never understood this, either. The other day I saw a piece by Finzi programmed (still trying to find the concert where it appeared) and realized that you rarely see any Finzi at all in the United States. And his choral music, especially, is about as radiant as it gets.
--Bruce
I haven't heard of many performances of Finzi's music, but I'm not really involved in the live music scene for the most part.  I do know that I frequently hear his music broadcasted over local NPR radio station--along with a number of other British performers.  Don't recall hearing his choral work broadcast though.

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 23, 2021, 03:18:20 PM
Arthur Meulemans' ravishing Symphony No. 3 Dennensymfonie (Fir Symphony)

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.223418.jpg)

On revisiting it I was overwhelmed by its mercilessly gorgeousness once again. Lovely and enchanting beyond explanations, and ends in the most majestic way. I love this piece. Very recommended if you are into opulent, lush, atmospheric symphonies.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on April 23, 2021, 05:53:50 PM
A superb disc indeed !
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 27, 2021, 05:50:14 PM
A composer who always impresses me is Poulenc.

I just discovered his Cello Sonata.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 27, 2021, 06:03:47 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on April 27, 2021, 05:50:14 PM
A composer who always impresses me is Poulenc.

I just discovered his Cello Sonata.

Ah yes, lovely work, indeed and one of my favorite composers. His chamber music is out-of-this-world.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 30, 2021, 07:57:39 PM
I have been a aficionado of the music of Magnus Lindberg.  I really enjoyed the music on this album.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/ODE1384-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on May 01, 2021, 02:08:52 AM
( Crosspost from the WAYLTN thread)

A few first-listens

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71O%2BGFf8lQL._SX355_.jpg)

The very opening bars had me on the edge of the seat and after the final chord I stooped to pick up my jaw which must have dropped on the floor some time during the 3rd movement. Such a ravishing experience! The sweeping power of this music took me to planes and places where I'd never been before. An absolute masterpiece.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Iv1WTR7bL._SX466_.jpg)

A different, but no less exhilarating and powerful, experience. That a 15yo could write music exhibiting such complete mastery of form and such expressive depths is nothing short of a miracle, just like in Mozart's case. These quartets are full of passion and tenderness, life-affirming and gorgeously tuneful. The big surprise is a piano quartet which Felix wrote at the teder age of 12 (sic!) and which is sheer delight from start to end, a masterpiece of elegance and a feast of memorable melodies. The inclusion of this work makes this twofer the only genuinely complete on the market, all others known to me don't feature it. Mendelssohn was a genius and I should spend much more time with his music than I used to.

(https://img.discogs.com/OwIK0lyUfpDUXDl5T7J7dEHvGfg=/fit-in/600x593/filters:strip_icc():format(webp):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-14196628-1569681018-5180.jpeg.jpg)

Rachmaninoff --- All-Night Vigils, Op. 37 / St Petersburg Chamber Choir, Nikolai Korniev, Olga Borodina (MS), Vladimir Moztovoy (T)

The first time I listened to this piece in its entirety. While listening I wondered what it would have been like to hear it in the Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer in Moscow . The very thought gave me goosebumps and sent shivers down my spine. The majestic chants, the soaring solos, the feeling of calm yet powerful devotion and the deeply mystical, otherworldly atmosphere would have been enhanced a thousand times in that particular setting, amid the icons, the incense and the wide space. This monumental piece is one of the best, most deeply felt and beautiful expression of Christian faith in general and of Eastern Orthodox faith in particular known to me. Thank you and God bless your soul, Sergei Vasilyevich!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on May 02, 2021, 08:51:09 PM
Another living composer I really enjoy is Per Nørgard.

The works on this CD are new for me:

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.226585.jpg)

Works on the CD are:

Kvintet, Op. 1 – Hommage á Marc Chagall (1952-53)
for flute, violin, viola, cello and piano

Singing Secrets
Signe Asmussen, soprano
Irena Kavčič, flute
Helge Slaatto, violin
Anette Slaatto, viola
John Ehde, cello
Erik Kaltoft, piano

Sonata – The Secret Melody for solo viola

Vintersalme: Som året går, part 2for solo voice

Fragment V for solo violin

Zwei Saiten, eine Stimme for mezzo-soprano and violin

Cantica (1977, rev. 2004) for cello and piano
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brian on May 03, 2021, 11:12:21 AM
You know what really knocks me out? I just listened, for the first time in 5-10 years, to the "Polka and Fugue" from Weinberger's opera Schwanda the Bagpiper. And not only is it awesome...but do you guys realize that, at least in the Naxos Music Library database and ArkivMusic, only two living conductors have recorded it? (Note: excluding complete opera performances and arrangements for wind band.)

It was a big smash back in the 1920s-50s, programmed on pops albums by people like Karajan, Reiner, Kempe, and Ormandy. It was, by general acclaim, one of the great 10-minute orchestral showpieces. And now as far as I can tell, the only recording this century is on CPO.

Well, ya know what? It's still super fun!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on May 03, 2021, 12:02:41 PM
Being a band junkie is so discouraging.  There is a tremendous transcription for concert band of the "Polka and Fugue".  I have lost track on how many times I have performed this transcription.

I  think I will check and see if their are any recordings of the band version.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brian on May 10, 2021, 01:11:07 PM
Boris Blacher's Paganini Variations are cool.

Quote from: arpeggio on May 03, 2021, 12:02:41 PM
Being a band junkie is so discouraging.  There is a tremendous transcription for concert band of the "Polka and Fugue".  I have lost track on how many times I have performed this transcription.

I  think I will check and see if their are any recordings of the band version.
Hah! Naxos Music Library has recorded documentation of a number of states' high school wind band competitions, so I bet you could find it there.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Old San Antone on May 10, 2021, 03:02:07 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on May 03, 2021, 12:02:41 PM
Being a band junkie is so discouraging.  There is a tremendous transcription for concert band of the "Polka and Fugue".  I have lost track on how many times I have performed this transcription.

I  think I will check and see if their are any recordings of the band version.

It is included on a CD called Retrospective by the US Marine Band.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on May 10, 2021, 04:29:34 PM
Dmitri Tiomkin's score for Red River in an incredibly enthusiastic performance by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra with William Stromberg.


(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/613aItgsOnL._AC_UY218_.jpg)


"Blown away" every time I hear it!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on May 10, 2021, 05:13:00 PM
Quote from: Cato on May 10, 2021, 04:29:34 PM
Dmitri Tiomkin's score for Red River in an incredibly enthusiastic performance by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra with William Stromberg.


(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/613aItgsOnL._AC_UY218_.jpg)


"Blown away" every time I hear it!

Bill Stromberg's recordings are fantastic!  He's a wonderful and talented composer too!  They do a great job on their score restorations.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on May 10, 2021, 05:36:34 PM

Quote from: relm1 on May 10, 2021, 05:13:00 PM
Bill Stromberg's recordings are fantastic!  He's a wonderful and talented composer too!  They do a great job on their score restorations.

Amen!


Concerning Weinberger's Schwanda the Bagpiper:


Quote from: Old San Antone on May 10, 2021, 03:02:07 PM

It is included on a CD called Retrospective by the US Marine Band.



Ask and ye shall receive!


https://www.youtube.com/v/s_CPFHLZ1Q4
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on May 12, 2021, 01:59:05 AM
Fernando Lopes-Graca (1906-1994): Symphony for Orchestra (1944 - first performed 1953):
I'd forgotten how good this work is (there's a vg Naxos recording as well). It starts off in a rather 'folksy' way but there is an underlying slumbering power and the slow movement rises to a movingly powerful climax. The work probably reflects its time of composition. Lopes-Graca also wrote a 'Requiem for the Victims of Fascism' towards the end of his life. The fine Symphony should appeal to admirers of Braga Santos:

(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on May 13, 2021, 05:31:27 AM
Korngold's Das Wunder der Heliane.  So gorgeous!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxPPL0i4DwM
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 13, 2021, 06:24:50 AM
Quote from: relm1 on May 13, 2021, 05:31:27 AM
Korngold's Das Wunder der Heliane.  So gorgeous!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxPPL0i4DwM

Nice! I'll have to find a recording of this --- I know there's a Decca recording of it (a part of that Entartete Musik series).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Wanderer on May 13, 2021, 06:41:45 AM
Quote from: relm1 on May 13, 2021, 05:31:27 AM
Korngold's Das Wunder der Heliane.  So gorgeous!

Welcome to the club.  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on May 13, 2021, 01:05:57 PM
Quote from: relm1 on May 13, 2021, 05:31:27 AM
Korngold's Das Wunder der Heliane.  So gorgeous!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxPPL0i4DwM

+1  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on May 13, 2021, 01:22:27 PM
I listened to Alwyn's first symphony on Tuesday and thought it cannot be this good, so kept my powder dry and had another listen tonight - it is!

(https://i.imgur.com/cax9gX3.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on May 14, 2021, 11:29:15 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 13, 2021, 06:24:50 AM
Nice! I'll have to find a recording of this --- I know there's a Decca recording of it (a part of that Entartete Musik series).

Go for the Decca recording - I was very disappointed in the recent(ish) Naxos recording - singing simply not as good and this opera is a BIG sing!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on May 14, 2021, 06:05:47 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on May 12, 2021, 01:59:05 AM
Fernando Lopes-Graca (1906-1994): Symphony for Orchestra (1944 - first performed 1953):
I'd forgotten how good this work is (there's a vg Naxos recording as well). It starts off in a rather 'folksy' way but there is an underlying slumbering power and the slow movement rises to a movingly powerful climax. The work probably reflects its time of composition. Lopes-Graca also wrote a 'Requiem for the Victims of Fascism' towards the end of his life. The fine Symphony should appeal to admirers of Braga Santos:

(//)

Consider me another fan of this composer and work, Jeffrey.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on May 14, 2021, 06:12:19 PM
Quote from: Irons on May 13, 2021, 01:22:27 PM
I listened to Alwyn's first symphony on Tuesday and thought it cannot be this good, so kept my powder dry and had another listen tonight - it is!

(https://i.imgur.com/cax9gX3.jpg)

I think all of his 5 symphonies are really strong. I like Nos. 2 and 3 the most, though.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on May 14, 2021, 11:38:33 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on May 14, 2021, 06:12:19 PM
I think all of his 5 symphonies are really strong. I like Nos. 2 and 3 the most, though.

Listened to 2 yesterday. Need more time with it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 15, 2021, 02:46:46 AM
Quote from: relm1 on May 13, 2021, 05:31:27 AM
Korngold's Das Wunder der Heliane.  So gorgeous!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxPPL0i4DwM
Thanks for that sample.  That was lovely!  It shimmered (if that makes sense).  :)

I hadn't heard that opera before now.  Is this recording still available commercially?

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on May 15, 2021, 03:39:12 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on May 15, 2021, 02:46:46 AM
Thanks for that sample.  That was lovely!  It shimmered (if that makes sense).  :)

I hadn't heard that opera before now.  Is this recording still available commercially?

PD

"Shimmer" is a perfect way to describe Korngold's orchestration - its all those harps/tuned percussion and orchestral keyboards he uses.  Yes this is the recording I referenced as being the better of the two available on CD

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Korngold-Tomowa-Sintow-Reinhild-Rundfunkchor-Radio-Symphonie-Orchester/dp/B006IOOXJ6/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=das+wunder+der+heliane&qid=1621078712&s=music&sr=1-2
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on May 15, 2021, 06:00:09 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on May 15, 2021, 03:39:12 AM
"Shimmer" is a perfect way to describe Korngold's orchestration - its all those harps/tuned percussion and orchestral keyboards he uses.  Yes this is the recording I referenced as being the better of the two available on CD

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Korngold-Tomowa-Sintow-Reinhild-Rundfunkchor-Radio-Symphonie-Orchester/dp/B006IOOXJ6/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=das+wunder+der+heliane&qid=1621078712&s=music&sr=1-2

Interestingly, the work was a dud when it premiered.  Korngold considered it his magnum opus and was perplexed why his earlier operas were higher regarded than this one.   I guess people were very picky in the past.  He died too young (1897-1957).  Just imagine, if he had lived twenty more years, he very well could have scored Star Wars!! 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on May 15, 2021, 06:14:43 AM
Quote from: relm1 on May 15, 2021, 06:00:09 AM
he very well could have scored Star Wars!!

He did anyway didn't he........ ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 15, 2021, 06:27:07 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on May 14, 2021, 11:29:15 AM
Go for the Decca recording - I was very disappointed in the recent(ish) Naxos recording - singing simply not as good and this opera is a BIG sing!

Thanks, RS. I ended up going with the Decca recording --- the original issue of it as I know I'll get a nice sized booklet with it along with the libretto. 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 19, 2021, 09:38:13 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on May 12, 2021, 01:59:05 AM
Fernando Lopes-Graca (1906-1994): Symphony for Orchestra (1944 - first performed 1953):
I'd forgotten how good this work is (there's a vg Naxos recording as well). It starts off in a rather 'folksy' way but there is an underlying slumbering power and the slow movement rises to a movingly powerful climax. The work probably reflects its time of composition. Lopes-Graca also wrote a 'Requiem for the Victims of Fascism' towards the end of his life. The fine Symphony should appeal to admirers of Braga Santos:

(//)

Indeed, a great work! It's like (early) Braga Santos in its folksy nature but a bit "spikier" and more harmonically complex. I wasn't aware of that interesting-looking Dux recording - regrettably, I can't find it on Spotify on YT. There's also this recording with a Hungarian (!) orchestra and conductor which seems a bit more characterful and energetic than the Naxos one: https://youtu.be/iecsknw1_So
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 19, 2021, 09:40:57 AM
Quote from: Irons on May 14, 2021, 11:38:33 PM
Listened to 2 yesterday. Need more time with it.

The final 5 or so minutes of No. 2 are exceptionally powerful and moving. A really cathartic moment. I think the dramatic and cogent No. 3 is my overall favorite but, as Cesar says, all five of Alwyn's are very fine.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 19, 2021, 09:58:49 AM
I have to say that with each revisit I'm continuously blown away by is Berg's Der Wein. It has these elements of jazz and I believe there's some tango music here as well. Anyway, it's a described as a 'concert aria for soprano and orchestra' but it's really like a mini-opera as it's packed full of fascinating music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on May 28, 2021, 09:10:56 PM
There are two oldies I have discovered in the Naxos Music Library Website:

Gliere: Symphony #3, Ilya Muromets

Khachaturian: Symphony #2, "Symphony with a Bell"

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on May 28, 2021, 10:03:37 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on May 28, 2021, 09:10:56 PM
There are two oldies I have discovered in the Naxos Music Library Website:

Gliere: Symphony #3, Ilya Muromets

Khachaturian: Symphony #2, "Symphony with a Bell"
Two of my favourites!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on May 29, 2021, 07:53:45 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on May 28, 2021, 10:03:37 PM
Two of my favourites!

+1
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 29, 2021, 08:07:16 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on May 29, 2021, 07:53:45 AM
+1

+2 Though Hurwitz would disagree! :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 29, 2021, 07:32:16 PM
A work that I heard recently from Respighi titled Belfagor Overture is an absolute delight from start to finish. I re-listened to the two recordings I own of it: Neschling (BIS) and Downes (Chandos). They both are excellent, but I think I'll have to give Neschling the nod here as the sonics are a bit more 'up front' and the Downes has a bit of that Chandos reverb that doesn't always allow the music to be heard in the best light.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André Le Nôtre on May 29, 2021, 10:10:27 PM
Tomaso Vitali: Chaconne (Gioconda de Vito recording)

John Luther Adams: Canticles of the Sky
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 01, 2021, 07:21:40 PM
This ballet has some ineffably beautiful music. How had I been missing this work for so long?? Pure colour and magic at their best. Absolutely charming.

(https://direct.rhapsody.com/imageserver/images/alb.265872177/600x600.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 01, 2021, 07:45:19 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 01, 2021, 07:21:40 PM
This ballet has some ineffably beautiful music. How had I been missing this work for so long?? Pure colour and magic at their best. Absolutely charming.

(https://direct.rhapsody.com/imageserver/images/alb.265872177/600x600.jpg)

I heartily agree, Cesar. A fine ballet. I also love that Chamber Suite that's coupled with The Humpbacked Horse.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on June 02, 2021, 01:56:01 AM
This one continues to 'blow me away'
Salmenhaara's 4th Symphony (1971-72):
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 02, 2021, 07:25:54 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 01, 2021, 07:45:19 PM
I heartily agree, Cesar. A fine ballet. I also love that Chamber Suite that's coupled with The Humpbacked Horse.

The Humpbacked Horse is gorgeous beyond words indeed. I'm listening to the Chamber Suite tomorrow.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on June 06, 2021, 06:45:04 PM
I have been listening to a lot of contemporary music on the Naxos Music Library Website.

Even though I following contemporary music I have not been impressed with most of the music I have been listening to.

I had an interesting problem with one recording.  It was a collection of contemporary works for the bass clarinet.  Even though the CD had several composers all of the music sounded the same to me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on June 09, 2021, 09:48:31 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51cY5PvxT0L.jpg)

Grande Fantaisie on Russian Folksongs

The work of a 15-yo teenager, yet instead of expectedly empty bravura and fierce pyrotechnics it's a mostly introspective, contemplative, melancholy work which adumbrates Rachmaninoff. I'm glad to have discovered it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 14, 2021, 09:49:21 AM
I've heard this symphony several times before, but I've got to say that Dvořák's 1st symphony blew me away when I listened to it a few nights ago. Such a strong start to what will become a remarkable set of symphonies.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on June 14, 2021, 01:53:15 PM
I generally associate Corigliano with heavy, darkly-dramatic music similar to his two symphonies, and even the Red Violin Concerto, so hearing The Ghosts of Versailles for the first time was a wonderful surprise. Ghosts is still dramatic, but also very funny, and a great satire on opera of the past. Corigliano fluently shifts musical gears throughout, incorporating many styles and genres. There is another recording available by the LA Opera on Penatone Records, and I'd say both are excellent but this new one shown below is the one I just received from ArkivMusic last week and my 1st run-through of Ghosts which also features a documentary on Corigliano.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71n77ERmXqL._SL1200_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Daverz on June 14, 2021, 02:28:26 PM
Beethoven: Symphony No. 3

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ODm4kiW6L.jpg)

Harnoncourt is the conductor, a live recording from 1983.  The playing, the conducting (no perverseness from Harnoncourt in this outing) and the sonics all blow me away.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on June 15, 2021, 07:32:45 PM
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on June 14, 2021, 01:53:15 PM
I generally associate Corigliano with heavy, darkly-dramatic music similar to his two symphonies, and even the Red Violin Concerto, so hearing The Ghosts of Versailles for the first time was a wonderful surprise. Ghosts is still dramatic, but also very funny, and a great satire on opera of the past. Corigliano fluently shifts musical gears throughout, incorporating many styles and genres. There is another recording available by the LA Opera on Penatone Records, and I'd say both are excellent but this new one shown below is the one I just received from ArkivMusic last week and my 1st run-through of Ghosts which also features a documentary on Corigliano.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71n77ERmXqL._SL1200_.jpg)

The original production is available on the Met On Demand Site. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 15, 2021, 07:34:51 PM
Pretty much everything I've heard from Dvořák recently. Such a consistent composer of high quality works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 15, 2021, 08:46:44 PM
Golijov: The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind, for klezmer clarinet and string quartet

Wow, this sounds sooo cool!!! It's mystic and fun at once with a quite accentuated Jewish flavor. The players had a fantastic time performing this, I suspect.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/BIS-2188.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 15, 2021, 08:50:41 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 15, 2021, 08:46:44 PM
Golijov: The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind, for klezmer clarinet and string quartet

Wow, this sounds sooo cool!!! It's mystic and fun at once with a quite accentuated Jewish flavor. The players had a fantastic time performing this, I suspect.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/BIS-2188.jpg)

Oh...let's hope Karl doesn't see this post. He has some interesting thoughts on this composer. ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on June 17, 2021, 02:10:17 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 15, 2021, 08:46:44 PM
Golijov: The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind, for klezmer clarinet and string quartet

Wow, this sounds sooo cool!!! It's mystic and fun at once with a quite accentuated Jewish flavor. The players had a fantastic time performing this, I suspect.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/BIS-2188.jpg)
+1 I have a different recording of it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on June 18, 2021, 07:34:49 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 15, 2021, 08:46:44 PM
Golijov: The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind, for klezmer clarinet and string quartet

Wow, this sounds sooo cool!!! It's mystic and fun at once with a quite accentuated Jewish flavor. The players had a fantastic time performing this, I suspect.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/BIS-2188.jpg)

Did the police ever capture the 4 clarinetists who clearly stabbed this guy (apparently not fatally though!)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on June 18, 2021, 08:12:42 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on June 18, 2021, 07:34:49 AM
Did the police ever capture the 4 clarinetists who clearly stabbed this guy (apparently not fatally though!)
HAHA! Excellent!

Kalnins 6th Symphony (2001)
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 18, 2021, 09:51:07 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on June 18, 2021, 07:34:49 AM
Did the police ever capture the 4 clarinetists who clearly stabbed this guy (apparently not fatally though!)
:laugh:  :)

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 23, 2021, 08:28:28 AM
I revisiting Khachaturian's Three Concert Arias yesterday and WOW!!! Incredibly impressive piece. I think he would've made one of hell of an operatic composer if he had chose to go in that creative direction.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 23, 2021, 10:56:59 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 23, 2021, 08:28:28 AM
I revisiting Khachaturian's Three Concert Arias yesterday and WOW!!! Incredibly impressive piece. I think he would've made one of hell of an operatic composer if he had chose to go in that creative direction.

I don't know this work yet. I'll have to give it a try on these days.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 23, 2021, 10:58:18 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 23, 2021, 10:56:59 AM
I don't know this work yet. I'll have to give it a try on these days.

Be sure to listen to the Tjeknavorian performance of this work. The CPO performance just isn't up to snuff.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 29, 2021, 08:18:12 PM
Cello Sonata

IMPRESSIVE WORK!!! Man, these performers had the workout of their lives playing this!! Fiendishly difficult piece which must be a real thrill to hear live. The effects Ginastera got from these instruments are just mind-blowing. Extraordinary!!!

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.570569.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 29, 2021, 08:24:03 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 29, 2021, 08:18:12 PM
Cello Sonata

IMPRESSIVE WORK!!! Man, these performers had the workout of their lives playing this!! Fiendishly difficult piece which must be a real thrill to hear live. The effects Ginastera got from these instruments are just mind-blowing. Extraordinary!!!

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.570569.jpg)

I agree! That's a great disc.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 29, 2021, 09:13:13 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 23, 2021, 10:58:18 AM
Be sure to listen to the Tjeknavorian performance of this work. The CPO performance just isn't up to snuff.

Nice disc. I will check the CPO set.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on June 30, 2021, 08:29:02 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 29, 2021, 08:18:12 PM
Cello Sonata

IMPRESSIVE WORK!!! Man, these performers had the workout of their lives playing this!! Fiendishly difficult piece which must be a real thrill to hear live. The effects Ginastera got from these instruments are just mind-blowing. Extraordinary!!!

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.570569.jpg)

Oh yes, that's a really cool work! Surely one of the most technically difficult and exciting cello sonatas in the repertoire. Some of Ginastera's later works are a bit too "thorny" for my tastes (e.g. his cello concerti), but the Cello Sonata strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and "modernistic" effects. I haven't heard that Naxos recording, but there's this stunning performance on YT: https://youtu.be/EeR-7vTWc9A
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 30, 2021, 09:28:18 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 29, 2021, 08:24:03 PM
I agree! That's a great disc.

It is! Today I listened to the other works and my admiration for this composer grew significantly.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 30, 2021, 09:31:59 AM
Quote from: kyjo on June 30, 2021, 08:29:02 AM
Oh yes, that's a really cool work! Surely one of the most technically difficult and exciting cello sonatas in the repertoire. Some of Ginastera's later works are a bit too "thorny" for my tastes (e.g. his cello concerti), but the Cello Sonata strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and "modernistic" effects. I haven't heard that Naxos recording, but there's this stunning performance on YT: https://youtu.be/EeR-7vTWc9A

You put it very well there, Kyle. That was what I felt too. Watching the video is also interesting to notice the acrobatics of both players.

Are you gonna learn and play this sonata in the future?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 02, 2021, 05:47:26 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 30, 2021, 09:31:59 AM
You put it very well there, Kyle. That was what I felt too. Watching the video is also interesting to notice the acrobatics of both players.

Are you gonna learn and play this sonata in the future?

I hope so! It'll probably be a while before that happens, though. ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 05, 2021, 07:51:33 PM
Jean Huré (1877-1930): Piano Quintet (1913)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71niBQn1b1L._SX425_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/OTPuNfkVV6Q

*MASTERPIECE ALERT!!!* I had listened to this work before a few years ago, and my very positive memories were reinforced yesterday. Words fail me as to how a work of this stature should be so utterly unknown?! My God, this has to be one of the most ineffably beautiful, life-affirming works in the chamber music repertoire. It's in one single movement with multiple sub-sections, lasting a total of half an hour. The pastoral opening conjures up images of the French countryside on a bright, breezy summer morning; it's so incredibly evocative with really cool pizzicato and col legno effects in the strings. Towards the middle of the work, the music becomes much more dramatic and sometimes mysterious, and in the sunset-like coda, the music of the opening returns in a most touching way. Huré really creates a sense of "journey" throughout the work and the end feels like a true "homecoming".

Sacrilege, perhaps, but I prefer this work to - say - Fauré's two revered works in the medium, both of which I still find quite elusive. I am dying to hear more of Huré's music - his worklist includes, amongst other things, three symphonies, a concerto each for violin and cello, four cello sonatas, and two string quartets - but there is nothing available besides the accompanying Violin Sonata on this disc (which I have yet to hear) and one of the cello sonatas on another. This is a situation that needs to be rectified immediately - are you listening, record companies?? On the evidence of this Quintet alone, Huré is clearly a major composer who demands rediscovery. As I've said in another post, I've tried to be more critical in my listening recently to determine which works are truly deserving of being called a "masterpiece" and/or "unjustly forgotten" - words that tend to get "thrown around" a lot. But, IMO, in the case of Huré's magnificent Quintet, both of these descriptors are quite warranted! :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: bhodges on July 05, 2021, 08:02:58 PM
Thanks, I had a spare minute, am listening now, and I agree, it's gorgeous.

--Bruce
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on July 06, 2021, 12:42:33 AM
Ideal listening for a rainy morning.

Frightening how much gorgeous music of composers I have not heard of! Thanks for posting, Kyjo.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on July 06, 2021, 08:03:58 AM
Quote from: Irons on July 06, 2021, 12:42:33 AM
Ideal listening for a rainy morning.

Frightening how much gorgeous music of composers I have not heard of! Thanks for posting, Kyjo.

+1

Another one to keep an eye for !
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 06, 2021, 08:23:10 AM
It's lovely Kyjo!  A bit surprised though to read that Fauré's works haven't yet clicked with you.  I have one with Domus which I really like.  Have you heard those recordings?  Also, do you like any other Fauré pieces of music?

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on July 06, 2021, 08:46:01 AM
Quote from: kyjo on July 05, 2021, 07:51:33 PM
Jean Huré (1877-1930): Piano Quintet (1913)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71niBQn1b1L._SX425_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/OTPuNfkVV6Q

*MASTERPIECE ALERT!!!* I had listened to this work before a few years ago, and my very positive memories were reinforced yesterday. Words fail me as to how a work of this stature should be so utterly unknown?! My God, this has to be one of the most ineffably beautiful, life-affirming works in the chamber music repertoire. It's in one single movement with multiple sub-sections, lasting a total of half an hour. The pastoral opening conjures up images of the French countryside on a bright, breezy summer morning; it's so incredibly evocative with really cool pizzicato and col legno effects in the strings. Towards the middle of the work, the music becomes much more dramatic and sometimes mysterious, and in the sunset-like coda, the music of the opening returns in a most touching way. Huré really creates a sense of "journey" throughout the work and the end feels like a true "homecoming".

Sacrilege, perhaps, but I prefer this work to - say - Fauré's two revered works in the medium, both of which I still find quite elusive. I am dying to hear more of Huré's music - his worklist includes, amongst other things, three symphonies, a concerto each for violin and cello, four cello sonatas, and two string quartets - but there is nothing available besides the accompanying Violin Sonata on this disc (which I have yet to hear) and one of the cello sonatas on another. This is a situation that needs to be rectified immediately - are you listening, record companies?? On the evidence of this Quintet alone, Huré is clearly a major composer who demands rediscovery. As I've said in another post, I've tried to be more critical in my listening recently to determine which works are truly deserving of being called a "masterpiece" and/or "unjustly forgotten" - words that tend to get "thrown around" a lot. But, IMO, in the case of Huré's magnificent Quintet, both of these descriptors are quite warranted! :)

Thanks for the heads-up - a completely unknown (to me) name.  Interested to see on IMSLP there are 2 String Quartets and a Cello Sonata(!) too and the Piano Quintet coupling on this disc can be heard on YouTube as well (the 2nd violinist ignores nearly all the dynamic and expressive markings in the opening - but plays beautifully!)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 06, 2021, 05:36:31 PM
I remember hearing the Huré long ago. It's absolutely enchanting. I had to listen to it again on the strength of what Kyle and others have posted. Lovely stuff.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 06, 2021, 07:15:41 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 06, 2021, 08:23:10 AM
It's lovely Kyjo!  A bit surprised though to read that Fauré's works haven't yet clicked with you.  I have one with Domus which I really like.  Have you heard those recordings?  Also, do you like any other Fauré pieces of music?

PD

It's mainly Fauré's two piano quintets that haven't quite clicked with me yet; don't get me wrong, I don't dislike them at all, and they do have some beautiful and memorable moments. However, I do find them harmonically elusive and emotionally quite subdued - which is not a bad thing at all, as it's probably what Fauré intended. They are certainly works that require attentive listening and cannot be used as background music. (I have heard the Domus and a few other recordings.) I do have a great affection for several of Fauré's other works, particularly the Requiem, both piano quartets (especially the first), the Piano Trio, and both violin sonatas.

P.S. Pleased to read that the Huré was a hit with so many of you! :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 06, 2021, 07:39:06 PM
Foss: Piano Concertos nos. 1 and 2

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41DhEKjUQBL.jpg)

The music of Lukas Foss doesn't receive much mention on this forum, much less anywhere else, but he was definitely a significant composer if these two piano concerti from early in his career are any indication. I've read that his later style is much more "difficult" and avant-garde, but these two concerti are fabulously attractive and inventive works written in a very personal neo-classical style - they really don't particularly sound like anyone else. IMO, they can stand in the company of the greatest 20th century piano concerti. Here's Amazon reviewer G.D.'s assessment of the music, which I very much agree with:


"Although these piano concertos may not be entirely representative of the composer - they are both relatively early works - they are marvelous creations, brimful of ideas and inventive twists and turns. The first concerto was originally composed for clarinet in 1939 (when the composer was seventeen) and reworked for piano in 1943. While not the most original work of its time - Hindemith looms large - it is nevertheless delightful. The first movement is very much reminiscent of Prokofiev's somewhat ambiguously smiling neo-classicism, thematically memorable and exuberant, flowing over with ideas. The slow movement is simply beautiful despite (or because of) its often spicy harmonies. The finale is ebullient, bright and colorful, full of brilliant virtuoso passages; at the time of the culmination one has to conclude that Foss's concerto doesn't contain a single passage that is less than hugely enjoyable and attractive.

The second concerto dates from 1950, and by this time Foss has moved toward a more personal style - indebted to Stravinsky, to be sure, but still recognizable as an individual voice. It is more ambitious than the first concerto, and also more complex, but no less rewarding. The opening movement is dramatic, painted with bold strokes yet full of dazzling virtuoso passages. While the first movement tends toward the romantic, the slow movement is more obviously detached (in the manner of Stravinsky); yet it makes a deep impact, as does the vital, vivacious finale, the most "American"-sounding of the movements. Overall, this is again a superbly engaging work, imaginative, colorful, and memorable.

The performances are scintillating, and both soloists (Jon Nakamatsu in the first, Yakov Kasman in the second) turn in brilliant, even thrilling, handlings of the solo parts. They are excellently accompanied by the Pacific Symphony Orchestra under Carl St. Clair. "
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on July 07, 2021, 06:42:23 AM
+1 to everything you wrote, Kyle !  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 11, 2021, 04:39:53 PM
Yesterday I was on a mini-marathon listening to some first symphonies, and I stumbled upon two rediscoveries of a high caliber. These are not first listens to these works, of course, but I have to say I was blown away by these symphonies:

Wellesz: Symphony No. 1

I can't believe I didn't have memories of this astounding work. It has some echoes of Mahler, yet this piece has more fierceness and more edge. It's in three movements, where the first two contain the energy and drive (btw, the ending of the 1st movement is tremendous), whilst the 3rd one is the slow movement of significant depth, to the point of being touching.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/999998-2.jpg)


Scriabin: Symphony No. 1 in E major

What spectacularly ravishing it is!!! I swear I didn't know why I didn't have this work in higher esteem. Something to indulge yourself, to wallow in sheer opulence and gorgeous lyricism. This performance does full justice to the greatness of this majestic work. I enjoyed the slow movements the most. The most fascinating music is in them.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51CFCRMJ8BL._SY355_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 14, 2021, 06:56:57 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 11, 2021, 04:39:53 PM
Yesterday I was on a mini-marathon listening to some first symphonies, and I stumbled upon two rediscoveries of a high caliber. These are not first listens to these works, of course, but I have to say I was blown away by these symphonies:

Wellesz: Symphony No. 1

I can't believe I didn't have memories of this astounding work. It has some echoes of Mahler, yet this piece has more fierceness and more edge. It's in three movements, where the first two contain the energy and drive (btw, the ending of the 1st movement is tremendous), whilst the 3rd one is the slow movement of significant depth, to the point of being touching.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/999998-2.jpg)


Scriabin: Symphony No. 1 in E major

What spectacularly ravishing it is!!! I swear I didn't know why I didn't have this work in higher esteem. Something to indulge yourself, to wallow in sheer opulence and gorgeous lyricism. This performance does full justice to the greatness of this majestic work. I enjoyed the slow movements the most. The most fascinating music is in them.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51CFCRMJ8BL._SY355_.jpg)

The final movements of both of those symphonies are the highlights for me. That of the Wellesz is quite moving in a neo-Brucknerian/Mahlerian sort of way, and that of the Scriabin is an ecstatic paean to life.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 24, 2021, 09:40:05 AM
Khachaturian: Symphony no. 1 (LSO/Tjeknavorian)

https://youtu.be/DE6t0E5WCSw

WOW! I had previously only heard Tjeknavorian's recording with the Armenian Philharmonic on ASV, which is certainly not as great as this one with the LSO. Jeffrey/vandermolen has been absolutely right in saying it's a travesty that this performance has never been reissued on CD - so thank you Rodders for uploading it to YT!

As for the work itself, the first movement is so utterly magnificent that the following two movements, fine as they are, don't quite live up to it IMO. The finale does, undoubtedly, have a rather start-and-stop feel at times. But, my God, that first movement!! It contains some of the most intoxicatingly colorful, rhythmically vital, and thrilling music I know, building up a real head of steam as it progresses. I also noticed that the work lacks the occasional crude bombast that can infiltrate many of K's later works - much as I enjoy them. I cannot understand why - despite Khachaturian being a reasonably well-known composer - this magnificent symphony of his has only received one CD recording!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 24, 2021, 11:06:17 AM
Quote from: kyjo on July 24, 2021, 09:40:05 AM
Khachaturian: Symphony no. 1 (LSO/Tjeknavorian)

https://youtu.be/DE6t0E5WCSw

WOW! I had previously only heard Tjeknavorian's recording with the Armenian Philharmonic on ASV, which is certainly not as great as this one with the LSO. Jeffrey/vandermolen has been absolutely right in saying it's a travesty that this performance has never been reissued on CD - so thank you Rodders for uploading it to YT!

As for the work itself, the first movement is so utterly magnificent that the following two movements, fine as they are, don't quite live up to it IMO. The finale does, undoubtedly, have a rather start-and-stop feel at times. But, my God, that first movement!! It contains some of the most intoxicatingly colorful, rhythmically vital, and thrilling music I know, building up a real head of steam as it progresses. I also noticed that the work lacks the occasional crude bombast that can infiltrate many of K's later works - much as I enjoy them. I cannot understand why - despite Khachaturian being a reasonably well-known composer - this magnificent symphony of his has only received one CD recording!

It's not the only CD recording. There is this too:

(https://is2-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music124/v4/7a/72/da/7a72da0f-b804-f85c-11e4-189afdc1b37f/cover.jpg/1200x1200bf-60.jpg)

I heard a bit of that video on YouTube, but it has some clicks that somehow annoy me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 24, 2021, 04:43:17 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 24, 2021, 11:06:17 AM
It's not the only CD recording. There is this too:

(https://is2-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music124/v4/7a/72/da/7a72da0f-b804-f85c-11e4-189afdc1b37f/cover.jpg/1200x1200bf-60.jpg)

I heard a bit of that video on YouTube, but it has some clicks that somehow annoy me.

Thanks Cesar - I wasn't aware of that one! I'll be giving it a spin soon.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 26, 2021, 07:32:45 PM
Wellesz - Symphony no. 3

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/710nbZTtRqL._SX355_.jpg)

Listening to the finale as I type...magnificent music!! Having been impressed by his first two symphonies, I found myself even more enthralled with his Third. This is serious music that has a sense of purpose and is cogently and accessibly written - there is no "waste". I love music like this that has effective contrast between consonant, tonal passages and more dissonant, chromatic passages. One can sense that this is the kind of work Bruckner might've written had he lived a couple decades longer - the sonorous brass writing is superb. I'm approaching his later symphonies with a bit of trepidation, having read that they're more "difficult", but I'm sure they're still rewarding. I ought to get to know Wellesz's large output more!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 26, 2021, 07:35:53 PM
Quote from: kyjo on July 26, 2021, 07:32:45 PM
Wellesz - Symphony no. 3

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/710nbZTtRqL._SX355_.jpg)

Listening to the finale as I type...magnificent music!! Having been impressed by his first two symphonies, I found myself even more enthralled with his Third. This is serious music that has a sense of purpose and is cogently and accessibly written - there is no "waste". I love music like this that has effective contrast between consonant, tonal passages and more dissonant, chromatic passages. One can sense that this is the kind of work Bruckner might've written had he lived a couple decades longer - the sonorous brass writing is superb. I'm approaching his later symphonies with a bit of trepidation, having read that they're more "difficult", but I'm sure they're still rewarding. I ought to get to know Wellesz's large output more!

You're getting closer and closer to the Second Viennese School, Kyle. The dark side is beckoning you. Give in to the shadow master. >:D ;D

P. S. The Wellesz sounds good. I own that CPO box set, but I haven't listened to any of his music in probably 12-13 years.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 26, 2021, 07:54:41 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on July 26, 2021, 07:35:53 PM
You're getting closer and closer to the Second Viennese School, Kyle. The dark side is beckoning you. Give in to the shadow master. >:D ;D

P. S. The Wellesz sounds good. I own that CPO box set, but I haven't listened to any of his music in probably 12-13 years.

Hahahaha. :laugh: I usually keep skirting around the edges of the 2nd VS without actually paying them a visit...I really just ought to "take the bull by the horns", so to speak. You've inspired me, John - I'll make a conscious effort to listen to at least one mature work by one of "The Three" in the next couple days. ;)

P.S. John and I are cool now - I finally decided to stop childishly ignoring him and put an end to such silly, unnecessary bickering. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 26, 2021, 08:04:53 PM
Quote from: kyjo on July 26, 2021, 07:54:41 PM
Hahahaha. :laugh: I usually keep skirting around the edges of the 2nd VS without actually paying them a visit...I really just ought to "take the bull by the horns", so to speak. You've inspired me, John - I'll make a conscious effort to listen to at least one mature work by one of "The Three" in the next couple days. ;)

P.S. John and I are cool now - I finally decided to stop childishly ignoring him and put an end to such silly, unnecessary bickering. :)

Yeah, now I don't know if you'll like Webern all that much (I'm still a bit ambivalent about this composer), but I love much of Schoenberg and Berg. FWIW, I think it is entirely possible to love Atterberg and Schoenberg. ;) For me, it is all a matter of understanding that both of these composers were completely different, but I do believe that both had something valid and rewarding to say. It's just one is more immediately accessible than the other. Give the Schoenberg Five Pieces for Orchestra a listen and let me know what you think. I think it's entirely possible you'll enjoy this.

P.S. Yes, to those out there in GMG land, Kyle and I have buried the hatchet and have let bygones be bygones. Life's too short for all of this and for anyone else who is reading that I've said many things that were either out-of-line, hurtful or just downright nasty, I want to apologize. I'm truly sorry. I just want to come to this forum and share my love for this music the only way I know how to and I look at GMG as a community of like-minded, passionate listeners that simply want to escape their own lives to talk about what makes them happy: music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on July 26, 2021, 09:19:18 PM
Quote from: kyjo on July 24, 2021, 04:43:17 PM
Thanks Cesar - I wasn't aware of that one! I'll be giving it a spin soon.
The Symphony No.1 was also recorded by Alexander Gauk - a fine performance but a historic recording - still worth hearing.

(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 27, 2021, 08:31:20 PM
Quote from: kyjo on July 26, 2021, 07:32:45 PM
Wellesz - Symphony no. 3

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/710nbZTtRqL._SX355_.jpg)

Listening to the finale as I type...magnificent music!! Having been impressed by his first two symphonies, I found myself even more enthralled with his Third. This is serious music that has a sense of purpose and is cogently and accessibly written - there is no "waste". I love music like this that has effective contrast between consonant, tonal passages and more dissonant, chromatic passages. One can sense that this is the kind of work Bruckner might've written had he lived a couple decades longer - the sonorous brass writing is superb. I'm approaching his later symphonies with a bit of trepidation, having read that they're more "difficult", but I'm sure they're still rewarding. I ought to get to know Wellesz's large output more!

Indeed, this could be my favorite of his symphonies. IIRC, the slow movement is especially magnificent. The symphonies from No. 5 (or 6) on are tougher nuts to crack, but as you say, they have compelling music that invites to persevere on them.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 28, 2021, 05:39:44 PM
Thread duty -

Panufnik: Bassoon Concerto

(https://albumart.primephonic.com/s900/761203768622.jpg)

Oh, I have so much to write as so many thoughts are swirling around my mind when I'm thinking about this particular work from Panufnik. But, I'll keep this enthusiastic post rather short --- I believe this is one of those works that is a buried treasure and with Panufnik, which, actually now that I think about it, isn't saying much considering that much of his oeuvre is seldom discussed or even recorded outside such enterprising labels like CPO, Ondine or Chandos (or, at least, they used to be). The Bassoon Concerto is bookended by some jabs from the strings as if to inflect some kind of pain or even torture (but, thankfully, the music isn't torture to listen to ;)). The centerpiece of this concerto is the 11 minute Aria, which reveals some kind of grief and my mind didn't wander one bit when listening to this particular movement as I found it to be almost like a journey of some kind. Where that journey leads the listener I have no idea, but you do get the sense that there's a narrative throughout this entire work and I think that's why I find it so alluring. It's not just a stand up and write one scale after another that will challenge the bassoonist. There is considerable thought put into how the bassoon sounds and what it's actually saying musically speaking. Anyway, I urge any of you to give this concerto a listen. You may like it, you may not, but this CPO recording has actually caused me to go and seek out the other recorded performance with the conductor himself on the podium. Should be interesting.

Edit: I see there's a new recording on Hyperion that contained this concerto...hmmm....and I just bought it. ;D It's a 2-CD set called Voyage of a sea-god. The repertoire in this set looks interesting.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on July 28, 2021, 06:06:26 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 30, 2021, 09:28:18 AM
It is! Today I listened to the other works and my admiration for this composer grew significantly.

Excellent!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 28, 2021, 08:46:05 PM
It has been awhile since I have heard anything new that blew me away.

At timed I think I give the impressions that I think all contemporary music is good.  The reality is that very rarely connect with modern music.  I recently heard a CD of contemporary chamber music by English composers.  The first work was very interesting.  But all of the remaining works sounded just like the first one even though they were written by different composers.

Then I discovered the following disc:


(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/886449092291.jpg)

I have always liked the music of Foss and Bergsma.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on July 29, 2021, 06:53:23 PM
After a drought another winner.  This time a 19th century female composer: Louise Farrenc.



(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/190296698446.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on July 30, 2021, 01:34:12 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on July 28, 2021, 08:46:05 PM
It has been awhile since I have heard anything new that blew me away.

At timed I think I give the impressions that I think all contemporary music is good.  The reality is that very rarely connect with modern music.  I recently heard a CD of contemporary chamber music by English composers.  The first work was very interesting.  But all of the remaining works sounded just like the first one even though they were written by different composers.

Then I discovered the following disc:


(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/886449092291.jpg)

I have always liked the music of Foss and Bergsma.
Great disc and the Bergsma in particular is very fine. From the Juillard early Columbia recordings set.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on July 30, 2021, 04:19:32 PM
Not at all new to me, but they blew me away afresh:

The Shostakovich Fourth and Seventh Symphonies
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 30, 2021, 05:25:25 PM
Szymanowski: String Quartet No. 1

How couldn't I remember the brilliance of this work? It's full of wonderful chromatic gestures. The 2nd movement struck me like intimate and sensuous. A masterpiece.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 30, 2021, 07:37:20 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on July 30, 2021, 04:19:32 PM
Not at all new to me, but they blew me away afresh:

The Shostakovich Fourth and Seventh Symphonies

I'm always astonished when I hear these symphonies, too, Karl.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on July 31, 2021, 01:05:34 AM
Nino Rota: Symphony No.1 (1936-39)
This has grown and grown on me, so now I can't stop playing it  ;D
Rather like the lovely and charming 'Symphonie' by Jean-Michel Damase, it appears initially to be a cheerful, and light work, but there is an underlying slumbering power which is fully realised in the inspiriting and moving conclusion:
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 04, 2021, 08:33:06 PM
Karlowicz: Violin Concerto

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71RQTzgfiUL._SY355_.jpg)

I know this thread is supposed to be for works you're hearing for the first time, and I've heard this one multiple times before. But every time I listen to this gorgeous work, my love for it grows. In fact, I have no shame in proclaiming that it's my favorite violin concerto of all time! I prefer it quite strongly to almost every other Romantic-era violin concerto - the only others that come close for me are Sibelius, Saint-Saens 3, and Dvorak. Composed just one opus number after his "Rebirth" Symphony, which I was recently rather critical of in the WAYLT thread, it is blessed with a heavenly melodic inspiration from beginning to end. The writing for the solo violin is virtuosic but never annoyingly showy, and the orchestral part is superbly woven into the overall fabric of the work and is never subservient to the soloist. In short, it's my idea of a perfect Romantic concerto. There have been a number of fine recordings of this concerto (of which the above recent Tasmin Little is one of the best), but now it's time for it to enter the concert repertoire. Who couldn't love it??


Juon: The complete works for piano trio (Piano Trios nos. 1-3, Litaniae, Legend, and Suite)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51NeYj8v9EL._SY355_.jpg)

Ignore the rather trite cover art (although, come to think of it, the opening ostinato of the Piano Trio no. 1 is rather train-like)! This is a wonderfully consistent, stimulating, enchanting, and original body of work for piano trio worthy of comparison with anything by the greats. Some GMG members have commented positively on Juon's SQs, but to my mind his substantial body of chamber music with piano is his finest achievement. As a Russian-born Swiss composer, Juon's music defies easy categorization, and that is what makes is so unique and appealing to me. Only in the Piano Trio no. 1 can one detect any hints of, say, Brahms. Juon has a wonderfully distinctive voice which is characterized by an engaging sense of fantasy and formal freedom (without lack of structure or cohesion), inspired and striking melodic material, inventive part-writing, and an absolutely delightful folksy influence which can't resist to rear its head often. Oh, and fortunately the performances by the Altenberg Trio Wein are beyond reproach - aside from being technically brilliant, they are totally inside Juon's idiom and play with fire and sensitivity. The highlight of the set might even be the 13-minute Suite, op. 89, which is full of such delicious invention it made me grin from ear to ear. I urge you to hear it! https://youtu.be/X9_v-Ntijd8


Haydn: Piano/Keyboard Concertos nos. 3 (F maj), 4 (G maj), and 11 (D maj)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51-II83OH0L._SX355_.jpg)

In lesser performances, these works would probably not have impressed me as much. (I did sample a bit of the "Complete Keyboard Concertos" album on CPO with Melodie Zhao and the Camerata Schweiz under Howard Griffiths and was pretty underwhelmed.) But what absolutely fantastic performances they receive here by Bavouzet and the Manchester Camerata under Gabor Takacs-Nagy! They bring out all the brilliance, wit, and drama in Haydn's music in marvelously full-bodied performances that reject HIP notions of clangy keyboard and thin string tone (okay, that's an over-generalization ;D) while bringing the same kind of dynamic energy that those performances can possess. I hope that these same forces go on to record more of Haydn's keyboard concerti, but in the meantime I see Bavouzet has recorded 9 volumes of Haydn's piano sonatas - should be worth hearing!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: fbjim on August 05, 2021, 07:02:05 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/W0glGqe.jpg)
My listening to Subotnik has been limited to Silver Apples... up to now- I maybe unfairly tagged him as someone who was more a technical pioneer than a fully fledged great artist, but this and "The Key to Songs" are really, really hitting the spot.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 07, 2021, 06:31:19 AM
Quote from: kyjo on August 04, 2021, 08:33:06 PM
Karlowicz: Violin Concerto

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71RQTzgfiUL._SY355_.jpg)

I know this thread is supposed to be for works you're hearing for the first time, and I've heard this one multiple times before. But every time I listen to this gorgeous work, my love for it grows. In fact, I have no shame in proclaiming that it's my favorite violin concerto of all time! I prefer it quite strongly to almost every other Romantic-era violin concerto - the only others that come close for me are Sibelius, Saint-Saens 3, and Dvorak. Composed just one opus number after his "Rebirth" Symphony, which I was recently rather critical of in the WAYLT thread, it is blessed with a heavenly melodic inspiration from beginning to end. The writing for the solo violin is virtuosic but never annoyingly showy, and the orchestral part is superbly woven into the overall fabric of the work and is never subservient to the soloist. In short, it's my idea of a perfect Romantic concerto. There have been a number of fine recordings of this concerto (of which the above recent Tasmin Little is one of the best), but now it's time for it to enter the concert repertoire. Who couldn't love it??


Juon: The complete works for piano trio (Piano Trios nos. 1-3, Litaniae, Legend, and Suite)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51NeYj8v9EL._SY355_.jpg)

Ignore the rather trite cover art (although, come to think of it, the opening ostinato of the Piano Trio no. 1 is rather train-like)! This is a wonderfully consistent, stimulating, enchanting, and original body of work for piano trio worthy of comparison with anything by the greats. Some GMG members have commented positively on Juon's SQs, but to my mind his substantial body of chamber music with piano is his finest achievement. As a Russian-born Swiss composer, Juon's music defies easy categorization, and that is what makes is so unique and appealing to me. Only in the Piano Trio no. 1 can one detect any hints of, say, Brahms. Juon has a wonderfully distinctive voice which is characterized by an engaging sense of fantasy and formal freedom (without lack of structure or cohesion), inspired and striking melodic material, inventive part-writing, and an absolutely delightful folksy influence which can't resist to rear its head often. Oh, and fortunately the performances by the Altenberg Trio Wein are beyond reproach - aside from being technically brilliant, they are totally inside Juon's idiom and play with fire and sensitivity. The highlight of the set might even be the 13-minute Suite, op. 89, which is full of such delicious invention it made me grin from ear to ear. I urge you to hear it! https://youtu.be/X9_v-Ntijd8


Haydn: Piano/Keyboard Concertos nos. 3 (F maj), 4 (G maj), and 11 (D maj)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51-II83OH0L._SX355_.jpg)

In lesser performances, these works would probably not have impressed me as much. (I did sample a bit of the "Complete Keyboard Concertos" album on CPO with Melodie Zhao and the Camerata Schweiz under Howard Griffiths and was pretty underwhelmed.) But what absolutely fantastic performances they receive here by Bavouzet and the Manchester Camerata under Gabor Takacs-Nagy! They bring out all the brilliance, wit, and drama in Haydn's music in marvelously full-bodied performances that reject HIP notions of clangy keyboard and thin string tone (okay, that's an over-generalization ;D) while bringing the same kind of dynamic energy that those performances can possess. I hope that these same forces go on to record more of Haydn's keyboard concerti, but in the meantime I see Bavouzet has recorded 9 volumes of Haydn's piano sonatas - should be worth hearing!

No one else shares my admiration for these works? :(
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 07, 2021, 06:55:45 AM
Quote from: kyjo on August 07, 2021, 06:31:19 AM
No one else shares my admiration for these works? :(

I have to pass here, Kyle. The Karlowicz features nice moments, but I don't find it as great as you do. In addition, the recording is not the best elther. The solo violin sounds distant. I had to turn the volume up to hear it a little better. Being a Chandos recording, I wonder why this happened.

The Juon Trios impressed me at some extent, but I don't remember them well. As to the Haydn, I'm not familiar with his concertos, so I should rectify that.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on August 07, 2021, 08:30:28 AM
Quote from: kyjo on August 07, 2021, 06:31:19 AM
No one else shares my admiration for these works? :(

I certainly like the Karlowicz concerto a lot (I have 2 versions of it) and the Szymanowski 2 is a firm favourite.

I just ordered some Paul Juon orchestral music. I discovered this composer recently and have been quite impressed.

As for the Haydn concertos I know them well, especially the D major with the rondo all'ungarese. I must say I prefer it in its harpsichord version though. It has definitely more zip than on the modern piano !
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 07, 2021, 03:55:28 PM
Something to really being blown away by!!

Giacinto Scelsi: Hymnos for orchestra


One of those occasions where I got more shocked by a new discovery than other times. A feature that drew my attention is the almost totally absence of rhythm. One of the most gripping, bewitching, atmospheric, haunting, mesmerizing, and epic pieces of music I've ever heard in my life!! The orchestration is given to convey an atmosphere like in a calm-severe and dark-tone alien landscape! A masterpiece of the highest caliber.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on August 07, 2021, 07:36:57 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on August 07, 2021, 03:55:28 PM
Something to really being blown away by!!

Giacinto Scelsi: Hymnos for orchestra


One of those occasions where I got more shocked by a new discovery than other times. A feature that drew my attention is the almost totally absence of rhythm. One of the most gripping, bewitching, atmospheric, haunting, mesmerizing, and epic pieces of music I've ever heard in my life!! The orchestration is given to convey an atmosphere like in a calm-severe and dark-tone alien landscape! A masterpiece of the highest caliber.

Yeah, I love that work, too. Scelsi's textures and approach to atmosphere in music is completely singular.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 07, 2021, 09:44:16 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on August 07, 2021, 07:36:57 PM
Yeah, I love that work, too. Scelsi's textures and approach to atmosphere in music is completely singular.

Exactly, his sound world is fascinating to say the least. I'm eager to hear more works by him.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on August 08, 2021, 07:57:27 PM
I am not familiar with the piano music of Bruch:

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/555258-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 09, 2021, 05:36:28 AM
Alexander Brincken: Symphony No.4
(//)
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2020/Jan/Brincken_orchestral_v1_TOCC0550.htm
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on August 09, 2021, 07:33:26 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 09, 2021, 05:36:28 AM
Alexander Brincken: Symphony No.4
(//)
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2020/Jan/Brincken_orchestral_v1_TOCC0550.htm

Very interesting, thanks Jeffrey !
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 09, 2021, 09:47:26 AM
Quote from: André on August 09, 2021, 07:33:26 AM
Very interesting, thanks Jeffrey !
Quite Brucknerian really André - you might like it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on August 10, 2021, 05:05:13 PM
Cross-posted from the 'Listening' thread:

Quote from: Mirror Image on August 10, 2021, 04:59:14 PM
NP:

Kodály
Variations on a Hungarian folk song, "The Peacock"
BSO
Leinsdorf


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/518JWhEjiNL.jpg)

WOW...!!!! The more I listen to this work, the more I'm blown away about it. The Dorati performance on Hungaroton I listened to earlier was great and this Leinsdorf performance turns it into a showpiece, which is a completely valid view of the work. It does contain many phenomenal musical passages that are colorful and just kind of bloom from all of the sections of the orchestra. I think both approaches work well and I'm now anxious to hear others in my collection.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on August 14, 2021, 07:49:15 PM
Cipriani Potter (1792-1871):

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/555274-2.jpg)

What I find interesting about many of these obscure 18th and 19th century composers is that their symphonies rarely appeal to me but I find their concerti to be fascinating.  I really liked the Introduzioni e Rondo for Piano & Orchestra.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 15, 2021, 02:46:58 PM
Recently it's been these works thus far:


J. S. Bach: Toccata and Fugue, BWV 540, for organ in F major

Exquisite, rigurous, melodic, uplifting, glorious counterpoint. What a complete joy meant listening to this astounding piece.


Lili Boulanger: Psaume 129, for chorus and orchestra

The more I listen to this piece, the more I consider Boulanger's talent for writing eloquent, tension-laden, imposing and deep choral works a thing of a genius. There is a sort of poetic transcendence over the notes I find quite compelling and epic in a kind of way.


Corentin Boissier: Glamour Concerto, for piano and orchestra (from a recent Toccata release)

A young French composer who didn't feel scared by the idea about writing an utterly unhinbitedly opulent, epic, deliberately colourful and passionate piano concerto in the 21st century. Its title might sound a bit trivial for some, but this work does have personality, lyricism, depth enough, melodies, lush and full-blooded pathos. For listeners who are fond of unabashed Romanticism, it's a must listen.

He also has a channel on YouTube where he uploads videos of unsung and, most of the cases, unfairly neglected composers' music. I've discovered a good bunch of worthy pieces there. I think my tastes overlap with his very good.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on August 15, 2021, 07:39:07 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on August 15, 2021, 02:46:58 PMLili Boulanger: Psaume 129, for chorus and orchestra

The more I listen to this piece, the more I consider Boulanger's talent for writing eloquent, tense-laden, imposing and deep choral works a thing of a genius. There is a sort of poetic transcendence over the notes I find quite compelling and epic in a kind of way.

Boulanger represents, for me, a fascinating crossroad between Fauré and Debussy. She's almost like the link between these composers. If I could prevent only one composer's death, it would be her's. We don't know what she would've sounded like at the height of powers, but going by what she composed before her passing, it would've been glorious.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 15, 2021, 08:51:18 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on August 15, 2021, 07:39:07 PM
Boulanger represents, for me, a fascinating crossroad between Fauré and Debussy. She's almost like the link between these composers. If I could prevent only one composer's death, it would be her's. We don't know what she would've sounded like at the height of powers, but going by what she composed before her passing, it would've been glorious.

I couldn't disagree with you, John. I really regret her premature death.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on August 15, 2021, 09:42:11 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on August 15, 2021, 08:51:18 PM
I couldn't disagree with you, John. I really regret her premature death.

Yes, indeed. I find her Pie Jesu to be incredibly poignant and touching, especially the performance conducted by her well-known sister:

https://www.youtube.com/v/sKR-eywonBk
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on August 15, 2021, 11:31:35 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on August 15, 2021, 07:39:07 PM
Boulanger represents, for me, a fascinating crossroad between Fauré and Debussy. She's almost like the link between these composers. If I could prevent only one composer's death, it would be her's. We don't know what she would've sounded like at the height of powers, but going by what she composed before her passing, it would've been glorious.

+1 for everything you write.  I suspect she would have been one of the major French 20th century composers.  My absolute wish performance of anything that has yet to appear on CD is;

(https://img.discogs.com/sLwv7Wj9Ql665jscAjnC6cMo5UQ=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-14858711-1582962410-3564.jpeg.jpg)

the sound is murky, the soprano often awful, the orchestral playing barely adequate but goodness Markevitch has the passionate measure of the main work and in the tenor Andre Mallabrera has the perfect lyric french voice.  The Chandos recording of Faust et Helene was such a disappointment with tenor Bonaventure Bottone comically (head-scratchingly) mis-cast.  In fact no-one comes close to Mallabrera who was a sadly under-recorded artist
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on August 16, 2021, 04:47:39 AM
Indeed, Mallabrera 'makes' the recording of Adolphe Adam's Si j'étais roi. A strong yet sweet and sappy voice.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on August 16, 2021, 06:20:00 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on August 15, 2021, 11:31:35 PM
+1 for everything you write.  I suspect she would have been one of the major French 20th century composers.  My absolute wish performance of anything that has yet to appear on CD is;

(https://img.discogs.com/sLwv7Wj9Ql665jscAjnC6cMo5UQ=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-14858711-1582962410-3564.jpeg.jpg)

the sound is murky, the soprano often awful, the orchestral playing barely adequate but goodness Markevitch has the passionate measure of the main work and in the tenor Andre Mallabrera has the perfect lyric french voice.  The Chandos recording of Faust et Helene was such a disappointment with tenor Bonaventure Bottone comically (head-scratchingly) mis-cast.  In fact no-one comes close to Mallabrera who was a sadly unrecorded artist

Yeah, I think she would've gone on to do some incredible things.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 16, 2021, 10:03:42 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on August 15, 2021, 09:42:11 PM
Yes, indeed. I find her Pie Jesu to be incredibly poignant and touching, especially the performance conducted by her well-known sister:

https://www.youtube.com/v/sKR-eywonBk

I don't remember having heard this precious work before. What heartfelt piece and performance. Thanks for sharing it!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on August 16, 2021, 04:24:14 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on August 16, 2021, 10:03:42 AM
I don't remember having heard this precious work before. What heartfelt piece and performance. Thanks for sharing it!

8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 16, 2021, 04:41:10 PM
Thank you for the posts, gents. I will check recordings of her works.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on August 18, 2021, 05:06:49 PM
I have to say I'm blown away by Gubaidulina's Fachwerk for bayan, percussion and string orchestra. What a piece! It takes you on a music journey unlike anything I've quite heard before. The last three-four minutes or so is especially thrilling. I have been ambivalent about Gubaidulina's work for quite some time, but I think I've finally found my access point. As a result, I ended up buying some more recordings of her music.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81PQtqXfUtL._SL1210_.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/v/BzA-yCxAf08
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 18, 2021, 08:29:05 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on August 18, 2021, 05:06:49 PM
I have to say I'm blown away by Gubaidulina's Fachwerk for bayan, percussion and string orchestra. What a piece! It takes you on a music journey unlike anything I've quite heard before. The last three-four minutes or so is especially thrilling. I have been ambivalent about Gubaidulina's work for quite some time, but I think I've finally found my access point. As a result, I ended up buying some more recordings of her music.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81PQtqXfUtL._SL1210_.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/v/BzA-yCxAf08

A piece that goes to my must-listen list. I'll be patient to listen to it properly.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on August 18, 2021, 08:40:36 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on August 18, 2021, 08:29:05 PM
A piece that goes to my must-listen list. I'll be patient to listen to it properly.

Always a good idea. With Gubaidulina's music, patience yields many rewards.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on August 24, 2021, 08:13:30 AM
Another Gubaidulina work that has blown me away from last night: Alleluja

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH9523.jpg)

As the case with Gubaidulina's music, it is incredibly moody and shrouded in shadow, but my goodness is it glorious. The instrumentation is mixed choir, boy soprano, organ and orchestra. This work would make a great concert coupling with some like Duruflé's Requiem for example. It would provide a remarkable contrast to this work. Anyway, what struck me about this Gubaidulina work is some of sheer brilliance of the orchestral writing, especially in climatic moments. It lasts around 35 minutes and the Kitajenko is the only recorded performance of it right now, but thankfully, it's well-played. 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on August 24, 2021, 09:00:26 PM
Just a follow-up to my last post, Cesar (SymphonicAddict) you've got to hear this Gubaidulina work!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 25, 2021, 08:14:43 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on August 24, 2021, 09:00:26 PM
Just a follow-up to my last post, Cesar (SymphonicAddict) you've got to hear this Gubaidulina work!

Don't hesitate, John. Both works sound like they are my cup of tea.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on August 25, 2021, 08:19:22 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on August 25, 2021, 08:14:43 AM
Don't hesitate, John. Both works sound like they are my cup of tea.

Yeah, I believe they might be up your alley.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 02, 2021, 07:13:34 PM
Petrassi: Magnificat (1939-40) and Salmo IX (1934-36)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/810-TmtZ3wL._SY355_.jpg)

This is mandatory listening for anyone who enjoys 20th century choral/orchestral music. These works aren't far removed from the "neo-archaic" aesthetic of Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms (though they're a bit "beefier"), and they aren't inferior to that masterpiece at all, particularly the Magnificat. Petrassi conjures up some incredibly imaginative sonorities from both the chorus and orchestra; in particular, the more mysterious passages are truly chilling!


Dallapiccola: Partita for orchestra (1930-32)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81OU5WyhXTL._SS500_.jpg)

My goodness, the 1930s was a wonderful decade for Italian music! Many kudos for Gianandrea Noseda for resurrecting this music, and in marvelous performances. One of Dallapiccola's earliest works (it's fully tonal), this is stunning stuff full of color, verve, and imagination. It's in a "big-boned neoclassical" style that's of a kind with the contemporaneous later works of Casella. There's some delicious saxophone writing at times as well as a beautiful soprano solo in the finale.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 04, 2021, 09:52:59 AM
Quote from: kyjo on September 02, 2021, 07:13:34 PM
Petrassi: Magnificat (1939-40) and Salmo IX (1934-36)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/810-TmtZ3wL._SY355_.jpg)

This is mandatory listening for anyone who enjoys 20th century choral/orchestral music. These works aren't far removed from the "neo-archaic" aesthetic of Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms (though they're a bit "beefier"), and they aren't inferior to that masterpiece at all, particularly the Magnificat. Petrassi conjures up some incredibly imaginative sonorities from both the chorus and orchestra; in particular, the more mysterious passages are truly chilling!


Dallapiccola: Partita for orchestra (1930-32)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81OU5WyhXTL._SS500_.jpg)

My goodness, the 1930s was a wonderful decade for Italian music! Many kudos for Gianandrea Noseda for resurrecting this music, and in marvelous performances. One of Dallapiccola's earliest works (it's fully tonal), this is stunning stuff full of color, verve, and imagination. It's in a "big-boned neoclassical" style that's of a kind with the contemporaneous later works of Casella. There's some delicious saxophone writing at times as well as a beautiful soprano solo in the finale.

Sigh....I guess no one here knows these works? If nothing else, I urge you to sample the section about 25 minutes into the Petrassi Magnificat with the ghostly whispering of the chorus: chilling!! https://youtu.be/i4HZpJTw78A
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on September 04, 2021, 09:55:17 AM
Quote from: kyjo on September 04, 2021, 09:52:59 AM
Sigh....I guess no one here knows these works? If nothing else, I urge you to sample the section about 25 minutes into the Petrassi Magnificat with the ghostly whispering of the chorus: chilling!! https://youtu.be/i4HZpJTw78A
I know and love these works, particularly the Dallapiccola Partita . You're not alone, Kyle!  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 04, 2021, 12:47:46 PM
Quote from: kyjo on September 04, 2021, 09:52:59 AM
Sigh....I guess no one here knows these works? If nothing else, I urge you to sample the section about 25 minutes into the Petrassi Magnificat with the ghostly whispering of the chorus: chilling!! https://youtu.be/i4HZpJTw78A

I'm interested in them, Kyle! I know nothing by Dallapiccola, and that work sounds like a great introduction to his music. By Petrassi I know some pieces, and the ones on that CD will be new to me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on September 04, 2021, 09:47:21 PM
Quote from: kyjo on September 04, 2021, 09:52:59 AM
Sigh....I guess no one here knows these works? If nothing else, I urge you to sample the section about 25 minutes into the Petrassi Magnificat with the ghostly whispering of the chorus: chilling!! https://youtu.be/i4HZpJTw78A
I have the discs (I think I have all of Nosedas discs of Italian music on Chandos) and you have prompted me to revisit them when I'm back from vacation.

Edited for fat fingers....
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 05, 2021, 06:42:50 AM
Big fan of Dallapiccola here, so like erato, I'll have to plan a revisit of these Noseda recordings. I don't know the Petrassi, although I've heard some of his other works and liked them, but I don't remember too much about his music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 07, 2021, 06:44:40 AM
Quote from: ritter on September 04, 2021, 09:55:17 AM
I know and love these works, particularly the Dallapiccola Partita . You're not alone, Kyle!  :)

Excellent, my friend! ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 07, 2021, 06:47:23 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on September 04, 2021, 12:47:46 PM
I'm interested in them, Kyle! I know nothing by Dallapiccola, and that work sounds like a great introduction to his music. By Petrassi I know some pieces, and the ones on that CD will be new to me.

I have no doubt you'd enjoy these works, Cesar! Perhaps they're not fully characteristic works of these composers since they both went on to pursue more avant-garde styles later in life, but they're stunningly assured and distinctive nonetheless.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 08, 2021, 07:39:07 PM
Lyapunov - Sextet for Piano and Strings in B-flat minor (1916/21)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517h8DJ1h3L._SS500_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/OiIgc4j3Ur4

(Ignore the silly cover photo!) This, Lyapunov's only chamber work and one of the few sextets for piano and strings (incl. double bass) along with those by Mendelssohn and Juon, is a major work which impressed me considerably more than the orchestral/concertante works of his I had previously heard. Composed around the time of the Russian Revolution when Lyapunov was suffering many hardships, the outer movements are suitably turbulent, but there is reprieve in the sparkling scherzo (those Russians were so excellent at writing scherzi!) and the ineffably gorgeous, nocturnal slow movement. My god, the slow movement alone is enough to ensure this work's masterpiece status - it has a main theme that would melt the coldest of hearts and a magical atmosphere that is unforgettable!


Carl Frühling: Clarinet Trio in A minor (c. 1900)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/7100QrjDc9L._SS500_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/XEHxScBdZYE

A late-romantic clarinet trio in A minor will inevitably invite comparison with the Brahms, and I happen to think this work is not inferior at all to the more famous one. (If anything, it has a more convincing finale!) Quite simply, if you love the clarinet in chamber music, you can't miss this gorgeous, tuneful work which is full of character and colorful harmonies. And I can't imagine it receiving a more convincing performance than it does here! I'd love to hear more of Frühling's music, but the only other work that appears to be available is his Piano Quintet on YT.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: 71 dB on September 09, 2021, 03:30:16 AM
I envy people who are constantly blown away by classical music despite of having listened to it for decades. I was blown away a few times when I was getting into classical music and discovered the magic World of wonders, but nowadays it is really rare, practically non-existing. If anything, exploring composers new to me or composers I just haven't explored before can be a bit frustrating and even disappointing. Maybe I am just really bad at finding the stuff that would blow me away? Maybe I expect too much? What if "I like this" is actually being blown away? To me being blown away is the feeling I got when I heard Elgar's Enigma Variations the first time on radio at age 25 which was a similar feeling to seeing Star Wars the first time at age 11. That's what I call being blown away and it doesn't happen often, because so rarely is something REALLY great being suddenly revealed to us having so profound effect as to changing our lives forever.

Nowadays it is not so much about individual pieces of music, but composers and genres as a whole. I like e.g. Weinberg a lot, but I can't say any work of his has actually blown me away. I just find his music consistently great. It is two steps from blowing me away. Contemporary classical music surprised me positively some years are when I got into it. I was blown away mildly perhaps? Again, no particular work of honour.

So, I won't list works that have just impressed me. For me "being blown away" is a big deal. It is the "seeing Star Wars for the first time at age 11" feeling.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on September 09, 2021, 03:57:05 AM
Quote from: kyjo on September 04, 2021, 09:52:59 AM
Sigh....I guess no one here knows these works? If nothing else, I urge you to sample the section about 25 minutes into the Petrassi Magnificat with the ghostly whispering of the chorus: chilling!! https://youtu.be/i4HZpJTw78A

oh ye of little faith in your fellow forum-dwellers! A disc of the Petrassi - purchased because of your recommendation (no pressure there then) has just arrived and I'm looking forward to a 1st listen
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 09, 2021, 07:46:32 AM
Quote from: 71 dB on September 09, 2021, 03:30:16 AM
I envy people who are constantly blown away by classical music despite of having listened to it for decades. I was blown away a few times when I was getting into classical music and discovered the magic World of wonders, but nowadays it is really rare, practically non-existing. If anything, exploring composers new to me or composers I just haven't explored before can be a bit frustrating and even disappointing. Maybe I am just really bad at finding the stuff that would blow me away? Maybe I expect too much? What if "I like this" is actually being blown away? To me being blown away is the feeling I got when I heard Elgar's Enigma Variations the first time on radio at age 25 which was a similar feeling to seeing Star Wars the first time at age 11. That's what I call being blown away and it doesn't happen often, because so rarely is something REALLY great being suddenly revealed to us having so profound effect as to changing our lives forever.

Nowadays it is not so much about individual pieces of music, but composers and genres as a whole. I like e.g. Weinberg a lot, but I can't say any work of his has actually blown me away. I just find his music consistently great. It is two steps from blowing me away. Contemporary classical music surprised me positively some years are when I got into it. I was blown away mildly perhaps? Again, no particular work of honour.

So, I won't list works that have just impressed me. For me "being blown away" is a big deal. It is the "seeing Star Wars for the first time at age 11" feeling.

Like you, Poju, it's becoming more and more difficult to be blown away by a piece. At this juncture, I've heard so much, but I have been blown away several times over the past few years as some of my posts in this thread would indicate. Works like Berg's Der Wein or Gubaidulina's Alleluja for example have been recent works that have dropped my jaw. I can't speculate on when something will "wow" me, but a lot of times it's completely in the moment. If I repeat a work after listening to it, this is always a good indication, because seldom do I listen to the same work twice in a row. But this happened with these Berg and Gubaidulina works I mentioned and I remember one time many years ago where I listened to Berg's Violinkonzert eleven times in a row. I can still listen to this work and be blown away by it even after as many times as I've listened to it. I guess what I'm trying to say is sometimes I feel like a "kid in the candystore" when I listen to a piece of music that has me mesmerized and I think once you lose this kind of innocence or sense of adventure in your listening, it becomes routine and things can start to sound lifeless.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 09, 2021, 07:52:27 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on September 09, 2021, 03:57:05 AM
oh ye of little faith in your fellow forum-dwellers! A disc of the Petrassi - purchased because of your recommendation (no pressure there then) has just arrived and I'm looking forward to a 1st listen

I think my favorite Petrassi is the first I heard, the recording of the first Concerto for Orchestra by his friend Fernando Previtali. It is a Decca recording from 1959, I think.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/419IdU5vFLL.jpg)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 09, 2021, 07:53:28 AM
Was not expecting it, but was blown away by the second movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto No 17 (particularly the Brautigam recording).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: 71 dB on September 09, 2021, 08:41:17 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 09, 2021, 07:46:32 AM
Like you, Poju, it's becoming more and more difficult to be blown away by a piece. At this juncture, I've heard so much, but I have been blown away several times over the past few years as some of my posts in this thread would indicate. Works like Berg's Der Wein or Gubaidulina's Alleluja for example have been recent works that have dropped my jaw. I can't speculate on when something will "wow" me, but a lot of times it's completely in the moment. If I repeat a work after listening to it, this is always a good indication, because seldom do I listen to the same work twice in a row. But this happened with these Berg and Gubaidulina works I mentioned and I remember one time many years ago where I listened to Berg's Violinkonzert eleven times in a row. I can still listen to this work and be blown away by it even after as many times as I've listened to it. I guess what I'm trying to say is sometimes I feel like a "kid in the candystore" when I listen to a piece of music that has me mesmerized and I think once you lose this kind of innocence or sense of adventure in your listening, it becomes routine and things can start to sound lifeless.

What works for someone else doesn't necessarily work for me. I do like Berg,  so I suppose Der Wein can be on my alley.
Gubaidulina's music I don't know at all. Any, a few years ago I got myself Janáček's Glagolitic Mass, because people here praised it so much and I had gotten into Janáček's chamber music which I liked. However, to my "horror", Glagolitic Mass does nothing for me. I have tried it several times. That's when I realized it is almost pointless to listen to other people, because I have my own weird taste. I have to find my favorites myself.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 09, 2021, 01:04:52 PM
Quote from: kyjo on September 07, 2021, 06:47:23 AM
I have no doubt you'd enjoy these works, Cesar! Perhaps they're not fully characteristic works of these composers since they both went on to pursue more avant-garde styles later in life, but they're stunningly assured and distinctive nonetheless.

I listened to the Magnificat the other day and it was really interesting. The Dallapiccola has some quite lyrical passages I wasn't expecting (something very cool, actually), but I was less impressed by it. Anyway, thanks for the suggestions, Kyle. No doubts our tastes are quite similar.

I need to know that Frühling's Clarinet Trio as well!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 09, 2021, 01:12:01 PM
For me, a work blows me away when I feel so much either inventiveness, wit, poignancy or, I'm not going to deny this, if it has thrilling passages that don't sound "ordinary". I'm very thankful with my brain and ears for still getting excited when I discover many new works and my reaction is "WOW!". That feeling is priceless. No matter if the work only does it once. The moment is done for me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 09, 2021, 06:59:15 PM
Quote from: 71 dB on September 09, 2021, 08:41:17 AM
What works for someone else doesn't necessarily work for me. I do like Berg,  so I suppose Der Wein can be on my alley.
Gubaidulina's music I don't know at all. Any, a few years ago I got myself Janáček's Glagolitic Mass, because people here praised it so much and I had gotten into Janáček's chamber music which I liked. However, to my "horror", Glagolitic Mass does nothing for me. I have tried it several times. That's when I realized it is almost pointless to listen to other people, because I have my own weird taste. I have to find my favorites myself.

I never relied on recommendations. Yes, one must forge their own path in classical --- it's really the only way.

P.S. I LOVE Janáček's Glagolitic Mass, but it's perfectly fine that you don't or anyone else for that matter.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on September 10, 2021, 05:58:23 AM
Quote from: kyjo on September 02, 2021, 07:13:34 PM
Petrassi: Magnificat (1939-40) and Salmo IX (1934-36)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/810-TmtZ3wL._SY355_.jpg)

This is mandatory listening for anyone who enjoys 20th century choral/orchestral music. These works aren't far removed from the "neo-archaic" aesthetic of Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms (though they're a bit "beefier"), and they aren't inferior to that masterpiece at all, particularly the Magnificat. Petrassi conjures up some incredibly imaginative sonorities from both the chorus and orchestra; in particular, the more mysterious passages are truly chilling!


Dallapiccola: Partita for orchestra (1930-32)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81OU5WyhXTL._SS500_.jpg)

My goodness, the 1930s was a wonderful decade for Italian music! Many kudos for Gianandrea Noseda for resurrecting this music, and in marvelous performances. One of Dallapiccola's earliest works (it's fully tonal), this is stunning stuff full of color, verve, and imagination. It's in a "big-boned neoclassical" style that's of a kind with the contemporaneous later works of Casella. There's some delicious saxophone writing at times as well as a beautiful soprano solo in the finale.

These were excellent, thanks for introducing them!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on September 10, 2021, 10:35:18 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 09, 2021, 06:59:15 PM
I never relied on recommendations. Yes, one must forge their own path in classical --- it's really the only way.

That is more of a reflection on yourself than anything.  I can't even imagine how limited my horizons would be if I didn't try music, books or movies based upon the recommendations of others.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 10, 2021, 03:35:45 PM
Quote from: DavidW on September 10, 2021, 10:35:18 AM
That is more of a reflection on yourself than anything.  I can't even imagine how limited my horizons would be if I didn't try music, books or movies based upon the recommendations of others.
Quote from: DavidW on September 10, 2021, 10:35:18 AM

John (Mirror Image),

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I had thought that you listened to and checked out others suggestions here?  If not, perhaps you are missing out as it seems to me that there are a number of folks here to whom their recommendations you might be interested in?  Of course, it's o.k. if you don't like them, but maybe try at least sampling them?

In any event, I had a nice experience today...suggested by another forum member here.

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: bhodges on September 10, 2021, 03:48:42 PM
Quote from: kyjo on September 02, 2021, 07:13:34 PM
Petrassi: Magnificat (1939-40) and Salmo IX (1934-36)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/810-TmtZ3wL._SY355_.jpg)

This is mandatory listening for anyone who enjoys 20th century choral/orchestral music. These works aren't far removed from the "neo-archaic" aesthetic of Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms (though they're a bit "beefier"), and they aren't inferior to that masterpiece at all, particularly the Magnificat. Petrassi conjures up some incredibly imaginative sonorities from both the chorus and orchestra; in particular, the more mysterious passages are truly chilling!


Dallapiccola: Partita for orchestra (1930-32)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81OU5WyhXTL._SS500_.jpg)

My goodness, the 1930s was a wonderful decade for Italian music! Many kudos for Gianandrea Noseda for resurrecting this music, and in marvelous performances. One of Dallapiccola's earliest works (it's fully tonal), this is stunning stuff full of color, verve, and imagination. It's in a "big-boned neoclassical" style that's of a kind with the contemporaneous later works of Casella. There's some delicious saxophone writing at times as well as a beautiful soprano solo in the finale.

Thanks for spotlighting these recordings, both of which look fantastic. I will be seeking these out, and for another reason, too: I am a big fan of Noseda.

--Bruce
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on September 10, 2021, 03:54:42 PM
The fast second movement of Daniel Jones' 5th symphony. It's not a scherzo, more like a fastish intermezzo with slower sections (trios?) intersepersed in the music's unfolding. The use of a skittish string figuration followed by 3 enigmatic notes on the triangle at each juncture of the movement is a brilliant move. It stands out among the prevailing seriousness of the works - dark, brooding and agitated.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 10, 2021, 07:35:47 PM
Quote from: DavidW on September 10, 2021, 10:35:18 AM
That is more of a reflection on yourself than anything.  I can't even imagine how limited my horizons would be if I didn't try music, books or movies based upon the recommendations of others.

Okay? :-\
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 11, 2021, 12:34:16 PM
Quote from: DavidW on September 10, 2021, 10:35:18 AM
That is more of a reflection on yourself than anything.  I can't even imagine how limited my horizons would be if I didn't try music, books or movies based upon the recommendations of others.

A fair point. A good deal of relevant musical discoveries have been given thank many people on this forum and other places.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 11, 2021, 12:44:51 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 09, 2021, 06:59:15 PM
I never relied on recommendations. Yes, one must forge their own path in classical --- it's really the only way.

So, you like to recommend music to others but you don't rely on the recommendations from others?  :-\
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 11, 2021, 07:53:46 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on September 09, 2021, 03:57:05 AM
oh ye of little faith in your fellow forum-dwellers! A disc of the Petrassi - purchased because of your recommendation (no pressure there then) has just arrived and I'm looking forward to a 1st listen

Awesome! 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 11, 2021, 07:55:45 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on September 09, 2021, 01:04:52 PM
I listened to the Magnificat the other day and it was really interesting. The Dallapiccola has some quite lyrical passages I wasn't expecting (something very cool, actually), but I was less impressed by it. Anyway, thanks for the suggestions, Kyle. No doubts our tastes are quite similar.

I need to know that Frühling's Clarinet Trio as well!

Thanks for reporting back, Cesar! ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 11, 2021, 07:56:31 PM
Quote from: relm1 on September 10, 2021, 05:58:23 AM
These were excellent, thanks for introducing them!

Glad to hear it! 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 11, 2021, 07:59:39 PM
Quote from: Brewski on September 10, 2021, 03:48:42 PM
Thanks for spotlighting these recordings, both of which look fantastic. I will be seeking these out, and for another reason, too: I am a big fan of Noseda.

--Bruce

Yes, he's a fantastic conductor and I've greatly appreciated the sterling work he's done championing the 20th century orchestral music of his home country!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 11, 2021, 08:03:49 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on September 11, 2021, 12:44:51 PM
So, you like to recommend music to others but you don't rely on the recommendations from others?  :-\

I think the bigger picture is being missed here: what I'm saying is, at the end of the day, we pursue the music that interests us. And this has absolutely nothing to do with other people, but everything to do with what moves us as listeners. And what moves us varies from one person to the next.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on September 11, 2021, 08:56:33 PM
I'm always curious and while obviously I don't run with any recommendation here, there are posters here with skills and knowledge of periods and areas of particular interest to me. Some of you are a great inspiration to pull discs from my probably too large collections for listening. Discs that often have laid unplayed for too long. And that is one  of the great values of this site beside keeping me abreast of new issues.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 11, 2021, 09:02:45 PM
Quote from: The new erato on September 11, 2021, 08:56:33 PM
I'm always curious and while obviously I don't run with any recommendation here, there are posters here with skills and knowledge of periods and areas of particular interest to me. Some of you are a great inspiration to pull discs from my probably too large collections for listening. Discs that often have laid unplayed for too long. And that is one  of the great values of this site beside keeping me abreast of new issues.

Well said. I agree. I've learned a lot from you and and others. I hope people don't take my whole recommendations comment to heart as I was more or less just trying to make a point that our musical journeys are ones that involve no one else.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on September 12, 2021, 01:28:53 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 11, 2021, 09:02:45 PM
Well said. I agree. I've learned a lot from you and and others. I hope people don't take my whole recommendations comment to heart as I was more or less just trying to make a point that our musical journeys are ones that involve no one else.

I'm not going into names here, but you are one of those whose comments I note (even though I struggle to keep up) while not always agreeing. But one need to be pulled out of the comfort zone occasionally, and not being stuck in a listening rut. Some of you helps me with that and I don't really miss music magazines (I've subscribed to quite a lot over the years but not for some years).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 12, 2021, 05:52:48 AM
Quote from: The new erato on September 12, 2021, 01:28:53 AM
I'm not going into names here, but you are one of those whose comments I note (even though I struggle to keep up) while not always agreeing. But one need to be pulled out of the comfort zone occasionally, and not being stuck in a listening rut. Some of you helps me with that and I don't really miss music magazines (I've subscribed to quite a lot over the years but not for some years).

Well, if I can pull you out of a listening rut with my psychobabble, I'm all for that! ;) :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on September 12, 2021, 12:14:17 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 11, 2021, 08:03:49 PM
I think the bigger picture is being missed here: what I'm saying is, at the end of the day, we pursue the music that interests us. And this has absolutely nothing to do with other people, but everything to do with what moves us as listeners. And what moves us varies from one person to the next.


Actually what I have highlighted is utterly wrong for most of us, and the adverb absolutely is absolutely wrong. It's also quite a funny thing to say on a forum whose very raison d'être is, members sharing their musical loves. And while it is certainly true that what moves us varies from one person to the next. It is equally true that probably any music that moves me has already moved another. And from this Senator's standpoint, that is the big picture.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 12, 2021, 05:59:59 PM
It seems pretty obvious, if a person whose taste I respect expresses admiration for an artist or a work of art, it puts that artist or work of art on my radar, although I will eventually come to my own conclusions. So, certainly other people influence my path through music and other arts. If I read a review of a performance which contains some more-or-less objective observations (tempos are fast/slow, dynamics are exaggerated/restrained, recording perspective is close/distant, emotions are worn on the sleeve/reserved, etc) it is useful information. Reviews that state that a recording is "the best," "better," "bad" contain no information beyond the fact that the recording exists.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: T. D. on September 12, 2021, 06:08:05 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 12, 2021, 12:14:17 PM

... It's also quite a funny thing to say on a forum whose very raison d'être is, members sharing their musical loves. ...

Hear, hear! 👍  :laugh:
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 12, 2021, 08:07:07 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 12, 2021, 12:14:17 PM

Actually what I have highlighted is utterly wrong for most of us, and the adverb absolutely is absolutely wrong. It's also quite a funny thing to say on a forum whose very raison d'être is, members sharing their musical loves. And while it is certainly true that what moves us varies from one person to the next. It is equally true that probably any music that moves me has already moved another. And from this Senator's standpoint, that is the big picture.

Oh well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 13, 2021, 03:17:41 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 12, 2021, 12:14:17 PM

Actually what I have highlighted is utterly wrong for most of us, and the adverb absolutely is absolutely wrong. It's also quite a funny thing to say on a forum whose very raison d'être is, members sharing their musical loves. And while it is certainly true that what moves us varies from one person to the next. It is equally true that probably any music that moves me has already moved another. And from this Senator's standpoint, that is the big picture.

Quote from: T. D. on September 12, 2021, 06:08:05 PM
Hear, hear! 👍  :laugh:
+2

Personally, I have benefitted immensely from my interactions with various music-loving friends over the decades.  You get a feeling after awhile as to what their tastes are like and how they coincide with mine.  Not every suggestion is a big hit with me, of course, but enough of them have been and my life is the richer for that.  And I've tried to pass along what *little knowledge I have of composers and recordings to those who seem interested.

*not being able to read music, etc., makes it harder for me to describe it to others well, but it doesn't stop me from enjoying it and trying to share that love for the music with others.  :)

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on September 13, 2021, 04:08:28 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 13, 2021, 03:17:41 AM
+2

Personally, I have benefitted immensely from my interactions with various music-loving friends over the decades.  You get a feeling after awhile as to what their tastes are like and how they coincide with mine.  Not every suggestion is a big hit with me, of course, but enough of them have been and my life is the richer for that.  And I've tried to pass along what *little knowledge I have of composers and recordings to those who seem interested.

*not being able to read music, etc., makes it harder for me to describe it to others well, but it doesn't stop me from enjoying it and trying to share that love for the music with others.  :)

PD

Thanks for sharing, PD!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on September 13, 2021, 04:09:04 AM
Quote from: The new erato on September 11, 2021, 08:56:33 PM
there are posters here with skills and knowledge of periods and areas of particular interest to me.

Like Que and Dave.  They leave no stone unturned in my favorite eras.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on September 13, 2021, 04:11:09 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 11, 2021, 09:02:45 PM
our musical journeys are ones that involve no one else.

I'm just waiting for your significant other to bonk you on the head! :laugh:

You know as an apartment dweller my across the wall neighbor has gone on the journey with me! :o
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on September 13, 2021, 04:53:34 AM
Just like with wine reviewers. You just get to find out who hits a nerve with you. Not always within your comfort zone, but having the knowledge that when they lead you on new trails, there are significant possibilities of something of interest turning up.

When you know yourself and what interests you, and the parameters within which you are interested in exploring (no one can cover all fields in music, wine, books etc), and find someone with those qualities to listen to and discuss with, you can waive professional publications etc goodbye. A reviewer can be as knowledgeable and expert as possible, if he doesn't hit on you particular wavelength he is mainly of no interest.

Of course, it takes lots of time and an amount of misspent money to find this out, though streaming services has finally made this possible with music.

Not so easy to stream wine unfortunately. >:(
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 13, 2021, 05:07:26 AM
Quote from: The new erato on September 13, 2021, 04:53:34 AM
Just like with wine reviewers. You just get to find out who hits a nerve with you. Not always within your comfort zone, but having the knowledge that when they lead you on new trails, there are significant possibilities of something of interest turning up.

When you know yourself and what interests you, and the parameters within which you are interested in exploring (no one can cover all fields in music, wine, books etc), and find someone with those qualities to listen to and discuss with, you can waive professional publications etc goodbye. A reviewer can be as knowledgeable and expert as possible, if he doesn't hit on you particular wavelength he is mainly of no interest.

Of course, it takes lots of time and an amount of misspent money to find this out, though streaming services has finally made this possible with music.

Not so easy to stream wine unfortunately. >:(

Libraries and youtube help me here at my end; will try streaming services at some point in time.

Regarding your second point:  From your vast and certainly enviable cellar, just open one of your bottles and start pouring.  ;)

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on September 13, 2021, 05:45:50 AM
Quote from: The new erato on September 13, 2021, 04:53:34 AM
Not so easy to stream wine unfortunately. >:(

Oh it is quite easy about half an hour after consumed.  I'll let myself out now...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on September 13, 2021, 06:25:34 AM
Isac Dinesen: What is man, when you come to think upon him, but a minutely set, ingenious machine for turning, with infinite artfulness, the red wine of Shiraz into urine?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 13, 2021, 06:54:53 AM
Quote from: DavidW on September 13, 2021, 04:11:09 AM
I'm just waiting for your significant other to bonk you on the head! :laugh:

You know as an apartment dweller my across the wall neighbor has gone on the journey with me! :o

;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on September 13, 2021, 07:58:04 AM
Quote from: The new erato on September 13, 2021, 04:53:34 AM
Just like with wine reviewers. You just get to find out who hits a nerve with you. Not always within your comfort zone, but having the knowledge that when they lead you on new trails, there are significant possibilities of something of interest turning up.

When you know yourself and what interests you, and the parameters within which you are interested in exploring (no one can cover all fields in music, wine, books etc), and find someone with those qualities to listen to and discuss with, you can waive professional publications etc goodbye. A reviewer can be as knowledgeable and expert as possible, if he doesn't hit on you particular wavelength he is mainly of no interest.

Of course, it takes lots of time and an amount of misspent money to find this out, though streaming services has finally made this possible with music.

Not so easy to stream wine unfortunately. >:(

Good post. Maybe not bring able to stream wine is a good thing, after all....
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on September 13, 2021, 08:02:12 AM
Today, ΑΓΩΝ and Canticum sacrum have blown me away, again.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 18, 2021, 07:52:19 PM
This: Chin - Violin Concerto

A splendid composition, I really enjoyed this. All the weird sonorities, textures and atmosphere provided by the soloist and the orchestra make it a quite sensational work.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81BkhVSKtpL._SL1420_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 18, 2021, 07:53:52 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 13, 2021, 08:02:12 AM
Today, ΑΓΩΝ and Canticum sacrum have blown me away, again.

Agon is pretty good. It took me some time to enjoy it, however.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: classicalgeek on September 22, 2021, 08:27:35 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 13, 2021, 08:02:12 AM
Today, ΑΓΩΝ and Canticum sacrum have blown me away, again.

I need to revisit Agon again... it's been a long time since I listened to it!

The piece that has "blown me away" recently is Bernstein's Serenade for violin with an orchestra of strings, harp, and percussion. Bernstein's magnificent orchestration is a big part of this, but I just love the driving rhythms of the outer movements, the soaring lyricism in the fourth movement, the virtuosic violin writing throughout, and the hair-raising and crowd-pleasing ending! It all works splendidly. So far Hilary Hahn with David Zinman conducting the Baltimore Symphony is my recording of choice.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: TheGSMoeller on September 22, 2021, 11:58:37 AM
Going through some of Schubert's masses, I honestly can't remember which ones I've listened to since it's been years. Last night I was listening to a new purchase of Mass No. 6 in E-Flat Major, D. 950, and more specifically the opening of the IV: Sanctus which instantly made me wide-eyed. This is some dark-Schubert.
The recording was with Giulini with Symphonie Orchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks on Sony Classical, which I found on YouTube. The rest of piece is masterful, but this moment really stood out.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/v/dPQ5oHGNOf0
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on September 22, 2021, 01:32:42 PM
Quote from: The new erato on September 13, 2021, 06:25:34 AM
Isac Dinesen: What is man, when you come to think upon him, but a minutely set, ingenious machine for turning, with infinite artfulness, the red wine of Shiraz into urine?

I hope that's something she really said and not something you've made up, because it's an amazing quote  :laugh:

Can only get behind the mob in echoing my appreciation for the recommendations of others. Having friends with diverse interests, in music and elsewhere, is one of the great joys of life for me.  0:)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 22, 2021, 02:04:17 PM
Quote from: vers la flamme on September 22, 2021, 01:32:42 PM

Can only get behind the mob in echoing my appreciation for the recommendations of others. Having friends with diverse interests, in music and elsewhere, is one of the great joys of life for me.  0:)
+1!  :)

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: John Copeland on September 25, 2021, 04:28:40 AM
(https://www.supraphon.com/public/photo/300x300f/7/8/373.jpg?1463143148)

Martinu - Double Concerto for Two String Orchestras, Piano and Timpani

What a piece this is!  I can only imagine for the Conductor it would be so difficult to get right, and for the players a bit of a nightmare.  Full of tempo changes, amazing strings, joy, tragedy, tension, brilliant piano...it's all in here.  What an outstanding work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on September 25, 2021, 04:38:03 AM
Quote from: John Copeland on September 25, 2021, 04:28:40 AM
(https://www.supraphon.com/public/photo/300x300f/7/8/373.jpg?1463143148)

Martinu - Double Concerto for Two String Orchestras, Piano and Timpani

What a piece this is!  I can only imagine for the Conductor it would be so difficult to get right, and for the players a bit of a nightmare.  Full of tempo changes, amazing strings, joy, tragedy, tension, brilliant piano...it's all in here.  What an outstanding work.
Nice to see you here John - I've missed your posts.
I have the LP featuring the Concerto for Double String Orchestra, Piano and Timpani - as with most Mackerras recordings it is excellent. The Frescoes is a marvellous work as well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 25, 2021, 05:46:22 PM
Quote from: John Copeland on September 25, 2021, 04:28:40 AM
(https://www.supraphon.com/public/photo/300x300f/7/8/373.jpg?1463143148)

Martinu - Double Concerto for Two String Orchestras, Piano and Timpani

What a piece this is!  I can only imagine for the Conductor it would be so difficult to get right, and for the players a bit of a nightmare.  Full of tempo changes, amazing strings, joy, tragedy, tension, brilliant piano...it's all in here.  What an outstanding work.

A good choice. Yes, a really stormy Martinu we have here. Love the vitality and "earnestness" of this piece.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 26, 2021, 06:32:57 AM
Quote from: John Copeland on September 25, 2021, 04:28:40 AM
(https://www.supraphon.com/public/photo/300x300f/7/8/373.jpg?1463143148)

Martinu - Double Concerto for Two String Orchestras, Piano and Timpani

What a piece this is!  I can only imagine for the Conductor it would be so difficult to get right, and for the players a bit of a nightmare.  Full of tempo changes, amazing strings, joy, tragedy, tension, brilliant piano...it's all in here.  What an outstanding work.

It's great to see you again, John! I hope all is well with you. And I fully concur with your admiration of Martinů's Double Concerto. What a piece! Also, I really like that Mackerras performance. If you ever get the chance and have access to it, the Bělohlávek performance on Chandos is top-notch, too.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: foxandpeng on September 26, 2021, 09:01:06 AM
Schnittke. Cello Concertos. Still getting my head around them. Otherworldly.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on September 27, 2021, 06:34:48 AM
Quote from: foxandpeng on September 26, 2021, 09:01:06 AM
Schnittke. Cello Concertos. Still getting my head around them. Otherworldly.

(https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=26195.0;attach=77763;image)

Nice! Love those works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 27, 2021, 02:40:38 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 27, 2021, 06:34:48 AM
Nice! Love those works.

+1
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on September 27, 2021, 06:57:01 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on September 27, 2021, 02:40:38 PM
+1

+ 2
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on September 27, 2021, 11:54:49 PM
+3
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on September 28, 2021, 02:50:44 AM
Since it seems that I may have started this with my post on this disc in the listening thread some days ago:

+4
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 28, 2021, 05:42:10 PM
More cello and orchestra:

Largo for cello and orchestra

I did remember it was great, but not that great!! I'm very impressed. It's Penderecki at many of his facets as a composer. Very kaleidoscopic.

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b2732fa79ad2186fdc40e7d49382)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 30, 2021, 06:18:39 AM
Quote from: foxandpeng on September 26, 2021, 09:01:06 AM
Schnittke. Cello Concertos. Still getting my head around them. Otherworldly.

+5 8) I need to revisit the 2nd Concerto, but the 1st is really something else. The "redemptive" final movement is incredibly moving. And those performances by Alexander Ivashkin are superb - he's a great cellist in Russian repertoire.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on September 30, 2021, 11:46:22 AM
+5.5 for Schnittke (never heard the 2nd concerto but I can certainly vouch for the 1st)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on September 30, 2021, 04:11:05 PM
I'm really loving George Szell's Prokofiev 5 and Bartok Concerto for Orchestra recording.  Such a fabulous conductor who merges detail, expressivity, and long structure.  That's so rare!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 30, 2021, 08:18:40 PM
Two relatively brief tone poems (11:30 and 9:30 respectively) which I had heard before, but recent re-listens confirmed that they appeal to my tastes so well:

Avshalomoff: Hutungs of Peking

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91DXRzqSbqL._SS500_PIPJStripe-Robin-Large-V2,TopLeft,0,0_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/TxbQaI4_SBQ

One of the most colorfully exotic works I know. Avshalomoff captures the hustle and bustle of the city streets with a wonderfully vibrant flair. There's a section about 5 minutes in which is terrifyingly imposing (complete with a gong crash) - it's like entering the court of some powerful ancient emperor!


William Lloyd Webber: Aurora

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51AingbkJAL._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/S-DRoD4Jh2A

Depicting the Roman goddess of dawn, this sensually beautiful and atmospheric piece has a swoon-worthy main theme that won't soon be forgotten once heard. There's also rather Sibelian dramatic tension at times which gives the piece a substantial feel despite its relatively brief length. It's a pity W. Lloyd Webber was never compelled to write any larger-scale works!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on October 01, 2021, 06:14:28 AM
Quote from: kyjo on September 30, 2021, 08:18:40 PM
Two relatively brief tone poems (11:30 and 9:30 respectively) which I had heard before, but recent re-listens confirmed that they appeal to my tastes so well:

Avshalomoff: Hutungs of Peking

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91DXRzqSbqL._SS500_PIPJStripe-Robin-Large-V2,TopLeft,0,0_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/TxbQaI4_SBQ

One of the most colorfully exotic works I know. Avshalomoff captures the hustle and bustle of the city streets with a wonderfully vibrant flair. There's a section about 5 minutes in which is terrifyingly imposing (complete with a gong crash) - it's like entering the court of some powerful ancient emperor!

His sons, Jacob and David Avshalomov are also fine composers.   I've met David and played in the premiere of one of his concert works where he conducted.  Very kind man.  Here is a fine work of his brother's: Jacob Avshalomov's "The Taking of T'ung Kuan" you might also enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UflLGcY4ZZk
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 02, 2021, 07:02:36 AM
Quote from: relm1 on October 01, 2021, 06:14:28 AM
His sons, Jacob and David Avshalomov are also fine composers.   I've met David and played in the premiere of one of his concert works where he conducted.  Very kind man.  Here is a fine work of his brother's: Jacob Avshalomov's "The Taking of T'ung Kuan" you might also enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UflLGcY4ZZk

Thanks, I'll check it out! 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on October 03, 2021, 07:45:01 PM
Quote from: kyjo on September 30, 2021, 08:18:40 PM
Two relatively brief tone poems (11:30 and 9:30 respectively) which I had heard before, but recent re-listens confirmed that they appeal to my tastes so well:

Avshalomoff: Hutungs of Peking

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91DXRzqSbqL._SS500_PIPJStripe-Robin-Large-V2,TopLeft,0,0_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/TxbQaI4_SBQ

One of the most colorfully exotic works I know. Avshalomoff captures the hustle and bustle of the city streets with a wonderfully vibrant flair. There's a section about 5 minutes in which is terrifyingly imposing (complete with a gong crash) - it's like entering the court of some powerful ancient emperor!


William Lloyd Webber: Aurora

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51AingbkJAL._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/S-DRoD4Jh2A

Depicting the Roman goddess of dawn, this sensually beautiful and atmospheric piece has a swoon-worthy main theme that won't soon be forgotten once heard. There's also rather Sibelian dramatic tension at times which gives the piece a substantial feel despite its relatively brief length. It's a pity W. Lloyd Webber was never compelled to write any larger-scale works!

I know Avshalomov's two symphonies which are colourful and exotic aplenty. This should be interesting to hear too.

I remember being quite fond of the Lloyd Webber. A work that has a similar character is Ludomir Rozycki's Mona Lisa Gioconda. A tender musical picture, and it's so lovely, subtle, enchanting. A very nice piece.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 04, 2021, 05:09:44 AM
Quote from: kyjo on September 30, 2021, 08:18:40 PM
Two relatively brief tone poems (11:30 and 9:30 respectively) which I had heard before, but recent re-listens confirmed that they appeal to my tastes so well:

Avshalomoff: Hutungs of Peking

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91DXRzqSbqL._SS500_PIPJStripe-Robin-Large-V2,TopLeft,0,0_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/TxbQaI4_SBQ

One of the most colorfully exotic works I know. Avshalomoff captures the hustle and bustle of the city streets with a wonderfully vibrant flair. There's a section about 5 minutes in which is terrifyingly imposing (complete with a gong crash) - it's like entering the court of some powerful ancient emperor!


William Lloyd Webber: Aurora

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51AingbkJAL._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/S-DRoD4Jh2A

Depicting the Roman goddess of dawn, this sensually beautiful and atmospheric piece has a swoon-worthy main theme that won't soon be forgotten once heard. There's also rather Sibelian dramatic tension at times which gives the piece a substantial feel despite its relatively brief length. It's a pity W. Lloyd Webber was never compelled to write any larger-scale works!
Your description of both of those works has intrigued me.  I'll listen to the Lloyd Webber work in a bit.  I hadn't heard of William before now, but wasn't surprised to learn that he was the father of Andrew and Julian.   :)

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 04, 2021, 06:47:20 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on October 03, 2021, 07:45:01 PM
I know Avshalomov's two symphonies which are colourful and exotic aplenty. This should be interesting to hear too.

I remember being quite fond of the Lloyd Webber. A work that has a similar character is Ludomir Rozycki's Mona Lisa Gioconda. A tender musical picture, and it's so lovely, subtle, enchanting. A very nice piece.

I look forward to exploring Avshalomov's two symphonies and the Rozycki work, neither of which I know!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 04, 2021, 09:28:23 AM
Quote from: kyjo on September 30, 2021, 08:18:40 PM
Two relatively brief tone poems (11:30 and 9:30 respectively) which I had heard before, but recent re-listens confirmed that they appeal to my tastes so well:

William Lloyd Webber: Aurora

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51AingbkJAL._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/S-DRoD4Jh2A

Depicting the Roman goddess of dawn, this sensually beautiful and atmospheric piece has a swoon-worthy main theme that won't soon be forgotten once heard. There's also rather Sibelian dramatic tension at times which gives the piece a substantial feel despite its relatively brief length. It's a pity W. Lloyd Webber was never compelled to write any larger-scale works!
Listened to the William Lloyd Webber piece a short while ago--lovely!  Has a bit of that romantic bitter-sweet feeling that I love.  :)  I read that he studied composition with Vaughan Williams.  Any idea how long of a time period that would have been for?  Just curious.

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 07, 2021, 08:15:17 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 04, 2021, 09:28:23 AM
Listened to the William Lloyd Webber piece a short while ago--lovely!  Has a bit of that romantic bitter-sweet feeling that I love.  :)  I read that he studied composition with Vaughan Williams.  Any idea how long of a time period that would have been for?  Just curious.

PD

Glad you enjoyed it! It appears that he studied with Vaughan Williams while he was a student at the Royal College of Music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 07, 2021, 09:24:54 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 07, 2021, 08:15:17 AM
Glad you enjoyed it! It appears that he studied with Vaughan Williams while he was a student at the Royal College of Music.
Yes, I had read that too.  I don't know how long do compositional studies go on for?  Or does one change teachers each semester or year?  Just curious here.   :)

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on October 07, 2021, 09:34:45 AM
This is a fabulous CD - one of my best discoveries of this year, especially for the Loeffler, Cowell and Hanson works. The Ruggles was interesting as well, although similar to the 'Sun-treader' but not quite as good:
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on October 07, 2021, 03:07:24 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on October 07, 2021, 09:34:45 AM
This is a fabulous CD - one of my best discoveries of this year, especially for the Loeffler, Cowell and Hanson works. The Ruggles was interesting as well, although similar to the 'Sun-treader' but not quite as good:

Mine too, Jeffrey. A variegated and appealing program in stupendous recording and renditions.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on October 07, 2021, 05:10:16 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on October 07, 2021, 09:34:45 AM
This is a fabulous CD - one of my best discoveries of this year, especially for the Loeffler, Cowell and Hanson works. The Ruggles was interesting as well, although similar to the 'Sun-treader' but not quite as good:

A fine disc but I especially enjoyed the Loeffler, a composer I previously never encountered!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on October 07, 2021, 05:42:15 PM
Quote from: relm1 on October 07, 2021, 05:10:16 PM
A fine disc but I especially enjoyed the Loeffler, a composer I previously never encountered!

Certainly, that is the best piece on the CD for sure. The other three are nothing but impressive and enjoyable as well. Each has its own style and stands out notable musical dexterities: rhythm, orchestral colour, thematic material, etc. The Loeffler is almost psychedelic in certain passages! What a piece.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 07, 2021, 07:42:50 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on October 07, 2021, 09:34:45 AM
This is a fabulous CD - one of my best discoveries of this year, especially for the Loeffler, Cowell and Hanson works. The Ruggles was interesting as well, although similar to the 'Sun-treader' but not quite as good:

I'm very eager to hear this!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on October 07, 2021, 10:04:28 PM
Quote from: relm1 on October 07, 2021, 05:10:16 PM
A fine disc but I especially enjoyed the Loeffler, a composer I previously never encountered!
Me too Karim. I only knew the Pagan Poem before. On the strength of the new Ondine disc I've ordered an all Loeffler CD. He's a much more interesting composer than I realised.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on October 07, 2021, 10:05:22 PM
Quote from: kyjo on October 07, 2021, 07:42:50 PM
I'm very eager to hear this!!
I'm sure you will enjoy it Kyle.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 11, 2021, 05:31:06 AM
Julius Roentgen - String Trios. Fifteen of them and not a single weak one. Haydnesque zest, Mendelssohnian elegance and Dvorakian tunefulness define these splendid works. And to think that they were written in the 1920s by a composer approaching his 80s. Amazing. A major discovery for me. (performed by the Lendvai String Trio)

Haydn - String Quartets Op. 1 and Op. 2. It's astonishing how early Haydn's genius revealed itself. These early SQs are more like divertimenti, being written in 5 movements, yet there is in them an amazing richness of musical ideas and an extraordinary variety of moods and feelings. Impressive. (performed by the Kodaly Quartet)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on October 11, 2021, 06:39:30 AM
Schubert: String Quartet No. 15 in G major

First of all, its length. This is a beast of a quartet, about 55 minutes in the recording I have. The first movement alone is 22 mins, and it has another of Schubert's quasi-chromaticisms after the extraordinary Sanctus from the E flat Mass.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 11, 2021, 08:06:22 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on October 11, 2021, 06:39:30 AM
Schubert: String Quartet No. 15 in G major

First of all, its length. This is a beast of a quartet, about 55 minutes in the recording I have. The first movement alone is 22 mins, and it has another of Schubert's quasi-chromaticisms after the extraordinary Sanctus from the E flat Mass.

Indeed, an extraordinary work. One of Schubert's greatest masterpieces as well as one of my all-time favorite SQs.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on October 13, 2021, 11:34:36 AM
Both works on that disc:

(https://img.discogs.com/xNl_IRIUyy5IAScrGFuoOI3LmmU=/fit-in/600x590/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-11829884-1523107546-1095.jpeg.jpg)

I've written about it October 12 in the WAYL2 thread. Further listening revealed even greater riches, a wealth of superb ideas and consummate craft. In the Huit mélodies for soprano and string quartet Karine Deshayes is nothing short of stupendous. She very much reminds me of Véronique Gens, only a notch lighter and younger sounding.

I also highly recommend Marteau's beautiful clarinet quintet. There are half a dozen recordings available to choose from. I would imagine that couplings may help decide.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 14, 2021, 07:08:39 PM
Quote from: André on October 13, 2021, 11:34:36 AM
Both works on that disc:

(https://img.discogs.com/xNl_IRIUyy5IAScrGFuoOI3LmmU=/fit-in/600x590/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-11829884-1523107546-1095.jpeg.jpg)

I've written about it October 12 in the WAYL2 thread. Further listening revealed even greater riches, a wealth of superb ideas and consummate craft. In the Huit mélodies for soprano and string quartet Karine Deshayes is nothing short of stupendous. She very much reminds me of Véronique Gens, only a notch lighter and younger sounding.

I also highly recommend Marteau's beautiful clarinet quintet. There are half a dozen recordings available to choose from. I would imagine that couplings may help decide.

Very interesting, Andre. Thanks!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on October 19, 2021, 02:42:06 PM
What an incredibly gripping composition!! Stankovych was another interesting Ukrainian figures of the 20th century. Just mindblowingly mesmerizing and haunting stuff!! A Symphonic Poem is something else.

https://www.youtube.com/v/XQgrAsS8vpQ
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on October 19, 2021, 04:09:42 PM
Good to know, thanks Cesar ! I have some Stankovych and appreciate his works. His Symphony of Pastorals is a gem IMO. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on October 20, 2021, 10:32:04 PM
Quote from: André on October 19, 2021, 04:09:42 PM
Good to know, thanks Cesar ! I have some Stankovych and appreciate his works. His Symphony of Pastorals is a gem IMO.

I've heard nos. 1-4 at least twice, but not this one, which seems to be his fifth, and it's for violin and orchestra.

This symphonic poem is seriously inspired music. He was a master of suspense and otherwordly atmospheres, and all of that happens here. Another work I find marvelous is Black Elegy for chorus and orchestra.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on October 23, 2021, 12:23:47 AM
Sometime last year I stumbled upon a disc of Stankovych's music which had Black Elegy, Symphonic Poem and Ave Maria on it, which I enjoyed.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 23, 2021, 01:59:35 AM
Mozart - March in D major KV 189

Five minutes of pure bliss. Music which could play when one enters Heaven.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on October 23, 2021, 08:24:45 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 23, 2021, 01:59:35 AM
Mozart - March in D major KV 189

Five minutes of pure bliss. Music which could play when one enters Heaven.  :)

Version I have lasts only 3'06".  I'll be in heaven waaay before you  :laugh:
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 23, 2021, 08:33:17 AM
Quote from: DaveF on October 23, 2021, 08:24:45 AM
Version I have lasts only 3'06".  I'll be in heaven waaay before you  :laugh:

If that will be the case, please order a beer for me too!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 27, 2021, 07:36:06 PM
Ben-Haim: Symphony no. 1

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ka0x0YTvL._SY355_.jpg)

I can't believe I'd waited until now to hear this extraordinary work! The outer movements is exciting as hell, with plenty of drama, some folksy touches, and truly convincing sense of narrative. The slow movement is truly magical, building to a lyrically passionate climax. Not to mention the entire work is brilliantly orchestrated from start to finish, and it really doesn't sound much like anyone else. It receives a smoking performance by the BBC Phil under Omer Meir Wellber - I'm sure Hurwitz would never call them the "world's dullest orchestra" again after hearing this recording! ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 27, 2021, 07:48:19 PM
I have to say for the first-time I have been blown away by Shostakovich's Symphony No. 14 in G minor, Op. 135. This used to be one of my least favorite Shostakovich symphonies along with the 2nd, 3rd and 12th, but not any longer! This bleak, darkly introspective song cycle symphony is unique in that it has sparse instrumentation throughout the entire duration of the work: only strings and percussion, but, yet, he's able to use this arrangement of instruments in a totally singular way. This is a death haunted work and would make for a nice a Halloween playlist. But, I think it shows the composer in a different light and further illustrates why I believe his music is important outside of its political context. One doesn't need to know about Stalin or the Soviet Union to appreciate this work. I clearly acknowledge Shostakovich's hardships and trials and tribulations, but in all honesty, I can listen to Shostakovich or any Soviet Era composer without knowing their historical context. Two performances I recently heard of this symphony: Barshai and Kitayenko have given me a newfound appreciation for it. Looking forward to listening to the other performances in my collection, although I might not listen to all of them. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on October 28, 2021, 03:05:44 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 27, 2021, 07:48:19 PM
I have to say for the first-time I have been blown away by Shostakovich's Symphony No. 14 in G minor, Op. 135. This used to be one of my least favorite Shostakovich symphonies along with the 2nd, 3rd and 12th, but not any longer! This bleak, darkly introspective song cycle symphony is unique in that it has sparse instrumentation throughout the entire duration of the work: only strings and percussion, but, yet, he's able to use this arrangement of instruments in a totally singular way. This is a death haunted work and would make for a nice a Halloween playlist. But, I think it shows the composer in a different light and further illustrates why I believe his music is important outside of its political context. One doesn't need to know about Stalin or the Soviet Union to appreciate this work. I clearly acknowledge Shostakovich's hardships and trials and tribulations, but in all honesty, I can listen to Shostakovich or any Soviet Era composer without knowing their historical context. Two performances I recently heard of this symphony: Barshai and Kitayenko have given me a newfound appreciation for it. Looking forward to listening to the other performances in my collection, although I might not listen to all of them. :)

The 14th Symphony has been in my Top 5 for some time now. Glad to hear it is now making an impression on you.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on October 28, 2021, 03:11:37 AM
In mine too. As a song cycle, on "Lied von der Erde" level.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 28, 2021, 06:31:06 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on October 28, 2021, 03:05:44 AM
The 14th Symphony has been in my Top 5 for some time now. Glad to hear it is now making an impression on you.  :)

Your "Top 5" of all-time or just in relation to Shostakovich's works?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on October 28, 2021, 07:11:52 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 28, 2021, 06:31:06 AM
Your "Top 5" of all-time or just in relation to Shostakovich's works?

Shostakovich symphonies
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on October 28, 2021, 07:42:09 PM
Quote from: kyjo on October 27, 2021, 07:36:06 PM
Ben-Haim: Symphony no. 1

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ka0x0YTvL._SY355_.jpg)

I can't believe I'd waited until now to hear this extraordinary work! The outer movements is exciting as hell, with plenty of drama, some folksy touches, and truly convincing sense of narrative. The slow movement is truly magical, building to a lyrically passionate climax. Not to mention the entire work is brilliantly orchestrated from start to finish, and it really doesn't sound much like anyone else. It receives a smoking performance by the BBC Phil under Omer Meir Wellber - I'm sure Hurwitz would never call them the "world's dullest orchestra" again after hearing this recording! ;)

Yes, a superb symphony, and I yet have to give a proper listen to that CD at some moment.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on October 28, 2021, 07:57:19 PM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on October 28, 2021, 07:11:52 AM
Shostakovich symphonies

Ah, very nice. 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 31, 2021, 06:17:44 AM
A performance that has blown me away recently: Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony's new recording of Brahms 4:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81bmqqk5e0L._SY355_.jpg)

A recording that once again proves the prowess of Honeck and the PSO as one of today's most inspiring conductor/orchestra teams. The first movement is expansive, beautifully lyrical, yet urgent when required, especially in the coda. The slow movement maintains the crucial flow that eludes some conductors, and the string chorale at the climax is jaw-droppingly rich and sonorous. The scherzo sounds more dynamic, brilliant, and exciting than I've heard before. Honeck brings out the darkly tragic element in the finale, with keenly judged, flexible tempi. It's tremendously fiery and passionate, with the ethereal middle section providing the requisite contrast. While I cannot claim to be an expert in Brahms symphony recordings, I don't see any reason why this new version should not be one of the finest available. James MacMillan's solemnly moving Larghetto is a substantial bonus!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on October 31, 2021, 09:51:01 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 27, 2021, 07:36:06 PM
Ben-Haim: Symphony no. 1

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ka0x0YTvL._SY355_.jpg)

I can't believe I'd waited until now to hear this extraordinary work! The outer movements is exciting as hell, with plenty of drama, some folksy touches, and truly convincing sense of narrative. The slow movement is truly magical, building to a lyrically passionate climax. Not to mention the entire work is brilliantly orchestrated from start to finish, and it really doesn't sound much like anyone else. It receives a smoking performance by the BBC Phil under Omer Meir Wellber - I'm sure Hurwitz would never call them the "world's dullest orchestra" again after hearing this recording! ;)
+1 and the same goes for Symphony No.2
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on October 31, 2021, 10:03:58 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 31, 2021, 06:17:44 AM
A performance that has blown me away recently: Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony's new recording of Brahms 4:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81bmqqk5e0L._SY355_.jpg)

A recording that once again proves the prowess of Honeck and the PSO as one of today's most inspiring conductor/orchestra teams. The first movement is expansive, beautifully lyrical, yet urgent when required, especially in the coda. The slow movement maintains the crucial flow that eludes some conductors, and the string chorale at the climax is jaw-droppingly rich and sonorous. The scherzo sounds more dynamic, brilliant, and exciting than I've heard before. Honeck brings out the darkly tragic element in the finale, with keenly judged, flexible tempi. It's tremendously fiery and passionate, with the ethereal middle section providing the requisite contrast. While I cannot claim to be an expert in Brahms symphony recordings, I don't see any reason why this new version should not be one of the finest available. James MacMillan's solemnly moving Larghetto is a substantial bonus!

Aagh - I don't want to read this kind of praise!!  I really love Honeck's Pittsburgh recordings for exactly the reasons you state.  But I'd convinced myself I didn't need another Brahms 4 - and now you have to go and puncture my resolve (!)  ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on November 01, 2021, 01:25:03 PM
'Blown away' might not be the right expression but I found myself tearing up while listening to William Alwyn's 'Pastoral Fantasia' recently. I've owned the Chandos recording for years but I had not registered how beautiful this work is until hearing David Lloyd-Jones's recording with the Royal Liverpool PO on Naxos (Philip Dukes, Viola). Maybe the fact that this lyrical and reflective work was written on the eve of World War Two added to the poignancy of the experience.
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on November 01, 2021, 05:04:17 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on November 01, 2021, 01:25:03 PM
'Blown away' might not be the right expression but I found myself tearing up while listening to William Alwyn's 'Pastoral Fantasia' recently. I've owned the Chandos recording for years but I had not registered how beautiful this work is until hearing David Lloyd-Jones's recording with the Royal Liverpool PO on Naxos (Philip Dukes, Viola). Maybe the fact that this lyrical and reflective work was written on the eve of World War Two added to the poignancy of the experience.
(//)

Wow!  Based on your recommendation I listened to this disc and was equally blown away!  Fantastic music!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 01, 2021, 06:08:46 PM
Through several weeks I've come to gather a good bunch of discoveries and rediscoveries that have cemented my infinite liking for classical music. It's amazing how this music has transformed my life, and vision of things in general.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on November 02, 2021, 12:34:41 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on November 01, 2021, 06:08:46 PM
Through several weeks I've come to gather a good bunch of discoveries and rediscoveries that have cemented my infinite liking for classical music. It's amazing how this music has transformed my life, and vision of things in general.

That is the best "blown away" of all.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on November 02, 2021, 12:54:25 AM
Quote from: Irons on November 02, 2021, 12:34:41 AM
That is the best "blown away" of all.
Yes, you're right Lol!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 02, 2021, 07:38:27 PM
Quote from: Irons on November 02, 2021, 12:34:41 AM
That is the best "blown away" of all.

Quote from: vandermolen on November 02, 2021, 12:54:25 AM
Yes, you're right Lol!


Hahaha, made my day. But seriously. Classical music never ceases to amaze me. I understand the works and their structures better.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on November 02, 2021, 08:09:54 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on November 01, 2021, 06:08:46 PM
Through several weeks I've come to gather a good bunch of discoveries and rediscoveries that have cemented my infinite liking for classical music. It's amazing how this music has transformed my life, and vision of things in general.

I feel the same way you do, Cesar. I would like to think all of us have a similar experience. Classical music has enriched my life in ways I still can't fathom and that are beyond my comprehension. It is my passion and I couldn't imagine my life without it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 02, 2021, 10:49:30 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 02, 2021, 08:09:54 PM
I feel the same way you do, Cesar. I would like to think all of us have a similar experience. Classical music has enriched my life in ways I still can't fathom and that are beyond my comprehension. It is my passion and I couldn't imagine my life without it.

+++1
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on November 03, 2021, 02:00:47 AM
Quote from: relm1 on November 01, 2021, 05:04:17 PM
Wow!  Based on your recommendation I listened to this disc and was equally blown away!  Fantastic music!
Delighted to hear that Karim!
:)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: John Copeland on November 03, 2021, 05:41:13 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on November 01, 2021, 01:25:03 PM
'Blown away' might not be the right expression but I found myself tearing up while listening to William Alwyn's 'Pastoral Fantasia' recently. I've owned the Chandos recording for years but I had not registered how beautiful this work is until hearing David Lloyd-Jones's recording with the Royal Liverpool PO on Naxos (Philip Dukes, Viola). Maybe the fact that this lyrical and reflective work was written on the eve of World War Two added to the poignancy of the experience.
(//)

After reading that last night, and as an admirer of Alwyn's music, I bought it as a FLAC download from Presto Classical.  Listened earlier this morning.  At less than £4, it was a bargain!  There is a lot of great music on this 'disc' and the Pastoral Fantasia is beautiful!  I also thought the Scottish Dances were just the thing, and went for a quick skirl to Miss Ann Carnegie's Hornpipe!  Great recommendation, thanks for that.  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 03, 2021, 06:12:54 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on November 01, 2021, 01:25:03 PM
'Blown away' might not be the right expression but I found myself tearing up while listening to William Alwyn's 'Pastoral Fantasia' recently. I've owned the Chandos recording for years but I had not registered how beautiful this work is until hearing David Lloyd-Jones's recording with the Royal Liverpool PO on Naxos (Philip Dukes, Viola). Maybe the fact that this lyrical and reflective work was written on the eve of World War Two added to the poignancy of the experience.
(//)
A lovely piece!  Just checked it out on youtube.  Out of curiosity, I googled Alwyn to find out more about him (and also this work) and found a very helpful biography here:  http://www.musicweb-international.com/alwyn/culot.htm

I didn't see this work mentioned there though (also scanned through the update at the bottom).  Did I miss it?  Or is it a more recent discovery?

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on November 03, 2021, 06:28:36 AM
Quote from: John Copeland on November 03, 2021, 05:41:13 AM
After reading that last night, and as an admirer of Alwyn's music, I bought it as a FLAC download from Presto Classical.  Listened earlier this morning.  At less than £4, it was a bargain!  There is a lot of great music on this 'disc' and the Pastoral Fantasia is beautiful!  I also thought the Scottish Dances were just the thing, and went for a quick skirl to Miss Ann Carnegie's Hornpipe!  Great recommendation, thanks for that.  ;D
I'm glad that my enthusiasm for the lovely 'Pastoral Fantasia' is shared by kindred spirits here! If you like that CD I'd also very much recommend the Naxos CD of Alwyn's music including 'Elizabethan Dances' and 'Aphrodite in Aulis'.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on November 03, 2021, 06:32:02 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 03, 2021, 06:12:54 AM
A lovely piece!  Just checked it out on youtube.  Out of curiosity, I googled Alwyn to find out more about him (and also this work) and found a very helpful biography here:  http://www.musicweb-international.com/alwyn/culot.htm

I didn't see this work mentioned there though (also scanned through the update at the bottom).  Did I miss it?  Or is it a more recent discovery?

PD
Glad you enjoyed it PD. There's a biography of Alwyn, which I have, but haven't read yet:
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 03, 2021, 11:36:39 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on November 03, 2021, 06:32:02 AM
Glad you enjoyed it PD. There's a biography of Alwyn, which I have, but haven't read yet:
(//)
Jeffrey and others,

I did find this on the Chandos website:

Pastoral Fantasia for Viola and String Orchestra

During the early years of the war, when the Nazis had over-run France, the Low Countries, Scandinavia, and had invaded Russia, Britain was standing on her own, with her back to the wall. Music played a great part in keeping up the morale of the British people. There were concerts for the troops, wherever they might be in the world, given by ENSA - an organization which included comedians, light music singers such as Vera Lynn, as well as top classical players of the day.
For the factory workers turning out the munitions the BBC provided music while you work; the National Gallery in London, denuded of its Art treasures, was used for lunch-time concerts to a packed audience, and for the people at home the Light programme of the BBC asked for small ensembles which could play original arrangements of classical music for half-hour programmes. William Pleeth (cello), Watson Forbes (viola) and William Alwyn (flute) were among the many distinguished musicians who joined together for this.. All the players took a turn in arranging the music and Alwyn also wrote original compositions for the players, including several works especially for the viola - then the Cinderella of the stringed instruments. The Pastoral Fantasia for Viola and String orchestra was one of these. A piano arrangement was given a first performance by Watson Forbes with Clifford Curzon in 1940. The following year the orchestral version was broadcast by the BBC from Bedford, the wartime home of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult. Lost for nearly fifty years, the Pastoral fantasia was recently rediscovered and is a welcome addition to the repertoire.


Interesting what they say about it being lost for fifty years....

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on November 04, 2021, 02:54:45 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on November 03, 2021, 11:36:39 AM
Jeffrey and others,

I did find this on the Chandos website:

Pastoral Fantasia for Viola and String Orchestra

During the early years of the war, when the Nazis had over-run France, the Low Countries, Scandinavia, and had invaded Russia, Britain was standing on her own, with her back to the wall. Music played a great part in keeping up the morale of the British people. There were concerts for the troops, wherever they might be in the world, given by ENSA - an organization which included comedians, light music singers such as Vera Lynn, as well as top classical players of the day.
For the factory workers turning out the munitions the BBC provided music while you work; the National Gallery in London, denuded of its Art treasures, was used for lunch-time concerts to a packed audience, and for the people at home the Light programme of the BBC asked for small ensembles which could play original arrangements of classical music for half-hour programmes. William Pleeth (cello), Watson Forbes (viola) and William Alwyn (flute) were among the many distinguished musicians who joined together for this.. All the players took a turn in arranging the music and Alwyn also wrote original compositions for the players, including several works especially for the viola - then the Cinderella of the stringed instruments. The Pastoral Fantasia for Viola and String orchestra was one of these. A piano arrangement was given a first performance by Watson Forbes with Clifford Curzon in 1940. The following year the orchestral version was broadcast by the BBC from Bedford, the wartime home of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult. Lost for nearly fifty years, the Pastoral fantasia was recently rediscovered and is a welcome addition to the repertoire.


Interesting what they say about it being lost for fifty years....

PD
Most interesting PD and thank you for posting it.
Apparently there was a much greater general interest in the arts during the war - because Londoners (and other city dwellers) might not survive until the next day due to the bombing in the 'Blitz', there was a tendency to live more 'deeply' and so those famous National Gallery concerts etc were very popular and introduced classical music to many who would not otherwise listen to it. I'd love to hear Boult conduct the 'Pastoral Fantasia' - odd indeed that such a fine work was lost for 50 years.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on November 04, 2021, 08:14:44 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on November 04, 2021, 02:54:45 AM
Most interesting PD and thank you for posting it.
Apparently there was a much greater general interest in the arts during the war - because Londoners (and other city dwellers) might not survive until the next day due to the bombing in the 'Blitz', there was a tendency to live more 'deeply' and so those famous National Gallery concerts etc were very popular and introduced classical music to many who would not otherwise listen to it. I'd love to hear Boult conduct the 'Pastoral Fantasia' - odd indeed that such a fine work was lost for 50 years.

Top post, Jeffrey. The National Gallery cleared of its treasures due to the impending Battle of Britain when the capital was in likelihood to be bombed to kingdom come. Up steps a lady with an unlikely name, Myra Hess, who her mission was to give Londoners daily classical music at the most vulnerable place and time. That she did, even with the bombs raining down.

https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/about-us/history/the-myra-hess-concerts/myra-hesss-wartime-concerts
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on November 11, 2021, 04:00:01 PM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/716j8CWIPML._AC_SL400_.jpg)

Henri Marteau, violin concerto in C.

The work is presented here in an orchestration by conductor and booklet annotator Raoul Grüneis. The concerto was published only in a violin and piano score and the full score was lost and never published. It was composed in a very difficult period of the composer's life. Under house arrest by the prussian authorities during WWI, he was allowed to play only a movement (the adagio) with organ accompaniment in a church. He fled to Sweden where he was greeted warmly by musician friends such as Tor Aulin, Stenhammar and others. Aulin had dedicated his 3rd VC to Marteau a few years earlier. Marteau, in turn, quoted that work in his own new concerto. Marteau was the soloist, Stenhammar conducting the Göteborg Orchestra. I think it's not due to chance that a prominent theme in the huge first movement strikingly recalls the famous friendship duet tune from Bizet's opera The Pearlfishers. But that's only one incidental in a work that oozes surprising twists at every turn.

This mammoth work - it's as long as Elgar's VC composed just a few years earlier - has the reputation of being unplayable and 'violin unfriendly', a strange thing indeed considering its author was one of the foremost virtuosos and violin teachers of his time - he had replaced Joseph Joachim as head of the violin class in Berlin upon the latter's retirement - at Joachim's express recommendation.

Tchaikovsky Competition prize-winner Nicolas Koeckert makes a splendid case for the concerto, as do the fine Deutsche Radio Philharmonie orchestra and conductor Grüneis, who obviously made it his mission to rescue this masterwork from oblivion. Excellent sonics adorn this beautiful 2018 release. The Serenade that fills the disc is for 9 winds. Were it not for the fact that it is dwarfed by the main offering, it would be obvious that this is a superb score as well - just much shorter and smaller in size.

Warmly recommended.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on November 12, 2021, 06:48:55 PM
I have just finished watching Great Performance on PBS.

Tonight's show was with John Williams conducting the premier of his new Violin Concerto with Anne-Sophie Mutter and the Boston Symphony.

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!. This concerto is a little more modernistic that a typical Williams work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on November 12, 2021, 10:58:34 PM
Quote from: Irons on November 04, 2021, 08:14:44 AM
Top post, Jeffrey. The National Gallery cleared of its treasures due to the impending Battle of Britain when the capital was in likelihood to be bombed to kingdom come. Up steps a lady with an unlikely name, Myra Hess, who her mission was to give Londoners daily classical music at the most vulnerable place and time. That she did, even with the bombs raining down.

https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/about-us/history/the-myra-hess-concerts/myra-hesss-wartime-concerts
Thanks Lol - yes, Dame Myra was a most admirable individual.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on November 19, 2021, 03:50:42 PM
I really enjoyed this disk.  Highly recommended.  Hans Eklund (1927-1999), studied composition with Lars-Erik Larsson and composed 12 symphonies and much else.  I hear traces of Shostakovich, Hilding Rosenberg, Nystroem, and Hindemith in his music. 

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81sealFetPL._SL1429_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on November 19, 2021, 03:59:51 PM
Quote from: relm1 on November 19, 2021, 03:50:42 PM
I really enjoyed this disk.  Highly recommended.  Hans Eklund (1927-1999), studied composition with Lars-Erik Larsson and composed 12 symphonies and much else.  I hear traces of Shostakovich, Hilding Rosenberg, Nystroem, and Hindemith in his music. 

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81sealFetPL._SL400_.jpg)

Good to know, thanks. I have his dark, brooding Requiem. I wasn't sure if I'd explore further, but now I am. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on November 20, 2021, 11:52:51 AM
Quote from: André on November 19, 2021, 03:59:51 PM
Good to know, thanks. I have his dark, brooding Requiem. I wasn't sure if I'd explore further, but now I am. :)
+1 for relm 1's comments André - I'm sure you'll enjoy that disc.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 20, 2021, 03:07:57 PM
I endorse the good impressions about the Eklund. There is no weak symphony in that little bunch of them. I like the menacing and militaristic qualities these works have. It was one of my best discoveries last year. Let's hope CPO will continue recording this promising cycle.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on November 21, 2021, 08:50:09 AM
I put that disc on my listening schedule on Spotify !
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on November 21, 2021, 09:54:22 AM
The Shostakovich string quartets. Not any specific one...just all of them. Chamber music that's arguably more intense than the grand symphonic counterparts which are intense enough as it is.

I can hear the suffering dark void in the soundspace all around these instruments.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on November 21, 2021, 12:51:56 PM
Boris Tchaikovsky's 3rd Symphony 'Sevastopol' never fails to move me, especially the final few minutes:
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 25, 2021, 07:29:44 PM
Weinberg: Symphony No. 14

Extraordinary. Such a mysterious piece, not necessarily depressing as some try to point out. Instead, I'd say it is somewhat eerie. Thank Kyle for alerting me to it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on December 07, 2021, 06:17:39 AM
Two Schubert works have blown me away today. The Piano Trio No. 2 in E flat and the Fantasy in C for violin and piano. Both with incredible virtuoso writing for all the instruments, but especially the piano.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: foxandpeng on December 07, 2021, 08:36:46 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on November 21, 2021, 12:51:56 PM
Boris Tchaikovsky's 3rd Symphony 'Sevastopol' never fails to move me, especially the final few minutes:
(//)

Listening now. I don't know this, oddly. Appreciate the pointer.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on December 07, 2021, 11:27:03 AM
After a bout of listenings to Franz Schmidt's 4th symphony, I am smitten and consider it a true masterpiece. Influences by Delius, Bruckner, Wagner, Strauss can be found (imagined?) but it's a work unlike any other.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on December 07, 2021, 11:40:39 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 07, 2021, 06:17:39 AM
Two Schubert works have blown me away today. The Piano Trio No. 2 in E flat and the Fantasy in C for violin and piano. Both with incredible virtuoso writing for all the instruments, but especially the piano.

Pounds the table!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 07, 2021, 04:40:21 PM
Quote from: Florestan on December 07, 2021, 11:40:39 AM
Pounds the table!

+1!

Never it's late to discover chamber masterpieces.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 12, 2021, 09:11:33 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 07, 2021, 06:17:39 AM
Two Schubert works have blown me away today. The Piano Trio No. 2 in E flat and the Fantasy in C for violin and piano. Both with incredible virtuoso writing for all the instruments, but especially the piano.

Oh yes, two masterpieces indeed. There is really nothing else in the repertoire quite like late Schubert. Do you know his incredibly poignant String Quintet?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 12, 2021, 09:14:29 AM
Quote from: André on December 07, 2021, 11:27:03 AM
After a bout of listenings to Franz Schmidt's 4th symphony, I am smitten and consider it a true masterpiece. Influences by Delius, Bruckner, Wagner, Strauss can be found (imagined?) but it's a work unlike any other.

One of my absolute favorite symphonies, and it's always great to see such admiration for it here on GMG. It amazes me how Schmidt could churn out something as dull and academic as his Concerto for Piano Left-Hand (which I sampled recently, what a disappointment!) after writing such a masterpiece as the 4th Symphony just a year earlier....
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on December 12, 2021, 11:05:55 AM
Quote from: kyjo on December 12, 2021, 09:11:33 AM
Oh yes, two masterpieces indeed. There is really nothing else in the repertoire quite like late Schubert. Do you know his incredibly poignant String Quintet?

I need to get to that.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on December 12, 2021, 01:45:47 PM
I posted about this in the "What are you listening 2 now" thread, but the very last track on Jordi Savall's disc Les voix humaines, Bourée in G major, apparently by J. S. Bach. I can't find any more information on this piece, but it's beautiful, a two-minute bourée for solo plucked viol. If anyone knows anything about this piece, please do tell, because it blew me away.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 12, 2021, 04:32:52 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 12, 2021, 11:05:55 AM
I need to get to that.

This is a recording to consider seriously. It's that great!

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71fxHZ6+EZL._SL1400_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 12, 2021, 04:35:00 PM
Quote from: kyjo on December 12, 2021, 09:14:29 AM
One of my absolute favorite symphonies, and it's always great to see such admiration for it here on GMG. It amazes me how Schmidt could churn out something as dull and academic as his Concerto for Piano Left-Hand (which I sampled recently, what a disappointment!) after writing such a masterpiece as the 4th Symphony just a year earlier....

I don't remember the concerto well right now, but I didn't think too bad about it. I concur with the greatness of the Fourth, nonetheless!!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on December 12, 2021, 05:58:05 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 12, 2021, 04:32:52 PM
This is a recording to consider seriously. It's that great!

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71fxHZ6+EZL._SL1400_.jpg)

Seconded. I also love the Pavel Haas Quartet + Danjulo Ishizaka recording on Supraphon, and the Alban Berg Quartett + Heinrich Schiff on EMI. It's a work that's been very well served on disc.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on December 14, 2021, 12:43:46 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 12, 2021, 04:32:52 PM
This is a recording to consider seriously. It's that great!

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71fxHZ6+EZL._SL1400_.jpg)

Listened to this yesterday. Holy cow! Another masterpiece to add to the collection! I remember hearing it once at a late-night Proms concert on the radio but it's been a while since then. Again, incredible proto-chromaticism in this work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 15, 2021, 02:26:16 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 14, 2021, 12:43:46 PM
Listened to this yesterday. Holy cow! Another masterpiece to add to the collection! I remember hearing it once at a late-night Proms concert on the radio but it's been a while since then. Again, incredible proto-chromaticism in this work.

You're realizing that you've neglected chamber music for too long? ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on December 16, 2021, 12:08:18 AM
Nah, it feels like the right time to begin to embrace it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 16, 2021, 08:17:49 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 16, 2021, 12:08:18 AM
Nah, it feels like the right time to begin to embrace it.

Better late than never! 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 24, 2021, 08:22:14 PM
Countess Maria Theodora Paulina (Dora) Pejačević: Piano Quintet in B minor, op. 40 [1915-18]

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81saAcg73tL._SY355_.jpg)

The scherzo: https://youtu.be/oLn2q3OzxLs

Holy s&*%!!!! This is an undoubted masterpiece as far as I'm concerned; a wonder of memorable themes, inventive and compelling harmonies, ear-catching part-writing, and sheer effusive passion. In short, it's everything one wants a late-romantic chamber work to be, and has absolutely nothing to envy from the recognized masterpieces of the "standard repertoire". There's not a single dull moment; Pejačević keeps the musical flow wonderfully organic in a way that rather reminds me of Faure, without sounding anything like him. (And let me be honest: Pejačević is more exciting and has even better tunes!) If you have any doubts, please sample the miraculous Trio section of the third movement Scherzo (which begins at 3:45 in the above linked video). Absolutely heavenly and sheer bliss can only begin to describe the sensation of this section, and indeed, the whole work!

The CPO recording with the Quatuor Sine Nomine and Oliver Triendl is, fortunately, absolutely stellar and full of the joy of discovery. Hopefully many more recordings and performances will follow suit, especially with the increased interest lately in female composers. Regarding the sadly short-lived Pejačević (1885-1923), judging from what I've heard her output appears to be rather uneven, but when inspiration seized her, as it surely does in the Piano Quintet, she demands attention. I recall being impressed by her sole Symphony in F-sharp minor, but less so by her Cello Sonata and Piano Trio (all of which - plus more - have been recorded by CPO).

P.S. Merry Christmas to all!! :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 25, 2021, 10:40:58 AM
This will puzzle you, Kyle, but I don't remember being as enthralled by her Piano Quintet as you. Her chamber work that has impressed me the most is the String Quartet. Pure late-Romanticism, gorgeousness and elegance. Nonetheless, on the strength of your vivid impressions, I'm gonna give the Piano Quintet a try soon.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 25, 2021, 11:08:29 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 25, 2021, 10:40:58 AM
This will puzzle you, Kyle, but I don't remember being as enthralled by her Piano Quintet as you. Her chamber work that has impressed me the most is the String Quartet. Pure late-Romanticism, gorgeousness and elegance. Nonetheless, on the strength of your vivid impressions, I'm gonna give the Piano Quintet a try soon.

I am befuddled indeed, Cesar! :D I'm definitely gonna give her String Quartet a spin soon. Well, give the Piano Quintet another try and let me know what you think, but if you still aren't enthralled, it will at least reassure other GMG members that we aren't the same person! ;)

Also, IIRC, Madiel is an admirer of Pejacevic's music. I'd be curious to hear his impressions!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on December 25, 2021, 12:32:15 PM
Mozart' s Symphony No. 33. A masterpiece of order and elegance alloyed with good humor and smiles. Mozart rocks!

(Kertesz & VPO on repeat)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 25, 2021, 07:13:03 PM
Quote from: kyjo on December 25, 2021, 11:08:29 AM
I am befuddled indeed, Cesar! :D I'm definitely gonna give her String Quartet a spin soon. Well, give the Piano Quintet another try and let me know what you think, but if you still aren't enthralled, it will at least reassure other GMG members that we aren't the same person! ;)

Haha perhaps it has to do with how your tastes change over the time, or maybe it depends on your mood at the moment you take time to sit and listen. The truth here is that I love Pejacevic's music, and as you, her Symphony in F sharp minor has some ravishing music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 25, 2021, 08:58:49 PM
Górecki: Concerto for harpsichord and string orchestra

Both work and performance comprise quite an experience! And it is just 9 minutes long. Exciting to say the least!

https://www.youtube.com/v/tyXjX-IOP6s


This one too: Popov's majestic and epic Symphony No. 2!

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81eVywoW3bL._SS500_.jpg)

Gosh, is there anything more sublime than the 1st movement Andante con moto e molto espressivo? Beautiful, and it sounds very much of his own, I mean, not Shostakovich-influenced, but more personal and heartfelt, and even more cinematic. A favorite Russian forever!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 26, 2021, 05:33:02 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 25, 2021, 08:58:49 PM
Górecki: Concerto for harpsichord and string orchestra

Both work and performance comprise quite an experience! And it is just 9 minutes long. Exciting to say the least!

https://www.youtube.com/v/tyXjX-IOP6s


This one too: Popov's majestic and epic Symphony No. 2!

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81eVywoW3bL._SS500_.jpg)

Gosh, is there anything more sublime than the 1st movement Andante con moto e molto espressivo? Beautiful, and it sounds very much of his own, I mean, not Shostakovich-influenced, but more personal and heartfelt, and even more cinematic. A favorite Russian forever!

Yeah, the Gorecki is a stunner indeed! It sounds nothing like his famous 3rd Symphony, for instance. I have fond memories of the Popov. I revisited his more modernistic 1st Symphony last night, which I can't rank too highly on account of its overlong, poorly structured, and not terribly memorable (IMHO) 1st movement. However, the 2nd and 3rd movements are a considerable improvement, above all the terrifically noisy and exciting finale.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on December 26, 2021, 06:12:37 PM
Knowing nothing of Popov, I ordered a copy of that CD on Symphonic Addict's recommendation and the strength of the samples I heard.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 26, 2021, 07:36:37 PM
Quote from: vers la flamme on December 26, 2021, 06:12:37 PM
Knowing nothing of Popov, I ordered a copy of that CD on Symphonic Addict's recommendation and the strength of the samples I heard.

Hope you'll enjoy it. Popov was an accomplished composer, and you notice that in many of his works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 26, 2021, 07:40:02 PM
Quote from: kyjo on December 26, 2021, 05:33:02 PM
Yeah, the Gorecki is a stunner indeed! It sounds nothing like his famous 3rd Symphony, for instance. I have fond memories of the Popov. I revisited his more modernistic 1st Symphony last night, which I can't rank too highly on account of its overlong, poorly structured, and not terribly memorable (IMHO) 1st movement. However, the 2nd and 3rd movements are a considerable improvement, above all the terrifically noisy and exciting finale.

Precisely, and that minimalist element of the music makes it thrilling and never boring.

The Popov is superb indeed. That ending is insane and visceral. The symphony has received other two or three recordings more, but this is the one to beat.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 01, 2022, 05:08:51 PM
The first pieces, for me, of this year running, are:

Langgaard and his 6th Symphony, my favorite one-movement symphony ever, divided into its themes and variations. Langgaard is a guaranteed genius, one who favors fine counterpoint, motivic development, combination of moods and humours that make this exhilarating symphony a work of a supreme triumph, intense battles, conflict, struggle and catharsis, hilarity!!! And this is the best performance hands down, I kid you not!!!

This 4th is my second favorite overall, just after Stupel/Danacord. Yet another work with which I connect and resonate like anything else in my life. I make jokes by saying that it is the soundtrack of my life. It depicts atmospheres and bring so many memories to mind.

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH9064.jpg)


Nielsen with his 5th Symphony reaches a mastery of symphonic rigurosity and ambition, and he succeeds at trying once again!

Something that astounds me about this symphony is how in 6 movements, he manages to be succesful in just two movements, thematically linked and developed, and the whole is totally organic, natural, you don't feel it incongruous. It's a masterpiece of the first order. I mean, even though you can dislike or feel little interest in his music, nobody can't deny it is a work of a genius, by a human who lived! And the way that he like interweaves motifs, themes and ideas in general, so engaging, amusing, quirky, lively. For me, it embodies the most important in creation: life and death. If you pay attention to details, it's a war work, life and death, calmness, turbulence, chaos, triumph, catharsis. Wow! This composer succeeds at combining so many elements that appeal to me enormously!

Definitely Thomson understood Nielsen's intentions. The music has to be vigorous, always running, it needs to unfold organically, and Thomson and the RSNO are at the height of expectations, not to mention the fantastic Chandos sound quality.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkyMjc2My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0ODc1ODQxNDN9)


Jaques-Dalcroze: Tableaux romands

This fascinating suite has been a marvelous discovery. You are aware of that you have listened to music like this, a set of tone poems into themselves of sorts before, but it is not. The music has a distinctive voice. It's authentic, and quite personal and mesmerizing! It has something of Strauss, Raff, a very Swiss flavour, and he doesn't sound like any of them. The opening movement is titled L'Alpe, a majestic depiction of the Alps. Highly evocative and beautiful stuff. So are the other four movements: Un clocher... au loin, Travail, Le Lac and Kermesse

Un clocher... au loin has so peaceful sonorities. It's my second favorite of those "tone poems". Adriano and the Moscow Symphony Orchestra don't disappoint. They feel this music in their bloods, and in that way they play.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71qrN3465SL._SY355_.jpg)


Bridge: Summer

My goodness, how have I been without knowing this beauty at depth! Bridge was a music painter. This is a poem in all the whole meaning of the word. These The Sea and Enter Spring are the most remarkable recordings of those pieces. The recordings are impeccable

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91716MJf1vL._SX522_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on January 02, 2022, 05:29:45 AM
+ 1 for Jacques-Dalcroze ! Marvellous music  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 02, 2022, 05:31:11 AM
Quote from: André on January 02, 2022, 05:29:45 AM
+ 1 for Jacques-Dalcroze ! Marvellous music  :)

+1. Excellent!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 15, 2022, 04:11:02 PM
And as some terrific music leads to other, I have to mention Gubaidulina's SQ 1, that took me to this another quartet: Schnittke's SQ 3, and as the Gubaidulina, is performed by the Quatuor Molinari. Absorbing music, committed playing.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: bhodges on January 15, 2022, 05:59:59 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 15, 2022, 04:11:02 PM
And as some terrific music leads to other, I have to mention Gubaidulina's SQ 1, that took me to this another quartet: Schnittke's SQ 3, and as the Gubaidulina, is performed by the Quatuor Molinari. Absorbing music, committed playing.

Too many comments in this thread to digest at the moment, but big "yes" for both the Gubaidulina 1 (1971) and Schnittke 3 (1983). I haven't heard the Molinari in these, so adding to the long queue.

--Bruce
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: foxandpeng on January 15, 2022, 11:29:49 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 01, 2022, 05:08:51 PM
The first pieces, for me, of this year running, are:

Langgaard and his 6th Symphony, my favorite one-movement symphony ever, divided into its themes and variations. Langgaard is a guaranteed genius, one who favors fine counterpoint, motivic development, combination of moods and humours that make this exhilarating symphony a work of a supreme triumph, intense battles, conflict, struggle and catharsis, hilarity!!! And this is the best performance hands down, I kid you not!!!

This 4th is my second favorite overall, just after Stupel/Danacord. Yet another work with which I connect and resonate like anything else in my life. I make jokes by saying that it is the soundtrack of my life. It depicts atmospheres and bring so many memories to mind.

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH9064.jpg)


Nielsen with his 5th Symphony reaches a mastery of symphonic rigurosity and ambition, and he succeeds at trying once again!

Something that astounds me about this symphony is how in 6 movements, he manages to be succesful in just two movements, thematically linked and developed, and the whole is totally organic, natural, you don't feel it incongruous. It's a masterpiece of the first order. I mean, even though you can dislike or feel little interest in his music, nobody can't deny it is a work of a genius, by a human who lived! And the way that he like interweaves motifs, themes and ideas in general, so engaging, amusing, quirky, lively. For me, it embodies the most important in creation: life and death. If you pay attention to details, it's a war work, life and death, calmness, turbulence, chaos, triumph, catharsis. Wow! This composer succeeds at combining so many elements that appeal to me enormously!

Definitely Thomson understood Nielsen's intentions. The music has to be vigorous, always running, it needs to unfold organically, and Thomson and the RSNO are at the height of expectations, not to mention the fantastic Chandos sound quality.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkyMjc2My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0ODc1ODQxNDN9)


Jaques-Dalcroze: Tableaux romands

This fascinating suite has been a marvelous discovery. You are aware of that you have listened to music like this, a set of tone poems into themselves of sorts before, but it is not. The music has a distinctive voice. It's authentic, and quite personal and mesmerizing! It has something of Strauss, Raff, a very Swiss flavour, and he doesn't sound like any of them. The opening movement is titled L'Alpe, a majestic depiction of the Alps. Highly evocative and beautiful stuff. So are the other four movements: Un clocher... au loin, Travail, Le Lac and Kermesse

Un clocher... au loin has so peaceful sonorities. It's my second favorite of those "tone poems". Adriano and the Moscow Symphony Orchestra don't disappoint. They feel this music in their bloods, and in that way they play.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71qrN3465SL._SY355_.jpg)


Bridge: Summer

My goodness, how have I been without knowing this beauty at depth! Bridge was a music painter. This is a poem in all the whole meaning of the word. These The Sea and Enter Spring are the most remarkable recordings of those pieces. The recordings are impeccable

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91716MJf1vL._SX522_.jpg)

Thank you. This is so useful
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on January 19, 2022, 08:00:19 AM
Miłosz Magin (1929-99): Piano Concerto no. 3, Violin Concerto no. 1 and other works (Sony CD); Piano Concerto no. 2 and Cello Concerto (Acte Preable CD)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/813s5FrJDhL._SY355_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51SThL5LCAL._SY355_.jpg)

This relatively unknown Polish composer has been a superb discovery for me! His language is characterized by an unmistakable folksy flavor, Prokofievian wit, and moments of chorale-like tranquility. The PC no. 3 and CC are more "serious", darker works, while the VC no. 1 and PC no. 2 are endearingly light-hearted and full of bright-eyed innocence. I hope more of his stuff gets recorded soon!


Haydn: Violin Concertos

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51VpzTzE8+L._SX425_.jpg)

I'm finding that I'm enjoying Haydn's less-discussed works (piano trios, concerti, songs) as much - and sometimes more than - his well-known symphonies and string quartets! These three VCs - especially the one in A major - are full of such joyous invention and energy that's irresistible. And what glorious performances these are! Isabelle Faust and the Munchener Kammerorchester under Christoph Poppen play with full-bodied sound and vibrato, but still with a stylish and idiomatic sense of phrasing. Essential listening for Haydn lovers!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on January 19, 2022, 08:23:47 AM
Quote from: kyjo on January 19, 2022, 08:00:19 AM
Miłosz Magin (1929-99): Piano Concerto no. 3, Violin Concerto no. 1 and other works (Sony CD); Piano Concerto no. 2 and Cello Concerto (Acte Preable CD)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/813s5FrJDhL._SY355_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51SThL5LCAL._SY355_.jpg)

This relatively unknown Polish composer has been a superb discovery for me! His language is characterized by an unmistakable folksy flavor, Prokofievian wit, and moments of chorale-like tranquility. The PC no. 3 and CC are more "serious", darker works, while the VC no. 1 and PC no. 2 are endearingly light-hearted and full of bright-eyed innocence. I hope more of his stuff gets recorded soon!

He was also a refined and sensitive pianist who recorded Chopin's complete works for piano solo for Decca.

(https://www.dibpic.com/uploads/posts/2021-08/1628956647_milosz-magin-chopin-oeuvres-pour-piano-2003.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Rinaldo on January 22, 2022, 09:58:10 AM
Coming over from the 'Hold a single note or chord for a whole hour, and call it music' (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,29778.0.html) thread:

Liam CareyYes and No, for 22 solo strings

https://www.youtube.com/v/5a8szQyozxs

An aural feast, if spectral music is your thing.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 23, 2022, 06:23:12 PM
Hell, this is one of the most inexhaustingly melodic, tuneful, exhilarating, rewarding, perfect group of melodies and motifs cleverly constructed and crafted in the 2nd movement that is to die for! This is is the creation of a genius! I mean, the Alla Polka from his String Quartet No. 1. Be careful, it is extremely tuneful, catchy and exhilarating as nothing else!

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/LWIAAOSwYVpfNFBm/s-l400.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on January 24, 2022, 12:16:53 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 01, 2022, 05:08:51 PM
The first pieces, for me, of this year running, are:

Langgaard and his 6th Symphony, my favorite one-movement symphony ever, divided into its themes and variations. Langgaard is a guaranteed genius, one who favors fine counterpoint, motivic development, combination of moods and humours that make this exhilarating symphony a work of a supreme triumph, intense battles, conflict, struggle and catharsis, hilarity!!! And this is the best performance hands down, I kid you not!!!

This 4th is my second favorite overall, just after Stupel/Danacord. Yet another work with which I connect and resonate like anything else in my life. I make jokes by saying that it is the soundtrack of my life. It depicts atmospheres and bring so many memories to mind.

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH9064.jpg)


Nielsen with his 5th Symphony reaches a mastery of symphonic rigurosity and ambition, and he succeeds at trying once again!

Something that astounds me about this symphony is how in 6 movements, he manages to be succesful in just two movements, thematically linked and developed, and the whole is totally organic, natural, you don't feel it incongruous. It's a masterpiece of the first order. I mean, even though you can dislike or feel little interest in his music, nobody can't deny it is a work of a genius, by a human who lived! And the way that he like interweaves motifs, themes and ideas in general, so engaging, amusing, quirky, lively. For me, it embodies the most important in creation: life and death. If you pay attention to details, it's a war work, life and death, calmness, turbulence, chaos, triumph, catharsis. Wow! This composer succeeds at combining so many elements that appeal to me enormously!

Definitely Thomson understood Nielsen's intentions. The music has to be vigorous, always running, it needs to unfold organically, and Thomson and the RSNO are at the height of expectations, not to mention the fantastic Chandos sound quality.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkyMjc2My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0ODc1ODQxNDN9)


Jaques-Dalcroze: Tableaux romands

This fascinating suite has been a marvelous discovery. You are aware of that you have listened to music like this, a set of tone poems into themselves of sorts before, but it is not. The music has a distinctive voice. It's authentic, and quite personal and mesmerizing! It has something of Strauss, Raff, a very Swiss flavour, and he doesn't sound like any of them. The opening movement is titled L'Alpe, a majestic depiction of the Alps. Highly evocative and beautiful stuff. So are the other four movements: Un clocher... au loin, Travail, Le Lac and Kermesse

Un clocher... au loin has so peaceful sonorities. It's my second favorite of those "tone poems". Adriano and the Moscow Symphony Orchestra don't disappoint. They feel this music in their bloods, and in that way they play.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71qrN3465SL._SY355_.jpg)


Bridge: Summer

My goodness, how have I been without knowing this beauty at depth! Bridge was a music painter. This is a poem in all the whole meaning of the word. These The Sea and Enter Spring are the most remarkable recordings of those pieces. The recordings are impeccable

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91716MJf1vL._SX522_.jpg)
That Dalcroze (never heard of him) CD looks of great interest Cesar! Thumbs up for all the others. Frank Bridge is a genuinely 'undeservedly neglected' composer. Works like 'The Sea' 'Enter Spring' and 'Oration' are wonderfully atmospheric and moving works and there is some great chamber music as well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on January 24, 2022, 07:48:36 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 23, 2022, 06:23:12 PM
Hell, this is one of the most inexhaustingly melodic, tuneful, exhilarating, rewarding, perfect group of melodies and motifs cleverly constructed and crafted in the 2nd movement that is to die for! This is is the creation of a genius! I mean, the Alla Polka from his String Quartet No. 1. Be careful, it is extremely tuneful, catchy and exhilarating as nothing else!

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/LWIAAOSwYVpfNFBm/s-l400.jpg)

Oh, yes! Both of Smetana's SQs are masterpieces (the 2nd being strikingly "modernistic" for its time, if less tuneful than the 1st), and so is his splendidly passionate Piano Trio. I prefer them all quite considerably to his orchestral works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Uhor on January 24, 2022, 10:42:01 AM
A long time ago:
León Biriotti - Rashomon (didn't know such music existed in my country): https://youtu.be/FSD3V891lGc


A few days ago:
Frank Martin - Petite symphonie concertante: https://youtu.be/hTkbjOzsLCI
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on January 24, 2022, 07:02:00 PM
Joubert: Symphony no. 1 (1955-56) and Bate: Symphony no. 4 (1954-55)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61NMXMZUzoL._SY355_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51pz7y1sU3L._SY355_.jpg)


My second listen to both works - and yes, my initial excellent impressions were confirmed! There was a remarkable proliferation of fine symphonies coming from the British Isles during the mid-20th century, and these two works are further proof of that. The Joubert is a propulsive, concentrated, dramatic, thrilling work which begins in a Stravinskian/Hindemithian neoclassical vein but soon accumulates the virile energy and epic reach of Walton's 1st Symphony. The anguished slow movement (in E-flat minor - take note Cesar! :D) begins with a gesture like the famous opening of Carmina Burana. The scherzo is as malicious, biting, and rhythmic as that of Walton 1, and the finale progresses from a doom-laden opening to an affirmative conclusion. In short, this work has everything I look for in a symphony - and it lasts just over half an hour. It receives an absolutely smoking performance by the LPO under Handley, with the timpanist clearly relishing his very active part! An Amazon reviewer compared this symphony to Robert Simpson, but I find it much more engaging than any of that composer's efforts.

The Bate may be less immediately memorable than the Joubert, but it is still an undeniably fine and deeply-felt work that doesn't really sound much like anyone else. Throughout the work, consonantly lyrical passages are followed by more astringent, dramatic climaxes which can build to epic proportions. As in the Joubert, the scherzo is a really relentless fireball of a movement, and the buildup leading to the end of the work is truly suspenseful and gripping. Interestingly, the first movement ends in A major while the finale ends on an A minor chord.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 24, 2022, 07:55:34 PM
Quote from: kyjo on January 24, 2022, 07:02:00 PM
Joubert: Symphony no. 1 (1955-56) and Bate: Symphony no. 4 (1954-55)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61NMXMZUzoL._SY355_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51pz7y1sU3L._SY355_.jpg)


My second listen to both works - and yes, my initial excellent impressions were confirmed! There was a remarkable proliferation of fine symphonies coming from the British Isles during the mid-20th century, and these two works are further proof of that. The Joubert is a propulsive, concentrated, dramatic, thrilling work which begins in a Stravinskian/Hindemithian neoclassical vein but soon accumulates the virile energy and epic reach of Walton's 1st Symphony. The anguished slow movement (in E-flat minor - take note Cesar! :D) begins with a gesture like the famous opening of Carmina Burana. The scherzo is as malicious, biting, and rhythmic as that of Walton 1, and the finale progresses from a doom-laden opening to an affirmative conclusion. In short, this work has everything I look for in a symphony - and it lasts just over half an hour. It receives an absolutely smoking performance by the LPO under Handley, with the timpanist clearly relishing his very active part! An Amazon reviewer compared this symphony to Robert Simpson, but I find it much more engaging than any of that composer's efforts.

The Bate may be less immediately memorable than the Joubert, but it is still an undeniably fine and deeply-felt work that doesn't really sound much like anyone else. Throughout the work, consonantly lyrical passages are followed by more astringent, dramatic climaxes which can build to epic proportions. As in the Joubert, the scherzo is a really relentless fireball of a movement, and the buildup leading to the end of the work is truly suspenseful and gripping. Interestingly, the first movement ends in A major while the finale ends on an A minor chord.

Cold and cerebral words for our British Simpson, Kyle.  ;D

That E-flat-minor tip has been trapped succesfully! 8) :P

Another work to revisit along with Alwyn's PC 2.

And +1 for both works. The Bate holds quite well into British repertoire. Perhaps I prefer the more Nielsenesque and maniac 3rd. I really hope some good record label rescues Stanley Bate from oblivion by recording all of his works since there are not many either and his compositional voice is like transitional between periods and facets among British composers as they are concerned.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 24, 2022, 08:02:44 PM
Quote from: foxandpeng on January 15, 2022, 11:29:49 PM
Thank you. This is so useful

My pleasure!

Useful (thank you) and rather subjective, of course.  ;D


Quote from: vandermolen on January 24, 2022, 12:16:53 AM
That Dalcroze (never heard of him) CD looks of great interest Cesar! Thumbs up for all the others. Frank Bridge is a genuinely 'undeservedly neglected' composer. Works like 'The Sea' 'Enter Spring' and 'Oration' are wonderfully atmospheric and moving works and there is some great chamber music as well.

I'm pretty sure you could enjoy the Jaques-Dalcroze quite a bit, Jeffrey. I said something about a Raff connection. Forget that, please! Straussian? It kind of suggests that, but J-D has a voice of his own, that's for sure! I can't pinpoint his language, sounds apparently traditional, but it has something of a distinctive talent here
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 24, 2022, 08:04:32 PM
Quote from: kyjo on January 24, 2022, 07:48:36 AM
Oh, yes! Both of Smetana's SQs are masterpieces (the 2nd being strikingly "modernistic" for its time, if less tuneful than the 1st), and so is his splendidly passionate Piano Trio. I prefer them all quite considerably to his orchestral works.

I love his chamber music A LOT, and to be honest, I couldn't live without My Country either (including the tiresome triangle parts)!  ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 24, 2022, 08:11:16 PM
Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71j2Op6z6ML._SL1200_.jpg)

I know this thread is about new pieces for you, but hey, this is the most hedonistic, perfectly played, gargantuan and muscular performance I've ever heard, and with spectacular sound quality. I hadn't heard this masterpiece like this as before! Stunning.

I have a doubt, however: is this version and orchestration the one Rachmaninov intended? I mean, I feel it like changed in some passages and orchestrated in a different way.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on January 24, 2022, 11:07:33 PM
Quote from: kyjo on January 24, 2022, 07:02:00 PM
Joubert: Symphony no. 1 (1955-56) and Bate: Symphony no. 4 (1954-55)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61NMXMZUzoL._SY355_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51pz7y1sU3L._SY355_.jpg)


My second listen to both works - and yes, my initial excellent impressions were confirmed! There was a remarkable proliferation of fine symphonies coming from the British Isles during the mid-20th century, and these two works are further proof of that. The Joubert is a propulsive, concentrated, dramatic, thrilling work which begins in a Stravinskian/Hindemithian neoclassical vein but soon accumulates the virile energy and epic reach of Walton's 1st Symphony. The anguished slow movement (in E-flat minor - take note Cesar! :D) begins with a gesture like the famous opening of Carmina Burana. The scherzo is as malicious, biting, and rhythmic as that of Walton 1, and the finale progresses from a doom-laden opening to an affirmative conclusion. In short, this work has everything I look for in a symphony - and it lasts just over half an hour. It receives an absolutely smoking performance by the LPO under Handley, with the timpanist clearly relishing his very active part! An Amazon reviewer compared this symphony to Robert Simpson, but I find it much more engaging than any of that composer's efforts.

The Bate may be less immediately memorable than the Joubert, but it is still an undeniably fine and deeply-felt work that doesn't really sound much like anyone else. Throughout the work, consonantly lyrical passages are followed by more astringent, dramatic climaxes which can build to epic proportions. As in the Joubert, the scherzo is a really relentless fireball of a movement, and the buildup leading to the end of the work is truly suspenseful and gripping. Interestingly, the first movement ends in A major while the finale ends on an A minor chord.
Two great British symphonies IMO Kyle and nice review. In view of his troubled life I find the 'hopeless defiance' at the end of Bate's 4th Symphony to be very moving.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on January 24, 2022, 11:09:29 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 24, 2022, 08:02:44 PM
My pleasure!

Useful (thank you) and rather subjective, of course.  ;D


I'm pretty sure you could enjoy the Jaques-Dalcroze quite a bit, Jeffrey. I said something about a Raff connection. Forget that, please! Straussian? It kind of suggests that, but J-D has a voice of his own, that's for sure! I can't pinpoint his language, sounds apparently traditional, but it has something of a distinctive talent here
Have already ordered the CD Cesar  ::)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on January 25, 2022, 06:13:42 AM
Nikolai Tcherepnin: 'Destiny' Three Symphonic Fragments on a Ballad by Edgar Allan Poe' This was originally a ballet score based on Poe's 'Masque of the Red Death' (there's a great Roger Corman film starring Vincent Price). I've listened to it about five times already today. It is (as appropriate) hauntingly atmospheric and I'm so pleased to have discovered this CD having enjoyed his ballet 'Echo and Narcissus' so much (thank you Leo/Cato for that recommendation).'Destiny' is rather cinematic. The three movements consist of 'In the Chamber of the Ebony Clock', 'The Party' and 'Orgy - Final Struggle and Death'. It has a rather magical and appropriately ominous atmosphere. It is beautifully scored, as appropriate for a student of Rimsky-Korsakov.
Nikolai's father (also called Nikolai) was the last doctor of the great Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky - an interesting family:
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on January 25, 2022, 08:41:13 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 24, 2022, 07:55:34 PM
Cold and cerebral words for our British Simpson, Kyle.  ;D

That E-flat-minor tip has been trapped succesfully! 8) :P

Another work to revisit along with Alwyn's PC 2.

And +1 for both works. The Bate holds quite well into British repertoire. Perhaps I prefer the more Nielsenesque and maniac 3rd. I really hope some good record label rescues Stanley Bate from oblivion by recording all of his works since there are not many either and his compositional voice is like transitional between periods and facets among British composers as they are concerned.

Regarding Simpson, he's one of those composers - like Delius and Brian - who sharply divides opinion. I've never been able to get into his music - I find it cold and cerebral as you said. ;D

I also hope more of Bate's output gets recorded. Despite his sadly short life (he died at age 47), he produced a substantial body of works, including multiple ballets, 5 PCs, 3 VCs and other concerti, and some chamber works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 25, 2022, 01:52:56 PM
This:

Quote from: Mirror Image on January 25, 2022, 12:13:16 PM
NP:

Martin
Drey Minnelieder
Barbara Vigfusson (soprano), Miriam Terragni (flute), Harald Stampa (guitar)


(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAzNzk4Mi4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NTd9)

Oh, man. This is just so gorgeous.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 25, 2022, 05:02:43 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on January 24, 2022, 11:09:29 PM
Have already ordered the CD Cesar  ::)

Sure, Jeffrey?  ;D :-\
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on January 26, 2022, 02:21:51 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 25, 2022, 05:02:43 PM
Sure, Jeffrey?  ;D :-\
8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on January 26, 2022, 06:08:51 PM
Honegger: Sonatina for Violin and Cello (Christian Teztlaff/Christian Poltera)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81lCh7snzrL._SY355_.jpg)

Generally speaking, Honegger's works can be divided into two groups: the "dark/serious/dissonant" side (Symphonies 2, 3, and 5) and the "elegant/pastoral/insouciant/lyrical" side (Cello Concerto, Symphony 4, Pastorale d'ete). This delightful, expertly crafted work falls into the latter category, and is an immensely valuable contribution to the rather limited literature for violin and cello duo. The rustic, life-affirmingly diatonic melodies of the first movement brought joy to my soul! The slow movement is an oasis of calm with a witty middle section, and the finale is playful romp complete with virtuosic, "gypsy"-like cadenzas for both instruments. Absolutely essential listening for Honeggerians!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 26, 2022, 06:10:42 PM
Quote from: kyjo on January 26, 2022, 06:08:51 PM
Honegger: Sonatina for Violin and Cello (Christian Teztlaff/Christian Poltera)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81lCh7snzrL._SY355_.jpg)

Generally speaking, Honegger's works can be divided into two groups: the "dark/serious/dissonant" side (Symphonies 2, 3, and 5) and the "elegant/pastoral/insouciant/lyrical" side (Cello Concerto, Symphony 4, Pastorale d'ete). This delightful, expertly crafted work falls into the latter category, and is an immensely valuable contribution to the rather limited literature for violin and cello duo. The rustic, life-affirmingly diatonic melodies of the first movement brought joy to my soul! The slow movement is an oasis of calm with a witty middle section, and the finale is playful romp complete with virtuosic, "gypsy"-like cadenzas for both instruments. Absolutely essential listening for Honeggerians!!

Duly noted, Honeggerian Kyle!  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 26, 2022, 07:14:19 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 26, 2022, 06:10:42 PM
Duly noted, Honeggerian Kyle!  ;D

You bring up an interesting point, I wonder who amongst our esteemed members here would qualify as a "Honegger fanatic"? I'm certainly in the running! I would say Jeffrey (Vandermolen), but I'm not sure how aware he is of the more obscure works (?). Kyle is in the running, too, but, again, I'm thinking of the same thoughts I had about Jeffrey. There are rarer works that don't get discussed here too often. Like, for example, I don't ever see his solo piano music get mentioned or the chamber works outside of the SQs with the maybe a notable exception of a cello/piano work or something.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 26, 2022, 07:47:37 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 26, 2022, 07:14:19 PM
You bring up an interesting point, I wonder who amongst our esteemed members here would qualify as a "Honegger fanatic"? I'm certainly in the running! I would say Jeffrey (Vandermolen), but I'm not sure how aware he is of the more obscure works (?). Kyle is in the running, too, but, again, I'm thinking of the same thoughts I had about Jeffrey. There are rarer works that don't get discussed here too often. Like, for example, I don't ever see his solo piano music get mentioned or the chamber works outside of the SQs with the maybe a notable exception of a cello/piano work or something.

Oh, I have some quite good less-known works in a list:

-Violin Sonata No. 1
-Cello Sonata
-Hymne for strings
-Danse de la chévre for solo flute
-Sonata for solo violin
-Introduction et Danse for flute, string trio and harp
-Le Demon de l'Himalaya – Two symphonic movements
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on January 26, 2022, 07:54:32 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 26, 2022, 07:47:37 PM
Oh, I have some quite good less-known works in a list:

-Violin Sonata No. 1
-Cello Sonata
-Hymne for strings
-Danse de la chévre for solo flute
-Sonata for solo violin
-Introduction et Danse for flute, string trio and harp
-Le Demon de l'Himalaya – Two symphonic movements

But what of the ballets or lyrical dramas? I have found this website extremely useful:

[From this direct link you can look at his oeuvre by section]

http://arthur-honegger.com/en/catalogue-of-works/ (http://arthur-honegger.com/en/catalogue-of-works/)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on January 28, 2022, 11:46:19 AM
Surprisingly (given my musical preferences) I was highly impressed today with César Franck's Prélude, choral et fugue, as played by Catherine Collard (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,29166.msg1422464.html#msg1422464). This mix of Bachian purity and romantic passion sounded particularly attractive to me today. The work also had an extra-musical effect on me, as it brought back memories of Luchino Visconti's relatively unknown but superb film Vaghe stelle dell'Orsa (aka Sandra), which I watched years ago and where Franck's piece plays a prominent role.

And earlier, I was thrilled to discover André Boucourechliev's Les Archipels, as reported here (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,29166.msg1422447.html#msg1422447).

Archipel I from the recording I was listening to can be accessed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1LJXr4CggE&t=421s (I think the other pieces are available there as well).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on February 01, 2022, 01:38:34 AM
Mozart - Piano Concerto No. 22 in E-flat Major KV 482

I've always liked it but in the last few days I played it several times in a row daily (Anda/ Camerata Salzburg --- the performance is fantastic and the sonics are aboslutely superb, each and every orchestral detail is clearly audible, the winds in particular achieving miracles of expressivity). What a gorgeous piece of music, almost achingly beautiful. 


"Does it not seem as if Mozart's works become fresher and fresher the oftener we hear them?" ~ Robert Schumann

Amen!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on February 04, 2022, 06:55:43 AM
Quote from: Florestan on February 01, 2022, 01:38:34 AM
Mozart - Piano Concerto No. 22 in E-flat Major KV 482

I've always liked it but in the last few days I played it several times in a row daily (Anda/ Camerata Salzburg --- the performance is fantastic and the sonics are aboslutely superb, each and every orchestral detail is clearly audible, the winds in particular achieving miracles of expressivity). What a gorgeous piece of music, almost achingly beautiful. 


"Does it not seem as if Mozart's works become fresher and fresher the oftener we hear them?" ~ Robert Schumann

Amen!

Oh yes! A glorious work, and one of my favorite of Mozart's PCs along with nos. 17, 24, and 26. The slow movement is remarkably poignant and tonally ambiguous (hovering between major and minor), and the orchestration throughout is marvelous, with particularly soloistic wind parts as you say.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 04, 2022, 07:01:21 AM
Quote from: ritter on January 28, 2022, 11:46:19 AM
Surprisingly (given my musical preferences) I was highly impressed today with César Franck's Prélude, choral et fugue, as played by Catherine Collard (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,29166.msg1422464.html#msg1422464). This mix of Bachian purity and romantic passion sounded particularly attractive to me today. The work also had an extra-musical effect on me, as it brought back memories of Luchino Visconti's relatively unknown but superb film Vaghe stelle dell'Orsa (aka Sandra), which I watched years ago and where Franck's piece plays a prominent role.

I listened to this work not too long ago and I rather enjoyed it as well --- rather monolithic, but powerful.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on February 04, 2022, 07:12:46 AM
Quote from: kyjo on February 04, 2022, 06:55:43 AM
Oh yes! A glorious work, and one of my favorite of Mozart's PCs along with nos. 17, 24, and 26. The slow movement is remarkably poignant and tonally ambiguous (hovering between major and minor), and the orchestration throughout is marvelous, with particularly soloistic wind parts as you say.

8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on February 07, 2022, 10:25:50 AM
Reminder of OP.  This thread is for a member to discuss a new composer or work he is unfamiliar with that he has just discovered.

There are other threads where a member can discuss a new outstanding recording of a work they are familiar with.

For example, I am not familiar with the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 22 .  So, if I submitted a post about this work, it would have been new to me.

I have not posted in a while because I have not heard anything new that has blown me away.

I have just discovered the music of Florence Price.  She was a contemporary of William Grant Still.  For years I have read that the first great African American symphonist was still.  She has not received the recognition she is due because of her sex as well as her race.  Note for note her symphonies are as strong as Still's.

[asin]B09KZ5RXQ9[/asin]
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 07, 2022, 11:43:49 AM
Recently, I've been blown away by Szymanowski's Métopes, Op. 29. Such an unusual piece in terms of atmosphere, but the harmonic content is beguiling.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on February 07, 2022, 04:29:10 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 07, 2022, 11:43:49 AM
Recently, I've been blown away by Szymanowski's Métopes, Op. 29. Such an unusual piece in terms of atmosphere, but the harmonic content is beguiling.

Never heard of it...must experience it as I'm a huge fan of the composer!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 07, 2022, 04:39:59 PM
Quote from: relm1 on February 07, 2022, 04:29:10 PM
Never heard of it...must experience it as I'm a huge fan of the composer!

It's a work for solo piano. I've become rather enthralled by so much his solo piano music and, like you, I'm a huge fan of the composer.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on February 10, 2022, 09:20:39 AM
Korngold: Suite for 2 Violins, Cello, and Piano left-hand (1930); Schmidt: Piano Quintet in G major (1926)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81ZO7OVrA-L._SY355_.jpg)

Where have these works been all my life?? The unusually scored Korngold is one of his most harmonically adventurous works (along with the Symphony), especially in the often angular first movement. This, along with his characteristically lush lyricism, gives the work a sweet-and-tart flavor which is really appealing to me. The finale, a masterfully developed theme and variations, caps off this marvelously colorful and eclectic work. If anything, I was even more taken with the Schmidt quintet! It's written in Schmidt's characteristically rather understated (but never dull!) and bittersweet style, juxtaposing winding chromatic harmonies with beautiful diatonic melodies. The whole work is excellent, but Schmidt had a real knack for writing deeply touching slow movements, and this one is certainly no exception. It's stunningly beautiful in its timeless simplicity, and I won't deny that it brought me to tears!! Needless to say, the performances by these "big name" artists are uniformly superb and give this splendid music the advocacy it so richly deserves. Any self-respecting chamber music enthusiast needs to hear these works!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 11, 2022, 05:44:54 AM
Ginastera's 2nd Cello Concerto from last night blew me away! I listened to it twice in a row.

Here is the recording I listened to:

Quote from: Mirror Image on February 10, 2022, 07:23:32 PMGinastera
Cello Concerto No. 2, Op. 50
Aurora Nátola-Ginastera, cello
Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León
Max Bragado Darman


(https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/1765/17658982_so.jpg)

I have another recording on Naxos, but, honestly, it pales in comparison to the sheer spirit of this Nátola-Ginastera performance.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 11, 2022, 11:16:21 AM
Quote from: kyjo on February 10, 2022, 09:20:39 AM
Korngold: Suite for 2 Violins, Cello, and Piano left-hand (1930); Schmidt: Piano Quintet in G major (1926)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81ZO7OVrA-L._SY355_.jpg)

Where have these works been all my life?? The unusually scored Korngold is one of his most harmonically adventurous works (along with the Symphony), especially in the often angular first movement. This, along with his characteristically lush lyricism, gives the work a sweet-and-tart flavor which is really appealing to me. The finale, a masterfully developed theme and variations, caps off this marvelously colorful and eclectic work. If anything, I was even more taken with the Schmidt quintet! It's written in Schmidt's characteristically rather understated (but never dull!) and bittersweet style, juxtaposing winding chromatic harmonies with beautiful diatonic melodies. The whole work is excellent, but Schmidt had a real knack for writing deeply touching slow movements, and this one is certainly no exception. It's stunningly beautiful in its timeless simplicity, and I won't deny that it brought me to tears!! Needless to say, the performances by these "big name" artists are uniformly superb and give this splendid music the advocacy it so richly deserves. Any self-respecting chamber music enthusiast needs to hear these works!!

A great work, Kyle (along with the Korngold). His other quintets with piano and clarinet are a little more elusive and intimate, though, there is some well-crafted music in those works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 11, 2022, 11:19:16 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 11, 2022, 05:44:54 AM
Ginastera's 2nd Cello Concerto from last night blew me away! I listened to it twice in a row.

Here is the recording I listened to:

I have another recording on Naxos, but, honestly, it pales in comparison to the sheer spirit of this Nátola-Ginastera performance.

I'll have to check this recording out. When I started exploring those concertos, I was kind of underwhelmed because of the challenging music. I suspect that things have changed for good now.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 11, 2022, 04:42:18 PM
Ivanovs: Symphony No. 6 Latgalian

According to my tastes, this ranks very high in my musical preferences: an epic, memorable, noble symphony.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 11, 2022, 05:56:25 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 11, 2022, 11:19:16 AM
I'll have to check this recording out. When I started exploring those concertos, I was kind of underwhelmed because of the challenging music. I suspect that things have changed for good now.

I personally don't find the music challenging, but this is because I've become more and more accustomed to listening to post-war avant-gardists like Boulez, Scelsi, Ligeti et. al. Ginastera actually sounds more rooted in tradition by comparison.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on February 12, 2022, 07:06:21 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 11, 2022, 04:42:18 PM
Ivanovs: Symphony No. 6 Latgalian

According to my tastes, this ranks very high in my musical preferences: an epic, memorable, noble symphony.

Good to know, Cesar! I'll be giving this one a spin soon.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on February 17, 2022, 07:59:58 AM
This is a disc I've owned for ages and always enjoy listening to.  But today it really hit a chord.  What a great piece Bruch's Octet is!  Hilariously "out of its time" given that it was written in 1920 and sounds like Mendelssohn's more muscular brother.  But hell - who cares - there are various performances but this is a cracker and the couplings are pretty damm good too.......

(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61AOSxp0YtL._SR600%2C315_PIWhiteStrip%2CBottomLeft%2C0%2C35_PIStarRatingFOURANDHALF%2CBottomLeft%2C360%2C-6_SR600%2C315_ZA20%2C445%2C290%2C400%2C400%2CAmazonEmberBold%2C12%2C4%2C0%2C0%2C5_SCLZZZZZZZ_FMpng_BG255%2C255%2C255.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on February 17, 2022, 02:02:15 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on February 17, 2022, 07:59:58 AM
This is a disc I've owned for ages and always enjoy listening to.  But today it really hit a chord.  What a great piece Bruch's Octet is!  Hilariously "out of its time" given that it was written in 1920 and sounds like Mendelssohn's more muscular brother.  But hell - who cares - there are various performances but this is a cracker and the couplings are pretty damm good too.......

(https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61AOSxp0YtL._SR600%2C315_PIWhiteStrip%2CBottomLeft%2C0%2C35_PIStarRatingFOURANDHALF%2CBottomLeft%2C360%2C-6_SR600%2C315_ZA20%2C445%2C290%2C400%2C400%2CAmazonEmberBold%2C12%2C4%2C0%2C0%2C5_SCLZZZZZZZ_FMpng_BG255%2C255%2C255.jpg)

Oh yes, I was really impressed by this vivacious and tuneful work when I revisited it a few days ago. Don't miss out on Bruch's much earlier and too-little-mentioned SQs, given fiery performances by the Diogenes Quartet here:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91UNbrH8N1L._SS500_.jpg)

If you must sample only one movement, let it be the insanely catchy scherzo from
the 2nd quartet: https://youtu.be/OO5JwiIgIDk
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 18, 2022, 03:42:56 PM
Schubert: Wanderer Fantasie for piano and orchestra (orc. by Liszt).

Fuc**g masterpiece and performance! This has to be one of the most tuneful and catchy pieces ever written by anyone. And this performance does justice to the piece IMO. Exhilarating in a high degree!

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51vA%2BcBb4NL._SY445_SX342_QL70_ML2_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on February 19, 2022, 08:24:48 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 18, 2022, 03:42:56 PM
Schubert: Wanderer Fantasie for piano and orchestra (orc. by Liszt).

Fuc**g masterpiece and performance! This has to be one of the most tuneful and catchy pieces ever written by anyone. And this performance does justice to the piece IMO. Exhilarating in a high degree!

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51vA%2BcBb4NL._SY445_SX342_QL70_ML2_.jpg)

Whoa! Didn't know Liszt transcribed the Wanderer for piano and orchestra. Must seek out this disc.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on February 22, 2022, 03:29:50 PM
Juon: Octet in B-flat major for Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon & Horn (1905)

https://youtu.be/yWS1lpkTw4s

This magnificent creation confirms Juon as one of my very favorite composers of chamber music. In fact, I'd put him right behind Dvorak and Brahms in that regard! It's an unabashedly joyous and sunny work for a delicious combination of instruments, with melancholy only appearing in the slow movement. Juon's melodic inspiration never ceases to amaze me, also I adore that charming rustic touch that makes his music so distinctive. For example, witness the theme at 2:20 in the first movement: it's so f*#&$*%^ catchy!! Also, the swooning, ultra-romantic theme at 26:20 in the finale is enough to make Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninoff green with envy! Fortunately, the performance in the above video (not sure if it's a commercial recording) does full justice to the work. Cesar, Andre, Andrei, et al. need to hear this!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on February 23, 2022, 10:06:12 AM
Quote from: vers la flamme on February 19, 2022, 08:24:48 AM
Whoa! Didn't know Liszt transcribed the Wanderer for piano and orchestra. Must seek out this disc.

Symphonic Addict doesn't say which version floated his boat(!) - but I like this one......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM_6e0C3NnI
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 23, 2022, 01:08:22 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 18, 2022, 03:42:56 PM
Schubert: Wanderer Fantasie for piano and orchestra (orc. by Liszt).

Fuc**g masterpiece and performance! This has to be one of the most tuneful and catchy pieces ever written by anyone. And this performance does justice to the piece IMO. Exhilarating in a high degree!

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51vA%2BcBb4NL._SY445_SX342_QL70_ML2_.jpg)

You should hear the Koechlin orchestration!

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAwNzQxOS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NDN9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on February 23, 2022, 02:06:08 PM
Quote from: kyjo on February 17, 2022, 02:02:15 PM
Oh yes, I was really impressed by this vivacious and tuneful work when I revisited it a few days ago. Don't miss out on Bruch's much earlier and too-little-mentioned SQs, given fiery performances by the Diogenes Quartet here:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91UNbrH8N1L._SS500_.jpg)

If you must sample only one movement, let it be the insanely catchy scherzo from
the 2nd quartet: https://youtu.be/OO5JwiIgIDk

I know the first two quartets from the Quartetto Academica recording which didn't include the Op.posth.  haven't listened to that disc in years - you've re-piqued my interest!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 26, 2022, 03:37:08 PM
Quote from: kyjo on February 22, 2022, 03:29:50 PM
Juon: Octet in B-flat major for Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon & Horn (1905)

https://youtu.be/yWS1lpkTw4s

This magnificent creation confirms Juon as one of my very favorite composers of chamber music. In fact, I'd put him right behind Dvorak and Brahms in that regard! It's an unabashedly joyous and sunny work for a delicious combination of instruments, with melancholy only appearing in the slow movement. Juon's melodic inspiration never ceases to amaze me, also I adore that charming rustic touch that makes his music so distinctive. For example, witness the theme at 2:20 in the first movement: it's so f*#&$*%^ catchy!! Also, the swooning, ultra-romantic theme at 26:20 in the finale is enough to make Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninoff green with envy! Fortunately, the performance in the above video (not sure if it's a commercial recording) does full justice to the work. Cesar, Andre, Andrei, et al. need to hear this!!

This work does deserve this category indeed. Thanks for the suggestion, Kyle! A phenomenal and expertly-written creation.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on February 27, 2022, 09:05:49 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 26, 2022, 03:37:08 PM
This work does deserve this category indeed. Thanks for the suggestion, Kyle! A phenomenal and expertly-written creation.

Glad you enjoyed it, Cesar!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on February 27, 2022, 04:22:20 PM
(https://i.discogs.com/TC_bkJ0Vy4tQCTZtQxcZxjozfzBBUaypB5S2cEqP0vM/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWltYWdlcy9SLTE3/Nzk4MDc3LTE2MTU0/OTkwMDUtNjA0MS5q/cGVn.jpeg)

While the whole program is great, the 2nd symphony and the opera suite are instant hits. Terrific pieces both.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on February 27, 2022, 07:44:10 PM
Quote from: André on February 27, 2022, 04:22:20 PM
(https://i.discogs.com/TC_bkJ0Vy4tQCTZtQxcZxjozfzBBUaypB5S2cEqP0vM/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWltYWdlcy9SLTE3/Nzk4MDc3LTE2MTU0/OTkwMDUtNjA0MS5q/cGVn.jpeg)

While the whole program is great, the 2nd symphony and the opera suite are instant hits. Terrific pieces both.

Interesting stuff, André! How are the performances?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on February 28, 2022, 05:44:58 AM
Performances are excellent, Kyle. The San Luis Potosi orchestra is very good and boasts a solo horn player of stunning ability (fearless in the scherzo).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on February 28, 2022, 06:47:41 AM
Quote from: André on February 28, 2022, 05:44:58 AM
Performances are excellent, Kyle. The San Luis Potosi orchestra is very good and boasts a solo horn player of stunning ability (fearless in the scherzo).

Great to hear, André! I'll be giving Carrillo a spin soon.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on February 28, 2022, 06:49:16 AM
Quote from: kyjo on February 28, 2022, 06:47:41 AM
Great to hear, André! I'll be giving Carrillo a spin soon.

I find this hard to believe since you're one of those listeners who streams music. ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on February 28, 2022, 07:44:42 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 28, 2022, 06:49:16 AM
I find this hard to believe since you're one of those listeners who streams music. ;)

Ahhhh, you got me! :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on February 28, 2022, 10:04:00 AM
Quote from: kyjo on February 28, 2022, 06:47:41 AM
Great to hear, André! I'll be giving Carrillo a spin soon.

Booklet notes speak about influences from Wagner, Bruckner, Rachmaninov, even Satie. I haven't heard any of it, save for Carillo's expert use of thematic transformation. Melodic cells are bold and easy to spot as they undergo rythmic, harmonic or instrumental changes. If anything, I was reminded of the symphonies of Stenhammar (also said to harbor brucknerian influences) and Alfven. A common lineage of influence may be the Berlin-Leipzig-Dresden axis. Carillo, Alfven and Stenhammar all had strong links to these centres of musical influence.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 28, 2022, 02:49:58 PM
Today earlier I listened to the Carrillo Symphony and it is a superb work indeed. Thanks André for bringing it to our attention. I do hear some hints of Bruckner, Wagner and Rachmaninov there. Another composer that came to mind was Richard Wetz. I'm not claiming that the work is derivative, but I do feel a connection with those composers.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on March 03, 2022, 07:12:03 PM
This:

https://www.youtube.com/v/BM1HMf-LO1M

Nightmarish music!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on March 06, 2022, 04:49:25 PM
Francisco Mignone: Piano Concerto

Stunning to say the least! An imaginative Neo-Romantic piece.

(https://www.music-bazaar.com/album-images/vol32/1509/1509705/3382793-big/Piano-Concertos-By-Isaac-Albeniz-Francisco-Mignone-cover.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on March 09, 2022, 07:18:20 PM
(https://is2-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music124/v4/de/f7/90/def790ab-e874-3b22-5989-5a56805705e6/00028942918528.rgb.jpg/600x600bf-60.jpg)

The 6th String Quartet. What a tuneful and infectious piece of music! Love how witty and elegant it is.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on March 09, 2022, 11:32:49 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on March 09, 2022, 07:18:20 PM
(https://is2-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music124/v4/de/f7/90/def790ab-e874-3b22-5989-5a56805705e6/00028942918528.rgb.jpg/600x600bf-60.jpg)

The 6th String Quartet. What a tuneful and infectious piece of music! Love how witty and elegant it is.

A great set. Haydn quartets cast a long shadow.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 11, 2022, 05:18:49 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on March 03, 2022, 07:12:03 PM
This:

https://www.youtube.com/v/BM1HMf-LO1M

Nightmarish music!

And so far ahead of its' time! I mean there are composers working today who still trying to figure Webern out. I have to say he's the most enigmatic of the Second Viennese School.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on March 11, 2022, 05:47:48 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 11, 2022, 05:18:49 PM
And so far ahead of its' time! I mean there are composers working today who still trying to figure Webern out. I have to say he's the most enigmatic of the Second Viennese School.

Absolutely. It definitely is enigmatic. I've enjoyed some of his works, something I hadn't expected as soon.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: steve ridgway on March 11, 2022, 10:09:41 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on March 11, 2022, 05:47:48 PM
Absolutely. It definitely is enigmatic. I've enjoyed some of his works, something I hadn't expected as soon.

I'm also very impressed by the Five Movements for String Quartet; surprised and delighted to find such unusual music being composed in the early 1900s. 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on March 12, 2022, 02:59:30 PM
Quote from: steve ridgway on March 11, 2022, 10:09:41 PM
I'm also very impressed by the Five Movements for String Quartet; surprised and delighted to find such unusual music being composed in the early 1900s. 8)

For a listener like me it's meant an interesting pass forward in obtaining entertainment or pleasure from works I never considered could like or enjoy. Hopefully I'll find more works that catch my attention by him and others.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on March 19, 2022, 04:19:55 PM
Eshpai: Symphony no. 2 Praise to Light (1962)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71W+2WUoPSL._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/0XSIcvaQ_qs


OMG!!! I really ought to start paying more attention to this composer!! This riveting symphony is in two substantial movements: the first strongly rhythmic and almost American-sounding, and the second beginning with an extraordinarily atmospheric and melancholic passage featuring Russian folk instruments (?) followed by a viscerally exciting, toccata-like section which is capped off by an affirmative, anthem-like coda. It's all scintillatingly orchestrated and given a throughly involved performance here by the USSR Large Symphony Orchestra under Konstantin Ivanov. Great stuff!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on March 20, 2022, 06:56:34 AM
Quote from: kyjo on March 19, 2022, 04:19:55 PM
Eshpai: Symphony no. 2 Praise to Light (1962)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71W+2WUoPSL._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/0XSIcvaQ_qs


OMG!!! I really ought to start paying more attention to this composer!! This riveting symphony is in two substantial movements: the first strongly rhythmic and almost American-sounding, and the second beginning with an extraordinarily atmospheric and melancholic passage featuring Russian folk instruments (?) followed by a viscerally exciting, toccata-like section which is capped off by an affirmative, anthem-like coda. It's all scintillatingly orchestrated and given a throughly involved performance here by the USSR Large Symphony Orchestra under Konstantin Ivanov. Great stuff!

Thanks for the heads-up.  I see that Qobuz has the 4 volumes of this series in CD quality downloads quite reasonably at the moment...... £4.00 ish each
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on March 21, 2022, 12:28:55 PM
Quote from: kyjo on March 19, 2022, 04:19:55 PM
Eshpai: Symphony no. 2 Praise to Light (1962)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71W+2WUoPSL._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/0XSIcvaQ_qs


OMG!!! I really ought to start paying more attention to this composer!! This riveting symphony is in two substantial movements: the first strongly rhythmic and almost American-sounding, and the second beginning with an extraordinarily atmospheric and melancholic passage featuring Russian folk instruments (?) followed by a viscerally exciting, toccata-like section which is capped off by an affirmative, anthem-like coda. It's all scintillatingly orchestrated and given a throughly involved performance here by the USSR Large Symphony Orchestra under Konstantin Ivanov. Great stuff!
If you don't yet know it Kyle, you have to hear 'Songs of the Mountain and Meadow Mari' (+ Symphony No.5)
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on March 21, 2022, 12:30:29 PM
Patrick Hadley 'The Hills'
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on March 21, 2022, 04:07:06 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on March 21, 2022, 12:28:55 PM
If you don't yet know it Kyle, you have to hear 'Songs of the Mountain and Meadow Mari' (+ Symphony No.5)
(//)

Yeah, the Songs of the Mountain and Meadow Mari is a fine work. I believe I heard the 5th Symphony a while ago and recall enjoying it. Have you heard the 2nd Symphony, Jeffrey?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 28, 2022, 05:34:33 AM
I have always liked the music of Walter Piston,

The following is a recording of works of Piston that I was unfamiliar with:

[asin]B097YVGSGB[/asin]

My favorite was the Divertimento for Nine Instruments

Note: I have just discovered the Boston Modern Orchestra Project.  I am now going to go broke purchasing these recordings.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on March 28, 2022, 05:40:56 AM
Quote from: kyjo on March 19, 2022, 04:19:55 PM
Eshpai: Symphony no. 2 Praise to Light (1962)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71W+2WUoPSL._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/0XSIcvaQ_qs


OMG!!! I really ought to start paying more attention to this composer!! This riveting symphony is in two substantial movements: the first strongly rhythmic and almost American-sounding, and the second beginning with an extraordinarily atmospheric and melancholic passage featuring Russian folk instruments (?) followed by a viscerally exciting, toccata-like section which is capped off by an affirmative, anthem-like coda. It's all scintillatingly orchestrated and given a throughly involved performance here by the USSR Large Symphony Orchestra under Konstantin Ivanov. Great stuff!

Awesome  :)

This is another example of tonality is not dead (I still love many atonal works).

P.S. One of the reasons I hate this thread that I started.  I have been listening to his music and I became obsessed with it.  I just ordered all of the Albany Recordings.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on March 28, 2022, 06:21:29 AM
Quote from: arpeggio on March 28, 2022, 05:34:33 AM
I have always liked the music of Walter Piston,

The following is a recording of works of Piston that I was unfamiliar with:

[asin]B097YVGSGB[/asin]

My favorite was the Divertimento for Nine Instruments

Note: I have just discovered the Boston Modern Orchestra Project.  I am now going to go broke purchasing these recordings.

Oh man, Gil Rose and the BMOP have done some great things! Many fascinating releases and the performances are generally excellent.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pizzicato-Polka on March 29, 2022, 01:02:14 AM
I'm aware this album is quite known because it's recent and got much attention on top lists, but still, it's just insane how much this one track from it got stuck in my head! The first 30 seconds replay in my brain at random moments through the whole day, and each time they do, I just want to listen to the whole thing again...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETVvtRonoPs

(https://static.fnac-static.com/multimedia/Images/FR/NR/a4/12/d0/13636260/1540-1/tsp20210629153528/Anima-aeterna.jpg)

All of it is amazing, of course, but it's truly a perfect beginning if I ever saw one.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on March 29, 2022, 02:16:31 PM
Anna Clyne: 'Dance' for Cello and Orchestra
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on April 02, 2022, 04:37:56 PM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81GjrMzffqL._AC_SL394_.jpg)

I listened to the 7th symphony for the first time a couple of weeks ago and found it rather harsh and heavy going, with a kind of disconnect between the rare lyrical, bittersweet passages and the more agitated, sometimes explosively dissonant ones. Over time I started to feel it becoming more organic. On the 4th hearing the work's structure and its various components made total sense. I can now appreciate its mastery.

In this work I find the same kind of conflict between beauty and ugliness that is found in the symphonies of Arnold and Kancheli, both also prone to juxtaposition of lyricism and anger (Arnold), consonant and explosive paragraphs (Kancheli). Lajtha was writing in the aftermath of the Budapest Insurrection and his emotions were still running high. There is no resolution in this symphony. It ends with a sharp, defiant cry of protest. The pain and rawness still startle 65 years after the work was written.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 04, 2022, 02:26:31 PM
This:

Quote from: Mirror Image on April 04, 2022, 01:13:21 PM
NP:

Walton
String Quartet in A minor
Gabrieli String Quartet


(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH8944.jpg)

Outstanding!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on April 04, 2022, 04:28:57 PM
I used to own a cd that coupled Elgar and Walton for their SQs.  That was the only Walton I owned, but it could hold its own against Elgar, which is no mean feat.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 04, 2022, 05:39:26 PM
Quote from: DavidW on April 04, 2022, 04:28:57 PM
I used to own a cd that coupled Elgar and Walton for their SQs.  That was the only Walton I owned, but it could hold its own against Elgar, which is no mean feat.

Cool, Dave. 8) Could it be this recording with The Britten Quartet?

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51b30cogWwL._SX450_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 04, 2022, 05:47:25 PM
Quote from: André on April 02, 2022, 04:37:56 PM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81GjrMzffqL._AC_SL394_.jpg)

I listened to the 7th symphony for the first time a couple of weeks ago and found it rather harsh and heavy going, with a kind of disconnect between the rare lyrical, bittersweet passages and the more agitated, sometimes explosively dissonant ones. Over time I started to feel it becoming more organic. On the 4th hearing the work's structure and its various components made total sense. I can now appreciate its mastery.

In this work I find the same kind of conflict between beauty and ugliness that is found in the symphonies of Arnold and Kancheli, both also prone to juxtaposition of lyricism and anger (Arnold), consonant and explosive paragraphs (Kancheli). Lajtha was writing in the aftermath of the Budapest Insurrection and his emotions were still running high. There is no resolution in this symphony. It ends with a sharp, defiant cry of protest. The pain and rawness still startle 65 years after the work was written.

Interesting, Andre. I've known about this composer for years, but I haven't heard a note of his music. I suppose I should change this soon.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on April 05, 2022, 02:53:09 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 04, 2022, 05:39:26 PM
Cool, Dave. 8) Could it be this recording with The Britten Quartet?

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51b30cogWwL._SX450_.jpg)

The Britten Quartet recording is superb (but I like just about all of their discs - I'm sorry they didn't last longer as an ensemble...)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 05, 2022, 07:16:25 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on April 05, 2022, 02:53:09 AM
The Britten Quartet recording is superb (but I like just about all of their discs - I'm sorry they didn't last longer as an ensemble...)

Yeah, I like this quartet's playing a lot. I have their Britten SQ cycle and it's superb. I probably need to seek this Elgar/Walton disc out, too. As I'm completely head-over-heels in love with the Walton.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on April 05, 2022, 12:49:18 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 04, 2022, 05:47:25 PM
Interesting, Andre. I've known about this composer for years, but I haven't heard a note of his music. I suppose I should change this soon.

Lajtha has some devoted followers here at GMG. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on April 05, 2022, 02:34:02 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 04, 2022, 05:39:26 PM
Cool, Dave. 8) Could it be this recording with The Britten Quartet?

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51b30cogWwL._SX450_.jpg)

I don't recognize that cover so maybe not.  I think there was a boat on the cover.  Which I know is a bit vague.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 05, 2022, 04:48:04 PM
Quote from: DavidW on April 05, 2022, 02:34:02 PM
I don't recognize that cover so maybe not.  I think there was a boat on the cover.  Which I know is a bit vague.

Not really vague as there aren't many recordings with this SQ coupling that have a boat on the cover. Anyway, I narrowed it down to the reissue of the recording I asked you about earlier:

(https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.SrVFe88pqOAg8GC4g83algHaHi?pid=ImgDet&rs=1)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on April 05, 2022, 04:56:28 PM
Aha!  Yeah that is it!  You did it MI.  A terrific recording.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 05, 2022, 04:59:21 PM
Quote from: DavidW on April 05, 2022, 04:56:28 PM
Aha!  Yeah that is it!  You did it MI.  A terrific recording.

I bet it's a good one. The Britten Quartet were fantastic.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: arpeggio on April 06, 2022, 07:44:18 PM
I have just discovered the symphonies of the 18th century composer of Franz Richter:

[asin]B09T76F3KP[/asin]

CPO does a great job of recording works of obscure composers.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on April 06, 2022, 07:45:08 PM
Quote from: André on April 02, 2022, 04:37:56 PM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81GjrMzffqL._AC_SL394_.jpg)

I listened to the 7th symphony for the first time a couple of weeks ago and found it rather harsh and heavy going, with a kind of disconnect between the rare lyrical, bittersweet passages and the more agitated, sometimes explosively dissonant ones. Over time I started to feel it becoming more organic. On the 4th hearing the work's structure and its various components made total sense. I can now appreciate its mastery.

In this work I find the same kind of conflict between beauty and ugliness that is found in the symphonies of Arnold and Kancheli, both also prone to juxtaposition of lyricism and anger (Arnold), consonant and explosive paragraphs (Kancheli). Lajtha was writing in the aftermath of the Budapest Insurrection and his emotions were still running high. There is no resolution in this symphony. It ends with a sharp, defiant cry of protest. The pain and rawness still startle 65 years after the work was written.

Thanks for sharing your impressions, André. I've only listened to this symphony once and recall it being a rather powerful and disconcerting work. Lajtha was a truly individual and significant composer and doesn't deserve to be overshadowed by his compatriots Bartok and Kodaly.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on April 06, 2022, 07:47:38 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 05, 2022, 07:16:25 AM
Yeah, I like this quartet's playing a lot. I have their Britten SQ cycle and it's superb. I probably need to seek this Elgar/Walton disc out, too. As I'm completely head-over-heels in love with the Walton.

Yep, Walton's String Quartet in A minor (no. 2) is a fantastic work - rhythmically edgy and full of vitality. I also love his Violin Sonata (roughly contemporary with the quartet) and early Piano Quartet. Must admit I haven't listened to his unnumbered first string quartet yet.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on April 06, 2022, 07:48:21 PM
Quote from: arpeggio on April 06, 2022, 07:44:18 PM
CPO does a great job of recording works of obscure composers.

Amen to that, brother! 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on April 08, 2022, 03:03:47 PM
There are two pieces I encountered recently.

First, Beethoven's String Quartet #11, Op. 95. It's surprisingly modern sounding, and made me listen to it again. (I am only starting to listen to Beethoven's quartets; I've also heard great things about his late quartets.)

Second, I found this CD at a library sale last month. The Poulenc Concerto for 2 Pianos is a lot of fun! I'm somewhat surprised that it isn't better known.


(https://i.discogs.com/fBKtlV1WbwWOfaC9IIKr3-rW3Ll-kPzmSQJsaSaPZsc/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTEwOTE2/MTgxLTE2NDE2NjU5/NjAtODUzOC5qcGVn.jpeg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 08, 2022, 07:26:04 PM
Feldman: Cello and Orchestra

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71cl2PUfu0L._SL1243_.jpg)

It has a disruptive nature and an incredible suspense atmosphere. Disturbing!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 08, 2022, 07:30:01 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 08, 2022, 07:26:04 PM
Feldman: Cello and Orchestra

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71cl2PUfu0L._SL1243_.jpg)

It has a disruptive nature and an incredible suspense atmosphere. Disturbing!

And for me, one of Feldman's best works. I can't get into his later pieces --- you know the ones where they last like 4 hrs. or some ridiculous amount of time. I find the shorter Feldman pieces work better for me. Rothko Chapel is also a solid favorite.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on April 09, 2022, 12:01:52 AM
Albeniz - Concierto fantastico for Piano and Orchestra

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91GftiVBJdL._SS500_.jpg)

An unabashedly Romantic/romantic work, passionate, nostalgic and frolicsome by turns, featuring some gorgeous tunes.

Carl Loewe - Grand Trio Op. 12

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk4OTA5NS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NDN9)

Loewe was first and foremost a composer of vocal music, especially ballads, and it shows. This piece has a distinct story-telling feeling, the music unfolds like the action of a tale. Very good.

In both cases the performances are excellent, the sonics ditto and the other works very good as well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on April 09, 2022, 01:58:59 AM
Pretty much anything played by Aaron Rosand blows me away.  I love his combination of awesome technique, expressive range and willingness to take risks.  Take for example some pretty straight forward salon/Kreisler pieces.  You can hear these knocked out with faceless perfection by any number of modern virtuosi.  But it takes a Rosand to make essentially "slight" music seem profound and stunningly beautiful......

https://www.amazon.co.uk/music/player/albums/B00283UX5Y?ref=sr_1_4&s=dmusic&keywords=aaron+rosand&crid=3U1TZ0YL4SWBC&sprefix=aaron+rosand%2Cdigital-music%2C65&qid=1649498163&sr=1-4

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 09, 2022, 02:05:44 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 08, 2022, 07:30:01 PM
And for me, one of Feldman's best works. I can't get into his later pieces --- you know the ones where they last like 4 hrs. or some ridiculous amount of time. I find the shorter Feldman pieces work better for me. Rothko Chapel is also a solid favorite.

I'm eager to hear similar works to that [Cello and Orchestra] (oh, so much music to explore...). Haven't heard a recording of Rothko that engages me yet. And yes, the length of the piece is particularly important regarding some of his works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 10, 2022, 10:06:01 AM
This work from Maki Ishii:

https://www.youtube.com/v/9OK2GHhuE4s

From this all-Ishii recording:

(https://i.discogs.com/dwG8SM-UO26LfeShla7y-c5ErO5wqsCJ79ga2oYJ0do/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTI0ODIx/MzEtMTI4Njc5NzQz/MC5qcGVn.jpeg)

Wow...is all I can say about it. The textures and general atmosphere drew me in from start to finish.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 10, 2022, 01:13:53 PM
John, I don't know his music, but JFYI.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E7%9F%B3%E4%BA%95%E7%9C%9E%E6%9C%A8%E4%BD%9C%E5%93%81%E9%9B%86-%E3%82%AA%E3%83%A0%E3%83%8B%E3%83%90%E3%82%B9/dp/B000ZNTPIK

https://ishii.de/maki/en/profile/artistic-profile/

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/%E5%B0%8F%E6%BE%A4%E5%BE%81%E7%88%BE/dp/B00YNO24CQ/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1649625306&s=music&sr=1-3

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 10, 2022, 03:02:21 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 10, 2022, 01:13:53 PM
John, I don't know his music, but JFYI.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E7%9F%B3%E4%BA%95%E7%9C%9E%E6%9C%A8%E4%BD%9C%E5%93%81%E9%9B%86-%E3%82%AA%E3%83%A0%E3%83%8B%E3%83%90%E3%82%B9/dp/B000ZNTPIK

https://ishii.de/maki/en/profile/artistic-profile/

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/%E5%B0%8F%E6%BE%A4%E5%BE%81%E7%88%BE/dp/B00YNO24CQ/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1649625306&s=music&sr=1-3

Thanks, Dry Brett. The first recording linked is OOP and difficult to find. The last link is a recording I already own. As for the middle link, I'll have to give it a read. Much appreciated, my friend!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 10, 2022, 06:27:12 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 10, 2022, 03:02:21 PM
Thanks, Dry Brett. The first recording linked is OOP and difficult to find. The last link is a recording I already own. As for the middle link, I'll have to give it a read. Much appreciated, my friend!

You're welcome. Have a great week!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 10, 2022, 06:39:23 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on April 10, 2022, 06:27:12 PM
You're welcome. Have a great week!

You, too!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: The new erato on April 11, 2022, 01:52:55 AM
Quote from: Mapman on April 08, 2022, 03:03:47 PM
There are two pieces I encountered recently.

First, Beethoven's String Quartet #11, Op. 95. It's surprisingly modern sounding, and made me listen to it again. (I am only starting to listen to Beethoven's quartets; I've also heard great things about his late quartets.)

Second, I found this CD at a library sale last month. The Poulenc Concerto for 2 Pianos is a lot of fun! I'm somewhat surprised that it isn't better known.


(https://i.discogs.com/fBKtlV1WbwWOfaC9IIKr3-rW3Ll-kPzmSQJsaSaPZsc/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTEwOTE2/MTgxLTE2NDE2NjU5/NjAtODUzOC5qcGVn.jpeg)
Totally agree. And you are in for a wondeful journey with late Beethoven.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 11, 2022, 08:09:32 PM
Braunfels: Hexensabbatt for piano and orchestra, Op. 8

Holy smokes! I had given this work a listen some months ago, but this time I was bowled over. It's an exhilarating di bravura work, yet not devoid of more-haunting passages. A knock-out of a piece!


(https://www.boosey.com/imagesw/print/$wm2_0x0_$_BraunfelsCDKlvOrchWeb.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on April 12, 2022, 06:57:06 PM
Quote from: Florestan on April 09, 2022, 12:01:52 AM
Albeniz - Concierto fantastico for Piano and Orchestra

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91GftiVBJdL._SS500_.jpg)

An unabashedly Romantic/romantic work, passionate, nostalgic and frolicsome by turns, featuring some gorgeous tunes.

Carl Loewe - Grand Trio Op. 12

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk4OTA5NS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NDN9)

Loewe was first and foremost a composer of vocal music, especially ballads, and it shows. This piece has a distinct story-telling feeling, the music unfolds like the action of a tale. Very good.

In both cases the performances are excellent, the sonics ditto and the other works very good as well.

Thanks for sharing, Andrei. Must listen to these!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on April 12, 2022, 07:43:06 PM
Lately, it has been these:

Malipiero: Impressioni dal vero (3 parts) and Pauze del silenzio

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/818S4cv4ORL._SY355_.jpg)

I had waited far too long to hear these remarkable compositions by a composer who I had, up to this point, not really given his proper due. Written in the 1910s when Malipiero was still quite young, these extraordinarily colorful, evocative, and distinctive works already have his personal stamp all over them, and show a keen awareness of different musical trends of the times. And fortunately, the performances and sound here do total justice to the music (unlike the Marco Polo recordings of the symphonies) - if only La Vecchia and his band could be persuaded to go on and record some of his symphonies now! If nothing else, sample the first movement, Colloquio di campane (a depiction of bells) of the second part of Impressioni dal vero - pure genius and imagination: https://youtu.be/I9_ds_kxHWE


Schubert: Schwanengesang

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71bjEspYc2L._SY355_.jpg)

It's not for nothing that Schubert is considered perhaps the greatest composer of songs ever. This cycle, from the very end of his life, covers the entire emotional gamut from bubbling joy to dark, bleak introspection, with inventive, daring use of harmony around every corner. Bostridge and Pappano successfully convey the expressive variety of this great cycle.


Kurka: Symphony no. 2, Julius Caesar, Music for Orchestra, Serenade for Small Orchestra

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61aE0rf+3+L._SY355_.jpg)

The sadly short-lived Robert Kurka (1921-57) wrote in a big-boned neoclassical style which should appeal to admirers of Piston, Diamond, W. Schuman etc, though his music doesn't really sound like any of them. The 2nd Symphony is rhythmically propulsive and exciting in the outer movements, with a movingly reflective slow movement. The finale is an absolute corker - one of the most tightly-written and enjoyable symphonic movements I've heard recently. And damn, the Music for Orchestra - what a piece! It's written in a darker, slightly more modern style than the other works on the disc, and has an impressively compelling, doom-laden atmosphere. The other two works are just wonderful as well, as are the performances and sound. Carlos Kalmar once again proves himself to be an excellent advocate of American music, and the Grant Park Orchestra is clearly relishing the music, specifically the timpanist with his/her very active part in these works. Now, let's hear Kurka's 1st Symphony, 5 string quartets, amongst other works! (P.S. pay no attention to the Amazon reviewers who call the music on this disc "mildly interesting" and "derivative".)


Enescu: Piano Quartet no. 1

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51CSv8wZyaL._SY355_.jpg)

This work stands at a wonderful crossroads between Enescu's early and late styles, possessing the Romantic passion and vigor of the former as well as the harmonic subtlety and individuality of the latter. In the first movement, passages of delicate, impressionistic beauty build to eruptively passionate climaxes. The slow movement is mysterious and troubled, and best of all is the thrilling finale in which Enescu's love of Romanian folk music comes to the fore. The ending builds up a raucous head of steam not to be believed!! I also listened to the 2nd Piano Quartet, a typically elusive work from Enescu's maturity - it didn't "blow me away", but it's an intriguing work which will be worth further listens. The performances by the Tammuz Piano Quartet are as attuned to Enescu's unique idiom as one could possibly wish.


Villem Kapp: Symphony no. 2

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51bnhbB6c4L._SY355_.jpg)

Quite simply, this tuneful, dramatic, and conservative-for-its-time (1955) symphony is perfectly suited to my tastes. I detected echoes of some of my favorite composers (Atterberg, Lloyd, Kabalevsky, etc.), and was utterly seduced by the gorgeously inspired, touchingly simple melodies that are the second theme of the 1st movement and the main theme of the slow movement. There's just enough harmonic "spice" in Kapp's musical language to keep the work from sounding like Romantic pastiche. A pity that he wasn't more prolific!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 12, 2022, 08:15:17 PM
Good, Kyle! I know all the pieces, except for Kurka's pieces (minus the 2nd Symphony).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on April 13, 2022, 07:20:54 AM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61mSTHZrGWL._AC_SL400_.jpg)

Both works. Tabakov has the knack and gumption to not let go of an idea until he's beaten it black and blue. This may be off-putting on first hearing, but the thing is: his ideas are excellent, even brilliant and his talent as an orchestrator is astonishing. In the end one must succomb to the sheer accumulation of originality and dynamism.

The character of the music is almost uniformly disquieting and disturbing (add 3-4 variants from the Thesaurus here), a bit like Pettersson, but where the Swedish composer revels in a gloomy, defiant kind of lyricism, the Bulgarian is in constant attack mode. The 2nd symphony is in 2 movements lasting 24 minutes and is remarkably well-balanced, while the big, 51 minute 6th symphony is cast in 4 substantial movements. It covers much the same terrain, but in a more systematic way. Tabakov's trademark maddeningly pounding ostinati are on display in 2:I and 6:IV. Amazing stuff.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 13, 2022, 07:28:03 AM
Quote from: kyjo on April 12, 2022, 07:43:06 PMEnescu: Piano Quartet no. 1

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51CSv8wZyaL._SY355_.jpg)

This work stands at a wonderful crossroads between Enescu's early and late styles, possessing the Romantic passion and vigor of the former as well as the harmonic subtlety and individuality of the latter. In the first movement, passages of delicate, impressionistic beauty build to eruptively passionate climaxes. The slow movement is mysterious and troubled, and best of all is the thrilling finale in which Enescu's love of Romanian folk music comes to the fore. The ending builds up a raucous head of steam not to be believed!! I also listened to the 2nd Piano Quartet, a typically elusive work from Enescu's maturity - it didn't "blow me away", but it's an intriguing work which will be worth further listens. The performances by the Tammuz Piano Quartet are as attuned to Enescu's unique idiom as one could possibly wish.

Interesting as I was more blown away by the 2nd PQ than the 1st. I should revisit this disc. It's a good one.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: foxandpeng on April 13, 2022, 09:10:13 AM
Quote from: André on April 13, 2022, 07:20:54 AM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61mSTHZrGWL._AC_SL400_.jpg)

Both works. Tabakov has the knack and gumption to not let go of an idea until he's been it beaten black and blue. This may be off-putting on first hearing, but the thing is: his ideas are excellent, even brilliant and his talent as an orchestrator is astonishing. In the end one must succomb to the sheer accumulation of originality and dynamism.

The character of the music is almost uniformly disquieting and disturbing (add 3-4 variants from the Thesaurus here), a bit like Pettersson, but where the Swedish composer revels in a gloomy, defiant kind of lyricism, the Bulgarian is in constant attack mode. The 2nd symphony is in 2 movements lasting 24 minutes and is remarkably well-balanced, while the big, 51 minute 6th symphony is cast in 4 substantial movements. It covers much the same terrain, but in a more systematic way. Tabakov's trademark maddeningly pounding ostinati are on display in 2:I and 6:IV. Amazing stuff.

Thanks for the helpful commentary. Tabakov is a firm favourite of mine.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 13, 2022, 11:58:24 AM
This:

Quote from: Mirror Image on April 13, 2022, 11:51:31 AM
First-Listen Wednesday

Weinberg
Three Psalms, Op. 120
Joanna Freszel, soprano
Silesian Quartet


(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODc2NTY5MS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1ODMxNjEwNDZ9)

(https://teatrwielki.pl/fileadmin/_processed_/3/3/csm_Joanna_Freszel_fot._Anna_Konieczna-Purchala_NEW_a08de252cf.jpg)

(https://chambermusiceuropebiennale.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Kwartet2-silesian-1024x680.jpg)

I'm absolutely BLOWN AWAY by this work. Count this as one of the masterpieces for voice and string quartet. It joins the Schoenberg's 2nd SQ, Barber's Dover Beach, Schoeck's Notturno, Ginastera's 3rd SQ et. al.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 13, 2022, 04:43:23 PM
Each post seems to draw more attention than the previous one. Is there a better offer?  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 13, 2022, 06:26:41 PM
Ok, me'll go!  ;D

Elena Kats-Chernin: The Offering (Piano Quintet)

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b2738a6fc486c393e43ad3c7aa6c)

Instantly appealing and imaginative music. I love those catchy rhythms and poignant pathos in places. A 20-minute-long beauty. One of my favorite living composers.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 13, 2022, 08:07:53 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 13, 2022, 11:58:24 AM
This:

Psalms or Palms?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 13, 2022, 09:20:33 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 13, 2022, 08:07:53 PM
Psalms or Palms?

Typo alert! ;) Good catch. I don't know why I was thinking it was Psalms. ::) ;D Anyway, check out the work if you haven't already. :)

https://www.youtube.com/v/Li8qhNBc3Dw
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 13, 2022, 11:20:52 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 13, 2022, 09:20:33 PM
Typo alert! ;) Good catch. I don't know why I was thinking it was Psalms. ::) ;D Anyway, check out the work if you haven't already. :)

https://www.youtube.com/v/Li8qhNBc3Dw

Sure, John. I'm giving it a listen later. Thanks!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Rosalba on April 17, 2022, 07:23:49 AM
Pasquini - Toccata con lo scherzo del cucco (Cuckoo)
Recommended to me by an internet musical friend, and it's full of character.
I am beguiled.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XxinVO2QCM
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: steve ridgway on April 18, 2022, 05:38:41 AM
Ives - New England Holidays. How on earth could someone sit in a quiet room and just write this stuff down? ???

(https://i.discogs.com/JUCoS1Jx1W3WmTjHsX-wiGlf3ijMrajXo6KjaD_IodY/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:589/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTIxMzEy/NzEyLTE2MzkyNDQy/NDctMTI2OC5qcGVn.jpeg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on April 18, 2022, 04:14:42 PM
Quote from: André on April 13, 2022, 07:20:54 AM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61mSTHZrGWL._AC_SL400_.jpg)

Both works. Tabakov has the knack and gumption to not let go of an idea until he's beaten it black and blue. This may be off-putting on first hearing, but the thing is: his ideas are excellent, even brilliant and his talent as an orchestrator is astonishing. In the end one must succomb to the sheer accumulation of originality and dynamism.

The character of the music is almost uniformly disquieting and disturbing (add 3-4 variants from the Thesaurus here), a bit like Pettersson, but where the Swedish composer revels in a gloomy, defiant kind of lyricism, the Bulgarian is in constant attack mode. The 2nd symphony is in 2 movements lasting 24 minutes and is remarkably well-balanced, while the big, 51 minute 6th symphony is cast in 4 substantial movements. It covers much the same terrain, but in a more systematic way. Tabakov's trademark maddeningly pounding ostinati are on display in 2:I and 6:IV. Amazing stuff.

I as well find his works approachable and compelling.  I enjoy each new release in this cycle. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 18, 2022, 06:39:42 PM
Quote from: steve ridgway on April 18, 2022, 05:38:41 AM
Ives - New England Holidays. How on earth could someone sit in a quiet room and just write this stuff down? ???

(https://i.discogs.com/JUCoS1Jx1W3WmTjHsX-wiGlf3ijMrajXo6KjaD_IodY/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:589/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTIxMzEy/NzEyLTE2MzkyNDQy/NDctMTI2OC5qcGVn.jpeg)

8) A phenomenal piece, steve. You should definitely check out the Bernstein, Ormandy and Tilson Thomas recordings of this work. We're so damn lucky to have several performances of this work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 18, 2022, 06:42:17 PM
I'm absolutely blown away by this:

Quote from: Mirror Image on April 18, 2022, 03:00:56 PM
NP:

Yun
Violin Concerto No. 1
Akiko Tatsumi, violin
Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra
Zdeněk Mácal


(https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=29166.0;attach=85845;image)

As Andre rightfully pointed out about Yun, there is a lyricism that runs through this music that is totally singular. The slow movement in particular I found chilling.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on April 19, 2022, 04:04:37 AM
Indeed. This big concerto is fascinating. I have a different version (Japanese soloist with Russell-Davies and the Bruckner Linz Orchestra)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 19, 2022, 05:59:41 AM
Quote from: André on April 19, 2022, 04:04:37 AM
Indeed. This big concerto is fascinating. I have a different version (Japanese soloist with Russell-Davies and the Bruckner Linz Orchestra)

I own that one, too. ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 23, 2022, 09:04:59 PM
Two wondrous chamber pieces that, even though they're not first listens, managed to delight me once again in a high level:


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41MYLj2W%2BlL._SY445_SX342_QL70_ML2_.jpg)

Matthijs Vermeulen: String Trio

This can be of interest for the other two people who are familiar with his music on this forum. Simply sensational masterpiece. The narrative of the music is organic despite it sounds "episodic". A work of marked gestures, noticeable inventiveness and full of mastery. Recommended.

The whole set of chamber works has plenty of good surprises.



(https://i.discogs.com/SDEplIzhtsGBFZTArR1_T13JGscAYVJLH7tr37lWCsw/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTIwNzYy/MjE1LTE2MzU0Mzcy/OTUtNzQ4Mi5qcGVn.jpeg)

Arnold Krug: Piano Quartet in C minor

Not a first listen either, so I admit to having listened to it before and likewise was I enormously impressed by what my ears perceived today. First-rate stuff, tuneful, bold, sophisticatedly written. IMHO, one of the greatest unknown Piano Quartets. A winner. Kyle, don't miss this!

The String Sextet has no waste either. A fantastic disc.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Operafreak on April 24, 2022, 01:48:54 AM
(https://i.postimg.cc/KvNg3WYM/britten.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tYsgL2Wq)
The Britten piece is outstanding ( Suite for harp)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidUK on April 24, 2022, 12:17:14 PM
Stanley Bate symphonies 3 and 4. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on April 26, 2022, 09:38:00 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 23, 2022, 09:04:59 PM
Two wondrous chamber pieces that, even though they're not first listens, managed to delight me once again in a high level:


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41MYLj2W%2BlL._SY445_SX342_QL70_ML2_.jpg)

Matthijs Vermeulen: String Trio

This can be of interest for the other two people who are familiar with his music on this forum. Simply sensational masterpiece. The narrative of the music is organic despite it sounds "episodic". A work of marked gestures, noticeable inventiveness and full of mastery. Recommended.

The whole set of chamber works has plenty of good surprises.



(https://i.discogs.com/SDEplIzhtsGBFZTArR1_T13JGscAYVJLH7tr37lWCsw/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTIwNzYy/MjE1LTE2MzU0Mzcy/OTUtNzQ4Mi5qcGVn.jpeg)

Arnold Krug: Piano Quartet in C minor

Not a first listen either, so I admit to having listened to it before and likewise was I enormously impressed by what my ears perceived today. First-rate stuff, tuneful, bold, sophisticatedly written. IMHO, one of the greatest unknown Piano Quartets. A winner. Kyle, don't miss this!

The String Sextet has no waste either. A fantastic disc.

Duly noted, Cesar. These works sound right up my alley! :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on April 27, 2022, 04:59:10 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 13, 2022, 06:26:41 PM
Ok, me'll go!  ;D

Elena Kats-Chernin: The Offering (Piano Quintet)

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b2738a6fc486c393e43ad3c7aa6c)

Instantly appealing and imaginative music. I love those catchy rhythms and poignant pathos in places. A 20-minute-long beauty. One of my favorite living composers.

Thank you for this recommendation, Cesar! A wonderfully accessible and joyous work which some might criticize as being too "simplistic" or "predictable", but I find it so appealing. Its quasi-minimalistic style reminded me a bit of Philip Glass but with more variety. :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 27, 2022, 07:22:13 PM
Kyle, you need to listen to Isang Yun's Cello Concerto. It's certainly a bit more abrasive, but as my Andre has pointed out, there's a lyricism that can be found deep within his music. Oh and if Cesar hasn't heard it, he should check it out, too!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 28, 2022, 01:01:35 PM
Quote from: kyjo on April 27, 2022, 04:59:10 PM
Thank you for this recommendation, Cesar! A wonderfully accessible and joyous work which some might criticize as being too "simplistic" or "predictable", but I find it so appealing. Its quasi-minimalistic style reminded me a bit of Philip Glass but with more variety. :D

Glad you enjoyed it, Kyle!

Wild Swans is another of her works I find thoroughly engaging:

(https://i.discogs.com/bhzuNAhDIG6RAG1fqL7rRVNAnnBZGJQJ30jxMSJk4w0/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTY0OTE4/ODUtMTQyNDc4MTMw/MS0zMzk2LmpwZWc.jpeg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on April 30, 2022, 11:35:47 AM
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273ba53f0b5bb0c43ce2ca9c599)

Violin Sonata No. 2 in E minor Op. 24

(especially the 3rd mvt, Andante sostenuto).

It so happened that today I had read a few pages of Balzac's The Lily of the Valley --- and the subtle and poetic prose was perfectly matched by the subtle and poetic music.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: André on April 30, 2022, 01:13:22 PM
Quote from: Florestan on April 30, 2022, 11:35:47 AM
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273ba53f0b5bb0c43ce2ca9c599)

Violin Sonata No. 2 in E minor Op. 24

(especially the 3rd mvt, Andante sostenuto).

It so happened that today I had read a few pages of Balzac's The Lily of the Valley --- and the subtle and poetic prose was perfectly matched by the subtle and poetic music.

A superb set of works in fine performances.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on April 30, 2022, 04:16:53 PM
I absolutely adored Thomas Ades' Dante.  This is a 90-minute contemporary ballet of Dante's Divine Comedy.  Incredibly virtuosic writing, accessible yet contemporary.  It is in three parts.  Inferno taking up the first half and being the most virtuosic, Purgatorio with a melody based on archaic Judaic chant, Paradiso featuring angelic choir at the end of an ascending structure. 

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on April 30, 2022, 06:13:13 PM
Quote from: relm1 on April 30, 2022, 04:16:53 PM
I absolutely adored Thomas Ades' Dante.  This is a 90-minute contemporary ballet of Dante's Divine Comedy.  Incredibly virtuosic writing, accessible yet contemporary.  It is in three parts.  Inferno taking up the first half and being the most virtuosic, Purgatorio with a melody based on archaic Judaic chant, Paradiso featuring angelic choir at the end of an ascending structure.

Surprised it wasn't staged. I mean this would be the point of seeing a ballet to me. Otherwise, it's just a large orchestral suite. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on April 30, 2022, 11:19:49 PM
What if it's like Daphnis et Chloe? There's endless performances of just the music without the dancing.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on May 01, 2022, 05:12:02 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on April 30, 2022, 11:19:49 PM
What if it's like Daphnis et Chloe? There's endless performances of just the music without the dancing.

Yes, and how often is the Rite of Spring performed as a ballet?  I saw a dance performance of Firebird, and the music was clearly the star. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 01, 2022, 08:25:13 AM
Quote from: relm1 on May 01, 2022, 05:12:02 AM
Yes, and how often is the Rite of Spring performed as a ballet?  I saw a dance performance of Firebird, and the music was clearly the star.

Was this a US premiere performance of the Adès? If it was, then I would've thought that Adès being a man of the theatre himself would've opted for choreography and so forth. Oh well, I run hot/cold his music anyway. I was just wondering.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on May 04, 2022, 12:02:08 AM
Schubert's Symphony No. 1, specifically the Adagio introduction to the first movement. Even this early he's exploring the quasi-chromaticism that I feel separates him from the likes of Mozart and even Beethoven to a degree.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 04, 2022, 04:55:39 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 27, 2022, 07:22:13 PM
Kyle, you need to listen to Isang Yun's Cello Concerto. It's certainly a bit more abrasive, but as my Andre has pointed out, there's a lyricism that can be found deep within his music. Oh and if Cesar hasn't heard it, he should check it out, too!

Will do, John! ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 04, 2022, 05:25:03 PM
Pijper: Symphony no. 2 (1921)

https://youtu.be/mp2OjcEZ5qs

(Rotterdam Philharmonic/Roelof van Driesten)

In the most eloquent way I can put it: this is so freakin' cool! ;D Pijper's style is nothing if not eclectic and quirky; it's modern yet wholly engaging. Of particular note are the huge buildups of orchestral sound in the first movement with the organ putting in a surprising and memorable appearance, and the seductively playful, distinctly Spanish-sounding theme that features over the course of the second movement. Pijper was definitely an important and singular voice in Dutch music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on May 07, 2022, 06:14:28 AM
Myroslav Skoryk' - Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 2, 3.

Listened to them a few days ago on car radio, recorded live from a concert in Kyiv two years ago.

Valentin Silvestrov - The Messenger

Heard on car radio as well, Helene Grimaud playing.

Contemporary music right up my alley.



Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 07, 2022, 08:04:47 AM
Quote from: Florestan on May 07, 2022, 06:14:28 AM
Myroslav Skoryk' - Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 2, 3.

Listened to them a few days ago on car radio, recorded live from a concert in Kyiv two years ago.

Valentin Silvestrov - The Messenger

Heard on car radio as well, Helene Grimaud playing.

Contemporary music right up my alley.

Nice, Andrei! I'll have to hear these.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on May 07, 2022, 08:06:51 AM
Quote from: kyjo on May 07, 2022, 08:04:47 AM
Nice, Andrei! I'll have to hear these.

I reckon you'd enjoy them as much as I did, Kyle.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on May 20, 2022, 09:05:50 AM
Four pieces today: Shostakovich's Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor and all three of Britten's string quartets. 20th-century chamber music is magnificent!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 20, 2022, 07:07:46 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on May 20, 2022, 09:05:50 AM
Four pieces today: Shostakovich's Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor and all three of Britten's string quartets. 20th-century chamber music is magnificent!

All fine works and completely agreed! I should revisit all four of these works actually.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 22, 2022, 11:13:00 AM
Castelnuovo-Tedesco: Violin Concerto no. 1 Concerto Italiano

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e02ecf235d626934c8341106632)

I had waited too long to hear this extraordinarily enchanting composition! Full of gorgeous lyricism, dazzling violin writing, and colorful orchestration (including an organ part!), this concerto would be a veritable hit in the concert hall. But no, we must hear the umpteenth rendition of the VCs by Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Bruch, Sibelius, etc... ::) Oh, and fortunately the performance and sonics on the Naxos CD are superb - Tianwa Yang is an excellent violinist who employs appropriate portamenti to great effect. I'm looking forward to revisiting the Hollywoodesque VC no. 2 in the coming days.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 22, 2022, 07:10:47 PM
Quote from: kyjo on May 22, 2022, 11:13:00 AM
Castelnuovo-Tedesco: Violin Concerto no. 1 Concerto Italiano

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e02ecf235d626934c8341106632)

I had waited too long to hear this extraordinarily enchanting composition! Full of gorgeous lyricism, dazzling violin writing, and colorful orchestration (including an organ part!), this concerto would be a veritable hit in the concert hall. But no, we must hear the umpteenth rendition of the VCs by Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Bruch, Sibelius, etc... ::) Oh, and fortunately the performance and sonics on the Naxos CD are superb - Tianwa Yang is an excellent violinist who employs appropriate portamenti to great effect. I'm looking forward to revisiting the Hollywoodesque VC no. 2 in the coming days.

I'm personally in favor of the Sibelius and Tchaikovsky VCs in concert. You can keep the Brahms and Bruch.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: foxandpeng on May 23, 2022, 03:58:52 AM
Peteris Vasks
Viola Concerto
Maxim Rysanov
Sinfonietta Riga


I could probably just write 'Vasks', and that would do, really.

The viola concerto is just ridiculously beautiful.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on May 23, 2022, 05:51:20 AM
Quote from: kyjo on July 05, 2021, 07:51:33 PM
Jean Huré (1877-1930): Piano Quintet (1913)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71niBQn1b1L._SX425_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/OTPuNfkVV6Q

*MASTERPIECE ALERT!!!* I had listened to this work before a few years ago, and my very positive memories were reinforced yesterday. Words fail me as to how a work of this stature should be so utterly unknown?! My God, this has to be one of the most ineffably beautiful, life-affirming works in the chamber music repertoire. It's in one single movement with multiple sub-sections, lasting a total of half an hour. The pastoral opening conjures up images of the French countryside on a bright, breezy summer morning; it's so incredibly evocative with really cool pizzicato and col legno effects in the strings. Towards the middle of the work, the music becomes much more dramatic and sometimes mysterious, and in the sunset-like coda, the music of the opening returns in a most touching way. Huré really creates a sense of "journey" throughout the work and the end feels like a true "homecoming".

Sacrilege, perhaps, but I prefer this work to - say - Fauré's two revered works in the medium, both of which I still find quite elusive. I am dying to hear more of Huré's music - his worklist includes, amongst other things, three symphonies, a concerto each for violin and cello, four cello sonatas, and two string quartets - but there is nothing available besides the accompanying Violin Sonata on this disc (which I have yet to hear) and one of the cello sonatas on another. This is a situation that needs to be rectified immediately - are you listening, record companies?? On the evidence of this Quintet alone, Huré is clearly a major composer who demands rediscovery. As I've said in another post, I've tried to be more critical in my listening recently to determine which works are truly deserving of being called a "masterpiece" and/or "unjustly forgotten" - words that tend to get "thrown around" a lot. But, IMO, in the case of Huré's magnificent Quintet, both of these descriptors are quite warranted! :)

I was looking for this for quite some time.  I remember really liking it when hearing it a year ago but failed to retain the composer or work so have been searching for it again and finally rediscovered it.  Thanks again kyjo for pointing out this gem.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 23, 2022, 07:41:52 AM
Quote from: relm1 on May 23, 2022, 05:51:20 AM
I was looking for this for quite some time.  I remember really liking it when hearing it a year ago but failed to retain the composer or work so have been searching for it again and finally rediscovered it.  Thanks again kyjo for pointing out this gem.

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed the magical Huré Piano Quintet.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 24, 2022, 06:45:08 AM
Quote from: kyjo on May 22, 2022, 11:13:00 AM
Castelnuovo-Tedesco: Violin Concerto no. 1 Concerto Italiano

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e02ecf235d626934c8341106632)

I had waited too long to hear this extraordinarily enchanting composition! Full of gorgeous lyricism, dazzling violin writing, and colorful orchestration (including an organ part!), this concerto would be a veritable hit in the concert hall. But no, we must hear the umpteenth rendition of the VCs by Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Bruch, Sibelius, etc... ::) Oh, and fortunately the performance and sonics on the Naxos CD are superb - Tianwa Yang is an excellent violinist who employs appropriate portamenti to great effect. I'm looking forward to revisiting the Hollywoodesque VC no. 2 in the coming days.

I expected a reply from Cesar! ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on May 24, 2022, 01:47:05 PM
Quote from: kyjo on May 24, 2022, 06:45:08 AM
I expected a reply from Cesar! ;)

Well, we can't always expect replies from people in this place, even if they have similar tastes to oneself. I've also expected replies from some members here when I post impressions about some works in different threads, but they never appear. I think it got normal.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on May 24, 2022, 06:40:47 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on May 24, 2022, 01:47:05 PM
Well, we can't always expect replies from people in this place, even if they have similar tastes to oneself. I've also expected replies from some members here when I post impressions about some works in different threads, but they never appear. I think it got normal.

Personally speaking, I'm getting to the point where I simply cannot comment on everything, especially on the "Listening" thread. I'm more interested in listening to the music I post about in that moment or, at least, on that particular thread I am.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on May 26, 2022, 07:43:54 AM
There's a lot of traffic on this particular thread and it's easy to miss things, especially if one is busy with other stuff going on.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on May 29, 2022, 04:41:20 PM
I was blown away by the recent toccata release of Christopher Wright's (b.1954) symphony.  It's very good!  This is right up there with the Moeran Symphony No. 1 and Arthur Benjamin Symphony.   I will certainly explore this composer further.

https://toccataclassics.com/product/wright-barton-orchestral-music/ (https://toccataclassics.com/product/wright-barton-orchestral-music/)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on May 31, 2022, 12:58:06 PM
Quote from: relm1 on May 29, 2022, 04:41:20 PM
I was blown away by the recent toccata release of Christopher Wright's (b.1954) symphony.  It's very good!  This is right up there with the Moeran Symphony No. 1 and Arthur Benjamin Symphony.   I will certainly explore this composer further.

https://toccataclassics.com/product/wright-barton-orchestral-music/ (https://toccataclassics.com/product/wright-barton-orchestral-music/)

Interesting - although the sample extracts did not especially grab me. The Moeran and Benjamin are two of my favourite 20th Century symphonies.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on May 31, 2022, 04:09:29 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on May 31, 2022, 12:58:06 PM
Interesting - although the sample extracts did not especially grab me. The Moeran and Benjamin are two of my favourite 20th Century symphonies.

Please check it out.  It's a great work!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on May 31, 2022, 10:55:22 PM
Quote from: relm1 on May 31, 2022, 04:09:29 PM
Please check it out.  It's a great work!
OK - will do - thanks.

This has been a major discovery for me - Léon Orthel: Symphony No.3 (1943)
Very much, I believe, reflecting the time of its composition. A defiant work written in occupied Netherlands. The opening is a disguised quote from Psalm 140 'Evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him'. The opening movement has some especially beautiful passages and the symphony, as a whole, is urgent, powerful, defiant and visionary. Vaughan Williams (6th Symphony) came to mind at times:
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 01, 2022, 07:04:19 AM
A work that has blown me away recently has been Schulhoff's Concertino for Piccolo, Viola and Double Bass. What an unusual instrumentation, but the music is so infectious. It would go great on a program of jazz-inspired works by Stravinsky, Martinů, Tansman et. al. The recording I listened to was this one, which is a superb performance:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Uxl7ERWuL._SL1381_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on June 01, 2022, 07:26:10 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 01, 2022, 07:04:19 AM
A work that has blown me away recently has been Schulhoff's Concertino for Piccolo, Viola and Double Bass. What an unusual instrumentation

For exactly the same reason I've immensely enjoyed very recently Leopold Kozeluch's Sinfonia Concertante for Mandolin, Trumpet, Double Bass, Piano and Orchestra.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkyMzI4Ny4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NDk2MjY1ODd9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 01, 2022, 07:41:35 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 01, 2022, 07:26:10 AM
For exactly the same reason I've immensely enjoyed very recently Leopold Kozeluch's Sinfonia Concertante for Mandolin, Trumpet, Double Bass, Piano and Orchestra.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkyMzI4Ny4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NDk2MjY1ODd9)

Well, the instrumentation, while unique, is only secondary compared to the music itself, which in this Schulhoff work is off-the-chain great.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on June 01, 2022, 07:45:33 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 01, 2022, 07:41:35 AM
Well, the instrumentation, while unique, is only secondary compared to the music itself, which in this Schulhoff work is off-the-chain great.

I'm sure it is, John. I'm also sure that a fan of the Classical era would find the Kozeluch just as great.  ;)

No, really --- the way he blends such incongruous instruments in a coherent and musically satisfying whole is amazing and highly entertaining. Big fun.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on June 02, 2022, 10:13:01 AM
Sinding: Symphonies 1 and 2

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/710LtCwVUYL._SX355_.jpg)

Two big, bold, exhilarating Late-Romantic symphonies - what's not to love? Sinding hasn't always impressed me, but these two symphonies represent him at the top of his game. The 1st Symphony, in D minor, begins with a tempestuous first movement in 6/8 which recalls the first movement of Dvorak's 7th in character, and has an immediately memorable main theme. The slow movement is notable for rising to several passionate climaxes, the sparkling scherzo transforms some material from the first movement, and the finale works up quite an exciting peroration at the end. The 2nd Symphony, in D major, opens with a heroic first movement that shows some Straussian influence in the harmonies. The slow movement is just lovely, and the finale thoroughly enjoyable. And the performances by the Hanover Radio-Philharmonie under Thomas Dausgaard are just simply magnificent, full of punch, thrust, and vitality. They sound like a world-class orchestra, in particular the powerful playing of the brass section, aided in no small part by CPO's expert sonics. A real winner of a disc!

P.S. CPO has the best cover art of any label, hands-down!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 02, 2022, 01:28:23 PM
Quote from: kyjo on June 02, 2022, 10:13:01 AM
Sinding: Symphonies 1 and 2

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/710LtCwVUYL._SX355_.jpg)

Two big, bold, exhilarating Late-Romantic symphonies - what's not to love? Sinding hasn't always impressed me, but these two symphonies represent him at the top of his game. The 1st Symphony, in D minor, begins with a tempestuous first movement in 6/8 which recalls the first movement of Dvorak's 7th in character, and has an immediately memorable main theme. The slow movement is notable for rising to several passionate climaxes, the sparkling scherzo transforms some material from the first movement, and the finale works up quite an exciting peroration at the end. The 2nd Symphony, in D major, opens with a heroic first movement that shows some Straussian influence in the harmonies. The slow movement is just lovely, and the finale thoroughly enjoyable. And the performances by the Hanover Radio-Philharmonie under Thomas Dausgaard are just simply magnificent, full of punch, thrust, and vitality. They sound like a world-class orchestra, in particular the powerful playing of the brass section, aided in no small part by CPO's expert sonics. A real winner of a disc!

P.S. CPO has the best cover art of any label, hands-down!!

I do recall being very impressed by his 1st Symphony. I'll need to revisit the 2nd Symphony then.

Another work of his I find significantly strong is the Piano Quintet.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on June 03, 2022, 10:48:54 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 02, 2022, 01:28:23 PM
I do recall being very impressed by his 1st Symphony. I'll need to revisit the 2nd Symphony then.

Another work of his I find significantly strong is the Piano Quintet.

The 2nd Symphony isn't as thematically memorable as the 1st, perhaps, but it's still a consistently enjoyable work. Thanks for the tip about the Piano Quintet, I'll check it out!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on June 06, 2022, 02:06:21 PM
Quote from: philoctetes on June 05, 2022, 10:01:31 AM
The final movement of Mahler's 2nd has been causing me to weep uncontrollably (love it), specifically the two linked below:

Christian Vasquez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3fih2yhHzA

Gustavo Dudamel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbovYqWT-LM

I genuinely think its wonderful when any music moves someone so powerfully - good for you!  The choir in Venezuela are so focused (not so keen on the soprano!)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on June 06, 2022, 04:08:29 PM
Quote from: philoctetes on June 05, 2022, 10:01:31 AM
The final movement of Mahler's 2nd has been causing me to weep uncontrollably (love it), specifically the two linked below:

Christian Vasquez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3fih2yhHzA

Gustavo Dudamel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbovYqWT-LM

This might be the pinnacle of symphonies.  And these are very fine performances. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on June 10, 2022, 02:42:46 AM
Quote from: kyjo on June 02, 2022, 10:13:01 AM
Sinding: Symphonies 1 and 2

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/710LtCwVUYL._SX355_.jpg)

Two big, bold, exhilarating Late-Romantic symphonies - what's not to love? Sinding hasn't always impressed me, but these two symphonies represent him at the top of his game. The 1st Symphony, in D minor, begins with a tempestuous first movement in 6/8 which recalls the first movement of Dvorak's 7th in character, and has an immediately memorable main theme. The slow movement is notable for rising to several passionate climaxes, the sparkling scherzo transforms some material from the first movement, and the finale works up quite an exciting peroration at the end. The 2nd Symphony, in D major, opens with a heroic first movement that shows some Straussian influence in the harmonies. The slow movement is just lovely, and the finale thoroughly enjoyable. And the performances by the Hanover Radio-Philharmonie under Thomas Dausgaard are just simply magnificent, full of punch, thrust, and vitality. They sound like a world-class orchestra, in particular the powerful playing of the brass section, aided in no small part by CPO's expert sonics. A real winner of a disc!

P.S. CPO has the best cover art of any label, hands-down!!
I have #3 and #4 but have not heard the first two.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on June 12, 2022, 08:20:50 AM
Quote from: springrite on June 10, 2022, 02:42:46 AM
I have #3 and #4 but have not heard the first two.

Re. Sinding's symphonies: #3 has its moments, but overall struck me as rather diffuse and unmemorable. Haven't heard #4 yet.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 12, 2022, 03:32:48 PM
‎Ståle Kleiberg: String Quartet No. 1

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61tY4LBDYeL._SS500_.jpg)

I thought it deserved to be mentioned. A gorgeous work, I wish it were longer (19 min. long). Ravel and Vasks could be associated with this style.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on June 13, 2022, 07:23:54 AM
Quote from: Florestan on June 13, 2022, 06:42:41 AM
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkyMzI4Ny4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NDk2MjY1ODd9)

Disc 1

Bernard Henrik Crusell: Sinfonia Concertante Op. 3 in B-flat major for clarinet, horn, bassoon and orchestra

Georg Abraham Schneider: Sinfonia Concertante Op. 19 in D major for violin, viola and orchestra

Franz Danzi: Sinfonia Concertante Op. 41 in B-flat major for flute, clarinet and orchestra

Three splendid works in crackerjack performances. I can't even put it in enough, or proper, words, how much pleasure and enjoyment I had in listening to them. Highly recommended.

Honestly, during this bloody pandemic years and this bloody Russian invasion of Ukraine the Late Classical / Early Romantic era has been the one I've enjoyed the most. Its essentially cheerful and life-affirming nature, tinged with just the right amount of melancholy, nostalgic or sad overtones, its formal and emotional balance, its making no heavy demands on the listener's part and its unassumingly and unpretentiously offering a welcome respite from the stress-and-storm of daily life make it the ideal listening for me. In a world replete with suffering, violence and incertitude, this joyful, genial and reliable music is exactly what I need to preserve my sanity.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DizzyD on June 19, 2022, 06:43:24 PM
Wagner's Die Walküre. Except for orchestral excerpts here and there, I had pretty much ignored Wagner for a long time. I think probably we know too much about him. Anyway I'm putting in the time and attention to listen to his Ring cycle, and have listened to the first two of the four, and so far it's been stunning. However repellent the man may have been, there's no denying his crazy genius.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 20, 2022, 06:23:35 PM
Quote from: DizzyD on June 19, 2022, 06:43:24 PM
Wagner's Die Walküre. Except for orchestral excerpts here and there, I had pretty much ignored Wagner for a long time. I think probably we know too much about him. Anyway I'm putting in the time and attention to listen to his Ring cycle, and have listened to the first two of the four, and so far it's been stunning. However repellent the man may have been, there's no denying his crazy genius.

I agree. Wagner's sense of drama made of him a consummate artist. I just wish he would had composed more orchestral music besides operas. Some mature symphonies and tone poems would have been more than welcome!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 20, 2022, 07:49:54 PM
Quote from: DizzyD on June 19, 2022, 06:43:24 PM
Wagner's Die Walküre. Except for orchestral excerpts here and there, I had pretty much ignored Wagner for a long time. I think probably we know too much about him. Anyway I'm putting in the time and attention to listen to his Ring cycle, and have listened to the first two of the four, and so far it's been stunning. However repellent the man may have been, there's no denying his crazy genius.

Wagner was no doubt a genius composer. Absolutely brilliant and thrilling. My biggest problem, and granted it's my problem, is his operas are just too long and I rarely have the time to indulge in a 4 hr. opera. Anyway, I hope you enjoy your journey. What Ring cycle will you be listening to?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Lisztianwagner on June 20, 2022, 10:09:26 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 20, 2022, 06:23:35 PM
I agree. Wagner's sense of drama made of him a consummate artist. I just wish he would had composed more orchestral music besides operas. Some mature symphonies and tone poems would have been more than welcome!

It would have certainly been marvelous! But Wagner did that on purpose, since he was reluctant to compose works outside the sacred sphere of drama, which was for him the best way to reveal the deep, true essence of everything. He also said: "The most urgent and strongest need of the perfect and artist man is to communicate himself - in all the fullness of his nature - to the whole community. And it can't go that far except in the drama"
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 20, 2022, 10:15:42 PM
Upon my revisitation of Janáček's The Cunning Little Vixen from the Mackerras recording, I have to say how amazed I am by this opera. The plot is actually rather interesting and the music itself is Janáček at his finest. It has a folkish, fairy-tale sound-world that I was drawn into from the first measure. An unequivocal masterpiece.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DizzyD on June 21, 2022, 01:50:18 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 20, 2022, 07:49:54 PM
Wagner was no doubt a genius composer. Absolutely brilliant and thrilling. My biggest problem, and granted it's my problem, is his operas are just too long and I rarely have the time to indulge in a 4 hr. opera. Anyway, I hope you enjoy your journey. What Ring cycle will you be listening to?
I'm listening to the Solti/VPO et al set, the 2012 reissue I believe.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Lisztianwagner on June 21, 2022, 02:00:43 AM
Quote from: DizzyD on June 21, 2022, 01:50:18 AM
I'm listening to the Solti/VPO et al set, the 2012 reissue I believe.

A most excellent choice, though, personally, I prefer Stewart to Hotter as Wotan.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DizzyD on June 21, 2022, 07:49:45 AM
Quote from: Lisztianwagner on June 21, 2022, 02:00:43 AM
A most excellent choice, though, personally, I prefer Stewart to Hotter as Wotan.
Yeah I've read that Hans Hotter was past his prime at the time of the recording, and he does sound at times as if he's struggling. Birgit Nilsson though was in fine form. Wow, what a powerful voice she had.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on June 21, 2022, 09:32:25 AM
Quote from: DizzyD on June 21, 2022, 01:50:18 AM
I'm listening to the Solti/VPO et al set, the 2012 reissue I believe.

My favorite Wagnerian will forever be Karajan.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DizzyD on June 21, 2022, 10:57:17 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 21, 2022, 09:32:25 AM
My favorite Wagnerian will forever be Karajan.
I honestly haven't heard very much of Karajan's Wagner. After I get through the Solti I'll have to listen to Karajan and compare. He's certainly my favorite interpreter of Bruckner.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Lisztianwagner on June 21, 2022, 11:30:17 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 21, 2022, 09:32:25 AM
My favorite Wagnerian will forever be Karajan.
Quote from: DizzyD on June 21, 2022, 10:57:17 AM
I honestly haven't heard very much of Karajan's Wagner. After I get through the Solti I'll have to listen to Karajan and compare. He's certainly my favorite interpreter of Bruckner.

Absolutely agreed, Solti's Ring Cycle is amazing, but Karajan's is even better, it would be highly recommended as well as his other recordings of Wagner's operas if you wanted to continue your journey through Wagner's music. But for me, about Karajan, you break through an open door.....
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Papy Oli on June 22, 2022, 08:13:54 AM
Hearing the Queen of the Night's Aria "Der Hölle Rache.." in full, for the first time beyond the famous titbit, also in the context of the whole opera earlier today was quite something!

The whole opera is actually quite something !
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on June 27, 2022, 09:14:10 PM
Over the past few weeks:

Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81IZubTw-nL._SY355_.jpg)

Obviously, neither of these pieces are new to me, but this absolutely fantastic recent recording of them helped me gain a newfound appreciation of them, particularly the CfO which I had previously thought was a rather overrated work. These performances bring the folksy and lyrical elements of Bartok's music to the fore (especially in the CfO), a marked contrast to older recordings like the highly praised CSO/Reiner which I find rather cold and sterile. The Helsinki Philharmonic under Susanna Malkki play with stupendous virtuosity and spirit, and BIS' sonics are just second to none. As far as orchestral recordings go, BIS has the best sound quality bar none IMO - the clarity their engineers achieve make orchestral recordings from most other labels sound fuzzy and washy by comparison. You really feel as though you are right there in the hall in front of the orchestra! Simply remarkable.


Eino Tamberg (1930-2010): Johanna Tentata - Suite from the Ballet, Symphonic Dances, Concerto Grosso

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41pzew2maLL._SY355_.jpg)

Discoveries like this are a reason I'm firmly in the pro-Hurwitz camp. Without his advocacy, I may have never discovered this wonderful Estonian composer (he also recommended the above Bartok/Malkki disc). This has got to be some of the most purely enjoyable and brilliantly orchestrated music from the 2nd half of the 20th century. The Symphonic Dances and Concerto Grosso, both early works from the 1950s, are overflowingly tuneful, ebullient, witty, and are notable for their prominent writing for saxophone. The star of the disc, though, is probably the suite from his ballet Johanna Tentata (1970), in which Tamberg now incorporates passages of dark, almost nightmarish dissonance to contrast with the more tonal, melodic material. Simply thrilling stuff! The Residentie Orkest Den Haag under N. Jarvi play the hell out of this music, and once again BIS' sonics are exemplary. I really wish Jarvi would record more by Tamberg, but for now I'll try to content myself with the few other recordings out there of his music.


Amilcare Zanella (1873-1949): Piano Trio no. 2 in G minor (1928)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61034-NoArL._SX355_.jpg)

I try to be critical when listening to totally unknown music such as this, looking for reasons why it might have been forgotten by posterity. And in a good number of cases, there are understandable reasons why a certain composer or work has been forgotten. But, while listening to this absolutely remarkable trio, I realized that there was not a single reason why this should not be considered a masterpiece and be played regularly around the world. Where to begin to describe this work? Well, the style is basically late-romantic, but with plenty of excursions into "spicy" harmonies, jazzy rhythms, and impressionistic textures. Quite simply, it sounds like no-one else, and is memorable and entertaining at every turn. Take the extremely catchy opening theme - it almost sounds like something straight out of a Piazzolla tango a few decades before the fact!! The atmospheric slow movement has a humorously chattering middle section, and the finale has as much passion and brio as one could ask for. (BTW, the Piano Trio no. 1 is a pleasant but not nearly as remarkable work. It also receives a less convincing performance than the 2nd trio does.)


Harty: With the Wild Geese

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71SjwMh+7qL._SX355_.jpg)

Quite simply, this is as fine as any other tone poem in the repertoire. In its unabashedly melodic, folk-influenced style it recalls Stanford's Irish Rhapsodies, but, truth be told, it's even better than any of those works IMO (I also prefer it to Harty's Irish Symphony). There's just so many gorgeous tunes throughout and the music builds to several passionate climaxes. And the performance is exemplary!


Braga Santos: Prelude to the opera Viver ou Morrer (1952)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81NCkEldq9L._SX355_.jpg)

Braga Santos wrote music that speaks directly to the heart and soul (well, to mine, anyway), and for that I consider him a great composer. This substantial (13 min.) prelude possesses a tragic nobility and lyrical sweep that makes me long to hear the whole opera! Hint, hint, Naxos? ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on June 28, 2022, 10:00:07 AM
Quote from: kyjo on June 27, 2022, 09:14:10 PM
Over the past few weeks:

Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta

Obviously, neither of these pieces are new to me, but this absolutely fantastic recent recording of them helped me gain a newfound appreciation of them, particularly the CfO which I had previously thought was a rather overrated work. These performances bring the folksy and lyrical elements of Bartok's music to the fore (especially in the CfO), a marked contrast to older recordings like the highly praised CSO/Reiner which I find rather cold and sterile. The Helsinki Philharmonic under Susanna Malkki play with stupendous virtuosity and spirit, and BIS' sonics are just second to none. As far as orchestral recordings go, BIS has the best sound quality bar none IMO - the clarity their engineers achieve make orchestral recordings from most other labels sound fuzzy and washy by comparison. You really feel as though you are right there in the hall in front of the orchestra! Simply remarkable.

Harty: With the Wild Geese

Quite simply, this is as fine as any other tone poem in the repertoire. In its unabashedly melodic, folk-influenced style it recalls Stanford's Irish Rhapsodies, but, truth be told, it's even better than any of those works IMO (I also prefer it to Harty's Irish Symphony). There's just so many gorgeous tunes throughout and the music builds to several passionate climaxes. And the performance is exemplary!

The Concerto for Orchestra is great! There's an interesting video which investigates the overtone relationships between the pairs of instruments in the second movement, and how that affects the sound. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buoYqHWHqNQ

I acquired a couple Harty discs recently, so I'll check out With the Wild Geese soon (although a different recording, on Chandos)!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 28, 2022, 04:31:52 PM
Quote from: kyjo on June 27, 2022, 09:14:10 PM
Eino Tamberg (1930-2010): Johanna Tentata - Suite from the Ballet, Symphonic Dances, Concerto Grosso

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41pzew2maLL._SY355_.jpg)

Discoveries like this are a reason I'm firmly in the pro-Hurwitz camp. Without his advocacy, I may have never discovered this wonderful Estonian composer (he also recommended the above Bartok/Malkki disc). This has got to be some of the most purely enjoyable and brilliantly orchestrated music from the 2nd half of the 20th century. The Symphonic Dances and Concerto Grosso, both early works from the 1950s, are overflowingly tuneful, ebullient, witty, and are notable for their prominent writing for saxophone. The star of the disc, though, is probably the suite from his ballet Johanna Tentata (1970), in which Tamberg now incorporates passages of dark, almost nightmarish dissonance to contrast with the more tonal, melodic material. Simply thrilling stuff! The Residentie Orkest Den Haag under N. Jarvi play the hell out of this music, and once again BIS' sonics are exemplary. I really wish Jarvi would record more by Tamberg, but for now I'll try to content myself with the few other recordings out there of his music.


Amilcare Zanella (1873-1949): Piano Trio no. 2 in G minor (1928)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61034-NoArL._SX355_.jpg)

I try to be critical when listening to totally unknown music such as this, looking for reasons why it might have been forgotten by posterity. And in a good number of cases, there are understandable reasons why a certain composer or work has been forgotten. But, while listening to this absolutely remarkable trio, I realized that there was not a single reason why this should not be considered a masterpiece and be played regularly around the world. Where to begin to describe this work? Well, the style is basically late-romantic, but with plenty of excursions into "spicy" harmonies, jazzy rhythms, and impressionistic textures. Quite simply, it sounds like no-one else, and is memorable and entertaining at every turn. Take the extremely catchy opening theme - it almost sounds like something straight out of a Piazzolla tango a few decades before the fact!! The atmospheric slow movement has a humorously chattering middle section, and the finale has as much passion and brio as one could ask for. (BTW, the Piano Trio no. 1 is a pleasant but not nearly as remarkable work. It also receives a less convincing performance than the 2nd trio does.)

Oddly enough I was less impressed by the Joanna Tentata Suite and found the other works more engaging instead.

Never heard of Zanella before. Sounds like a cool work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 01, 2022, 06:21:57 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 28, 2022, 04:31:52 PM
Oddly enough I was less impressed by the Joanna Tentata Suite and found the other works more engaging instead.

Never heard of Zanella before. Sounds like a cool work.

Odd - I thought the Johanna Tentata Suite would be right up your alley, Cesar! ;)

Please do give a listen to the Zanella trio when you get a chance and let me know what you think. Quite a remarkable find from a composer so obscure that I don't believe he's ever been mentioned on GMG before!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 05, 2022, 02:22:15 PM
Rochberg: String Quartet No. 3

Now, this is what I call an intense experience, profoundly moving, not apt for everybody I guess. What a journey of a piece. The kind of suggestions I like to find in comments by others on videos like Hurwitz's.

(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music114/v4/27/ba/d6/27bad670-4a17-11c3-8887-3d77e3e31b9e/270.jpg/1200x1200bf-60.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 07, 2022, 07:41:10 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 05, 2022, 02:22:15 PM
Rochberg: String Quartet No. 3

Now, this is what I call an intense experience, profoundly moving, not apt for everybody I guess. What a journey of a piece. The kind of suggestions I like to find in comments by others on videos like Hurwitz's.

(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music114/v4/27/ba/d6/27bad670-4a17-11c3-8887-3d77e3e31b9e/270.jpg/1200x1200bf-60.jpg)

Oh yes, one of the greatest string quartets from the second half of the 20th century, without a doubt. I love the contrast between astringent dissonance and poignantly lyrical consonance in this work. One can hear the influence of late Beethoven in the intimate lyricism of the slow movement. Rochberg is a composer that I (and others!) ought to pay more attention to. He's difficult to classify since his music partakes of both modernist and traditional influences, often juxtaposed within the same work or even movement.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 16, 2022, 07:11:03 PM
Quote from: kyjo on July 01, 2022, 06:21:57 AM
Please do give a listen to the Zanella trio when you get a chance and let me know what you think. Quite a remarkable find from a composer so obscure that I don't believe he's ever been mentioned on GMG before!

A great piece indeed, and I agree about the Piazzollan tune in the 1st movement, it gives more personality to it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 16, 2022, 07:11:59 PM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71h8W+kY1lL._SL1400_.jpg)

Massenet: Le Carillon - Ballet

I consider that Massenet is seriously underrated. The orchestral works I've heard from his pen have meant good moments aplenty to me (the operas still continue unknown to me, though). Today this rather short ballet (38-minute long) has delighted me in a high degree, I must say. The opening alone is laden by such joy and instrumental feast that won't leave you indifferent. Massenet imprints freshness and has a good ear to colourful orchestration, all of that proves to be true in this charming ballet. And good climaxes were his specialty! Sounds splendidly performed and it could be found in that Decca Edition.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brian on July 16, 2022, 07:32:59 PM
The Tamberg Symphonic Dances and Concerto Grosso are among my very favorite neoclassical works by anyone. I don't know how much more Tamberg is unrecorded in various genres, but I would happily explore all of it and support any label that tries it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on July 22, 2022, 05:09:45 AM
Hans Werner Henze's Symphonies, especially Nos. 6 & 7. Just completely mindblowing and wringing every last dram out of the tension.

On the Intensity Scale I'll rank this somewhere between Hartmann and Pettersson, ie. right near the top of the scale.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on July 22, 2022, 05:43:59 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on July 22, 2022, 05:09:45 AM
Hans Werner Henze's Symphonies, especially Nos. 6 & 7. Just completely mindblowing and wringing every last dram out of the tension.

On the Intensity Scale I'll rank this somewhere between Hartmann and Pettersson, ie. right near the top of the scale.

I like his music too.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on July 25, 2022, 12:15:10 PM
I've often stated my general dislike for the violin + piano combination, and have on occasion also mentioned my ambivalence regarding Karol Szymanowski, but this composer has achieved the unexpected: I'm bowled over by Mythes! What a piece!

I first approached the work via this CD, that I had actually bought for the solo piano music it contains (Métopes and Masques):

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ggUO07khL._SL1200_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brian on July 26, 2022, 05:12:16 AM
I listened to Miaskovsky Symphony No. 21 last night (Gould/Chicago/RCA) and was surprised to find that the fast parts sound a lot like...Walton?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on July 29, 2022, 03:19:02 AM
Choral music is far from being a first love but "blown away" by Holst's Psalm 86. A lovely performance from Imogen Holst, The Purcell Singers, Ian Partridge with Ralph Downes (organ) and ECO. A masterpiece of simplicity.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 29, 2022, 08:29:55 PM
Quote from: ritter on July 25, 2022, 12:15:10 PM
I've often stated my general dislike for the violin + piano combination, and have on occasion also mentioned my ambivalence regarding Karol Szymanowski, but this composer has achieved the unexpected: I'm bowled over by Mythes! What a piece!

I first approached the work via this CD, that I had actually bought for the solo piano music it contains (Métopes and Masques):

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ggUO07khL._SL1200_.jpg)

Nice! Szymanowski is one of my favorites. Good to read you were quite taken with Mythes. Such a lovely piece.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mirror Image on July 29, 2022, 08:36:29 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on July 22, 2022, 05:09:45 AM
Hans Werner Henze's Symphonies, especially Nos. 6 & 7. Just completely mindblowing and wringing every last dram out of the tension.

On the Intensity Scale I'll rank this somewhere between Hartmann and Pettersson, ie. right near the top of the scale.

Very cool. 8) I need to spend more time with the Henze symphonies, but his music in general. I've liked much of what I've heard so far.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 09, 2022, 06:21:08 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 16, 2022, 07:11:03 PM
A great piece indeed, and I agree about the Piazzollan tune in the 1st movement, it gives more personality to it.

(Forgive the belated reply :-[) I'm glad you enjoyed it, Cesar!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 09, 2022, 06:24:59 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 16, 2022, 07:11:59 PM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71h8W+kY1lL._SL1400_.jpg)

Massenet: Le Carillon - Ballet

I consider that Massenet is seriously underrated. The orchestral works I've heard from his pen have meant good moments aplenty to me (the operas still continue unknown to me, though). Today this rather short ballet (38-minute long) has delighted me in a high degree, I must say. The opening alone is laden by such joy and instrumental feast that won't leave you indifferent. Massenet imprints freshness and has a good ear to colourful orchestration, all of that proves to be true in this charming ballet. And good climaxes were his specialty! Sounds splendidly performed and it could be found in that Decca Edition.

I don't know that particular ballet, but I totally agree with what you say about Massenet. The world could use more of his totally charming and unpretentious music - it's a shame that he's only remembered for one 5-minute piece, the ubiquitous Meditation from Thais. I've gained immense pleasure from his orchestral suites, the ballet Espada, and his Piano Concerto (which has one of the catchiest finales in the repertoire). I really ought to listen to a few of his operas....
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 09, 2022, 06:27:39 PM
Quote from: Brian on July 16, 2022, 07:32:59 PM
The Tamberg Symphonic Dances and Concerto Grosso are among my very favorite neoclassical works by anyone. I don't know how much more Tamberg is unrecorded in various genres, but I would happily explore all of it and support any label that tries it.

I very much agree, Brian. A tantalizing and detailed worklist can be found here: https://www.emic.ee/?sisu=heliloojad&mid=58&id=92&lang=eng&action=view&method=teosed
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: classicalgeek on August 11, 2022, 08:02:24 AM
Quote from: kyjo on August 09, 2022, 06:27:39 PM
I very much agree, Brian. A tantalizing and detailed worklist can be found here: https://www.emic.ee/?sisu=heliloojad&mid=58&id=92&lang=eng&action=view&method=teosed

Someone needs to get on a complete Tamberg edition ASAP! ;D I've only heard a few of his works, but I've greatly enjoyed them.

As for the piece that 'blew me away', that was Szymanowski's First Violin Concerto. I'm familiar with some of Szymanowski's music and I've found it engaging and colorful, but somehow the First Violin Concerto eluded me. It was a true 'where has this been all my life?' moment - writing for the soloist that's achingly lyrical one moment, only to turn hair-raisingly virtuosic a minute later. And it's dazzlingly orchestrated on top of that - he uses a full symphony orchestra (including triple winds, several percussionists, harp, celesta, and piano) but it never overwhelms the soloist. I listened to the recording with Jennifer Koh and Carlos Kalmar that also includes some Martinu and Bartok, but there are a number of good recordings available. Just a stunning work, and a reminder that I need to get even better acquainted with Szymanowski!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on August 15, 2022, 05:27:18 AM
Quote from: classicalgeek on August 11, 2022, 08:02:24 AM
As for the piece that 'blew me away', that was Szymanowski's First Violin Concerto. I'm familiar with some of Szymanowski's music...

If Mirror Image were here, he'd certainly be agreeing.  If you don't know Harnasie and the Stabat Mater, then don't delay.

For me, this is a bit of a recent find:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91jDt1PKA2L._SS500_.jpg)

I used to have the Humoresques on this LP many years ago:

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-na.ssl-images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F51IY-bPHGFL._SX342_QL70_.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)

Yet another of those old Turnabout releases that goes straight to the top of the "Worst LP Art" thread.  Needless to say, Kuusisto and the Tapiola are rather better (in sound and performance as well as cover art).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Peter Power Pop on August 15, 2022, 05:08:41 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 16, 2022, 07:11:59 PM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71h8W+kY1lL._SL1400_.jpg)

Massenet: Le Carillon - Ballet

I consider that Massenet is seriously underrated. The orchestral works I've heard from his pen have meant good moments aplenty to me (the operas still continue unknown to me, though). Today this rather short ballet (38-minute long) has delighted me in a high degree, I must say. The opening alone is laden by such joy and instrumental feast that won't leave you indifferent. Massenet imprints freshness and has a good ear to colourful orchestration, all of that proves to be true in this charming ballet. And good climaxes were his specialty! Sounds splendidly performed and it could be found in that Decca Edition.

Jules Massenet : Le Carillon, Ballet in one act (1892) (National Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Richard Bonynge)

https://www.youtube.com/v/nDfyv6HQfzs
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 17, 2022, 08:05:26 PM
Quote from: DaveF on August 15, 2022, 05:27:18 AM
For me, this is a bit of a recent find:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91jDt1PKA2L._SS500_.jpg)

That's a great disc! The Humoresques and Swanwhite Suite are two of the best-kept secrets of Sibelius' oeuvre.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on August 18, 2022, 11:18:06 AM
Quote from: kyjo on August 17, 2022, 08:05:26 PM
That's a great disc! The Humoresques and Swanwhite Suite are two of the best-kept secrets of Sibelius' oeuvre.

I suppose the Humoresques and Serenades just don't fit comfortably into concert programmes - too slight to stand alone, too weighty to be encores (although it would be good to hear of soloists following a performance of the concerto with one or two of them).  The only slight puzzle on the disc, to my ears, is the Suite, Op.117 - the last music he ever published, yet I didn't find anything particularly late-Sibelian about it - it could come from almost anywhere in his career (a judgment based on two hearings).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 03, 2022, 06:04:27 PM
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/MGB-6243.jpg)

Quintet for piano, violin, two violas and cello in D minor

Juon's specialty was the writing for chamber forces. No doubts why he is one of my favorite composers in that respect. The mastery of ideas and development displayed here shines efforlessly. The fact of including a second viola highlights the poetic element to the music. What a work. First-class stuff played splendidly. The Kammersinfonie on the same CD is in the same league.


(https://is5-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music124/v4/86/80/3f/86803fd6-9ece-d65f-5e74-dc4bf28b24c3/00028947560715.rgb.jpg/1200x1200bf-60.jpg)

Bloch: String Quartet No. 3

Intense, exciting, absorbing, spicy. This is some extraordinary music where the composer's genius is in full evidence. In spite of the recording is in mono (great mono sound, actually), the playing does justice to the music. Just stupendous.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on September 03, 2022, 10:08:34 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on September 03, 2022, 06:04:27 PM
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/MGB-6243.jpg)

Quintet for piano, violin, two violas and cello in D minor

Juon's specialty was the writing for chamber forces. No doubts why he is one of my favorite composers in that respect. The mastery of ideas and development displayed here shines efforlessly. The fact of including a second viola highlights the poetic element to the music. What a work. First-class stuff played splendidly. The Kammersinfonie on the same CD is in the same league.


(https://is5-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music124/v4/86/80/3f/86803fd6-9ece-d65f-5e74-dc4bf28b24c3/00028947560715.rgb.jpg/1200x1200bf-60.jpg)

Bloch: String Quartet No. 3

Intense, exciting, absorbing, spicy. This is some extraordinary music where the composer's genius is in full evidence. In spite of the recording is in mono (great mono sound, actually), the playing does justice to the music. Just stupendous.
That Bloch set is excellent. The first SQ is epic in scale - like a symphony.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 04, 2022, 12:49:06 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on September 03, 2022, 10:08:34 PM
That Bloch set is excellent. The first SQ is epic in scale - like a symphony.

Yes, a monumental work, Jeffrey, and the other quartets in that set are as good (or even better) as that one.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 04, 2022, 06:09:52 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on September 03, 2022, 06:04:27 PM
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/MGB-6243.jpg)

Quintet for piano, violin, two violas and cello in D minor

Juon's specialty was the writing for chamber forces. No doubts why he is one of my favorite composers in that respect. The mastery of ideas and development displayed here shines efforlessly. The fact of including a second viola highlights the poetic element to the music. What a work. First-class stuff played splendidly. The Kammersinfonie on the same CD is in the same league.


(https://is5-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music124/v4/86/80/3f/86803fd6-9ece-d65f-5e74-dc4bf28b24c3/00028947560715.rgb.jpg/1200x1200bf-60.jpg)

Bloch: String Quartet No. 3

Intense, exciting, absorbing, spicy. This is some extraordinary music where the composer's genius is in full evidence. In spite of the recording is in mono (great mono sound, actually), the playing does justice to the music. Just stupendous.

Totally agree with you about Juon's magnificent chamber music, Cesar. Unfortunately, I can't find his D minor piano quintet on YouTube or Spotify, only the (also excellent) one in F major, op. 50 which has been recorded by CPO.

Actually, come to think of it, I've only listened to Bloch's first two SQs! Time to rectify that.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 04, 2022, 07:49:24 PM
Quote from: kyjo on September 04, 2022, 06:09:52 PM
Totally agree with you about Juon's magnificent chamber music, Cesar. Unfortunately, I can't find his D minor piano quintet on YouTube or Spotify, only the (also excellent) one in F major, op. 50 which has been recorded by CPO.

Actually, come to think of it, I've only listened to Bloch's first two SQs! Time to rectify that.

Too bad, I thought it was available on Spotify at least; and yes, the Op. 44 is also wonderful. Regarding the Bloch, hopefully it won't be too challenging for you.

BTW, good to see you posting again, Kyle!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 05, 2022, 06:48:21 AM
Quote from: kyjo on September 04, 2022, 06:09:52 PM
Totally agree with you about Juon's magnificent chamber music, Cesar. Unfortunately, I can't find his D minor piano quintet on YouTube or Spotify, only the (also excellent) one in F major, op. 50 which has been recorded by CPO.

Actually, come to think of it, I've only listened to Bloch's first two SQs! Time to rectify that.
I found this:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN16dmCeIuc

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on September 05, 2022, 10:00:31 AM
Emil Tabakov's symphonies. So far 1-3 and 5 but I suspect all of them will blow my mind.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on September 08, 2022, 08:52:37 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on September 05, 2022, 10:00:31 AM
Emil Tabakov's symphonies. So far 1-3 and 5 but I suspect all of them will blow my mind.
I have three CDs worth coming in the mail from Presto. Can't wait!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: nakulanb on September 08, 2022, 05:34:54 PM
Piano Concerto 3 - Bartok (Lang-Lang)

Mostly for the technique, I wasn't as emotionally drawn to it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: nakulanb on September 08, 2022, 07:00:21 PM
Beethoven Symphony 1 - PNS & COE (new)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on September 09, 2022, 07:29:09 AM
Quote from: nakulanb on September 08, 2022, 05:34:54 PM
Piano Concerto 3 - Bartok (Lang-Lang)

Mostly for the technique, I wasn't as emotionally drawn to it.

Neither was he.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on September 09, 2022, 11:50:48 PM
Usually I am not impressed by bright young things with ridicuous techniques.  But Brian (I think it was Brian?!) pointed out this South Korean lad Yunchan Lim - just 18!!!! - who won this year's Van Cliburn.  He is the REAL DEAL - for me "better" than most of the rest.  For his semi-final recital he astoundingly chose to perform the complete Lizst Transcendental Studies.  Apart from the physical, technical, musical challenges involved doing this it was a huge "risk" in competition terms.  That he brings it off to the degree he does and in the manner he does is astonishing.  This can be viewed on YouTube here - do at least dip into this performance - A Star is Born....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsGLmrR0BVs
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on September 11, 2022, 07:20:46 PM
From current listening:

Stanford: Symphony #6
Handley: Ulster

This is a fantastic symphony! According to the liner notes, it was forgotten for about 80 years. The first movement has some themes that remind me of R. Strauss. The 2nd movement opens with a beautiful English horn solo (called the "love theme" in the notes); the opening feels like a precursor to the English Pastoral style (although the rest of the movement is more typical of a Romantic symphony). The fun (& somewhat angry) Scherzo leads seamlessly into the final movement. Near the end of the final movement (the beginning of the coda?) there is a fugato similar to the opening of Brahms' German Requiem. The love theme is transformed: the low note is now over a major chord instead of a minor chord, which brings the symphony to a gentle, warm, finish.

(https://i.discogs.com/qieIjXSLfhOx1xzcGRd5cLDMGx0MiHABVkdN1Sehx6E/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:597/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTIyMjg3/NjQzLTE2NDU3MTUx/NTQtNzU5MC5qcGVn.jpeg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on September 12, 2022, 03:07:46 AM
Tchaikovsky's 5th and 6th. No news to anyone (excepting myself) but damn these are great symphonies.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on September 13, 2022, 11:42:12 PM
Quote from: Mapman on September 11, 2022, 07:20:46 PM
From current listening:

Stanford: Symphony #6
Handley: Ulster

This is a fantastic symphony! According to the liner notes, it was forgotten for about 80 years. The first movement has some themes that remind me of R. Strauss. The 2nd movement opens with a beautiful English horn solo (called the "love theme" in the notes); the opening feels like a precursor to the English Pastoral style (although the rest of the movement is more typical of a Romantic symphony). The fun (& somewhat angry) Scherzo leads seamlessly into the final movement. Near the end of the final movement (the beginning of the coda?) there is a fugato similar to the opening of Brahms' German Requiem. The love theme is transformed: the low note is now over a major chord instead of a minor chord, which brings the symphony to a gentle, warm, finish.

(https://i.discogs.com/qieIjXSLfhOx1xzcGRd5cLDMGx0MiHABVkdN1Sehx6E/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:597/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTIyMjg3/NjQzLTE2NDU3MTUx/NTQtNzU5MC5qcGVn.jpeg)

This has been mentioned here before; the Watts Gallery nestles in the Surrey Hills just south of the county town of Guildford - very close to a major road that runs from London down to Portsmouth - still a major Royal Navy base.  This gallery houses many of Watts' most famous works and is partnered by an oddly-Italianate chapel further down the hill;

(https://www.surreyhills.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/watts-galleryDetail.jpg)(https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/media/image/Chapel_CyyU8Lq.jpg)(https://eu-assets.simpleview-europe.com/surrey/imageresizer/?image=%2Fdmsimgs%2F1000_-_4_Watts_Chapel_2_235615725.jpg&action-ProductDetail)(https://www.culturalwednesday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Hope-GF-Watts-Gallery.jpeg)(https://jillorme.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/5254823ff3008aece3d67207d87997d71303c49d.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 14, 2022, 01:29:57 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on September 13, 2022, 11:42:12 PM
an oddly-Italianate chapel further down the hill;

(https://jillorme.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/5254823ff3008aece3d67207d87997d71303c49d.jpg)

Very interesting.

I'd say the style is not that much Italianate as Byzantine, or Italianate in the old Venetian manner, ie Byzantine. Those paintings would not be out of place in a Romanian Orthodox (ie, Byzantine) church either.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on September 14, 2022, 01:38:16 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 14, 2022, 01:29:57 AM
Very interesting.

I'd say the style is not that much Italianate as Byzantine, or Italianate in the old Venetian manner, ie Byzantine. Those paintings would not be out of place in a Romanian Orthodox (ie, Byzantine) church either.

You're right of course - I think what I meant was the outside of the chapel reminds me of churches/chapels I've seen in Italy not leafy Surrey!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 14, 2022, 01:47:24 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on September 14, 2022, 01:38:16 AM
You're right of course - I think what I meant was the outside of the chapel reminds me of churches/chapels I've seen in Italy not leafy Surrey!

That's for sure.  :)

Quite the oddity, this chapel. Do you know when it was built and painted, and by whom?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 14, 2022, 02:08:00 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 14, 2022, 01:47:24 AM
That's for sure.  :)

Quite the oddity, this chapel. Do you know when it was built and painted, and by whom?
Looks like it was designed by Mary Watts in the late 19th century.  You can read more about it below:

https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/about-us/artists-village/watts-chapel/

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 14, 2022, 02:12:20 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 14, 2022, 02:08:00 AM
Looks like it was designed by Mary Watts in the late 19th century.  You can read more about it below:

https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/about-us/artists-village/watts-chapel/

PD

Many thanks.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on September 15, 2022, 09:46:00 PM
I love the Watts Gallery (near to my in-laws).
He was an interesting character. He went to visit friends for the weekend and stayed for 40 years.
Watts working on his statue of Tennyson (and dog) for Lincoln Cathedral (I saw it recently). There is a plaster version in the Watts Gallery:
(//)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 16, 2022, 01:30:04 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on September 15, 2022, 09:46:00 PM
I love the Watts Gallery (near to my in-laws).
He was an interesting character. He went to visit friends for the weekend and stayed for 40 years.

Now, that's a genuinely long weekend.  :D

(The friends who hosted him for that long must have been quite the characters in their own, though.  ;) )
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 20, 2022, 01:38:33 PM
Rota: Suite from 'Il Casanova di Federico Fellini'

For someone who has never watched the movie, this music has been a stupendous revelation. Rota had an incredible gift to write music with personality, spark, wit and depth, and all of that is present in this marvelous suite. The opening O Venezia, Venaga, Venusia has such bewitching simplicity, a haunting and mesmerizing quality to it that left me utterly delighted. Wonderful. One of my best discoveries of the year so far, and I yet have to hear the other suites!

(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music124/v4/38/7a/3b/387a3b78-674f-dfed-ed6a-ba71edfaf17f/18UMGIM05146.rgb.jpg/600x600bf-60.jpg)


Verdi: Rigoletto

I used to despise Verdi's operas with emphatic aversion. Thank God things have changed for good now. I'm not an opera expert by any means, so what I'll say is that this opera contains truly inspiring and stunning music. In my Verdi opera traversal I've detected that Verdi is more convincing (to me) with tragic or more serious plots than with the most "patriotic" ones.

I suspect that most of his next operas will have a similar effect on me.

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273d2a547b3d6fe8d01885861e4)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 21, 2022, 03:23:07 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on September 20, 2022, 01:38:33 PM
Rota: Suite from 'Il Casanova di Federico Fellini'

For someone who has never watched the movie, this music has been a stupendous revelation. Rota had an incredible gift to write music with personality, spark, wit and depth, and all of that is present in this marvelous suite. The opening O Venezia, Venaga, Venusia has such bewitching simplicity, a haunting and mesmerizing quality to it that left me utterly delighted. Wonderful. One of my best discoveries of the year so far, and I yet have to hear the other suites!

(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music124/v4/38/7a/3b/387a3b78-674f-dfed-ed6a-ba71edfaf17f/18UMGIM05146.rgb.jpg/600x600bf-60.jpg)


Verdi: Rigoletto

I used to despise Verdi's operas with emphatic aversion. Thank God things have changed for good now. I'm not an opera expert by any means, so what I'll say is that this opera contains truly inspiring and stunning music. In my Verdi opera traversal I've detected that Verdi is more convincing (to me) with tragic or more serious plots than with the most "patriotic" ones.

I suspect that most of his next operas will have a similar effect on me.

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273d2a547b3d6fe8d01885861e4)
I only have one album of Nino Rota's music but it is enjoyable.  I'll have to see if I can find a sampling of that suite on YT.

So glad to hear that you've "come over to the Dark Side" (Verdi).  >:D  Have listened to and been enthralled with his operas, thankfully, for years.  Enjoy your explorations!  :)

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on September 21, 2022, 05:47:29 AM
You know what is a great, great work and recording?  Puccini's Turandot with Pavarotti, Zubin Mehta and London Philharmonic Orchestra.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71JcaKeoH6L._SL1400_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on September 21, 2022, 05:55:26 AM
Quote from: relm1 on September 21, 2022, 05:47:29 AM
You know what is a great, great work and recording?  Puccini's Turandot with Pavarotti, Zubin Mehta and London Philharmonic Orchestra.
...
With a big, big cover!   ;D ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on September 21, 2022, 06:34:46 AM
I have the complete works of just one major opera composer, and that is Verdi.



Recently blown away by Tabakov's 8th symphony.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 21, 2022, 02:43:06 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 21, 2022, 03:23:07 AM
I only have one album of Nino Rota's music but it is enjoyable.  I'll have to see if I can find a sampling of that suite on YT.

So glad to hear that you've "come over to the Dark Side" (Verdi).  >:D  Have listened to and been enthralled with his operas, thankfully, for years.  Enjoy your explorations!  :)

PD

Thank you! Hearing those operas with fresh ears has meant a fascinating experience thus far.

OTOH, I could say that all what I've heard by Rota has been nothing but compelling and full of spark. The ballet Le Molière Imaginaire is a must-hear for any fans of his music in my view.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 21, 2022, 02:45:14 PM
Quote from: relm1 on September 21, 2022, 05:47:29 AM
You know what is a great, great work and recording?  Puccini's Turandot with Pavarotti, Zubin Mehta and London Philharmonic Orchestra.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71JcaKeoH6L._SL1400_.jpg)

A desert-island work and recording to me. Many criticise the completion by Alfano, but I don't have any problem with it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on September 21, 2022, 11:13:11 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on September 21, 2022, 02:45:14 PM
A desert-island work and recording to me. Many criticise the completion by Alfano, but I don't have any problem with it.

If we are on adjacent desert islands it will be in stereo!  I agree about the Alfano - partly because I'm used to it and partly because I'd rather have it and therefore a viable opera with 90% of glorious Puccini than worry about a slightly less inspired completion.  Do you know the "Alfano I" ending?  This is the version Toscannini rejected and Alfano then reworked into the familiar "Alfano II" ending.  I rather like Alfano I - obviusly not Puccini but neither is Alfano as 2nd rate a composer as the usual narrative would suggest.  It was recorded by Josephine Barstow here;

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51EnvJ-gfVL._UX358_FMwebp_QL85_.jpg)

and I think this same version (its the last 20 minutes) has been uploaded to YouTube - just searched and here it is;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q09_thEg6AA

Spotted that conductor of this recording John Mauceri has added a comment to this upload(!);

"Glad this is being shared. There is much to prefer in this duet, like the silence surrounding Turandot's "So il tuo nome!" and the terrifying rage that follows. Just check out the harmonies of the final chorus and you'll realize how angry Alfano had to have been by giving Toscanini a plain vanilla utility orchestration of a tune to bring down the curtain. The original setting  takes us to the era of Mahler and Korngold. I always make sure we perform that version of the finale, even when singers will not learn the original duet that precedes it. Jo and Lando were such great colleagues when we recorded it, and Scottish Opera's orchestra and chorus were in fine form for its first recording ever. Decca was in the last years of its golden age of engineers and producers. Buy the whole recording to salute Barstow's astonishing artistry. Four enormous  finales in four languages ..."

Interesting what Mauceri says about Decca too.....
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 23, 2022, 10:00:46 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on September 21, 2022, 11:13:11 PM
If we are on adjacent desert islands it will be in stereo!  I agree about the Alfano - partly because I'm used to it and partly because I'd rather have it and therefore a viable opera with 90% of glorious Puccini than worry about a slightly less inspired completion.  Do you know the "Alfano I" ending?  This is the version Toscannini rejected and Alfano then reworked into the familiar "Alfano II" ending.  I rather like Alfano I - obviusly not Puccini but neither is Alfano as 2nd rate a composer as the usual narrative would suggest.  It was recorded by Josephine Barstow here;

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51EnvJ-gfVL._UX358_FMwebp_QL85_.jpg)

and I think this same version (its the last 20 minutes) has been uploaded to YouTube - just searched and here it is;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q09_thEg6AA

Spotted that conductor of this recording John Mauceri has added a comment to this upload(!);

"Glad this is being shared. There is much to prefer in this duet, like the silence surrounding Turandot's "So il tuo nome!" and the terrifying rage that follows. Just check out the harmonies of the final chorus and you'll realize how angry Alfano had to have been by giving Toscanini a plain vanilla utility orchestration of a tune to bring down the curtain. The original setting  takes us to the era of Mahler and Korngold. I always make sure we perform that version of the finale, even when singers will not learn the original duet that precedes it. Jo and Lando were such great colleagues when we recorded it, and Scottish Opera's orchestra and chorus were in fine form for its first recording ever. Decca was in the last years of its golden age of engineers and producers. Buy the whole recording to salute Barstow's astonishing artistry. Four enormous  finales in four languages ..."

Interesting what Mauceri says about Decca too.....

Thanks for the interesting info. I can't have enough Turandot to indulge myself.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on September 23, 2022, 11:26:30 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on September 23, 2022, 10:00:46 AM
.... I can't have enough Turandot to indulge myself.
In that case, this (https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,26890.msg1135069.html#msg1135069) might interest you, César.

At your humble service,

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on September 23, 2022, 04:06:37 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on September 21, 2022, 11:13:11 PM
If we are on adjacent desert islands it will be in stereo!  I agree about the Alfano - partly because I'm used to it and partly because I'd rather have it and therefore a viable opera with 90% of glorious Puccini than worry about a slightly less inspired completion.  Do you know the "Alfano I" ending?  This is the version Toscannini rejected and Alfano then reworked into the familiar "Alfano II" ending.  I rather like Alfano I - obviusly not Puccini but neither is Alfano as 2nd rate a composer as the usual narrative would suggest.  It was recorded by Josephine Barstow here;

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51EnvJ-gfVL._UX358_FMwebp_QL85_.jpg)

and I think this same version (its the last 20 minutes) has been uploaded to YouTube - just searched and here it is;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q09_thEg6AA

Spotted that conductor of this recording John Mauceri has added a comment to this upload(!);

"Glad this is being shared. There is much to prefer in this duet, like the silence surrounding Turandot's "So il tuo nome!" and the terrifying rage that follows. Just check out the harmonies of the final chorus and you'll realize how angry Alfano had to have been by giving Toscanini a plain vanilla utility orchestration of a tune to bring down the curtain. The original setting  takes us to the era of Mahler and Korngold. I always make sure we perform that version of the finale, even when singers will not learn the original duet that precedes it. Jo and Lando were such great colleagues when we recorded it, and Scottish Opera's orchestra and chorus were in fine form for its first recording ever. Decca was in the last years of its golden age of engineers and producers. Buy the whole recording to salute Barstow's astonishing artistry. Four enormous  finales in four languages ..."

Interesting what Mauceri says about Decca too.....

I thought this was fantastic!  I am now going to skip CD 2 - track 10 and after of the Mehta recording and listen instead to Alfano I.  I also listened to Berio's completion and didn't like it as much as this one.  Maybe because I have a personal connection with Mauceri as he taught conducting at my uni and I saw him in masterclasses and Hollywood bowl concerts in the past.  He's amazing and I'd recommend his book too! 
https://www.amazon.com/War-Music-Reclaiming-Twentieth-Century/dp/0300233701 (https://www.amazon.com/War-Music-Reclaiming-Twentieth-Century/dp/0300233701)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on September 23, 2022, 11:36:26 PM
Quote from: relm1 on September 23, 2022, 04:06:37 PM
I thought this was fantastic!  I am now going to skip CD 2 - track 10 and after of the Mehta recording and listen instead to Alfano I.  I also listened to Berio's completion and didn't like it as much as this one.  Maybe because I have a personal connection with Mauceri as he taught conducting at my uni and I saw him in masterclasses and Hollywood bowl concerts in the past.  He's amazing and I'd recommend his book too! 
https://www.amazon.com/War-Music-Reclaiming-Twentieth-Century/dp/0300233701 (https://www.amazon.com/War-Music-Reclaiming-Twentieth-Century/dp/0300233701)

There was a point when it seemed as if Mauceri was being lined up for quite a significant recording career - think of the Korngold "Das Wunder der Heliane" and quite a few other major Decca recordings which were excellent.  Then whether it was because of the change to Decca that Mauceri alludes to in that YouTube comment or he had some creative falling out that all stopped.  Yes there were on Phillips (as was!) an excellent series of disc with the Hollywood Bowl and also a couple of other film music collections but nothing quite on the level of his earlier discography.  I absolutely love classic film scores and show music too but this does feel "lighter" than his other stuff..... But I do recommend any of the following as excellent - they can still be found 2nd hand and often for quite reasonable prices.....

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/o~4AAOSwcRViNMzM/s-l500.jpg)(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/U1sAAOSwGTBhwNPe/s-l500.jpg)(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273d77f9e735752035affae232b)(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/k-UAAOSwQLdjFjvQ/s-l500.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on September 24, 2022, 05:10:29 AM
Allan Pettersson's Symphony No.7 & Violin Concerto No.2

Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations, Sea Pictures & Dream of Gerontius

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 02, 2022, 06:45:11 PM
Quote from: Mapman on September 11, 2022, 07:20:46 PM
From current listening:

Stanford: Symphony #6
Handley: Ulster

This is a fantastic symphony! According to the liner notes, it was forgotten for about 80 years. The first movement has some themes that remind me of R. Strauss. The 2nd movement opens with a beautiful English horn solo (called the "love theme" in the notes); the opening feels like a precursor to the English Pastoral style (although the rest of the movement is more typical of a Romantic symphony). The fun (& somewhat angry) Scherzo leads seamlessly into the final movement. Near the end of the final movement (the beginning of the coda?) there is a fugato similar to the opening of Brahms' German Requiem. The love theme is transformed: the low note is now over a major chord instead of a minor chord, which brings the symphony to a gentle, warm, finish.

(https://i.discogs.com/qieIjXSLfhOx1xzcGRd5cLDMGx0MiHABVkdN1Sehx6E/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:597/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTIyMjg3/NjQzLTE2NDU3MTUx/NTQtNzU5MC5qcGVn.jpeg)

Nice! The 3rd and 6th are by far my favorite of Stanford's symphonies. The slow movement of the 6th is really something special; it has an emotional depth that most of Stanford's other music rarely achieves, and foreshadows Bax's Celtic, "legendary" style.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 02, 2022, 07:18:51 PM
It's been way too long since I've posted here on GMG! I've been very busy, and have been struggling a bit with mental health recently. I should be a bit less busy over the next few months, and hopefully I'll start feeling better mentally/emotionally soon as well. In any case, I'll make more of an effort to be active here; I've missed you all! I've been listening to some great music as much as ever lately:


D'Indy: Clarinet Trio

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+7+4UbbCL._SY355_.jpg)

It's undoubtedly my favorite piece of his after the Symphony on a French Mountain Air. What an utterly inventive, inspired, and characterful piece at every turn, full of great melodies and a certain quirkiness. That third movement is just beautiful beyond words! The work receives an absolutely stunning performance here; the rest of this 7-disc set, featuring much rare repertoire, looks worth exploring as well.


Tansman: Symphony no. 3 (Symphonie concertante) and Quatre mouvements for orchestra

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41C9peT14VL._SX355_.jpg)

The more I listen to by Tansman, the more I'm impressed by his music. The 3rd Symphony (1931), which doubles as a triple concerto for piano trio and orchestra, is a hugely enjoyable and spirited work filled with the jazzy, Gershwinesque influences one finds in his ballet Bric a brac (not least in the second movement Tempo americano). The Quatre mouvements (1967-68), from much later in Tansman's career, is much darker and more dissonant in idiom, but no less compelling for that! In fact, it's thrilling in its often nightmarish dramatic intensity and imaginative use of orchestral color. This is "modernist" music I can get behind! The 2nd Symphony included on this disc is also a very fine work, with a particularly beautiful slow movement.


I'll post some more later! :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on October 03, 2022, 11:31:49 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 02, 2022, 07:18:51 PM
It's been way too long since I've posted here on GMG! I've been very busy...

Very busy by playing poll games on TalkClassical?  ;)

Anyway, I really hope things get better for you, Kyle!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on October 03, 2022, 01:02:03 PM
Quote from: kyjo on October 02, 2022, 07:18:51 PM
It's been way too long since I've posted here on GMG! I've been very busy, and have been struggling a bit with mental health recently. I should be a bit less busy over the next few months, and hopefully I'll start feeling better mentally/emotionally soon as well. In any case, I'll make more of an effort to be active here; I've missed you all! I've been listening to some great music as much as ever lately:


D'Indy: Clarinet Trio

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+7+4UbbCL._SY355_.jpg)

It's undoubtedly my favorite piece of his after the Symphony on a French Mountain Air. What an utterly inventive, inspired, and characterful piece at every turn, full of great melodies and a certain quirkiness. That third movement is just beautiful beyond words! The work receives an absolutely stunning performance here; the rest of this 7-disc set, featuring much rare repertoire, looks worth exploring as well.


Tansman: Symphony no. 3 (Symphonie concertante) and Quatre mouvements for orchestra

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41C9peT14VL._SX355_.jpg)

The more I listen to by Tansman, the more I'm impressed by his music. The 3rd Symphony (1931), which doubles as a triple concerto for piano trio and orchestra, is a hugely enjoyable and spirited work filled with the jazzy, Gershwinesque influences one finds in his ballet Bric a brac (not least in the second movement Tempo americano). The Quatre mouvements (1967-68), from much later in Tansman's career, is much darker and more dissonant in idiom, but no less compelling for that! In fact, it's thrilling in its often nightmarish dramatic intensity and imaginative use of orchestral color. This is "modernist" music I can get behind! The 2nd Symphony included on this disc is also a very fine work, with a particularly beautiful slow movement.


I'll post some more later! :)
All strength to you Kyle - I hope that you feel better soon.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on October 03, 2022, 03:46:12 PM
Quote from: kyjo on October 02, 2022, 07:18:51 PM
It's been way too long since I've posted here on GMG! I've been very busy, and have been struggling a bit with mental health recently. I should be a bit less busy over the next few months, and hopefully I'll start feeling better mentally/emotionally soon as well. In any case, I'll make more of an effort to be active here; I've missed you all! I've been listening to some great music as much as ever lately:


D'Indy: Clarinet Trio

It's undoubtedly my favorite piece of his after the Symphony on a French Mountain Air. What an utterly inventive, inspired, and characterful piece at every turn, full of great melodies and a certain quirkiness. That third movement is just beautiful beyond words! The work receives an absolutely stunning performance here; the rest of this 7-disc set, featuring much rare repertoire, looks worth exploring as well.


Tansman: Symphony no. 3 (Symphonie concertante) and Quatre mouvements for orchestra

The more I listen to by Tansman, the more I'm impressed by his music. The 3rd Symphony (1931), which doubles as a triple concerto for piano trio and orchestra, is a hugely enjoyable and spirited work filled with the jazzy, Gershwinesque influences one finds in his ballet Bric a brac (not least in the second movement Tempo americano). The Quatre mouvements (1967-68), from much later in Tansman's career, is much darker and more dissonant in idiom, but no less compelling for that! In fact, it's thrilling in its often nightmarish dramatic intensity and imaginative use of orchestral color. This is "modernist" music I can get behind! The 2nd Symphony included on this disc is also a very fine work, with a particularly beautiful slow movement.


I'll post some more later! :)

I'm sorry to hear about your mental health. I hope it improves soon!

D'Indy is one of the composers I want to listen to (I have, but have not heard, Symphony on a French Mountain Air). If I like it, I'll also need to check out the clarinet trio!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 04, 2022, 03:08:03 AM
Leo Delibes - Coppelia, full ballet

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61DJhvMZHbL._AC_SL1400_.jpg)

First time listening to the whole thing, which is ravishingly beautiful. A magical score full of charms and delights. A masterpiece.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 05, 2022, 08:16:15 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 04, 2022, 03:08:03 AM
Leo Delibes - Coppelia, full ballet

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61DJhvMZHbL._AC_SL1400_.jpg)

First time listening to the whole thing, which is ravishingly beautiful. A magical score full of charms and delights. A masterpiece.

Same comments about Sylvia.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on October 05, 2022, 09:28:57 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 05, 2022, 08:16:15 AM
Same comments about Sylvia.

Oh yes, I have good memories of this one. Why there are no more recordings of these great ballets is beyond me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 05, 2022, 10:02:28 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on October 05, 2022, 09:28:57 AM
Oh yes, I have good memories of this one. Why there are no more recordings of these great ballets is beyond me.

Im(ns)ho they are on the same level as Tchaikovsky's ballets.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on October 07, 2022, 11:26:53 AM
Verdi: Aida

What can I say? A magnificent masterpiece of the highest order. Verdi at the height of his creative powers. The music is so inspired and splendorous! Easily my favorite thus far.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODA1MDE2My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NjQ3OTI0NzF9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 14, 2022, 08:08:36 PM
Holmboe: Symphonies nos. 11 and 12

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/IMAGERENDERING_521856-T2/images/I/51HWsY26ZSL._SX355_.jpg)

The symphonies of Holmboe's that usually get the most mention are the middle-period ones, but these two late symphonies prove to be equally as absorbing and masterful (I haven't listened to the 13th yet). I was sort of expecting these symphonies to be rather "difficult" since they're late works, but in fact they're very accessible, rather more "mellow" in style than the middle-period symphonies but not lacking in power either. There's some really magical moments in these scores that feature the harp and celesta prominently, and they lack the occasional overload of percussion that can characterize some of the earlier symphonies.


Jozef Nowakowski (1800-65): Piano Quintet in E-flat major

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/IMAGERENDERING_521856-T2/images/I/51BCYCbNdZL._SX425_.jpg)

Think of some the most attractive aspects of Schubert and Chopin and combine them, and you can get an idea of this truly lovely work. The secondary theme of the first movement, in particular, is just too beautiful to be believed! Andrei would enjoy this wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, not much else by Nowakowski survives, apparently.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on October 15, 2022, 12:35:22 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 14, 2022, 08:08:36 PM
Holmboe: Symphonies nos. 11 and 12

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/IMAGERENDERING_521856-T2/images/I/51HWsY26ZSL._SX355_.jpg)

The symphonies of Holmboe's that usually get the most mention are the middle-period ones, but these two late symphonies prove to be equally as absorbing and masterful (I haven't listened to the 13th yet). I was sort of expecting these symphonies to be rather "difficult" since they're late works, but in fact they're very accessible, rather more "mellow" in style than the middle-period symphonies but not lacking in power either. There's some really magical moments in these scores that feature the harp and celesta prominently, and they lack the occasional overload of percussion that can characterize some of the earlier symphonies.


Jozef Nowakowski (1800-65): Piano Quintet in E-flat major

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/IMAGERENDERING_521856-T2/images/I/51BCYCbNdZL._SX425_.jpg)

Think of some the most attractive aspects of Schubert and Chopin and combine them, and you can get an idea of this truly lovely work. The secondary theme of the first movement, in particular, is just too beautiful to be believed! Andrei would enjoy this wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, not much else by Nowakowski survives, apparently.
I remember thinking very highly of Vagn Holmboe's 10th Symphony, which I owned on LP Kyle.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 15, 2022, 12:53:53 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 14, 2022, 08:08:36 PM
Jozef Nowakowski (1800-65): Piano Quintet in E-flat major

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/IMAGERENDERING_521856-T2/images/I/51BCYCbNdZL._SX425_.jpg)

Think of some the most attractive aspects of Schubert and Chopin and combine them, and you can get an idea of this truly lovely work. The secondary theme of the first movement, in particular, is just too beautiful to be believed! Andrei would enjoy this wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, not much else by Nowakowski survives, apparently.

Thanks for the tip, Kyle, your description certainly piqued my interest.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: KevinP on October 15, 2022, 02:22:14 AM
More 'smitten with' than 'blown away by', but Milhaud's flute sonatine.

Not to poopoo his larger works, but I think he's really in his element with miniatures.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on October 15, 2022, 09:56:25 AM
Quote from: KevinP on October 15, 2022, 02:22:14 AM
More 'smitten with' than 'blown away by', but Milhaud's flute sonatine.

Not to poopoo his larger works, but I think he's really in his element with miniatures.

I concur with you, and the Chamber Symphonies are other solid proofs of it. Delightful pieces.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: KevinP on October 15, 2022, 04:00:06 PM
Yep. Those are uniformly great.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 18, 2022, 05:15:25 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on October 03, 2022, 11:31:49 AM
Very busy by playing poll games on TalkClassical?  ;)

Anyway, I really hope things get better for you, Kyle!

Ah! You caught me red-handed! :D Thank you for the kind words, Cesar. I have been feeling better over the past few days! :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 18, 2022, 05:16:04 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on October 03, 2022, 01:02:03 PM
All strength to you Kyle - I hope that you feel better soon.

Thank you very much, Jeffrey. :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 18, 2022, 05:35:19 AM
Quote from: Mapman on October 03, 2022, 03:46:12 PM
I'm sorry to hear about your mental health. I hope it improves soon!

D'Indy is one of the composers I want to listen to (I have, but have not heard, Symphony on a French Mountain Air). If I like it, I'll also need to check out the clarinet trio!

Thank you very much! :) Oh, you must hear the Symphony on a French Mountain Air! Such a beautiful and tuneful work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 18, 2022, 05:37:11 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on October 15, 2022, 12:35:22 AM
I remember thinking very highly of Vagn Holmboe's 10th Symphony, which I owned on LP Kyle.

I recall thinking very highly of the 10th as well, though it's been years since I've heard it. In fact, I can't think of a single one of Holmboe's 13 symphonies that I don't enjoy! A remarkably consistent symphonist in my view.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on October 18, 2022, 05:51:51 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 18, 2022, 05:37:11 AM
I recall thinking very highly of the 10th as well, though it's been years since I've heard it. In fact, I can't think of a single one of Holmboe's 13 symphonies that I don't enjoy! A remarkably consistent symphonist in my view.
I agree Kyle. I like them all, though especially Nos.4 (great introduction) 7,8 and 10. 8 was my first discovery on a fine Vox/Turnabout LP (never released on CD AFAIK). He sent a very sweet reply to my fan letter sent to him in very old age.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 19, 2022, 02:00:18 AM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51VdJTrBUQL._SY580_.jpg)

Why these gems are virtually unknown is a mystery to me. The F-minor is a delightful, passionate, yearning and hauntingly beautiful work. I rate it above all three of Schumann's efforts in the genre.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on October 20, 2022, 02:29:25 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 19, 2022, 02:00:18 AM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51VdJTrBUQL._SY580_.jpg)

Why these gems are virtually unknown is a mystery to me. The F-minor is a delightful, passionate, yearning and hauntingly beautiful work. I rate it above all three of Schumann's efforts in the genre.

But I think this is true of so much Mendelssohn - especially the chamber works all of which have some stunning music in them........
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 20, 2022, 03:09:16 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on October 20, 2022, 02:29:25 AM
But I think this is true of so much Mendelssohn - especially the chamber works all of which have some stunning music in them........

Yes, I believe Mendelssohn's chamber music is better than Schumann's.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 20, 2022, 04:30:17 AM
Just listened to a live recording of Anna Thorvaldsdottir: METACOSMOS with Salonen and the San Francisco Symphony.  It's available to listen to (not certain for how much longer) on KDFC's website (October 4, 2022) here:  https://www.kdfc.com/radio/on-demand/san-francisco-symphony-on-demand/

I was wowed by it!  Anna Thorvaldsdottir is a contemporary Icelandic composer.  Hard to describe her sound world.  Here are some reviews here (from her website) to give you an idea.  https://www.annathorvalds.com/metacosmos/

The concert was paired with Also sprach Zarathustra and Sibelius' Four Legends from the Kalevala.  Listening right now to the Strauss work.

I really, really hope that they release a recording of this Metacosmos as I loved it.  I know that there is another recording of it on CD and I hope to hunt that down.

PD


Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on October 20, 2022, 05:28:47 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 20, 2022, 04:30:17 AM
Just listened to a live recording of Anna Thorvaldsdottir: METACOSMOS with Salonen and the San Francisco Symphony.  It's available to listen to (not certain for how much longer) on KDFC's website (October 4, 2022) here:  https://www.kdfc.com/radio/on-demand/san-francisco-symphony-on-demand/

I was wowed by it!  Anna Thorvaldsdottir is a contemporary Icelandic composer.  Hard to describe her sound world.  Here are some reviews here (from her website) to give you an idea.  https://www.annathorvalds.com/metacosmos/

The concert was paired with Also sprach Zarathustra and Sibelius' Four Legends from the Kalevala.  Listening right now to the Strauss work.

I really, really hope that they release a recording of this Metacosmos as I loved it.  I know that there is another recording of it on CD and I hope to hunt that down.

PD

I like her very much and if you get the opportunity to catch her music in concert, do check it out.  There is much more kinetic energy than you hear on recordings.  For example, the work I saw live featured two bass drums which in a recording would probably just blur to one.  Though she's not for everyone, not big on themes, it's mostly atmosphere but I definitely find her music mesmerizing. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 20, 2022, 05:43:49 AM
Quote from: relm1 on October 20, 2022, 05:28:47 AM
I like her very much and if you get the opportunity to catch her music in concert, do check it out.  There is much more kinetic energy than you hear on recordings.  For example, the work I saw live featured two bass drums which in a recording would probably just blur to one.  Though she's not for everyone, not big on themes, it's mostly atmosphere but I definitely find her music mesmerizing.
I was thinking earlier that "Dang!  I really wish that I could have been at that concert!"

By the way,  were you the one who had mentioned that you were going to a concert there last week and that it would be rebroadcast?  I suspect that it was the Wang concert with Bartok that you had mentioned?  If so, do you know what time of day they do the rebroadcasts?  I have the link and had set up a computer reminder on my calendar so know that it is sometime today, but I don't know when.  And couldn't find it on their website.

PD

p.s.  Started listening to another Icelandic composer's work:  Palsson and Quake, but will have to hold off on giving that a good listening 'til later.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on October 22, 2022, 05:26:38 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 20, 2022, 03:09:16 AM
Yes, I believe Mendelssohn's chamber music is better than Schumann's.

Personally, I couldn't live without either composer's chamber output. I think both composers composed some of their finest and most personal music in the medium of chamber music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on October 23, 2022, 07:09:28 AM
Quote from: kyjo on October 22, 2022, 05:26:38 AM
Personally, I couldn't live without either composer's chamber output. I think both composers composed some of their finest and most personal music in the medium of chamber music.

Agreed completely.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: staxomega on October 23, 2022, 07:22:42 AM
Debussy's Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp, it has been too long since I've heard this.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on October 27, 2022, 05:42:05 AM
I very much enjoyed Adrian Williams' Symphony No. 1 from English Symphony Orchestra and Ken Woods.

(https://www.classicalmusicdaily.com/2022/09/ni6432.jpg)

The entire album can be heard on youtube.  Very fine music, lyrical and colorful.  The last movement reminds me of Scriabin. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on October 27, 2022, 08:10:21 AM
I thoroughly enjoyed my first listen to Ernest Bloch's Violin Concerto yesterday. A substantial work in the large-scale concerto vein.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on October 28, 2022, 07:42:23 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on October 27, 2022, 08:10:21 AM
I thoroughly enjoyed my first listen to Ernest Bloch's Violin Concerto yesterday. A substantial work in the large-scale concerto vein.

Agree wholeheartedly. Should have made it my No.3 on most beautiful violin concertos thread.   
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on October 28, 2022, 04:06:56 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on October 27, 2022, 08:10:21 AM
I thoroughly enjoyed my first listen to Ernest Bloch's Violin Concerto yesterday. A substantial work in the large-scale concerto vein.

I agree as well.  Curious, what recording are you referring to?  I thought very highly of this disc:
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51BS4U02E9L.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on October 30, 2022, 12:27:48 PM
Yesterday I played in a concert that included Ola Gjeilo's "Sunrise Mass".  I do rate Gjeilo and certainly in performance audiences respond to his brand of "ecstatic" choral writing.  Yes OK, he might be a bit of a one trick pony but when that trick's a good 'un why not!!??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NXEVaciIKM
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on October 30, 2022, 01:46:43 PM
Quote from: relm1 on October 28, 2022, 04:06:56 PM
I agree as well.  Curious, what recording are you referring to?

Just the one on Naxos, is all.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on October 30, 2022, 05:07:37 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on October 30, 2022, 12:27:48 PM
Yesterday I played in a concert that included Ola Gjeilo's "Sunrise Mass".  I do rate Gjeilo and certainly in performance audiences respond to his brand of "ecstatic" choral writing.  Yes OK, he might be a bit of a one trick pony but when that trick's a good 'un why not!!??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NXEVaciIKM

Wow, he was my classmate!  So proud of him!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 31, 2022, 12:37:53 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on October 30, 2022, 12:27:48 PM
Yesterday I played in a concert that included Ola Gjeilo's "Sunrise Mass".  I do rate Gjeilo and certainly in performance audiences respond to his brand of "ecstatic" choral writing.  Yes OK, he might be a bit of a one trick pony but when that trick's a good 'un why not!!??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NXEVaciIKM

Quote from: relm1 on October 30, 2022, 05:07:37 PM
Wow, he was my classmate!  So proud of him!
Interesting to see his name mentioned.  I was playing Byrdle a couple of days ago (like Wordle but choral music related) and was having a heck of a time figuring out the answer (down to my last guess) and it turned out to be Gjello.  I only managed to solve it by putting in what letters I had solved into my search engine and adding something like "choral music" after it.

I did then listen to a couple of his works on youtube.  Will check out his Sunrise Mass.

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on October 31, 2022, 06:04:10 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 31, 2022, 12:37:53 AM
Interesting to see his name mentioned.  I was playing Byrdle a couple of days ago (like Wordle but choral music related) and was having a heck of a time figuring out the answer (down to my last guess) and it turned out to be Gjello.  I only managed to solve it by putting in what letters I had solved into my search engine and adding something like "choral music" after it.

I did then listen to a couple of his works on youtube.  Will check out his Sunrise Mass.

PD

Wow, you know you've made it when you're the answer to a game.  Sunrise Mass was a popular hit just after we graduated.  He's also very good at jazz improvisation. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on October 31, 2022, 10:30:11 AM
Quote from: relm1 on October 31, 2022, 06:04:10 AM
Wow, you know you've made it when you're the answer to a game.  Sunrise Mass was a popular hit just after we graduated.  He's also very good at jazz improvisation.

I got an email from the fixer for Saturday's concert passing on the thanks of the (very good) choir conductor to the orchestra players.  But of particular interest was the conductor's comment that the feedback from the audience was exceptionally enthusiastic for the Sunrise Mass.  It certainly felt that way - and it was good to be in a large church space with a big and enthusiastic audience.  Post covid here in the UK it is very noticeable that the core CM concert audience (basically old!) is still not keen on sitting in close proximity with stragers for 2 hours.  So the reception of this Gjeilo work is even more encouraging.  I have to say in performance with a good choir he writes some genuinely beautiful and rather inspiring music.  A whole league better than Karl Jenkins who writes in a superficially similar manner but the result is simply banal.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 31, 2022, 11:49:33 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on October 31, 2022, 10:30:11 AM
I got an email from the fixer for Saturday's concert passing on the thanks of the (very good) choir conductor to the orchestra players.  But of particular interest was the conductor's comment that the feedback from the audience was exceptionally enthusiastic for the Sunrise Mass.  It certainly felt that way - and it was good to be in a large church space with a big and enthusiastic audience.  Post covid here in the UK it is very noticeable that the core CM concert audience (basically old!) is still not keen on sitting in close proximity with stragers for 2 hours.  So the reception of this Gjeilo work is even more encouraging.  I have to say in performance with a good choir he writes some genuinely beautiful and rather inspiring music.  A whole league better than Karl Jenkins who writes in a superficially similar manner but the result is simply banal.
I listened to some of it yesterday.  Perhaps listen to all of it when the sun comes up here...that would be appropriate.   :)

Nice to hear that you had such positive feedback!

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on November 01, 2022, 05:42:44 AM
Lou Harrison: Third Symphony (1982)

(https://is4-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music4/v4/69/1f/9d/691f9d00-985c-5d3e-647b-d23a6f379cd9/dj.prizgxni.jpg/1200x1200bf-60.jpg)

https://youtu.be/27I8YOlRZSM

Though this composer has a reputation as an avant-gardist (and, indeed, some of his works are quite experimental), quite a few of his works are resolutely tonal/modal, this 6-movement symphony among them. And what a magical work it is, beautifully idyllic, life-affirming, and containing some delightfully energetic dance movements, such as the second movement A Reel in Honor of Henry Cowell. Throughout, Harrison's writing for the orchestra, particularly the percussion section with its gamelan influences, is marvelously colorful and imaginative. Anyone who cares about American music needs to hear this (and other works by Harrison, for that matter). It's a crime that this music isn't much better-known!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on November 02, 2022, 04:18:24 AM
Two works by Schumann which I hadn't pay much attention to before reaching disc 2 of this excellent complete set:

(https://i.discogs.com/0DVutjVeFQlDi22VErFN47cvCNpbasQ1p9pGV1D6mBY/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:500/w:500/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE3ODg4/NDY0LTE2MTYwMDg2/NTEtNjEyNy5qcGVn.jpeg)

Impromptus on a Theme by Clara Wieck, Op. 5.

The whole thing is charming but the 4th variation, Ziemlich langsam really blew me away: an Eusebius-like lilting melody full of melancholy and longing.

Toccata in C major, Op. 7

A Florestan-like pianistical tour de force, a romp full of youthful elan and zest.

Though very different in character, these short works encapsulate perfectly Schumann's genius.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 04, 2022, 11:33:08 AM
Not necessarily blowing me away, but these two operas were truly magnificent:


Schreker: Der Schmied von Gent

Schreker's last opera is full of quirkiness, good humour and a certain irreverence that didn't leave me indifferent at all. For me it has the best music of all of his operas, being continuously hooked from start to finish. I would say it is a masterpiece.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/777647-2.jpg)


Enescu: Oedipe

I was aware of the comments by many about the greatness of this work, and I confirmed it really is an outstanding work. There is an ethereal quality to some passages that enthralled me, not to mention some mystical choruses providing wonderful atmosphere. I have to say that the first two acts were better than the next two, but that is a minor quibble.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/5099920883355.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on November 08, 2022, 08:58:37 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 02, 2022, 04:18:24 AM
Two works by Schumann which I hadn't pay much attention to before reaching disc 2 of this excellent complete set:

(https://i.discogs.com/0DVutjVeFQlDi22VErFN47cvCNpbasQ1p9pGV1D6mBY/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:500/w:500/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE3ODg4/NDY0LTE2MTYwMDg2/NTEtNjEyNy5qcGVn.jpeg)

Impromptus on a Theme by Clara Wieck, Op. 5.

The whole thing is charming but the 4th variation, Ziemlich langsam really blew me away: an Eusebius-like lilting melody full of melancholy and longing.

Toccata in C major, Op. 7

A Florestan-like pianistical tour de force, a romp full of youthful elan and zest.

Though very different in character, these short works encapsulate perfectly Schumann's genius.


Greetings Florestan!


I am most intrigued by the term "Eusebius-like," as the only Eusebius whom I recognize is the early medieval Church historian.  0:)

Many thanks!   And your Inbox for Personal Messages is full!   ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on November 10, 2022, 04:38:12 AM
Quote from: Cato on November 08, 2022, 08:58:37 AM

Greetings Florestan!


I am most intrigued by the term "Eusebius-like," as the only Eusebius whom I recognize is the early medieval Church historian.  0:)

Many thanks!   

Hi, Cato!

Schumann... Eusebius... Florestan... Master Raro... come on, man, can't believe you really didn't get it.  :o
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on November 12, 2022, 04:26:10 AM
Quote from: Florestan on November 10, 2022, 04:38:12 AM
Hi, Cato!

Schumann... Eusebius... Florestan... Master Raro... come on, man, can't believe you really didn't get it.  :o


8)  Ach!  I had forgotten all about that and was locked into following Ancient Greek paths for a solution!   :D


Thanks for the reminder!


And that reminder sent me back to one of Schumann's greatest works, which is not often heard:


https://www.youtube.com/v/cFVSmeVVL6Q&t=11s


Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 12, 2022, 07:28:16 AM
Quote from: Cato on November 12, 2022, 04:26:10 AM
And that reminder sent me back to one of Schumann's greatest works, which is not often heard:


https://www.youtube.com/v/cFVSmeVVL6Q&t=11s

Schumann's Violin Concerto? For real?  :D :-\

The last time I heard it I couldn't be more disappointed by how weak and plain the music was, only the third movement had gracefulness.

No doubts the meaning of greatness is rather subjective.  ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on November 12, 2022, 08:16:36 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on November 12, 2022, 07:28:16 AM
Schumann's Violin Concerto? For real?  :D :-\

The last time I heard it I couldn't be more disappointed by how weak and plain the music was, only the third movement had gracefulness.

No doubts the meaning of greatness is rather subjective.  ;)

Yes, I find it intriguing.   8)

"Subjective," yes, I suppose so. 

While describing "greatness" in Classical Music, keep in mind that most of the planet would find no greatness anywhere among our composers, only boredom.   :o    :(   

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 12, 2022, 07:11:02 PM
Quote from: Cato on November 12, 2022, 08:16:36 AM
While describing "greatness" in Classical Music, keep in mind that most of the planet would find no greatness anywhere among our composers, only boredom.   :o    :(   

Their loss, I guess.  ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on November 13, 2022, 04:14:54 PM
I've very much enjoyed the new set of complete symphonies of Austro-Hungarian composer, Franz Schmidt by Paavo Jarvi. 

https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/catalogue/products/franz-schmidt-complete-symphonies-paavo-jaervi-12080 (https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/catalogue/products/franz-schmidt-complete-symphonies-paavo-jaervi-12080)
 
I'll confess my awareness of the composer prior to this set was from the intermezzo to his opera Notre Dame (also in this set) and a fabulous recording of his Symphony No. 4 by Zubin Mehta/Vienna PO plus his apocalyptic oratorio, "The Book with Seven Seals".  I think very highly of each work but find them conservative given his era.  Not that that is a bad thing, just that my preference is more towards pushing the boundaries.  BUT this is such gorgeous and refined music, it demands to be heard and without consideration of when it was composed.  Symphony No. 4, arguably the most famous, sounds like symphony from Wagner so considering it was composed in 1933 during the height of serialism, it could easily belong to an era 50 or maybe 100 years earlier.  All the music in this three CD set are of very high quality, contrapuntal, elegant, refined, and traditional.  If you like Brahms and Wanger, this is for you.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on November 13, 2022, 05:20:07 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on November 12, 2022, 07:11:02 PM

Their loss, I guess.  ;)


Absolutely it is their loss!  I consider it a tragedy for such people: for some, I suppose, their ears just cannot follow Classical Music.  For others, their arrogance, their sloth, or both, prevent them from giving the music a chance.  Tragic flaws indeed!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Wanderer on November 13, 2022, 07:45:48 PM
Quote from: Cato on November 12, 2022, 04:26:10 AM
...one of Schumann's greatest works...

Absolutely! 😎
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on November 22, 2022, 10:03:15 AM
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0557/3853/2023/products/image_4558b1b8-1f72-41f4-9293-e91d342f6473_1024x1024@2x.jpg?v=1618241947)

Ole Bull --- Violin Concerto in A major

Full of gorgeous melodies and great musical ideas, this lyrical, sentimental and life-affirming concerto is like a belcanto dramma giocoso condensed in a half-an-hour long violin concerto. It made an indelible impression on me --- it made me air-playing and foot-tapping, which is to say that while it lasted it made me happy and cheerful and forgetful of the world outside, and this in my book is great art.  8)

The other concerto on the disc is also very good and the fillers are delightful in their own right --- but this A major is really something else.

A quote from the liner notes of the other Bull disc I acquired together with this one

Bull had, in fact, never really learnt to compose. On the other hand he had, through his
performance experience, gained an intuitive feeling for how he should build up tension and
excitement in music. He saw his compositions as a means of displaying his virtuoso skills,
which no one could equal. The works existed for the benefit of his playing, and not vice versa.
The music, he believed, was a thing of the moment, to be heard and felt then and there, and
it was not something that should be dissected and analysed afterwards from an academic,
movement-by-movement standpoint
.


Amen, bror Ole, tre ganger amen!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 01, 2022, 12:40:37 PM
Discoveries like these make me feel invigorated to not give up finding treasures. These four string quartets by the Hungarian composer Géza Frid (1904-1989) are high-caliber works. Anyone who responds to Bartók or Lajtha's style will surely enjoy these masterful pieces. Impressive stuff.

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e0214608b004a927aaec0e22263)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 02, 2022, 05:26:08 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 01, 2022, 12:40:37 PMDiscoveries like these make me feel invigorated to not give up finding treasures. These four string quartets by the Hungarian composer Géza Frid (1904-1989) are high-caliber works. Anyone who responds to Bartók or Lajtha's style will surely enjoy these masterful pieces. Impressive stuff.

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e0214608b004a927aaec0e22263)

Fascinating, Cesar! Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 03, 2022, 04:12:17 PM
I'd like to thank Brian for bringing this CD to my attention, because it's an absolute stunner in all regards:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71c5g9YUVuL._SY355_.jpg)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71pqMtvvCyL._SX425_.jpg)

I had previously not heard a single note by Russian-Jewish composer Alexander Veprik (1899-1958, sometimes spelled Weprik) before, so I had no idea what to expect. Really, it's hard to describe this music because it doesn't really sound like anyone else (as far as fellow Jewish composers go, maybe Ben-Haim is the best comparison). It's stunningly orchestrated, full of a profusion of arresting ideas, and contains moments of tremendous excitement as well as intimate, atmospheric beauty. The idiom is tonal and approachable but never too "comfortable" - Veprik doesn't shy away from some powerfully dissonant climaxes, especially in the Two Poems. The performances and sound are superb across the board and really capture the earthy, ethnic character of the music - the BBC NOW sound like a truly world-class orchestra here! Really, I can't recommend this disc strongly enough to those who share my musical inclinations (you know who you are)! ;) Let's hear his two symphonies now, please!!

Here's a convenient "trailer" of the album on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L9bkEblUHXM
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on December 05, 2022, 09:53:42 AM
Kurt Atterberg's symphonies. Frankly all of them but especially Nos. 2, 3, 5 and 7. Rich in melody.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 05, 2022, 05:06:27 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 05, 2022, 09:53:42 AMKurt Atterberg's symphonies. Frankly all of them but especially Nos. 2, 3, 5 and 7. Rich in melody.

Naturally, I can't help but agree! ;)  I'm glad you mentioned No. 7 - it's come in for some criticism from fellow members, but I love it!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Papy Oli on December 07, 2022, 08:21:33 AM
Dutilleux's first symphony is a work that keeps mesmerising me. I wouldn't mind at all hearing it live one day. :) 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on December 08, 2022, 03:43:25 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 01, 2022, 12:40:37 PMDiscoveries like these make me feel invigorated to not give up finding treasures. These four string quartets by the Hungarian composer Géza Frid (1904-1989) are high-caliber works. Anyone who responds to Bartók or Lajtha's style will surely enjoy these masterful pieces. Impressive stuff.

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e0214608b004a927aaec0e22263)

https://webshop.donemus.com/action/front/composer/Frid%2C+G%C3%A9za

I can vaguely remember that music by Frid was "regularly" performed in the Netherlands and his works got the "occasional" airing on Dutch and Flemish national radio.
As so many other composers, he disappeared completely....this cd is a great tribute!

Quartet nr 3 "Fantasia tropica" is based on two Indonesian folksongs: Katjang boentjes and Dongèng. It got the third prize at the 1951 International quartet competition in Luik/Liège.
The movements are:
La sera
La notte
Il giorno
La sera
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on December 08, 2022, 04:04:52 AM

I found this on YT, searching for music by Frid. He certainly knows how to whip up excitement!
And I didn't know Vandernoot conducted the Koncertgebouw.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 08, 2022, 01:10:29 PM
Quote from: pjme on December 08, 2022, 03:43:25 AMhttps://webshop.donemus.com/action/front/composer/Frid%2C+G%C3%A9za

I can vaguely remember that music by Frid was "regularly" performed in the Netherlands and his works got the "occasional" airing on Dutch and Flemish national radio.
As so many other composers, he disappeared completely....this cd is a great tribute!

Quartet nr 3 "Fantasia tropica" is based on two Indonesian folksongs: Katjang boentjes and Dongèng. It got the third prize at the 1951 International quartet competition in Luik/Liège.
The movements are:
La sera
La notte
Il giorno
La sera

Quote from: pjme on December 08, 2022, 04:04:52 AM

I found this on YT, searching for music by Frid. He certainly knows how to whip up excitement!
And I didn't know Vandernoot conducted the Koncertgebouw.
Thanks for the helpful info. I'm listening to that work you posted, and I'm liking what I'm hearing (the last minutes are particularly vibrant).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 11, 2022, 04:11:19 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on December 07, 2022, 08:21:33 AMDutilleux's first symphony is a work that keeps mesmerising me. I wouldn't mind at all hearing it live one day. :) 

Indeed, a wondrously atmospheric and powerful work!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on December 11, 2022, 11:45:57 AM
Excited to be playing Ruth Gippps' Third symphony, on one disc with the oboe concerto and a tone poem called Death on the Pale Horse - an exuberant disc all in all.
(https://www.britishmusicsociety.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CHAN-20161-3000px-scaled.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on December 11, 2022, 04:12:56 PM
Quote from: Christo on December 11, 2022, 11:45:57 AMExcited to be playing Ruth Gippps' Third symphony, on one disc with the oboe concerto and a tone poem called Death on the Pale Horse - an exuberant disc all in all.
(https://www.britishmusicsociety.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CHAN-20161-3000px-scaled.jpg)

Wow, will have to check it out!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on December 13, 2022, 02:22:54 AM
(https://i.discogs.com/cFw_gu9pECrkmuh7IV-Rl_SPKgLBYI-0Gi8CQeO9MGY/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:593/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTMxNTY3/NTgtMTMxODM1NzQy/Mi5qcGVn.jpeg)

My first encounter with Alfven's music and boy, is it good! This is a magical score whose infallible melodic verve and colorful orchestration really blew me away.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 14, 2022, 10:29:25 AM
Quote from: Florestan on December 13, 2022, 02:22:54 AM(https://i.discogs.com/cFw_gu9pECrkmuh7IV-Rl_SPKgLBYI-0Gi8CQeO9MGY/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:593/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTMxNTY3/NTgtMTMxODM1NzQy/Mi5qcGVn.jpeg)

My first encounter with Alfven's music and boy, is it good! This is a magical score whose infallible melodic verve and colorful orchestration really blew me away.

Oh yes, it's perhaps the most accomplished Nordic ballet ever composed (apart from Tubin's Kratt). Kyle, André and James are also fans of this stunning score, so am I.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 14, 2022, 10:38:14 AM
The combination of these two works (Piano Trio in G minor and Violin Sonata in E major) by the French composer Sylvio Lazzari (1857-1944), gave me the feeling of being blown away.

Two little-known gems of the chamber repertoire, these works exude lovely tunes (above all the Violin Sonata), expert craftsmanship and intense passion. Looking at the length of the Violin Sonata (42:22 min.) I was thinking it was going to be a problematic work, but it wasn't, it holds rather well and what a marvelous composition it is.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91pJvGhaQ8L._SS500_.jpg)(https://dnan0fzjxntrj.cloudfront.net/Pictures/480xAny/8/3/5/835_then-bergh_cd.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on December 16, 2022, 10:42:08 AM
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273165f6f40d4b63ab167a3cf5a)

Absolutely charming music. Besides the unfailing melodic inspiration, there are lots of striking musical ideas wrapped in a terrific orchestration. The content of this disc could make by itself an enticing VPO New Year Concert program. Imnsho this Dane gives the Strausses a hard run for the money. Highly recommended.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 20, 2022, 11:48:33 AM
Thuille: Trio for piano, violin and viola in E-flat major

Lately new chamber works have impressed me a lot, and this composition is not an exception. Masterful piece, inspiration running through each movement. I'm not too much familiar with works in this combination, but this one simply has to be one of the finest. The slow movement is kind of redolent of Schubert in its poetic seriousness.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/777967-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 20, 2022, 06:51:27 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 20, 2022, 11:48:33 AMThuille: Trio for piano, violin and viola in E-flat major

Lately new chamber works have impressed me a lot, and this composition is not an exception. Masterful piece, inspiration running through each movement. I'm not too much familiar with works in this combination, but this one simply has to be one of the finest. The slow movement is kind of redolent of Schubert in its poetic seriousness.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/777967-2.jpg)

I'll have to check it out! Thuille's 2nd Piano Quintet is a masterpiece by my estimation - have you heard it? There's a great recording on CPO:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51u70wCOLiL._SY355_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 20, 2022, 06:53:31 PM
Quote from: Florestan on December 13, 2022, 02:22:54 AM(https://i.discogs.com/cFw_gu9pECrkmuh7IV-Rl_SPKgLBYI-0Gi8CQeO9MGY/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:593/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTMxNTY3/NTgtMTMxODM1NzQy/Mi5qcGVn.jpeg)

My first encounter with Alfven's music and boy, is it good! This is a magical score whose infallible melodic verve and colorful orchestration really blew me away.

Yes, a wonderful score! Definitely check out his 3rd Symphony if you haven't already - a sunny, generously melodic work with a slow movement that's absolutely to die for. It's by far my favorite of his 5 symphonies, btw.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on December 21, 2022, 08:45:03 AM
Quote from: Florestan on December 13, 2022, 02:22:54 AM(https://i.discogs.com/cFw_gu9pECrkmuh7IV-Rl_SPKgLBYI-0Gi8CQeO9MGY/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:593/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTMxNTY3/NTgtMTMxODM1NzQy/Mi5qcGVn.jpeg)

My first encounter with Alfven's music and boy, is it good! This is a magical score whose infallible melodic verve and colorful orchestration really blew me away.

I was surprised to see the name of Svetlanov, but then learned that he'd been Radiosymfonikerna's Music Director (in fact he was sacked in Russia for spending too much time abroad).  Shows how little I know.

My own recent blow-away piece:

(https://cdn.prs.net/cov/14/3e/143e02374924e18508be083074f383ac_300.jpg)

Arnold - Symphony no.6.  Tremendous piece - to my ears combining the best of Simpson (without making me feel I'm being lectured/shouted at) and Rubbra (but more fun).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on December 21, 2022, 04:44:14 PM
Arnold's No. 6 is fantastic.  I particularly love this recording.

album (https://smile.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000H4VZIK/classicalne06-20/)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 21, 2022, 08:07:25 PM
Quote from: DaveF on December 21, 2022, 08:45:03 AMMy own recent blow-away piece:

(https://cdn.prs.net/cov/14/3e/143e02374924e18508be083074f383ac_300.jpg)

Arnold - Symphony no.6.  Tremendous piece - to my ears combining the best of Simpson (without making me feel I'm being lectured/shouted at) and Rubbra (but more fun).

Arnold's 6th is a fine work, but have you heard the 5th? To my ears, it's his ultimate masterpiece and an unforgettably powerful work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on December 22, 2022, 02:46:20 AM
Quote from: kyjo on December 21, 2022, 08:07:25 PMArnold's 6th is a fine work, but have you heard the 5th? To my ears, it's his ultimate masterpiece and an unforgettably powerful work.

No, but it's next on my list, and I've heard good things about it.  I started with no.6 only because there was a problem with the file of the 1st movement, downloaded along with the rest of the set from a well-known provider of such things.  They offered me a credit on another purchase, but by using various FLAC repair tools I managed to get it working - and very pleased I did.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 22, 2022, 10:23:38 AM
Quote from: kyjo on December 20, 2022, 06:51:27 PMI'll have to check it out! Thuille's 2nd Piano Quintet is a masterpiece by my estimation - have you heard it? There's a great recording on CPO:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51u70wCOLiL._SY355_.jpg)

Yes, I have, and that CPO CD is great. Thuille's chamber music has proved to be quite rewarding.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 27, 2022, 06:52:48 PM
Louis Glass: String Sextet and Piano Quintet

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/613MXYGGN1L._SY355_.jpg)

Louis Glass is mainly known (if he is known at all!) as a symphonist, but these two chamber works prove that he was a master of writing for smaller forces. These two magnificent works are remarkable not only for being filled with memorable tunes and inventive part-writing, but for the fact that that they are completely individual and don't really sound like anyone else. Many other lesser-known chamber works of the period are derivative of Brahms or Dvorak to some degree, but not so with these works. They're also quite forward-looking harmonically (especially the Piano Quintet) considering when they were composed (late 1890s), with constantly shifting tonal centers and unpredictable harmonic progessions. In this way, he could be seen as following his fellow countryman Nielsen's lead, though his music rarely actually resembles that of the Great Dane. The Piano Quintet is especially notable for its slow movement which rises to a passionate climax and its life-affirming finale which has a wonderfully noble, warm-hearted secondary theme. Both works receieve splendid performances here, and deserve to be far better-known than they are!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 28, 2022, 05:41:19 PM
I thought the content of this CD deserves to be here. Fantastic, superb, exquisite music. The final minutes of the Quartet are to die for; the 2nd mov. of the Quintet shows how an expert composer Marteau was, such perfect balance in the musical canvas. CPO did it again by bringing non-mainstream repertoire impecabbly performed and recorded.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/555129-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on January 17, 2023, 04:12:17 AM
Cross post from the WAYLTN thread

(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0024/9803/5810/products/382003-Product-0-I_grande.jpg)(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51NrAO3+0LL._SY350_.jpg)

Disc 1

This a fabulous recording. The voices are superb, the sonics surprisingly very good and the music, oh, the music is heavenly. I was not familiar with Lehar's Der Zarewitsch but the two numbers included here, the aria Allein! Wieder allein! (Wolgalied) (a Russian-inflected melody featuring balalaikas prominently) and the duet Kosende Wellen (with a blissful violin obbligato singing (sic!) a ravishing unison with the voices) really blew me away and I know exactly what I'll be listening to tonight:

(https://www.micrec.lv/sites/default/files/styles/record_cover/public/albums/0724356617322.jpg?itok=mwV30alM)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on January 20, 2023, 01:54:10 PM
Villa-Lobos: Chôros #10

I listened for the 3rd time last night. I know that I had positive impressions on my first listen, but it all makes so much more sense now. I now can hear how the first half is foreshadowing the 2nd half. And the orchestration is continually fascinating. It's also interesting how the chorus is used almost percussively.

(https://i.discogs.com/7o4keJdNIX-Jc8lNaYcrlrUtk77wybDCUT9aAW1RVbk/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:593/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTk5OTAw/MTQtMTYwMDYzMjMw/OC02MjYwLmpwZWc.jpeg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on January 20, 2023, 06:32:51 PM
Haydn: Symphony #94 "Surprise"

I'd forgotten what happened after the big timpani hit. The rest of the movement is incredible! It's a wonderful set of variations, with some more surprises. Szell also inserts a surprise into the finale, by changing a crescendo to a subito forte for the timpani. I initially felt that the first movement (after the introduction) was too slow, but Szell quickly convinced me that his tempo choice was appropriate. My only complaint is that the horns were hard to hear; fortunately this symphony doesn't depend much on the horns.

(https://i.discogs.com/pf7S8tnmYqGdXbwVLJplFf3MDd-BVgY06I8BXjXV3_s/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:570/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE0Mjcy/NjE3LTE1NzE2OTM5/MjQtNTU4NS5qcGVn.jpeg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on January 22, 2023, 05:56:28 AM
Quote from: Mapman on January 20, 2023, 01:54:10 PMVilla-Lobos: Chôros #10

I listened for the 3rd time last night. I know that I had positive impressions on my first listen, but it all makes so much more sense now. I now can hear how the first half is foreshadowing the 2nd half. And the orchestration is continually fascinating. It's also interesting how the chorus is used almost percussively.

(https://i.discogs.com/7o4keJdNIX-Jc8lNaYcrlrUtk77wybDCUT9aAW1RVbk/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:593/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTk5OTAw/MTQtMTYwMDYzMjMw/OC02MjYwLmpwZWc.jpeg)

Indeed, a real blockbuster of a work which I had the great opportunity of performing several years ago. The second half of the work, with the chorus singing nonsense syllables on top of a percussion-driven orchestral accompaniment, is nothing short of a ritualistic thrill-ride!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on January 23, 2023, 04:31:56 AM
Indeed,  "Rasga o Coração", one of Villa Lobos most wonderful scores!


The text here in a Google translate version....I hope someone can find a better translation.

If you want to see the immensity of the sky and sea
Reflecting prismatic sunlight
Tear the heart, come and lean over
About the vastness of my grief

Tear it up, what are you going to see?
Inside the sobbing pain
Under the weight of a cross
cry from tears
Angels singing divine prayers
God to rhythm his poor woes

It absorbs all the odor that is reeking
By the thorny blossoms of my suffering
See if you can read it in their pulses
The white illusions and what he says in his groan
And what can't the aunt say about palpitations?
Listen to it softly, sweetly throbbing
Chaste and purple in an evening sleigh
Purer than a vestal candida

You will hear a hymn
Just flowers singing
Over a sea of petals
of undulating pain
Crazy to call you, tutelary angel
In the eagerness to see you or to die

Angel of forgiveness! flower come open me
This heart in the spring of this pain
As it blooms, the magician smiles on your red lips
You will see my passion smiling to God

Palm from the Empyrean
Who encouraged Jesus on the cross
martyrdom lily
Heart, host of light
Woe twilight, stellar tomb
Red Via Crucis of Pain
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on January 23, 2023, 09:07:41 AM
A piece that's blowing me away as I write is Ravel's Piano Trio. This is my first listen and I am loving it. I didn't realize Ravel wrote as much chamber music as he did. But we have a full-sized string quartet, a piano trio, a violin sonata.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on January 23, 2023, 09:53:38 AM
Quote from: Maestro267 on January 23, 2023, 09:07:41 AMA piece that's blowing me away as I write is Ravel's Piano Trio. This is my first listen and I am loving it. I didn't realize Ravel wrote as much chamber music as he did. But we have a full-sized string quartet, a piano trio, a violin sonata.

Good shout!  I'm not sure the work needs it(!) but Yan Pascal Tortelier orchestrated the Trio here;

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAzNTI2MS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2NTQ3NjE1NDh9)

The is the original release cover but its appeared in various Chandos couplings and is certainly worth a (fun) listen......  Check out this great Decca disc too if you are in the mood to explore more chamber Ravel.....

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51YiwzLR7pL._SR600%2C315_PIWhiteStrip%2CBottomLeft%2C0%2C35_PIStarRatingFOUR%2CBottomLeft%2C360%2C-6_SR600%2C315_ZA8%2C445%2C290%2C400%2C400%2CAmazonEmberBold%2C12%2C4%2C0%2C0%2C5_SCLZZZZZZZ_FMpng_BG255%2C255%2C255.jpg)

FWIW - it won the 1997 Gramophone Chamber Music award that year......
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 23, 2023, 10:13:12 AM
Let's not forget the dreamy Introduction et Allegro for flute, clarinet, harp and string quartet (there's also a version with string orchestra on a Chandos CD) and the Sonata for violin and cello.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on January 23, 2023, 04:49:05 PM
Cross post - I posted this in the Ivanovs thread but really loved this.  It's a colorful quasi symphonic poem/symphony (think Scriabin and Lyatoshynsky) as being late romatic, colorful, dramatic works with I think a program.  Here with a large and colorful orchestra including harp, celesta, wordless choir, and saxophones. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on January 24, 2023, 01:06:14 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 23, 2023, 10:13:12 AMLet's not forget the dreamy Introduction et Allegro for flute, clarinet, harp and string quartet (there's also a version with string orchestra on a Chandos CD) and the Sonata for violin and cello.

The Sonata for Violin and Cello is a fabulous work. A hidden gem.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 24, 2023, 08:42:56 AM
Quote from: Irons on January 24, 2023, 01:06:14 AMThe Sonata for Violin and Cello is a fabulous work. A hidden gem.
I don't believe that I've heard that work before now.  Whose recording do you like of it Lol?

Off to put on at least one of a 2-CD set of Ravel's piano works with Bavouzet on an MDG CD.

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on January 25, 2023, 12:06:15 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 24, 2023, 08:42:56 AMI don't believe that I've heard that work before now.  Whose recording do you like of it Lol?

Off to put on at least one of a 2-CD set of Ravel's piano works with Bavouzet on an MDG CD.

PD

I listened in open mouth astonishment to a piece I thought minor Ravel (of course there is no such thing). A work highly recommended, PD.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 25, 2023, 06:06:50 AM
Quote from: Irons on January 25, 2023, 12:06:15 AMI listened in open mouth astonishment to a piece I thought minor Ravel (of course there is no such thing). A work highly recommended, PD.
Oooh!  And Martinu on there to boot!  ;D

I enjoyed my minor trip with Ravel yesterday.  Perhaps more today?  By the way, I don't have many MDG CDs, but boy, what I have heard have not only been excellent performances, but the recording sound--to die for!

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: dahugee on January 25, 2023, 07:00:39 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 24, 2023, 08:42:56 AMI don't believe that I've heard that work before now.  Whose recording do you like of it Lol?

Off to put on at least one of a 2-CD set of Ravel's piano works with Bavouzet on an MDG CD.

PD

I'm fond of this recording, which also has my favorite rendition of the string quartet!

http://big10inchrecord.blogspot.com/2018/04/ravel-with-pascal-quartet-oscar-shumsky.html?m=0
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on January 25, 2023, 07:34:13 AM
Quote from: dahugee on January 25, 2023, 07:00:39 AMI'm fond of this recording, which also has my favorite rendition of the string quartet!

http://big10inchrecord.blogspot.com/2018/04/ravel-with-pascal-quartet-oscar-shumsky.html?m=0

Thanks for link. Most interesting.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 25, 2023, 02:34:08 PM
Quote from: dahugee on January 25, 2023, 07:00:39 AMI'm fond of this recording, which also has my favorite rendition of the string quartet!

http://big10inchrecord.blogspot.com/2018/04/ravel-with-pascal-quartet-oscar-shumsky.html?m=0
I'll check out the link...thanks...though the 2-CD set that I mentioned has nothing to do with a quartet.  It's solo piano music by Jean-Efflam Bavouzet.

I'll look into the Pascal Quartet.

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on February 04, 2023, 06:47:17 PM
Villa-Lobos: String Quartet #17
Danubius Quartet

I just listened to this for the first time, and I'm extremely impressed. The 2nd movement is very beautiful, and the final movement has a melody similar to one in Choros #10. The quartet is engaging from the beginning to the end. I'll need to listen to more Villa-Lobos in the near future.

(Also, even though they sound almost nothing alike, it reminded me of Sibelius. I think they might have somewhat similar approaches to modern music that still is melodic and not extremely dissonant.)

(https://i.discogs.com/mqTcTCm-ZsnkkgSOtd4xqjWk6uGiynk9AcvZkPiNgV0/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTExMjQy/MDQyLTE1MTI1NzM3/MzctNTkxNi5qcGVn.jpeg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on February 05, 2023, 07:06:55 AM
Quote from: relm1 on January 23, 2023, 04:49:05 PMCross post - I posted this in the Ivanovs thread but really loved this.  It's a colorful quasi symphonic poem/symphony (think Scriabin and Lyatoshynsky) as being [b]late romatic, colorful, dramatic[/b] works with I think a program.  Here with a large and colorful orchestra including harp, celesta, wordless choir, and saxophones. 

Indeed, very "romantic, colorful and dramatic"! Fun too! I was reminded of this 1961 "spectacular"....


The score is by Russell Garcia - an adventurous musician. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Garcia_(composer) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Garcia_(composer))
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 08, 2023, 12:43:03 PM
(https://img.cdandlp.com/2017/11/imgL/118985052.jpg)
Jeanne d'Arc au Bûcher

Honegger's greatest creation? It certainly is the most impressive work I have ever heard by him so far. An absolute masterpiece, with its dialogues, spoken parts and all. The choral and orchestral writings at the peak of his creative powers. The last part Jeanne en flammes is powerfully vivid and heartfelt. Remarkable in every way.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on February 11, 2023, 04:21:00 AM
Quote from: Løvfald on February 08, 2023, 12:43:03 PM(https://img.cdandlp.com/2017/11/imgL/118985052.jpg)
Jeanne d'Arc au Bûcher

Honegger's greatest creation? It certainly is the most impressive work I have ever heard by him so far. An absolute masterpiece, with its dialogues, spoken parts and all. The choral and orchestral writings at the peak of his creative powers. The last part Jeanne en flammes is powerfully vivid and heartfelt. Remarkable in every way.

In my experience, still the best recorded "Jeanne". It definitely is one of Honeggers great creations.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on February 11, 2023, 05:38:11 AM
Quote from: pjme on February 05, 2023, 07:06:55 AMIndeed, very "romantic, colorful and dramatic"! Fun too! I was reminded of this 1961 "spectacular"....


The score is by Russell Garcia - an adventurous musician. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Garcia_(composer) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Garcia_(composer))

Woah, that trailer's epic!  hahaha

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on February 12, 2023, 02:28:55 AM
Quote from: Løvfald on February 08, 2023, 12:43:03 PM(https://img.cdandlp.com/2017/11/imgL/118985052.jpg)
Jeanne d'Arc au Bûcher

Honegger's greatest creation? It certainly is the most impressive work I have ever heard by him so far. An absolute masterpiece, with its dialogues, spoken parts and all. The choral and orchestral writings at the peak of his creative powers. The last part Jeanne en flammes is powerfully vivid and heartfelt. Remarkable in every way.
It is certainly one of his greatest works Cesar.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 12, 2023, 01:56:21 PM
Quote from: pjme on February 11, 2023, 04:21:00 AMIn my experience, still the best recorded "Jeanne". It definitely is one of Honeggers great creations.

Quote from: vandermolen on February 12, 2023, 02:28:55 AMIt is certainly one of his greatest works Cesar.

Baudo was a great interpreter of Honegger and it shows on that splendid recording indeed.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on February 14, 2023, 04:49:49 PM
I thought very highly of Leopold Stowkoski's Symphony.  Not really a symphony but a colorful and vibrantly orchestrated symphonic poem.  Very French and Russian (complete with a Dies Irae) but extremely high quality.  Just imagine if he poured his effort in to composition instead of conducting. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on February 15, 2023, 02:00:57 AM
Quote from: relm1 on February 14, 2023, 04:49:49 PMI thought very highly of Leopold Stowkoski's Symphony.  Not really a symphony but a colorful and vibrantly orchestrated symphonic poem.  Very French and Russian (complete with a Dies Irae) but extremely high quality.  Just imagine if he poured his effort in to composition instead of conducting. 

Very interesting discovery. Thanks.

Quite when Leopold Stokowski (1882-1977) wrote his Symphony is not clear. It might have been between 1896 and 1899 when he was studying at the Royal College of Music or it could just have been between 1906 and 1909 (as suggested by Stokowski guru, Edward Johnson). The manuscript of Symphony was stolen from Stokowski's library, but the orchestral parts were discovered following the conductor's death and the work reconstructed by Edwin Heilakka, the now-deceased curator at the Curtis Institute, where Stokowski's papers resided before being transferred to the University of Pennsylvania. It can only be speculation if Stokowski had Symphony sight-read by his orchestras in Cincinnati and Philadelphia and, there being no evidence of a performance, it seems justified to call this RCM one a world premiere.

If the RCM Sinfonietta suggests a small orchestra, the Sinfonietta tag has more to do with the gradation of students, those who are a step away from the Royal College of Music's Symphony Orchestra, for Stokowski's Symphony calls for a large orchestra including two tubas and a contrabass clarinet. It isn't quite the size of "megalomaniacal proportions" as suggested in the programme note (not when compared with Lorin Maazel's Farewells, which he recently conducted in London).

At 16 minutes (in this performance), Stokowski's Symphony is an atmospheric piece, the opening suggesting Debussy and Chausson, both with an ear to Wagner, a nod to Impressionism, the two movements (which emerged as one here) not really developing a symphonic argument and suggesting more a tone poem or some darkly suggestive incidental music. One idea comes close to quoting (but not quite) the 'Dies Irae' plainchant, and although the flute solos remind of Debussy's Syrinx and textures occasionally suggest Stravinsky's "King of the Stars", but these pieces probably post-date Stokowski's Symphony (unless a few years later than 1909) but not necessarily Rachmaninov's The Isle of the Dead, which might been a direct influence or Stokowski was a mystic!

The RCM Sinfonietta and Robin O'Neill (developing a fine conducting career beyond his long-held position as principal bassoonist of the Philharmonia Orchestra) gave a well-prepared account of music that may have come as a slight disappointment in relation to the anticipation of it (the nine various-sized gongs on the platform presumably were simply occupying storage space, for they were not required for this Stokowskian extravaganza – but, as was suggested afterwards, if anyone conducts this piece again, then it would be only apposite – given Stokowski's emendations to the scores he conducted, and just retribution! – if they added these gongs, and anything else they fancy, to his Symphony!

....
The RCM Sinfonietta provided a secure accompaniment even though fewer strings would have probably helped in this revamped, renamed but still very lively acoustic.

.....

At the beginning of the concert, Robin O'Neill had addressed the audience. He mentioned another original piece by Stokowski, Reverie, which its composer once played as an encore. Assuming Reverie can still be played, it would have been nice to have heard it on this occasion – as an encore!

Source: https://www.classicalsource.com/concert/leopold-stokowskis-symphony/
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on February 15, 2023, 02:14:53 AM
Quote from: pjme on February 15, 2023, 02:00:57 AMLorin Maazel's Farewells

I was intrigued....


and


i wil listen again, later...


Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on February 15, 2023, 08:43:59 AM
First run of listening to Italian composer Antonio Bazzini's string quartets. Wow, these are really impressive.

Bazzini (1818-97)

Performed by the Quartetto di Venezia, from the Italian string quartets box set on the Dynamic label.

Sorry, doing this from my phone and unable to paste photo of album cover.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on February 19, 2023, 12:17:44 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on January 23, 2023, 09:07:41 AMA piece that's blowing me away as I write is Ravel's Piano Trio. This is my first listen and I am loving it. I didn't realize Ravel wrote as much chamber music as he did. But we have a full-sized string quartet, a piano trio, a violin sonata.

Yeah, it's an absolute masterpiece proving that Ravel was just as much of a magical colorist with small forces as he was with the orchestra. In fact, it's my very favorite work by him, even above Daphnis.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 21, 2023, 12:10:16 PM
A most fascinating disc, mostly for the Piano Quintet in E minor. First-rate chamber music.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODY2ODQ3Mi4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NzAxMTYzNDB9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on February 21, 2023, 10:31:08 PM
Quote from: relm1 on February 14, 2023, 04:49:49 PMI thought very highly of Leopold Stowkoski's Symphony.  Not really a symphony but a colorful and vibrantly orchestrated symphonic poem.  Very French and Russian (complete with a Dies Irae) but extremely high quality.  Just imagine if he poured his effort in to composition instead of conducting. 
Most interesting! Nice graphics as well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on February 22, 2023, 05:13:32 AM
Yesterday, listened to these for the first time.  Blown away by all three of Górecki's string quartets....but particularly the 2nd quartet.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk1NDQ2MC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NjEwODQ0MDF9)

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk1Mzc2OS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NjEwODM4ODF9)

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on February 22, 2023, 05:28:45 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on February 22, 2023, 05:13:32 AMYesterday, listened to these for the first time.  Blown away by all three of Górecki's string quartets....but particularly the 2nd quartet.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk1NDQ2MC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NjEwODQ0MDF9)

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk1Mzc2OS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NjEwODM4ODF9)


I am not familiar with them but will add to my listening list.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on February 22, 2023, 05:39:22 AM
Quote from: relm1 on February 22, 2023, 05:28:45 AMI am not familiar with them but will add to my listening list.

I will go on a limb to say that if you happen to enjoy late Shostakovich string quartets, that one might enjoy these (Górecki's).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on February 22, 2023, 06:33:02 AM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on February 22, 2023, 05:39:22 AMI will go on a limb to say that if you happen to enjoy late Shostakovich string quartets, that one might enjoy these (Górecki's).

I like Gorecki's SQs but that is a pretty bold comparison!  I personally think that the late Shostakovich SQs are on par with Beethoven and Bartok, i.e. the pinnacle of the genre.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on February 22, 2023, 07:08:27 AM
Quote from: DavidW on February 22, 2023, 06:33:02 AMI like Gorecki's SQs but that is a pretty bold comparison!  I personally think that the late Shostakovich SQs are on par with Beethoven and Bartok, i.e. the pinnacle of the genre.

Yes, I certainly am not trying to say that they are as good as Shostakovich, just that one might enjoy them if they enjoy DSCH.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Uhor on February 22, 2023, 11:08:30 AM
This composer just explodes in little noises of light


then there is this kind of sparkling magic


and finally, if you prefer something slightly more traditional but equally beautiful and exuberant.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on February 22, 2023, 12:50:12 PM
Quote from: Løvfald on December 25, 2021, 08:58:49 PMGórecki: Concerto for harpsichord and string orchestra

Both work and performance comprise quite an experience! And it is just 9 minutes long. Exciting to say the least!

[flash=500,250]https://www.youtube.com/v/tyXjX-IOP6s[/flash]


Indeed, just listening to the work now (Elzbieta Chojnacka on the harsichord, Markus Stenz conducting the London Sinfonietta).  Marvelous impression!  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on February 22, 2023, 03:29:39 PM
Quote from: OrchestralNut on February 22, 2023, 12:50:12 PMIndeed, just listening to the work now (Elzbieta Chojnacka on the harsichord, Markus Stenz conducting the London Sinfonietta).  Marvelous impression!  :)

One of my favorites.  I've heard it on both harpsichord and piano.  I prefer it on harpsichord.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on February 23, 2023, 05:02:08 AM
Quote from: DavidW on February 22, 2023, 03:29:39 PMOne of my favorites.  I've heard it on both harpsichord and piano.  I prefer it on harpsichord.

Regarding Gorecki's Concerto for Harspichord and string orchestra, I did order the Wit/Naxos 3 disc Gorecki set which includes the piano recording of it.  Honestly, even though I haven't heard it yet with the piano version....I cannot imagine it will have the same forceful impact as the original harpischord version.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on February 25, 2023, 11:40:57 AM
Brahms' chamber music. So far, quite literally all of it. I'm working my way through it, currently listening to String Quintet No. 1 as I write (Op. 88) and it's love at first sound.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 25, 2023, 05:42:23 PM
Glad you are finding treasures in his chamber music! I consider his output for chamber ensembles the most satisfying of his pen. If you loved the 1st Quintet, the 2nd in G major will delight you too. The 1st mov. contains some of his best memorable material, refined at its best.

On the other hand, I've seen a suggestion by a member here about a choral canon from the Op. 113. Now, that is beautiful! Hauntingly gorgeous.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on March 01, 2023, 01:21:25 PM
Tansman: String Quartet No. 5

(https://www.etcetera-records.com/media/filer_public_thumbnails/filer_public/6e/8c/6e8cd59c-ee11-440b-9087-bfaf9732401c/ktc_2017.jpg__1080x980_q85_crop_subsampling-2.jpg)

How intense! An incredible work. The slow movement didn't strike me as very succesful, but the others are sheer fire. It ends softly, though. Any fan of Bartók's quartets will find much enjoyment here.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on March 01, 2023, 04:31:56 PM
Wow, such a thrilling performance!!!

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTM3NzA3My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2NjYyNzUwMTZ9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on March 01, 2023, 05:18:25 PM
Great performances indeed, although they don't displace any favorite recording of mine. Also, the sound quality is not ideal. Anyway, glad this fabulous composer is still getting promoted.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on March 03, 2023, 02:20:39 AM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wq+xOgykL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)

Violin Sonata in D major Op. 12

This is a delightful work, full of charm and grace yet not devoid of passionate or dreamy moments. The delicious Scherzo seems to quote Chopin's Grande Valse Brillante Op. 18. Highly recommended.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on March 03, 2023, 07:57:24 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 03, 2023, 02:20:39 AM(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wq+xOgykL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)

Violin Sonata in D major Op. 12

This is a delightful work, full of charm and grace yet not devoid of passionate or dreamy moments. The delicious Scherzo seems to quote Chopin's Grande Valse Brillante Op. 18. Highly recommended.

I knew that cover image rang a bell.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on March 03, 2023, 08:06:45 PM
Quote from: Løvfald on February 25, 2023, 05:42:23 PMGlad you are finding treasures in his chamber music! I consider his output for chamber ensembles the most satisfying of his pen. If you loved the 1st Quintet, the 2nd in G major will delight you too. The 1st mov. contains some of his best memorable material, refined at its best.

If only the first movement of the String Quintet no. 2 in G major survived from Brahms' output, it would be enough for me to consider him a great composer. An absolutely remarkable tour-de-force of a movement, full of textural and rhythmic complexity, unbounded energy, and heartfelt melodies. The other movements of the piece are fine, but they have a hard time living up to that magnificent opening movement IMO.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on March 04, 2023, 12:35:41 AM
Quote from: kyjo on March 03, 2023, 08:06:45 PMIf only the first movement of the String Quintet no. 2 in G major survived from Brahms' output, it would be enough for me to consider him a great composer. An absolutely remarkable tour-de-force of a movement, full of textural and rhythmic complexity, unbounded energy, and heartfelt melodies. The other movements of the piece are fine, but they have a hard time living up to that magnificent opening movement IMO.

So many fabulous pieces for chamber ensembles and yet the string quartet bit of a blind spot (in comparison). Puzzling.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jo498 on March 04, 2023, 01:10:25 AM
I think that first movement of Brahms op.111, especially the beginning borders at the "overdone", trying to make a chamber ensemble sound more orchestral than it plausibly can or should. (It hardly ever works and leads to the silly notion that composers would write string quartets or quintets when they or their material wasn't "good enough" for a "real symphony", or that chamber music is like black and white sketching compared to orchestral oil painting or whatever...)
Admittedly, if done well, it is a great effect but it's borderline. I somewhat heretically overall prefer the 1st quintet, partly because I am not overly fond of the "Vienna prater & hungarian gypsies" connotations of the G major work...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Luke on March 04, 2023, 03:17:04 AM
The Brahms String Quartets are masterpieces, IMO. Especially the two minor key ones, which I actually think are among his finest and most powerful chamber works (there's a reason Schoenberg took the C minor as example when illustrating the sophistication, intensity and forward-thinking of Brahms' motivic writing and developing variation form). The idea that they are too clogged texturally gets repeated until it is taken for granted but I don't see or hear it. They are just teeming with ideas and a headlong drive. Just my opinion, of course, but I don't think anyone should be steered away from these pieces, they are too good to miss.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Jo498 on March 04, 2023, 05:24:37 AM
I agree and I also prefer the op.51 (the a minor is my favorite) to the op.67 with its particular brand of Brahmsian neoclassicism. The 3rd movement of the c minor used to be difficult for me and needs IMO attention by the performers otherwise it can get a bit tedious but I love the dramatic sweep of its outer movements.
While I can understand that lyrical and atmospheric pieces like the first violin sonata or the clarinet quintet are easier to appreciate than the 3 quartets I don't think they are particularly thorny and the features that might be difficult for some listeners can be found in other pieces as well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on March 04, 2023, 05:44:06 AM
Count me in as another big fan of Brahms' string quartets, especially the first one being my personal favourite. I really don't understand the rather "negative" rap these have received in comparison to his other chamber works.

Probably the first string quartet is my top five Brahms' chamber works, along with:

Clarinet/Viola Sonata No. 1
Piano Quartet No. 3
String Sextet No. 1
Clarinet Trio
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on March 04, 2023, 05:59:27 AM
That all being said and even though I think Brahms' chamber works are universally great, I struggle with the Piano Quartet No. 2 in A major, Op. 26. That one tries my patience.  :-\
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on March 04, 2023, 07:34:59 AM
While I enjoyed the Brahms string quartets there were other works I'd place over those. Considering the String Quartet is the primary form of chamber music, acquiring a prestige akin to the Symphony's place in orchestral music. So I can see the mixed reaction they get.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on March 05, 2023, 02:23:19 PM
Quote from: kyjo on March 03, 2023, 08:06:45 PMIf only the first movement of the String Quintet no. 2 in G major survived from Brahms' output, it would be enough for me to consider him a great composer. An absolutely remarkable tour-de-force of a movement, full of textural and rhythmic complexity, unbounded energy, and heartfelt melodies. The other movements of the piece are fine, but they have a hard time living up to that magnificent opening movement IMO.

Indeed, I ADORE that work so much; the movements 2-4 seem unbalanced taking into account the length of the 1st mov., but even so I think the Quintet is imbued with some of the most refined music Brahms wrote IMO.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on March 08, 2023, 04:01:26 PM
I really enjoy this brief work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brian on March 09, 2023, 10:06:50 AM
I finally jumped on the bandwagon that has been traveling around GMG for the last few days, and tried Casella's Concerto for Orchestra (the Chandos recording). Wow! It's by far my favorite Casella. Totally incredible. Would love to see this live. And the BBC bass drum has great oomph at the end.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on March 10, 2023, 06:04:24 PM
Quote from: Brian on March 09, 2023, 10:06:50 AMI finally jumped on the bandwagon that has been traveling around GMG for the last few days, and tried Casella's Concerto for Orchestra (the Chandos recording). Wow! It's by far my favorite Casella. Totally incredible. Would love to see this live. And the BBC bass drum has great oomph at the end.

Oh yes, it's such a great work, isn't it? Two energetic, life-affirming outer movements surrounding a central Passacaglia of great depth and beauty (there's a particularly spine-tingling passage about 4 minutes in). Are you familiar with his 3rd Symphony (Sinfonia)? It's in a very similar vein stylistically, and is equally great in quality IMO.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on March 12, 2023, 06:16:36 PM
Bernstein: Chichester Psalms

The opening is a bit harsh, but the rest of the 1st movement is rhythmic and fun. The 2nd movement has an interesting structure: 2 psalms in contrasting styles which are then superimposed. The third movement is incredibly beautiful (and mostly in 5). Bernstein's music continues to impress me. (I think my favorite Bernstein works so far are Symphony #2 and Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.)

(https://i.discogs.com/EHaW8ReFGfG-qvbnuQjL3RAoVwsG7Jdp7wFjqF-C4kA/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:500/w:500/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTY1NjI4/MS0xMzY1ODIyNTcx/LTc4NzQuanBlZw.jpeg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on March 18, 2023, 06:33:18 PM
Romberg: String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 2/2

The finale has a great melody! It's immediately memorable. It's also cool how it is transformed from minor to major for the end of the movement. The opening theme of the first movement is also good, with effective use of pauses (where one might expect repetition of the previous notes). In the recapitulation, this first theme is changed to major, and the pauses are filled in. The minuet and trio also has an interesting structure: instead of repeating the  minuet, a new minuet developed from the original is played. The Op. 2 quartets were dedicated to Haydn, and there are some similarities.

(https://i.discogs.com/YIkz2aDaVcbcVIlZLxc4FlBddWbONOcFvfJqZUDdfJY/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:516/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE0NTU1/Nzg0LTE1NzcwNjI3/MTktMTcxNy5qcGVn.jpeg)

Spotify link to finale: https://open.spotify.com/track/5z5SuXj647LOe3tTguj79J?si=0417909ed2a74adc
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on March 24, 2023, 07:14:46 PM
Korngold: Baby Serenade

I had zero recollections of this work, I don't recall having heard it before, and it's a most lovely, glistening, sparkling, entertaining, even sexy creation! Korngold's exquisite ear for orchestration in full display. Each of its short five movements possess such charm that is hard not to be delighted by them, mostly the first two movements. Fabulous music.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAzMzE4OS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NTd9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on March 25, 2023, 02:28:28 AM

Roukens concerto for two pianos, this morning on the radio. It matched perfectly the spring storm.

and then I thought of this Furioso e marcato....


This concerto exisits also in a version for two pianos......

(https://i.discogs.com/gQVuuojESMjFy2ENcJYH0KWIjwcYV-ejF535Nt-s-Ac/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:590/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE0MzE2/MDg4LTE1NzIwODg5/MDQtMTIxNC5qcGVn.jpeg)

Defossez's concerto was written for the 1956 Queen Elisabeth competition. Here (https://koninginelisabethwedstrijd.be/nl/multimedia/) you can listen to Ashkenazy, Vasary, Ousset, Berman, Knor, Browning, Frankl and Czajkowski...performing (parts) of that work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on March 25, 2023, 05:35:44 PM
Quote from: Løvfald on March 24, 2023, 07:14:46 PMKorngold: Baby Serenade

I had zero recollections of this work, I don't recall having heard it before, and it's a most lovely, glistening, sparkling, entertaining, even sexy creation! Korngold's exquisite ear for orchestration in full display. Each of its short five movements possess such charm that is hard not to be delighted by them, mostly the first two movements. Fabulous music.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAzMzE4OS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NTd9)

Oh yes! Korngold at his most glittering, witty, and lighthearted. I recall being especially delighted by the opening movement with its colorful writing for saxophones. One aspect of Korngold's compositional personality that's often overlooked is his genuine sense of humor!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on March 25, 2023, 06:05:12 PM
Aarre Merikanto: Piano Trio in A minor (1917)

https://youtu.be/POXWeKNlIL4

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71udvOKXjOL._SY355_.jpg)

A marvelously melodic and atmospheric work from Merikanto's early, late-romantic phase. Like most Nordic composers, Merikanto unfortunately didn't compose much chamber music, but according to Wikipedia he wrote at least two SQs which I'd very much like to hear (there don't seem to be any recordings available).


Stjepan Šulek (1914-86): Symphony no. 4 (1954)

https://youtu.be/DB_qIqpcNyc

Based on what little I've heard by this Croatian composer, I'd say his output is certainly long overdue for some attention by the record companies (CPO take note)! Fortunately, many of his works are available on YouTube, and in generally pretty good performances and sound, as in the 4th Symphony. Šulek's idiom is tonal and very clearly rooted in the grand symphonic tradition, but he certainly doesn't shy away from some grinding, dissonant climaxes when appropriate. The opening of the symphony is an immediately recognizable 20th century "re-imagining" of the opening of Brahms 1, and what follows is a half-hour fireball of a piece full of great drama and excitement. The finale is particularly thrilling with a quite catchy main theme.


Britten: Violin Concerto

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51zvZ2Td0WL._SX355_.jpg)

My first time hearing this masterwork in several years, and boy, it blew me away even more than it had before! It's unquestionably one of the greatest VCs ever written and one of Britten's most personal utterances IMO, charting a deeply compelling emotional journey and full of brilliant virtuoso writing for the soloist and always-imaginative orchestration. The center of gravity of the work is the substantial Passacaglia finale, which constantly teeters on the fine and sometimes elusive line between dark and light (often represented by a struggle between major and minor tonality). This recording by Janine Jansen and the LSO under Paavo Jarvi is stunning in every way, far superior IMO to the "classic" Mark Lubotsky/Britten recording (Britten is fine of course, but Lubotsky has an unpleasant tone to my ears). It's great to see this piece getting more attention by top-tier violinists recently!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on March 25, 2023, 08:43:17 PM
Quote from: kyjo on March 25, 2023, 06:05:12 PMAarre Merikanto: Piano Trio in A minor (1917)

https://youtu.be/POXWeKNlIL4

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71udvOKXjOL._SY355_.jpg)

A marvelously melodic and atmospheric work from Merikanto's early, late-romantic phase. Like most Nordic composers, Merikanto unfortunately didn't compose much chamber music, but according to Wikipedia he wrote at least two SQs which I'd very much like to hear (there don't seem to be any recordings available).


Stjepan Šulek (1914-86): Symphony no. 4 (1954)

https://youtu.be/DB_qIqpcNyc

Based on what little I've heard by this Croatian composer, I'd say his output is certainly long overdue for some attention by the record companies (CPO take note)! Fortunately, many of his works are available on YouTube, and in generally pretty good performances and sound, as in the 4th Symphony. Šulek's idiom is tonal and very clearly rooted in the grand symphonic tradition, but he certainly doesn't shy away from some grinding, dissonant climaxes when appropriate. The opening of the symphony is an immediately recognizable 20th century "re-imagining" of the opening of Brahms 1, and what follows is a half-hour fireball of a piece full of great drama and excitement. The finale is particularly thrilling with a quite catchy main theme.

Thumbs up for the Sulek, I remember being impressed by most of his 8 symphonies, and the Merikanto sounds enticing.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Skogwald on March 31, 2023, 11:27:20 AM
I have tried to get into opera recently and the works that have made the biggest impact so far are these:
(https://www.radiofrance.fr/s3/cruiser-production/2019/12/f13e886b-6453-43e0-b9a4-61d8c3df0756/200x200_rf_omm_0000290134_dnc.0056559634.jpg)
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk4MDk1OS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MjMwNjcwMzl9)
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b2738555c868369ae8f2b96b61d1)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on April 02, 2023, 12:49:43 AM
Anna Clyne 'Dance' for Cello and Orchestra
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 08, 2023, 07:59:53 PM
Quote from: Skogwald on March 31, 2023, 11:27:20 AM(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b2738555c868369ae8f2b96b61d1)

This opera gave me a strong impression as well. Szymanowski's opus magnum in my view.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 08, 2023, 08:02:31 PM
Karel Husa: Symphony No. 1 (1953)

Astounding and gripping music by this Czech composer, redolent of the brooding styles of Kalabis, Ivanovs (not as depressing, though), and perhaps Kabelac. Remarkable stuff that could comfortably be one of my discoveries of this year. My curiosity was piqued to explore further.

(https://i.discogs.com/wTVSMz4vpT_GmjAALxrNCwDmUvUmu3R576s4HetNAtI/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTIwMzQ3/OTI3LTE2MzI0NzAx/OTgtODUyOC5qcGVn.jpeg)


Paul Kletzki: Symphony No. 3 (1939)

Very different and more advanced than his Second Symphony, there's something energetic music on here. One instantly feels this work will feature a relentless character, and effectively, it unfolds that way a good deal of the time. It reminded me of K.A. Hartmann's soundworld, the music has seriousness, gravitas and drive, just as contrapuntal density.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkyOTgzOS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NTd9)


Hans Gál: Piano Quartet in A major (left hand) (1926)

A peach of a piano quartet, the ideas struck me like original and engaging in a way not much dissimilar to Paul Juon's melodic gift. A winning work expertly written. I suspect the rest of the disc will be of interest and good quality too.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTM2NzIxNC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2NjU1NzE5Mjd9)


Joseph Jongen: Deux Sérénades for string quartet (1918)

Two thoroughly eloquent pieces imbued with graceful beauty and sensual gestures. Jongen's idiom seems to relate to that of Ravel, albeit the former has his own ideas, his own voice.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk4NDQ5My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NTQ0Njk5ODB9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brahmsian on April 09, 2023, 05:40:25 AM
Just heard on the radio yesterday a Bach Stokowski orchestral transcription of an Aria from the St. John Passion. Was conducted by Jose Serebrier. Wow!  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 14, 2023, 09:00:00 PM
Two tremendous works, brilliantly played and recorded:

Weingartner: Violin Concerto in G major
Koechlin: Piano Quintet

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk4MjQxMy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NTA4NzQ5ODN9)(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAzMTMyNS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MjYwNzUwNDB9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on April 15, 2023, 06:11:36 PM
Quote from: Løvfald on April 14, 2023, 09:00:00 PMTwo tremendous works, brilliantly played and recorded:

Weingartner: Violin Concerto in G major

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk4MjQxMy4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NTA4NzQ5ODN9)

Weingartner's VC is unknown to me at the moment (I'll check it out soon!), but I might as well mention that a few months ago I was absolutely blown away by this CPO disc of his Sextet (mislabeled Septet on the cover; for piano, 2 violins, viola, cello, and bass) and Octet (for piano, clarinet, horn, bassoon, 2 violins, viola, and cello):

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51xNxL3PMCL._SY355_.jpg)

I'll quote from one of multiple excellent Amazon reviews, this one by a certain "Hexameron":

The gloomy Piano Sextet in E minor (1906) is the greatest of its kind I've ever heard, eclipsing the sextets of Lyapunov, Glinka, and even Mendelssohn. Every movement is instilled with strong ideas and memorable content. It opens with an intense "Allegro appassionato" possessing magisterial themes: the first is heroic and striving; the second conveys soaring hope and profundity. Both themes are rich in melodic content. A lighter mood pervades the "Allegretto" with its playful pizzicato melody—so charming and tuneful—and a trio of aching beauty. Things turn sober in the pensive "Adagio," notable for its gravity and profound harmonic progressions outlined by the piano. Weingartner foregoes the usual spirited finale for an intense "Danza funebre," a stylized funeral march full of anguish and emotional pangs.

Nearly twenty years later Weingartner would embark on another rarefied chamber genre with his Octet in G major (1925). Despite its major key, the opening "Allegro" is serious, chromatic, and swells with Brucknerian grandeur. Owing to the confident and active piano part, the texture is befitting of a concerto. Wagner would have been pleased by the melodious primary theme, which another reviewer compared to the Liebestod. After some throat clearing, the melancholy "Andante" becomes a passionate outcry of grief, tempered by meditative respites. At this juncture the piece brightens. The "Tempo di minuetto" is coolly relaxed with a warm theme for the solo horn, while the finale is energetic and features an updated palette of whole tones and modern harmony.

Performances and recorded sound are top-notch, as one can expect from CPO. Oliver Triendl is always outstanding and employs tremendous muscle and vigor.


In short, these are two of the most powerful, inventive, and memorable chamber works I've encountered recently, all the more remarkable considering their unusual instrumentations and the fact that they're all but unknown. Though several of Weingartner's symphonies are quite impressive and enjoyable (particularly nos. 2 and 3), these chamber works eclipse them in terms of individuality and consistent inspiration. Absolutely remarkable stuff!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 15, 2023, 09:14:38 PM
Quote from: kyjo on April 15, 2023, 06:11:36 PMWeingartner's VC is unknown to me at the moment (I'll check it out soon!), but I might as well mention that a few months ago I was absolutely blown away by this CPO disc of his Sextet (mislabeled Septet on the cover; for piano, 2 violins, viola, cello, and bass) and Octet (for piano, clarinet, horn, bassoon, 2 violins, viola, and cello):

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51xNxL3PMCL._SY355_.jpg)

I'll quote from one of multiple excellent Amazon reviews, this one by a certain "Hexameron":

The gloomy Piano Sextet in E minor (1906) is the greatest of its kind I've ever heard, eclipsing the sextets of Lyapunov, Glinka, and even Mendelssohn. Every movement is instilled with strong ideas and memorable content. It opens with an intense "Allegro appassionato" possessing magisterial themes: the first is heroic and striving; the second conveys soaring hope and profundity. Both themes are rich in melodic content. A lighter mood pervades the "Allegretto" with its playful pizzicato melody—so charming and tuneful—and a trio of aching beauty. Things turn sober in the pensive "Adagio," notable for its gravity and profound harmonic progressions outlined by the piano. Weingartner foregoes the usual spirited finale for an intense "Danza funebre," a stylized funeral march full of anguish and emotional pangs.

Nearly twenty years later Weingartner would embark on another rarefied chamber genre with his Octet in G major (1925). Despite its major key, the opening "Allegro" is serious, chromatic, and swells with Brucknerian grandeur. Owing to the confident and active piano part, the texture is befitting of a concerto. Wagner would have been pleased by the melodious primary theme, which another reviewer compared to the Liebestod. After some throat clearing, the melancholy "Andante" becomes a passionate outcry of grief, tempered by meditative respites. At this juncture the piece brightens. The "Tempo di minuetto" is coolly relaxed with a warm theme for the solo horn, while the finale is energetic and features an updated palette of whole tones and modern harmony.

Performances and recorded sound are top-notch, as one can expect from CPO. Oliver Triendl is always outstanding and employs tremendous muscle and vigor.


In short, these are two of the most powerful, inventive, and memorable chamber works I've encountered recently, all the more remarkable considering their unusual instrumentations and the fact that they're all but unknown. Though several of Weingartner's symphonies are quite impressive and enjoyable (particularly nos. 2 and 3), these chamber works eclipse them in terms of individuality and consistent inspiration. Absolutely remarkable stuff!

Weingartner was a remarkable composer and many don't give to him the credit for that. Both his orchestral and chamber music contain some truly fine gems. Apart from the ones you mentioned, it includes (IMO) his Symphonies 1-4, his 5 String Quartets, String Quintet, some tone poems and the Violin Concerto. Granted, he wasn't a consistent craftsman all the time, but when he was inspired, one really notices and recognizes his talent.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on April 17, 2023, 08:11:43 PM
Quote from: Løvfald on April 15, 2023, 09:14:38 PMWeingartner was a remarkable composer and many don't give to him the credit for that. Both his orchestral and chamber music contain some truly fine gems. Apart from the ones you mentioned, it includes (IMO) his Symphonies 1-4, his 5 String Quartets, String Quintet, some tone poems and the Violin Concerto. Granted, he wasn't a consistent craftsman all the time, but when he was inspired, one really notices and recognizes his talent.

Indeed! As far as conductor-composers go, he was certainly one of the most successful ones IMO.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on April 17, 2023, 08:27:04 PM
Otakar Ostrčil (1879-1935): Sinfonietta (Prague SO/Bělohlávek)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51DlpR8t-cL._UX250_FMwebp_QL85_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/PKyXn7Te6Hg

My first encounter with this composer's music, and quite impressive it is! Lasting 38 minutes and quite serious in its emotional content, I have no idea why the composer called it a sinfonietta instead of a symphony, except for perhaps the fact that it's in 5 movements rather than the traditional 4. Composed in 1921, it inhabits a rather darkly chromatic (but never overly dense or lugubrious) sound-world that could perhaps be compared to the later works of Suk, Zemlinsky, Schmidt, or Braunfels but with an added neoclassical rhythmic "edge". The outer movements contain an irrepressible, driving forward momentum that is quite compelling, above all in the thrilling finale. It's given a superb performance here by the Prague SO under Bělohlávek; in particular, the principal wind and brass players sound marvelously characterful with their subtle use of vibrato.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on April 18, 2023, 12:21:31 AM
Quote from: kyjo on April 17, 2023, 08:27:04 PMOtakar Ostrčil (1879-1935): Sinfonietta (Prague SO/Bělohlávek)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51DlpR8t-cL._UX250_FMwebp_QL85_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/PKyXn7Te6Hg

My first encounter with this composer's music, and quite impressive it is! Lasting 38 minutes and quite serious in its emotional content, I have no idea why the composer called it a sinfonietta instead of a symphony, except for perhaps the fact that it's in 5 movements rather than the traditional 4. Composed in 1921, it inhabits a rather darkly chromatic (but never overly dense or lugubrious) sound-world that could perhaps be compared to the later works of Suk, Zemlinsky, Schmidt, or Braunfels but with an added neoclassical rhythmic "edge". The outer movements contain an irrepressible, driving forward momentum that is quite compelling, above all in the thrilling finale. It's given a superb performance here by the Prague SO under Bělohlávek; in particular, the principal wind and brass players sound marvelously characterful with their subtle use of vibrato.

DO seek out the other Ostricil works.  Your description of where his music "sits" is very apt I think.  Certainly an interesting name to sit alongside Suk or Novak.  The is a distinct post-Mahlerian infuence as well.  Ostricil was a conductor too and he promoted Mahler's work at a time it was little known.  Sadly the recorded catalogue of his music is very small with just a few offerings such as this one on Supraphon.  Do check out the symphony (good but I like the sinfonietta more!) and the Calvary Variations - a sombre work.

If you search on Qobuz:

https://www.qobuz.com/gb-en/search?i=boutique&q=ostricil&qref=dac_1

the good news is they have most of the Supraphon releases as very cheap FLAC downloads........
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on April 18, 2023, 01:05:46 AM
Quote from: Løvfald on April 08, 2023, 08:02:31 PMKarel Husa: Symphony No. 1 (1953)

Astounding and gripping music by this Czech composer, redolent of the brooding styles of Kalabis, Ivanovs (not as depressing, though), and perhaps Kabelac. Remarkable stuff that could comfortably be one of my discoveries of this year. My curiosity was piqued to explore further.

(https://i.discogs.com/wTVSMz4vpT_GmjAALxrNCwDmUvUmu3R576s4HetNAtI/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTIwMzQ3/OTI3LTE2MzI0NzAx/OTgtODUyOC5qcGVn.jpeg)


Paul Kletzki: Symphony No. 3 (1939)

Very different and more advanced than his Second Symphony, there's something energetic music on here. One instantly feels this work will feature a relentless character, and effectively, it unfolds that way a good deal of the time. It reminded me of K.A. Hartmann's soundworld, the music has seriousness, gravitas and drive, just as contrapuntal density.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkyOTgzOS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NTd9)


Hans Gál: Piano Quartet in A major (left hand) (1926)

A peach of a piano quartet, the ideas struck me like original and engaging in a way not much dissimilar to Paul Juon's melodic gift. A winning work expertly written. I suspect the rest of the disc will be of interest and good quality too.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTM2NzIxNC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2NjU1NzE5Mjd9)


Joseph Jongen: Deux Sérénades for string quartet (1918)

Two thoroughly eloquent pieces imbued with graceful beauty and sensual gestures. Jongen's idiom seems to relate to that of Ravel, albeit the former has his own ideas, his own voice.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk4NDQ5My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NTQ0Njk5ODB9)
Oh no! More temptation Cesar  ::)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 18, 2023, 04:47:46 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 18, 2023, 01:05:46 AMOh no! More temptation Cesar  ::)

There's a Supraphon disc featuring three works by Husa (I posted it on the composer's thread) and I think you could enjoy it very much.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Franco_Manitobain on April 28, 2023, 12:26:25 PM
Well now....something that doesn't happen often - I get blown away by something by a British composer.

Alas though, it is the case with my first listen to Bax's First String Quartet in G major.  Immediate impact!  :)

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODY0OTA2NC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NjIwODAzODV9)

(https://cdn.naxos.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.555282.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on May 01, 2023, 10:12:44 AM
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on April 28, 2023, 12:26:25 PMWell now....something that doesn't happen often - I get blown away by something by a British composer.

Alas though, it is the case with my first listen to Bax's First String Quartet in G major.  Immediate impact!  :)

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODY0OTA2NC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NjIwODAzODV9)

(https://cdn.naxos.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.555282.jpg)

Call me petty - but why did Naxos reverse the original painting - it bugs me they pick a powerful image like this and then get all the players literally playing the wrong way around.........

(https://i0.wp.com/craace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/String_Quartet_1959-1-1.jpg?resize=620%2C466&ssl=1)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on May 08, 2023, 03:09:32 AM
Just completed a first listen to this;

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH20154.jpg)

Not so much blown away by a piece but an entire disc.  Who is Pierre-Charles Sancan!?!?  Such joy, such energy and genuine musical wit.  Sometimes I think the BBC PO can play well but in an under-engaged manner.  Here they are on tip top form.  Also pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet is clearly a disciple of the composer too and flautist Adam Walker plays the delightful Flute Sonatine to perfection.  A genuine discovery from first note to last.  MORE SANCAN PLEASE!!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on May 15, 2023, 07:00:00 PM
Bruckner: String Quintet - Adagio (for string orchestra)
Skrowaczewski: Saarbrücken

Beautiful Bruckner that somewhat reminds me of the 8th symphony. From one listen this goes among my favorite Bruckner slow movements.

(https://i.discogs.com/vwpPgaSF-l3h4MOV_s85iSTyyksnUzja_YuNSryULJY/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:563/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTk4Nzgx/NzEtMTU5MzAwMDA2/OS02NjgyLmpwZWc.jpeg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on May 16, 2023, 03:07:20 AM
Original version of Bruckner's 3rd.

Josquin des Prez's Nymphes des boys.

Johann Sebastian Bach's cantata Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Franco_Manitobain on May 18, 2023, 06:50:06 AM
Bach - Prelude, Fugue and Allegro, BWV 998 for the lute or guitar.

Ever since hearing it at a recent guitar recital, I can't get enough of it.  In particular, the second movement Fugue has got to be one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard!  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on May 18, 2023, 07:24:23 AM
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on May 18, 2023, 06:50:06 AMBach - Prelude, Fugue and Allegro, BWV 998 for the lute or guitar.

Ever since hearing it at a recent guitar recital, I can't get enough of it.  In particular, the second movement Fugue has got to be one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard!  :)

Alright listening now... David Russell performing.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Franco_Manitobain on May 18, 2023, 07:44:39 AM
Quote from: DavidW on May 18, 2023, 07:24:23 AMAlright listening now... David Russell performing.

Hope you enjoyed it David!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on May 18, 2023, 07:46:21 AM
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on May 18, 2023, 07:44:39 AMHope you enjoyed it David!

Yes I did!  Sublime. 8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Owen David on May 24, 2023, 12:05:41 PM
I'm not sure "blown away" is the right phrase but "thoroughly charmed" having listened to the orchestral suite of Le Roi Pinard, an operetta by Déodat de Séverac, a composer I was hitherto unfamiliar with.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG-CwC_pOv4

I wonder Ravel was influenced by it when he came to write Bolero - listen in particular to the Madrigals section.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on May 25, 2023, 05:41:40 PM
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAyMjY5Mi4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NzExMDQ5NTF9)(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAyOTc3Ny4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NDN9)

Few Soviet quartet cycles are so compelling and special like the six SQs by Vadim Salmanov (1912-78). These works represent a major achievement, I am astounded by the musical quality of each of them, no dull or weak examples here. The music is loaded with sorrow, intensity, bitterness, eloquence and profoundness in spades, not devoid of many piquant moments either.

Seriously engrossing and rewarding stuff.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on May 26, 2023, 08:24:27 PM
Rubinstein: Piano Quintet in G minor

https://youtu.be/92W4Z6c4TrU

I generally find Rubinstein to be an interesting composer with attractive ideas that aren't usually utilized to their full potential, and promise more than they deliver. Even his formerly-famous PC no. 4 I don't find to be a terribly remarkable work. But his Piano Quintet is an out-and-out masterpiece IMO - a stormy, passionate, and epic (50 min.) work which is geniunely symphonic in character. It has some instantly memorable themes, such as the secondary themes of the first movement and finale (the former tragic in character, the latter noble and triumphant). To my ears, it seems to directly pave the way for the magnificent Taneyev Piano Quintet (in the same key) which came a few decades later. It's hard to comprehend why this, undoubtedly one of Rubinstein's finest works by a wide margin, lacks a modern commercial recording - the YouTube video above is of a live recording - the sound quality is just okay and the performance can be a bit rough around the edges sometimes, but there's a sense of passion and involvement that is palpable.


Bargiel: Symphony in C major and three overtures

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61aIGz4k63L._SX355_.jpg)

Talk about an unexpected revelation of a disc! This is far from your average run-of-the-mill, watered-down version of Mendelssohn/Schumann/Brahms, mid-19th century Germanic symphonic music. (Bargiel was almost an exact contemporary of Brahms, btw.) The Symphony is a compact, energetic fireball of a work, and despite its major tonality, it doesn't shy away from stormy minor-key episodes in the development sections. Special note must be made of the finale, which is as thrilling and convincing an ending to a symphony as I've heard recently! And the three overtures are very substantial works, more like tone poems actually (Prometheus is 18 min. long). They're dramatic, often harmonically adventurous works which occasionally betray the influence of Liszt (minus the bombast ;)). And I must offer a very positive word about the performances, too - the last time I encountered the Siberian (formerly Omsk) Philharmonic was in their recordings of the Victor Bendix symphonies on the Danacord label, performances which I found distinctly lacking in most regards. Here, under the seemingly inspirational baton of Dmitry Vasilyev, they sound like a completely different band, digging into Bargiel's music with great fire and abandon.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: foxandpeng on May 27, 2023, 04:08:46 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on May 25, 2023, 05:41:40 PM(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAyMjY5Mi4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NzExMDQ5NTF9)(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAyOTc3Ny4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NDN9)

Few Soviet quartet cycles are so compelling and special like the six SQs by Vadim Salmanov (1912-78). These works represent a major achievement, I am astounded by the musical quality of each of them, no dull or weak examples here. The music is loaded with sorrow, intensity, bitterness, eloquence and profoundness in spades, not devoid of many piquant moments either.

Seriously engrossing and rewarding stuff.

Huh. Interesting. On the list!

Thank you 😊
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on May 30, 2023, 11:15:08 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on May 25, 2023, 05:41:40 PM(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAyMjY5Mi4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NzExMDQ5NTF9)(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAyOTc3Ny4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NDN9)

Few Soviet quartet cycles are so compelling and special like the six SQs by Vadim Salmanov (1912-78). These works represent a major achievement, I am astounded by the musical quality of each of them, no dull or weak examples here. The music is loaded with sorrow, intensity, bitterness, eloquence and profoundness in spades, not devoid of many piquant moments either.

Seriously engrossing and rewarding stuff.
Interesting Cesar. I like his symphonies but don't know the SQs.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on May 30, 2023, 11:17:49 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 08, 2023, 08:02:31 PMKarel Husa: Symphony No. 1 (1953)

Astounding and gripping music by this Czech composer, redolent of the brooding styles of Kalabis, Ivanovs (not as depressing, though), and perhaps Kabelac. Remarkable stuff that could comfortably be one of my discoveries of this year. My curiosity was piqued to explore further.

(https://i.discogs.com/wTVSMz4vpT_GmjAALxrNCwDmUvUmu3R576s4HetNAtI/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTIwMzQ3/OTI3LTE2MzI0NzAx/OTgtODUyOC5qcGVn.jpeg)


Paul Kletzki: Symphony No. 3 (1939)

Very different and more advanced than his Second Symphony, there's something energetic music on here. One instantly feels this work will feature a relentless character, and effectively, it unfolds that way a good deal of the time. It reminded me of K.A. Hartmann's soundworld, the music has seriousness, gravitas and drive, just as contrapuntal density.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkyOTgzOS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NTd9)


Hans Gál: Piano Quartet in A major (left hand) (1926)

A peach of a piano quartet, the ideas struck me like original and engaging in a way not much dissimilar to Paul Juon's melodic gift. A winning work expertly written. I suspect the rest of the disc will be of interest and good quality too.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTM2NzIxNC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2NjU1NzE5Mjd9)


Joseph Jongen: Deux Sérénades for string quartet (1918)

Two thoroughly eloquent pieces imbued with graceful beauty and sensual gestures. Jongen's idiom seems to relate to that of Ravel, albeit the former has his own ideas, his own voice.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk4NDQ5My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NTQ0Njk5ODB9)
The Husa interests me Cesar despite your observation that 'it's not as depressing' as Ivanovs  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on May 30, 2023, 11:22:20 PM
I'd ignored this CD for years having read some negative reviews. How wrong I was! Following an enthusiastic comment on the forum (can't remember by whom) I bought a second-hand copy which completely revived my interest in the Enigma Variations, which I found more moving than ever before.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on May 31, 2023, 05:57:19 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on May 30, 2023, 11:22:20 PMI'd ignored this CD for years having read some negative reviews. How wrong I was! Following an enthusiastic comment on the forum (can't remember by whom) I bought a second-hand copy which completely revived my interest in the Enigma Variations, which I found more moving than ever before.


Agreed, this is a very fine and unorthodox performance.  Very moving by the glorious ending but I can see why that romanticism might rub some people the wrong way.  It's a bit of Elgar by way of Mahler.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on May 31, 2023, 06:28:23 AM
Quote from: relm1 on May 31, 2023, 05:57:19 AMAgreed, this is a very fine and unorthodox performance.  Very moving by the glorious ending but I can see why that romanticism might rub some people the wrong way.  It's a bit of Elgar by way of Mahler.
Yes - a very good point!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on May 31, 2023, 04:16:38 PM
I must hear that Bernstein Elgar disc!

I watched a David Hurwitz video where he discussed recordings of the Enigma. Something he said that cracked me up is that Bernstein told the players he had cracked the Enigma, but that he wouldn't tell the BBC Symphony players what it was, which drew their ire for his perceived arrogance. I hope that's true. I know that Lenny and the BBCSO did not exactly get on famously.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on May 31, 2023, 05:11:45 PM
Quote from: vers la flamme on May 31, 2023, 04:16:38 PMI know that Lenny and the BBCSO did not exactly get on famously.

Yes for sure check out the Lenny BBCSO Elgar Enigma.  It's special.  I don't know if I would characterize it as Lenny and the BBCSO didn't get on famously.  A friend who performed in a major London orchestra in the 1970's and under Lenny described him as loud and obnoxious.  He rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. This doesn't mean he wasn't annoying and flashy, he was loud and obnoxious which drives most people crazy, but they also found him brilliant.  He was a bit of a diva and that drives most anyone crazy. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on May 31, 2023, 06:23:20 PM
Quote from: relm1 on May 31, 2023, 05:11:45 PMYes for sure check out the Lenny BBCSO Elgar Enigma.  It's special.  I don't know if I would characterize it as Lenny and the BBCSO didn't get on famously.  A friend who performed in a major London orchestra in the 1970's and under Lenny described him as loud and obnoxious.  He rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. This doesn't mean he wasn't annoying and flashy, he was loud and obnoxious which drives most people crazy, but they also found him brilliant.  He was a bit of a diva and that drives most anyone crazy. 

I was thinking of a video I saw the other day of some members of the BBCSO brass section disagreeing with Bernstein and rolling their eyes at him as he tried to correct them in a certain passage. That, and the fact that I don't think he was ever invited back ;D However, I'm sure you're right that it was not an altogether negative experience for the orchestra, and a very good recording came of it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on June 01, 2023, 05:42:29 AM
Quote from: vers la flamme on May 31, 2023, 06:23:20 PMI was thinking of a video I saw the other day of some members of the BBCSO brass section disagreeing with Bernstein and rolling their eyes at him as he tried to correct them in a certain passage. That, and the fact that I don't think he was ever invited back ;D However, I'm sure you're right that it was not an altogether negative experience for the orchestra, and a very good recording came of it.

I know exactly what video you are talking about and you can see he is getting under their skin for many, many reasons.  First, he ignored protocol by telling trumpets to phrase like trumpet 3 which can be considered deeply insulting and what I recall was trumpet 2 spoke up that we tie to trumpet 1 not trumpet 3.  One can argue the trumpet was out of line because the conductor is describing what he wants tonally and rather than argue, just agree to phrase it as requested.  Lenny might have done this the wrong way, but there was no scenario where the trumpet will win the argument and frankly, came across as petty.  On top of that, you have a yank telling a Brit how to play Elgar in a very unorthodox way.  AND he was loud about it.  This clearly must have driven them crazy in all sorts of ways.  An interesting fly on the wall moment.  But the results speak for themselves and it's a very unique and special recording.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: lunar22 on June 03, 2023, 12:37:39 PM
Quote from: kyjo on December 21, 2022, 08:07:25 PMArnold's 6th is a fine work, but have you heard the 5th? To my ears, it's his ultimate masterpiece and an unforgettably powerful work.
Only the 7th to my mind surpasses the excellent 5th. Andrew Penny concurred when asked directly at the Arnold festival I once attended.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: lunar22 on June 03, 2023, 12:44:01 PM
Quote from: kyjo on December 20, 2022, 06:53:31 PMYes, a wonderful score! Definitely check out his 3rd Symphony if you haven't already - a sunny, generously melodic work with a slow movement that's absolutely to die for. It's by far my favorite of his 5 symphonies, btw.
I have ALvfen himself conducting this hugely enjoyable work. But I have to say his masterpiece has to be the 2nd with the imposing fugal finale. In fact, there's a case for this being the finest of all the Swedish romantic symphonies. As Alfven was a friend of my grandfather, I may be biased but there it is. It's a shame his powers seemed to wane rather as he got older -- the 5th was a struggle and, contrary to the opinion of some, I find the 4th less distinctively Swedish (which is perhaps an advantage internationally) and a bit maudlin compared to the first three
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Atriod on June 10, 2023, 05:20:13 AM
Dallapiccola's Il Prigioniero. I haven't played this in ages since I only had it on LP which doesn't get used much. I recently discovered this Dorati performance has been reissued on digital. Phenomenal work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Lisztianwagner on June 10, 2023, 05:55:32 AM
Quote from: Atriod on June 10, 2023, 05:20:13 AMDallapiccola's Il Prigioniero. I haven't played this in ages since I only had it on LP which doesn't get used much. I recently discovered this Dorati performance has been reissued on digital. Phenomenal work.
I absolutely agree, it is an extraordinary composition, which struck and impressed me very much the first time I listened to it some months ago. I don't know Dorati's performance, but I love both Noseda and Rosbaud (in German).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 18, 2023, 03:56:46 PM
I've been exploring Sándor Veress' music lately and these two works have made a big impression on me:

Hommage à Paul Klee, for two pianos and string orchestra
Concerto for string quartet and orchestra

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODI2NTIxNC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NjEwODI5MTF9)(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAzMjk2Ni4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NDl9)

The first work is a kaleidoscopic suite in seven movements inspired by some Klee's paintings and the result is highly compelling and imaginative, with movements of sheer eloquence and haunting beauty (like After Klang and Grün in Grün) and others more agitated and piquant (like Feuerwind and Kleiner Blauteufel). The Concerto for piano, strings and percussion and the 6 Csárdás for piano on the same disc have no waste either.

The next work inhabits a much more abstract and mysterious sound world. I don't know many concertos for string quartet and orchestra (only the ones by Martinu and Schoenberg) and this is a formidable addition to the canon. The way Veress uses the orchestra and particularly the percussion and its timbres and sonorities is nothing short of spellbinding and effective, the sense of suspense and enigma throughout the work catches the imagination. It's a work that demands concentration. I haven't heard the two string quartets on the same disc yet.

To some extent Veress seems the natural heir of Bartók, the influence is evident on these works, so anyone who enjoys Bartók could find Veress' style engrossing.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Peter Power Pop on June 19, 2023, 07:55:49 PM
Quote from: vers la flamme on May 31, 2023, 04:16:38 PMI must hear that Bernstein Elgar disc!

I watched a David Hurwitz video where he discussed recordings of the Enigma. Something he said that cracked me up is that Bernstein told the players he had cracked the Enigma, but that he wouldn't tell the BBC Symphony players what it was, which drew their ire for his perceived arrogance. I hope that's true. I know that Lenny and the BBCSO did not exactly get on famously.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on June 24, 2023, 01:06:40 PM
Kodály: Peacock Variations

Very fun, with lots of orchestral color! I recommend this to anyone who enjoys works based on Hungarian folk music.

(https://i.discogs.com/FAMs_qGNkV7xclVXEaL2__MChP6-rWkBps4Fnm5B_Yc/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:590/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE5MTE2/NDU3LTE2MjM1MTg3/NzQtMjUwNC5qcGVn.jpeg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on June 24, 2023, 02:13:12 PM
Quote from: Mapman on June 24, 2023, 01:06:40 PMKodály: Peacock Variations

Very fun, with lots of orchestral color! I recommend this to anyone who enjoys works based on Hungarian folk music.

(https://i.discogs.com/FAMs_qGNkV7xclVXEaL2__MChP6-rWkBps4Fnm5B_Yc/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:590/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE5MTE2/NDU3LTE2MjM1MTg3/NzQtMjUwNC5qcGVn.jpeg)


That's a nice performance. I like the recording of Gyorgy Lehel/Hungarian Radio Orchestra as well.


(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music/42/7f/ae/mzi.bvujptvc.jpg/632x632bf.webp)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 26, 2023, 01:14:59 PM
Robert Kahn has been one of my greatest finds in this year so far. The Piano Quartet No. 2 and his Serenade for string trio on this CD are top-notch. The Sieben Lieder are nice but not nearly as special as the aforementioned pieces.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAyOTQwOC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NDN9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on June 27, 2023, 05:44:52 AM
Kilar 'Exodus'
This CD should appeal to admirers of Gorecki's Symphony of Sorrowful Songs (3rd Symphony)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: foxandpeng on June 27, 2023, 03:01:07 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 27, 2023, 05:44:52 AMKilar 'Exodus'
This CD should appeal to admirers of Gorecki's Symphony of Sorrowful Songs (3rd Symphony)

I second this. Very much like it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 01, 2023, 03:05:27 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 18, 2023, 03:56:46 PMI've been exploring Sándor Veress' music lately and these two works have made a big impression on me:

Hommage à Paul Klee, for two pianos and string orchestra
Concerto for string quartet and orchestra

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODI2NTIxNC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NjEwODI5MTF9)(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAzMjk2Ni4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NDl9)

The first work is a kaleidoscopic suite in seven movements inspired by some Klee's paintings and the result is highly compelling and imaginative, with movements of sheer eloquence and haunting beauty (like After Klang and Grün in Grün) and others more agitated and piquant (like Feuerwind and Kleiner Blauteufel). The Concerto for piano, strings and percussion and the 6 Csárdás for piano on the same disc have no waste either.

The next work inhabits a much more abstract and mysterious sound world. I don't know many concertos for string quartet and orchestra (only the ones by Martinu and Schoenberg) and this is a formidable addition to the canon. The way Veress uses the orchestra and particularly the percussion and its timbres and sonorities is nothing short of spellbinding and effective, the sense of suspense and enigma throughout the work catches the imagination. It's a work that demands concentration. I haven't heard the two string quartets on the same disc yet.

To some extent Veress seems the natural heir of Bartók, the influence is evident on these works, so anyone who enjoys Bartók could find Veress' style engrossing.

That Teldec Veress CD was a real discovery for me as well - haven't heard the Toccata one yet. The music was more approachable and colorful than I had anticipated.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 01, 2023, 03:08:45 PM
Quote from: Mapman on June 24, 2023, 01:06:40 PMKodály: Peacock Variations

Very fun, with lots of orchestral color! I recommend this to anyone who enjoys works based on Hungarian folk music.

(https://i.discogs.com/FAMs_qGNkV7xclVXEaL2__MChP6-rWkBps4Fnm5B_Yc/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:590/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE5MTE2/NDU3LTE2MjM1MTg3/NzQtMjUwNC5qcGVn.jpeg)

Indeed, a superb composition! Its title perhaps suggests something light and "cutesy" but it is in fact a work of great variety and no little depth - one of the greatest sets of orchestral variations. I can't disagree with Hurwitz when he selected it for his video "If I Could Only Choose One Work By Kodaly"!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on July 01, 2023, 11:08:34 PM
Quote from: foxandpeng on June 27, 2023, 03:01:07 PMI second this. Very much like it.
Good to know Danny - I hadn't listened to it in ages and am delighted to have rediscovered it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on July 01, 2023, 11:49:26 PM
Quote from: Mapman on June 24, 2023, 01:06:40 PMKodály: Peacock Variations

Very fun, with lots of orchestral color! I recommend this to anyone who enjoys works based on Hungarian folk music.

(https://i.discogs.com/FAMs_qGNkV7xclVXEaL2__MChP6-rWkBps4Fnm5B_Yc/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:590/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE5MTE2/NDU3LTE2MjM1MTg3/NzQtMjUwNC5qcGVn.jpeg)

Hiding away on this specific disc the also very fine Blacher Paganinni Variations.  Both the Blacher and the Kodaly get excellent performances from Solti/VPO - the Enigma less so.  Its OK for sure but not stellar in any sense.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 02, 2023, 04:31:13 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 18, 2023, 03:56:46 PMI've been exploring Sándor Veress' music lately and these two works have made a big impression on me:

Hommage à Paul Klee, for two pianos and string orchestra
Concerto for string quartet and orchestra

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODI2NTIxNC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0NjEwODI5MTF9)(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAzMjk2Ni4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NDl9)

The first work is a kaleidoscopic suite in seven movements inspired by some Klee's paintings and the result is highly compelling and imaginative, with movements of sheer eloquence and haunting beauty (like After Klang and Grün in Grün) and others more agitated and piquant (like Feuerwind and Kleiner Blauteufel). The Concerto for piano, strings and percussion and the 6 Csárdás for piano on the same disc have no waste either.

The next work inhabits a much more abstract and mysterious sound world. I don't know many concertos for string quartet and orchestra (only the ones by Martinu and Schoenberg) and this is a formidable addition to the canon. The way Veress uses the orchestra and particularly the percussion and its timbres and sonorities is nothing short of spellbinding and effective, the sense of suspense and enigma throughout the work catches the imagination. It's a work that demands concentration. I haven't heard the two string quartets on the same disc yet.

To some extent Veress seems the natural heir of Bartók, the influence is evident on these works, so anyone who enjoys Bartók could find Veress' style engrossing.
I'll have to check out his music.  You've quite intrigued me now--particularly as I love Bartok's music!  :)

PD

EDIT:  I listened to one of the movements (No. 5 - Klee).  I quite enjoyed it!  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on July 02, 2023, 12:36:43 PM
Myaskovsky: Symphony #27
Svetlanov: USSR Academic SO

Wonderful! The first movement feels like a successor to Rachmaninoff's late works (such as Symphonic Dances) with a little color from Dvořák. The 2nd movement has more moments that feel influenced by Dvořák. The finale opens similarly to the Scherzo from Mahler's 7th, and the rest is somewhat like a Tchaikovsky finale based on folk tunes.

(https://i.discogs.com/5UJEYJlc-fLDXaEQHEoUOMbXdTexYP-eaEB0EmR0aTk/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:573/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTc3ODM0/MzItMTU2MDE3NjA3/MC0zNjczLmpwZWc.jpeg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on July 02, 2023, 04:33:46 PM
I really enjoyed this recording of Tubin's Kratt.

(https://cdn.outhere-music.com/outhere.prod/public/styles/wide/public/imported/albums/eduard-tubin-kratt-alpha1006-20230626105757-front.jpg?itok=ajtiVcwT)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: foxandpeng on July 03, 2023, 07:24:11 AM
Quote from: relm1 on July 02, 2023, 04:33:46 PMI really enjoyed this recording of Tubin's Kratt.

(https://cdn.outhere-music.com/outhere.prod/public/styles/wide/public/imported/albums/eduard-tubin-kratt-alpha1006-20230626105757-front.jpg?itok=ajtiVcwT)

Agreed. Was really pleased to see this and have listened to it a good few times already. More Tubin!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brian on July 03, 2023, 01:05:06 PM
That performance is really spirited, exciting, and full of character. I wish they'd gone for the whole thing!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Atriod on July 04, 2023, 07:45:46 AM
Frederic Chiu's transcription of Lt. Kije to piano. I find pretty much all orchestral to piano transcriptions a lame duck, but his transcription here is incredible. Actually I should add Prokofiev's piano music in general which I go on these long breaks of not listening to then putting them in my heavy rotation again wondering why I hadn't listened to them in a while. Repeat.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 04, 2023, 08:13:14 AM
Quote from: relm1 on July 02, 2023, 04:33:46 PMI really enjoyed this recording of Tubin's Kratt.

(https://cdn.outhere-music.com/outhere.prod/public/styles/wide/public/imported/albums/eduard-tubin-kratt-alpha1006-20230626105757-front.jpg?itok=ajtiVcwT)

I'll need to give this new release a spin! It would be great if Paavo went on to record some more of Tubin's symphonies (esp. the 2nd, 4th, and 6th) in order to bring them to a wider audience, since he recorded the 5th a while ago on Telarc.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 04, 2023, 08:17:57 PM
Popov: Symphony no. 5 in A major Pastoral (1956)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1cZceaAMML._SX425_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/mP4HQ1rkLKU

(USSR State Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gurgen Karapetian)


Oh, my goodness! Where has this magnificent music been all my life? I've known Popov's first two symphonies for quite a while and like them both very much, but neither have quite blown me away. The 5th is an absolutely spellbinding and unique composition from the very first bar, beautifully and colorfully orchestrated with especially great writing for the harp, glockenspiel, and xylophone. Though Popov had to slightly "tame" the wildness and dissonance of his writing after his 1st Symphony to suit the Soviet authorities, his style in this symphony is far from conventionally "Socialist realist" and contains some really piquant harmonies and unusual textures. There's wonderful contrast between the beautifully idyllic outer movements and the more dramatic inner ones (subtitled Storm and Struggle). What's especially remarkable is how little this work resembles anything else written by other Soviet composers at the time - there's hardly a hint of Shostakovich to be found! The above Olympia recording is very good - fortunately, since it's the only one - but this work is very much in need of a dazzling modern recording in order to bring it to the wider audience it so richly deserves. Whilst I admire the abundant attention that Popov's contemporary Weinberg is receiving by the record companies, it would be nice if they also turned their attention to Popov and numerous other little-known Soviet composers whose music has barely seen the light of day.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on July 04, 2023, 11:04:10 PM
Quote from: Mapman on July 02, 2023, 12:36:43 PMMyaskovsky: Symphony #27
Svetlanov: USSR Academic SO

Wonderful! The first movement feels like a successor to Rachmaninoff's late works (such as Symphonic Dances) with a little color from Dvořák. The 2nd movement has more moments that feel influenced by Dvořák. The finale opens similarly to the Scherzo from Mahler's 7th, and the rest is somewhat like a Tchaikovsky finale based on folk tunes.

(https://i.discogs.com/5UJEYJlc-fLDXaEQHEoUOMbXdTexYP-eaEB0EmR0aTk/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:573/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTc3ODM0/MzItMTU2MDE3NjA3/MC0zNjczLmpwZWc.jpeg)
It's one of my favourites - love the cover art as well.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 11, 2023, 08:53:51 PM
Most of the music on this wonderfully eclectic disc:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516yHtUfSpL._SX355_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nVOeRTl7L.jpg)

What these four composers have in common besides all writing tonal, accessible music well into the 20th century I've no idea, but it doesn't matter! Rozsa's Tripartita is an absolutely dynamite, scintillating late work that shows Rozsa drifting closer to Bartokian astringency than to the Kodaly-like folksiness of his earlier works. The last movement features some particularly cool writing for the vibraphone/marimba in its lowest register. It's basically Rozsa's "Concerto for Orchestra", following in the footsteps of such works by Bartok and Lutoslawski. Gould's echt-American Folk Suite is probably the least remarkable of the four works on the disc (I've heard other works by him that I thought were more memorable), but it's perfectly enjoyable all the same. Up next is Menotti's very unique and inventive Triplo Concerto a tre, in which he gives various groups of three instruments in the orchestra their own spotlight over the course of the work. Stylistically, I was perhaps reminded a bit of some of Casella's neoclassical works, and all for the better! Israeli composer Marc Lavry (1903-67) is the most obscure of the bunch, and very little of his sizeable output has been recorded. His tone poem Emek may take a while to get going after the pastoral opening, but it eventually develops into a whirling, stomping, folksy celebration of sound which makes it a bit like the Israeli equivalent of Enescu's Romanian and Alfven's Swedish rhapsodies. Now that his countryman Ben-Haim's music has been relatively well-served on disc, let's hope the record companies now turn their attention to Lavry!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 11, 2023, 09:19:31 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on May 08, 2023, 03:09:32 AMJust completed a first listen to this;

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH20154.jpg)

Not so much blown away by a piece but an entire disc.  Who is Pierre-Charles Sancan!?!?  Such joy, such energy and genuine musical wit.  Sometimes I think the BBC PO can play well but in an under-engaged manner.  Here they are on tip top form.  Also pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet is clearly a disciple of the composer too and flautist Adam Walker plays the delightful Flute Sonatine to perfection.  A genuine discovery from first note to last.  MORE SANCAN PLEASE!!

Listened to this disc recently as well. The Piano Concerto is an absolute hoot! The big first movement is surprisingly dark and dramatic in places, the slow movement aptly reflective, and to balance everything out the finale is as riotous and madcap a romp as you're ever likely to hear (complete with trombone glissandi, etc). The Ouverture joyeuese is in much the same spirit as the finale of the concerto, and the brief Symphonie for Strings is in a rather astringent, Honeggerian vein. Sancan may not have the melodic gift of, say, Poulenc or Damase, but his music is certainly entertaining and I'd love to hear more of it (not much else is available). I appreciate when Chandos gives us unexpected pleasures like this amidst their increasingly common releases of standard rep (Mozart piano quartets, etc).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on July 11, 2023, 11:02:46 PM
Quote from: kyjo on July 11, 2023, 08:53:51 PMMost of the music on this wonderfully eclectic disc:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516yHtUfSpL._SX355_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nVOeRTl7L.jpg)

What these four composers have in common besides all writing tonal, accessible music well into the 20th century I've no idea, but it doesn't matter! Rozsa's Tripartita is an absolutely dynamite, scintillating late work that shows Rozsa drifting closer to Bartokian astringency than to the Kodaly-like folksiness of his earlier works. The last movement features some particularly cool writing for the vibraphone/marimba in its lowest register. It's basically Rozsa's "Concerto for Orchestra", following in the footsteps of such works by Bartok and Lutoslawski. Gould's echt-American Folk Suite is probably the least remarkable of the four works on the disc (I've heard other works by him that I thought were more memorable), but it's perfectly enjoyable all the same. Up next is Menotti's very unique and inventive Triplo Concerto a tre, in which he gives various groups of three instruments in the orchestra their own spotlight over the course of the work. Stylistically, I was perhaps reminded a bit of some of Casella's neoclassical works, and all for the better! Israeli composer Marc Lavry (1903-67) is the most obscure of the bunch, and very little of his sizeable output has been recorded. His tone poem Emek may take a while to get going after the pastoral opening, but it eventually develops into a whirling, stomping, folksy celebration of sound which makes it a bit like the Israeli equivalent of Enescu's Romanian and Alfven's Swedish rhapsodies. Now that his countryman Ben-Haim's music has been relatively well-served on disc, let's hope the record companies now turn their attention to Lavry!

Spot-on summary of this disc.  In the UK at least this was issued on Harmonia Mundi and is Volume 1 of 3 all conducted by David Amos;

(https://i.discogs.com/IPbahM2Dt_nYDlx3g2sjrIrj_a5QLFNn4ypHZZgmots/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:496/w:500/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTg4Nzc3/ODUtMTQ3MDYzNjA5/Ny05NzQ3LmpwZWc.jpeg)  (https://i.discogs.com/_blgP7qV2fD7ua0vtIsEHTv56Uqdvw6x18m6gjYRX-Y/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:595/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTUzNzE4/MzctMTM5MTc0NDU0/OS03MTYwLmpwZWc.jpeg)  (https://i.discogs.com/tS9JJ2o9Lda_PyQSCG8E72wN5KmiJtarxZOMr4jqsvs/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:597/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTUzNzMx/OTAtMTM5MTc4NDU0/MC05NTIxLmpwZWc.jpeg)

All interesting repertoire by American composers in that same 20th century/accessible idiom
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on July 11, 2023, 11:20:42 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on July 11, 2023, 11:02:46 PMSpot-on summary of this disc.  In the UK at least this was issued on Harmonia Mundi and is Volume 1 of 3 all conducted by David Amos;

(https://i.discogs.com/IPbahM2Dt_nYDlx3g2sjrIrj_a5QLFNn4ypHZZgmots/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:496/w:500/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTg4Nzc3/ODUtMTQ3MDYzNjA5/Ny05NzQ3LmpwZWc.jpeg)  (https://i.discogs.com/_blgP7qV2fD7ua0vtIsEHTv56Uqdvw6x18m6gjYRX-Y/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:595/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTUzNzE4/MzctMTM5MTc0NDU0/OS03MTYwLmpwZWc.jpeg)  (https://i.discogs.com/tS9JJ2o9Lda_PyQSCG8E72wN5KmiJtarxZOMr4jqsvs/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:597/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTUzNzMx/OTAtMTM5MTc4NDU0/MC05NTIxLmpwZWc.jpeg)

All interesting repertoire by American composers in that same 20th century/accessible idiom
I very much agree. I have all those discs. Lavry's 'Emek' and the Dello Joio, Rosner and Hovhaness CD made the greatest impression on me.
This is another release, with a more atmospheric cover image.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 14, 2023, 11:37:29 AM
The Symphonie-Poème No. 1 is an astounding, gorgeously orchestrated extravaganza with plenty of energy in the outer movements and magical, idyllic, dreamy music in the inner ones. I read that this work is like a cousin of Rachmaninov's Symphony No. 2, to be honest I didn't hear much Rachmaninov here, but rather bits of Ravel and touches of exoticism. A tremendous piece.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTM3NjEyNi4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2Njc1MDY4MDR9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: atardecer on July 14, 2023, 04:41:49 PM
Messiaen - Apparition de l'Eglise éternelle

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on July 14, 2023, 06:12:55 PM
Quote from: atardecer on July 14, 2023, 04:41:49 PMMessiaen - Apparition de l'Eglise éternelle



Amazing piece.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on July 14, 2023, 10:30:39 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 14, 2023, 11:37:29 AMThe Symphonie-Poème No. 1 is an astounding, gorgeously orchestrated extragavanza with plenty of energy in the outer movements and magical, idyllic, dreamy music in the inner ones. I read that this work is like a cousin of Rachmaninov's Symphony No. 2, to be honest I didn't hear much Rachmaninov here, but rather bits of Ravel and touches of exoticism. A tremendous piece.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTM3NjEyNi4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2Njc1MDY4MDR9)

I completely agree.  I couldn't hear much/any Rachmaninov either but its a very individual musical voice.  Certainly one of my discoveries of last year.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on July 15, 2023, 05:43:56 AM
Yesterday, I enjoyed this greatly while sipping a glass of wine. I think these are my favorite recordings of these two symphonies.  Wish they completed the cycle.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODg5MzU4My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MTU0NTk2Nzl9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on July 15, 2023, 07:17:17 AM
Hyperion did that already. Lyrita don't really deal in specially-recorded cycles. They just release audio of concerts previously broadcast on the BBC in the past.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on July 15, 2023, 09:56:09 AM
Quote from: relm1 on July 15, 2023, 05:43:56 AMYesterday, I enjoyed this greatly while sipping a glass of wine. I think these are my favorite recordings of these two symphonies.  Wish they completed the cycle.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODg5MzU4My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MTU0NTk2Nzl9)

I love that cd, Groves in particular is an exceptional conductor.  There is also a Horenstein recording of another symphony you'll have to check out.  I think all three of those conductors bring more passion than Handley does to Simpson.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 16, 2023, 09:17:34 AM
Wilfred Josephs (1927-97): Symphony no. 5 Pastoral (1970)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Tcj5h+L-L._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/xFMXY4_tyn4 (a different performance than the one in the recording above)

Yet another remarkable 5th Symphony subtitled Pastoral besides the Popov! British composer Wilfred Josephs is further proof - if we needed any - that there are great 20th century symphonists out there whose output still remains largely unexplored (he wrote no less than 12 symphonies, along with much else)! The idiom displayed in this symphony is totally unique and captivating - primarily tonal and melodic, but with some really effective excursions into "hazy" dissonance. It's an amazingly evocative work full of unexpected touches and luminous orchestration. Simply sample the dazzling 2nd movement scherzo which shares the same "gossamer" atmosphere as Holst's Mercury from The Planets. I wouldn't hesitate to call this work a masterpiece, and whilst I don't agree with the Amazon reviewer who states that Josephs is a more interesting composer than Alwyn or Rubbra, this symphony is certainly on par with some of their finest works. I'm looking forward to exploring what little else by Josephs is available on Spotify and YouTube.


Nicolas Flagello (1928-94): Missa Sinfonica (1957)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51vmsILer4L._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/2vv-aokV6kA

Flagello (an almost exact contemporary of Josephs above!) is not as often mentioned as other American composers of the same generation on this forum, but on the basis on what I've heard by him, he deserves to be. His Missa Sinfonica, in five movements based on different sections of the Mass, is a radiant, warm-hearted neo-romantic score in the tradition of Barber and Hanson (but not lacking in some more harmonically "advanced" moments, as in the opening of the 4th movement). The ending, in particular, is marvelously inspiriting and uplifting. The accompanying Rosner symphony (also inspired by the Mass) is also a fine work, but I preferred the Flagello. It's not dissimilar to Respighi in "ancient/biblical" mode (a style quite appealing to me), but doesn't quite have the sincerity and emotional "reach" of the Flagello, to my ears.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: atardecer on July 16, 2023, 06:20:56 PM
This, just wow.



Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: atardecer on July 16, 2023, 06:27:55 PM
I also revisited Gubaidulina's Viola Concerto for the first time in a number of years and was blown away again. Such a powerful composition, and Yuri Bashmet brings so much musicianship and intensity to this performance, I love it.


Gubaidulina - Viola Concerto
Part 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvD2FUwZjD4
Part 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvYRYHgYaNI
Part 3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s49JmZG5rz8
Part 4:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuLE3TzU5vo
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on July 17, 2023, 06:47:37 AM
Quote from: kyjo on July 16, 2023, 09:17:34 AMWilfred Josephs (1927-97): Symphony no. 5 Pastoral (1970)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Tcj5h+L-L._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/xFMXY4_tyn4 (a different performance than the one in the recording above)

Yet another remarkable 5th Symphony subtitled Pastoral besides the Popov! British composer Wilfred Josephs is further proof - if we needed any - that there are great 20th century symphonists out there whose output still remains largely unexplored (he wrote no less than 12 symphonies, along with much else)! The idiom displayed in this symphony is totally unique and captivating - primarily tonal and melodic, but with some really effective excursions into "hazy" dissonance. It's an amazingly evocative work full of unexpected touches and luminous orchestration. Simply sample the dazzling 2nd movement scherzo which shares the same "gossamer" atmosphere as Holst's Mercury from The Planets. I wouldn't hesitate to call this work a masterpiece, and whilst I don't agree with the Amazon reviewer who states that Josephs is a more interesting composer than Alwyn or Rubbra, this symphony is certainly on par with some of their finest works. I'm looking forward to exploring what little else by Josephs is available on Spotify and YouTube.


Nicolas Flagello (1928-94): Missa Sinfonica (1957)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51vmsILer4L._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/2vv-aokV6kA

Flagello (an almost exact contemporary of Josephs above!) is not as often mentioned as other American composers of the same generation on this forum, but on the basis on what I've heard by him, he deserves to be. His Missa Sinfonica, in five movements based on different sections of the Mass, is a radiant, warm-hearted neo-romantic score in the tradition of Barber and Hanson (but not lacking in some more harmonically "advanced" moments, as in the opening of the 4th movement). The ending, in particular, is marvelously inspiriting and uplifting. The accompanying Rosner symphony (also inspired by the Mass) is also a fine work, but I preferred the Flagello. It's not dissimilar to Respighi in "ancient/biblical" mode (a style quite appealing to me), but doesn't quite have the sincerity and emotional "reach" of the Flagello, to my ears.

Your net casts far and wide! Delighted Wilfred Josephs Pastoral features on this thread as I love the work with a passion. I dislike today's practice of using a label, in this case Lyrita, for convenience. Lyrita possessed a sound a listener could associate with as did Unicorn and founder John Goldsmith who produced Josephs recording.   
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 18, 2023, 03:50:54 PM
Quote from: Irons on July 17, 2023, 06:47:37 AMYour net casts far and wide! Delighted Wilfred Josephs Pastoral features on this thread as I love the work with a passion. I dislike today's practice of using a label, in this case Lyrita, for convenience. Lyrita possessed a sound a listener could associate with as did Unicorn and founder John Goldsmith who produced Josephs recording.   

Great to hear that you're also an admirer of the Wilfred Josephs 5th! Anyone else? ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on July 19, 2023, 05:39:48 AM
Quote from: kyjo on July 18, 2023, 03:50:54 PMGreat to hear that you're also an admirer of the Wilfred Josephs 5th! Anyone else? ;)

I haven't heard it but based on all the glowing reviews will add to my listening list and report back.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on July 19, 2023, 07:06:59 AM
Quote from: kyjo on July 18, 2023, 03:50:54 PMGreat to hear that you're also an admirer of the Wilfred Josephs 5th! Anyone else? ;)


Definitely Jeffrey.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on July 22, 2023, 06:16:19 AM
We have a place for non-classical music already.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vers la flamme on July 23, 2023, 06:35:44 PM
Monteverdi's Zefiro torna. I listened to it like 8 times today, it's incredible. I should find some of Monteverdi's madrigals on disc.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on July 24, 2023, 05:37:21 AM
Quote from: kyjo on July 18, 2023, 03:50:54 PMGreat to hear that you're also an admirer of the Wilfred Josephs 5th! Anyone else? ;)

I listened to Wilfred Josephs 5th and enjoyed it!  Would love to hear more from him.  I found the work overall surprising in that it wasn't particularly pastoral until the ending which is very still and reflective earning it the subtitle.  I think that approach is more satisfying than if the work is entirely pastoral. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 26, 2023, 05:38:49 PM
Jolivet: Petite suite, for flute, viola and harp

Twelve-and-a-half minutes of sheer bliss. I never would have guessed that it was composed by Jolivet, I'd have said by Jongen or Ropartz instead. A delectable piece.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODc1NDYwMi4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1ODE1Mjg5MDd9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 27, 2023, 11:47:15 AM
Quote from: relm1 on July 24, 2023, 05:37:21 AMI listened to Wilfred Josephs 5th and enjoyed it!  Would love to hear more from him.  I found the work overall surprising in that it wasn't particularly pastoral until the ending which is very still and reflective earning it the subtitle.  I think that approach is more satisfying than if the work is entirely pastoral. 

You're right, the work very successfully avoids "pastoral/nature-painting" cliches that one might find in a work with such a subtitle. Also notable is how dissimilar it is to a certain other English symphony with the same subtitle by some guy named Ralph... ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on July 27, 2023, 11:48:55 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 26, 2023, 05:38:49 PMJolivet: Petite suite, for flute, viola and harp

Twelve-and-a-half minutes of sheer bliss. I never would have guessed that it was composed by Jolivet, I'd have said by Jongen or Ropartz instead. A delectable piece.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODc1NDYwMi4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1ODE1Mjg5MDd9)

It must be one of his earlier works, then. His later stuff is quite gnarly and chaotic to my ears. Those French composers sure had a gift for writing great chamber music including flute and harp, didn't they?
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on July 29, 2023, 09:04:23 AM
I've been listening to this CD;

(https://www.europadisc.co.uk/images/products-190/1686216454_STNS30217.jpg)

which has been mentioned on this forum before because the complete performance can be viewed on Youtube here;


Yunchan Lim was 18 when he won the 2022 Cliburn competition - this is his semi-final recital.  If ever a live performance deserves the epithet legendary I suspect this is it.  A formidable display of technique allied to musicianship.  Hopefully he will have a long an illustrious career.....
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 30, 2023, 10:38:49 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on July 29, 2023, 09:04:23 AMI've been listening to this CD;

(https://www.europadisc.co.uk/images/products-190/1686216454_STNS30217.jpg)

which has been mentioned on this forum before because the complete performance can be viewed on Youtube here;


Yunchan Lim was 18 when he won the 2022 Cliburn competition - this is his semi-final recital.  If ever a live performance deserves the epithet legendary I suspect this is it.  A formidable display of technique allied to musicianship.  Hopefully he will have a long an illustrious career.....
I'll check them out.  Thank you for providing the links.

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on July 31, 2023, 11:44:17 PM
Buried in a recording of Elgar ceremonial pieces Meditation feels so unexpected. How can it be that a piece that to quote Michael Kennedy "brings us to the elusive essence of Elgar" I was not even aware of the existence!

 (https://i.imgur.com/tdasKO5.jpg)

Meditation opens the early oratorio The Light of Life. Groves performs the orchestral version with organ. For me Meditation has the emotional pull of Nimrod, I am of the view there are parallels between the two pieces.

 https://youtu.be/AVazFAoRjFk
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: KevinP on August 01, 2023, 02:57:40 PM
Weird one. Listened to Respighi's B minor violin sonata yesterday (YouTube, score video, Chung and Zimmerman) and was blown away. So much so that I went to Amazon to but a CD.

That CD was US$50 (single disc), with another listing at over $200, and it was hard to find a CD of any version that was in available and not overpriced. Many third-party sellers want me to pay >$30 for international shipping, sometimes even over $70. I ignore their listings.

So I picked up another CD, and since it came with Amazon's autorip, I listened to it immediately.

I'm not sure if it's a performance issue or an effect of listening to it too soon after, or something else, but I was not blown away the second time. Still good, but that second listen sure didn't match the first.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on August 02, 2023, 06:25:37 AM
Quote from: KevinP on August 01, 2023, 02:57:40 PMWeird one. Listened to Respighi's B minor violin sonata yesterday (YouTube, score video, Chung and Zimmerman) and was blown away. So much so that I went to Amazon to but a CD.

That CD was US$50 (single disc), with another listing at over $200, and it was hard to find a CD of any version that was in available and not overpriced. Many third-party sellers want me to pay >$30 for international shipping, sometimes even over $70. I ignore their listings.

So I picked up another CD, and since it came with Amazon's autorip, I listened to it immediately.

I'm not sure if it's a performance issue or an effect of listening to it too soon after, or something else, but I was not blown away the second time. Still good, but that second listen sure didn't match the first.

Respighi's range is crazy.  He's famous for his flashy works but his operas are amazing too and then his chamber music too! 

I also very much love Atterberg's chamber music.  His cello sonata is very beautiful. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: 71 dB on August 02, 2023, 09:05:14 AM
Quote from: Irons on July 31, 2023, 11:44:17 PMBuried in a recording of Elgar ceremonial pieces Meditation feels so unexpected. How can it be that a piece that to quote Michael Kennedy "brings us to the elusive essence of Elgar" I was not even aware of the existence!

 (https://i.imgur.com/tdasKO5.jpg)

Meditation opens the early oratorio The Light of Life. Groves performs the orchestral version with organ. For me Meditation has the emotional pull of Nimrod, I am of the view there are parallels between the two pieces.

 https://youtu.be/AVazFAoRjFk

As long as people keep overlooking Elgar's "lesser" works a lot of gems keeps hiding from them... The Light of Life is a damn fine work, but people keep pretending Gerontius was the only oratoria Elgar ever wrote (it isn't even the his best, because The Apostles and The Kingdom are better).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 02, 2023, 07:07:59 PM
These three string quartets by the Belgian composer Désiré Pâque (1867-1939). Supremely exquisite, refined, intimate, tender and agitated when needed. The music is clearly late-Romantic, but I couldn't associate it to any composer right now, it's just marvelous. Music to delight the ears.

(https://i.discogs.com/9IYKeZ7eMe0oy17L3tD0M-HRWPwGzgCPezfXjfFMXvU/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:463/w:476/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE1ODIy/NTQwLTE1OTg0NDYx/NDMtNDM5OC5qcGVn.jpeg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brian on August 02, 2023, 07:17:43 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on July 29, 2023, 09:04:23 AMI've been listening to this CD;

(https://www.europadisc.co.uk/images/products-190/1686216454_STNS30217.jpg)

which has been mentioned on this forum before because the complete performance can be viewed on Youtube here;

Yunchan Lim was 18 when he won the 2022 Cliburn competition - this is his semi-final recital.  If ever a live performance deserves the epithet legendary I suspect this is it.  A formidable display of technique allied to musicianship.  Hopefully he will have a long an illustrious career.....
Another Cliburn winner, Haochen Zhang, has just recorded a studio version of the same work. If I were ambitious and knowledgeable enough, I'd do a post comparing the two. I sampled two of Zhang's tracks (Feux follets and Harmonies du soir) and was really, really impressed.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Wanderer on August 02, 2023, 10:56:28 PM
Quote from: Brian on August 02, 2023, 07:17:43 PMI sampled two of Zhang's tracks (Feux follets and Harmonies du soir) and was really, really impressed.

I streamed/sampled Zhang's Preludio and Harmonies du soir upon the album's release; neither impressed me. I found his take on Harmonies du soir in particular rather shallow. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: AnotherSpin on August 02, 2023, 11:42:20 PM
Quote from: Brian on August 02, 2023, 07:17:43 PMAnother Cliburn winner, Haochen Zhang, has just recorded a studio version of the same work. If I were ambitious and knowledgeable enough, I'd do a post comparing the two. I sampled two of Zhang's tracks (Feux follets and Harmonies du soir) and was really, really impressed.

Zhang's Beethoven concertos for piano combine elegance and strict control, preventing one from slipping into ostentation and bombast style.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on August 02, 2023, 11:56:12 PM
Quote from: Irons on July 31, 2023, 11:44:17 PMBuried in a recording of Elgar ceremonial pieces Meditation feels so unexpected. How can it be that a piece that to quote Michael Kennedy "brings us to the elusive essence of Elgar" I was not even aware of the existence!

 (https://i.imgur.com/tdasKO5.jpg)

Meditation opens the early oratorio The Light of Life. Groves performs the orchestral version with organ. For me Meditation has the emotional pull of Nimrod, I am of the view there are parallels between the two pieces.

 https://youtu.be/AVazFAoRjFk

You are quite right that this is one of Elgar's great/relatively unknown pieces.  Of course it was Groves and the RLPO who first recorded the complete work in 1981 and I'm pretty sure its only ever had one other commercial recording from Hickox on Chandos.  The version you've been listening to was from a decade earlier 1971 and features the great Noel Rawsthorne on organ (at the time the organist of Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral).  This performance got recoupled on CD to include more of Groves' very smpathetic Elgar with the RLPO with less bombast around it!

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51MUwFrk2gL._UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg)

Its a generous and intelligently programmed disc.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on August 03, 2023, 12:05:21 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on August 02, 2023, 11:56:12 PMYou are quite right that this is one of Elgar's great/relatively unknown pieces.  Of course it was Groves and the RLPO who first recorded the complete work in 1981 and I'm pretty sure its only ever had one other commercial recording from Hickox on Chandos.  The version you've been listening to was from a decade earlier 1971 and features the great Noel Rawsthorne on organ (at the time the organist of Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral).  This performance got recoupled on CD to include more of Groves' very smpathetic Elgar with the RLPO with less bombast around it!

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51MUwFrk2gL._UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg)

Its a generous and intelligently programmed disc.

I wondered if Meditation available on CD. An excellent programme of works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 03, 2023, 12:32:51 AM
Quote from: KevinP on August 01, 2023, 02:57:40 PMWeird one. Listened to Respighi's B minor violin sonata yesterday (YouTube, score video, Chung and Zimmerman) and was blown away. So much so that I went to Amazon to but a CD.

That CD was US$50 (single disc), with another listing at over $200, and it was hard to find a CD of any version that was in available and not overpriced. Many third-party sellers want me to pay >$30 for international shipping, sometimes even over $70. I ignore their listings.

So I picked up another CD, and since it came with Amazon's autorip, I listened to it immediately.

I'm not sure if it's a performance issue or an effect of listening to it too soon after, or something else, but I was not blown away the second time. Still good, but that second listen sure didn't match the first.
It's a fine work.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 03, 2023, 12:37:08 AM
Quote from: kyjo on July 16, 2023, 09:17:34 AMWilfred Josephs (1927-97): Symphony no. 5 Pastoral (1970)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Tcj5h+L-L._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/xFMXY4_tyn4 (a different performance than the one in the recording above)

Yet another remarkable 5th Symphony subtitled Pastoral besides the Popov! British composer Wilfred Josephs is further proof - if we needed any - that there are great 20th century symphonists out there whose output still remains largely unexplored (he wrote no less than 12 symphonies, along with much else)! The idiom displayed in this symphony is totally unique and captivating - primarily tonal and melodic, but with some really effective excursions into "hazy" dissonance. It's an amazingly evocative work full of unexpected touches and luminous orchestration. Simply sample the dazzling 2nd movement scherzo which shares the same "gossamer" atmosphere as Holst's Mercury from The Planets. I wouldn't hesitate to call this work a masterpiece, and whilst I don't agree with the Amazon reviewer who states that Josephs is a more interesting composer than Alwyn or Rubbra, this symphony is certainly on par with some of their finest works. I'm looking forward to exploring what little else by Josephs is available on Spotify and YouTube.


Nicolas Flagello (1928-94): Missa Sinfonica (1957)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51vmsILer4L._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/2vv-aokV6kA

Flagello (an almost exact contemporary of Josephs above!) is not as often mentioned as other American composers of the same generation on this forum, but on the basis on what I've heard by him, he deserves to be. His Missa Sinfonica, in five movements based on different sections of the Mass, is a radiant, warm-hearted neo-romantic score in the tradition of Barber and Hanson (but not lacking in some more harmonically "advanced" moments, as in the opening of the 4th movement). The ending, in particular, is marvelously inspiriting and uplifting. The accompanying Rosner symphony (also inspired by the Mass) is also a fine work, but I preferred the Flagello. It's not dissimilar to Respighi in "ancient/biblical" mode (a style quite appealing to me), but doesn't quite have the sincerity and emotional "reach" of the Flagello, to my ears.
Those are two fine CDs Kyle. I communicated with Rosner and hoped to meet him when he came to the UK to visit his sister but sadly he passed away before this happened. I like both the Rosner and Flagello works. Wilfred Josephs is probably best known here for writing the theme music for a famous old TV documentary series 'The Great War'.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on August 03, 2023, 06:28:59 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 03, 2023, 12:32:51 AMIt's a fine work.

Agreed. Kevin aught to try Josef Suk's early recording of the Respighi sonata.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on August 04, 2023, 03:10:02 PM
I've recently been impressed by Bach's organ "trio" BWV1027a (also the finale of Cello Sonata #1, BWV1027). It has an extremely catchy fugue subject that has been stuck in my head for the past couple days.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 04, 2023, 05:30:24 PM
Definitely the Piano Concerto by de Hartmann:
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: KevinP on August 05, 2023, 02:58:15 PM
Quote from: Irons on August 03, 2023, 06:28:59 AMAgreed. Kevin aught to try Josef Suk's early recording of the Respighi sonata.

Will check it out!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on August 06, 2023, 04:43:55 PM
I very much enjoyed this two disc album of Shostakovich's orchestral song cycles.  If these are supposed to be "romances" as the title suggests, I'd hate to hear "funeral" Songs as these are almost consistently dour but never dull.  Maybe a Russian's idea of romance is sitting alone with a bottle of vodka remembering lost loves.  I especially enjoyed the op. 62, full of atmosphere and mystery.  Listening to all this music, I'm reminded of how thoroughly Shostakovich is a part of the Russian tradition as you can hear a through line of Mussorgsky and Rimsky Korsakov operas in this music but signs of his song symphonies like No. 13 and 14. Songs and tradition were clearly a very important part of his oeuvre and this two disc set is excellent representation spanning his career.  I believe all this music was originally scored for piano and vocalists.  They are mostly modestly scored even though the orchestras can be very large (few tutties or the loud climactic moments he frequently indulges in with his symphonies).  This is a rewarding listen of an introspective artist reflecting on rich and varied poetry.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71k3QLW8BuL._SL1210_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on August 07, 2023, 12:54:09 PM
Quote from: relm1 on August 06, 2023, 04:43:55 PMI very much enjoyed this two disc album of Shostakovich's orchestral song cycles.  If these are supposed to be "romances" as the title suggests, I'd hate to hear "funeral" Songs as these are almost consistently dour but never dull.  Maybe a Russian's idea of romance is sitting alone with a bottle of vodka remembering lost loves.  I especially enjoyed the op. 62, full of atmosphere and mystery.  Listening to all this music, I'm reminded of how thoroughly Shostakovich is a part of the Russian tradition as you can hear a through line of Mussorgsky and Rimsky Korsakov operas in this music but signs of his song symphonies like No. 13 and 14. Songs and tradition were clearly a very important part of his oeuvre and this two disc set is excellent representation spanning his career.  I believe all this music was originally scored for piano and vocalists.  They are mostly modestly scored even though the orchestras can be very large (few tutties or the loud climactic moments he frequently indulges in with his symphonies).  This is a rewarding listen of an introspective artist reflecting on rich and varied poetry.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71k3QLW8BuL._SL1210_.jpg)


I think this is a very fine set indeed - albeit one with a stupidly ill-considered cover!  The music and the performances are top drawer.  Generally these DSCH song cycles in either piano or orchestral garb are still less-known than they deserve I think.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on August 07, 2023, 04:10:22 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on August 07, 2023, 12:54:09 PMI think this is a very fine set indeed - albeit one with a stupidly ill-considered cover!  The music and the performances are top drawer.  Generally these DSCH song cycles in either piano or orchestral garb are still less-known than they deserve I think.

Right?!!?  The Jewish Folk Poetry literally has music about a mom burying her baby!! The cover boldly says "Russian Romances" and shows gorgeously seductive women from central casting who have absolutely nothing to do with the texts...lol.  A fat, drunk guy on the cover would have been more appropriate but I'm not a marketing genius so what do I know?  Regardless, a very fine set.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on August 09, 2023, 08:12:09 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on August 02, 2023, 07:07:59 PMThese three string quartets by the Belgian composer Désiré Pâque (1867-1939). Supremely exquisite, refined, intimate, tender and agitated when needed. The music is clearly late-Romantic, but I couldn't associate it to any composer right now, it's just marvelous. Music to delight the ears.

(https://i.discogs.com/9IYKeZ7eMe0oy17L3tD0M-HRWPwGzgCPezfXjfFMXvU/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:463/w:476/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE1ODIy/NTQwLTE1OTg0NDYx/NDMtNDM5OC5qcGVn.jpeg)

There's so many gems hidden in the oeuvres of those overlooked Belgian and Dutch composers! This sounds right up my alley!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Luke on August 11, 2023, 08:41:06 AM
Right now, this:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/514Ks1RPveL.__AC_SX300_SY300_QL70_ML2_.jpg)

Wow, this is marvellous. I knew the music way back, I studied it at university, and every now and then, convinced I should love it, I've played through it, quite badly. And yes, I loved it in principle - honestly, Grieg's imaginative but wholly respectful piano settings of Halvorsen's transcriptions of the Hardanger fiddle player Knut Dahle, what's not to love! - but to be honest every time I heard it I found it too ungiving and brittle to really fall for. As if the performers were trying to bring out the alien weirdness of this folk music from the northern edge of Europe, with all its lydian modalities, its florid ornamentation, its raw but rich sonorities, its slightly unhinged rhythms. Unimaginatively I imagined this should how it is to be played anyway, so that's how I played it too

Well, those weirdnesses don't need bringing out. They are all in the music already. Played with loving sensitivity, with lingering rubato, with a tone that tends towards limpid and soft and never becomes hammered, I could listen forever.

On this CD they receive the perfect couplings - Halvorsen's original transcriptions, complete, followed by a 1912 recording of one of them played by Dahle himself. They are played by two sisters (first the pianist, then the violinist) with the music in their blood, and to cap it all (though hardly the first time its been used in a recording) the piano is Grieg's own, on which they were composed. Sublime, really.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 11, 2023, 10:13:06 AM
Quote from: Luke on August 11, 2023, 08:41:06 AMRight now, this:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/514Ks1RPveL.__AC_SX300_SY300_QL70_ML2_.jpg)

Wow, this is marvellous. I knew the music way back, I studied it at university, and every now and then, convinced I should love it, I've played through it, quite badly. And yes, I loved it in principle - honestly, Grieg's imaginative but wholly respectful piano settings of Halvorsen's transcriptions of the Hardanger fiddle player Knut Dahle, what's not to love! - but to be honest every time I heard it I found it too ungiving and brittle to really fall for. As if the performers were trying to bring out the alien weirdness of this folk music from the northern edge of Europe, with all its lydian modalities, its florid ornamentation, its raw but rich sonorities, its slightly unhinged rhythms. Unimaginatively I imagined this should how it is to be played anyway, so that's how I played it too

Well, those weirdnesses don't need bringing out. They are all in the music already. Played with loving sensitivity, with lingering rubato, with a tone that tends towards limpid and soft and never becomes hammered, I could listen forever.

On this CD they receive the perfect couplings - Halvorsen's original transcriptions, complete, followed by a 1912 recording of one of them played by Dahle himself. They are played by two sisters (first the pianist, then the violinist) with the music in their blood, and to cap it all (though hardly the first time its been used in a recording) the piano is Grieg's own, on which they were composed. Sublime, really.
Interesting!  I hadn't heard of a hardanger fiddle before now.

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 11, 2023, 10:21:24 AM
I found a nice video explaining the differences between a hardanger fiddle and a normal violin.  She then goes on to play a tune.  Note:  she does warn that she is still getting used to the tunings and playing it.


PD

Edit:  I did find a piece from your album on youtube...enjoying it! 


PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 11, 2023, 01:10:38 PM
Paul Creston: Symphony No.3 'Three Mysteries' - especially the central movement 'The Crucifixion'. This now, I think, ranks alongside the other great American 3rd symphonies by Harris, Copland, W. Schuman, David Diamond, Ives and Howard Hanson.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on August 12, 2023, 12:00:07 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 11, 2023, 01:10:38 PMPaul Creston: Symphony No.3 'Three Mysteries' - especially the central movement 'The Crucifixion'. This now, I think, ranks alongside the other great American 3rd symphonies by Harris, Copland, W. Schuman, David Diamond, Ives and Howard Hanson.


Listened on YT, the 1st movement enough for me. A copy on order. Thanks, Jeffrey.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 12, 2023, 03:26:49 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 11, 2023, 01:10:38 PMPaul Creston: Symphony No.3 'Three Mysteries' - especially the central movement 'The Crucifixion'. This now, I think, ranks alongside the other great American 3rd symphonies by Harris, Copland, W. Schuman, David Diamond, Ives and Howard Hanson.


Quote from: Irons on August 12, 2023, 12:00:07 AMListened on YT, the 1st movement enough for me. A copy on order. Thanks, Jeffrey.
I'll have to dig around...don't believe that I have any of Creston's works.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Opus131 on August 12, 2023, 07:38:53 AM
Maybe wrong thread to post this, but i recently stumbled on this Egyptian composer while randomly perusing my youtube feed:


What struck me is how instantly memorable the melodies were. From what i understand those songs are culled from a number of popular operas he wrote for the stage in the early 20th century. The music may not be particulatly sophisticated there but the melodies themmselves are remarkably well crafted, almost Mozart-like in how well they unfold.

I checked if he had written music which we might deem more "serious" and it seems that he did, but it is mostly traditional oud compositions which, fair enough, this is the classical music of his culture and apparently he was a master of the instrument as well:


Cannot really comment on how good he was as an oud performer compared with the myriad of other masters of this instrument the middle east produced since i'm not an expert on the subject, but he seemed to have a gift for writing memorable melodies at the very least.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 12, 2023, 07:45:26 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 11, 2023, 01:10:38 PMPaul Creston: Symphony No.3 'Three Mysteries' - especially the central movement 'The Crucifixion'. This now, I think, ranks alongside the other great American 3rd symphonies by Harris, Copland, W. Schuman, David Diamond, Ives and Howard Hanson.


Love the symphony!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 12, 2023, 10:15:05 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 12, 2023, 03:26:49 AMI'll have to dig around...don't believe that I have any of Creston's works.
You can get symphonies 1,2 and 3 together on Naxos PD.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 12, 2023, 10:27:46 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 12, 2023, 10:15:05 AMYou can get symphonies 1,2 and 3 together on Naxos PD.
How well do you like the performances?

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on August 12, 2023, 01:54:35 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 12, 2023, 10:27:46 AMHow well do you like the performances?

PD
Perfectly good and serviceable even if I prefer Jarvi in No,2 and Schwarz in No.3.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on August 12, 2023, 02:09:34 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 12, 2023, 01:54:35 PMPerfectly good and serviceable even if I prefer Jarvi in No,2 and Schwarz in No.3.

Yes I like the Naxos/Theodore Kuchar!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 14, 2023, 06:27:39 PM
The two string quartets by Francisco Mignone. How cool and inventive they are, loaded with Brazilian melodies and rhythms.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODAwNDE5Ny4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2ODEyMjkwMjB9) 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on August 17, 2023, 02:56:58 AM
(https://static.qobuz.com/images/covers/0b/nu/we2073m0dnu0b_600.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81mxhieb+mL._SL1500_.jpg)

Both ballets are hit parades, featuring gorgeous melodic inspiration in colorful orchestral garb. Highly recommended.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on August 17, 2023, 06:30:46 AM
Quote from: Opus131 on August 12, 2023, 07:38:53 AMMaybe wrong thread to post this, but i recently stumbled on this Egyptian composer while randomly perusing my youtube feed:


What struck me is how instantly memorable the melodies were. From what i understand those songs are culled from a number of popular operas he wrote for the stage in the early 20th century. The music may not be particulatly sophisticated there but the melodies themmselves are remarkably well crafted, almost Mozart-like in how well they unfold.

I checked if he had written music which we might deem more "serious" and it seems that he did, but it is mostly traditional oud compositions which, fair enough, this is the classical music of his culture and apparently he was a master of the instrument as well:


Cannot really comment on how good he was as an oud performer compared with the myriad of other masters of this instrument the middle east produced since i'm not an expert on the subject, but he seemed to have a gift for writing memorable melodies at the very least.

That is very interesting.  I heard some music by a mid 20th century Egyptian composer that I thought was very impressive and completely unknown.  It reminded me of Respighi's Roman trilogy.  Unfortunately, I forgot who the composer was but can look for it if interested.  You'll have to keep in mind, recordings are of 1950's era as there seems to be zero market for this which is sad.  There seems to be a very rich and interesting musical legacy worthy of revitalization.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on August 18, 2023, 03:07:07 AM
I listened to Schumann's cycle Dichterliebe for the first time today, the first time I've heard any of his Lieder. I seem to be in that sort of mood atm and it's really clicking with me now. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Christoph Eschenbach's recording. The overall flow of the cycle is fantastic. One of the things that stuck with me is how the singer goes silent for the last 2 minutes of the last song and leaves the end to the pianist.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Luke on August 18, 2023, 07:32:50 AM
Wow, envious of your first Schumann lieder experience! One of the most wonderful groups of works to explore. The Dichterliebe are equalled by the Eichendorff Liederkreis, op 39,  my own favourite. The absolute epitome of  German forest romanticism, every note spellbinding.

I love the pairing of the two cycles as sung by Ian Partridge. His voice is so fresh and young on those recordings, the voice of the poet, really. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on August 18, 2023, 10:32:11 AM
Fortunately that cycle is also on the recording I have. Not sure if I'll get to it today but definitely will soon.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Luke on August 18, 2023, 12:13:23 PM
Quote from: Maestro267 on August 18, 2023, 10:32:11 AMFortunately that cycle is also on the recording I have. Not sure if I'll get to it today but definitely will soon.

Yes, still making me jealous. It's such a fine, important work....it's also utterly delicious and adorable. You'll love it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on August 19, 2023, 04:22:16 PM
I enjoyed Fridrich Bruk's (b. 1937) Symphony No. 16.  Here is an excerpt but listening to this album makes me want to explore his music further.  Stylistically, reminds me of Andrei Eshpai with a heavy emphasis on Jewish identity.  As far as I can tell, he's composed 21 symphonies to date.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 23, 2023, 12:06:38 PM
This whole CD featuring works by the American composer Steven Gerber (1948-2015). All the the four works contain a sort of meditative/contemplative feel to it that is truly captivating and somewhat dramatic at the same time, very thought-provoking indeed. The opening of the Symphony No. 1 reminded me of Barber, Alwyn and a little of Rachmaninov and some passages in the Viola Concerto have a strong similarity with the epic style of Bloch. My only overall quibble is the way the works end, being a little abrupt and mildly unsatisfactory. Otherwise, this is music with purpose splendidly played and recorded.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/CHAN9831.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on August 23, 2023, 04:12:27 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on August 23, 2023, 12:06:38 PMThis whole CD featuring works by the American composer Steven Gerber (1948-2015). All the the four works contain a sort of meditative/contemplative feel to it that is truly captivating and somewhat dramatic at the same time, very thought-provoking indeed. The opening of the Symphony No. 1 reminded me of Barber, Alwyn and a little of Rachmaninov and some passages in the Viola Concerto have a strong similarity with the epic style of Bloch. My only overall quibble is the way the works end, being a little abrupt and mildly unsatisfactory. Otherwise, this is music with purpose splendidly played and recorded.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/CHAN9831.jpg)

I quite enjoyed that cd when it was released.  The composer wrote very little but I very much enjoyed everything I heard and always wondered how a major label like Chandos would find such an obscure composer.  This album represents maybe half of his orchestral output and he had few else, but all was pleasant. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 23, 2023, 06:35:01 PM
Quote from: relm1 on August 23, 2023, 04:12:27 PMI quite enjoyed that cd when it was released.  The composer wrote very little but I very much enjoyed everything I heard and always wondered how a major label like Chandos would find such an obscure composer.  This album represents maybe half of his orchestral output and he had few else, but all was pleasant. 

I see there are other two CDs containing the Violin Concerto, Cello Concerto and some works for strings. I definitely want more of this composer.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on August 28, 2023, 05:54:36 PM
Three opulent and lavishly orchestrated symphonic poems by this conductor-composer, being La notte di Plàton the one that impressed me the most, especially for the last five minutes which comprise some truly sublime music, bringing the last minutes of Strauss's Tod und Verklärung to mind.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkyOTM4Ni4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1NjUwMDc0MjV9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on August 30, 2023, 01:47:15 AM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81iOINlIeyL._SL1462_.jpg)

The play for which the music was composed is cringe-inducingly anachronistic (Mozart's mother dies in Salzburg after his marriage with Constanze, Haydn is sent by Joseph II to Mozart to summon him to Vienna etc) but the music is fabulous. The Mozartian themes are so well orchestrated and so seamlessly integrated in the whole that it's very hard to tell where Suppe ends and Mozart begins, or viceversa. A worthy and imho better alternative to Tchaikovsly's Mozartiana suite.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Atriod on September 01, 2023, 11:17:08 AM
Albeniz Iberia orchestrated (Arbos and Surinach).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on September 01, 2023, 11:24:44 AM
Quote from: Zauberschloss on September 01, 2023, 11:17:08 AMAlbeniz Iberia orchestrated (Arbos and Surinach).
Fantastic, isn't it?

Iberia (particularly Rondeña and Almería from Book II) is the kind of work that if I listen to it once —be it the piano original or the orchestration(s)—, I have to listen to it several times...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Atriod on September 01, 2023, 11:33:55 AM
Quote from: ritter on September 01, 2023, 11:24:44 AMFantastic, isn't it?

Iberia (particularly Rondeña and Almería from Book II) is the kind of work that if I listen to it once —be it the piano original or the orchestration(s)—, I have to listen to it several times...

Many of the pieces in Iberia on piano are definitely addicting, it was that aspect that caused me to inadvertently do some comparisons a while back: https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?msg=1519091

I haven't heard the orchestrations in a while and the one I listened to from Jean Morel was my first time hearing these performances. The Eloquence CD slipped by me, fortunately Analogue Productions put it back in print.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 04, 2023, 05:48:53 PM
The complete recording is a solid winner. However, it was the Suite No. 3 in the form of theme and variations that delighted me the most (with the first two suites close behind). Sparkling and charming to the core.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/777651-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on September 07, 2023, 04:13:03 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on September 04, 2023, 05:48:53 PMThe complete recording is a solid winner. However, it was the Suite No. 3 in the form of theme and variations that delighted me the most (with the first two suites close behind). Sparkling and charming to the core.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/777651-2.jpg)

Oh yes, this disc is a firm favorite of mine - totally delightful from start to finish! Arensky knew how to write music that just oozes with charm. I have such a soft spot for music for 2 pianos/piano 4-hands (more so than for solo piano music, generally).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on September 12, 2023, 06:31:55 PM
Three pretty interesting string quartets by Henriëtte Bosmans (1895-1952) and Jerzy Fitelberg (1903-1951).

My first time hearing works by both composers and I was very impressed. The Bosmans is a very elegant, suggestive work in the vein of Ravel and Jongen. In its short duration of 12 minutes manages to encapsulate cohesive and highly appealing ideas. The Mosolov SQ in the same disc is another terrific work, quite different from the Bosmans (haven't heard the Van Dieren yet). The Fitelbergs also inhabit a different sound world, here rhythmic vitality and sharped gestures (sometimes mildly reminding me of Shostakovich but without the irony) are the rule most of the time. The slow movement from the SQ 2 provides a nice contrast, it sounded to me with meaningful profoundness. Those Chandos' Music in Exile series are proving to be a source of great music.

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e028cc0414e25247e33b44ae6a3)(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music122/v4/b9/a9/52/b9a95266-5695-70dd-596a-2f6d953d3efc/5059864187735_cover.jpg/1200x1200bf-60.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on September 14, 2023, 01:18:10 PM
The Martinu Piano Sonata took me by surprise. A white knuckle ride of pulsating restlessness, however, always under complete control. Martinu bares his soul to an extent I have not heard previously from other pieces. A section in the middle movement - you cannot miss it - the music seems to transcend and float upwards to another place, quite remarkable.
Written in 1954 for Rudolf Serkin, I listened to a recording from the Czech pianist Frantisek Maly. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on September 14, 2023, 05:07:06 PM
I very much enjoyed hearing Daniel Jones' Symphony No. 4 performed by Royal Philharmonic/Sir Charles Groves!

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on September 14, 2023, 11:52:15 PM
Quote from: relm1 on September 14, 2023, 05:07:06 PMI very much enjoyed hearing Daniel Jones' Symphony No. 4 performed by Royal Philharmonic/Sir Charles Groves!


A powerful symphony that does full justice to the subject. Talking of which, the LP notes inform that Jones and Dylan Thomas were friends for 30 years and of course Dylan Thomas died aged 39. I wonder if this information accurate? It could be.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 15, 2023, 12:24:45 AM
Quote from: Irons on September 14, 2023, 01:18:10 PMThe Martinu Piano Sonata took me by surprise. A white knuckle ride of pulsating restlessness, however, always under complete control. Martinu bares his soul to an extent I have not heard previously from other pieces. A section in the middle movement - you cannot miss it - the music seems to transcend and float upwards to another place, quite remarkable.
Written in 1954 for Rudolf Serkin, I listened to a recording from the Czech pianist Frantisek Maly. 

Why is Paganini featured on the art cover, I wonder?  ???
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on September 15, 2023, 06:04:55 AM
Quote from: Irons on September 14, 2023, 11:52:15 PMA powerful symphony that does full justice to the subject. Talking of which, the LP notes inform that Jones and Dylan Thomas were friends for 30 years and of course Dylan Thomas died aged 39. I wonder if this information accurate? It could be.

Both Swansea boys as well, born 2 years apart so perfectly feasible.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on September 15, 2023, 06:17:52 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 15, 2023, 12:24:45 AMWhy is Paganini featured on the art cover, I wonder?  ???

oops, guess it is a candidate for the bad cover art.  Here is what they should have used:
(https://www.classical-scene.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/zeman_martinu2.jpg)

I guess the cover art designer isn't big into classical music nor basic competency at his job. $:)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on September 15, 2023, 07:16:01 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 15, 2023, 12:24:45 AMWhy is Paganini featured on the art cover, I wonder?  ???

My only guess is that the coupling is a viola concerto.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 15, 2023, 10:02:15 AM
Quote from: DavidW on September 15, 2023, 06:17:52 AMoops, guess it is a candidate for the bad cover art.  Here is what they should have used:
(https://www.classical-scene.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/zeman_martinu2.jpg)

I guess the cover art designer isn't big into classical music nor basic competency at his job. $:)

Quote from: Irons on September 15, 2023, 07:16:01 AMMy only guess is that the coupling is a viola concerto.

My guess is that the designer saw the word Rhapsody and thought that it must needs be the only one he has ever heard (of), namely the Rachmaninoff one.  ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 15, 2023, 10:42:25 AM
Quote from: Irons on September 15, 2023, 07:16:01 AMMy only guess is that the coupling is a viola concerto.
That's what I was thinking as Paganini also played the viola.

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Iota on September 15, 2023, 10:44:42 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 15, 2023, 10:02:15 AMMy guess is that the designer saw the word Rhapsody and thought that it must needs be the only one he has ever heard (of), namely the Rachmaninoff one.  ;D

Haha, exactly what I thought.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 15, 2023, 10:52:07 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 15, 2023, 10:42:25 AMThat's what I was thinking as Paganini also played the viola.

PD

He also played the guitar, so he would fit just fine in a cover art for the Concierto de Aranjuez...  :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 15, 2023, 10:56:48 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 15, 2023, 10:52:07 AMHe also played the guitar, so he would fit just fine in a cover art for the Concierto de Aranjuez...  :D
Yes, I had read that too...a very talented musician and composer.  ;)

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on September 16, 2023, 07:17:30 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 15, 2023, 10:56:48 AMYes, I had read that too...a very talented musician and composer.  ;)

PD

Indeed, his body of works is much larger than the Caprices, the first two violin concertos and a handful of virtuosic showstoppers. Four more violin concertos, ten discs worth of chamber music, nine of violin and guitar music, four of guitar solo etc --- the Dynamic Complete Edition comprises no less than 35 discs of original works.

And btw, "very talented" actually means "genius", right?  ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on September 17, 2023, 05:58:37 AM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on September 16, 2023, 06:41:53 PMDavid Arnold's Kasuf Returns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKqYPY4JqLM

Something about the choral chant really gives me a rise (almost gives me the feeling of the chants in Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War).

That is a great score.  ID4 is very good too, I have the score and it's so full of interesting details like three different sized bass drums specified when to be used, virtuosic orchestration and playing, just a great, fun spectacle of an other worldly score. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on September 17, 2023, 06:27:16 AM
Quote from: Irons on September 14, 2023, 11:52:15 PMA powerful symphony that does full justice to the subject. Talking of which, the LP notes inform that Jones and Dylan Thomas were friends for 30 years and of course Dylan Thomas died aged 39. I wonder if this information accurate? It could be.

I have not checked this by my memory is indeed that they met as quite young school children so the 30 years friendship could well be legit.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 17, 2023, 07:07:02 AM
Quote from: Irons on September 14, 2023, 01:18:10 PMThe Martinu Piano Sonata took me by surprise. A white knuckle ride of pulsating restlessness, however, always under complete control. Martinu bares his soul to an extent I have not heard previously from other pieces. A section in the middle movement - you cannot miss it - the music seems to transcend and float upwards to another place, quite remarkable.
Written in 1954 for Rudolf Serkin, I listened to a recording from the Czech pianist Frantisek Maly. 

I realized I listed to the Martinu Piano Concertos, but not the Piano Sonata. I have to rectify that!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on September 18, 2023, 07:43:14 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on September 17, 2023, 07:07:02 AMI realized I listed to the Martinu Piano Concertos, but not the Piano Sonata. I have to rectify that!

Martinu like Frank Bridge only wrote the one. Bearing in mind the prolificacy of both composers is worth noting, I think.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 18, 2023, 08:01:26 AM
Quote from: Irons on September 18, 2023, 07:43:14 AMMartinu like Frank Bridge only wrote the one. Bearing in mind the prolificacy of both composers is worth noting, I think.
I should revisit that work.  Doing a tiny bit of digging, I see that I have (at least) two recordings of it:  Rudolf Firkusny and Emil Leichner.  I haven't heard of your pianist before now.  Did he record a lot?  Would be cool to find a recording of the Serkin one too.  8)  As a side note, I hadn't realized that Martinu had written it for him.

PD

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 18, 2023, 10:11:51 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 18, 2023, 08:01:26 AMI should revisit that work.  Doing a tiny bit of digging, I see that I have (at least) two recordings of it:  Rudolf Firkusny and Emil Leichner.  I haven't heard of your pianist before now.  Did he record a lot?  Would be cool to find a recording of the Serkin one too.  8)  As a side note, I hadn't realized that Martinu had written it for him.

PD

I find myself without any recording of it. Perhaps I will stream the Firkusny, but I feel like I should "own" at least one recording of the work. There is a BIS recording that also sounds good, in brief excerpts.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 18, 2023, 10:31:47 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on September 18, 2023, 10:11:51 AMI find myself without any recording of it. Perhaps I will stream the Firkusny, but I feel like I should "own" at least one recording of the work. There is a BIS recording that also sounds good, in brief excerpts.
Will revisit tonight (Firkusny's recording).

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Spotted Horses on September 19, 2023, 06:01:00 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 18, 2023, 10:31:47 AMWill revisit tonight (Firkusny's recording).

PD

I plucked the Kavpil disc (BIS) from the streaming services but started with two of the Etudes and Polkas. Kavpil does all of them, whereas Firkusny just includes a selection. At some point I expect to buy one or another recordings of the Martinu Piano Sonata.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on October 09, 2023, 01:16:58 PM
I hadn't listened to any opera in a while, and what better way to get back to with an impressive, impassioned, late-Romantic opera like Zandonai's Francesca da Rimini. Truly fantastic music.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/777960-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on October 10, 2023, 12:56:01 PM
Enesco's 3rd Violin Sonata carries the subtitle 'In Rumanian Folk Style' which no doubt the work is based but I find the title misleading suggesting lightness. The first two movements are highly original being rarefied and unworldly, deep and spiritual. The finale is Rumanian folk/dance to it's core and very much lives up to the title. I cannot think of a violin sonata I have been so captivated by.
The husband and wife team of Gertler and Anderson play superbly being fully committed. 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 10, 2023, 02:43:42 PM
Quote from: Irons on October 10, 2023, 12:56:01 PMEnesco's 3rd Violin Sonata carries the subtitle 'In Rumanian Folk Style' which no doubt the work is based but I find the title misleading suggesting lightness. The first two movements are highly original being rarefied and unworldly, deep and spiritual. The finale is Rumanian folk/dance to it's core and very much lives up to the title. I cannot think of a violin sonata I have been so captivated by.
The husband and wife team of Gertler and Anderson play superbly being fully committed.
Thanks so much for bringing that up; I found it on youtube.  :)



PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on October 11, 2023, 07:12:05 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 10, 2023, 02:43:42 PMThanks so much for bringing that up; I found it on youtube.  :)



PD


Your clip is of the third movement, PD. The preceding two are far more interesting.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 11, 2023, 09:01:41 AM
Quote from: Irons on October 11, 2023, 07:12:05 AMYour clip is of the third movement, PD. The preceding two are far more interesting.
I believe that I found all three movements here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mp_z6Xfh4w0IJKkDoqnuBfJLE3u2kLTt0

They don't make it easy though to figure out which movement is which in terms of descriptions of the movements (or lack there of), but I'll figure it out.  They are listed under Diane Andersen - Topic.

PD

p.s.  If you click on the individual videos, they'll list the movement.  For those who are interested, these are the descriptions of the movements (from Wiki):

The sonata is divided into three movements:

    1.  Moderato malinconico
    2. Andante sostenuto e misterioso
    3. Allegro con brio, ma non troppo mosso

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on October 12, 2023, 12:23:15 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on October 11, 2023, 09:01:41 AMI believe that I found all three movements here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mp_z6Xfh4w0IJKkDoqnuBfJLE3u2kLTt0

They don't make it easy though to figure out which movement is which in terms of descriptions of the movements (or lack there of), but I'll figure it out.  They are listed under Diane Andersen - Topic.

PD

p.s.  If you click on the individual videos, they'll list the movement.  For those who are interested, these are the descriptions of the movements (from Wiki):

The sonata is divided into three movements:

    1.  Moderato malinconico
    2. Andante sostenuto e misterioso
    3. Allegro con brio, ma non troppo mosso



Thanks for going to the trouble.

Edit: List for 3rd Sonata are in correct order of movements.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on October 12, 2023, 06:17:57 AM
Quote from: Irons on October 12, 2023, 12:23:15 AMThanks for going to the trouble.

Edit: List for 3rd Sonata are in correct order of movements.
One thing that I've noticed in the past re youtube is they don't always follow one video with the correct subsequent movement.  ::)  In this case, I suspect because I had clicked on a topic (Diane Andersen) and whomever had uploaded the videos (I think Supraphon) had arranged them in the correct order that they then played in the right order.

In any event, I enjoyed listening to it!

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on October 17, 2023, 08:34:42 PM
Really amazed by the content of this disc, featuring two early and late unnumbered string quartets by Bacewicz, the String Quartet No. 1 and the Quintet for piano, oboe, violin, viola and cello by her compatriot Joachim Mendelson (1892-1943) which are written in a serious yet spicy style. The four works have no waste whatsoever, but I was especially astounded by Bacewicz's late string quartet, what an impressive composition. Anyone familiar with her late works will have an idea as to what to expect.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTUwMTAyMi4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2ODYwNTY1Njl9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on October 25, 2023, 02:08:24 AM
Oddly enough (since I have known the piece for 50 years and the recording for nearly as long) Shostakovich 8 - Haitink and the Concertgebouw.  OK, the first movement seems like an inferior rewrite of the same movement in no.5, and the Passacaglia is rather dull, but the finale struck me afresh as one of DSCH's most brilliant bits of invention, with the 2 scherzo movements not far behind.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on October 25, 2023, 05:04:39 PM
Two superb Austro-German finds:

Boris Blacher (1903-1975): Two Piano Concertos + Variations for piano and orchestra on a theme by Clementi

Johann Nepomuk David (1895-1977): Symphonies 2 and 4


Some of the most inventive, fresh, appealing music for piano and orchestra I've heard recently. Even though these pieces can lack certain warmth, I feel there's spark, slyness and purpose in them.

As for the second composer, I also heard another CPO CD that includes David's Symphonies 1 and 3, but it wasn't as interesting as this one. These are neoclassical, contrapuntal symphonies that could be judged like "academic", but don't allow yourselves be fooled by this prejudice, David manages to make these two works flow convincingly with some powerful motion running on them. The Symphony No. 2 made a bigger impression on me, which I believe it's a potential masterpiece whose 4th movement is a tremendous passacaglia that ends with evident elevation.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/CTH2167.jpg)(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/777577-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on October 26, 2023, 12:15:50 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on October 25, 2023, 05:04:39 PMTwo superb Austro-German finds:

Boris Blacher (1903-1975): Two Piano Concertos + Variations for piano and orchestra on a theme by Clementi

Johann Nepomuk David (1895-1977): Symphonies 2 and 4


Some of the most inventive, fresh, appealing music for piano and orchestra I've heard recently. Even though these pieces can lack certain warmth, I feel there's spark, slyness and purpose in them.

As for the second composer, I also heard another CPO CD that includes David's Symphonies 1 and 3, but it wasn't as interesting as this one. These are neoclassical, contrapuntal symphonies that could be judged like "academic", but don't allow yourselves be fooled by this prejudice, David manages to make these two works flow convincingly with some powerful motion running on them. The Symphony No. 2 made a bigger impression on me, which I believe it's a potential masterpiece whose 4th movement is a tremendous passacaglia that ends with evident elevation.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/CTH2167.jpg)(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/777577-2.jpg)
Most interesting Cesar!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Crudblud on November 10, 2023, 01:24:02 PM
After many years of trying to "get" Brahms, one of his pieces finally clicked for me. Symphony No. 3 is pure structural brilliance.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on November 10, 2023, 05:31:32 PM
Thomas de Hartmann: Cello Concerto (1936):

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Vqb69UOsL._UX358_FMwebp_QL85_.jpg)

The accolades that other members of similar tastes (you know who you are ;)) have been giving this composer's music are fully warranted. This substantial (38 min.) work is a truly major and unique addition to the cello concerto repertoire. Its sound-world is a fascinating meld of Slavic influences (Orthodox chant) and more "exotic" coloration in the orchestration and harmonies - witness the magical opening of the slow movement! Overall, this is a major discovery and I don't hesitate to call it a masterpiece!


Alois Hába: Overture for Large Orchestra (1921)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515w0h3hCyL._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/k1aMfreYls4?si=zrNGM1yIgRxTvwpw

The majority of this composer's works are written in an avant-garde, microtonal style which I'm not too fond of. But this early Overture is a glittering hunk of late-romantic orchestral sumptuousness. If you know Schreker's Vorspiel zu einem Drama, you'll have an idea of what to expect here. Absolutely glorious!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on November 12, 2023, 10:04:05 AM
Atterberg: Symphony #2

This symphony has great melodies, especially in the first movement. Absolutely delightful!

(https://i.discogs.com/n612-3tFxc3fnGAmAw-a-eFXLlwlWMwdrB4FlcJJpMw/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:500/w:500/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTEzODky/NDY0LTE1NjM0NjE2/NjAtNDc0MS5qcGVn.jpeg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on November 14, 2023, 08:16:50 AM
Quote from: Mapman on November 12, 2023, 10:04:05 AMAtterberg: Symphony #2

This symphony has great melodies, especially in the first movement. Absolutely delightful!

(https://i.discogs.com/n612-3tFxc3fnGAmAw-a-eFXLlwlWMwdrB4FlcJJpMw/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:500/w:500/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTEzODky/NDY0LTE1NjM0NjE2/NjAtNDc0MS5qcGVn.jpeg)

Of course, I can't help but agree! ;) It's difficult for me to single out just one of the Atterberg symphonies as my favorite, but if forced to choose I'd probably go with the Second. The second movement features one of the most glorious, long-breathed melodies known to me in the slow outer sections, which enclose a brilliant scherzo-like section. And the finale, which Atterberg later added to an originally two-movement work, manages to be very convincing in its own right with its heroic grandeur. Jarvi's recording is significantly quicker than Rasilainen's on CPO (by 10 minutes, actually!), and overall I prefer Rasilainen's greater sense of breadth which gives the listener more time to savor Atterberg's gorgeous orchestration with its prominent use of orchestral piano.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on November 14, 2023, 10:43:07 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on October 25, 2023, 05:04:39 PMBoris Blacher (1903-1975): Two Piano Concertos + Variations for piano and orchestra on a theme by Clementi
50-60 years ago Boris Blacher's name would occasionally pop up on the radio or even in the (Belgian) concert hall for he wrote Paganini variations ! A classic concert opener, an acceptable bit of contemporary music - that would combine wll with Sibelius or Dvorak.

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 14, 2023, 01:52:16 PM
Quote from: kyjo on November 14, 2023, 08:16:50 AMOf course, I can't help but agree! ;) It's difficult for me to single out just one of the Atterberg symphonies as my favorite, but if forced to choose I'd probably go with the Second. The second movement features one of the most glorious, long-breathed melodies known to me in the slow outer sections, which enclose a brilliant scherzo-like section. And the finale, which Atterberg later added to an originally two-movement work, manages to be very convincing in its own right with its heroic grandeur. Jarvi's recording is significantly quicker than Rasilainen's on CPO (by 10 minutes, actually!), and overall I prefer Rasilainen's greater sense of breadth which gives the listener more time to savor Atterberg's gorgeous orchestration with its prominent use of orchestral piano.

The other day I was comparing the 3rd movement from the CPO and the Chandos recordings and the CPO one blew the Chandos one out of the water. The attention to details, the grandeur Rasilainen and the orchestra give to the music is unparalelled, there's an evident difference in approach. I sometimes like Järvi's conducting for his speedy take on some works, but on Atterberg it didn't work to me.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on November 14, 2023, 02:52:09 PM
Quote from: Mapman on November 12, 2023, 10:04:05 AMAtterberg: Symphony #2

This symphony has great melodies, especially in the first movement. Absolutely delightful!

(https://i.discogs.com/n612-3tFxc3fnGAmAw-a-eFXLlwlWMwdrB4FlcJJpMw/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:500/w:500/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTEzODky/NDY0LTE1NjM0NjE2/NjAtNDc0MS5qcGVn.jpeg)
I particularly enjoyed the first movement.  Thanks for bringing the symphony up.  :)

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 14, 2023, 03:00:53 PM
Quote from: pjme on November 14, 2023, 10:43:07 AM50-60 years ago Boris Blacher's name would occasionally pop up on the radio or even in the (Belgian) concert hall for he wrote Paganini variations ! A classic concert opener, an acceptable bit of contemporary music - that would combine wll with Sibelius or Dvorak.



Good call. Blacher wrote some interesting stuff, but for some reason record labels seem to have lost interest in his music nowadays.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on November 17, 2023, 01:45:17 AM
I disagree fundamentally about the Passacaglia of Shostakovich 8 being dull. Its quietness is crucial to the uneasiness of the War Machine of the previous movement, it evokes desolation, and its eventual transition into the C major of hope in the finale.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on November 17, 2023, 02:51:24 AM
Quote from: DaveF on October 25, 2023, 02:08:24 AMOddly enough (since I have known the piece for 50 years and the recording for nearly as long) Shostakovich 8 - Haitink and the Concertgebouw.  OK, the first movement seems like an inferior rewrite of the same movement in no.5, and the Passacaglia is rather dull, but the finale struck me afresh as one of DSCH's most brilliant bits of invention, with the 2 scherzo movements not far behind.

Wow - each to their own but if you do engage with DSCH's soundworld I'm amazed Symphony 8 makes so little/negative an impact (in part)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on November 17, 2023, 02:53:22 AM
Quote from: kyjo on November 10, 2023, 05:31:32 PMThomas de Hartmann: Cello Concerto (1936):

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Vqb69UOsL._UX358_FMwebp_QL85_.jpg)

The accolades that other members of similar tastes (you know who you are ;)) have been giving this composer's music are fully warranted. This substantial (38 min.) work is a truly major and unique addition to the cello concerto repertoire. Its sound-world is a fascinating meld of Slavic influences (Orthodox chant) and more "exotic" coloration in the orchestration and harmonies - witness the magical opening of the slow movement! Overall, this is a major discovery and I don't hesitate to call it a masterpiece!


Alois Hába: Overture for Large Orchestra (1921)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515w0h3hCyL._SY355_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/k1aMfreYls4?si=zrNGM1yIgRxTvwpw

The majority of this composer's works are written in an avant-garde, microtonal style which I'm not too fond of. But this early Overture is a glittering hunk of late-romantic orchestral sumptuousness. If you know Schreker's Vorspiel zu einem Drama, you'll have an idea of what to expect here. Absolutely glorious!

Not heard the de Hartmann yet but he was one of my major discoveries as a composer last year.  A remarkably individual voice.  I think the violin concerto is on the way next......
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on November 17, 2023, 04:34:08 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on November 17, 2023, 02:53:22 AM...the majority of this composer's works are written in an avant-garde, microtonal style which I'm not too fond of. But this early Overture is a glittering hunk of late-romantic orchestral sumptuousness. If you know Schreker's Vorspiel zu einem Drama, you'll have an idea of what to expect here. Absolutely glorious!
The non-microtonal works by Haba are very impressive indeed, dark and mysteriously threathening - Schoenbergian!. Thanks Kyjo for reminding me of these works.




(https://i.discogs.com/g1YRZ-eUJ3jMpomqTf7JKzitkRlzMY3aldJh79Hfnr0/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:527/w:500/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTEwMzkx/NTM2LTE0OTY1NDA3/NTUtNzUyNi5qcGVn.jpeg)

The 1993 box from which these recordings stem.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on November 17, 2023, 05:57:49 AM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on November 17, 2023, 02:51:24 AMWow - each to their own but if you do engage with DSCH's soundworld I'm amazed Symphony 8 makes so little/negative an impact (in part)

Well, I try to be honest in my aesthetic (mis)judgements.  Mark Wigglesworth writes about no.8:

The vast opening movement does follow with striking similarity the structure of the corresponding movement in the Fifth. But there is more passion in the earlier piece, more sorrow. The second time around there is an emptiness in the pain: it is a hollow cry rather than an emotional heartbreak.

Perhaps it's just the emptiness I hear at the moment.  But don't forget we are in the "blown away" thread.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on November 17, 2023, 06:17:54 AM
Weinberg's string quartets have blown me away. I had not even warmed to the composer before when I tried his orchestral music.  But when I on a whim put on v 5 (Danel Q) of the string quartets I wad a big wow moment!  I'll keep relistening to that album and will check out the others.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: LKB on November 17, 2023, 06:39:36 AM
Quote from: Crudblud on November 10, 2023, 01:24:02 PMAfter many years of trying to "get" Brahms, one of his pieces finally clicked for me. Symphony No. 3 is pure structural brilliance.

Brahms' Third was one of the first symphonies l memorized, back in 1973. A  nearby Wherehouse ( remember those? ) had a copy of von Karajan's 1964 recording with DGG, and it became my first purchase of that label.

I feel in love with the piece immediately, and it proved to be an excellent introduction to the composer.

TD: Lately I've been newly enamored with Bach's Partitas and Sonatas for solo violin. Mostly via Grummiaux on Philips,  but I've also heard a couple of excerpts from Hilary Hahn, whose artistry I've come to respect.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 18, 2023, 12:59:35 PM
Nocturne, Rhapsody, Polonia Suite, Landscape and Hommage à Chopin from this comprehensive set of Panufnik's orchestral works. This composer really had a quite personal, mystical, thought-provoking style that demands attention on part of the listener.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODQyNDg5MS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1MTkzMDIyNzR9)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on November 25, 2023, 06:08:21 AM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on November 24, 2023, 10:21:10 AMI'll be honest; I've written off many composers from the United Kingdom, as they all seem so bland and boring.

Well, that's an egregious mistake! :o The UK produced some of the most wonderful music of the 20th century in my view, though those with more avant-garde tastes than me will likely disagree. "Bland" and "boring" are two of the last adjectives that come to my mind when hearing such masterworks as Walton's 1st Symphony, Vaughan Williams' 6th, Lloyd's 5th, Moeran's Symphony, Holst's The Planets, Elgar's In the South, Britten's Violin Concerto, Finzi's Cello Concerto, Foulds' Dynamic Triptych, etc. etc...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: steve ridgway on November 25, 2023, 07:55:00 PM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on November 24, 2023, 10:21:10 AMI'll be honest; I've written off many composers from the United Kingdom, as they all seem so bland and boring.

Harrison Birtwistle

(https://i.discogs.com/IThtTLUbPr-Woxw9ds0P3SDWZwNa2ZTz1wC62vzAupw/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:597/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTQ3NDI2/MTktMTM3NDA3MjEw/NC03MTAwLmpwZWc.jpeg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on November 26, 2023, 04:55:16 AM
OK so your taste *is* more avant-garde then...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Daverz on November 28, 2023, 12:31:45 AM
Lutosławski: Concerto for Orchestra

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Brian on November 28, 2023, 07:12:40 AM
Quote from: Daverz on November 28, 2023, 12:31:45 AMLutosławski: Concerto for Orchestra
One of my favorite pieces ever. And it's on a little island of its own, stylistically - so few other pieces, even by the same composer, resemble it at all.

I played the Urbanski recording real loud in the car one time and my girlfriend said "you can play this as often as you want!" We've now seen it live with the Dallas Symphony twice.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DaveF on November 29, 2023, 03:10:53 AM
Quote from: Daverz on November 28, 2023, 12:31:45 AMLutosławski: Concerto for Orchestra

He hadn't quite worked through Bartók's influence at that point, you might say - not that that's anything to complain about.  The return of the chorale at the end is one of the great moments, no doubt.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Big David on November 29, 2023, 09:59:42 AM
I may have already mentioned this...When James Bowman died earlier this year, a friend sent me a link to a YouTube recording of Bowman and Michael Chance singing a duet by Purcell, 'Sound the Trumpet'.  I rarely listen to music from this era but I was utterly amazed by this piece and also by the singing of Chance and Bowman.  Fantastic music.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on December 04, 2023, 11:42:37 AM
Mozart's Symphony No. 39, specifically the slow movement...*specifically* that completely unexpected interjection of B minor in the middle of the movement! A key not related at all to either the key of the movement (A flat major) OR the symphony as a whole (E flat major)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on December 04, 2023, 01:13:32 PM
My discovery of the year, String Quartet No.2 Lyatoshinsky from a 1977 Melodiya LP. Wonderful work which reflects his homeland and citizens with subtlety and some melancholy.
I rate this with the best string quartets of Tchaikovsky and Borodin, although heartfelt the music is never saccharine. That word subtle again.

N.B. Typo from Melodiya Trio op.7 is No1 not 2.
 
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 04, 2023, 03:02:04 PM
Badings: Harp Concerto

Such a singular composition, encapsulating passages of intriguing atmosphere and alluring subtleties. In the 3rd movement there is an unexpected fragment where it reminds of a totally different yet familar composer.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51EXdPvCSIL._UXNaN_FMjpg_QL85_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 04, 2023, 03:04:28 PM
Quote from: Irons on December 04, 2023, 01:13:32 PMMy discovery of the year, String Quartet No.2 Lyatoshinsky from a 1977 Melodiya LP. Wonderful work which reflects his homeland and citizens with subtlety and some melancholy.
I rate this with the best string quartets of Tchaikovsky and Borodin, although heartfelt the music is never saccharine. That word subtle again.

N.B. Typo from Melodiya Trio op.7 is No1 not 2.
 


Looks like a project that the Toccata label, for instance, could develop in the near future: to record all of his string quartets.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: AnotherSpin on December 04, 2023, 11:30:23 PM
Quote from: Irons on December 04, 2023, 01:13:32 PMMy discovery of the year, String Quartet No.2 Lyatoshinsky from a 1977 Melodiya LP. Wonderful work which reflects his homeland and citizens with subtlety and some melancholy.
I rate this with the best string quartets of Tchaikovsky and Borodin, although heartfelt the music is never saccharine. That word subtle again.

N.B. Typo from Melodiya Trio op.7 is No1 not 2.
 


Interestingly, the titles are in Ukrainian language, not Russian, although the LP was released at the Aprelevsky factory, Melodiya's main factory near Moscow. This LP was probably distributed only in Ukraine.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on December 04, 2023, 11:55:04 PM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on December 04, 2023, 11:30:23 PMInterestingly, the titles are in Ukrainian language, not Russian, although the LP was released at the Aprelevsky factory, Melodiya's main factory near Moscow. This LP was probably distributed only in Ukraine.


Most interesting, thanks. The cover, a type Melodiya was prone to use, one fits all with only the inscription "Instrumental Music" sans music/artist details which fits with your theory. I handle and examine many LPs, I don't think this has ever been played until yesterday.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on December 05, 2023, 12:04:44 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 04, 2023, 03:04:28 PMLooks like a project that the Toccata label, for instance, could develop in the near future: to record all of his string quartets.

They do seem thin on the ground. I'm not sure the 2nd SQ is, or ever has been, available in digital format.

All the bigger outlets in the UK have the Naxos box of Lyatoshinsky Symphonies out of stock.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: AnotherSpin on December 05, 2023, 01:13:42 AM
Quote from: Irons on December 04, 2023, 11:55:04 PMMost interesting, thanks. The cover, a type Melodiya was prone to use, one fits all with only the inscription "Instrumental Music" sans music/artist details which fits with your theory. I handle and examine many LPs, I don't think this has ever been played until yesterday.

It's easy to tell the difference. There are several letters in the Ukrainian alphabet that do not exist in Russian, such as i, ї, є, ґ. Note that the composer's surname in Ukrainian is spelled Лятошинський. In Russian it's Лятошинский. The differences are stronger by ear, the pronunciation is different.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Roasted Swan on December 05, 2023, 08:30:59 AM
Quote from: Irons on December 04, 2023, 01:13:32 PMMy discovery of the year, String Quartet No.2 Lyatoshinsky from a 1977 Melodiya LP. Wonderful work which reflects his homeland and citizens with subtlety and some melancholy.
I rate this with the best string quartets of Tchaikovsky and Borodin, although heartfelt the music is never saccharine. That word subtle again.

N.B. Typo from Melodiya Trio op.7 is No1 not 2.
 


High praise indeed - I'll have to check this out.  Thanks for the tip!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: LKB on December 05, 2023, 12:41:33 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on December 05, 2023, 08:30:59 AMHigh praise indeed - I'll have to check this out.  Thanks for the tip!

I'll second this. If the piece is truly up there with Tchaikovsky and Borodin,  l need it in my head...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on December 05, 2023, 11:41:27 PM
Quote from: Roasted Swan on December 05, 2023, 08:30:59 AMHigh praise indeed - I'll have to check this out.  Thanks for the tip!

Quote from: LKB on December 05, 2023, 12:41:33 PMI'll second this. If the piece is truly up there with Tchaikovsky and Borodin,  l need it in my head...

LKB, I think the second movement makes my point valid.




Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: AnotherSpin on December 06, 2023, 12:45:39 AM
Quote from: LKB on December 05, 2023, 12:41:33 PMI'll second this. If the piece is truly up there with Tchaikovsky and Borodin,  l need it in my head...

I do not think mentioning Tchaikovsky or Borodin here has validity. Ukrainian music and Lyatoshinsky in particular is a part of Eastern European cultural tradition, closer to Polish or Czech music, imo.

Besides, Lyatoshinsky was a 20th century composer.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 06, 2023, 04:33:00 AM
Quote from: Irons on December 05, 2023, 11:41:27 PMLKB, I think the second movement makes my point valid.





Thanks for posting this.  I enjoyed the movement.

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Irons on December 06, 2023, 07:36:02 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on December 06, 2023, 12:45:39 AMBesides, Lyatoshinsky was a 20th century composer.

Yes, it shows (compared with Tchaikovsky and Borodin).
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: LKB on December 06, 2023, 09:15:22 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on December 06, 2023, 12:45:39 AMI do not think mentioning Tchaikovsky or Borodin here has validity. Ukrainian music and Lyatoshinsky in particular is a part of Eastern European cultural tradition, closer to Polish or Czech music, imo.

Besides, Lyatoshinsky was a 20th century composer.

I was referring to Irons' opinion regarding the relative quality of the work. I was not comparing it stylistically, or as a Romantic work as such.  8)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: AnotherSpin on December 06, 2023, 10:00:48 AM
Quote from: LKB on December 06, 2023, 09:15:22 AMI was referring to Irons' opinion regarding the relative quality of the work. I was not comparing it stylistically, or as a Romantic work as such.  8)


True, it was Irons who put Lyatoshinsky in one line with Tchaikovsky and Borodin. Sorry.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: LKB on December 06, 2023, 11:37:47 AM
No worries.  ;)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Symphonic Addict on December 12, 2023, 04:47:38 PM
A most fascinating disc. Even though Sallinen's style can be a little introspective and introverted at times, he manages to set an interesting narrative on the scores and they sometimes have an attractive psychological nature as in these three pieces. I was especially impressed by the Cello Sonata. Stunning music.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/777814-2.jpg)


This disc contains music in a quite different fashion, namely late-Romantic, somewhat close to Strauss but not too much. Three absolutely enchanting, delectable, lyrical-to-the-core quartets (played by the Beethoven Quartet) by the Swiss composer-conductor Hermann Suter (1870-1926). The realm of string quartets is flooded by many hidden gems like these three remarkable instances that, whilst not lost masterpieces, do feature some gorgeous music.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/MGB-6279.jpg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on December 12, 2023, 09:50:03 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 12, 2023, 04:47:38 PMA most fascinating disc. Even though Sallinen's style can be a little introspective and introverted at times, he manages to set an interesting narrative on the scores and they sometimes have an attractive psychological nature as in these three pieces. I was especially impressed by the Cello Sonata. Stunning music.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/777814-2.jpg)


This disc contains music in a quite different fashion, namely late-Romantic, somewhat close to Strauss but not too much. Three absolutely enchanting, delectable, lyrical-to-the-core quartets (played by the Beethoven Quartet) by the Swiss composer-conductor Hermann Suter (1870-1926). The realm of string quartets is flooded by many hidden gems like these three remarkable instances that, whilst not lost masterpieces, do feature some gorgeous music.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/MGB-6279.jpg)
Oh I love this disc! Both the cello sonata and the trio are stunning works!


Now: Strauss Alpine Symphony and Der Rosenkavalier Suite (Theilemann)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on December 13, 2023, 09:39:57 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 12, 2023, 04:47:38 PMA most fascinating disc. Even though Sallinen's style can be a little introspective and introverted at times, he manages to set an interesting narrative on the scores and they sometimes have an attractive psychological nature as in these three pieces. I was especially impressed by the Cello Sonata. Stunning music.

(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/777814-2.jpg)

What I've heard of Sallinen's music, I've really enjoyed (chamber works only from what I recall).

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on December 16, 2023, 11:44:26 PM
Harris - a revelation (I like the Adams as well)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Uhor on December 17, 2023, 05:17:50 PM
Been a while.

Oustading blend of Schoenberg, Ligeti and Boulez in his own voice.


Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Uhor on December 18, 2023, 01:05:15 PM
Also these two mashups, if you let me.

Extreme Beauty:



Extreme and seamless Darkness to Light journey:

Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: kyjo on December 23, 2023, 09:28:55 PM
Freitas Branco: Vathek (Symphonic Poem in the form of variations on an Oriental Theme):

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/518UhS8i3rL._SX300_SY300_QL70_FMwebp_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/0JzXj50yl4E?si=DKPFh8nlhnaNUh2s

Incredibly, I just listened to this piece for the first time a few days ago - not sure why I had put it off for so long since I'd known about it for a while! It's undoubtedly Freitas Branco's masterpiece - nothing else I've heard by him approaches it in originality and striking level of inspiration (though the accompanying 4th Symphony - reminiscent in places of his student Braga Santos - is quite a fine work). Vathek is quite ahead of its time for 1913 - witness the mysterious, murky dissonances of the Introduction and - most remarkably - the creepy microtonal(?) ululations of the strings in Variation III, foreshadowing Ligeti and co. by 50-some years! And immediately following this in Variation IV is some of the most sensuously beautiful, voluptuously romantic music you're likely to hear. Simply a remarkable work full of fascinating contrasts and its neglect is incomprehensible! Interesting how Freitas Branco went on to compose in a much more conservative style starting in the 1920s - his Symphonies nos. 1-3, written in a quite Franckian style, are pretty good works but pale in comparison to the masterpiece that is Vathek.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Christo on December 24, 2023, 01:53:25 PM
Quote from: kyjo on December 23, 2023, 09:28:55 PMFreitas Branco: Vathek (Symphonic Poem in the form of variations on an Oriental Theme):

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/518UhS8i3rL._SX300_SY300_QL70_FMwebp_.jpg)

https://youtu.be/0JzXj50yl4E?si=DKPFh8nlhnaNUh2s

Incredibly, I just listened to this piece for the first time a few days ago - not sure why I had put it off for so long since I'd known about it for a while! It's undoubtedly Freitas Branco's masterpiece - nothing else I've heard by him approaches it in originality and striking level of inspiration (though the accompanying 4th Symphony - reminiscent in places of his student Braga Santos - is quite a fine work). Vathek is quite ahead of its time for 1913 - witness the mysterious, murky dissonances of the Introduction and - most remarkably - the creepy microtonal(?) ululations of the strings in Variation III, foreshadowing Ligeti and co. by 50-some years! And immediately following this in Variation IV is some of the most sensuously beautiful, voluptuously romantic music you're likely to hear. Simply a remarkable work full of fascinating contrasts and its neglect is incomprehensible! Interesting how Freitas Branco went on to compose in a much more conservative style starting in the 1920s - his Symphonies nos. 1-3, written in a quite Franckian style, are pretty good works but pale in comparison to the masterpiece that is Vathek.
Happy coincidence: I was listening to this CD today for the first time in years again - and absolutely agree with everything you write.  :)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Maestro267 on December 25, 2023, 02:49:30 AM
I listened to Vathek for the first time a few days ago as well, inspired by its appearance among a bunch of other little-known works in the Top Tone Poems thread on this forum.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Atriod on January 11, 2024, 02:08:49 PM
Messiaen's Preludes. I listen to Vingt Regards Sur l'enfant Jesus and Catalogue d'oiseaux with some regularity but often forget the Preludes exist.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: DavidW on January 11, 2024, 02:40:23 PM
Quote from: Atriod on January 11, 2024, 02:08:49 PMMessiaen's Preludes. I listen to Vingt Regards Sur l'enfant Jesus and Catalogue d'oiseaux with some regularity but often forget the Preludes exist.

I've enjoyed his organ music for a long time, but only recently started listening to his piano music.  His preludes are wonderful!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: pjme on February 01, 2024, 02:31:41 AM
"Die Soldaten" - in Hamburg - just stunning (shocking, moving, dazzling...wonderful).



https://fxroth.com/zimmermann-die-soldaten-on-tour-hamburg-and-paris/

"In »Die Soldaten«, Bernd-Alois Zimmermann processes his personal experiences during the  Second World War and the threats posed to the world by a potential nuclear disaster. His dazzling sound language is clearly inspired by the lucid colours of impressionism, and he created a dystopia that remains timeless and consequential. Despite its vehemence, the opera is an intimate play between human beings, a parable about love and its dark sister, violence, and about the abysses of brutality and self-destruction."

Die Soldaten / play (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Soldiers_(play))
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: springrite on February 01, 2024, 04:41:34 AM
Quote from: pjme on February 01, 2024, 02:31:41 AM"Die Soldaten" - in Hamburg - just stunning (shocking, moving, dazzling...wonderful).



https://fxroth.com/zimmermann-die-soldaten-on-tour-hamburg-and-paris/

"In »Die Soldaten«, Bernd-Alois Zimmermann processes his personal experiences during the  Second World War and the threats posed to the world by a potential nuclear disaster. His dazzling sound language is clearly inspired by the lucid colours of impressionism, and he created a dystopia that remains timeless and consequential. Despite its vehemence, the opera is an intimate play between human beings, a parable about love and its dark sister, violence, and about the abysses of brutality and self-destruction."

Die Soldaten / play (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Soldiers_(play))
What a stunning opera! The music, the multiple stages visible at the same time! Love it!!!

(Though not an opera, his Requiem for a Dead Young Poet is equally stunning!)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: ritter on February 01, 2024, 05:12:21 AM
Quote from: pjme on February 01, 2024, 02:31:41 AM"Die Soldaten" - in Hamburg - just stunning (shocking, moving, dazzling...wonderful).

...
Indeed, a stunning opera. I had the opportunity to see it live here in Madrid some years ago, and it is impressive...
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: brewski on February 01, 2024, 06:05:05 AM
Quote from: pjme on February 01, 2024, 02:31:41 AM"Die Soldaten" - in Hamburg - just stunning (shocking, moving, dazzling...wonderful).

So envious! But delighted that it's available online, and I will be checking it out soon.

I was lucky to see the Ruhrtriennale production in New York, with the audience in seats that moved (!). The whole thing was incredible.

-Bruce
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 01, 2024, 06:14:54 AM
Quote from: pjme on February 01, 2024, 02:31:41 AM"Die Soldaten" - in Hamburg - just stunning (shocking, moving, dazzling...wonderful).



https://fxroth.com/zimmermann-die-soldaten-on-tour-hamburg-and-paris/

"In »Die Soldaten«, Bernd-Alois Zimmermann processes his personal experiences during the  Second World War and the threats posed to the world by a potential nuclear disaster. His dazzling sound language is clearly inspired by the lucid colours of impressionism, and he created a dystopia that remains timeless and consequential. Despite its vehemence, the opera is an intimate play between human beings, a parable about love and its dark sister, violence, and about the abysses of brutality and self-destruction."

Die Soldaten / play (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Soldiers_(play))
Will have to check that one out!

Quote from: brewski on February 01, 2024, 06:05:05 AMSo envious! But delighted that it's available online, and I will be checking it out soon.

I was lucky to see the Ruhrtriennale production in New York, with the audience in seats that moved (!). The whole thing was incredible.

-Bruce
Moving seats!  How did they do that?  And was it a very big venue?

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on February 01, 2024, 06:28:40 AM
Concerning Bernd Alois Zimmermann, I used his Latin cantata Omnia Tempus Habent in my 8th Grade Latin II course.

The kids were always rather confuddled by the style, but were usually accepting of it, with some of them becoming enthusiastic and wanting to hear other things by Zimmermann.

In fact, two of my former students, when they were Sophomores in high school, made a special visit to me to ask: "What was that music that we heard with that text from the Old Testament?"  😇






Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Karl Henning on February 01, 2024, 06:35:13 AM
Quote from: Crudblud on November 10, 2023, 01:24:02 PMAfter many years of trying to "get" Brahms, one of his pieces finally clicked for me. Symphony No. 3 is pure structural brilliance.
It is, indeed!
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on February 02, 2024, 06:31:24 AM
In case you missed it elsewhere, allow me to add this symphony by Mathilde Kralik von Meyrswalden:




The symphony was begun in 1904 and completed (or revised?  I have seen both words) in 1942: the opening Rhapsody had me hooked!


The Adagio was not particularly slow, but again kept my interest throughout.


The Scherzo, although it is marked Sehr rasch, did not seem particularly fast, but has a balletic feel to it at times, puckish at others.


The Finale has the rhapsodic nature of the first movement and features an organ and a soprano.


No text for the Hymn at the end!  I will try to find it!


For those who know German:

https://kralikklassik.de/mathilde-kralik-media/?fbclid=IwAR2N18bqtTWMWvP8w-EUHEKdOpjjW6j5YrSKehaUNFnIuUuwAEXdlxLMcD4 (https://kralikklassik.de/mathilde-kralik-media/?fbclid=IwAR2N18bqtTWMWvP8w-EUHEKdOpjjW6j5YrSKehaUNFnIuUuwAEXdlxLMcD4)




Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Florestan on February 02, 2024, 08:08:24 AM
Quote from: Cato on February 02, 2024, 06:31:24 AMMathilde Kralik von Meyrswalden

Say that fast, if you can! :D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Cato on February 02, 2024, 08:58:50 AM
Quote from: Florestan on February 02, 2024, 08:08:24 AMSay that fast, if you can! :D


Aye!  'Tis a mouthful!   ;D
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: brewski on February 04, 2024, 12:17:53 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 01, 2024, 06:14:54 AMMoving seats!  How did they do that?  And was it a very big venue?

PD

The venue was the enormous, block-long Park Avenue Armory in New York, which in the last 10-15 years or so has been the site of many extravagantly staged events, purely because of the size of the space. (It's the size of an airplane hangar.)

With the main stage maybe 20 feet wide, running the length of the space, they built the seats on risers above it, moving on railroad tracks. The entire block of seats could move back and forth (slowly, deliberately) along the length of the stage. Here is a video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvBIqhU_vKE) from the New York Times (surprisingly, a little fuzzy) that shows it better.

-Bruce
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 04, 2024, 12:31:17 PM
Quote from: brewski on February 04, 2024, 12:17:53 PMThe venue was the enormous, block-long Park Avenue Armory in New York, which in the last 10-15 years or so has been the site of many extravagantly staged events, purely because of the size of the space. (It's the size of an airplane hangar.)

With the main stage maybe 20 feet wide, running the length of the space, they built the seats on risers above it, moving on railroad tracks. The entire block of seats could move back and forth (slowly, deliberately) along the length of the stage. Here is a video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvBIqhU_vKE) from the New York Times (surprisingly, a little fuzzy) that shows it better.

-Bruce
Thanks!

PD
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on March 08, 2024, 01:31:41 PM
Brahms: 3 Intermezzi, Op. 117

The first one is absolutely gorgeous. It feels familiar, but according to my records I haven't listened to it anytime recently.

(https://i.discogs.com/j85jftqviOH9Cyx0jO1DHOntRcR5lafx_sQyA5KuKxU/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:570/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTExNjQw/ODk1LTE1MjAyNDcx/MDUtNDcyNC5qcGVn.jpeg)
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on March 14, 2024, 10:22:29 AM
Thomas de Hartmann:
Symphonie-Poeme No.1 (1934)
A great epic of 65 minutes:


Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: relm1 on March 15, 2024, 06:41:55 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on March 14, 2024, 10:22:29 AMThomas de Hartmann:
Symphonie-Poeme No.1 (1934)

Sounds intriguing.  Will add to listening list.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: vandermolen on March 15, 2024, 07:25:11 AM
Quote from: relm1 on March 15, 2024, 06:41:55 AMSounds intriguing.  Will add to listening list.
I expect that you will enjoy it.
Title: Re: Pieces that have blown you away recently
Post by: Mapman on March 19, 2024, 03:42:57 PM
Dvořák: Piano Quintet #2, Op. 81

I somehow had not heard this before today. It's great! The first movement has Dvořák's typical wonderful melodies, and the second movement is quite melancholy.

(https://i.discogs.com/V6i916-VX5F7Ih2A-0kZpK0SkIVVdBNGKyyFrB-_Fos/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:397/w:400/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTYzNzQz/MjctMTQxNzY2ODA3/NC0xMzEzLmpwZWc.jpeg)